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Why is this news? Urban Meyer learns from Gregg Popovich, Michael Bennett an Athlon All-American

All the big Ohio State news in one helpful place.

By Dan Vest
Jamie Sabau

"There was a culture created by David Robinson and Popovich and (Tim) Duncan, and that culture has survived for 18 years ."

-Urban Meyer

The San Antonio Spurs’ recent complete and total domination of the Miami Heat was a sight to behold. It was a lopsided beat down, which featured the largest scoring discrepancy in NBA Finals history, and the world took notice. One person who was watching closely was Ohio State’s Urban Meyer.

Meyer tells the Columbus Dispatch that he was impressed by the Spurs’ culture and wants to try to instill a similar culture at Ohio State. He acknowledges that it’s more difficult to create a culture with 100-percent buy-in on a team of 120 than it is on a 12-man basketball team, but it’s a goal nonetheless. Meyer also cites the New England Patriots as an example of a team that he admires.

It’s no surprise that Meyer would want to emulate two of the most successful professional sports franchises, but it is interesting to hear that he closely follows basketball and tries to learn universal lessons from the sport. Now, the real question is, any chance he can bring in Kawhi Leonard to play safety?

-Jerry Emig

Athlon Sports has announced its 2014 preseason all American teams and four Buckeyes made the cut.

Leading the way is Senior defensive tackle Michael Bennett who is Ohio State's only first teamer. As a Junior, Bennett racked up 42 total tackles including 11.5 tackles for loss, seven sacks and three forced fumbles. Bennett is the leader of a defensive line that is expected to be one of the top in the nation. Bennett's line mate Joey Bosa also makes the list, earning a fourth-team spot after an explosive true Freshman season.

The Buckeye offense had two members selected to the team. Quarterback Braxton Miller is on the third team, behind Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota. Joining Miller on the third team is tight end Jeff Heuerman, who is behind Florida State's Nick O'Leary and Alabama's A.J. Howard.

"Overall, Sunday night’s U.S. game averaged a 9.1 overnight rating."

-Washington Post

We've always known that Columbus was a fantastic football town, but if the numbers are to be believed, then it's well on its way to becoming one of the country's best futbol towns.  Columbus was the second-highest rated market during last night's epic Portugal/USA world cup match, checking in with a 12.6 (just behind Washington D.C.'s  13.3.

Columbus edged out New York (12.5) and Boston (11.5 for the second spot).

As previously mentioned, Sunday night's game averaged a 9.1 rating, the highest ever for a World Cup match on ESPN or ESPN2. Those who tuned in were treated to a thrilling match that saw the United States take the lead late only to give up a last second goal, forcing a draw.  The United States still controls its own destiny heading into Thursday's match with Germany. Win or draw and the team is through to the knockout rounds.  (though there are scenarios in which they could still advance with a loss).

According to reports, former Ohio State guard Daequan Cook will return to Germany to play for the Tubingen Walter-Tigers next season. Last year Cook averaged 12.9 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.3 assists the Beko BBL.

Prior to heading to Germany, Cook played seven seasons in the NBA with stops in Miami, Oklahoma City, Chicago, and Houston.  Cook averaged 2.8 points, .4 assists, and 1.2 rebounds per game in the NBA.

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