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Why is this news?: Jim Harbaugh to Michigan chatter heats up, Ohio State's D'Angelo Russell's early impact

All the big Ohio State news in one place.

By Brett Ludwiczak
D'Angelo Russell has made a big impact early for the Buckeyes
D'Angelo Russell has made a big impact early for the Buckeyes
Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports

It is no surprise on who Michigan is targeting in their search for a coach, but the real surprise is the report of how much Michigan sounds like their willing to spend to get Harbaugh. With two games left in the season for Harbaugh and the 49ers, Michigan still has some time to wait before they can get a firm answer as to whether or not Harbaugh will accept their massive offer. The Wolverines know once the San Francisco season ends they have to get any possible deal with Harbaugh done quickly, because the longer any contract negotiations are drawn out, the less like it is Harbaugh will take the job in Ann Arbor, and more likely it is the Wolverines will have to explore other options.

What the Wolverines could possibly offer being released so early could work against Michigan though, as it would give other NFL teams time to put together a offer that is even more attractive to Harbaugh. It is no secret that the Oakland Raiders would love to make Harbaugh their next head coach, and might consider matching or bettering the Michigan offer to put an end to their recent carousel of head coaches. It looks like a long couple weeks are ahead for the Wolverines as they wait for Harbaugh to become available.

"Coaches and my teammates look for me to facilitate and get everybody involved and do whatever it takes and that's what I do. I kind of pride myself on doing it. It came easy for me, because it was something I was looking forward to doing. I try to be the smartest guy on the floor."

- D'Angelo Russell

Under Thad Matta, Ohio State has had a number of heralded recruits come to Columbus, but D'Angelo Russell is making a case for being one of the best to put on the Buckeye uniform. Early in his college career the freshman from Louisville is averaging 17.7 points per game and is taking on the role of facilitator for the Buckeyes. To go along with filling up the scoring column, Russell ranks second on the Buckeyes behind Shannon Scott with 5.2 assists per game. After the struggles the Buckeyes had on offense last year, and the loss of Aaron Craft to graduation, Russell is just what Ohio State needed to jump start their offense.

The addition of Russell has helped to quicken the pace of the Ohio State offense, as the Buckeyes are taking 39.7 of their initial field goal attempts in transition, which ranks third nationally. While Russell has helped to speed up the Ohio State offense, he still has some freshman moments, as evidenced by the seven turnovers he committed against Marquette earlier this year. Russell was quick to bounce back though, scoring 32 points in the blowout win in the next game against Holy Cross. Saturday will see Ohio State face a tough test against North Carolina, and the Buckeyes will need Russell to be at the top of his game to top the Tar Heels.

"I will be somewhat surprised if he is ready to go for the Sugar Bowl."

Source to Bucknuts, 247Sports' Ohio State site on Dontre Wilson's Sugar Bowl status

After suffering a broken foot in Ohio State's 49-37 win in East Lansing against Michigan State in early November, it doesn't sound like Dontre Wilson will be ready to go against Alabama in the Sugar Bowl. While Wilson might be able to return to practice leading up to the Sugar Bowl, it might be asking a little too much for him to be able to suit up and play in a game with so much on the line. After such an extended period of time off the field due to the injury, Wilson might not quite be in "game shape" and able to make an impact.

While having Wilson on the field would give the Crimson Tide another player to have to account for, Jalin Marshall has more than held his own while stepping into the H-back position for the Buckeyes. If Ohio State is able to make it past Alabama and into the College Football Playoff Final, it wouldn't be out of the question for Wilson to be able to play with nearly a couple extra weeks to regain his form, but it just doesn't like Buckeye fans should count on seeing him against Alabama. In his press conference today, Meyer added that Wilson was "50-50".

Former Buckeye William Buford received some bad news on Wednesday night when he was waived by the Canton Charge, who serve as the Cleveland Cavaliers' NBA D-League affiliate. Buford joined the Charge in March 2014 when he was traded from the Santa Cruz Warriors. Buford played in 11 games for Canton this year, averaging 15.2 minutes per game and 6.3 points per game. The former Buckeye had been shooting at the best clip of his D-League career, hitting 47% of his field goals, including 53% of this three-point attempts.

After playing four years in Columbus for the Buckeyes, Buford has bounced around after going undrafted in 2012. During the 2012-13 season Buford played over in Spain before returning to the United States to play with the Santa Cruz Warriors. Hopefully the former Buckeye can catch on with another team, especially after showing some improved numbers this year.

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