The sinking ship that is USC has released Sentrel Henderson from his letter of intent meaning that he is eligible to transfer and play at another school this season. That basically means that it’s recruiting season all over again with Miami, Ohio State and even USC still in the hunt.

Rumors on the internets say that Henderson spent the 4th of July weekend in Miami and will be transferring there soon. I’m sure Ohio State is still in the hunt and for that much, USC thinks they still have a chance at keeping him.

At this point, Tressel should do nothing more than let Henderson know the offer from this winter still stands and leave it at that. If he wants to be a Buckeye, he’ll be a Buckeye. We’ve got a national championship hunt in the making and the last thing we need is a Santrel Henderson, daddy-fueled soap opera.

Sure, this kid is big (and I hear he’s getting bigger) and he’d be a great addition to the front line. If we get him, great. If we don’t, we’ve still got a national championship season at hand.

And let’s be serious – do we really want a kid who would even consider Miami? Let him come to Ohio State in the fall and realize what he missed as he get’s stomped by the Buckeyes.

So tell me, is this kid worth the effort and the national distraction that comes with him?

The Columbus Dispatch is reporting this morning that they have obtained emails between Ohio State President Gordon Gee and Big Ten Commissioner Jim Delany in which they discuss adding Texas to The Big 10. While it is no secret that the Big 10 has been eying Texas for some time, the emails provide an interesting insight into the soon to be changing world of college football.

According to the Dispatch article, Gee had spoken to University of Texas president William Powers and that there was interest in talking to the Big 10. The emails discuss money, branding and what was termed by Gee a “Tech problem.” And although the Dispatch wasn’t able to confirm what Gee meant by a “Tech problem,” it appears that Texas Tech may not meet the academic standards desired by the Big Ten.

Academic standards…wow, leave it to President Gee to keep college athletics somewhat grounded in academics.

No question the addition of Texas to the Big 10 would make for some serious college football. Bringing Texas into the mix would mean that the Big 10 (or whatever we call it) will include the two largest schools in the country with the two most financially lucrative athletic programs in the same league (yes, I’m talking about Ohio State and Texas).

And then there’s the Pac 10
Not to be left out of the fun, Rivals.com is reporting that the Pac 10 may try to jump the gun by offering expansion opportunities to Texas, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and Colorado. Along with the offer comes a new Pac 10 television network which means big revenues for the schools involved.

Bob Condatta of the Seattle Times and ESPN’s David Ubben take it a step further this morning suggesting that a full blow merger between the Pac 10 and Big 12 may be in order.

Whatever the case, if the Big 10 doesn’t move quick, the Pac 10 will. The power of restructuring will be determined by the first to the jump.

The money brought in by the Big 10 Network is one of the advantages of joining The Big 10. According to the Rivals.com article, the BTN brings in about $20 million per school. If however, the PAC 10 could bring in Texas, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and Colorado, just think of the instant audience and massive revenue of the affiliated “Pac 10 Network.”

To be honest, although I’ve been trying to keep up with all the possible league changes, I’m losing track. Chip Brown, who wrote the Rivals.com article, breaks it down much better than I. He rejects Gee’s optimism regarding Texas and breaks it down like this:

So the Big Ten continues to focus on Notre Dame and is seriously considering whether to invite Missouri as well as three schools from the Big East (Rutgers, UConn and either Syracuse or Pittsburgh) . Such a move would likely collapse the Big East, where Notre Dame plays its sports other than football, and might cause the Irish to finally acquiesce to joining the Big Ten.

If that happened, there would be a strong likelihood that four super conferences of roughly 16 teams could emerge: the Big Ten, the SEC, a collaboration of the Big 12 and Pac-10 as well as a collaboration of the Big East and ACC.

Whatever happens, college football is about to change–forever. It may not happen this year (although it could) but it’s going to happen soon. Leagues like the Big 12 may be left in the dust as the Big 10, Pac 10 and SEC become massive, revenue producing football powerhouses. If it has to happen, I’d much rather see Texas in the Big 10 than schools from the Big East. Nothing like the potential rivalry with St. Petersburg Bowl Champion Rutgers.

Back in the early days of the Big Ten Network, I used to write on this blog how I hated the BTN. At the time, my hatred was based on the frustration of the availability of Buckeye broadcasts. Now that the BTN has made almost all games available, a revaluation may be in order because the success of the BTN may forever change the world of college football that I so dearly love.

Braxton Miller, Scout.com’s No.1 pick for the class of 2011, announced today that he will be going to Ohio State. Miller has chosen Ohio State over Florida and current national champion Alabama.

So far I like everything I see about Miller. He’s got the throwing ability of Troy Smith and the rushing ability of Terrelle Pryor. Unlike Pryor, Miller shows a passing confidence and ability to read the field way beyond his years. If Pryor leaves early for the NFL, Miller will be ready to step in. If he sticks around for another year, Pryor may actually need to work to hold on to his position.

As a dual-threat quarterback, the transition from Pryor to Miller should fall right into place. Throw a top running back into the mix and the Buckeyes can look forward to a seriously high powered offense in the coming years.

The future looks bright Buckeyes. Bring on the Big 20 (or whatever we’ll be calling it by then).

You may have seen this by now but there is so much going on in this video that I had to post it. First and foremost, check out the new Union. I’m not sure what to make of it. It looks as big as the old City Center.

In another life, I’m an independent marketing consultant/p.r. guy and from that perspective, what a move. In about two weeks this video’s seen 1.2 million views not to mention the 50,000 or so views by others on hand shooting video. Then of course there is all the free publicity from bloggers like myself posting videos like this.

It also makes Pres. Gee look pretty good as he’s down there with the students having a good time.

And how much did it cost them to product this? My guess is about nothing. Students edit the video, get the cheerleaders to organize it and post it to YouTube.

And did I mention the Union? To be honest, it makes me yearn for the days of $1 Gyros and buckets on High Street.

Amazing how things can get away from you. I’ve never been to good at keeping up with basketball but this year, the season seemed to slip me by. I watched as many games as I could and I can think of at least 10 posts I intended to write. Since becoming a self-employed entrepreneur (by necessity) other projects have kept me from the blog as of late. All that aside and since I’ve managed to work in those three self-serving links, let’s get to it.

Mandatory Bracket Complaint
The Buckeyes finished out the season going 9-10 and sweeping the Big 10 Tourney to get the top #2 seed. So where does that land them, in the same bracket as the top #1 seed. Makes sense to me. This of course means that the Buckeyes could potentially face Georgia Tech, Georgetown and top # one seed Kansas just to get to the final four. What’s with that?

The Winning Bracket Right Here
Again, seeing as I haven’t followed basketball as much as I’d like and I’ve got brackets to fill, I headed out into the internets to make sense of this years’ tournament. In doing so, I stumbled across the Pomerory Ratings. In case you’re not familiar with basketball blogger Ken Pomeroy, he has devised a fairly complex formula that ranks college basketball teams. I’m not going to go into details here on how he comes up with the numbers (because it is way beyond my mathematical abilities) but let’s just say it’s got something to do with baseball.

Pomeroy’s formula ranks the top ten teams as:

1. Kansas
2. Duke
3. Wisconsin
4. Ohio State
5. Syracuse
6. Kentucky
7. Kansas St.
8. BYU
9. WVU
10. Maryland

I know what you’re saying right about now…Wisconsin?! Yeah, I hear you. It’s a mathematical thing. If you dig a little deeper, he’s got a number labeled “Cons/Rnk” that has something to do with correlated bell curves and gaussian mathematics. I don’t understand it either but a high ranking in this column might signal an overrated placement in the rankings.  Wisconsin has a consistency ranking of 332 which might explain the high placement. They are also ranked #7 in the defensive column which can play well come tourney time.

Ohio State is consistency ranking is 331 but we Turner’s on a hot streak so that doesn’t count.

If we look at the Pomeroy Ranked top ten teams and the brackets, we see that the teams are evenly distributed through the brackets with three top-10 teams in each bracket. Except for the South. Down there in the right corner of your bracket sits Duke, all alone as the only top 10 P-Ranked team.

Take it to the top 20 teams and things look a little bit harder in the South adding four more teams to the mix. Midwest and West each add a team and the East, now with four more teams, ends up with 7 of the top 20 ranked teams.

To put this in perspective, if we just go with straight rankings where the top Pomeroy Ranked team wins, Winsconsin not only makes it out of the East, they play lose to Kansas in the big game.

Of course, non of this matters. All the Buckeyes need to worry about and all that matters is that the Buckeyes keep winning, take it one game at a time and be there to take on Wisconsin in that final match in Wisconsin.

And there you have it folks, proudly donning my Big Ten shades, I’m predicting an all Big Ten championship game between Ohio State and Wisconsin. Kansas and Duke are the only two standing in the way and lets be honest folks, Kansas and Duke in the final? One of them has to trip somewhere. How about Baylor trips up Duke and Buckeyes take down Kansas.

The Buckeyes, riding an amazing hot streak, make Wisconsin feel like Minnesota did and cut down the nets in Indy.

What an emotional rollercoaster the Buckeyes have given their fans. Just this past week we saw Ohio State dominate the Illini in Champlain then lose a heartbreaker at home to Purdue–a game billed as a must win to keep hopes of a Big Ten title alive.

That loss (and most likely some Coach Matta encouragement) must have inspired the Scarlet and Grey as they came out hot against Michigan State, pulled off the upset and grabbed a virtual tie with Purdue and MSU at the top of the Big Ten standings.

What can you say about Evan Turner that hasn’t already been said? He has played inspired basketball all season. When he broke his back he could have taken it easy, and let it heal and sacrificed his teammates for his own personal gain. Instead he made an early comeback and lead the Buckeyes on a charge to the top of the conference standings. Not only that, with three big games on the glass against three below average teams, Turner could be the first player since Larry Bird to average 19 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists.

The schedule makers didn’t do the Buckeyes any favors last week scheduling Purdue and MSU back to back but they more than made up for it with the cupcake schedule this week. The Buckeyes travel to lowly Penn State on Wednesday where they will “clash” with the 10-16 (2-12) Nittany Lions. This would be a good opportunity to build a healthy lead in the first half and let the starters take in the sites for the rest of the game and see what the reserves can do.

Saturday brings the Wolverines into Value City Arena but don’t expect the hype of “The Game”. Michigan is trying to hang on to a .500 record overall and just get back to even in conference. This might be your classic trap game but Evan Turner is on the verge of becoming the first ever Buckeye basketball player (men’s or women’s) to be voted the Player of the Year. That goal, combined with a chance at a regular season Big Ten title and the hatred of Michigan should lead to a double digit victory.

A 2-0 mark this week and a MSU victory over Purdue would set the Buckeyes up for at least a share of the Big Ten title and a high seed in the NCAA tournament next month.

Damn. And he said Ohio State was his second choice. Wonder what swayed him?

That’s two linemen we missed out on today.

Just a comment…did you hear his voice as he made the announcement? More thoughts on that later.

Highlights from Seantrel Henderson’s Junior Year

Although both ESPN.com and the Columbus Dispatch are reporting that top ranked recruit Seantrel Henderson will announce his college choice tomorrow (Wed.), I’m not counting on it. Sports Illustrated’s, Kristen Dryer is reporting that Henderson’s father, Sean Henderson has said that the younger Henderson hasn’t made a decision and “isn’t committing to any time tables.”

At this point, Henderson has narrowed his choices down to Ohio State, USC, Notre Dame, Miami, Florida and possibly Minnesota. Rumors are flying that it is between Ohio State and USC but the source I spoke to said, “The kid [Henderson] has no idea where he’s going, not a clue.”

Although Ohio State and USC have been mentioned as his top two, Henderson just visited Miami this weekend so as of just a few days ago, he is apparently still weighing his options.

No question we could use a linemen like Henderson. The kid is 6′8, 300+ pounds and could help provide the pass protection Pryor needs to make things happen. Scout.com has him ranked No. 1 and Rivals.com No. 2.

You will remember though that our last No. 1 recruit also made us wait. By the end of the 2008 signing day, we were hearing the same sort of thing from Pryor’s father that we are hearing now from Henderson’s.

If you haven’t watched the video above yet, be sure to check it out.

A) The kid is huge
B) Nobody is getting past him,
C) He opens gaping holes for the running backs. Something we can really use

And those are his junior year highlights!

The Legends are with you on this day.

As dawn breaks on this glorious morning all eyes turn west to the granddaddy of them all, the Rose Bowl. For on this day, the men of Ohio will return to that storied battlefield to once again prove themselves worthy of the honor and traditions of The Ohio State University.

Many have gone before and etched their names in the scrolls of history – Morrison, Cassidy, Griffen, Kern, Johnson, Hicks, Germaine and of course, the great Woody Hayes. Today, new names will be added to the list.

Although these mighty warriors have proven themselves in combat, there are still those who doubt. Naysayers who question their steeds, their leaders and their abilities. On this day, the questions will be answered. The doubts will be resolved and they will reclaim the destiny which is theirs.

Their opponent is a wily one clad in the colors of the money changers. Deceit and deception is their strength and it is trickery that has lead them to this point. The world will soon learn that they stand upon false towers. That they have built their castles upon the ruins of opponents who in turn, have proven themselves unworthy of the call.

Discipline, persistence and an unrelenting physical presence will be our sword. Tradition, excellence and honor will be our shield. And when the final bell tolls, our young men will look across the field of fallen and claim victory once again.

And then, a silence will settle over the gathered crowd. As our opponent walks from the field, heads hung in the searing light of defeat, the bells will chime, the victorious will gather and face those who have come to support their cause. Together they will sing….”Oh come and sing Ohio’s praise.” And for that moment, the glories of the day will be transcended as voices both present and past will join in the exultation only to be broken by that golden tone, “Oooohhh–Hiiiii—-Ooooooo”

So arise men of Ohio for your destiny awaits!

Not that Erin Andrew’s really telling us anything about either of the two opponents Ohio State may face in the upcoming Rose Bowl. Doesn’t matter, it’s Erin Andrews and Erin Andrews is always good for a little Erin Andrews search engine traffic.

Not that I’ve facetiously loaded that sentence with traffic driving key words, Oregon and Oregon State meet tonight in the Civil War. And unlike all 112 Civil Wars that have gone before, this one decides who the Buckeyes will meet Jan. 1 in Pasadena. For all intensive purposes, this is about as close to an Ohio State/Michigan Rose Bowl game as you can get. Think back to Ohio State #1, Michigan #2 and you’ve got the game we’ll see tonight.

While this has always been a great rivalry game, there was usually a pesky USC or maybe UCLA standing in the way. Not this year. Winner take all. Rose Bowl, Pac 10 Coach of the Year (?), maybe a few Pac 10 player of the year honors for good measure. Even more important, at least a year’s worth of serious smack privileges for the winning fans.

But that will all come to a head on Jan. 1 and when the real bragging rights take hold.

Oregon is a 9.5 point favorite going into tonight’s game. Of the two teams, I think the Buckeyes line up better against Oregon State but of the two teams I’d rather see the Buckeyes beat, no question I’d love to see a serious Duck beat down. If we meet Oregon, the Buckeye defense will need to pound the quarterback and their spread option attack. Offensively, Tress will need to seriously step it up. The Ducks bring powerful defensive speed and there won’t be time for hesitation. However, Ohio State’s threeyardandacloudof stuff might play well against the Ducks if they pull the third down conversions. The Ducks are also prone to turnovers giving up almost 20 gifts so far this season. Good news for a Buckeye defense that likes to score on offensive mistakes.

Oregon State is more like what we see in the Big Ten. Lots of long slow drives, move the ball, convert the third down…that sort of stuff. More of a classic Rose Bowl matchup. A Pryor lead offense in top form could give Oregon State fits.