The first time I ever wrote a Skull Session, I wanted to leave my mark on it. I wanted readers to read something in my opening paragraph and instantly know it was me, without even looking at who the author was.
For the past year and a half, I have served as Eleven Warrior's intern, and it has truly been the best experience of my young career. Whether it was my first day on the job when I interviewed Devin Smith or going to OSU's media day and basically asking Joe Bauserman if he would be pissed to be a backup to Braxton Miller, it has been a blast working here.
All those experiences have brought me to this point today when I will write my final Skull Session for Eleven Warriors. Working with every member of the staff here has been incredible, but I want to take a second to thank the readers of this site.
If you couldn't tell, I am not a professional. I am just a college kid with a laptop who has a love for the team he grew up with since birth. You all have been welcoming, kind, and supportive.
In my opinion, the readers of this website are some of the most knowledgeable and passionate fans in college sports. Additionally, all of you made this opportunity so much better than I ever could have imagined. I thank all of you for putting up with me every Tuesday.
So, with bittersweet emotions, I'll say it one last time: Good morning Buckeye faithful and welcome to your Tuesday Skull Session.
REALIGNMENT? NAH, WE'RE COOL. The reports were not kidding when it was said Penn State could be hit with something worse than the so-called death penalty.
The four-year postseason ban for PSU will leave the Big Ten with only 10 of its 12 teams eligible for the postseason because of Ohio State's one-year postseason ban. Even more problematic is that the Nittany Lions and Buckeyes are both members of the Leaders division, leaving the division with only four of its six teams for next season.
This brought up the question of whether the Big ten conference should realign itself for next season. However, the immediate stance on the situation from B1G commissioner Jim Delaney is that the conference does not have any plans to realign the divisions. I am sure that the option will be discussed more seriously amongst the conference's hierarchy, though.
I can understand if the Big Ten wants to permanently realign the divisions, but I am not for a one-season realignment. By the 2013-2014 season, assuming no other violations are committed by a school (fingers crossed), Penn State will be the only school with a postseason ban, and things will begin to work themselves out. Keeping the conferences the way they are makes sense to me.
CLEANING UP THE MESS. You may have heard, but not all is well is Happy Valley. Penn State's head coach Bill O'Brien will probably be receiving some unpleasant calls from members of his 2013 recruiting class in the coming weeks.
Greg Pickel of The Patriot-News wrote an article on the current state of PSU's 12 commitments for 2013. Based on the comments made in the article, it is not looking good for O'Brien's recruiting class. Many recruits, including Christian Hackenberg, Adam Breneman, Zach Bradshaw, Brandon Bell, and Neiko Robinson mentioned they will be discussing the issue with their families or weighing other options. Ohio cornerback Ross Douglas was the first to decommit in the wake of the NCAA sanctions.
Perhaps the biggest blow would be the loss of Adam Breneman, who is ranked as one of the top tight ends in the country. Realistically, I can not see Breneman staying. A player of his talent will want to compete, and that will most likely not happen over next the decade for the Nittany Lions.
There is some good news for PSU, though. Offensive lineman recruit Brendan Mahon tweeted, “O’Brien has my back I have his. #PennState2013.” But the word commitment is certainly not an indication of permanency for Penn State nowadays, and there is still a lot of time for 2013 recruits to change their minds.
Look how happy they were. URBAN PSU RECRUITING? Will Ohio State be targeting any of Penn State's 2013 recruits?
It is still not clear whether Urban Meyer will target any of Bill O'Brien's commitments, but Ian Cuevas of Land-Grant Holyland writes that two players could be potential targets.
Cuevas believes Dorian Johnson and Adam Breneman could still be options for Ohio State to consider. Johnson will reportedly be deciding between OSU, West Virginia, and Pittsburgh. Breneman still remains a question, as he has yet to announce if he intends to decommit from the program. OSU has limited scholarships left to offer for 2013, so it will be interesting to see if they pursue either of these players.
As Cuevas points out, the real recruiting issues will begin in 2014. The Buckeyes and Michigan will have a huge recruiting advantage in areas that PSU once was a heavy favorite.
SOMETHING NOT ABOUT PSU. Thad Matta made two offers to basketball recruits yesterday. The offers went to 2014 recruit Jae'Sean Tate and 2015 recruit Franklin Howard.
Tate is a small forward out of Pickerington Central. He is 6'5 and 205 pounds and still growing. He is the son of former Buckeye Jermaine Tate, who played two seasons for Ohio State before transferring to Cincinnati.
Howard is a point guard and plays for Gonzaga College High School in Washington, D.C. He is 6'4 and 170 pounds and has already received offers from schools, such as Florida, Georgetown, Seton Hall, and Villanova.
GOOD NIGHT AND GOOD LUCK. Paterno family statement on PSU punishment... Bowden says words of respect for Paterno... Silas Redd to USC... Jae'Sean Tate highlights... Browns sign Trent Richardson to deal.
