NCAA Rumor: Urban Meyer To Ohio State?

You know, when I first heard this, my jaw dropped to the floor. As a born Gator’ fan, I’ve had the privilege to watch my team beat Ohio State — twice — in every championship game they’ve gone up against each other. I’ve never liked their school. I always thought they were a bunch of cheaters and after the whole Jim Tressell scandal, turns out I was right. People can say what they want about Urban; “Oh, he let his players get away with everything” and whatnot, but the guy was a winner at every school he coached. He turned Utah into a powerhouse with the Spread Offense and made now 49ers quarterback Alex Smith look like Peyton Manning. And he did the same thing during his five years (2005-2010) at Florida. He helped turn Tim Tebow into a public icon while Tim proved he was the King of the Spread and brought home two national championships in a three-year span.

After Meyer resigned due to health issues and wanting to spend more time with his family, it took about 6 months before rumors — although they’re probably the truth — starting swirling around. Announced today on WKMG-TV in Orlando, sources reportedly told the radio station that Meyer recently signed a 7-year, $40 million deal to become the newest head coach at Ohio State (I won’t lie, I was calling everyone that I thought had inside word on the situation, unfortunately none did). Not too long after the announcement, ESPN came out with reports via Meyer’s agent, that the rumors were false.

Words from Meyer himself:

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

That right there makes me believe he will be the new head coach at the school once Thanksgiving weekend passes. Although I won’t like it, it makes perfect sense. He’s from the state of Ohio, he graduated from — and was  — an assistant at Ohio State and has made it more than clear that he’s a fan of the Big 10. As for OSU, it makes perfect sense. They get a still, rather young coach who has two rings on his finger and will be able to generate a lot of recruits and produce a lot of NFL talent in the long run. But just because I believe it’s true, doesn’t mean it is. Especially after reading his interview on Monday with the Gainesville Sun.

“The concerns are still there,” Meyer told the paper. “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. I’m in a good place right now mentally and physically. So if something happens with Ohio State, I’ll have a decision to make. But there has been no interview. There has been no offer to make a decision about.”

“If there is a decision to be made concerning Ohio State, there will be a lot that will go into it. But right now, there is no decision to be made. I love football. It’s what I am. I miss it.”

Please, try and convince me that Ohio State fans — and recruits — aren’t praying and walking everywhere with their fingers cross that this happens. It’s not easy to revive a tarnished school, but if there’s one guy who can make people forget about it for the time being; it’s Urban Meyer.

The 3 Nike LeBron Schools Get Custom LeBron 9s

The LeBron 9 is in full takeover of the basketball sneaker world. As Nike continues to push LeBron’s ninth signature shoe out real hard this month, the three “LeBron Colleges / Schools” had their custom 9′s unveiled. Coach Cal and his Kentucky Wildcats will get a dope Black / Royal Blue / White colorway that will actually flow well with many teams out there. After the jump, Ohio State gets a Grey / White / Red colorway with the big O logo on the tongue and then The U, gets the self explanatory The U on the tongue. Look for each of these kicks on these 3 schools as the NCAA season kicks off in the coming weeks.

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Terrelle Pryor Tells Ohio State He’s Out!

I’m not a college football expert but Ohio State might be looking like they’ll have a rocky season next year. Long time Coach Jim Tressel got the boot a few weeks ago and then today star quarterback Terrell Pryor told the school (via attorney) he would not return to Buckeyes country in the Fall. A whole potential NFL career blown over trading some memorabilia for tattoos and clothes? SMH

“In the best interests of my teammates, I’ve made the decision to forgo my senior year of football at The Ohio State University,” Pryor said in a statement issued by Columbus lawyer Larry James.

James said entering the next NFL supplemental draft is Pryor’s “desire.” But James acknowledged labor uncertainty could lead to consideration of the Canadian Football League or working with a personal quarterback coach first.

James said Pryor told him of the decision within the hour and that Pryor said it was “in the best interest of my teammates.”

We All Scheme’s 2011 NCAA Tournament Bracket

Here it is – The Scheme King’s 2011 NCAA Tournament Bracket!  I hate to say it because I dislike Duke just as much as the next person but I got the Blue Devils winning it all again.  They got TWO great All American seniors in Nolan Smith and Kyle Singler, Seth Curry’s been playing great, and Kyrie Irving is supposedly fighting through his injury and somehow, someway, he will find a way to contribute.  Oh yeah, sorry Big East fans, specifically Syracuse and Louisville ones but the A-10′s finest in Xavier and Richmond will bounce you guys out in the 2nd round. In the Southeast region, BYU won’t make it past St. Johns and Michigan State will come out of that region as they return to the Final 4.  Coach Izzo will have those boys ready to play.  In conclusion, my Final Four picks are Ohio St, Duke, Kansas, and Michigan State with Duke beating Kansas in the finals.  Click the image above to see my full bracket.  At the end of the day, it is March Madness (aka the greatest 3 weeks in sports) and what do I know?  I’m just a kid with a blog – now who’s pool do I need to join to win me some money?  After the jump check out President Obama filling out his bracket.

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Terrelle Pryor – “Ahhright”

You gotta love Terrelle Pryor’s interview skills specializing in the “avoiding the question technique” after last night’s (The) Ohio State Rose Bowl victory over the Arkansas Razorbacks.

Reporter – I know coach (Jim Tressel) asked you guys to make a commitment if you guys played in this bowl game to come back next season.  Will we see you next season Terrelle?
Terrelle – Ahhhright.
Reporter – Alright.  Go get some help on that leg.  Thank you very much!

2010 AP Top 25 NCAA Football Preseason Rankings

Although the Crimson Tide boys like to have fun in the locker room (pause), they clearly get shit done on the field too as the Associated Press ranked them #1 for the first 2010 NCAA Football Preseason Rankings.  Behind Alabama are Ohio State, Boise State, Florida, and Texas who round out the top 5 schools.  Check out the complete top 25 below:

1. Alabama
2. Ohio State
3. Boise State
4. Florida
5. Texas
6. TCU
7. Oklahoma
8. Nebraska
9. Iowa
10. Virginia Tech
11. Oregon
12. Wisconsin
13. Miami (FL)
14. USC
15. Pittsbugh
16. Georgia Tech
17. Arkansas
18. North Carolina
19. Penn State
20. Florida State
21. LSU
22. Auburn
23. Georgia
24. Oregon State
25. West Virginia

March Madness Is Almost Here!

The greatest sports event of the year is right around the corner!  With Selection Sunday only two days away, bubbles are being popped, Cinderellas are waiting to shock the world, and the big dogs are putting on a show in their respective conference tournaments.  Earlier today, Ohio State’s Evan Turner aka The Villain hit a near half court game winning jumper to beat Michigan in a Big Ten tournament game while after the jump West Virginia’s Da’Sean Butler hit a bank shot game winning 3 to beat Cincinnati.

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