Tuesday, December 22, 2015

Ohio State vs. Notre Dame | Fiesta Bowl






Ohio State vs. Notre Dame | Things you might not know about the Fiesta Bowl




 Enlarge Image
Ohio State and Notre Dame have previously met in the Fiesta Bowl: The Buckeyes posted a 34-20 victory on Jan. 2, 2006

Ohio State players will leave campus today for a holiday break and are scheduled to return to Columbus on Saturday. The team will leave for Glendale, Ariz., on Sunday.

Kickoff on Jan. 1 is scheduled for 11 a.m. local time (1 p.m. EST) in University of Phoenix Stadium. The Buckeyes will be the home team but will wear white jerseys.

Leading up to the game, a head coaches' joint news conference will be held on Dec. 31 at 8 a.m. local time.

ESPN will broadcast the game with Sean McDonough, Chris Spielman and Todd McShay providing the play-by-play and analysis

Ohio State and Notre Dame will meet for the third straight time as top-10 teams.

The Buckeyes will return to Columbus on Jan. 2.

Comparing the Buckeyes, Fighting Irish

Records: OSU 11-1, ND 10-2

Points/game: OSU 35, ND 34.8

Rushing yards/game: OSU 241.9, ND 214.8

Passing yards/game: OSU 187, ND 256.7

Total offense/game: OSU 428.9, ND 471.5

Total defense/game: OSU 303.5, ND 362.4

The coaches

Urban Meyer and Brian Kelly never have faced each other as head coaches. In addition, Meyer never has coached against Notre Dame, and Kelly never has coached against Ohio State.

Meyer's record in four seasons at Ohio State is 49-4; Kelly is 55-22 in six seasons as head coach at Notre Dame.

Meyer's career record in 14 seasons as a head coach is 153-27. Kelly's is 226-79-2 in 26 seasons, which include 13 at Division II Grand Valley State.
Meyer has a 9-2 record in bowl games; Kelly is 5-3.

Ohio State in the Fiesta Bowl

The Buckeyes have played in six Fiesta Bowls:

1980 (1980 season): Penn State 31, Ohio State 19

1984 ('83 season): Ohio State 28, Pittsburgh 23

2003 ('02 season): Ohio State 31, Miami 24 (2 OT)*

2004 ('03 season): Ohio State 35, Kansas State 28

2006 ('05 season): Ohio State 34, Notre Dame 20

2009 ('08 season): Texas 24, Ohio State 21
* National championship game

Monday, December 21, 2015

Jason Pierre-Paul's Hand is Horrifying





Jason Pierre-Paul shows his hand and it is absolutely horrifying


For the first time since an offseason fireworks accident claimed part of his hand, Giantsdefensive end Jason Pierre-Paul sat down for an interview.
He did so with former Giants defensive end Michael Strahan for FOX Sports and afterwards Strahan went to engage hands in a form of non-verbal communication and that means JPP had to show his hand and OOOOOOOOOOOOOOH NOOOOOOOOOOO.

It's difficult to imagine how JPP deals with it on a daily basis. He's done very well doing so by, you know, playing professional football, although he struggled to drag down Cam Newton during Sunday's matchup against the Panthers because of the club he wears for protection.
JPP's hand will haunt your dreams. (USATSI)

Friday, December 18, 2015

2015-2016 College Football Bowl Game TV Schedule






2016 Bowl Game TV Schedule

Cure Bowl-%
Orlando, FL
$1,350,000
12/19/15
12:00pm
CBSSN
American
vs.
Sun Belt
San Jose State (5-7)
vs.
Georgia State (6-6)
New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM
$456,250
12/19/15
2:00pm
ESPN
MWC
vs.
CUSA
New Mexico (7-5)
vs.
Arizona (6-6)
Las Vegas
Las Vegas, NV
$1,350,000
12/19/15
3:30pm
ABC
PAC-12
vs.
*-BYU or MWC
Utah (9-3)
vs.
BYU (9-3)
Camellia
Montgomery, AL
$100,000
12/19/15
5:30pm
ESPN
MAC
vs.
Sun Belt
Ohio (8-4)
vs.
Appalachian State (10-2)
New Orleans
New Orleans, LA
$500,000
12/19/15
9:00pm
ESPN
Sun Belt
vs.
CUSA
Arkansas State (9-3)
vs.
Louisiana Tech (8-4)
Miami Beach
Miami, FL
$1,000,000
12/21/15
2:30pm
ESPN
American
vs.
CUSA
USF (8-4)
vs.
Western Kentucky (11-2)
Famous Idaho Potato
Boise, ID
$325,000
12/22/15
3:30pm
ESPN
MWC
vs.
MAC
Utah State (6-6)
vs.
Akron (7-5)
Boca Raton
Boca Raton, FL
$400,000
12/22/15
7:00pm
ESPN
American
vs.
MAC
Temple (10-3)
vs.
Toledo (9-2)
Poinsettia
San Diego, CA
$612,500
12/23/15
4:30pm
ESPN
*-Army
vs.
MWC
Boise State (8-4)
vs.
Northern Illinois (8-5)
GoDaddy
Mobile, AL
$750,000
12/23/15
8:00pm
ESPN
MAC #1 or #2
vs.
Sun Belt
Bowling Green (10-3)
vs.
Georgia Southern (8-4)
Bahamas
Nassau, Bahamas
$450,000
12/24/15
12:00pm
ESPN
CUSA
vs.
MAC
Middle Tennessee (7-5)
vs.
Western Michigan (7-5)
Hawai'i
Honolulu, HI
$650,000
12/24/15
8:00pm
ESPN
American
vs.
*-BYU or MWC
Cincinnati (7-5)
vs.
San Diego State (10-3)
St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg, FL
$537,500
12/26/15
11:00am
ESPN
American
vs.
CUSA
UConn (6-6)
vs.
Marshall (9-3)
Sun
El Paso, TX
$2,150,000
12/26/15
2:00pm
CBS
ACC
vs.
Big 10
Miami, Fla. (8-4)
vs.
Washington State (8-4)
Zaxby's Heart Of Dallas
Dallas, TX
$1,100,000
12/26/15
2:20pm
ESPN
CUSA
vs.
Big 10
Southern Miss (9-4)
vs.
Washington (6-6)
Pinstripe
Bronx, NY
$2,000,000
12/26/15
3:30pm
ABC
ACC
vs.
Big 10
Duke (7-5)
vs.
Indiana (6-6)
Independence
Shreveport, LA
$1,200,000
12/26/15
5:45pm
ESPN
SEC
vs.
ACC
Tulsa (6-6)
vs.
Virginia Tech (6-6)
Foster Farms
Santa Clara, CA
$2,212,500
12/26/15
9:15pm
ESPN
PAC-12 #4
vs.
Big 10
UCLA (8-4)
vs.
Nebraska (5-7)
Military
Annapolis, MD
$1,000,000
12/28/15
2:30pm
ESPN
ACC
vs.
American
Pittsburgh (8-4)
vs.
Navy (9-2)
Quick Lane Bowl
Detroit, MI
$1,200,000
12/28/15
5:00pm
ESPN-2
Big 10
vs.
ACC
Minnesota (5-7)
vs.
Central Michigan (7-5)
Arizona-%
Tucson, AZ
$--- (TBA)
12/29/15
7:30pm
ASN
MWC
vs.
CUSA
Colorado State (7-5)
vs.
Nevada (6-6)
Armed Forces
Ft. Worth, TX
$675,000
12/29/15
2:00pm
ESPN
MWC
vs.
Big 10
Air Force (8-5)
vs.
California (7-5)
Russell Athletic
Orlando, FL
$2,275,000
12/29/15
5:30pm
ESPN
ACC #1
vs.
Big 12 #2
North Carolina (11-2)
vs.
Baylor (9-3)
Texas
Houston, TX
$3,000,000
12/29/15
9:00pm
ESPN
SEC #4, 5, 6, 7 or 8
vs.
Big 12 #3
LSU (8-3)
vs.
Texas Tech (7-5)
Birmingham
Birmingham, AL
$1,100,000 SEC; $900,000 AAC
12/30/15
12:00pm
ESPN
SEC #8 or #9
vs.
American #5
Auburn (6-6)
vs.
Memphis (9-3)
Belk
Charlotte, NC
$1,700,000
12/30/15
3:30pm
ESPN
ACC
vs.
SEC
N.C. State (7-5)
vs.
Mississippi State (8-4)
Music City
Nashville, TN
$2,750,000
12/30/15
7:00pm
ESPN
ACC or Big 10
vs.
SEC
Louisville (7-5)
vs.
Texas A&M (8-4)
Holiday
San Diego, CA
$2,825,000
12/30/15
10:30pm
ESPN
PAC-12
vs.
Big 10
USC (8-5)
vs.
Wisconsin (9-3)
Chick-fil-A Peach
Atlanta, GA
$---(Playoff Revenue Pool)-#
12/31/15
12:00pm
ESPN
At-Large
vs.
^-Group Of 5 / At-Large
Florida State (10-2)
vs.
Houston (12-1)
Cotton
Arlington, TX
$---(Playoff Revenue Pool)-#
12/31/15
4 or 8pm
ESPN
Semifinalist
vs.
Semifinalist
Alabama (12-1)
vs.
Michigan State (12-1)
Orange
Miami, FL
$---(Playoff Revenue Pool)-#
12/31/15
4 or 8pm
ESPN
Semifinalist
vs.
Semifinalist
Clemson (13-0)
vs.
Oklahoma (11-1)
Outback
Tampa, FL
$3,500,000
1/1/16
12:00pm
ESPN-2
Big 10 #3
vs.
SEC #3, or #4
Northwestern (10-2)
vs.
Tennessee (8-4)
Fiesta
Glendale, AZ
$---(Playoff Revenue Pool)-#
1/1/16
1:00pm
ESPN
At-Large
vs.
^-Group Of 5 / At-Large
Ohio State (11-1)
vs.
Notre Dame (10-2)
Citrus
Orlando, FL
$4,250,000
1/1/16
1:00pm
ABC
SEC #2
vs.
Big 10 #2 or ACC
Florida (10-3)
vs.
Michigan (9-3)
Rose
Pasadena, CA
$---(Playoff Revenue Pool)-#
1/1/16
4:30pm
ESPN
Big 10
vs.
PAC-12
Iowa (12-1)
vs.
Stanford (11-2)
Sugar
New Orleans, LA
$---(Playoff Revenue Pool)-#
1/1/16
8:30pm
ESPN
Big 12
vs.
SEC
Oklahoma State (10-2)
vs.
Mississippi (9-3)
TaxSlayer
Jacksonville, FL
$2,750,000
1/2/16
12:00pm
ESPN
ACC or Big 10
vs.
SEC
Penn State (7-5)
vs.
Georgia (9-3)
Liberty
Memphis, TN
$1,437,500
1/2/16
3:20pm
ESPN
SEC
vs.
Big 12
Arkansas (7-5)
vs.
Kansas State (6-6)
Alamo
San Antonio, TX
$3,825,000
1/2/16
6:45pm
ESPN
PAC-12 #2
vs.
Big 12 #3
Oregon (9-3)
vs.
TCU (10-2)
Cactus
Phoenix, AZ
$3,325,000
1/2/16
10:15pm
ESPN
Big 12
vs.
PAC-12
West Virginia (7-5)
vs.
Arizona State (6-6)
CFP Championship
Glendale, AZ
$---(Playoff Revenue Pool)-#
1/11/16
8:30pm
ESPN
Semifinal Winner
vs.
Semifinal Winner
#-Alabama
vs.
#-Oklahoma

Thursday, December 17, 2015

Kobe Bryant's Final Nike Shoes




Kobe's Final Shoes from Nike

To the back, to the back...
To the side, to the side...
The signature logo on the tongue:
From Nike.com:

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

LeBron James Being LeBron



LeBron James Made This Kid's Year

During last night’s Cavaliers-Celtics game, Special Olympian Aaron Miller was honored during a timeout. LeBron James was in a team huddle while Miller was cheered at midcourt, but later went out of his way to run over to the kid and show him some love.

Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Ohio State Football









ESPN ALL-AMERICAN TEAM
OFFENSEDEFENSESPECIALISTS
QB: DESHAUN WATSON, CLEMSONDL: JOEY BOSA, OHIO STATEK: JAKE ELLIOTT, MEMPHIS
RB: DERRICK HENRY, ALABAMADL: CARL NASSIB, PENN STATEP: TOM HACKETT, UTAH
RB: LEONARD FOURNETTE, LSUDL: ANDREW BILLINGS, BAYLORAP: CHRISTIAN MCCAFFREY, STANFORD
WR:  COREY COLEMAN, BAYLORDL: SHAQ LAWSON, CLEMSON 
WR: STERLING SHEPARD, OKLAHOMALB: TYLER MATAKEVICH, TEMPLE 
OL: RONNIE STANLEY, NOTRE DAMELB: JOE SCHOBERT, WISCONSIN 
OL: JOSHUA GARNETT, STANFORDLB: REGGIE RAGLAND, ALABAMA 
OL: RYAN KELLY: ALABAMACB: JALEN RAMSEY, FLORIDA STATE 
OL: SPENCER DRANGO, BAYLORCB: DESMOND KING, IOWA 
OL: DAN FEENEY, INDIANAS: JEREMY CASH, DUKE 
TE: HUNTER HENRY, ARKANSASS: JAYRON KEARSE, CLEMSON 




Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
NFL scouts weigh-in early about potential landing spots for Buckeyes in the draft.

Five personnel executives for the NFL took some time to take a look at how the 2016 draft might play out based on what they know so far, and there were several notable Buckeyes among the conversation. With just over a month for underclassmen to declare for the draft, that Jan. 15 deadline is quickly approaching.
Here's a look at what the NFL scouts are saying about some of the most likely players to join the NFL.

Offense

Ohio State's only quarterback heading into the draft is Cardale Jones. Scouts have debated Jones' NFL stock ever since his run in the 2014 College Football Playoff. When he announced he would stay in school for one more year, some argued he foolishly gave away millions, with others lauding his commitment to the Buckeyes. He might not be a first rounder after sitting the bench for much of the year, but with so many quarterbacks needed right now in the League, he could certainly go in Rounds 2 or 3.
"(Jones) has by far the best arm," said one scout. "Great size. Big hands. Just a natural thrower. He had great stretch last year when he was dominant.
"But he seems a little bit like a knucklehead. He's speaking out. His body language isn't good on the field. But some offensive coordinator will say, 'Oh, I can fix him.'"
The group of executives was shy to name any receiver in the NCAA worthy of a first-round draft pick, citing speed as a big factor, and the lack of it in this draft class. While Michael Thomas has the size of an NFL wideout, they don't see him going in Round 1, "Thomas is not a first-round type pick. Doesn't have dynamic speed." Thomas has yet to announce his plans after the Fiesta Bowl, but he's expected to announce his decision to turn pro following the bowl game.
One of the more obvious first round picks coming out of Ohio State is running back Ezekiel Elliott. Having started the year on the Heisman watch list, the Buckeye was able to keep his stats high despite a struggling offense, with 262 carries on the season for 1,672 yards. With his on-field performance speaking for itself, the biggest concern these scouts noted were regarding his speaking out following the Michigan State loss.
"He's probably the best player," one scout said. "With the comments he made, you have to check his background. Is he a selfish player? Is it all about him?"
"Declaring for the draft and making those statements right after a loss was very disappointing. He's going to have to answer a lot of questions."
Despite changing positions ahead of the 2015 season from quarterback to halfback,Braxton Miller hasn't gotten much NFL Draft love yet. He didn't have the type of year everyone was expecting, but to be fair, neither did the Buckeye offense, and the majority of his play was from the Wildcat position under center.

Defensive Line

The first Buckeye to come off the board is expected to be defensive end Joey Bosa, who is looking at a Top 5 draft pick. Bosa missed unanimous All-America praise his senior season, but that was largely due to his stats, not his on-field play. He may have only had fivehe sacks, but he had a career-high four passes defended and recorded his first career interception in his last regular season game as a Buckeye.
"He's a better version of Justin Smith when he came out of Missouri (in 2001)," said one scout. "Little better athlete. Little more explosive. Strong, tough guy like that. Good motor."
Bosa had some help on the edge this season with Adolphus Washington stepping up in a big way. Washington had a career season, with 49 combined total tackles, four sacks and a pick-6, for the big man's first touchdown. He was initially being looked at as a late first-rounder, but following his citation for solicitation and subsequent bowl game suspension, his stock is likely to have fallen.
Another lineman getting looked at by the pros, is Joshua Perry, who recorded 98 total combined tackles, 3.5 sacks and three passes defended. In addition to what he does on the field, he is also a standup young man, who was nominated for the 2015 Lott Impact Award, given to the nation's best defensive player in character and production. Perry is looking like a second round lock, with the potential to jump up a little bit.

Secondary

Another junior who hasn't officially declared for the 2016 NFL Draft, is also one that could possible go in the first round -- or be subject to the multi-round drop off likeDoran Grant last year -- Eli Apple. The cornerback had only one interception this season, but defended seven passes and often wreaked havoc down field for opposing offenses. He's been getting more attention of late, and could jump into the first round with a strong showing at the Fiesta Bowl (particularly against Notre Dame's own potential draft darling, Will Fuller) and Ohio State's pro day.
The scouts note that this isn't a safety-heavy draft class, with several corner backs likely to be taken and converted to the inside, and don't expect any to go in the first round. Among those lauded at the position is Ohio State's Vonn Bell, who had an incredible season for the Buckeyes, and is expected to be one of the first at his position to be drafted. Bell finished the 2015 regular season with two interceptions and nine passes defended.juuuuuuuuuuuuuuu

Monday, December 14, 2015

2015 College Football All Americans



2015 AP FIRST TEAM
OFFENSE
QUARTERBACKDESHAUN WATSON, CLEMSON (SO)
RUNNING BACKSDERRICK HENRY, ALABAMA (JR); LEONARD FOURNETTE, LSU (SO)
TACKLESTAYLOR DECKER, OHIO STATE (SR); SPENCER DRANGO, BAYLOR (SR)
GUARDSJOSHUA GARNETT, STANFORD (SR); LANDON TURNER, NORTH CAROLINA (SR)
CENTERJACK ALLEN, MICHIGAN STATE (SR)
RECEIVERSCOREY COLEMAN, BAYLOR (JR); JOSH DOCTSON, TCU (SR)
TIGHT ENDHUNTER HENRY, ALABAMA (JR)
ALL-PURPOSECHRISTIAN McCAFFREY, STANFORD (SO)
KICKERKA'IMI FAIRBAIRN, UCLA (SR)
DEFENSE
ENDSSHAQ LAWSON, CLEMSON (JR); CARL NASSIB, PENN STATE (SR)
TACKLESA'SHAWN ROBINSON, ALABAMA (JR); ANDREW BILLINGS, BAYLOR (JR)
LINEBACKERSREGGIE RAGLAND, ALABAMA (SR); TYLER MATAKEVICH, TEMPLE (SR); JAYLON SMITH, NOTRE DAME (JR)
CORNERBACKSDESMOND KING, IOWA (JR); VERNON HARGREAVES III, FLORIDA (SO)
SAFETIESJEREMY CASH, DUKE (SR); VONN BELL, OHIO STATE (JR)
PUNTERTOM HACKETT, UTAH (SR)
2015 AP SECOND TEAM
OFFENSE
QUARTERBACKBAKER MAYFIELD, OKLAHOMA (JR)
RUNNING BACKSDALVIN COOK, FLORIDA STATE (SO); EZEKIEL ELLIOTT, OHIO STATE (JR)
TACKLESJACK CONKLIN, MICHIGAN STATE (JR); RONNIE STANLEY, NOTRE DAME (SR)
GUARDSSEBASTIAN TRETOLA, ARKANSAS (SR); PAT ELFLEIN, OHIO STATE (JR)
CENTERRYAN KELLY, ALABAMA (SR)
RECEIVERSWILL FULLER, NOTRE DAME (JR); JUJU SMITH-SCHUSTER, USC (SO)
TIGHT ENDJAKE BUTT, MICHIGAN (JR)
ALL-PURPOSEMORGAN BURNS, KANSAS STATE (SR)
KICKERJAKE ELLIOTT, MEMPHIS (JR)
DEFENSE
ENDSJOEY BOSA, OHIO STATE (JR); DEFOREST BUCKNER, OREGON (SR)
TACKLESROBERT NKEMDICHE, MISSISSIPPI (JR); SHELDON DAY, NOTRE DAME (SR)
LINEBACKERSJOE SCHOBERT, WISCONSIN (SR); KENTRELL BROTHERS, MISSOURI (SR); ERIC STRIKER, OKLAHOMA (SR)
CORNERBACKSJOURDAN LEWIS, MICHIGAN (JR); JALEN RAMSEY, FLORIDA STATE (JR)
SAFETIESTRAE ELSTON, MISSISSIPPIE (SR); JAYRON KEARSE, CLEMSON (JR)
PUNTERDREW KASER, TEXAS A&M (SR)





Who Could be Going or Staying
By Tony Gerdeman

Player: Cardale Jones
Why stay: I’m not sure a good argument can be made for why he should stay. You could argue maybe that he should transfer down to the FCS for a year to finally show what he can do for a full season of play, but I don’t think sticking around for another year at Ohio State would do anybody any good. I wrote last year that he should leave, and I still feel the same way now.
Why go: I know there are people who think he won’t get drafted if he leaves this year, but those people are wrong. Cardale Jones has what the NFL wants — size and arm strength. They always believe they can mold those two attributes into a professional quarterback, and you can see that by the mediocre college quarterbacks who get drafted every single year. Jones would have been a second round pick, and possibly a late first round pick last year, had he come out. He still has the same tools he did a year ago.
Prediction: Considering that he has already said his goodbyes via Instagram, I will predict that he is leaving for the NFL. Urban Meyer said last week that he and Jones will sit down after the season and talk, but the decision has already been made. At this point, Jones would have to be talked into staying.
Player: Ezekiel Elliott
Why stay: Well, Ezekiel Elliott is about 1,800 yards away from being Ohio State’s all-time leading rusher, so that would be an incentive to come back. It would also be an opportunity to avenge the Michigan State loss and try to win another national championship.
Why go: It is tough to turn down the opportunity to be a first round NFL draft pick, and that’s where Elliott is right now. Plus, as a running back, you only have so many carries in you. Fortunately for
Order The Thrillogy now!
Elliott, he only has two seasons of a starter’s workload on his wheels, which is even more of a draw for NFL teams. His speed and power and size are also a plus, as is his versatility as a receiver and a blocker. Basically, he is the prototype, and it is time for the prototype to be put into the marketplace.
Prediction: Sources tell me that Ezekiel Elliott will be leaving for the NFL Draft. My source on this one is pretty good, but I can’t reveal him to you. Let’s just call him “Ezekiel E”. No, that’s too revealing. Let’s call him “E Elliott”.
Player: Michael Thomas
Why stay: With Ezekiel Elliott leaving, the 2016 season will be an opportunity for playmakers to have a much larger role in the offense than they did in 2015. Having one quarterback starter for the entire season will also make the passing game more consistent, you would think. Instead of the four catches per game Michael Thomas got this year, maybe he can get six per game next year and leave as the No. 1 receiver draft prospect.
Why go: Thomas is a fourth-year junior who also spent a year at prep school, so he might just be ready to move on with the next phase of his life. With his size, speed, and ability to compete for the football, he is certainly a first round possibility. He is pretty much a constant in the top 40 picks in most mock drafts.
Prediction: I expect him to enter the NFL Draft. He is likely a top three receiver in the draft, so that could very well put him in the first round.
Player: Jalin Marshall
Why stay: He could be the No. 1 receiver for the Buckeyes next year, which should considerably help his draft stock. A more consistent passing game next season will also help him. 
Why go: He shouldn’t, unless he wants to, of course. The purpose of college is to help you get a job, and Marshall has certainly showcased an ability to get open as a slot receiver, as well as a punt returner. He also played outside all of 2015, so he has that experience to offer as well.
Prediction: I think Jalin Marshall will be back. Next season will be a better opportunity to show what he can do.
Player: Pat Elflein
Why stay: Pat Elflein is already one of the top guards in the draft, but if he comes back and plays center next season he will only increase his value to NFL teams.
Why go: Elflein is a fourth-year junior who will be seeing fellow classmates Taylor Decker and Jacoby Boren leaving Ohio State, as well as Chase Farris. As one of the top guards in the NFL Draft, maybe he decides to move on like his linemates. And if he projects to be in the same round next year after a year at center, why wait to leave?
Prediction: I go back and forth on Pat Elflein and what he is going to do, but right now I think he comes back for his senior season. That being said, he is projected as high as the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft by CBS, and if that is the same kind of feedback that he receives from the NFL, that’s going to be hard to say no to. Probably impossible to say no to, actually.
Player: Cameron Johnston
Why stay: Punters rarely leave early for the NFL Draft, at least not successfully, anyway.
Why go: Johnston is one of the best punters in the nation and given his excessive life experience at this point, perhaps he is ready to move on and see if the NFL is as easy as college football.
Prediction: I think he returns, but it’s a good thing the Buckeyes are going to sign one of the nation’s top high school punters in the 2016 recruiting class just in case.


Player: Joey Bosa
Why stay: As Joey Bosa himself has said, the only reason he would stay would be to play with his younger brother Nick, who will be at Ohio State next season. Of course, considering that none of us would ever pass up $25 million just to play with our brother, we shouldn’t expect it here either.
Why go: Bosa is the No. 1 prospect on just about every “Big Board” you can find out there, and for good reason. While some will point at the Cleveland Browns’ draft position and how it might make Bosa want to stay at Ohio State for another year, I would point out that the Browns’ draft position is never going to change, so there will be no avoiding it for Bosa.
Prediction: If you are the No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft, you need to go, and it was no surprise that Bosa has already essentially announced that he is gone.
Player: Darron Lee
Why stay: Redshirt sophomores don’t generally leave early, so getting a third year of starting under Darron Lee’s belt would certainly be a good thing. There is also the fact that it’s a pretty good draft for “outside linebackers” this year. Guys like UCLA’s Myles Jack and Notre Dame’s Jaylon Smith are already projected ahead of Lee by some.
Why go: One of the reasons this is such a good year for outside linebackers is because of Lee, who is being projected as a first or second round pick. He can stop the run and cover tight ends, and even had experience covering slot receivers. If the NFL feedback pegs him as a first or second rounder, then you can understand why he would leave. Even as a mid-second round pick, he is looking at a $5 million contract, with half of that guaranteed.
Prediction: Darron Lee is one of the most confident players you are ever going to come across, so I can definitely see him being ready to take the next step. I do not expect him to be back at Ohio State next year, and that opinion is shared by plenty of folks in the NFL.
Player: Eli Apple
Why stay: Eli Apple is just a redshirt sophomore, and as we mentioned earlier, redshirt sophomores generally stick around for a fourth year. Apple could use that third year of starting to certainly fine tune his skills at cornerback. A second-team All-Big Ten selection by the B1G coaches, another season is only going to help his draft stock.
Why go: He has good size for an NFL cornerback, has experience playing press and off-man coverage, and is outstanding in run support. He would need a strong NFL Combine to get into the first round, but the first round is not the be all, end all.
Prediction: I think he comes back and continues to follow the Bradley Roby path of starting as a redshirt freshman, thinking about leaving as a redshirt sophomore, but ultimately returning and playing as a redshirt junior.
Player: Gareon Conley
Why stay: Gareon Conley has only started for a season, so there isn’t enough experience here to warrant leaving. Plus, with the improvement he showed from 2014 to 2015, if he continues that in 2016, he could be one of the top cornerbacks on the 2017 board.
Why go: His size, speed and athleticism are certainly coveted attributes, and he excelled on the field this season.
Prediction: Conley will be back, but this will be a much more serious discussion next year.
Player: Vonn Bell
Why stay: It is going to be difficult for a safety to get into the first round of the NFL Draft this year, but with another year at Ohio State maybe Vonn Bell can find a way to get it done. Known as a playmaker, another year in the Scarlet and Gray may be enough to convince an NFL team that they can’t let him slip into the second round.
Why go: If Bell enters the 2016 NFL Draft, he will be one of the top two or three safeties available depending on who you ask. If he comes back, he’d be in the same position next year, with no guarantee he’d be slotted higher in the draft. Bell said a month or so ago that he hasn’t made a decision yet and he would wait to talk it over with his coaches and family once the season was over. If he’s just as likely to be a second round pick next year like he is this year, then he should go.
Prediction: I expect him to leave, just like his position coach Chris Ash. Bell may not be in the mood to deal with a third position coach in four years.
Player: Tyvis Powell
Why stay: There isn’t really a lot of talk from the NFL Draft types about Tyvis Powell leaving, so that’s usually a sign that somebody should come back. Powell was an Honorable Mention All-B1G selection this season by both the media and coaches, but with an All-B1G season in 2016 he will certainly help his draft stock.
Why go: Powell is already graduated and may be ready for the next move in his life. The NFL is always intrigued by 6-foot-3 safeties, especially ones who have also played cornerback. And, as mentioned above, maybe Powell doesn’t want to begin a new relationship with a new safety coach.
Prediction: I expect Tyvis Powell to return to Ohio State because he can dramatically improve his draft stock with a great 2016.