The Buckeye Times

RECRUITING: IT'S HARD TO BE A 'MAN' WHEN YOU'RE STILL A 'BOY'

2012-01-19T15:36:00.000-05:00

Gunner Kiel

My father told me when I turned 18 years old that just because by law I’m considered a man doesn’t mean I am one.

He would say: “Son, you may look like a man, but to be a man you must act like a man. Until then, you are still a boy.”

This brings me to high school recruiting and the spectacle we have allowed it to become.

It seems 18-year-old “boys” these days look at recruiting like an episode of The Bachelor. They court a lot of different people, waver back and forth on whom they truly want to be with, offer false hopes to those they know are not a consideration, and at the end ... they present a rose to the winner in a huge ceremony with cameras and a huge television audience.

It’s really kind of pathetic if you think about it.

For instance, let’s look at the recruiting journey of class of 2012 quarterback prospect Gunner Kiel out of Indiana (Columbus East High School).

The 6-4, 200-pound signal-caller had offers from just about every school in the country, but chose to commit to nearby Indiana University last July.

Then, in October, he decided to check out some other schools while still being committed to the Hoosiers. In November, Kiel pulled his commitment from Indiana and a month later gave his verbal to LSU.

Then ... days after the Tigers were shut out by Alabama in the BCS Championship Game, Kiel rescinded his verbal to LSU and committed to Notre Dame — his third suitor in less than a month.

Sounds like a biography of Kim Kardashian, doesn’t it?

I understand that picking a college can be a tough decision, especially for a “boy.” But there has to be an adult present to make these boys understand what a “commitment” truly means. It’s an engagement.

No, you’re not married, yet. And no, if you decide to break off the engagement there won’t be any consequences other than hurt feelings.

A “man” would understand the value of a commitment or engagement. It is your word. It is your promise. So, before you make that kind of major decision, you have to be completely sure that who you pick is the right one. If you’re not sure, take more time.

I mean, put the shoe on the other foot for a moment. What if you were in love with a girl. You got down on one knee and proposed to her and she accepted your engagement ring. Then, in the time between the engagement and the wedding day (signing day), she’s still dating other men and eventually tells you, “No thanks! I’m going to marry another guy instead.”

Wouldn’t feel so celebratory, huh? You certainly wouldn’t want it publicized.

“Men” also don’t treat commitments like a game of “Duck, Duck, Goose” — i.e., having an assortment of hats to go through before picking the one you want.

Again, shoe ... foot.

Imagine the same girl has your picture and three other guy’s on a table. And just imagine sitting there thinking about all the time, effort and energy you have put into being with her and she’s going to treat it like a child’s game.

Now, Kiel is just one of many recruits recently who have used their commitments like those plastic promise rings you get out of a gum ball machine.

Of course, I don’t really hold these “boys” completely responsible for their actions. We have created these monsters. We are the ones who make them celebrities, write about their every move, gush over their abilities and make them household names. And we do all of this for a “boy” who hasn’t ever played one game against a “man” in his life.

It’s no wonder why they walk around with a sense of entitlement. Their brains aren’t seasoned enough to process it all. They are who we have created.

It’s the Under Armour and U.S. Army All-American Games. Televised practices with former NFL coaches. It’s Recruiting Nation on ESPN.com. It’s Rivals.com. It’s Scout.com. It’s 12 hours of Signing Day coverage.

So, when you’re wondering how these young “boys” can actually walk around like the world is their game show, just remember ... we “men” are the ones giving them audience.

THE MEYER EFFECT: FIVE BUCKEYES BOUND TO MAKE THE LEAP IN 2012

2012-01-12T14:16:00.000-05:00

Jordan Hall
The Buckeye Times/Darla Dunkle-Hudnell

COLUMBUS — The amount of impact that head coach Urban Meyer will have on the Ohio State Buckeyes is no secret.

Now, we've seen the spread offense struggle to adapt to the confines of Big Ten play (Michigan and Illinois, most notably), yet Meyer isn't shying away from shipping his wide-open system to Columbus. Meyer, who is currently putting the finishing touches on a mighty impressive staff, has customized the spread offense around his personnel at previous stops in his coaching career. Meyer has stated that he still plans to play smash-mouth football while trying to attack the defensive edges.

"If you threaten the perimeter of a defense, that opens everything else up," Meyer said in December. "If you can't threaten the perimeter of a defense, in my opinion, and it's a very strong opinion, and you'll see us threaten the perimeter, you have no offense."

In his first season at Bowling Green, he used multi-talented quarterback Josh Harris and speedy wide receiver Robert Redd to stretch the field. One stop later, Meyer built an offense in Utah that turned quarterback Alex Smith into the No. 1 overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft. And in Gainesville, Meyer famously produced a dynamic offense with Tim Tebow under center.

So, it's apparent Meyer knows how to utilize the talent available. So, which Buckeyes should we expect to shine when the 2012 season rolls around?

Braxton Miller, QB

It's obvious that Meyer knows how to tutor quarterbacks. In every one of his previous stops, he's produced stellar quarterback play that features dual-threat capabilities. And Miller might be the most dangerous dual-threat quarterback in the country with Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III headed to the NFL. Miller accumulated 1,874 total yards and 20 TDs as a true freshman.

By kicking former offensive coordinator and line coach Jim Bollman to the curb, the offense has no where to go but up when it comes to creativity. Hell, it took Bollman more than half the season to realize Miller's potential. Now with Meyer in control, Buckeye Nation can expect to see Miller blossom as the offensive commander.

Jordan Hall, RB

Back in August when fall camp was getting underway, then-receivers coach Stan Drayton called Hall "one of the most talented players in college football." I was blown away by the amount of confidence the assistant coach had in Hall. But I soon bought into the running backs' efforts. Drayton has since moved to running backs coach where he served under Meyer during his tenure at Florida.

After missing the first two games of 2011 due to suspension, Hall put together a few nice performances against Miami (FL) and Colorado. The junior tailback, though, had two things working against him throughout the rest of the season: Bollman and Dan "Boom" Herron.

At 5-foot-9 and 195 pounds, Hall's running style doesn't exactly scream Big Ten football. He's a tough runner, but his true talents should be deployed on the perimeter. And with Herron's return from a six-game suspension, Hall's touches dwindled as he was pushed down the depth chart.

With Herron out of the picture, Hall must battle some supremely talented competition in the backfield such as Carlos Hyde, Rod Smith and incoming freshmen Bri'onte Dunn and Warren Ball. I like Hall's chances, though. He'll be a senior and could fit right into a similar role Meyer carved out in Florida for Percy Harvin and Jeffrey Demps.

TE Jake Stoneburner

Unquestionably, Stoneburner was the most under utilized player in recent Ohio State memory. Heading into his junior season, Stoneburner was seen as the first option in the passing game. His combination of size, speed and jumping ability made him a nightmare in coverage and through the first two games of the year Stoneburner had 8 catches for 93 yards and 4 TDs.

So what happened? Stoneburner and quarterback Joe Bauserman had a clear chemistry and when Miller took over under center, Stoneburner was squeezed out of the gameplan. If there's one thing Meyer has to implement to his young signal caller this offseason is to keep Stoneburner involved in the offense.

Meyer developed two very good tight ends at Florida in Cornelius Ingram and Aaron Hernandez. With the lack of talent at receiver, I'd expect Stoneburner to finally get his due with Meyer running the play-calling duties.

OL Marcus Hall

If there's one attribute that Meyer brings to the table that can't be measured, it's the pure fire he carries to the football field. Meyer is a no nonsense type of personality who will not hesitate to scream or bark in a player's face.

It's evident that Hall has the talent to be an impact player for the Buckeye offense, but he seems to need somebody to light a match to get his gears going. Hall was the starting right guard at the beginning of the year only to see his job fade away due to inconsistent play and suspension. Ohio State is set to lose three starters from its offensive line in '12 as the careers of tackles Mike Adams and J.B. Shugarts and center Mike Brewster come to an end.

Meyer needs Hall to step into the shoes that he's capable of and become a dominant lineman. I believe Meyer has got the matches to do it.

LB Ryan Shazier

Shazier was destined for stardom whether Meyer made his way to Columbus or not. But as the new head coach comes in, the old head coach shifts to his more familiar role with the linebackers.

Luke Fickell, who coached the Ohio State linebackers from 2004 to 2011, takes over a group that will feature the remarkably gifted Shazier. Fickell has coached past Buckeye linebackers like A.J. Hawk and James Laurnaitis, and there's no doubting that Shazier may very well end up in that class of talent.

With Andrew Sweat out of the picture, that puts more pressure on Shazier to step into the role of workhorse. As a true freshman, Shazier showed he has the smarts to properly call a defense, so I expect the youngster to make a huge leap forward in 2012.

BUCKEYES SEASON CAN BE SUMMED UP IN ONE WORD: DISAPPOINTING

2012-01-02T17:17:00.000-05:00

Braxton Miller, left, and Luke Fickell on the sideline during Ohio State's 24-17 loss to Florida in Monday's Gator Bowl in Jacksonville. (AP)

JACKSONVILLE — It was a fitting end to a disappointing football season for Ohio State on Monday.

Although the Buckeyes (6-7) exceeded Florida in total offense, passing, rushing, first downs and time of possession during Monday's Gator Bowl showdown in Jacksonville, it was two lapses on special teams that prevented the boys in scarlet and gray from avoiding their first seven-loss season since the late 19th century.

The Gators (7-6) used a 99-yard kickoff return and a blocked punt to find pay dirt twice, edging the Buckeyes, 24-17, and averting their first losing season since 1987.

But this story doesn't involve Florida, it's all about the Buckeyes.

As bright as the future appears for Ohio State moving forward with the hiring of new head coach Urban Meyer — who will officially take over the program on Tuesday — Monday's Gator Bowl performance was a dark reminder of the past 12 months for the Buckeyes, one which saw scandal, the ousting of a popular head coach, a bowl ban and massive underachieving.

The Buckeyes looked lax against Florida. They didn't protect the football on offense. They didn't block well up front. They didn't play their assignments on defense. They missed tackles. They possessed zero passion. They were totally going through the motions. They were not prepared.

It shouldn't have come as any surprise, though. That's how they've played all season long.

The sad — or perhaps most disappointing — thing about Monday's game against Florida was that it shouldn't have been played in the first place. The Buckeyes should've self-imposed a bowl ban when they had the chance. They should have made a statement to the NCAA that they didn't take their repeated violations lightly.

Instead, they used their prestigious name to cash in on those big January bowl game dollars. And for what? So they could have their first losing season since 1988? So they could embarrass themselves on national television by running the same tired offense they have all season?

So they could allow players like DeVier Posey, Dan Herron and Mike Adams — those who put Ohio State in the situation they currently reside — one last day of fun in the sun, while the innocent serve their sentences next season?

This past year for the Buckeyes has been poorly managed as an institution, poorly coached on the sideline and poorly performed on the field.

It can all be summed up in just one word: disappointing.

GATOR BOWL: THOUGHT OF MEYER MAY POWER BUCKEYES TO WIN

2011-12-30T14:55:00.000-05:00

Braxton Miller
TBT/Darla Dunkle-Hudnell

JACKSONVILLE — Boy, how the mighty have fallen.

Just five years ago Jim Tressel and the Ohio State Buckeyes faced off against Urban Meyer and the Florida Gators in the BCS Championship game in Glendale, Arizona. Each were sitting atop the college football mountain. Both powerhouse programs with head coaches to match.

Now each are relegated to playing in Monday's TaxSlayer.Com Gator Bowl in Jacksonville. Not exactly the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl, but certainly not a national title game either.

Here's where each school began their free fall ...

Tressel was dismissed in May for withholding player violations from the NCAA. They also lost their three-year starting quarterback, Terrelle Pryor, who bolted to the NFL after being suspended five games for committing the violations that eventually caused Tressel's ousting.

This forced the Buckeyes to go with Luke Fickell — a man who never headed up a program in his life — as the interim head coach, and a true freshman quarterback in Braxton Miller to lead the suspension-riddled offense.

The Buckeyes naturally struggled, finishing the season at 6-6 overall and 3-5 in the Big Ten — the first non-winning regular season and first conference losing campaign since 1999. They also lost to their archrival Michigan in November for the first time since 2003.

Florida also lost its head coach prior to the season. Meyer, who coached in Gainesville for six season, resigned at the end of last season to spend time with family. The two-time national championship winning coach's absence certainly affected the program greatly, as the Gators finished the year 6-6 overall and 3-5 in the Southeastern Conference — the worst season in Gainesville since 1987.

Meyer was hired last month to be the Buckeyes' new head football coach. However, he will not coach in Monday's game against the Gators.

MATCHUP TO WATCH: Quarterback.

Ohio State will be led by the freshman Miller, while the Gators will be guided by a senior in John Brantley.

Each are about as different of players as they come. Miller is a multi-talented player whose legs are as dangerous as there is in the country. Brantley is a pure pocket-passer, using only his arm to dismantle an opposing defense.

Miller has improved greatly since the season has progressed, especially in the Buckeyes regular season finale at Michigan, where he threw for 235 yards and two touchdown passes, as well as adding 100 yards on the ground and another score. The Buckeyes lost 40-34, but Miller's 335 yards and three touchdowns certainly wasn't the reason for their demise in Ann Arbor.

Brantley has had his ups and downs during his final season in Gainesville, throwing for just 1912 yards and 10 touchdowns on the year. His last outing was an embarrassment, passing for just 104 yards and three interceptions in the Gators' 21-7 loss at home to Florida State.

Whichever player has the better performance, most likely will be hoisting the Gator head, or the Gator boots or the picture of Paul Hogan or whatever they give the winners of the game.

BOTTOM LINE

Each team has been quite similar this season. Struggling with the losses of their coaches, while dealing with first-time collegiate bosses who looked lost at times this season.

Saying that each program has underachieved this year would be like saying it's cold in Dutch Harbor during crab season. C'mon, each program has a proud tradition. Going 6-6 is an absolute travesty.

The biggest edge I can find in this game would have to go to Ohio State ... and it has nothing to do with player personnel or X's and O's. It's the hiring of Meyer that gives the Buckeyes the advantage.

Sure, he's not going to be on the sideline Monday, but just the thought of him heading up the program in the future provides that ray of sunshine that neither team has seen this season. The Buckeyes will be playing more loose, the coaching staff doesn't have to worry about whether they have a job next season or not. It's all been decided.

I definitely look for the Buckeyes to have their best game of the season.

Prediction: OSU 37-24

TBT Q&A: QB MILLER WILL BENEFIT FROM MEYER'S HIRING IMMEDIATELY

2011-12-28T15:36:00.000-05:00

Urban Meyer

Due to my inbox and Twitter accounts pushing occupancy limits, I must act as a cyber-world firefighter and extinguish some of the questions and comments from my readers and followers about Ohio State football.

As in the past, I will use full names from Twitter and initials/first names from e-mails (Note: if you don't want your e-mail or tweets to possibly appear in my stories, do not write to me.) ...

BUCKEYEDEJAVU via Twitter: Lee, what's your take on Bobby DiGeronimo calling (Jim) Tressel a "pathological liar" on the Triv Show on Cleveland radio?

LEE HUDNELL: Pot calling the kettle ... a liar. Guys like Bobby D. and University of Miami booster Nevin Shapiro are the epitome of "jock sniffer."

K.L. via e-mail: You seem to have changed your opinion about the hiring of Urban Meyer. Looking back you were pretty anti-Meyer. What has changed your mind?

HUDNELL: I have never denied Meyer's abilities to coach and recruit. From that standpoint, it was a major coup for the program. What I was skeptical about when it came to Meyer possibly becoming the head coach at Ohio State was stability. He coached at Bowling Green and Utah for two years before bolting, and then went to Florida and resigned twice in just six seasons.

What Ohio State needed going forward was stability, and that certainly isn't what Meyer brings to the program. Not saying he can't change, I'm just simply breaking out the history book. I also think that people are going to have a little bit of a culture shock with Meyer at the controls. He's much more cut-throat than Tressel — on the sideline and on the recruiting trail. Which can be good and bad. We'll see!

MACINJAY via Twitter: (In reply to my tweet "OSU should've banned the Gator Bowl when they had the chance.) You were right, Lee, and I agreed at the time you first suggested it a few weeks back.

HUDNELL: I think that was one of the most idiotic, arrogant moves an Athletic Director has ever made. Gene Smith essentially told the NCAA that they didn't have the nerve to take on the power that is Ohio State. I felt he should've banned the bowl for a number of reasons. The first being that if the NCAA were to deliver a one-year bowl ban (as they ended up doing), they could use this season as the ban and be eligible for national and Big Ten titles in Meyer's first year as coach.

Another reason is that players like DeVier Posey, Dan Herron, Mike Adams — who put the Buckeyes in this situation in the first place — get to enjoy the bowl experience while kids in next year's senior class won't be able to participate.

Oh, and being 6-6 and losers of the last three going up against a 6-6 Florida team (losers of six of last eight) is ridiculous. Have some pride, OSU. Or are you too arrogant to have pride?

CLARENCE via e-mail: How long do you think it will take Braxton Miller to benefit from Meyer's hiring.

HUDNELL: Immediately. Meyer and newly hired offensive coordinator/QB coach Tom Herman will know not only how to use Miller and his abilities to the fullest, they will also develop him as a passer and football player. I recall watching how Miller was handled this season and it was embarrassing. There wasn't one person in the building that knew how to develop a quarterback or install an offense that showcased his strengths and allowed him to succeed.

Meyer has a track record of making quarterbacks better and Miller may be the most talented he's ever coached.

D7HTHY via Twitter: In an ideal world, your column (Smith could've prevented disappointment) would be good. In the real world, Smith did what he was told and Wexner and Schott screwed up.

HUDNELL: I don't buy that for a second. Smith calls the shots when it comes to athletics at Ohio State. He could've took a stand, punished those who committed wrong doing and preserved the future of the program. But ... he wanted his cake and eat it, too. I hope the meaningless Gator Bowl is really delicious, because there isn't going to be any cake left until 2013.

TYLER via e-mail: I think it was funny that Boom (Herron) won the team MVP award. How can that happen after what he has done to the program?

HUDNELL: That award is voted for by the members of the team, so I can't really down who the player's felt was their most valuable player. I know Herron was a leader off the field during his suspension. He could've just worked out on his own and neglected those who were eligible to play, but he didn't. He took his lumps and returned to rush for nearly 100 per game.

I will say this, though, my vote would go to Braxton Miller. If it wasn't for his freakish abilities, under horrible leadership, the Buckeyes would've finished the season 2-10.

SMITH COULD HAVE PREVENTED THE DISAPPOINTMENT AND CHOSE NOT TO

2011-12-21T14:32:00.000-05:00

Gene Smith

COLUMBUS — "We are surprised and disappointed with the NCAA's decision."

Those words were uttered Tuesday by Ohio State director of athletics, Gene Smith, following the NCAA's ruling of a one-year bowl ban for the football team, among other penalties.

The sad thing about it is, Mr. Smith himself could've avoided all of this disappointment. He had the power to soften the blow, to nip things in the bud, to take a real stand as a leader of the program. Instead, his arrogance prevented him from doing what was right. He thought the team and the school was bigger than the game. He found out Tuesday, that certainly isn't the case.

Don't worry, I'll explain.

First, when all the news of player violations surfaced last December, Smith could've stepped to the plate and prevented the five players who violated NCAA rules — Terrelle Pryor, DeVier Posey, Dan Herron, Mike Adams and Solomon Thomas — from playing in the Sugar Bowl. He didn't.

The precedent was set with that inaction.

Smith could have also prevented head coach Jim Tressel from coaching in the Sugar Bowl for withholding information of the player violations. He didn't.

Smith — in his smooth, debonair way — just came out at every turn like, "Hey, it's going to be alright. Nothing's gonna happen. We're Ohio State ... it's all good, baby! Go Bucks!"

Now he's acting like a victim.

Just last month, Smith had the opportunity to make a huge statement to the NCAA by self-imposing a one-year bowl ban, effective this season. He could've prevented the Buckeyes from playing in the Gator Bowl, perhaps the most meaningless bowl game in the university's history. It's a game that pits a 6-6 Ohio State team (losers of their last three games) against a 6-6 Florida squad who's lost six of eight. It's a joke.

However, Smith wagered the university's future for a couple million dollars. Well ... he lost.

It's mind-boggling that Smith is still employed by the university.

Sure, there's no evidence that he knew Tressel withheld information of player violations, but he was tight enough with the former Buckeyes' boss that it seems a little fishy that he was left in the dark. And when he changed Tressel's resignation to a retirement this past summer, it almost appeared as if he was paying the coach for taking the fall for the program. Of course, that's all speculation.

What is a fact, though, is that the university has been found guilty of failing to monitor its program. And who's the head monitor? One Gene Smith.

Now Smith is trying to hide behind his blockbuster hiring of Urban Meyer as new head coach, perhaps the hottest name in all of college football. As if that was an accomplishment of his own. Meyer was coming to Ohio State whether he or my six-year old niece were the A.D. It was Meyer's dream job. It didn't take a lot of masterful persuasion on Smith's part.

"I agreed to become the head football coach at The Ohio State University because (wife) Shelley and I are Ohio natives," Meyer said Tuesday. "I am a graduate of this wonderful institution and served in this program under a great coach (Earle Bruce)."

Smith has already put his new hire in a hole, though. Meyer must now try to recruit the 2012 class with a bowl ban staring the kids straight in the face.

That could've been prevented by Smith. He could've put his arrogance and pride aside and took one for the team.

Instead, innocent kids and coaches will now have to pay for the actions of others.

Others which include Smith ... first and foremost.

BUCKEYES RECEIVE SANCTIONS, INCLUDING A ONE-YEAR BOWL BAN

2011-12-20T15:40:00.015-05:00

COLUMBUS — After a year of investigations surrounding the Ohio State football team, the NCAA finally handed down punishment to the Buckeyes on Tuesday afternoon, sanctions which include a one-year bowl ban effective the coming season.

The NCAA also put the university on an additional one-year probation and imposed a nine-scholarship penalty that will span over the next three years. The punishments were handed down because of the university's lack of institutional control regarding improper benefits.

OSU director of athletics, Gene Smith, conveyed disappointment in the NCAA's decision Tuesday but said they would not appeal the ruling.

"We are surprised and disappointed with the NCAA's decision," Smith said. "However, we have decided not to appeal the decision because we need to move forward as an institution. We recognize that this is a challenging time in intercollegiate athletics. Institutions of higher education must move to higher ground, and Ohio State embraces its leadership responsibilities and affirms its long-standing commitment to excellence in education and integrity in all it does."

Smith said they are going to turn this negative into a positive.

"My primary concern, as always, is for our students, and this decision punishes future students for the actions of others in the past," Smith stated. "Knowing our student-athletes, however, I have no doubt in their capacity to turn this into something positive — for themselves and for the institution."

The bowl ban is the punishment the university had feared the most, especially after the hiring of new head coach Urban Meyer, who said when he took the job that he didn't think the school would face major sanctions.

The new Buckeyes' boss said Tuesday, however, that the NCAA's ruling will not change the way he plans to conduct business moving forward.

"It is still my goal to hire excellent coaches, recruit great student-athletes who want to be part of this program and to win on and off the field," Meyer said. "The NCAA penalties will serve as a reminder that the college experience does not include the behavior that led to these penalties.

"I expect all of us to work hard to teach and develop young student-athletes to grow responsibly and to become productive citizens in their communities upon graduation."

The Buckeyes are still scheduled to play the University of Florida on Jan. 2 in the Gator Bowl in Jacksonville (Fla.).

MEYER HIRES MICKEY MAROTTI AS DIRECTOR OF SPORTS PERFORMANCE

2011-12-15T14:50:00.001-05:00

Mickey Marotti

COLUMBUS — Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer added another to his football staff on Thursday afternoon, naming Mickey Marotti as his assistant athletic director for football sports performance.

The former director of sports performance at the University of Florida (2005-11) will head up the football team's strength and condition program effective Jan. 2, 2012.

Meyer, who worked with Marotti at Florida — as well as Notre Dame and OSU (as grad assistants) — praised the Buckeyes' new strength staff leader.

"There are times in the year when the strength staff has more contact with the team than the coaching staff," Meyer said, "and I have complete trust in Mickey Marotti's abilities to prepare our student-athletes to be the strongest, fastest and mentally toughest football players they can be."

Marotti was one of Meyer's first hires at Florida when he took over as head coach of the Gators in 2005.

According to the university, Marotti's strength and conditioning program have developed 22 All-Americans and eight first round NFL draft choices during his seven seasons at Florida. The Gators won two national championships, two Southeastern Conference championships and three 13-win campaigns with Marotti running the S&C department.

"I believe the strength staffs that Mickey has led have been the best staffs in college football," Meyer said. "He is the best there is at developing physically and mentally tough football players."

MEYER SNAGS TWO DE-COMMITS; HIRES TWO MORE TO HIS STAFF

2011-12-13T13:47:00.000-05:00

COLUMBUS — Urban Meyer's hiring at Ohio State as head football coach is already reaping huge rewards on the recruiting front for the Buckeyes.

On Monday, Tommy Schutt — a star defensive tackle out of Chicago's Glenbard West High School — pulled his commitment from Penn State and declared that he would be playing his collegiate football for the Buckeyes instead.

The 6-foot-3, 300-pound Schutt is considered one of the top prospects in the country for the class of 2012, listed as a five-star recruit according to Scout.com.

The big man from Illinois wasn't the only player from the class who had a change of heart Monday.

Se'Von Pittman, a 6-foot-4, 260-pound defensive end from Canton (OH) McKinley High School, announced that he too would be de-committing — from Michigan State — to play in Columbus.

Pittman is considered a four-star prospect by Scout.com. He had offers from Alabama, Auburn, Michigan and Notre Dame, among others.

MORE HIRES ... Meyer added to his staff on Monday, hiring two to his administrative office: Brian Voltolini as director of football operations and Mark Pantoni as director of player personnel.

Voltolini has worked with Meyer for nine years at Bowling Green, Utah and Florida. Pantoni spent five years with Meyer in Gainesville.

"I am really pleased that Brian Voltolini and Mark Pantoni wanted to be a part of the football program at The Ohio State University," Meyer said. "I have spent considerable time working with each and I certainly appreciate the passion and the effort that both bring to their positions every day."

BUCKEYES HIRE TOM HERMAN AS NEW OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR/QB COACH

2011-12-09T15:25:00.003-05:00

Tom Herman

COLUMBUS — Ohio State named former Iowa State assistant Tom Herman as its new offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach, Buckeyes head coach Urban Meyer announced on Friday.

Herman, who held the same position at Iowa State for the past three years, is considered one of the top young assistants in the country according to Meyer.

"Tom Herman has one of the bright young minds in college football," Meyer said. "His philosophies are very similar to those of my own. I spoke to numerous colleagues about Tom and all had great things to say about him. I enjoyed our time together during the interview process and I am excited to have him on the staff."

Herman, 35, has 13 years of college coaching experience on his resume which includes stops at Texas, Texas State, Sam Houston State and Rice. During his two years as the offensive coordinator at Rice (2007-08), Herman's offenses set over 40 school-records and helped the Owls reach their first bowl game in more than 50 years.

Herman also helped guide Iowa State's offense to a bowl game this season by coaching them to nearly 400 yards per game. His Cyclones' offense scored 37 points in their upset win over Oklahoma State back on Nov. 18 — the Cowboys only loss of the season.

Herman said he's excited to work with Meyer and the Buckeyes.

"To work with and for Coach Meyer is an exciting opportunity for me," Herman said. "I am really looking forward to working with him and learning about his offensive systems. And to be able to coach with him at The Ohio State University is simply a dream come true."

The Buckeyes will not retain current offensive coordinator Jim Bollman or quarterbacks coach Nick Siciliano on the new staff.

TEN BUCKEYE FOOTBALL PLAYERS MAKE ALL-BIG TEN ACADEMIC TEAM

2011-12-07T17:48:00.000-05:00

COLUMBUS — Ten members of the Ohio State football team were named Academic All-Big Ten, the conference announced on Wednesday.

In order to qualify for all-conference honors, the student-athlete must be a letterwinner in at least his second year at the institution and carry a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher.

The Buckeyes who were honored by the conference for their scholastic achievements were Ben Buchanan, Dominic Clarke, Zach Domicone, Nate Ebner, Derek Erwin, Adam Homan, Chris Maxwell, Tyler Moeller, Chris Roark and Andrew Sweat.

BCS GOT IT WRONG ... AGAIN

2011-12-04T20:52:00.001-05:00

Once again, the Bowl Championship Series and college football got it wrong.

Alabama — and not Oklahoma State — was selected on Sunday night to play in the BCS Championship Game against No. 1 LSU (Jan. 9, 2012 in New Orleans), even after failing to score a touchdown in their 9-6 loss to the Tigers earlier this season in Tuscaloosa.

Meanwhile, Oklahoma State — who possesses the same overall record as do the Crimson Tide (11-1) — will have to settle on a trip to the Fiesta Bowl to take on Stanford instead.

The BCS should be ashamed. The message they have sent to the rest of the college football world is simple: the Southeastern Conference is king and the rest of you can sit on it.

For them to deny Oklahoma State an opportunity to take down the nation's top team in LSU — one that Alabama has already been afforded — is at the least, unethical. At the most, criminal.

Seriously, I don't understand what criteria could be used to determine Alabama as the rightful opponent for LSU other than bringing together two schools — and fan bases — who are in extremely close proximity to the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, site of the BCS Championship Game.

Do you feel the BCS got it right? If so, then please chew on these facts for a moment ...

Oklahoma State has beaten four BCS ranked teams (three in the top 14). Alabama has defeated 3 (only one in the top 21).

Oklahoma State has taken down nine bowl teams. Alabama six.

Oklahoma State possesses a conference championship (Big 12). Alabama didn't even make their league title game. Note: the Big 12, according to the computers used in the BCS formula, are rated as a better conference this season than the SEC.

To give this travesty some perspective, imagine the Pittsburgh Steelers winning the AFC title only to have the NFL select the New England Patriots as the conference's Super Bowl participant simply because they FEEL they would have a better chance to take down the Green Bay Packers.

How can a team be given a chance to win a national title when they couldn't even win — or play for — a conference championship? It's mind-blowing. It's a disgrace.

And yet, BCS executive director Bill Hancock can actually send out press releases and appear on television programs — with a straight face — and tout how they have made the right selection ... "again."

Wow! Just ... wow!

The fact is, until there is a playoff system in place the BCS and college football will remain a joke.

And not a funny one, either.

BUCKEYES TO FACE FLORIDA IN 2012 TAXSLAYER.COM GATOR BOWL JAN. 2

2011-12-04T18:09:00.001-05:00

COLUMBUS — Ohio State has accepted an invitation to play the University of Florida in the 2012 TaxSlayer.com Gator Bowl in Jacksonville on Jan. 2, the school announced on Sunday evening.

The Buckeyes (6-6) — who have suffered three-straight losses — will face a Florida team (6-6) which has fell to defeat in six of their last eight games.

It will be the first time the two teams have faced each other since the 2007 BCS Championship Game in Glendale (Ariz.), where the Gators won 41-14.

The kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. and will be televised nationally on ESPN2.

STOOPS VISITED WITH URBAN MEYER, MAY HAVE BEEN OFFERED DC JOB

2011-12-01T13:30:00.008-05:00

Mike Stoops

COLUMBUS — Former Arizona head coach Mike Stoops confirmed Thursday that he has visited with newly hired Ohio State head football coach Urban Meyer about the defensive coordinator position, according to The Oklahoman.

Stoops, 49, told the Oklahoma news outlet that he did make a trip to Columbus this week to meet with Meyer but wouldn't confirm whether he was offered the DC role by the Buckeyes' boss.

"I don't comment on that stuff," Stoops said. "But I can confirm that I have visited with Coach Meyer."

However, those with inside knowledge of the program believe Stoops has, in fact, been offered the DC job.

Meyer stated during his introductory press conference on Monday that he was planning on building the "best coaching staff in the country." Stoops would certainly fit that bill as a defensive coordinator.

Stoops, who headed up the defense for five years (1999-2003) at the University of Oklahoma under his brother Bob, helped guide the Sooners to two Big 12 titles and a national championship in 2000. In 18 seasons as an defensive assistant — at Iowa (1986-91), Kansas State (1992-98) and Oklahoma — Stoops' teams have compiled a 158-48-4 overall record.

The native of Youngstown, had been the head coach at Arizona since 2004 but was fired midway through this season after beginning the year 1-5. He finished with a 41-50 overall record in Tucson.

Stoops admits though that his passion and talents reside on the defensive side of the football and said he's ready to get back into that role with a winning program.

"Coaching defense has always been my passion," Stoops said. "You get very close to the defense. If the right opportunity presents itself, and it's a good arrangement, I would certainly be excited about it."

Meyer has retained interim head coach Luke Fickell, but it is unknown what role he will have with the new staff. It's being speculated that Fickell may be a co-defensive coordinator/linebackers coach — the role he possessed under former head coach Jim Tressel.

Meyer stated Monday that he and Fickell hadn't spoken about a specific role but did say that it would be a "significant" one. That could mean he will be tagged as the assistant head coach, as well.

Either way, Stoops seems to be a perfect piece to the puzzle Meyer is trying to construct.

"I've just been relaxing, taking it easy, trying to figure out what's going to be the best situation moving forward," Stoops said. "The most important thing to me is getting in a stable place where you have an opportunity to win."

That "opportunity" is looking like it's going to be in Columbus.

OSU QB BRAXTON MILLER NAMED BIG TEN'S TOP FRESHMAN WEDNESDAY

2011-11-30T14:10:00.005-05:00

Braxton Miller
TBT/Darla Dunkle-Hudnell

COLUMBUS — Ohio State quarterback Braxton Miller has been named the 2011 Thompson-Randel El Big Ten Freshman of the Year, the conference announced on Wednesday afternoon.

The true freshman Miller — who turned 19 on Wednesday — totaled 1,692 yards and 18 touchdowns for the Buckeyes this season, including team-highs in rushing yards (695) and rushing touchdowns (7).

He is the seventh Buckeyes' player to win the conference's freshman of the year award. The others included Robert Smith (1990), Korey Stringer (1992), Orlando Pace (1994), Andy Katzenmoyer (1996), Maurice Clarett (2002) and Terrelle Pryor (2008).

Miller, a native of Huber Heights (OH), will be presented with the award this Friday in Indianapolis as part of the Big Ten championship weekend of festivities.

WHEN IT COMES TO URBAN MEYER, BRAXTON MILLER IS HELEN OF TROY

2011-11-29T15:08:00.001-05:00

Braxton Miller
The Buckeye Times/Darla Dunkle-Hudnell

COLUMBUS — During Urban Meyer's press conference on Monday evening in Columbus to announce his hiring as the new head football coach at Ohio State, I was patiently awaiting the old guy from the eHarmony commercials to come popping his head out from behind the small curtain on the right side of the stage.

Seriously, Neil Clark Warren — said "old guy" and founder of the aforementioned online dating site — totally missed out on a golden opportunity Monday evening inside the Fawcett Center because when Meyer was asked about his new (match) quarterback Braxton Miller, the coach's face lit up like a man who had truly found his soul mate.

"I just met Braxton and I wanted to meet with Braxton, that was very important," Meyer smiled. "With all due respect to everyone in this room, that was highlight of my day, not this (press conference). It was sitting there shaking hands with that good-looking quarterback with a nice smile. A very humble player."

It truly is a match made in heaven. Coaches of Meyer's stock base their lives on quarterbacks the way a man does with a great woman. It makes them better, more fulfilled. It gives their life meaning.

Sure, Meyer has had some pretty nice dancing partners in his collegiate coaching career. He began with Josh Harris at Bowling Green, who led the Falcons to a couple of Top 25 finishes and became just the second quarterback in FBS history to ever pass and rush for 40 touchdowns in a career.

Then Meyer had Alex Smith at the University of Utah. Smith and Meyer collaborated for 22 wins in 24 games, a BCS bowl victory, as well as nearly 5,200 yards passing and 47 touchdowns (to only eight interceptions), to go along with 1,072 yards rushing and another 15 scores.

Smith would go on to become the first overall selection in the 2005 NFL draft.

After his days with Smith, Meyer hooked up with Tim Tebow at Florida. The two went on to win a Heisman Trophy and two national championships in four years together. Tebow threw for more than 9,200 yards and 88 touchdowns with Meyer (to only 15 interceptions), as well as nearly 3,000 yards rushing and another 57 visits to pay dirt.

Those quarterbacks were great matches for Meyer. He used what they had to offer and made them better.

But Miller is Meyer's dream match. He's not the girl next door ... he's Helen of Troy. Meyer recognizes the potential, the God-given abilities, the prospects for greatness Miller possesses.

That's why he was glowing whenever the young signal caller's name came up on Monday.

"I watched him play throughout the year, I've watched him compete in the big game and to say that I'm 'excited' to coach him, I'm not using the right adjective ... I think you get it, right?"

Meyer paused, winked and with a blush and a grin uttered, "I'm very excited."

The true freshman Miller didn't become the starter until the fourth game of the season, but still managed to total 1,692 yards and 18 touchdowns for the Buckeyes, including team-highs in rushing yards and touchdowns.

And that was with a rookie head coach, an anemic pass protection and offensive play-calling reminiscent of a peewee team — predictable and elementary.

Meyer is antonymous with the words "predictable" and "elementary."

Meyer knows how to develop quarterbacks. He knows how to put them in situations that showcases their talent. And he's done so with a bunch of girls next door.

Now he has his dream girl (in a football manner of speaking) ... and he plans to show her off.

"We've been blessed to have some great quarterbacks," Meyer said. "And I'm really thinking (Miller) can be ...

He paused again ...

"Wow, I'm putting a lot of pressure on this cat already," Meyer smiled. "He's special."

Hey Warren, you can cue the eHarmony music any time now.

URBAN MEYER HAS MADE A GOOD CHOICE COMING BACK TO OHIO STATE

2011-11-28T21:33:00.002-05:00

Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer
(AP Photo/Terry Gilliam)

COLUMBUS — It's officially official.

All the rumors, speculation and optimism surrounding the situation had come full circle as Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer entered his introductory press conference at the Fawcett Center on Monday evening.

With the ink on his six-year, $24 million contract still drying, there was a certain ora that gathered in the room when Meyer strolled in to take the stage as the face of Buckeye Nation. Sporting a smooth Buckeye tie and speaking with conviction and confidence, Meyer assured the college football world that Ohio State is back.

"Our objective is simple," he said. "To make the state of Ohio proud, recruit student-athletes who win in the classroom and win on the field. I'm going to go about assembling the best coaching staff in college football and our goal is to compete and win Big Ten championships."

But, as Meyer enters into one of the most glamourous and more scrutinized programs in the country, can he handle the Columbus scene? After stepping away from the University of Florida due to health and family reasons, Meyer believes he can balance his personal life while being under the bright lights that come with being the head coach at Ohio State. One of the largest knocks on Meyer is the concern over his ability to stay in one spot.

Buckeye fans aren't used to change. Take away former interim coach Luke Fickell and Ohio State has named only four men — Woody Hayes, Earle Bruce, John Cooper and Jim Tressel — head coach since 1951. This isn't a five-year job, but rather a life-long commitment.

And with the past 11 months of resignations and NCAA infractions, one would think Ohio State would be more concerned with player discipline. Yet, Meyer's past doesn't exactly scream program cleanliness. Under his watch, 30 Gators were arrested in Meyer's six seasons in Gainesville, according to the Orlando Sentinel.

"Does that mean we had bad kids?" Meyer asked. "I'll fight that forever. No, absolutely not, we did not have bad guys. Did they make stupid mistakes? Yeah, I've made a few stupid mistakes. We're going to correct them. We're going to go really hard and try and recruit really good people to represent Ohio State. That does not mean we're going to give up on kids. So that's the kind of belief we have here."

But as we all know, winning cures all. And Meyer certainly knows how to win.

During stints at Bowling Green, Utah and Florida, Meyer put together a 104-23 record, won two national championships, four conference championships and a 7-1 record in bowl games.

His unbelievable ability to recruit exceptionally athletic classes was also an obvious plus. There's no doubt Meyer can recruit his ass off. At Florida, Meyer produced a top-five class in four of his six seasons. He's recruited Heisman Trophy winners (Tim Tebow and Cam Newton), No. 1 overall NFL Draft picks (Newton and Alex Smith) and loads of pro talent.

There's no doubt Meyer will be a force in the recruiting world. But what has Buckeye fans most excited has to be the thought of Meyer paired with stellar true freshman quarterback Braxton Miller. Even Meyer couldn't resist boasting over his new signal-caller saying meeting Miller on Monday was the highlight of his day.

"Sitting there shaking hands with that good-looking quarterback with a nice smile and a very humble player," he said.

"We've been blessed to have some great quarterbacks," Meyer said. "And I'm really thinking (Miller) can be — I'm putting a lot of pressure on this cat already — but he's special. What I've seen on film he's special."

There's a lot of excitement surrounding Ohio State football thanks to Meyer — considering only two days ago the Buckeyes lost to the hated Michigan Wolverines and finished a disappointing 6-6 season. But it's been a long time since Ohio State has had something to celebrate.

"He is, without a shadow of doubt, one of the premier leaders in football," Ohio State Athletic Director Gene Smith said of his new hire. "It's represented in his record. But more importantly, it's represented in him, the man."

Meyer is one hell of a coach and you can't help but expect big things from the guy. It doesn't mean he comes without baggage, though. If Meyer wants to succeed at Ohio State, he must avoid the type of player misconduct that he experienced in Gainesville.

With Meyer's return to the Buckeye State, things are certainly looking up at the moment.

"It's great to be home," Meyer said. "And the same thing I told the players a little bit ago is that I realize those players didn't choose me. I chose them. So I chose to pack up and move the most precious things in my life, and that's my family, back home."

Let me be the first to say this, Urban.

Good choice.

Follow this writer on Twitter @BuckeyeTimes_JS

URBAN MEYER ANNOUNCED AS NEW HEAD COACH OF THE BUCKEYES

2011-11-28T19:52:00.003-05:00

Urban Meyer was introduced as the new head football coach at Ohio State on Monday. (AP Photo/Terry Gilliam)

COLUMBUS — It's no longer speculation ... Urban Meyer is the new head football coach at The Ohio State University.

The former Florida head coach and ESPN college football analyst was introduced to the media on Monday evening in Columbus and the new Buckeyes' boss spoke about a number of topics during the press conference including coming back to his home state of Ohio, his days as a graduate assistant at OSU under Earle Bruce and why he decided to take a year away from coaching following last season.

"It's great to come back to my home state, where I was born, where I met my wife," Meyer said. "I began my college coaching career here at Ohio State in 1987 working for hall of fame coach Earle Bruce. My relationship with him is extremely close, second only to my father ...

"I made the decision to step away from coaching a year ago to focus on family and determine if someday I could return to the profession that I love and realized I missed so dearly last February. After having an opportunity to work for ESPN and watching my kids compete, I had an opportunity to reflect and research ways that I could improve ...

"If it were not for the coaching position at the Ohio State University, I would have not coached this year."

Meyer's contract is for six years and an average of $4 million per, as well as another $2.4 million in incentives.

Luke Fickell, who served as interim head coach this season — after former boss Jim Tressel resigned in May — will remain on Meyer's staff, according to the coach. Fickell will also be the head coach for the Buckeyes in their upcoming bowl game.

Fickell led the Buckeyes this past season to a 6-6 overall record and a 3-5 campaign in the Big Ten — the first losing season in conference for the Buckeyes since 1999.

Meyer said he and his wife, Shelley, met with Fickell and his family yesterday and came away feeling that he should remain in the fold. Meyer said they haven't agreed on a job title as of yet, but did state that it will be a "significant" one.

Meyer, 47, was born in Toledo, raised in Ashtabula — 60 miles east of Cleveland — and is an admitted lifelong Buckeyes fan. He received his master's degree in sports administration at Ohio State.

"It goes back real strong and real thick ... " Meyer said of his Ohio State fandom. "I came back this year and I was with my (ESPN) teammate Chris Spielman, a great friend, and the band came out. I used to sneak out when I was a G.A. here at Ohio State when we had the old locker room. I knew exactly (when the band came out). There was a game clock in the locker room and there was like 16:36 left on the clock when the band would come out.

"Coach Bruce would be in there doing his stuff and I would look at that clock and I'd shoot down those stairs to watch that band come out and play 'Across the Field.'

"So I hadn't been back since 1988 in that stadium," Meyer continued. "Against Akron, I'm up there with Chris and Dave Pasch getting ready to broadcast the game and that band came out of that tunnel ... man, I was just wiping tears out of my eyes. All of the memories came back."

The aforementioned Bruce, who coached for the Buckeyes from 1979-87, was impressed with Meyer as a young coach during the two years he served on his staff in Columbus and hired him as a receivers coach in 1990 when he became the head coach at Colorado State.

Bruce told WBNS-TV in Columbus Monday that OSU made a great hire in Meyer.

"As a young coach he was enthusiastic," Bruce said. "He's just a knowledgeable football coach. As an assistant coach he recruited well, he knew his position coaching and he knew everything about offensive and defensive football because he really studied it.

"He's a student of the game. He's a great teacher, a fine recruiter and a hard worker. And he works you hard. There will be some hard practices at Ohio State, I guarantee you."

In 10 seasons as a collegiate head coach — at Bowling Green (2001-02), Utah (2003-04) and Florida (2005-10) — Meyer has been known as a pure winner, recording a 104-23 overall record, including seven wins in eight bowl games (4-0 BCS) and two national championship victories.

His first national title came in the 2006 season when he led the underdog Gators to a 41-14 rout of Tressel and the Buckeyes in the BCS Championship Game in Glendale. Two seasons later, he guided the Gators to another championship, this time in a 24-14 victory over Oklahoma in Miami.

His lowest win total in 10 seasons as a head coach is eight. He won more than 12 games in a season four times.

Meyer's transcending success goes much further than just his six years at Florida. Before there was Boise State and TCU, Meyer was the original BCS-buster.

In just his third season as a collegiate head coach, Meyer led the University of Utah to the 2005 Fiesta Bowl — the first time a team from a non-qualifying conference was ever able to break into a BCS bowl game. His Utes dispatched the University of Pittsburgh, 35-7.

Not only is Meyer known for winning, he's also earned a reputation over the years as a prolific talent evaluator and recruiter. Since 2005, Meyer has been arguably the best recruiting head coach in all of college football.

"He's an outstanding recruiter," Bruce said. "As an assistant football coach at Colorado (State) he brought in football players that we've never seen before at Colorado State. He brought in some really great football players and helped to recruit a few that ended up in the pros after I left (in 1992).

"He's just an outstanding recruiter."

Meyer will not only have the benefit of coaching in one of the most talent-rich states for prep football, he also has some great young talent already on the roster, most notably true freshman quarterback Braxton Miller.

Miller was heavily recruited by Meyer at Florida, and has all the abilities to succeed in Meyer's famed spread offense.

Meyer gushed when speaking of his new quarterback on Monday.

"I just met Braxton and I wanted to meet with Braxton, that was very important," Meyer smiled. "With all due respect to everyone in this room, that was highlight of my day, not this. It was sitting there shaking hands with that good looking quarterback with a nice smile. A very humble player.

"I watched him play throughout the year, I've watched him compete in the big game and to say that I'm 'excited' to coach him, I'm not using the right adjective ... I think you get it, right?

"I'm very excited."

Meyer has a proven history of quarterbacking success, including Alex Smith (the first pick of the 2005 NFL draft) and Tim Tebow, who won a Heisman Trophy and two national titles under Meyer's mentorship.

Of course, one of the most important factors in hiring a new head coach at Ohio State is finding a man who truly understands the program and its rich traditions — i.e., the rivalry with Michigan.

Meyer made fans understand early that he knows what 'The Game' truly means to the Buckeye Nation.

"Obviously that's the game of games," Meyer said. "It's the game I grew up watching. I know it's 362 days away, so I understand the significance of it."

Meyer stated that his biggest challenge coming back to the profession is trying to find balance between family and coaching. He said he doesn't want to be the guy that "falls asleep in my office" any longer.

He said that he will spend the next days and weeks trying to put together the best coaching staff in the country, as well as hitting the recruiting trail hard.

"I'll be on the phone tonight with a couple guys," Meyer smiled.

So much for not falling asleep in his office.

MEYER TO BE ANNOUNCED AS NEW HEAD COACH AT 5:15 P.M. MONDAY

2011-11-28T11:57:00.001-05:00

COLUMBUS — Ohio State will hold a press conference Monday at 5:15 p.m. announcing the hiring of new head football coach Urban Meyer, the university confirmed.

The Buckeye Times will be on hand to provide coverage.

MEYER WILL BE NAMED HEAD COACH MONDAY, TO MEET WITH TEAM TODAY

2011-11-27T11:47:00.007-05:00

Urban Meyer
(AP)

COLUMBUS — Urban Meyer will be announced as the new head football coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes on Monday, an individual with inside knowledge of the situation told The Buckeye Times Sunday.

The former University of Florida head coach will meet with the team sometime today, according to the individual, and will be officially named as the new Buckeyes' mentor on Monday.

Meyer, who usually teams with Chris Spielman and Dave Pasch in the booth as an analyst during ESPN college football telecasts, elected to skip Saturday's Ohio State-Michigan game so he could prepare for his new job in Columbus — which will include putting together a new coaching staff as well as deciding which men, if any, he would like to retain.

According to the source, interim head coach Luke Fickell has been asked to remain on the staff as a "defensive coach." He still has two years remaining on his original contract.

However, the source isn't sure if Fickell has or will accept the position Meyer is offering him. Fickell, who replaced long time Buckeyes coach Jim Tressel this season after he resigned in May amid an NCAA violations firestorm, has led the Buckeyes to a 6-6 overall record, including a 3-5 campaign in the Big Ten — the team's first losing season in conference since 1999.

Meyer brings proven success to the sideline in Columbus.

He's won 82-percent of his games as an FBS head coach — at Bowling Green, Utah and Florida — has a 7-1 record in bowl games (4-0 BCS) and two national championships to his credit.

In 10 seasons as a head coach, Meyer has never won less than eight games, and has racked up at least 12 victories four times.

OHIO STATE'S REIGN OVER MICHIGAN COMES TO A HALT IN A 40-34 LOSS

2011-11-26T19:05:00.001-05:00

Braxton Miller
TBT/Josh Stueve

ANN ARBOR, MI — The monkey has been surgically removed off the backs of the Michigan Wolverines, courtesy of Denard Robinson.

In the 108th meeting between the Wolverines and the Ohio State Buckeyes, Robinson was flawless as the junior sliced up the Buckeye defense for 5 total touchdowns and 337 total yards (167 passing, 170 rushing). Robinson’s precision through the air — going 14-for-17 — helped push Michigan (10-2, 6-2 Big Ten) over the hump in its first victory over Ohio State (6-6, 3-5 Big Ten) since 2003, 40-34.

The loss gives the Buckeyes their first non-winning season since 1999.

The hated rivals traded punches for 60 gritty and intense minutes in front of 114,132 fans — the second largest crowd in Michigan Stadium history.

“I was out there playing for the seniors,” Robinson said. “I played my heart out, and the guys did too.”

Ohio State interim head coach Luke Fickell was emotional afterward in what turned out to be nothing out of the rivalries norm.

“I’m hurt,” he said. “Just like everyone of those seniors in there.”

Ohio State quarterback Braxton Miller stood toe-to-toe with Robinson throughout the contest. The true freshman, who came into the season finale averaging just 76 passing yards per game, accounted for 335 total yards (235 passing, 100 rushing) and 3 touchdowns.

“(Miller’s) a competitor,” Fickell said. “I’d expect nothing else from him. You’ve seen him grow up and he’s continued to grow. He’s got a bright future. He’ll continue to get better. But what you can’t teach is that passion and that desire to be a competitor.”

Penalties at the OSU goal line cost Michigan a chance to bury the Buckeyes as the Wolverines settled for a 43-yard field goal with 1:59 left in the fourth quarter.

The table was set for Miller and the offense as they strutted out for one last drive, but fate was not on their side this time around. The Buckeyes were handed an opportunity to retake the lead with 1:48 left when receiver DeVier Posey slipped past the coverage, but Miller launched it just over the head of Posey. The toss would have resulted in the go-ahead score.

“We just missed it by like a couple yards,” Posey said. “I thought we had it and we went for it. I think the silver lining out of that play was Braxton wasn’t afraid to throw it because that was a call that he made.”

On 4th-and-6 at the OSU 35, Miller’s last gasp was sent to receiver Devin Smith across the middle but the ball bounced off the true freshman’s hands and into the arms of Michigan’s Courtney Avery with 39 seconds left in the game.

The seven-year itch was scratched for the Wolverines.

“It’s an important game,” Michigan head coach Brady Hoke said. “Since day one you know I’ve said that. It’s a great rivalry. But to see those kids, the joys, the tears, that’s why you coach and that’s why this is such a great game.”

The mood in the visitor’s locker room wasn’t as joyful, according to Posey.

“Always after a loss it’s hard, there’s some tears,” Posey said of the locker room mood after the loss. “It was just a weird feeling. I’m not really used to it … I feel like this group will become closer because of this.”

The games opening possession saw Ohio State put together quite the drive as it drove 80 yards on six plays, capped off by a 54-yard bomb from Miller to sophomore receiver Corey "Philly" Brown.

But, it wasn’t long until Robinson got the Michigan offense into gear as he took an option keeper 41 yards to tie the game 7-7 at the 9:15 mark in the first quarter.

The Buckeyes answered with one of their ugliest possessions of the year. After consecutive penalties had pushed Ohio State back to its own 3-yard line, senior tackle Mike Adams was caught holding in the endzone, which resulted in a safety for Michigan. The safety gave the Wolverines their first lead in the rivalry since 2007.

Following the safety, Michigan received the ball on a free kick and made sure its opportunity didn't go to waste. Two plays after converting a 4th-and-1 at midfield, Robinson hit senior receiver Junior Hemmingway for a 26-yard touchdown to give the Wolverines a 16-7 lead.

On the following drive, Miller lead Ohio State into Michigan territory, but overthrew an open Posey in the endzone. The Buckeyes looked to kicker Drew Basil who nailed a 45-yard field goal that cut Michigan's lead to 16-10.

Denard Robinson
TBT/Josh Stueve

On the ensuing Michigan drive, Robinson bounced to his left on a 3rd-and-2 before cornerback Travis Howard jarred the ball loose and fell on the recovery. The Buckeyes did a little capitalizing of their own after the defense forced the ball back. The offense took over at the UM 31 and Miller dashed for a 19-yard score to give the Bucks a 17-16 advantage.

The back-and-forth first half continued as the Wolverines took the lead on a 6-yard TD run by Robinson that capped an 80-yard, 9-play drive. Robinson’s third touchdown of the half gave Michigan a 23-17 lead.

Miller wouldn’t be outdone, though, as he would find Posey on a 43-yard bullet to give the Buckeyes a 24-23 lead with 1:21 left in the second quarter.

With the Buckeyes clinging to a third quarter lead, Robinson found receiver Martavious Odoms for a 20-yard touchdown on a 3rd-and-11 for the go-ahead score.

“Robinson played a great game,” junior defensive lineman John Simon said. “He threatens you with the run and pass and he made plays when they needed it.”

REGARDLESS OF RECORDS, 'THE GAME' SHOULD BE A CLASSIC

2011-11-25T12:01:00.001-05:00

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Woody Hayes — the late, legendary Ohio State head football coach — always used to refer to rival Michigan as "that school up north."

Michigan first-year head coach Brady Hoke, in his own Hayes-like fashion, refuses to utter the words "Ohio State," choosing instead to refer to the Buckeyes as simply, "Ohio."

Does Hoke mistakingly think he's playing Ohio University? Or is he trying to make a statement in his first meeting as head coach against the hated Buckeyes?

"No," Hoke said. "I just always have (called them Ohio)."

Buckeyes head coach Luke Fickell, whose "Ohio" team hasn't lost to Michigan since 2003, isn't bothered by Hoke's jabbing references.

"We might refer to Michigan in different ways, too," Fickell said.

The Buckeyes have dominated this storied rivalry in the past 10 years, winning nine games — including the last seven. However, that success came under former Ohio State head coach Jim Tressel, who resigned in May due to withholding player violations from the NCAA.

With Fickell at the helm, the Buckeyes have struggled mightily, just one loss away from having their first non-winning season — and first Big Ten losing campaign — since 1999. It's likely this will be Fickell's last game as head coach of the Buckeyes.

According to Fickell, though, none of that means anything this week. It's all about 'The Game.'

"In a rivalry like this, a lot of those things go out the window and records go out the window, and a lot of things are going to be scrapped," Fickell said. "There's going to be unbelievable passion on both sides of the football because of what this game means.

"I think those are the things that obviously overtake a lot of those."

Hoke agrees with Fickell's sentiments.

"The biggest thing is the respect that the two programs have had for each other for years," Hoke said. "I can remember Bo (Schembechler) always talking and Lloyd (Carr) of the great respect. That's what makes it such a great game because of how both teams will come in prepared, how both teams will play.

"It's a hard-hitting, clean football game. Always has been. You can be the favorite or the underdog, but none of that matters in this football game. It never does."

The Wolverines haven't just lost to the Buckeyes in their last seven outings, they been manhandled by an average score of 31-15. However, none of those losses were on Hoke's watch.

Michigan has improved tremendously this season with Hoke roaming its sideline, just one victory shy of copping their first 10-win season since 2006.

They are led by their dynamic junior quarterback Denard Robinson, a dual-threat player who has recorded a Big Ten-best 2,882 total yards and 29 touchdowns. He had 263 yards and four touchdowns in the Wolverines' 45-17 rout of Nebraska last week.

He is certainly priority No. 1 for the Buckeyes' defense this Saturday in Ann Arbor.

"He poses a lot of problems," Fickell said. "Anytime the quarterback's got the ability to keep plays alive running the football, it makes you struggle a little bit on defense with some of the things you can do and the chances you can take.

"You've got to be aware of those things. Obviously a guy like him, the thing I think that's dynamic about what he does is his ability to handle hits. The guy was the second leading rusher in our league last year. When a quarterback can carry the ball that many times, you know he's tough. He can take hits, he can take a pounding."

The Buckeyes are led by a similar type of talent at quarterback in the multi-dimensional Braxton Miller.

The true freshman has racked up 1,357 yards and 15 touchdowns this season, and has done so with an offensive game-plan that essentially has no rhyme or reason, and a pass protection that has seen more leaks this season than the Titanic.

Hoke realizes the young Miller's rare talents, giving him praise when asked how he plans to contain the Buckeyes' signal caller on Saturday.

"It's going to be a tough job," Hoke said. "I've gotten to watch, I think, five games now or four games. He's impressive. He has everything coming out. He's a (Huber Heights) Wayne High School guy. He does a great job for them.

"I think the way he handles himself, I think how under pressure he's played, I think he throws the ball well, has a great, strong arm. I know his percentage isn't what it will be or would like to be, but I think he's done a tremendous job.

"We've got our work cut out."

Bottom Line

As Fickell stated, records mean nothing in this game. Sorry to sound cliche, but this game is all about the passion, desire and the will to win.

Each team has a lot to play for this Saturday. Michigan is looking to snap their long losing streak to Ohio State. They're going to be playing for their seniors who have never tasted victory in this match-up. They are also playing for a possible BCS bowl bid, something that's eluded them for nearly five years.

Ohio State is playing strictly for pride, for their seniors who have never lost to Michigan, and for their head coach who will likely be replaced soon after Saturday's game.

This game has classic written all over it.

After flipping a coin, shaking a magic 8-ball and consulting with a psychic ... I see Fickell and the seniors going out in one last blaze of glory.

I mean, it's about time something goes in Ohio State's favor, right?

Prediction: OSU 34-31

MEYER TO BE NAMED OSU HEAD COACH, MAYBE AS EARLY AS SUNDAY

2011-11-23T10:29:00.016-05:00

Urban Meyer (AP)

(Updated) COLUMBUS — Urban Meyer will be named the new head football coach at Ohio State — possibly as early as this Sunday — according to an individual with inside knowledge of the situation.

The individual stated via text message that the former University of Florida head coach has agreed in principle to become the new Buckeyes' mentor, and that the university will wait until sometime after its regular season finale Saturday at No. 15 Michigan to announce the news.

According to the text message, finances have not been formally discussed.

The person with knowledge also stated that interim head coach Luke Fickell would remain on the Buckeyes coaching staff, but wasn't aware which title he would hold. Fickell was named the National assistant coach of the year in 2010 by the American Football Coaches Association.

Meyer issued a statement on Wednesday, though, denying that any deal has been made with Ohio State.

"I have not been offered any job nor is there a deal in place. I plan on spending Thanksgiving with my family and will not comment on this any further," Meyer said.

Meyer, who usually accompanies Dave Pasch and Chris Spielman in the booth during ESPN college football telecasts, will not be joining the group this Saturday in Ann Arbor when the network provides coverage of the Ohio State-Michigan game.

MICHIGAN WEEK: WOLVERINES FOUND THEIR 'MICHIGAN MAN' ... IN OHIO

2011-11-22T17:34:00.000-05:00

Michigan head coach Brady Hoke
(AP Photo)

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Former Michigan head football coach Rich Rodriguez never fully understood what it was like to be a 'Michigan Man.'

That's probably because he wasn't one.

Rodriguez — a native of West Virginia with zero ties to the program — tried to change the culture in Ann Arbor during his three seasons as the Wolverines' mentor. And what did it get him? A 15-22 overall record, three losses to rival Ohio State by an average margin of 25 points per game and a pink slip.

After the university decided to fire Rodriguez at the end of last season, their goal was to bring in a coach who truly understood the traditions and expectations at Michigan, as well as grasping the great importance of their rivalry with Ohio State.

So where did they look for such a coach? Where they have always had success finding them ... Ohio!

Former Ball State and San Diego State head coach Brady Hoke, a native of Kettering, Ohio, was the man the university decided to go with as the new face of their program prior to this season.

So far, so good.

Hoke has led the Wolverines to a 9-2 record in his first season in Ann Arbor and has done so bringing back that tough, physical, defensive-minded nature that epitomizes a traditional Michigan football team.

"They were showing some of the great classic Michigan-Ohio (State) games and just how hard those guys played," Hoke said. "We had that bad turf and everything else in the stadiums. But it was the physicalness that they played with. It was fun.

"It was football."

Hoke has been around the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry since birth.

Hoke's father, John, played for Woody Hayes at Miami (Oh.) University before the legendary coach took the head coaching job at Ohio State in 1951. The elder Hoke made sure that his son understood just how special that game was at the end of each season.

"My dad had a chance and played for Woody Hayes and loved Coach Hayes," Hoke said. "That game, you're always watching it. I can't tell you how old I was or anything else (when I first saw it), but it's always been a special significance at 12 noon that last Saturday in November or the Saturday before Thanksgiving when it used to be played then.

"You were watching that football game."

Hoke always watched 'The Game' as a Michigan fan, though.

The late, legendary Bo Schembechler played for Hayes at Miami with Hoke's father. Schembechler, also a native of Ohio, went on to become the head coach at Michigan in 1969.

Hoke instantly became a Schembechler follower.

He worked his way up as an assistant at schools like Grand Valley State, Western Michigan, Toledo and Oregon State before becoming a defensive line coach at Michigan under Gary Moeller (another native of Ohio) in 1995.

Hoke would spend the next eight seasons as an assistant at Michigan, helping the team win part of a national championship in 1997. Most importantly, though, he was able to get a hands-on, up close look at the rivalry with Ohio State. He was 5-3 against the Buckeyes as an assistant.

This week, though, will be his first go as Michigan's boss.

"This is a special week," Hoke said. "because you play in the greatest rivalry there is in sports. When you get a chance to play or coach in this game, it's always a fun week."

Hoke also understands how important this game is in the aspect of recruiting. Ohio is a hotbed for high school recruits and the winner usually gets a leg up on the competition when trying to lure athletes to their respective teams.

Michigan hasn't been able to recruit Ohio as well as they would have liked in the past decade. Ohio State, under former head coach Jim Tressel, have won nine of the last 10 games the two schools have met.

Tressel owned Michigan when it came to recruiting.

However, with Tressel's resignation in May — for withholding information of player violations from the NCAA — and the hardship which has followed this season under interim coach Luke Fickell, the Wolverines have been able to turn the tide a little in Ohio recruiting, snagging such top recruits as offensive lineman Kyle Kalis (Lakewood St. Edward) and defensive end Chris Wormley (Toldeo Whitmer) from the class of 2012.

With former Florida head coach Urban Meyer likely to become the new man in Columbus — possibly as early as next week — Hoke knows they must win if they are going to keep pace with the Buckeyes moving forward.

"I know the quality of football in that state and how it's coached," Hoke said. "It's always an important part of Michigan football, those guys who come play up here in Ann Arbor."

It's strange how quickly things can change in just a year's time.

Last season, Tressel and the Buckeyes were heavy favorites over the Rodriguez-led Wolverines ... and pounded them 37-7 for their seventh consecutive victory in the series.

Now, it's the Wolverines led by Hoke who are considered the favorites against a Tressel-less, Fickell-coached Buckeyes.

"It think it's in life. Things change every day. Babies are born; people die; things happen all the time. It's just how things are," Hoke said.

"The one thing I do know is this is a game played by people who care about their institutions, the guys that are out there, the guys who played before them, and they'll care about either school in the future.

"That's what this game represents. The respect."

It took a 'Michigan Man' to realize that.

One from Ohio.

MEYER DENIES RUMORS ABOUT OSU JOB, BUT ADMITS HE'S INTERESTED

2011-11-21T14:05:00.008-05:00

Urban Meyer (AP)

COLUMBUS — There have been many reports in recent days that former University of Florida head coach Urban Meyer has accepted a deal for the same position at Ohio State, beginning sometime soon after the regular season finale Saturday at Michigan.

Meyer, in an interview with the Gainesville (Fla.) Sun, denied that the reports were true but did insinuate that if the position were to come open in Columbus — and he was offered the job — it would be a decision he would have to ponder deeply.

"If there is a decision to be made concerning Ohio State, there will be a lot that will go into it," Meyer told the Gainesville Sun. "But right now, there is no decision to be made."

Meyer is 104-23 overall in 10 seasons as a head coach — at Bowling Green (2001-02), Utah (2003-04) and Florida (2005-2010) — including 7-1 in bowl games (4-0 BCS) with two national championships.

He left Florida after last season to spend more time with family and rest up from some stress-related health issues. He has spent this season as a college football analyst for ESPN.

Meyer told the Sun that he misses being on the sidelines.

"I love football," Meyer said. "It's what I am. I miss it."

However, if he were to return to coaching next season he admitted that he'll still have to deal with the concerns that caused his resignation at Florida.

"The concerns are still there," Meyer said. "No. 1 — my health. No. 2 — my family. No. 3 — the state of college football. I've done some research into the second one. I've found that it is possible to have balance between your job and your family, that there are coaches out there who are doing it."

As for his top concern (health)?

"I'm in a good place right now mentally and physically," Meyer said. "So if something happens with Ohio State, I'll have a decision to make."

Of course, Meyer's third concern (the state of college football) could possibly be the deal breaker if the Buckeyes receive a harsh punishment from the NCAA for a series of violations committed over the past year.

Earlier this month, Ohio State was notified by the NCAA that they had been charged with "failure to monitor" the football program, something that usually brings along some strict sanctions. The university has already placed itself on two-years probation, vacated all of their 2010 wins — including a Sugar Bowl victory over Arkansas — and reduced scholarships by five over a three-year period.

The university will meet with the NCAA early next month.

Meyer, who was born in Toledo and grew up in Ashtabula, is an admitted lifelong Buckeyes fan. He received his master's degree at Ohio State in sports administration and served two seasons (1986-87) as a graduate assistant under former head coach Earle Bruce.

Talk of the Meyer rumors even spilled into the Ohio State post-game press conference Saturday after their loss to Penn State.

Interim head coach Luke Fickell, who will most likely be coaching in his final regular season game for Ohio State this Saturday at Michigan, wasn't interested in addressing the reports.

"I don't think this is the time nor the place," Fickell said. "We're talking about this game, and we're going to move on and talk about Michigan. And when it comes a point in time, then those things are out of my control.

"So I'm not going to waste a whole lot of my energy on it."

Meyer, who usually teams with Dave Pasch and former Buckeye star Chris Spielman as TV commentators during ESPN game telecasts, will not accompany the two in the booth Saturday in Ann Arbor.