2017 Ohio State vs. the team up north aka Ann Arbor CC Hype Trailer

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OSU's 2013 "ESPN 150" Recruiting Class Targets Could Once Again Push the Buckeyes Ahead of the Wolverines

By HD Handshoe — BlockONation.com Founder


No. 1 Ohio State vs. No. 2 Michigan in the last epic battle of the series. Ohio State won a thriller, 42-39.

Earlier this morning on Twitter, Ann Arbor fan Chad Pelliccioni (@cpelli) replied to my daily Days Until... tweet with apparent disbelief at the suggestion that OSU can (WILL) beat AA this November—specifically citing the current disparity between the two schools' 2013 recruiting classes:

@BlockONation Good luck with that! Nice recruiting class, hahahahahahaa #goblue

— Chad Pelliccioni (@cpelli) June 21, 2012

I then replied:

@cpelli 2012: recruiting.scout.com/a.z?s=73&p=9&c… 2013: recruiting.scout.com/a.z?s=73&p=9&c… AA's is full, while OSU's still has room to catch up & pass AA just like 2012

— BlockONation™ (@BlockONation) June 21, 2012

Chad was adamant in his reply, that AA is ahead for good:

@BlockONation We've got 11 in the ESPN 150, you're not catching up to that.

— Chad Pelliccioni (@cpelli) June 21, 2012

He is correct. AA has the No. 1 rated class according to ESPN, and as of now, that class includes 11 of the ESPN 150 to just six for OSU. Expanding the comparison to the ESPN 300, AA has 15 and OSU has 10.

Overall, AA currently has 22 recruits and OSU has 12, and with a max of 25 slots per the NCAA, that means the Buckeyes have another eight slots or so to fill (due to scholarship reductions levied against OSU from the tatgate fallout), while AA's class is nearly full. While catching and passing AA again may not happen, it is possible.

Despite the fact that I personally believe ESPN recruiting rankings are inferior to both Scout and Rivals, I decided to play along and humor my buddy Chad anyway.

Here is a list of several top recruits in the ESPN 150 (I actually included one player in the top 200) that are considering Ohio State and could indeed give OSU a legit chance at repeating what they did with their 2012 class by committing to the Buckeyes.

Players are listed below as follows:

ESPN rank // Player Name // Position

No. 23 // Robert Foster // WR

No. 26 // Dorian Johnson // OT

No. 38 // Laquon Treadwell // WR

No. 58 // Derrick Green // RB

No. 60 // James Quick // WR

No. 63 // Vonn Bell // S

No. 66 // Alex Anzalone // LB

No. 190 // Shelton Gibson // WR

I won't kid myself here, or you either. Not every player listed above is going to commit to OSU, but six or seven of them might—and if they do, the Buckeyes 2013 class, which ESPN currently has ranked No. 7, will undoubtedly soar exponentially—possibly ahead of every team up to, and including, AA.

One thing is for sure—Brady Hoke and Urban Meyer are both succeeding at a high level on the recruiting trail, and when these players meet on the field in the coming seasons on the last Saturday in November, you can bet everybody will be watching.

Despite which team ultimately wins The Game this season and beyond (cough, Ohio State, cough...), the return of the greatest rivalry in sports (conceivably comparable to the days of yesteryear when Woody and Bo were pacing the sidelines) is a win-win for every fan of college football.

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Buckeyes Blast Boilermakers, Set Up Tourney Semi-Final Against Ann Arbor

The Ohio State Buckeyes basketball team pulled away in the 2nd half of Friday nights B1G quarter-final game for a much easier win over Purdue than in the last meeting in Columbus, where the Buckeyes escaped a near upset with an 87-84 win.

Jared Sullinger grabbed 12 boards and paced OSU with a season-high 30 points to lead all Buckeye scorers, followed by Deshaun Thomas with 22, William Buford and Lenzelle Smith Jr with 11 each, and Aaron Craft with 10 points, as No. 7 Ohio State dropped Purdue, 88-71.



With the win, Ohio State advances to Saturday's semi-finals where they will face that hated team from the north at 4:00PM. The season series, and more importantly, where one of the B1G Tournament Championship game finalists will be decided.

On January 29th, OSU cruised to a 64-49 home victory over Ann Arbor, but in their February 18th meeting in Ann Arbor, the Buckeyes never led and fell, 56-51, to a then-undefeated-at-home AA squad.

The public address announcer threw a little gas on the flames of the already-heated rivalry when true freshman, Trey Burke — Sullinger's HS teammate — was introduced to the fired-up AA crowd as "The pride of Columbus, Ohio."

Winning on the road in the B1G is no easy task, so it's no huge surprise the Buckeyes lost a close one in AA.

Now on a neutral court and with a trip to the title game on the line, we'll see who truly stands as the pride of Columbus on Saturday at 4PM.

Burke, like most AA players from OHIO, is very talented, but Saturday, the smart money is on Sullinger.

Follow HD @BlockONation on Twitter.

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The Raw Score: Talking Buckeye Football with John Pentagon, The Greek, and Coach Bart (2/24/2012)

I was recently the featured guest on The Raw Score, a great new sports talk show on TalkRadio99.com that airs nightly from 6-7PM.

The show was founded by the same guys (John, Joe and Bart) that brought you TheBestDamnPoll.com. If you're looking for the best forums on the web to talk college football, get over to the TBDPITL forums now!

We hit on several topics — including new head coach Urban Meyer, Braxton Miller's future, recruiting, and the renewal of the greatest rivalry in sports, Ohio State/Michigan.

Check out the show right here, then post your thoughts and feedback on Twitter, or right here with LIVE, REAL-TIME commenting from Livefyre!



Follow HD @BlockONation on Twitter.

Follow The Raw Score @TheRawScore on Twitter.

Follow TBDPITL @BestDamnPoll on Twitter.

Follow Bart @Bart_CFN on Twitter.

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Ohio State—Ann Arbor Highlights (Week 13, Game 12 - 11/26/2011)

In the midst of all the Urban Meyer to Ohio State news, we inadvertently overlooked posting the Ohio State @ Ann Arbor highlights.

Despite the narrow defeat to Ann Arbor -- Ohio State's first (and last for a while) since the 2003 season -- the young Buckeyes, led by true freshmen QB Braxton Miller, fought hard and were never out of the game -- unfortunately coming up just a little bit short in the end, 40-34.

Ann Arbor fans better enjoy this one, because the young, yet talented Bucks are trending upwardly and with Urban Meyer taking over at Ohio State, the talent pool is only going to get deeper -- meaning Ann Arbor can expect another long Buckeye winning streak to commence in 2012, 349 days from today.

Now, without further delay, here are the Ohio State-Ann Arbor game highlights.



This Ohio State-Purdue highlight video was produced by lednerk and is brought to you exclusively by BlockONation.

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The Rivalry: Ohio State vs. Michigan HBO Documentary

From 2006, the HBO documentary about the rivalry.

If you missed it, watch it. It is must see!














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Ohio State-TTUN: Big Ten Network Video Preview of THE GAME

Photo Gallery: Throwbacks for the Ohio State vs. Michigan Game

Here were the original leaked images:

Ohio State 1954 Helmet



Here's a sneak-peek of the jersey design that was posted on TwitPic.
For the record, there is no confirmation.
This may not be the throwback jersey that will be worn.




Here is the official photo direct from the Ohio State Buckeyes website:



See Full Photo Gallery Here

The Michigan Game Uniforms are Tribute to 1954 Ohio State National Champs. All Photos are property of and originate from The Ohio State Buckeyes Official Athletics Site - OhioStateBuckeyes.com

Leaked Picture Posted by 11Warriors Shows Entire Ohio State Throwback Uniform, White Helmet and All

Here's the image that was first posted on ElevenWarriors.com.



I personally think this uni is BADASS!

Here is a photoshopped image from DavesDynamicDesigns.com, featuring Terrelle Pryor in the 1954 throwback uniform.



Looks pretty sweet to me Dave!

It's Official: Ohio State to Wear 1954 Throwback Uni's on November 21 in Ann Arbor

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UPDATE -- November 18th, 2009

CLICK HERE FOR OSU-UM PREVIEW AND FULL 1954 THROWBACKS GALLERY

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COLUMBUS, Ohio – A statement from Ohio State director of athletics Gene Smith:

"During spring, 2009, Ohio State was invited by Nike to participate in its Rivalry uniform program with several other universities from around the nation. They offered us a chance to try a new uniform product featuring cutting-edge fabrics and technology; participation in the program also offered us a one-time opportunity to salute one of those great championship teams that have built the Ohio State football tradition.

Our coaches and players were excited to see the different elements Nike presented in the prototype designs and samples. The uniform elements are still in production, and we are extremely eager to see the finished product when it arrives.

For this special program, we chose to recognize the achievements of our undefeated 1954 national championship team, winning the Big Ten title outright before capturing a Rose Bowl victory. These great Buckeyes celebrated their 55th anniversary with us at the Minnesota game, and this is another way for us to pay homage to their stellar achievements.

Our fans will be able to get the first look at these unique uniforms on Sunday, Nov. 15, when we will share photos of the finished product on our website OhioStateBuckeyes.com. Fans can also take a look at the actual uniform up close that week in our official Team Shop in the Schottenstein Center. And our team will wear these custom designs when the Buckeyes take the field Nov. 21 up north in Ann Arbor.

Again, this is a one-time opportunity to honor a great championship team. We have no plans to make any changes to the traditional Buckeye uniform for the foreseeable future."


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Looking Back—Michigan Football 2008

Written by HD Handshoe
Founder—BlockONation


Who doesn't love a wonderful trip down Memory Lane?

Well, a Michigan fan for one, when the walk leads them back to reliving the nightmare that was their 2008, three win, nine loss season.

Yes, you did have three glorious wins a year ago (Miami (OH), Wisconsin, and Minnesota), but what fun would it be for me to revisit those?

Exactly right—none.

So, that being said, I'm a Buckeye fan and this is a Buckeye site, so allow me to lead the choir as we rejoice in the pain and suffering that was 2008 Michigan football.




Yes, Utah ended their great 2008 season at 13-0 and beat former No. 1 Alabama 31-17 in the Sugar Bowl.

But that doesn't change the fact that before this game, UM fans were predicting that their Wolverines would win in a rout.

Whoops...




Notre Dame barely qualified for a bowl game and they lost to lowly Syracuse.

There was also lots of talk about Charlie Weis being fired before, during, and after the season, yet they still dominated the Wolverines 35-17.




Illinois took a few steps back in 2008, losing a total of five games, including losses to Minnesota, Wisconsin and National Powerhouse Western Michigan.

That didn't stop them from taking UM to the woodshed in Ann Arbor.

Juice Williams had a career day vs. the marshmallow Michigan "D".




Another home game—another huge home loss, this time to MAC doormat Toledo.

Prior to this embarrassing loss, UM had a perfect 24-0 record vs. the MAC. If there is a silver lining, at least the Rockets are technically a DI / FCS team, but this still put another black-eye on the Big Ten, courtesy of the Wolverines.

Oh wait, the Big Ten's national perception is all the fault of the Buckeyes for losing to top five teams.

My bad...




This game featured Michigan's finest half of football all year as they actually led the Nittany Lions 17-14 at halftime.

That short-lived lead quickly evaporated as this game truly was a tale of two halves.

Penn State took over the game and ultimately crushed UM, 46-17.




Many Michigan fans will tell you that Michigan State, not Ohio State, is their true and most hated rival because they are from the same state.

If that is indeed true (which it's not), then the 35-21 defeat to your "biggest rival" must still sting, huh?




At least this was a road loss, but still, an epic fail. Purdue was worse than Michigan was last year. I mean, c'mon. No matter how you slice it, they are still Purdue.

I know that some UM fans are sure to fire back that Ohio State almost lost to Purdue. Really, because last I checked, the final was 16-3. Ohio State.

Certainly it was far from a great performance by the Buckeyes offensively, but Purdue scored three points and gained less than 300 yards, while against UM, they scored 48 points and gained over 500 yards. Not to mention this was UM's fifth straight loss




The home field at Michigan Stadium wasn't all too kind to UM last year.

Northwestern came to town and while they didn't blow Michigan away, they pulled away in the second half, holding Michigan scoreless.

The Wildcats left Ann Arbor with a 21-14 win in the Big House.

Even in a down year for UM, Pat Fitzgerald still loved adding that to his resume.

I mean, you are still Michigan,........aren't you?




What can I say that hasn't already been said? The Bucks currently own UM, period. I will give Michigan credit for hanging in there in the first half of this game, as they only trailed 14-7.

But then, much like the Penn State game, the Buckeyes unloaded on UM in the second half and the wheels came off en route to their fifth straight loss to the Buckeyes and their seventh in eight years to Jim Tressel.

2001—Ohio State 26, UM 20
2002—Ohio State 14, UM 9
2003—UM 35, Ohio State 21
2004—Ohio State 37, UM 21
2005—Ohio State 25, UM 21
2006—Ohio State 42, UM 39
2007—Ohio State 14, UM 3
2008—Ohio State 42, UM 7

I know UM fans want to believe that they will beat Ohio State again, sooner than later, but I honestly just can't see it before 2012 or 2013.

I can't wait for the hate!


Here's a couple pre-2008 oldies, but goodies!
Who says you can't kick them when they're down?







Sorry UM fans but I already stuck the knife in. I may as well give it a twist while I'm at it for good measure.

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Hopefully you enjoyed this flashback.

If you didn't, you're most likely a thin-skinned UM supporter who must have forgotten about the 2-10-1 "John Cooper for UM MVP" years.

I must admit, I have very little no sympathy for you.



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Michigan Football Forecast 2009: Mostly Cloudy With a Chance of Failure

by HD Handshoe
Founder
BlockONation.com


Following what was essentially the worst season ever for Michigan football, the 2009 outlook isn't much better for Rich Rodriguez and his Wolverines in year two of his reign.

Overall, it's been stormy in Ann Arbor for the better part of the last two seasons.

With several embarrassing and/or lop-sided losses—especially those home losses to Appalachian State and Toledo—things have to get better, and soon, right?

Oh, and then there's that little matter of the Buckeyes having won five straight and seven of eight under Jim Tressel.




With the arrival of new quarterback and UM savior Tate Forcier (I am a Buckeye fan so please detect the sarcasm), maybe 2009 will get a little bit better.

But then, it really can't get much worse after a 3-9 season, can it?



2009 UM Schedule and Game Breakdown

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Week One

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Michigan vs. Western Michigan

Prediction: Michigan had never lost to a MAC team before losing to Toledo in 2008. Michigan will wish they had WMU QB Tim Hiller when lightning strikes twice in consecutive seasons and the Broncos pull off the very mild upset, and I do mean mild.

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Week Two

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Michigan vs. Notre Dame

Prediction: Michigan barely showed up for the game in South Bend last year, losing by three scores. It could be closer this year since the game is in Ann Arbor, but Notre Dame will be more improved this year than Michigan and should send the Wolverines to an 0-2 start.

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Week Three

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Michigan vs. Eastern Michigan

Prediction: Michigan makes it rounds across the state for yet another directional school from TSUN (that state up North). This time, they finally found one more pathetic than themselves to play and will get their first win of the season, bringing their record up to 1-2. I'm so confident this is a lock for UM that I'd bet on it, (as long as no money was on the line).

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Week Four

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Michigan vs. Indiana

Prediction: As bad as Michigan has been recently, there is no weaker BCS program in the Big Ten and quite possibly the nation than Indiana. Back to back cupcakes on the schedule should translate into back to back wins for UM and a 2-2 record.

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Week Five

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Michigan @ Michigan State

Prediction: The Spartans spanked Michigan 35-21 in the Big House a year ago. Even with the departure of Javon Ringer and Brian Hoyer, I believe the Spartans will win nine games again in 2009. This years game is in East Lansing and I just don't think Michigan will be improved enough to beat MSU on the road, dropping them to 2-3.

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Week Six

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Michigan @ Iowa

Prediction: The Wolverines didn't face Shonn Greene and Iowa in 2008 but will travel to Iowa City this season. Greene is gone but running back Jewel Hampton and quarterback Ricki Stanzi, along with a crazy-loud crowd in Kinnick Stadium, will prevail. Iowa could actually challenge for the Big Ten title this year. Michigan, not so much. The Hawkeyes victory will drop the Wolverines to 2-4.

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Week Seven

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Michigan vs. Delaware State

Prediction: Michigan looks to avoid another loss to an FCS opponent as Delaware State comes to town. I don't know much about the 2009 Delaware State Hornets other than they went 5-6 in 2008. Another cupcake should equal another win, bringing Michigan's record to 3-4.

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Week Eight

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Michigan vs. Penn State

Prediction: Michigan actually kept it close for a little bit vs. PSU in 2008 but in the end, Clark and Royster were too much and the Wolverines folded like lawn chairs, 46-17. It will be more of the same in 2009 and UM will drop to 3-5.

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Week Nine

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Michigan @ Illinois

Prediction: Quarterback Juice Williams had one of his biggest games of the year in Michigan Stadium as the Illini thumped the Wolverines 45-20 last season. Williams returns along with star wide-out Arrelious Benn and running backs Daniel Dufrene and Jason Ford. The game is in Champaign and UM dropping to 3-6 is all but an absolute certainty.

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Week 10

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Michigan vs. Purdue

Prediction: In the 2008 Big Ten "No-defense Bowl", Purdue out slugged Michigan 48-42 in West Lafayette in Joe Tiller's final season. I'm not sure Purdue has much "Hope" to win four games this season. Even If they do, this won't be one of them and Michigan will improve to 4-6.

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Week 11

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Michigan @ Wisconsin

Prediction: Michigan beat Wisconsin, 27-25 in 2008 but this year, they play in Madison. Camp Randall is one of the toughest stadiums to play in as the visiting team. Ohio State eked out a win over an average Badgers team last season. Wisconsin was the better team, but choked a year ago. They will be better in 2009, while Michigan will be about the same. That fact, and the crowd will be the difference as Michigan will drop to 4-7.

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Week 12

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Michigan vs. Ohio State

Prediction: As noted above, Ohio State has won five in a row over Michigan and Coach Jim Tressel boasts a 7-1 record over the most hated team North of Ohio. This all comes down to Terrelle Pryor. Ohio State won the recruiting battle for him last year and as long as he is running the show Columbus, it's extremely unlikely that UM wins again in this series. If the world truly ends in 2012, Wolverine fans will never see their team beat the Buckeyes again. I was right though: 4-8 is a little better than 3-9.

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