The Drought is Over
Caleb Downs scores Ohio State’s first punt return touchdown since 2014.
You might remember the last time Ohio State played a football game. It happened 30 days ago and ended in the most thrilling fashion.
That is Curtis Samuel prancing into the end zone untouched to lead Ohio State to a 30-27 double overtime victory against Michigan. The Buckeyes didn't play in the Big Ten Championship the following Saturday but made the College Football Playoff anyway.
Their opponent is Clemson, a 12-1 outfit and champions of the ACC. Led by Heisman Trophy runner-up Deshaun Watson and a high-powered offense, the Tigers are more than formidable. Both squads are scheduled to touch down in Arizona on Monday, fresh off a holiday weekend with families, friends and food.
Ohio State last practiced on Wednesday before their holiday break and then went again on Monday before leaving for the desert. According to a team spokesman, the Buckeyes and Urban Meyer are set to arrive in the desert around 5:30 p.m. MT, or 7:30 p.m. Dabo Swinney and the Tigers are slated for a 4:45 p.m. arrival.
Here is what the week looks like before kickoff on Saturday evening.
Phoenix Schedule
Meyer and two players are slated to hold a brief press conference upon their arrival in Phoenix on Monday evening. Expect updates from Eleven Warriors, primarily on if anyone failed to make the trip for whatever reason.
TUESDAY: The first full day in Phoenix brings with it the initial round of interviews at the media hotel. Between 8:30-9:15 a.m. MT, offensive coordinator Ed Warinner joins quarterback J.T. Barrett, H-back Curtis Samuel, guard Billy Price, center Pat Elflein and running back Mike Weber in front of cameras and microphones.
Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables and a host of Clemson defenders are due at the media hotel for interviews from 9:30-10:15 a.m. MT. Eleven Warriors will keep you up to date on the latest happenings from both squads, obviously with an eye toward the Buckeyes.
Ohio State is set to hold its first practice in Arizona on Tuesday, beginning at 12:15 p.m. MT. Clemson holds its first workout around the same time but is scheduled to start a little later at a different location. Media is permitted to watch and shoot B-roll for 15 minutes.
WEDNESDAY: Much like the day before, Ohio State's interview sessions are held from 8:30-9:15 a.m. MT at the media hotel. On Wednesday, the Buckeyes are scheduled to send players from their defense along with coordinators Luke Fickell and Greg Schiano. Those Ohio State players on the interview docket are safety Malik Hooker, defensive end Tyquan Lewis, linebacker Raekwon McMillan, linebacker Chris Worley and defensive end Jalyn Holmes.
Players from Clemson's offense plus coordinators Jeff Scott and Tony Elliott are due up shortly after Ohio State leaves the media dojo. And, just like a day earlier, practices for each team are scheduled to start at 12:15 p.m. MT (Ohio State) and 12:30 p.m. MT (Clemson). Media is permitted to attend the first 15 minutes of practice and shoot B-roll and photos.
Each team is then scheduled to partake in an outreach community service project upon completion of practice. Clemson's is from 3-4 p.m. MT while Ohio State's is from 3:45-4:45 p.m. MT.
Expect updates from Eleven Warriors periodically throughout both Tuesday and Wednesday.
THURSDAY: Media day. All player and coaches are set to be available at the media hotel, starting with Ohio State from 8:30-9:30 a.m. MT and Clemson from 10-11 a.m. MT.
There is no practice availability on Thursday.
FRIDAY: Meyer and Swinney meet for one final joint press conference before kickoff on Friday morning at the media hotel. That is scheduled for 8:30-9 a.m. MT.
Expect more updates from Eleven Warriors on Friday after Meyer and Swinney field questions in addition to other stories on the previous days.
SATURDAY: Game day arrives like any other Saturday in the fall. Players and coaches are unavailable until the game ends aside from various television interviews and pre-taped appearances throughout the day.
Kickoff is slated for 5:10 p.m. MT on New Year's Eve, or 7:10 p.m. ET. No. 1 Alabama and No. 4 Washington are scheduled to kickoff at 1:10 p.m. MT or 3:10 p.m. ET.
Expect your normal postgame coverage and more from Eleven Warriors on Saturday to ring in 2017.
The long wait is almost over.
It hasn't been fun for us waiting more than a month for a game to write about as we're sure it hasn't been for you waiting to watch one. There is a work-life balance for Urban Meyer and his Ohio State team ahead of the biggest game of the season. With various players vs. coaches challenges at practice back in Columbus, the coaching staff tries to keep things light.
“We have a pretty good system. We do have fun, the difference is what's everyone's definition of fun? If that means go act like a fool and drink and do stupid things, that's not our fun,” Meyer said. “We have fun in practice and lighten things up once in a while, but the best fun is to go find a way to win a game. The culture here is very strong. J.T. Barrett's best way to have fun is to be prepared for that game. Same with Raekwon McMillan, same with Tyquan Lewis, same with Noah Brown.”
Preparations for the Fiesta Bowl are nearly over. The month of December is nearly over. Kickoff is rapidly approaching.
Join us, won't you?
