May 21, 2013

Johnathan Hankins will forego his senior season at Ohio State

December 10, 2012 by 5 Comments

Ohio State’s defensive line was used to delivering big hits all season long, but it will have to do so in 2013 without one of its biggest pieces.

Hard to fault the big guy who thanked both Urban Meyer and Jim Tressel, who recruited him. Hankins draft prospects could obviously fluctuate wildly between now and draft day, but ESPN’s Mel Kiper already has the junior in his top twenty pretty consistently. CBS even has a couple of mock drafts that have him going #19 to Dallas and #14 to New Orleans. So there’s that.

[Related: Buckeye Learnings]

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While We’re Waiting… Browns-Steelers renew rivalry

November 25, 2012 by Leave a Comment

While We’re Waiting serves as the early morning gathering of WFNY-esque information for your viewing pleasure. Have something you think we should see? Send it to our tips email at tips@waitingfornextyear.com.

Lots of advantages for the Browns in this detailed scouting report, with this being a solid final point: “Given the Steelers’ solid defense, there’s no way I can project some sort of a blowout. Yards will be tough to come by for Cleveland, but Pittsburgh’s struggles should set the offense up with some situations where they can manage a couple of field goals and a touchdown or two down the stretch. Many quarterbacks can rally a team from behind, but Batch isn’t one of them.” [Chris Pokorny/Dawgs By Nature] [Read more...]

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Ohio State’s defense clamps down to secure 26-21 victory over Michigan and 12-0 season

November 24, 2012 by 4 Comments

On a day the Ohio State Buckeyes honored the perfect national champions of 2002 and former players carried Jim Tressel on their shoulders in the end zone, the Buckeyes did it again.

For the sixth time in school history, AP No. 4 Ohio State (12-0, 8-0 Big Ten) has finished a season undefeated, but the final game certainly wasn’t pretty. It took three second-half turnovers by the defense, and a heaping dose of junior Carlos Hyde on the last drive, but the Buckeyes held on for a gritty 26-21 victory over their archrivals AP No. 20 Michigan (8-4, 6-2 Big Ten).

The first half was sloppy, high-scoring and filled with big plays. The second half was again sloppy, yet dominated by defenses and missed opportunities by the Buckeyes. In the end, all that matters is a victory and a spotless 2012 for OSU.

Yet, somehow, the day started off with somber news: senior leader John Simon would not play because of an bursa injury in his right knee he suffered against Wisconsin. [Read more...]

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Jim Tressel to Join WKYC as Special Contributor

October 2, 2012 by 2 Comments

Jim Tressel, beleaguered former OSU football coach and current University of Akron executive, will be coming soon to a TV near you. Here’s the latest from the PD’s Mark Dawidziak:

Former Ohio State University head coach Jim Tressel is joining the WKYC Channel 3 team as a special contributor. His weekly report, “A Moment With Jim Tressel,” will air each Wednesday during the Gannett-owned station’s 7 p.m. newscast.

Tressel is now 59 years old and is still on the NCAA show cause penalty for the tattoo-gate scandal that led to his firing at Ohio State. He is the Vice President for Strategic Enhancement at Akron, and makes about as many public appearances in the community as university President Luis Proenza.

According to the PD story, the new Tressel segment will be based of his best-selling books and motivational speeches.

In some way, shape or form, you’ve got to think Tressel will be making his way back to coaching eventually. Or maybe politics it seems, based on his continued popularity in the state.

[Related: Buckeyes Beat Spartans 17-16]

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Penn State Receives NCAA Sanctions

July 23, 2012 by 46 Comments

Last night was a night of rumor and speculation around what would be handed down to Penn State today from the NCAA. No reason to wonder anymore.

Penn State has a 4-year bowl ban, a $60 million fine, and lost scholarships to deal with. To top it all off, all PSU wins since 1998 have been vacated giving Joe Paterno 298 career wins.

It is certainly a hefty punishment as the world discusses whether or not the NCAA had the the right to step in in this case.

The fact remains that with vacated wins, Ohio State is undefeated against Penn State since 1998. Vacating wins seems so silly, doesn’t it? Congratulations to Jim Tressel, I guess.

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Urban Meyer’s Ohio State Contract Details Released

June 18, 2012 by 6 Comments

Rife with bowl game bonuses and an out clause, The Ohio State University released the contract details of head football coach Urban Meyer.

Per The Plain Dealer’s Doug Lesmerises, Meyer asked for and received a clause that would allow him to void his end of the deal — while still receiving $1.5 million per year — in the event that NCAA violations that occurred before his tenure begin to impact his reign over the program.

Meyer, who was hired by Ohio State on Nov. 28, 2011, and the money from the original, is presently working under a framework of a contract that pays him $4.44 million over six years, if he completes his entire contract. It includes more detailed language (compared to that of Jim Tressel, who resigned prior to the 2011 season) in regard to NCAA violations, and the head coach’s duties in understanding and reporting them. Meyer’s annual salary places him behind Alabama’s Nick Saban and Texas’ Mack Brown in dollars per year.

As for the bonuses, Meyer will reportedly earn $50,000 for winning the Big Ten Leaders Division, a $100,000 bonus for winning the Big Ten Championship, a $150,000 bonus for going to a BCS bowl, and a $250,000 bonus for reaching the BCS National Championship. The bonuses have been adjusted for bowl-based sanctions that have been placed on the team for the upcoming year, allowing for pay-out in the event Ohio State is among the top-ranked teams at the end of the 2012 season.

[Related: Ohio State to Raise Tuition, Issue iPads to Student-Athletes]

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While We’re Waiting… Tressel Anniversary, Irving’s Rookie Year, MLB Draft, Buckeye Champs

May 29, 2012 by 6 Comments

While We’re Waiting serves as the early morning gathering of WFNY-esque information for your viewing pleasure. Have something you think we should see? Send it to our tips email at tips@waitingfornextyear.com.

One year ago on Memorial Day, everything changed for the Buckeyes. This column looks at the year of chaos in college football beginning with the Vest’s departure: “But few in Columbus, Ohio, ever will forget Memorial Day 2011, even if they’d like to. That morning, Jim Tressel resigned under pressure as Ohio State’s coach, nearly three months after admitting he had failed to provide information about Buckeyes players receiving improper benefits from a local tattoo parlor owner.

Five weeks earlier, in what turned out to be his final major public appearance as Buckeyes coach, Tressel, known for his trademark sweater vest, wore camouflage pants, desert boots and a camouflage hat during Ohio State’s spring game as a tribute to the military. Then, on a day dedicated to U.S. military members who made the ultimate sacrifice, Tressel, one of the nation’s most decorated coaches, stepped down from his post in disgrace.” [Adam Rittenberg/ESPN.com] [Read more...]

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The Terrelle Pryor era in Ohio State: Was it all worth it?

May 14, 2012 by 15 Comments

Patrick Maks is back, this time with a take on a former Ohio State player who has recently been in the news due to lengthy profile in Sports Illustrated. Patrick asks, was it all worth it?

Before he’d ever taken a snap as a college quarterback, Terrelle Pryor received a standing ovation on a brilliantly sunny day against Youngstown State in Ohio State’s cakewalk of an opener in 2008. Months before that, Sports Illustrated called his college decision “the most anticipated signing day announcement in history.”

Talk about hype. A look at just the numbers suggests he lived up to the most of it.

Key word: most.

[Read more...]

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While We’re Waiting… Cord Phelps’ time, Loving some Kyrie and the Tribe’s window to win

February 7, 2012 by 9 Comments

While We’re Waiting serves as the early morning gathering of WFNY-esque information for your viewing pleasure. Have something you think we should see? Send it to our tips email at tips@waitingfornextyear.com.

Five prospects with the most to prove this year- “Unfortunately for Phelps and Tribe fans, his brief, 35 game major league stint was a disaster. Phelps had terrible offensive stats (.155/.241/.254 slash line, .494 OPS (39 OPS+), .231 wOBA (39 wRC+), -0.9 fWAR in 80 PA) and struggled defensively (five errors in only 75 chances). Phelps ended up back in AAA while Kipnis solidified his hold on the second base job later in the season.

While Phelps won’t be able to prove himself at the major league level this year, he will need to impress as the everyday second baseman in Columbus in order to rebuild his stock. If he keeps producing at a high level in AAA, he’ll get another shot in the majors. With the lack of middle-infield talent the Indians have in the higher levels of the minors, one injury will give Phelps his chance to prove himself again. He’ll need to work hard this year to be prepared for that moment, whenever it comes.” [Paiscik/Indians Prospect Insider] [Read more...]

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Report: Jim Tressel to Take Job With the University of Akron

February 1, 2012 by 14 Comments

WEWS Sports Director and mid-day radio host Andy Baskin is reporting tonight that Jim Tressel will be accepting an administrative position with the University of Akron. Adam Schefter tweeted on Sunday that Tressel was considering taking an administrative job at a university. Mark Bishop and Kenny Roda also tweet that a 10am press conference will be held tomorrow in Akron to announce the hire. Stay tuned.

 

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Jim Tressel In Mix As Candidate For Indianapolis Colts Head Coaching Job

January 21, 2012 by 3 Comments

According to WishTV8.com, two more names have surfaced as candidates to be Colts next Head Coach. One of those names belongs to a sweater vest wearing former coach of The Ohio State University:

“Sources tell 24-hour News 8′s Chris Widlic that game day consultant and former Ohio State head coach Jim Tressel is in the mix.

Meanwhile, the NFL Network is reporting that the Colts also want to talk to former Vikings’ head man Brad Childress. He and general manager Ryan Grigson have ties from their days in Philadelphia.

Titans defensive coordinator Jerry Gray had his formal interview with the team about the vacancy. The 49-year old has spent the last 15 years with a handful of teams after a successful NFL playing career. Other candidates include Saints offensive guru Pete Carmichael and Bengals defensive coach Mike Zimmer.”

Source: WishTV8.com

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NFL Rumor: Jim Tressel to Interview for Indianapolis Colts’ Coaching Vacancy

January 19, 2012 by 4 Comments

With Jim Caldwell being relieved of his head coaching duties, the Indianapolis Colts are reportedly going to be interviewing former Ohio State coach Jim Tressel as a potential replacement.

As a collegiate head coach, Tressel, 59, has a record of 229-79-2, winning the NCAA Division I national championship in 2002 in addition to five other Big Ten conference titles. His most recent season, however, is clad with a “V” for vacated following the tattoo-related incident that ultimately cost the two-time Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year his position with The Ohio State University.

Tressel, notorious for his “pro style” offense during his tenure with the Buckeyes and ability to gain respect from [the vast majority] of his players, will join a laundry list of potential interviewees including Philadelphia’s Marty Mornhinweg, San Francisco’s Greg Roman and former Minnesota head coach – and current potential Cleveland Browns offensive coordinator - Brad Childress.

Tressel is currently a gameday consultant for the Colts upon being hired in September 2011. 

(Source: Footballscoop.com)

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While We’re Waiting… More on Delonte’s Troubles, Jason Kipnis the Outfielder and Harangody’s Value?

January 10, 2012 by 5 Comments

While We’re Waiting serves as the early morning gathering of WFNY-esque information for your viewing pleasure. Have something you think we should see? Send it to our tips email at tips@waitingfornextyear.com.

More on Delonte West, this time some insight into his condition- “That’s why this most recent episode is so hard to swallow. The messages about West sleeping in the car or in the gym seem to indicate a relapse in his fight with depression. It’s frustrating and hurtful to see because his situation, while unfortunate, is treatable. The obvious rejoinder to West, a multi-million dollar athlete, is “why doesn’t he get a hotel room” or “why doesn’t he rent a house?” Those questions, while relevant, are too easy, and don’t come close to the source of the problem. The correct question is: “why hasn’t he asked for help?”Help. It’s a simple, small word. It’s not hard to say, but to anyone with bipolar, it is damned near impossible to ask for.” [White/HoopSpeak] ALSO CHECK OUT: A Teachable Moment [IGoHardNow] [Read more...]

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WFNY Top 10 Cleveland Stories of 2011: #2 Ohio State Hires Urban Meyer

December 29, 2011 by 17 Comments

As the year comes to a close, like we have done the last three years, WFNY will take a look at what we view to be the 10 biggest sports stories affecting our local sports scene. Each day through the rest of the year, we will be counting down from ten to one. We started with #10 – The Colt Concussion, next was #9 -Key Cavalier Wins. We broke down the Baron Davis Trade and talked some Tribe at #7. Kirk was on the Pat Shurmur hire for #6. We stuck with that Browns theme and discussed the big draft day deal involving Julio Jones and Phil Taylor (#5). We went back to the Red, White, and Blue with #4, the Ubaldo Jimenez trade. Yesterday TD touched on the Cavaliers winning the draft lottery and picking Kyrie Irving at #3. Today, it’s time to talk about the moment Ohio State was saved from falling off the cliff.

#2: The Ohio State University Hires Urban Meyer as Head Football Coach [Read more...]

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Ohio State Recieves Bowl Ban: Avoids ‘Death Penalty’

December 21, 2011 by 20 Comments

Those who have read my opinion on the incidents surrounding the Buckeye football team the last 12 months should not be surprised by what I am going to say in response to the NCAA’s penalties against Ohio State. My opinion on the matter hasn’t changed since last December.

The Buckeyes and their fans should be thankful that the penalties were not steeper.

Let me reiterate what I’ve said before- I have not studied every instance of NCAA sanctions looking for precedent. I have neither the time nor interest in doing so to be honest. And no matter what Gene Smith and the university say publicly, the fact that they are not appealing the ruling should tell you all you need to know about their feelings.

So the team will have a bowl ban in 2012. Is it unfortunate that the investigation wasn’t completed in time for the bowl ban to take place this year? Sure, but is it not possible that the committee took that into consideration when deciding on a one year ban? It would have been just as easy in early November to say 2 year ban.

I understand the frustrations of the fans and players alike. Those that were responsible for the infractions will play in 4 bowls, while incoming freshman will be eligible for only 3. Seniors next year will get no end of season trip. But when the NCAA gives out these penalties, they are doing so to the institution, not the players. The penalty is supposed to cost the university something. It is supposed to make them tighten the reigns and pay more attention to the players.

Why I think they were lucky- [Read more...]

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NCAA Completes Ohio State Investigation, OSU Imposes More Sanctions

November 10, 2011 by 18 Comments

When The Ohio State University went through the scandal with former coach Jim Tressel, the hope of the University and its athletic department was that firing Jim Tressel and self-imposing probation plus forfeiting the last season would be enough.

For a while, it looked like that might be the case when the NCAA’s Committee on Infractions delivered OSU a positive letter in response to their investigation into the Notice of Allegations.

All of that changed when the news of the Bobby DiGeronimo booster scandal rocked the program. The NCAA essentially slammed the brakes on their investigation and delivered OSU a supplemental Notice of Allegations. [Read more...]

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While We’re Waiting…Fujita Says Colt’s a Young Drew Brees, and DET Eliminates NY

October 7, 2011 by 15 Comments

While We’re Waiting serves as the early morning gathering of WFNY-esque information for your viewing pleasure. Have something you think we should see? Send it to our tips email at tips@waitingfornextyear.com.

Scott Fujita calls Colt McCoy a young Drew Brees on 92.3 The Fan in Cleveland:  ”I think last season when Colt McCoy first got the nod as the starter and it wasn’t so much the play at that point it was just watching the way he commanded the huddle and the way he commanded the respect of the guys in the lockerroom and the way he was such a natural leader.

That was the thing that struck me the most being similar to Drew Brees. Drew is one of my best friends down there and played against his former team when he was with San Diego and I was with Kansas City. I got to know him really, really well over the years and Colt McCoy just reminded me of a young version of Drew Brees.

Obviously he is going to keep growing as a player and keep getting better and better, but in terms of those intangible leadership qualities? Colt has got that.”  [Sports Radio Interviews/ Steve Cuce] [Read more...]

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History Repeating? Braxton Miller Starting This Weekend for Buckeyes

September 22, 2011 by 7 Comments

Obviously it isn’t a weird cosmic connection where history repeats itself and Joe Bauserman is Todd Boeckman and Braxton Miller is Terrelle Pryor.  On the surface it seems rather convenient that way, though.  In 2008 the Buckeyes started Boeckman and played Pryor in the first two games of the season against Youngstown State and Ohio.  Then, Ohio State got pasted 35-3 by USC out in California and the Buckeyes turned the team over to Terrelle Pryor.  This season the Buckeyes under Luke Fickell started Joe Bauserman and brought Braxton Miller off the bench.  Well, technically he forgot to bring Miller off the bench for game two.  Then Ohio State played both QBs in Miami where they were pasted 24-6.  Now, much like Tressel concluded after the third week in 2008, Fickell has concluded after the third week in 2011.  Braxton Miller will start this week against Colorado like Terrelle Pryor did in 2008 against Troy.

Granted the history had an extra high chance of repeating itself just because of the way Ohio State schedules every year with a couple of warm-ups before presumably testing themselves against a tough out-of-conference opponent.  And certainly Braxton Miller choosing Ohio State had a lot to do with the timing of Terrelle Pryor’s eligibility (the original eligibility, not post-controversy.)  So it isn’t the most bizarre thing ever.  Still, it is a bit eerie when you read Doug Lesmerises’ article from back in 2008. [Read more...]

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Ohio State Coach Luke Fickell Watches the Inevitable Become Reality

September 19, 2011 by 12 Comments

“It’s not whether you win or lose, it’s how you play the game.” – Common misquote of Grantland Rice

“Winning isn’t everything; it’s the only thing.” – Red Sanders, often attributed to Vince Lombardi

“Just win, baby!” – Al Davis

What matters more than anything in sports? Integrity? Principles? Playing the game the “right” way? Or is it simply winning?

I suppose it depends on who you ask. When it comes to the Ohio State Buckeyes, winning tends to be the only standard. Oh, make no mistake, for years OSU has tried to get away with the ruse that they do things the right way, that there’s some kind of standard of excellence that applies to a more broad stroke than simply winning.

But when it all comes down to it, Ohio State simply stands for one thing and one thing only in terms of their beloved football team: Winning. And if corners are cut in the name of winning, well, Ohio State hasn’t shied away from their share of shortcuts. [Read more...]

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Ohio State and Might Just Have Been the First Domino

August 17, 2011 by 17 Comments

There is no gloating to be done by Ohio State fans today.  Alabama might be in trouble for having players involved with a memorabilia scandal and now the University of Miami potentially in big trouble with a rogue Ponzi scheming booster, but these two situations – and any others that might arise – don’t absolve anyone or anything at Ohio State.  Sure, it might add some perspective to the things Ohio State and its players were involved with, but it will hopefully be good for everyone in the end.  Ohio State fans (this one included) largely sounded like babies when they said, “Oh come on!  You know everyone is doing exactly the same stuff.  The NCAA is a broken system.”  That’s the pain of being the first domino to fall.

Some will want to point at everyone else and say how much worse someone else’s violations were, but that ignores the larger point.  The NCAA has a system where the goals and benefits are so apparently misaligned that rule-breaking has become the norm, not the exception.  You can blame the players.  You can blame the boosters.  You can blame the NCAA and the schools.  At the end of it all, if this many big programs can’t figure out how to create an environment where players aren’t doing the wrong things, then it is the whole system. [Read more...]

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