Buckeye Bits: Still waiting on the Big Ten’s vote, Buckeyes in the NFL owned the day, more

I don’t know about you, but after a weekend filled with football and fall weather, I have a little more pep in my step on this fine Monday. It also doesn’t hurt that (credible) sources are “CAUTIOUSLY OPTIMISTIC” that the Big Ten will reinstate its football season on Oct. 17. While I’m trying not to get my hopes up, I can’t help but feel like its actually happening this time (she says, as if she hasn’t said this 15 times already this month alone).

We have quite a bit to unpack in today’s Bits, so let’s get into it!

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From around Land-Grant Holy Land...

How does Shaun Wade’s decision impact Ohio State?

Gene Ross, LGHL

In case ya missed it, the best cornerback in college football has opted out of his senior season to prepare for the 2021 NFL Draft.

As Buckeye fans, we selfishly hate this news. Wade would have arguably been the best player on Ohio State’s roster this season, but we have to remember that we’re lucky he even considered playing this year at all. He’s sitting pretty on just about every NFL Mock Draft, and while it hurts for me to admit, this decision is in his best interest.

As Gene points out in the link above, Ohio State is not exactly known for being short of elite cornerbacks. With guys like Sevyn Banks, Cam Brown, Marcus Williamson and Tyreke Johnson on the depth chart and Kerry Coombs at the helm, DBU will be just fine.

With all of that reality out of the way, it’s time to get our hopes up on the highly unlikely, alternative scenario! Apparently, Wade hasn’t ruled out returning if the Big Ten does in fact vote on an Oct. 17 start-date (which would mean Ohio State can still play for the national title).

I’m so tired.

Column: How to avoid a dogmatic approach in returning to play

Meredith Hein, LGHL

Right on cue, Meredith brings us all back down to earth. Because friends, we are still in the middle of a global pandemic, and it’s a little more complicated than just letting the boys play.

Play Like a Girl podcast: Doris Burke is the best in the business - man or woman

Tia Johnston and Meredith Hein, LGHL

Fifteen or so minutes of Meredith and I rambling about the greatness that is Doris Burke and Serena Williams. Enjoy.

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From around the gridiron...

Alright, here’s the latest on the Big Ten chaos.

It was announced (by reputable reporters!) that the Big Ten presidents and chancellors were meeting over the weekend to discuss new medical findings and are expected to vote for football to return Oct. 17, thus allowing the B1G to still be in the running for the CFP. The key words from sources over the last couple days have been “cautious optimism,” as if to say “We think it’s going to happen, but please don’t be mad at me if it doesn’t.”

While just about every report said that the Big Ten would not only be holding the return-to-play vote on Sunday but also announcing their decision, alas, they did not do either of those things.

There’s also the question of whether or not the schools who vote against an Oct. 17 start date will still play if the B1G’s season goes ahead. Some are saying only the “yes” schools will play, while others are saying all schools will play.

Conflicting sources? In this economy?!

Bobby said it, not me.

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From around the hardwood...

The Big Ten Preseason Power Rankings for men’s basketball are out. Ohio State is ranked above Michigan and that is all you need to know.

Turns out not waiting until two weeks prior to plan something as big as, oh I don’t know, an entire college sports season, pays off! If all goes to plan and the basketball sources don’t fail us like the football one’s have, we will have a college basketball season.

Hey Siri, what is the opposite of the Bahamas?

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From around the League...

Every time I opened my Twitter app on Sunday, a new former Buckeye was getting praise for doing something good in his NFL game. Every single game was just one gigantic Ohio State football ad. Do they even need Mark Pantoni at this point?

I’ll list a few of the highlights of the day, but this doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface. Don’t worry, we’ll have the entire NFL Buckeye rundown for you on Tuesday.

First up, Chase Young’s gonna Chase Young.

Dwayne Haskins had himself a day.

Just checking in on the GMs who let J.K. Dobbins fall to the 55th overall pic!

Just checking in on the o̶n̶e̶, t̶w̶o̶, t̶h̶r̶e̶e̶, FOUR Rams players who were personally victimized by Ezekiel Elliott.

Last but not least, Jordan Fuller made a MAJOR play in his NFL debut, causing more GMs to kick themselves.

From everywhere else...

Under 0.5%—per our Matt Tamanini’s math. Not bad. Not bad at all.