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“Here's something that won't change: The offense belongs to Barrett.”
- Bill Landis, Northeast Ohio Media Group
Spring football is here. J.T. Barrett is a senior this time around, and while many Ohio State fans have taken issue with whomever is under center the past two seasons, the reins still belong to Barrett. Urban Meyer told Landis something that will sit well with those uneasy fans. "I just want to see more accuracy," Meyer said. To be fair, it isn’t all on Barrett but most of the blame typically falls on the quarterback and head coach, regardless.
Meyer also said via Landis something that you may not expect to hear from a coach about his senior quarterback. "J.T. is gonna get a ton of reps because there are some new concepts we put in," Meyer said. "J.T. will be full speed ahead." You’d imagine that Barrett has everything figured out already, but that’s what makes Meyer one of the best. He’s always trying to improve, and get the most out of his players. It’s why Ohio State has been one of the best programs in college football since his arrival.
“Think about Virginia, Purdue, Michigan State and Wisconsin if you want to feel good about the journey Ohio State basketball hopes it's about to embark on.”
- Bill Landis, Northeast Ohio Media Group
The Big Ten Tournament is this week, and not many of us are expecting too much to come out of the Buckeyes. A surprise run through the tournament would undoubtedly be wonderful, but we won’t be too disappointed if it doesn’t happen. Thad Matta, who got a vote of confidence from Gene Smith today, is still trying to decipher his team. "I've quit trying to figure this team out mentally, as you can imagine," Matta said via Landis.
At the same time, Matta seems to be taking a more lighthearted approach. "I hope they understand this is the funnest time in college basketball ... you gotta go out there and play. It's time to man up." But of course, the emotional leader of the Buckeyes, Jae’Sean Tate, believes that the Buckeyes can play with anybody. Which, they have shown that, but just not on a consistent basis. "We have to make sure we don't have those mental ups and downs this week,” he said. “We have to be solid the whole way through, on cruise control. In my opinion, there's not a team that we can't beat." Hopefully this turns out to be a memorable week for the Bucks.
“Now, the former Big Ten Conference Defensive Player of the Year is an unrestricted free agent.”
- Aaron Wilson, Houston Chronicle
Former Ohio State linebacker John Simon has been a great contributor for the Houston Texans the past few seasons. While his role might not be the greatest, he’s been a piece of a defense that was the best in the NFL last season, and now, he’s set to hit the free agent market. In 2016, he finished with a career-high 51 tackles, four of those for loss, and 3.5 sacks. As Wilson points out, there’s no question that the Texans would like him back, but there should be a good market out there for Simon.
"He is kind of an unsung hero type of player," Texans coach Bill O'Brien said of Simon during the season. "He's a guy who personifies doing your job. He does a good job every week of going out and doing what he's coached to do.” O’Brien added another note all Buckeye fans would enjoy, “Vrabel does a good job of coaching him.” Of course, Vrabel himself was complimentary of Simon as well. “I see a tough, physical football player who the game and his teammates are important to him," Vrabel said. "He loves it. He studies hard. He tries to do it the way we coach him to do it." Whether or not he’s back with the Texans next season, we’ll all be hoping Simon has a great 2017 season.
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