:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/53733795/usa_today_9689722.0.jpg)
“I’ve always loved his command presence. Now that I’m here, I can see more about him. What he does is affect the position. He has a strong effect on Joe, a strong effect on Dwayne and Tate, and a strong effect on me, He has great leadership skills.”
Ohio State offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson on quarterback J.T. Barrett via Jon Spencer, USA Today
After throwing for 152 yards or less in six of Ohio State’s 13 games last year, there are plenty of questions J.T. Barrett will have to answer in his senior season. Following Ohio State’s loss to Clemson in the Fiesta Bowl, there were Buckeye fans out there wondering if Ohio State would be better off if Barrett left. A little extreme considering Barrett holds 25 school and Big Ten records. While Ohio State won 11 of the 13 games they played last year, Barrett’s development was stunted by poor protection at times and subpar play from his wide receivers.
There are a number of reasons to have hope for Barrett rebounding in 2017. Former Indiana head coach Kevin Wilson is Ohio State’s new offensive coordinator, and Wilson has always held Barrett in high regard. The Buckeyes have also added Ryan Day, who has worked both in college and in the NFL as a quarterbacks coach, to their coaching staff. If Ohio State can get more consistent play from their wide receivers this year, Barrett could finish out his Ohio State career with a big year. There’s nothing Barrett would love more than his final act as Buckeye quarterback to be silencing his doubters and bringing home another national title to Columbus.
“I like doing things that people have never done before.”
Ohio State wrestler Kyle Snyder via Todd Jones, The Columbus Dispatch
Even though he is just 21 years old, Kyle Snyder has already done more than many wrestlers will do throughout their whole career. Snyder already has a laundry list of accomplishments to his credit. Not only did Snyder become the youngest American wrestler to win a U.S. and world championship in international freestyle, but in August in Rio de Janeiro he became the youngest American wrestler to win a gold medal. Now Snyder has his sights on repeating as NCAA champion.
Many are expecting Snyder to defend his national title this weekend in St. Louis, which would go a long way in helping Ohio State to win their second national title in the last three years. After winning gold in Rio, some were wondering what kind of motivation Snyder would have after already traveling to the peak of the mountain. Snyder has bigger goals in mind, as he has a long-term goal to win five Olympic gold medals. Now that he is a gold medalist, Snyder has an even bigger target on his back, but he has handled the pressure with ease, posting a 12-0 record this year. If he is able to take home another national title this weekend, Snyder will set himself up for a magical senior season in Columbus.
“Our guys are confident going up and playing in different places and playing on the road. We’ve been successful this year on the road and I think it’s going to be no different this weekend.”
Ohio State forward Nick Schilkey via Magee Sprague, The Lantern
After closing out the regular season with a sweep on the road of Wisconsin, Ohio State’s men’s hockey team has good reason to be confident as they head into the Big Ten Tournament this weekend in Detroit. The victories over the Badgers in Madison put Ohio State in a prime position to secure a NCAA Tournament at-large bid if they aren’t able to take home the conference championship at Joe Louis Arena. One win this weekend should be enough for Ohio State, who is currently ranked 14th in the PairWise rankings, to punch their ticket to the NCAA Tournament.
Ohio State will look for that win today when they take on Michigan State, with the winner moving on to face Wisconsin tomorrow. Even though the Spartans have registered just three Big Ten wins this year, one of those came against the Buckeyes in Columbus. Ohio State is hoping they can put together a run in the Big Ten Tournament on the back of Mason Jobst, who was the Big Ten scoring co-champion with 33 points this year. With 13 wins away from home this year, it wouldn’t be too surprising to see the Buckeyes make some noise in Detroit this weekend.
STICK TO SPORTS
- Dublin is offering discounted Uber rides for St. Patrick’s Day weekend.
- The driver of a semi carrying syrup led police on a chase halfway around I-270 last night.
- For the first time ever, Saturday Night Live will air the final four episodes of the season live on the west coast.
- Matthew Perry claims he beat up Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau when they were kids.