Eleven Warriors

I've seen a few partial panic-mode posts the last few days regarding the shape of our 2014 recruiting class, so I thought this blog was worth making.

Here are your reasons why you shouldn't freak out about the 2014 class:
1) It's April 16th (as of midnight), that means there are around 10 more months until National Signing Day
2) OSU went undefeated last season, how many times in your life have you been able to say that?
3) Our coach is Urban Meyer
4) We might miss on Hand and Peppers -- but hey, we didn't have a single player in the Rivals Top 25 last year, and yet we still managed the #2 class overall. Who says you need to have the top few players to have an elite class?
5) This time last year: we had 8 commits.
Right now: we have 7 commits.
16 of our 24 commits from the consensus #2 overall 2013 class came after today's date last year. This year will be a smaller class -- with that in mind, we're actually right on schedule! The season will bring victories, and with those victories recruits; so fear not, Urban always gets his man!*

*Or a reasonable approximation of, or a better version (see Mike Mitchell vs Alex Italian-Name-Guy) of; the point being, even if Urban doesn't get his first target, the nature of HS football/the camp cycle, is that a whole lot of new targets will develop. Coaches will be fired and resign, causing recruits to decommit. And OSU will once again be a preeminent program, drawing in recruits who otherwise might have gone elsewhere. The night is young! Feel free to add your own reasons to my list!

"As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another."
Proverbs 27:17

There is some dissension among OSU fans regarding whether being a "true OSU fan" means that we should root for UM to lose in every situation: lose every game environment, lose every recruiting battle, lose every bit of media exposure -- or whether being a "true OSU fan" allows for wanting a great UM team, who performs at an elite level, recruits at an elite level, and wins at an elite level, with the exception of the last game in November against OSU. 

I tend to be in the second camp, especially these days. OSU's strength of schedule relies on a competent, even elite UM team. Winning a #1 vs #2 OSU-UM game secures a trip to the National Title game in a way that a #2 OSU beating an unranked Michigan game can't necessarily. I also root for an elite Michigan team because I honestly loved the entertainment value of games like the 2006 "Game of the Century" that pitted an heroic #1 OSU team against an excellent #2 Michigan team. What's more, that victory satisfied me much more than the 14-3 or 42-7 OSU wins the following two years. I want a GREAT Michigan team, because beating an historically great Michigan team means an historically greatER OSU team. Beating an historically great Michigan team often means a Nat'l Title trip. Beating an historically great Michigan teams mean our OSU team is prepared to beat an historically great SEC team. 

While getting a Top 3 recruiting class doesn't secure an elite Michigan team in the future, player development is significant, it does push them in that direction -- in the same way that landing the consensus #2 recruiting class last year pushes OSU in that direction.

Where do you stand on this? OSU or Michigan fans alike are welcome to chime in. Does a great Michigan team help OSU? 

SUNDAY

The first Oval beach day was ruined by an Oval beached whale.

And following its second threat notification within a week, the OSU police opened investigations into a suspicious package seen on Chat Roulette, the pool drowning death of a SIMS character, and a mean YouTube comment made by user "BuckIH8er."

MONDAY

A class of '82 alumnus began wishing time and change wouldn't show.

Les Wexner purchased the naming rights to President E. Gordon Wexner.

Ohio State's two least coordinated students attempted to throw around a Frisbee.

Evan Ravenel signed a book deal.

Those who stayed came in second.

And the Big Ten proved it was the best basketball conference that will still exist next year.

TUESDAY

Ohio State banned being on the Oval.

An Oval preacher briefly considered going with "Jesus loves you" before settling on "I'm better than you."

Initiated fraternity pledges were relieved to finally be completely conformed.

And students across campus really struggled to pull off working on laptops outside.

WEDNESDAY

Yep, the first class was skipped.

Ohio forgot how to do weather correctly.

The Lantern unveiled its new website.

And a WALK ZONE sign was knocked over by a bike.

Thursday

OSU announced the High St. McDonald's renovation would result in two new dorms for 2014.

The Oval ceramic art sale LLC failed to reach its projected annual revenue of $8.

North Campus dining aimed missiles at South.

OSU Student Wellness began offering free lap dance vouchers redeemable anywhere.

A meal at Woody's tavern required the use of 31 napkins.

And Kendrick Lamar performed at OSU despite his weariness of rapping for college kids who drink to his song that's against drinking.

FRIDAY

Prospective OSU students at Go Buckeye day learned that once you Go Buckeye, you never go back.

Our review of a math professor's proof demonstration found it was boring, could have been shorter.

And Braxton Miller changed his hair again.

SATURDAY

The spring game proved which players cared least about potentially injuring teammates.

The spring game was delayed after players and coaches tried to decide if they even wanted to do this.

Following a sack/fumble, Cardale Jones decided he preferred playing school.

And the scarlet team received "Spring Game Champions 1-0" rings to commemorate their victory.

For more fake campus news, be sure to follow The Fake Lantern on twitter or facebook and check out TheFakeLantern.com and bookmark all of those and always click on those bookmarks.

CINCINNATI, OH - While this year's edition of Buckeye-on-Buckeye football will take place in Cincinnati instead of the Shoe, the story is the same. Ohio State's coaches want to see which players care least about the possibility of injuring a teammate.

While most are expected to play it safe, there are certain players who may end up taking hits too far. But according to one coach, that's exactly what the team needs. "Sure I want to see how our new linebackers can hold up in a game simulation against a versatile quarterback," said second year OSU football coach Urban Meyer. "But what I really want to know is - would Noah Spence kill Braxton Miller if I let him? I think he would." Added Meyer, "Beh-hehhehheh!"

This gladiatorial attitude may seem crazy to some, but probably not to those who attended Ohio State's student appreciation day open practice. According to an anonymous source, David Perkins' brutal hit on Brutus Buckeye during that practice was literally a hit in that Brutus' name had been added to an alleged "team hit list" earlier that day. When asked for comment, Meyer mysteriously whispered, "That was just practice."

As far as who will make the spring game hit list, that remains to be seen - but based on Meyer's comments - you can bet Braxton's name is on there. And everyone else's.

As a resident of the city of Cincinnati I felt it my responsibility to clue some of my fellow 11Ws into Cincinnati Do's especially when it comes to the downtown area.

Parking

I'd surmise a vast majority will be driving and returning to their respective cities.  As such parking will be some what interesting.

Here's where I'd park

1. The Reds/ Bengals parking facility.  $10 for the day, I called.  Its usually $20 for Reds games. 
2. Parking is also available at Fountain Square which is a bit of a walk but for only $5.00 per 8 hrs. 
3. Park on the Kentucky side at Newport on the Levee and walk the Purple People Bridge over.  Should be fairly nice and let the kids expel some energy.  This is probably a 1-2 mile walk though.  This is also the home of the Newport Aquarium if you have little ones.  Adults can usually get through it in a couple hours.  I'd look for discount tickets if you plan on going.

Food

Being Cincinnati you have vast choices in a very up and coming area around The Banks Projects.  I'll try to hit the major points and work my way away from the stadium.

Moerlein Lager House

1. Yardhouse - Just opened.  200 beers on tap and a full menu.  Food is pretty good from my lone visit and I've yet to hear a negative review.  The place is like an upscale BW3. 
2. Moerlien Lager House - Legendary Cincinnati beer which just opened the restaurant last year.  Love the building and the views.  They only serve local and their own beer so no actual "brand" names.
3. Tin Roof/ Holy Grail.  These are between items 1 and 2 and are your typical bars with your typical bar food.  Holy Grail is a take from the old Holy Grail on UC's campus and Tin Roof is a island themed country bar with cheap beer. 
4. Skyline- corner of 4th and Sycamore.  This is Cincinnati Chili.  Id go with a three-way (noodles, chili, and cheese)  Warning if you've not had it before and dont have a stomach of steel and plan on driving back I hope you have the Rest Area's mapped out. 
5. Montgomery Inn (Boathouse) - Although this is not the original much like the Morelien house above the building is impressive.  I'd call ahead for reservations.  The weekends are when they do the majority of their business and be sure to request a table in over looking the river.
6. Montgomery Inn (Original) - Again same as above but the original location.  This is on your way back to Columbus and the amount of sports memorabilia is staggering.  Worth a look if you have time.  Also the neighbor is nice, quite the small town feel while being fairly close to the city.
7. Haufbrau Haus - (Kentucky Side) German style beer is giant mugs with German food.  Always a good time but smoking is allowed as is dancing on the benches.  I could go into stories but theres not enough hours in the day.  Smoking is allowed.
8. Nada - Gourmet Mexican food.  Get the fish and pork belly tacos with their margaritas.  I usually sit at the bar.  If you go you'll know why.  Make reservations especially as it gets late this place gets packed. 
9. Nicholson's - Whiskey/ Scotch bar.  Claim to be the original gastropub in the city.  Great whiskey selection but my meals here have be Ok.
10. Via Vite - Gourmet Italian food.  I've had numerous business dinners here luckily not getting the tab.  It does not matter what you get here, its going to be good, but you're going to pay for it.
11. Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse - Much like Via Vite, its good and you're going to pay for it but man are the steaks good.  Just voted Cincinnati's best restaurant.  Local restaurateur Jeff Ruby has 3 steakhouses (Precinct, Jeff Rubys, and Carlo and Johnnys, Yes in that order per the recent Best of Cincinnati ratings).  I get the chili rub filet and sides.  Mouth is watering just thinking about it. Need reservations.
12. Senate, A Tavola (Wood-Fired Pizza/ Italian), Abigal Street (Tapas), Bakersfield (Tacos, Tequilia), Lavomatic (American).  These are put together because they are all on the same block and do their respective cuisine well.  I'm going to suggest Senate because it is my favorite.  Gourmet Hot Dogs (oxymoron I know) named after famous people, the Lindsey Lohan is really a hot mess, but a delicious hot mess.  Went last Friday had a James Franco, all beef hot dog, brioche bun, shredded braised short ribs, beer and cheese sauce and tempura fried broccoli.  Go with the mussels to start off.  I cant say enough about this place but the surrounding restaurants are as good as well for their crafts.  Be prepared to wait though.  No matter the time of day there will probably be a line.  Also The Lackman is down the street so you can get a cocktail and they'll call you when your table is ready. 
13. Gordos Burgers - Norwood - Getting away from downtown this place is what you want a burger spot to be.  Multiple different burgers and a rotating beer list. 
14. Brew River GastroPub - Cajun/ NOLA  Just went last week and its worth it.  Great local beer selection but it does lean a bit on the pricey side.
15. Terrys Turf Club - Mainly here because it was Diners Drive Inn's and Dives.  Take your pick of burgers and enjoy the americana around you.  Tiny place, be prepared to wait unless you get here around 3 in the afternoon.
16. Blue Ash Chili just because it's Cincinnati I need to have chili options.  This too was on the DDD as mentioned above and they have a signed plaque to prove it.  Apparently the Greek salad is excellent.  I've always done the three way and cheese coney.  Its on the way back to Columbus and you get off at the Kings Island exit and turn left. 

Gordo's Pub in Norwood

Also of Note - The Old Kentucky Bourbon Bar in Mainstrasse, regularly has bottles of Pappy Van Winkle for consumption.  Also a good area with some good night life.  Smoking is allowed. 

While you're in Kentucky it's worthwhile to check out Party Source, or as I've referred to it the Wal-Mart of alcohol.  This place will blow your mind if you've not been before.  Be prepared to walk out with something or many somethings though.

The Horseshoe Casino is open but much like the Columbus Hollywood table limits are up to $25 for the weekends.  I have not been but have heard good things about the food and the experience minus the other gamers in there.  It has been open for around a month so it should still have that new car smell.

If you have questions feel free to shoot away.  I'm sure I'll be on here the next 3 days.

Happy Travels.

Go Bucks.

After reading in Gene's Quick Bits thread that Marshon Lattimore plans to visit Michigan (not a huge surprise), it got me to thinking about the sort of meltdown many fans might have if we miss on Lattimore this year -- not to mention, if Michigan were to get him haha. I feel a bit spoiled in the sense that it seems like every year lately between Coaches Meyer and formerly Tressel (both excellent recruiters, both largely engineering high points in OSU football win-wise) we manage to snag almost all of the top 5-10 Ohio talents. There have been some misses: we all remember he-who-must-not-be-Kalised, for example. Also, in doing some quick research I found that 2010 was arguably the year we missed out on the most Ohio talent in recent memory (only grabbed 3 of the top 20 Ohioans that year) -- but we did manage to land some underrated out-of-staters who've since been terrific (Big Hank, Bradley Roby, etc).

I was wondering what, if any, Ohioans you feel like are essential gets for this particular class? Either by team needs or in securing top Ohio talent in general?

List of Rivals' current ranking of Ohio talent:
http://rivals.yahoo.com/ohiostate/football/recruiting/rankings/rank-3214;_ylt=Atl2gjbC58XdPiB79S7XuZx2tJB4

^Couple of points of interest to me:
*I was suprised how much higher they have Nick Richardson (who OSU has not offered) ranked than Marcelys Jones
*Nilijah Ballew is an interesting prospect -- and one that I haven't heard almost anything about to this point; might be one of those late risers ala Gareon Conley last year.

1. I would rather have an appendectomy without anesthetic than root for AACC. Thank you Louisville! Why didn't you do that last year, Kansas?

2. What I take away from the tournament as a whole is the role of three point shooting. There are many reasons why teams win or lose but what struck me this year was the ability to shoot or defend the perimeter. Harvard shot 44% from long; New Mexico 21%. WSU hit five threes in a row against Gonzaga and was blistering in the first half against us. We hit 50% against ISU and AZ and won on threes; and laid bricks in our last game. MI beat KS because of late threes; Lville beat WSU because Henderson and Hancock got hot. The Cardinals won the title because they shot threes better than they shot layups.

I think this is partly true because players are better shooters than they used to be and because three is worth more than two so it is a strategy. But I think it also laziness on the part of offenses and defenses. It is easier to step back than try to break down a defense. And for all the talk of the Buckeyes' great perimeter defense the scarlet and grey were not very good at it, sagging off of guys who were out there to bomb away, not recovering quickly enough. I know that defense takes huge amounts of energy and a team needs to gamble on what to give up but IMHO what the Buckeyes need to work on most for next year is really defending the line.

3.  In looking at next year I'm not understanding why scUM is getting so little love. They are not likely to lose all their team, just Burke and Hardaway. And while those are big losses OSU lost a POY and was better the next year; lost Diebler and Lighty and went to the Final Four; Sullinger and Buford and went to the Elite Eight. MI has a lot more waiting to fill in the holes than OSU did, with Albrecht and LeVerte already ready to take over point; and a cast of  freshmen and sophomores who are going to be murder next year. MI also has 5 seniors and while 2 might be walk-ons that's three spots guaranteed to open plus as many more as leave early. If Beilein recruits for 2014 the way he has the last two years as painful as it is to say it the Wolverines are going to be next year what IN was supposed to be this year (I'd take McGary over Zeller).

4. I grossly underestimated OSU this year. I looked at the returning parts and the single part coming in and saw trouble. Matta got maximum return from this roster, methinks. Unless new recruits prove better as froshes than recent ones have (Craft and Sully excepted) I don't see a #8 team next year. The talk is that Ross will seamlessly replace Tank but though Q's performance statistically was on par with Thomas' this year he was not doing it as the focus of every team's defensive plan and was not doing it for 30+ minutes per game. Unless he can fill Thomas' shoes or unless points come from new players next year's squad is going to be scoring challenged.

We also absolutely need to upgrade at center. We got no offense from that spot; the guys we put there fouled too much and intimidated too little. Williams without Ravenel is going to be that much weaker. Is Williams going to finally become a player? Will McDonald decide that he wants playing time? Will a new guy be the answer? I can't see us as Top 10 or even Top 20 unless and until we get answers.

5. The forgotten art of team basketball. The Buckeyes need to learn the patience and togetherness on offense that they learned on defense. We had four games that literally came down to the final shot. Only against AZ did the ball go to a proven scorer who had been open. Two of those games ended in losses. Too often I watched Buckeyes grab a rebound inside and then try to force shots against traffic, too often with bad results (Louisville did that far too much last night too). Just because you have the ball does not mean you should be shooting. Twice in the closing minutes of the Shockers game Thomas grabbed a rebound and then tried to bring the ball upcourt himself, I assume because he was afraid that if he gave it up he would not get it back, and twice he got stripped. No, Tank, No!!! Get the ball to someone who is open, or to Craft or Scott and reset the offense. I was not troubled as much by the long shots we took early against WSU because most of them were open looks we should have made - what troubled me more was the forces inside against three defenders. The same way Sullinger kept trying without success to break down Withey last year. The team will be stronger  if they support their teammates and work with team strengths, keeping in mind that if something is not working find something else to do. Kenpom liked our offense - I probably saw more of it than he did and I think it needs to be more efficient still.

Sunday

Sources discovered that the campus dining location 'Burritos' is apparently run by middle schoolers from the year 2007.

Monday

We changed our twitter name to "The Lantern" and tricked some poor souls into thinking Braxton Miller might transfer because April fools.

Campus Reds fans were glad they didn't have to watch another baseball game again until the playoffs.

And OSU Student Wellness began straight up offering free roofies.

Tuesday

Curl Drive was converted to one giant crosswalk.

PAD introduced new delivery vehicles due to complaints that their old vehicles' backup beeps were unnecessary.

An Indians fan's jersey was not a current player.

And The Society For The Correct Usage Of 'Sigma' protested GRΣΣK Week.

Wednesday

Following the emergency alert of a threat to cafeterias posted on a fantasy/roll playing website, OSU's annual "Best Day Of Your Life" was downgraded to "Decent Day."

A LARPer chose the absolute worst day to bring his sword to lunch.

Embarrassed police realized the threat was posted on a fantasy site.

And the block meal plan system and food itself proved to be the only crimes committed in a cafeteria on campus.

Thursday

An Oval Quidditch match victory resulted in 50 points for Haverfield House.

And Aaron Craft announced he would enter the NBA draft.

Friday

Football players were nervous about having to play in front of people the next day.

Deshaun Thomas announced he would be forgoing his senior season to enter medical school.

Jared Sullinger announced he would be returning for his senior season.

A student running to class was judged by hundreds.

And Ohio State's World's Longest Barbeque event aimed to help cure cancer, cause heart disease.

Saturday

Sibs Weekend revealed that the weird roommate's sibling was actually also pretty weird.

Football players really appreciated being appreciated so much on student appreciation day.

Deshaun Thomas attended a fencing match.

And students who attended Woodfest woke up just in time to attend Chittshow.

For more fake campus news, be sure to follow The Fake Lantern on twitter or facebook and check out TheFakeLantern.com and get a tattoo that says "The Fake Lantern" on your forehead.

No, really. There are flames and it's hot and OUCH.

So, Derek has accepted a new position and will be taking his talents to Scout Beach. It all happened so quickly and we're very excited for him – he'll bring a fantastic skill set to his role working under Bill Greene.

We're also a bit frustrated, because if you know anything about the major Ohio State subscription sites, Bucknuts/247 is the Hatfields to Buckeye Sports Bulletin/Scout's McCoys. The Hatfields made a move last week, and the McCoys answered. Thanks, eternally feuding pay sites!

So Miles is the last man on Moon Base Alpha but he's a good man and he'll deftly hold things down through this big recruiting weekend, letting you know the moment the class of 2014 grows.

And we have insurance!

We'll be announcing the addition of an all-state talent within days. This person should be up and running ahead of the Spring Game next weekend. And as of this writing, we have over 50 applications – many stellar – to become our third recruiting analyst. We are still collecting applications for the open analyst position, so if you or someone you know might be interested, let us know.

Please join me in congratulating Derek and thanking him for his time and effort.

Interview by Curt Heinrichs

Curt Heinrichs 1) Starting at the beginning, how did you get into wrestling?

Nick Heflin - When I was younger I was extremely hyper and my poor mom could not take me. She heard from another mother that wrestling would tire out her son , thus my wrestling career began.

CH 2) You were a 2 time finalist and state champion at Massillon Perry. How did wrestling in DI in Ohio prepare you for wrestling in the Big Ten?

NH- I can’t say that I would have the success I have had if it were not for a little high school by the name of Massillon-Perry. Granted many people in Perry had put a lot of work into me but the two that stand out the most is David Riggs and Brent McBurney. If not for them and the others that made a impact in my life, I would not be prepared for the wars the Big Ten has to offer.

CH 3) What were the biggest adjustments you had to make when coming to college?

NH- I had to really open my toolbox if you will. One shot or one move wins are just non existent. It’s a combination of moves, or a more popular term is chain wrestling.
 

CH 4) Being from Massillon, you’re in close proximity to a number of outstanding college programs. What made you choose Ohio State over schools like Kent State, Edinboro, and Pitt?

NH- All of them are great schools, but looking at the coaching staff and the availability of the RTC (Regional Training Center, located in Columbus, focusing on training wrestlers for international competition) athletes Ohio State was by far the better choice even though in the beginning they offered the least for signing. 
 

CH 5) This year at the NCAA tournament, the 174 lb weight class was stacked with talent from the Big Ten. 6 of the 8 All-Americans were from the Big Ten. Did you feel confident heading into the NCAA tournament after facing that kind of talent all year long?

NH- Extremely! To be truthful, I believed with all my heart I was the future 174 national champion. However, it played out that I had lost a tough match and you cannot give up, even in sorrow, you push on to still place the best you can. 

CH 6) You were able to beat Mike Evans of Iowa in the 5th place match with a 1st period fall. How sweet was it to get a bit of revenge against Evans, who beat you late in the match in the dual against Iowa? 

NH- It was really sweet, I had just come back from a really rough hand injury and had little conditioning (when Heflin lost to Evans in the dual on January 4th). To peak at the right time and come in and wrestle a good tourney finishing with a pin was phenomenal way to end the 174 weight class.

CH 7) You’re one of those guys that always seem to be in tight matches throughout the season. Does the coaching staff get on you a bit to score more points to help the team, or do they just accept that as your style? 

NH-They are always on me to expand and try to score more team points. It is hard but I am trying to expand my offense and pinning combinations. I feel as long as I win I am doing my job, anything else is bonus.

CH 8) While some guys try to keep their weight down in the offseason, you recently mentioned on Twitter that you’re thinking about moving up in weight. What made you start thinking about the change in weight? Is this a decision that Coach Ryan discussed with you, or is that a case of you understanding your body and the coaching staff trusts your judgment?

NH- I weighed 196 last summer and made a monstrous cut to 174 to try to win a title. That cut almost broke me. Week in week out I would cut from 188 or so and I did not have any fat, it was mostly water and it made it miserable. I think its best to try and get massive this summer and go 197 and chase another title. The coaching staff believes in my strength but they have made it clear I need to have size. Otherwise, I will be looking at a cut to 184

CH 9) The Buckeyes will only be losing 2 starters from their lineup in Nikko Triggas and CJ Magrum. How do you think you’ll fare in the Big Ten next year with a lineup full of returning All-Americans?

NH- I will greatly miss Nikko Triggas and CJ Magrum; they cannot be replaced as wrestlers or as men. I think we will fare well. I am greatly excited for this coming year. It is my last year as a wrestler for the Buckeyes and I expect a team title chase. I believe with (2012 All-American Cam) Tessarri back we will be a threat for a title. I am also excited to grow into this weight class.

Follow Nick on Twitter @TheDarkhorse197