2009 Ohio State Buckeyes Movie Trailer - Redemption 2  Martin moves to tailback July 17, 2009 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "Offensive coordinator Jim Bollman said today that redshirt freshman Jermil Martin will work at tailback when practices start this fall. Martin has so far been a fullback. He is listed at 6-0, 227 in the spring media guide. The fact that incoming freshman Carlos Hyde did not qualify academically may have been a factor in Martin's move, as Hyde also is a big tailback. Also, Bollman said incoming freshman Zach Boren will work at fullback. Boren enrolled early but sat out spring practice while recovering from offseason knee surgery. It was not clear whether he would play at linebacker or fullback -- he played both in high school." Big Ten looking for postseason success July 16, 2009 Source: USA Today - "...The Big Ten hasn't looked so big the last few seasons. The conference is just 9-20 in bowl games since 2005 and has lost four consecutive BCS Bowls. On top of that, the Big 10 hasn't won a Rose Bowl since Wisconsin beat Stanford in 2000. But with a new season comes renewed hope. Ohio State and Penn State are each expected to be in the top-10 when the season opens. Here is a quick team-by-team breakdown of the Big 10...Ohio State: Despite at least a share of four consecutive Big Ten titles, the Buckeyes are feeling the pressure after dropping three consecutive BCS bowls. Sophomore Terrelle Pryor returns for his first full season as starting quarterback, but the Buckeyes' chances of winning the league may hinge on finding a replacement for Chris "Beanie" Wells. Wells rushed for more than 1,000 yards in 10 games last season. Sophomore Dan Herron could see the majority of carries this season. He rushed for 439 yards and six touchdowns in limited action last season..." Hearing-impaired football fan sues Ohio State July 16, 2009 Source: Akron Beacon Journal - "A hearing-impaired Ohio State University football fan has sued the school, arguing that the university should offer captioning on the scoreboard and stadium televisions because he can't hear the announcers. 'When I go to a game, I'm never able to follow the game,' said Vincent Sabino, 32, of Hilliard. 'It takes away from being a fan. It's a game experience thing.' The lawsuit was filed late last month in federal court in Columbus by the National Association of the Deaf in Silver Spring, Md. The suit says the university is violating the Americans With Disabilities Act by not providing captioning at all its venues, including Ohio Stadium, Schottenstein Center and St. John Arena..."
Who are the Big Ten's home run threats? July 15, 2009 Source: USA Today - "The Big Ten has taken heat in recent years for a lack of speed and explosiveness, but the league certainly has its share of game-changers. Here are a few of them...Ohio State running back Brandon Saine -- Dan Herron likely will get the first shot as the Buckeyes' starter, but most fans can't wait to see a healthy Saine get more carries. Injuries have limited Saine so far in his college career, but he's an extremely explosive back who can do damage in space..." Overrated -- Terrelle Pryor, Ohio State July 14, 2009 Source: CBSSports.com - Brian Stubits, a CBSSports.com Staff Writer, writes in his 'Rating, while waiting through college football's hardest part' online column: "...Overrated -- Terrelle Pryor, Ohio State: I can hear Buckeyes fans everywhere in an uproar, but I'm in the show-me camp with Pryor. My eyes scan stories with him appearing on Heisman watch lists for the coming season. I put on my glasses. He's still there. That's where I get overrated. He still has to prove he can do an essential part of quarterbacking -- pass effectively. In his first season he only attempted more than 20 passes in one game. Not to mention, I'm still having a hard time ignoring back-to-back 5 for 13 games against Michigan and Texas to close out his freshman campaign. Can he be as great as the hype? Surely, but right now I don't see how people get their expectations based off his college track record..." Preseason Consensus Poll: July 14 Update July 14, 2009 Source: Bucknuts - "We have the first edition of the 2009 Preseason Consensus Poll. We look at who the magazines and web sites have ranked as the top teams in college football. We also project the various BCS bowls for the upcoming season, including a familiar face in the title game...Each year, it is my mission in life to produce an ongoing consensus preseason top 25 for college football. The premise is simple: We use the published polls on web sites and in magazines as “votes” in our own consensus poll. Teams ranked No. 1 get 25 points and so on down to one point for those ranked 25th. Today, we open it up with the first edition of the 2009 poll. In this edition, we have top 25 polls from 16 different sources..."  College football's top coaches: Meyer is No. 1 July 13, 2009 Source: Sporting News - Matt Hayes, who covers college football for Sporting News and is an analyst on NFL Network's College writes: "In the aftermath of last year's national title game, Urban Meyer told his friend and kingmaker, athletic director Jeremy Foley, that if Florida landed another big recruiting class a month later, the program would begin to look like USC. There's one big difference: Florida plays for -- and wins -- national titles. No wonder Meyer has overtaken USC's Pete Carroll as the game's best coach. A brief list of why Meyer is the hottest coach in college football:...A look at the nation's best coaches: The top five 1. Urban Meyer, Florida...2. Nick Saban, Alabama...3. Pete Carroll, USC...4. Bob Stoops, Oklahoma...5. Brian Kelly, Cincinnati...Five on the outside: 1. Mack Brown, Texas...2. Les Miles, LSU...3. Jim Tressel, Ohio State: It's hard to argue against five Big Ten championships (outright or shared) in eight seasons and six BCS bowls... 4. Chris Petersen, Boise State...5. Frank Beamer, Virginia Tech..." OK, here’s MY list of the top 10 coaches July 14, 2009 Source: Atlanta Journal Constitution - Mark Bradley writes: "This morning’s post regarding Matt Hayes‘ ranking of the top college football coaches set me to thinking. I said to myself, “need to do a list of your own.” Herewith, the inaugural edition of dumb ol’ MB’s Top 10 Coaches:...1. Urban Meyer, Florida...2. Mack Brown, Texas...3. Jim Tressel, Ohio State: Yeah, I know Ohio State looked awful against Florida and LSU. But the Buckeyes are about to win another BCS title soon enough...4. Nick Saban, Alabama...5. Frank Beamer, Virginia Tech...6. Pete Carroll, Southern Cal...7. Les Miles, LSU...8. Mark Richt, Georgia...9. Paul Johnson, Georgia Tech...10. Bob Stoops, Oklahoma..." Programs struggle to balance budget July 13, 2009 Source: ESPN - "Colleges are not immune to the economy. Teams are being cut and athletic programs are struggling to mend budgets...'We have to cut $7 million over the next two and a half years,' Stanford athletic director Bob Bowlsby said....Across the country, athletic departments are searching for ways to save money...Pac-10 school Washington shut down its men's and women's swimming teams in an attempt to save $1.2 million, which is about half of what the athletic department needs to cut from its budget...Big East member Cincinnati plans to eliminate scholarship funding for three of its men's sports (track, cross country and swimming) over the next four years. The plan will save the school about $400,000 annually...Many schools, including Michigan, Ohio State and Wisconsin, have stopped publishing media guides and recruiting brochures and are instead producing DVDs...Georgia Tech athletic director Dan Radakovich was forced to cut $3.8 million from his department's 2008-09 budget and laid off 13 employees. This coming season, Georgia Tech's football team will travel by bus to road games at Florida State and Vanderbilt...Georgia athletic director Damon Evans, who oversees an $84 million budget, said the Bulldogs' proceeds from football ticket sales have declined between $2.5 million and $3 million this year..." Media gatherings facing the ax July 12, 2009 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "Some leagues decide money is just too tight: The recession is trying to claim yet another casualty, this time one of college football's time-honored traditions. Faced with schools looking to cut costs and a changing media landscape with newspapers and television outlets struggling financially, several college conferences have canceled their annual July football media days. For years, conferences have offered journalists the opportunity to meet face-to-face with coaches, top players and league commissioners for question-and-answer sessions in relatively informal settings. But this summer, Conference USA, the Ohio Valley Conference, Sun Belt Conference and Big Sky Conference are doing away with their in-person gatherings. They'll offer reporters forums such as live video streaming or phone teleconferences as a substitute. 'It's all financial,' said Jon Kasper, the Big Sky's assistant commissioner for media relations..."
Buckeye Banter… July 13, 2009 Source: LeBrowns Town Blog - "After years of condemning the slower style of play in the Big Ten in favor of the fast-paced SEC, media pundits should watch Ohio State closely this season. Finally, Jim Tressel will place plenty of athleticism on the field. Young speedsters on defense- Etienne Sabino, Jermale Hines, Chimdi Chekwa, Devon Torrance, and Thaddeus Gibson- will swarm the ball, make tackles and force turnovers. On offense, sophomore quarterback Terrelle Pryor will have an abundance of athletes to get the ball to. Lesser-experienced receivers DeVier Posey, Lamaar Thomas and Taurian Washington could be primed for breakout seasons. •While some might criticize Tressel and Co. for transitioning to the Pryor Era so early in his career, the decision will demonstrate its rewards over the next two or three seasons. Pryor used his freshman campaign to gain a command of the huddle and locker room, while getting acclimated to the game on the collegiate level. Now, as a sophomore, Pryor’s experience and leadership will make it easier for guys like Posey and Washington to transition into more playing time..." ...this is going to be Rich Rodriguez's last season as the head football coach at the University of Michigan July 12, 2009 Source: Parkersburg News and Sentinel - Parkersburg (WV) News and Sentinel writer David Poe opines: "First, it's pretty obvious to me this is going to be Rich Rodriguez's last season as the head football coach at the University of Michigan. He's not going to win. He's going to end the season with another lopsided loss to Ohio State, this time in the Big House, where there is no sin like losing to the hated Buckeyes. Rodriguez's short tenure at Michigan has been a disaster. The players don't seem to like his style. The alumni hasn't warmed up to him. The administrators who hired him -and who could fire him -were unhappy they were going to have to be deposed in his legal dispute with West Virginia University. Although most coaches get at least three years to prove themselves, I'm convinced Rodriguez is only going to get two. That means he once again will be looking for another coaching job (then again, he always seems to be looking for another coaching job, even when he has a good one.) So what job might be available at the end of the 2009 season? All indications are this could be Mark Snyder's last year at Marshall University..."
Will Hyde Be A Buckeye? July 9, 2009 Source: Bucknuts - "Many Buckeye fans were thinking Naples, Fla., running back Carlos Hyde would be the next Beanie Wells at Ohio State. That may still happen, but it if it does it definitely won't be this coming season...The 6-foot-1 and 240-pound Hyde is similar in size to Wells and has good speed. He picked Ohio State over scholarship offers from Florida, Florida State, Miami, West Virginia and many others. Unfortunately, Hyde has not yet enrolled at Ohio State and the earliest he will do so will be winter quarter. Wells needs to raise his ACT score to qualify academically. 'I have a 16 right now,' Hyde said. 'I need to get a 17. I'm taking a class three days a week for the test. Coach (Jim) Tressel told me once I get my ACT situated I'm good to go.' The next testing is in September, so Wells is hoping to receive at least a 17 and start classes at Ohio State in January. 'I won't be on the field this season," Hyde said. "But I still plan to get up (to Ohio State).'..." Ranking the Big Ten's strength of schedule July 9, 2009 Source: Buckeye Grove - "With each passing day the 2009 college football season is approaching faster and faster, and with plenty of different story lines in the Big Ten there is still plenty to discuss before the season gets underway. One of the biggest determiners on how teams could potentially do each season rests with the strength of scheduling. Perhaps one of the biggest hot button topics in college football today deals with non-conference scheduling and different paths to elite bowl games...BuckeyeGrove.com has you covered by ranking the strengths of schedules of the teams who play in the Big Ten Conference. #1) When a team that is continually hoping to make a push for the national title game year after year and one game could derail those hopes, single games on the schedule become magnified. In Ohio State's case, the matchup with USC on Sept. 12 is enough to put them over the top, particularly because Big Ten teams aren't typically known for going out of their ways to schedule top non-conference opponents. That, combined with road games at Penn State and at Michigan down the stretch gives the Buckeyes the toughest schedule in the conference...#2: Minnesota, #3 Iowa, #4 Illinois, #5 Michigan, #6 MSU, #7 IU, #8 Purdue, #9 Northwestern, #10 Penn State, #11 Wisconsin..." 
Siciliano named QB coach, regrets taking over for friend July 9, 2009 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "Nick Siciliano took a huge step up the career ladder yesterday, officially becoming quarterbacks coach at Ohio State. But he didn't feel like doing cartwheels. He is replacing his mentor and friend, Joe Daniels, the longtime quarterbacks coach who will move to the administrative side of the football program as he continues his fight with cancer. 'I feel very blessed, because there's probably 10,000 people who'd like to be in this chair," Siciliano said. "But I'd be lying to you if I didn't say there was some remorse from the standpoint of I know what Joe Daniels would love to be doing right now. That part breaks my heart, because Joe Daniels is a football coach. He loves this game, just like I do.' Since the spring of 2008, Siciliano, 34, has essentially been serving as quarterbacks coach, especially on the field. The NCAA granted OSU a waiver that allowed the use of two men to do the job while Daniels dealt with his health issues..." Ohio State football announces staff adjustments July 8, 2009 Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer - "Ohio State officially announced a reshuffling of some coaching positions Wednesday, one move promoting a 34-year-old into a position coaching the most important Buckeye on the roster. Of course, Nick Siciliano has been working closely with sophomore quarterback Terrelle Pryor for a year. This announcement officially makes Siciliano, in his fifth year on staff, the quarterbacks coach, while former quarterbacks coach Joe Daniels becomes the associate director for personnel development. That means Daniels will be dealing with people like NFL scouts and high school coaches instead of coaching on the field every day...In other moves, assistant recruiting coordinator Greg Gillum was promoted to director of football operations for player personnel, while administrators Stan Jefferson, Todd Alles and Amy Burgess were given added duties. Also, as previously reported, former Wayne State offensive line coach Keith Uecker, who played at Auburn and for the Green Bay Packers, was named offensive quality control coach, formerly Siciliano's title..." Win or lose, USC game will shape Buckeyes' image July 8, 2009 Source: ESPN - "In his recent rundown of must-see games this season, colleague Bruce Feldman touched on the potential impact of the Ohio State-USC contest for the Buckeyes. It goes without saying that a home loss to the Trojans, especially one by double digits, would further damage Ohio State's national reputation. But Feldman contends that even a victory might not be a major help to the Buckeyes' cause...'I'm not sure this game is as much a proving-ground battle as last year's at USC was for Ohio State. My sense is that if the Buckeyes handle the Trojans here, it'll still be a big win, but not monumental in the pollsters' eyes. It'll be too easy for critics to write it off'...Feldman might be dead-on about the pundits writing off an Ohio State victory. Despite the Buckeyes' recent struggles in national showcase games, they have several factors working in their favor Sept. 12 at Ohio Stadium...It comes down to this: If the Buckeyes knock off USC, they deserve a ton of credit. And if they lose, they deserve plenty of blame (believe me, they'll get it). There's no gray area for the Scarlet and Gray, which makes the matchup all the more exciting..." The Doc's All-Up-and-Coming Team: Defense July 6, 2009 Source: Dr. Saturday - "Here are the rules for this team: All players are second or third-year guys -- no incoming freshmen or junior college transfers -- set to start for the first time this year, or otherwise to contribute heavily after a redshirt year or a season (or two) as a backup. No one on the team was feted with awards or freshman All-America notices, and none has more than a couple career starts; most have none. Because they weren’t "instant impact" types, you won’t find many of these guys near the top of the preseason position lists, but you should expect to be well-acquainted with all of them by this time next year...Linebacker: Etienne Sabino • Ohio State...Three linebackers under Jim Tressel -- Matt Wilhelm, A.J. Hawk, James Laurinaitis -- left as All-Americans and Butkus Award finalists. Sabino comes with more hype than any of them. The main obstacle preventing Galippo's successor at the top of the '08 linebacker crop from the same heights as his predecessors in the middle may be the pesky line of succession: Fifth-year senior Austin Spitler remains at the front of the queue..." Instant Impact: Which Freshmen Step Up in 2009? July 3, 2009 Source: The Silver Bullet - "It is no mystery that the Buckeyes have an incredibly young team with quite a few question marks. This of course opens the door for some of the newcomers to have crack at making an impact right away. In fact, some of the Buckeyes success may depend on how quickly the 2009 class steps up. So let's take a look the top five players that I think have a chance to become season changers: 5. Jack Mewhort - Offensive Line4...Carlos Hyde - Running Back / Fullback...3. Corey Brown - Cornerback...2. Jaamal Berry - Running Back...1. Duron Carter - Wide Receiver..."  Stoneburner gives Buckeyes a new look at tight end July 5, 2009 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "The Dublin Coffman graduate came to Ohio State in the spring of 2008 determined to play receiver. Even with a 6-foot-5, 225-pound frame, he had the speed to play outside and had spent his high school career there, making the All-Ohio first team and playing in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl...He grew right out of receiver. In January, the coaching staff decided his future was at tight end. Tight end. Those words could strike fear in the heart of any self-respecting Ohio State skill player. The position has been marginalized in recent seasons...'My first thought is I didn't want to (move),' Stoneburner said. 'But after talking to the coaches, it made sense...'...And so, once again, there are flickers of hope for the tight ends in the Ohio State offense...'If we can make (Stoneburner and Ballard) threats, that's going to take a little bit of pressure off those younger (receivers),' Tressel said. 'Football is a game of pressure, and if everybody out there is a threat to catch it, that puts more pressure on the defense.' And what makes Stoneburner intriguing is he offers a different look than traditional tight ends. He's working on his blocking techniques, but clearly, he is more of an H-back, receiving tight end than an extra offensive lineman. In spring practice, he ran a number of deep routes, either down the middle or to the corner, and showed a knack for catching over his shoulder on the run. 'I'll be matched up with linebackers and safeties a lot, and I'd like to think most of the time I'd be athletic enough to get around them,' Stoneburner said..."
Chillicothe punter commits to Ohio State July 3, 2009 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "Drew Basil, a kicker-punter from Chillicothe, toured Ohio State yesterday, then became the eighth commitment to the 2010 recruiting class. 'I grew up as an Ohio State fan, and my parents and I had talked about (the possibility of committing) before today,' Basil said. 'But the tour I got, it just made us say 'wow' even more.' Basil, 6 feet 2 and 190 pounds, told coach Jim Tressel his decision in person..."
Ohio State freshman Jaamal Berry has drug charge reduced July 2, 2009 Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer - "Ohio State incoming freshman running back Jaamal Berry had a drug charge in Florida reduced from a felony to a misdemeanor in court today, which should bode well for his future as a Buckeye. According to the standards of conduct policy for the athletic department, players can't play in games while a felony charge is pending. However, the punishment for misdemeanors is left to the discretion of coaches. Berry did report with the other incoming freshman for the start of summer classes on June 22. Records show that last Friday, he entered a written plea of not guilty and the arraignment was waived..." Planned sports training center unites 3 past OSU stars, former Blue Jacket as investors July 2, 2009 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "The idea came to Bobby Carpenter as he worked out at the D1 Sports Training center in Nashville, Tenn., preparing for the 2006 NFL scouting combine and draft. 'I just loved the concept,' the former Ohio State University and current Dallas Cowboys linebacker said of the large, state-of-the-art gym...D1 Sports is a chain created by former University of Tennessee fullback Will Bartholomew...He called his best friend and former Buckeyes teammate, A. J. Hawk, 25, who immediately wanted in. 'Athletes here need a place like this' (said Hawk). The D1 Sports concept is simple: It's a place for serious athletes -- from junior high to the professional level in a wide range of sports -- to train with other serious athletes. Another former OSU football player, Mike Vrabel, 33, former New England Patriots star, who recently was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs...joined Carpenter and Hawk in the business venture...'It's by far the best facility around here outside of Ohio State,' Carpenter added...One of D1's local trainers is Butch Reynolds, a three-time Olympian, a former world record holder in the 400-meter dash and a current strength and conditioning coach for the OSU football team..."
Hawks RB commits to Ohio State July 3, 2009 Source: Fort Wayne Journal Gazette - "Harding running back Rod Smith knows when he’s wanted. He also knows where he fits best. On Wednesday, (he) committed to play for Ohio State in 2010...The decision came during an unofficial visit to Columbus, where Smith watched a summer workout and met with head coach Jim Tressel and running backs coach Dick Tressel...Smith’s father Roger Smith accompanied him during the visit. 'They’re an established team,' Roger Smith said. 'He’ll get a good workout not only on the field, but he’ll have good academics as well, which is the most important thing."...Ohio State has been a favorite of his since the Buckeyes were impressed by Smith at a 7-on-7 camp as a freshman. 'It’s a place where I can improve my skills,' Smith said. 'It’s a place I’m going to work harder than I ever have before.'..." Smith Is A Buckeye July 1, 2009 Source: Buckeye Sports - "The Ohio State Buckeyes got their man on Wednesday when four-star running back Roderick Smith issued a verbal commitment to join their class of 2010...'Just the coaches are great,' he said about OSU. 'Me and the coaches have a great chemistry together. They're easy to talk to. I got a chance to hang out with the players and that was all I needed. That about sealed it.' As for spending time with Pryor, Smith said, 'He’s cool. It’s cool knowing that he’s a big-time college player. I'm glad I'll get a chance to play with him.' Smith's final choice came down to the Buckeyes and Michigan State..." Colin Cowherd ranks Buckeyes fourth for decade July 1, 2009 Source: Cincinnati Enquirer - "'I've been asked so many times since we started the website, 'In your opinion, who are the top college football programs in America?'...Ohio State: Take the good with the bad. Jim Tressel is both a rigid and successful task master and an offensive coach, stuck in the 70’s. Too often the Buckeyes take a lead and play not to lose. Or come in with a game plan, built too heavily weighted on field position and clock management. Today’s game is about velocity, multiple weapons, risk taking, spreading the field. Watch the New England Patriots offense for a lesson. Watch the Buckeyes, and you get a sense that you should be watching from a black and white TV. Flashy and fleet QB Terrell Pryor should help change two things: more offensive explosions and more BCS wins. Expect both..." Ohio State places 10th in national rankings of athletic programs July 1, 2009 Source: Columbus Dispatch - "Ohio State finished 10th in the 2008-09 Directors' Cup standings, a ranking of the nation's most successful athletic departments. Teams that qualify for NCAA championships earn points. Football teams earn points by how they finished in the USA Today poll. Stanford won the competition for the 15th straight year. Tenth place was OSU's highest finish since 2004. The Buckeyes have placed in the top 10 four times previously: in 1997 (tie for eighth), 2001 (sixth), 2003 (third) and 2004 (fourth)." (Webmaster note: Stanford won the award for the 15th straight year with 1455 points. North Carolina was second with 1184.25 points, 11.5 ahead of Florida. Southern California, Michigan, Texas, California, Virginia, LSU and Ohio State rounded out the top 10.) 
2009 Coaching Staff Source: OSU Official Site - Here's a link to the 2009 OSU football coaches page, which includes biographies and information on all of the coaches and assistants.
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