Bucknuts Morning 5: An Ohio State athletics podcast

We knew it would come to this.

Ohio State's recruitment of 5-star defensive back Anthony Cook is getting heated down the stretch. Tom Herman and the Longhorns are not about to let arguably the best high school football player in Texas leave the state for college without a fight.

So how will it turn out with an announcement date of Oct. 30 looming?

Duane Long and I discussed that and more to get the day started.

What's the latest with Jayson Oweh and Tyreke Smith?

Is J.T. Barrett's uptick an result of poor competition or a call back to 2014?

Who you got: Penn State or Michigan?

Spend 5ish with us this a.m.! 

Ohio State was favored by 24.5 points over host Nebraska on Saturday, and a lot of people thought that spread seemed a bit high.

Well, it was not nearly high enough as the Buckeyes rolled to a 42-point victory (56-14) over the Cornhuskers.

Steve Helwagen joins Dave Biddle on today's show and points out how it is impressive how OSU has continued to take care of its business week after week since the Oklahoma disaster. The Buckeyes aren't just winning, they are crushing their opponents.

The real test awaits in 12 days when Penn State comes to Columbus, but we are feeling good about the Buckeyes on today's show. And we think we are still going to be feeling good about them in 12 days. 

All of that plus more on the Monday extravaganza.

At the midpoint of the regular season, Ohio State is receiving a lot of good news at the defensive tackle position.

Fifth-year senior DT Michael Hill is returning from a six-game suspension this week, adding a veteran presence and some beef (6-foot-3, 305 pounds) up front.

Furthermore, third-year sophomore DT Dre'Mont Jones is expected to return from injury (cut to his leg that required surgery) for the Buckeyes (5-1, 3-0 Big Ten) who will take on host Nebraska (3-3, 2-1) on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET.

Jonah Booker joins Dave Biddle to discuss that, plus:

* Thoughts on the ongoing Trevon Grimes saga

* Who will be the Buckeyes starting right guard?

* Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh skipping his weekly call-in radio show after losing to Michigan State.

* Predictions for tomorrow night's clash in Lincoln between the Buckeyes and Cornhuskers.

Know this: When we get a chance to talk quarterback recruiting, that's a chance we're going to take.

Ohio State has a commitment from Georgia quarterback Emory Jones. But Jones is looking around at places like Alabama.

Kentucky has a commitment from Georgia quarterback Jarren Williams. But Williams is looking around at places like Alabama and Ohio State.

You can see the potential from drama here. 

247Sports Director of Recruiting Steve Wiltfong is here to provide the latest recruiting intrigue as well as offer up his first-hand opinion on Williams and Jones, having seen both play in person.

We also chat about Tommy Togiai, the Idaho defensive tackle debating between Washington and Ohio State.

Spend 5ish with us this a.m.!

The cat is now out of the bag that it was Trevon Grimes who Urban Meyer visited on Monday.

The true freshman wide receiver left Ohio State recently and was back home in the Miami area for the Buckeyes' game against Maryland last Saturday. Word began to spread he was strongly considering a transfer to the University of Miami.

Jeremy Birmingham from Land of 10 reported Tuesday evening that Grimes plans on staying in Florida until the end of the semester, and then plans on re-enrolling at OSU in January.

Patrick Murphy and Dave Biddle give their thoughts on that, plus:

* The return of fifth-year senior DT Michael Hill from suspension.

* The situation at right guard with Meyer still not ready to name Matthew Burrell as the definite starter.

That and more on the midweek extravaganza.

It's been three whole days since the BM5 has spoken its mind. It's been too long.

So had to mix it up today. We had to bring in the big guns.

The Dean of Ohio State Recruiting - yes, Bill Kurelic himself - is here to provide wisdom on the following:

* Tommy Togiai - What now after UW visit?

* Tyreke Smith - Penn State way out in front?

* Jayson Oweh - Last visit gets the guy?

* Anthony Cook - Will Texas love last three more weeks?

* Josh Proctor and Jaiden Woodbey - Wavering about Columbus?

* Wisconsin, Michigan, Penn State - Real or fake Big Ten contenders?

* Bill's beloved Cleveland Indians - Can their ace get it done?

Spend 5ish with us, 'Nutters!

Maryland has been much better than expected this season, but Ohio State is favored by 31 points over the visiting Terrapins on Saturday.

Will D.J. Durkin's crew give the Buckeyes a real test, or is OSU simply too talented and deep for the Terps?

Jonah Booker joins Dave Biddle to discuss that, plus:

* Thoughts on true freshman cornerback Jeffrey Okudah emerging for the Buckeyes.

* Senior left tackle Jamarco Jones playing at a high level despite recovering from an ailment.

* Thoughts on Michigan State at Michigan tomorrow night.

That and more on the Friday spectacular.

Who will finish off Ohio State's top-ranked recruiting class?

Will it be a glorious run to the tape?

Quite possibly.

247Sports Director of Recruiting Steve Wiltfong is here to provide an update on who could be joining the nation's top collection of talent.

We go in-depth on:

* Anthony Cook - Texas now even with Buckeyes?

* Tommy Togiai - Visiting Washington this weekend but already thinking Buckeyes?

* Rasheed Walker - Why the foggy outlook?

* Emory Jones - Flirting with other suitors?

* Max Duggan - Quarterback to watch or memorable '80s flick?

Spend 5ish with us this a.m.!

If Iowa ends up being a night game -- and you know it will be -- that will mean Ohio State will play four of its five Big Ten road games at night this season. The only exception would be the Michigan game, and there was a zero percent chance that was going to be a night game anyway.

The question The People's Champ, Matt Baxendell, and Dave Biddle tackle on today's show is whether there should be a limit on how many intraconference night games a team plays in a particular season. Every team treats playing the Buckeyes as their personal Super Bowl, but should this be permitted without any restrictions?

Also, OSU head coach Urban Meyer says the Buckeyes basically have two starting running backs with J.K. Dobbins and Mike Weber. But is that just coachspeak? Because it sure seems to us like Dobbins is on a different level than Weber, while still recognizing that Weber is a very good back. It's just that Dobbins is "special" to use Meyer's own word.

That plus Maryland thoughts and more on the midweek extravaganza.

Ohio State has played five games and stands at 4-1.

What have we seen that will continue?

What have we seen that will come to an end?

What's true?

What's false?

Who better to decipher such queries than Duane Long?

Nobody ... so he's here to let you know which of the following are true ... or false!

* Ohio State's recent passing game improvements will translate against stiffer competition ... 

* Jerome Baker's uneven play will continue ...

* Going forward, Mike Weber will receive more carries than J.K. Dobbins ... 

* Bin Victor has emerged as the feared red zone/deep threat the Buckeyes have longed for since Mike Thomas left ...

* When Chris Worley returns, Tuf Borland will remain the starter at middle linebacker ... 

* Anthony Cook will commit to his home-state Texas Longhorns ...

Tune in and spend 5ish with us to gain some knowledge!