Own the group chat with The Weekender, highlighting the biggest stories in college sports, standout writing from Eleven Warriors, and a glance at what's next.
ARCHIE MILLER AND RICHARD PITINO SHOWN THE DOOR
Indiana parted ways with Archie Miller after the former University of Dayton head coach wrapped up his fourth season in Bloomington with exactly zero NCAA Tournament bids and one NIT selection. Indiana went just 12-15 in 2020-21 including a 7-12 mark in Big Ten play, to finish in a tie for 10th-place in the regular season standings for a second-straight year. The Hoosiers went 33-35 in league play under Miller. Wonder what Damon Bailey's up to?
Minnesota said goodbye to Richard Pitino after eight seasons and two NCAA Tournament appearances, the most recent coming three years ago. Pitino finished 10th or worse in the regular season standings five times, posting 13th and 12th-place finishes the last two seasons. Pitino wasn't unemployed long as New Mexico tabbed him to lead a program that hasn't seen the NCAA Tournament since 2014.
FORMER OSU FOOTBALLERS INK NEW DEAL WITH NFL SQUADS
It was a busy week across the NFL with free agent signings, including numerous deals for former Ohio State guys.
- Corey Linsley is off to LA after signing a 5-year, $62.5 million deal with the Chargers
- Curtis Samuel signed with Washington, inking a 3-year deal worth $34.5 million
- Pat Elflein is headed to Carolina after coming to terms on a 3-year, $13.5 million deal with the Panthers
- Cameron Johnston took his leg to Houston, signing a 3-year, $8 million deal with the Texas
- Carlos Hyde is set to reunite with Urban Meyer in Jacksonville after agreeing to a 2-year, $6 million deal
- Raekwon McMillian heads to New England after singing a 1-year deal with the Patriots
- Johnathan Hankins is staying in Las Vegas after agreeing to a 1-year deal with the Raiders
- Noah Brown resigned with Dallas on a 1-year deal
B1G GOES 6-3 IN FIRST ROUND BUT LOSES A NO. 2 SEED BEFORE LOSING NO. 1 SEED ILLINOIS IN SECOND ROUND
The Big Ten started the NCAA Tournament a little rough with No. 2 seed Ohio State and No.4 seed Purdue going down to lesser foes along with No. 11 seed Michigan State giving one away in the First Four to UCLA.
Even with those stinkers, the league still went 6-3 in the opening round.
| TEAM | OPPONENT | SCORE | NEXT UP |
|---|---|---|---|
| NO. 1 ILLINOIS | NO. 16 DREXEL | 78-49 | NO. 8 LOYOLA, CHICAGO |
| NO. 1 MICHIGAN | NO. 16 TEXAS SOUTHERN | 82-66 | NO. 8 LSU |
| NO. 2 IOWA | NO. 15 GRAND CANYON | 86-74 | NO. 7 OREGON |
| NO. 9 WISCONSIN | NO. 8 NORTH CAROLINA | 85-62 | NO. 1 BAYLOR |
| NO. 10 RUTGERS | NO. 7 CLEMSON | 60-56 | NO. 2 HOUSTON |
| NO. 10 MARYLAND | NO. 7 UCONN | 63-54 | NO. 2 ALABAMA |
Unfortunately, things only got worse from there as No. 1 seed Illinois was dominated by Loyola, Chicago earlier today. Yes, Loyola was woefully under-seeded but the Illini were a complete no-show as Ayo Dosunmu managed nine points with six turnovers. With No. 9 seed Wisconsin and No. 10 seed Rutgers set to play later today, as 6.5 and 7.5-point underdogs, it could be a real rough day for the Big Ten.
Honestly, I'm still smarting from watching Ohio State get lit up by a 2-man team from the Summit League but alas they don't call it March Madness for nothing.
ICYMI
Ryan Day Wants Ohio State's Quarterbacks To Be "Immersed In The Process," Learn From Mistakes As Competition Begins
Dan Hope broke down the competition between C.J. Stroud, Jack Miller and Kyle McCord, and how Ryan Day plans to navigate the evaluation process as Ohio State looks to replace the departed Justin Fields at quarterback.
10 Reasons Ohio State Flamed-Out Against Oral Roberts In NCAA Tournament's First Round
For just the ninth time in NCAA Tournament history, a No. 2 seed fell to a No. 15. Colin Hass-Hill explores 10 reasons why Ohio State's season ended prematurely.
Spring Will Be Crucial Time For Kerry Coombs, OSU Defense To Improve Scheme, Practice What They Couldn't Last Year
Looking for a huge turnaround after last year's defense was an extreme liability, Dan examines how a full spring camp can go a long way in installing scheme, improving fundamentals and evaluating talent in a way Coombs and company couldn't a season ago.
UP NEXT
- Monday-Friday, March 22-26: Ohio State football continues spring practice with sessions Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and media availability Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.
- Wednesday-Saturday, March 24-27: After an undefeated regular season, the Pistol team takes part in the Intercollegiate Pistol Championships in Fort Benning, Georgia.
- Wednesday-Saturday, March 24-27: Men's NCAA swimming and diving championships take place in Greensboro, North Carolina.
- Thursday, September 2: Ryan Day's Buckeyes host Minnesota in the season-opener.
- Saturday, November 27: The Game. Ann Arbor, Michigan.
