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Google ESPN’s “College Gameday” To Air From Columbus On Dec. 21 For Buckeyes’ First-Round College Football Matchup Against No. 9 Seed Tennessee – Buckeye Spo

ESPN’s “College Gameday” To Air From Columbus On Dec. 21 For Buckeyes’ First-Round College Football Matchup Against No. 9 Seed Tennessee – Buckeye Sports Bulletin - Buckeye Sports Bulletin
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".

ESPN’s “College Gameday” To Air From Columbus On Dec. 21 For Buckeyes’ First-Round College Football Matchup Against No. 9 Seed Tennessee – Buckeye Sports Bulletin Buckeye Sports Bulletin

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LGHL Everything you need to know about Ohio State’s campus before the College Football Playoffs

Everything you need to know about Ohio State’s campus before the College Football Playoffs
Matt Tamanini
via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


ohio_state_the_oval.0.jpg


From travel to restaurants, from bars to sights, we’ve got it all broken down for you.

I know what you’re thinking, Tennesseans, “Columbus, Ohio is just a cowtown! There won’t be anything to do there when we go for the College Football Playoff game on Saturday, Dec. 21 at 8 p.m. ET airing on ABC and ESPN.”

Well, my orange and white checkered friends, how very wrong you are. Columbus is the 14th-largest city in the country, and while CBus does have its fair share of cows, at 905,748 it is nearly five times larger than Knoxville. Did you know that Columbus — the largest city in the world named after Christopher Columbus — is the second largest city in the Midwest, behind only Chicago, and the third largest capital city in these 50 great United States (only Phoenix and Austin are larger)?

So, if you are planning to visit our fair city for the first-round matchup between the Tennessee Volunteers and Ohio State Buckeyes on the Saturday before Christmas, then I’ve got some things that you will need to know.


Getting to Columbus


Driving:

It takes about 5 and a half hours to drive from Knoxville, Tennessee to Ohio Stadium, depending on where you are coming from in or around Knoxville. You will essentially take I-75 north until you hit I-70 which you will take east. When you get close to campus, you will want to get off at OH-315 North and follow signs for Lane Avenue.

There are some outer belts along the way that will help you avoid congested downtown traffic, but it is more or less a straight shot with one 90° turn to the right.

Ohio Stadium’s address is 411 Woody Hayes Dr, Columbus, OH 43210. So, just drop that into your GPS and you will be in Columbus faster than it would take you to listen to Kenny Chesney’s entire discography.

Flying:

If you are going to take to the skies to get from Rocky Top to Columbus, according to Kayak.com, it looks like the cheapest available flights coming in on Friday, Dec. 20 and leaving on Sunday, Dec. 22 would be on United for $478. These round-trip flights will also give you plenty of time to explore our fair city before and after the game.



Campus Eats


I admit, it has been a few years decades since I lived on campus, so I asked around to the generally younger Land-Grant staff to get some suggestions for places on and around campus that might be of note to Vols fans visiting for the game.

Buckeye Donuts



An absolute staple of the Ohio State community since 1969, you cannot take a trip to Columbus without stopping at Buckeye Donuts. Open 24 hours, the establishment is right across High Street from the north side of campus and is practically a hallowed institution.

Obviously donuts are this joint’s specialty (of course you have to try the hometown favorite chocolate and peanut butter Buckeye Donut), but in addition to pastries, they’ve also got a pretty robust food menu, including breakfast sandwiches, salads, gyros, french fries, and much more.

Hang Over Easy

This place opened up a few years after I graduated, but even I know how popular it has become. If you are looking for a cool sit-down spot in the morning, Hang Over Easy is at the top of the list. It’s a small diner located on the South side of campus which opened up in 2007.

The restaurant features creative dishes with comical names, like the Walk of Shame (a bacon, egg and cheese served on a glazed donut), the Silence of the Hams omelet, and other traditional breakfast favorites. They also offer Hair of the Dog options, including a variety of Bloody Mary concoctions.

Hot Chicken Takeover

This one might be the perfect spot for Tennessee fans, as it is campus’ entry into the world of Nashville fried chicken. Hot Chicken Takeover has a handful of locations both in and near Columbus, including spots in Grandview, Clintonville and North Market. HCT offers wings, tenders, a sandwich,h and more at four different levels of heat ranging from mild to “Holy.”

I have heard that the baked beans and Ma’s Mac are also killer side dishes. The house ranch is apparently legendary as well, and also comes in a spicy variation.

Mikey’s Late Night Slice

While Columbus has its own specific style of pizza (more on that in a minute), if you are looking for a traditional New York-style slice. Mikey’s Late Night Slice is it. The place sells pizza by the slice as well as full pies, and offers a variety of different toppings in addition to a special “Pizza of the Week” and alcoholic beverages options.

The Short North location is probably the most popular, but there are eight locations around Columbus in total, with most open well past midnight.

Donatos Pizza

Just a block away from Buckeye Donuts, Donatos is a Central Ohio institution. The company has changed hands a couple of times, but after previously being owned by McDonald’s, it is now firmly back in the ownership of the Grote family. While there are other options in town, Donato’s is the most popular and widely available Columbus style pizza.

Unlike a New York pie, Columbus Pizza is cut into rectangles. It still has a pretty thin crust, but it is a little cripser and solid. The pizza itself is stacked with edge-to-edge toppings, provolone cheese and a slightly sweet sauce. Not living in Ohio any more, every time I’m back home, I have to grab some Donato’s.


Drinks


Out-R-Inn

There are so many bars to choose from around Ohio State, but far and away the longest-standing student favorite is Out-R-Inn. Opened in 1969, the campus staple has some of the best drink specials you’ll find, highlighted by Mug Night, which offers low-priced beer re-fills in a nice souvenir mug.

While certainly what you would expect from a campus hole-in-the-wall, the bar has a tremendous atmosphere with both indoor and outdoor spaces, pool tables, picnic benches, corn hole, and more. Out-R-Inn is a fan favorite for both current students and alumni alike. While it might be a bit cold to visit in December, if you are looking for an authentic Ohio State experience, check this one out.

Ethyl & Tank

Ethyl & Tank is a bit of a smaller joint, but it is still extremely well regarded and is known for itsy inviting and relaxed atmosphere. During the day it is more of a restaurant, offering affordable eats for breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as a brunch menu and a full coffee bar.

At night, it turns into a classic bar and hangout spot, with nightly specials and good music. Their 32-ounce beer “tanks” on Thursday nights are a big hit if you are in town a couple of days early. The bar has two levels and a good amount of tables and seating, so it’s a good spot to kick back and relax.

Land-Grant Brewing Company



While this one is about four miles from campus, I couldn’t not include it on our list. While we are not officially associate with the Land-Grant Brewing Company, they do have really great taste in selecting a name.

However, they are an excellent brewery over by the Scioto River south of campus. Their tap room and beer gardens are epic, and they’ve expanded to a few other facilities s well, so there is plenty of room for everyone.


Campus Sights


Buckeye Grove

Located just outside the south side of Ohio Stadium, the Buckeye Memorial Grove is a natural museum honoring Ohio State’s football greats. Established in 1929 as a dedication to the first OSU football team, Buckeye Grove now features over 200 buckeye trees that are planted to honor players that are named All-Americans. Each tree is designated with a plaque denoting the honored player.

Marvin Harrison Jr. earned a tree following last season.

The Woody Hayes Athletic Center

While you obviously can’t just walk right onto the practice field at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center, the facility’s lobby is open to the public, and on display are a variety of accolades and accomplishments from throughout the history of Ohio State football.

Here you can find the 2014 National Championship trophy, multiple Heisman Trophies, and bowl game trophies in addition to Big Ten Championships and more. Outside the building stands a statue of Woody Hayes himself.

The Oval

If you’re just looking to take a leisurely stroll around campus, then the Oval is a great place to start. A lawn originally used for livestock to graze, the Oval became the heart of Ohio State’s campus as it connects a number of important academic buildings.

At the western end stands the Thompson Library, and in front you will find the state of William Oxley Thompson. The many crossing paths that make up the Oval are a result of the paths that students took over the years walking between the many buildings that surround the space. During the warmer months, you will find students here lounging around, studying, tanning or partaking in outdoor activities.

William Oxley Thompson Memorial Library



Originally built in 1912, the university’s main library has been renovated multiple times over the years, most recently in 2009. The introduction of the windows both inside and outside of the building adds natural light and drama to the building. You can watch students perusing individual stacks from the main entrance and the grand reading room is a book-lover’s paradise.

Mirror Lake

Recently renovated and restored, Mirror Lake is one of the more picturesque parts of Ohio State’s campus. Beginning in the fall of 2016, Mirror Lake underwent a massive facelift, and now features abundant plant life, a stone grotto, fountains and benches.

It is a pretty and relaxing place to take a stroll, sit and read a book, or just get away from the hustle and bustle of the rest of a busy campus and city. If you’ve never been to Ohio State before, Mirror Lake is definitely a place worth checking out.

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LGHL Hangout in the Holy Land: Ohio State’s 2025 recruiting class breakdown and grades

Hangout in the Holy Land: Ohio State’s 2025 recruiting class breakdown and grades
justingolba
via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Syndication: The Columbus Dispatch

Doral Chenoweth/The Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

We give our positional grades, who we are most excited to get to Columbus, and who will make the most immediate impact next season.

The latest episode of Land-Grant Holy Land’s flagship podcast is here! Join LGHL’s Josh Dooley and Justin Golba as they discuss Ohio State football, basketball, recruiting, and much more! Come for the hot takes. Stay for the warm ones.



Subscribe: RSS | Apple | Spotify | Google Podcasts | iHeart Radio



On this midweek episode of Hangout in the Holy Land, Josh and Justin decided to jump into the recruiting space and give our full thoughts on the Ohio State Buckeyes’ 2025 recruiting class. We give our positional grades, who we are most excited to get to Columbus, who will make the most immediate impact, and who we think is underrated in the class.

Before that, we preview the College Football Playoff and which first-round matchups we are most excited about. Also, which underdog has the best chance to win?

Make sure to like and subscribe to the podcast. As always, Go Bucks!



Connect with the pod:

Twitter:
@HolyLandPod

Connect with Josh Dooley:

Twitter:
@jdooleybuckeye

Connect with Justin Golba:

Twitter:
@justin_golba

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LGHL Is Ohio State gonna rock all scarlet jerseys against Tennessee?

Is Ohio State gonna rock all scarlet jerseys against Tennessee?
Matt Tamanini
via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Penn State v Ohio State

Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images

All the Buckeye news thats fit to re-print.

Look, we get it. Your days are busy and you don’t have time to read all of the stories and tweets from the three dozen websites dedicated to covering Ohio State athletics, or the 237 Buckeye beat writers churning out hot takes and #content on a daily basis. But that’s ok, that’s what your friends at Land-Grant Holy Land are here for.

Monday through Friday, we’ll be collecting all of the articles, tweets, features, interviews, videos, podcasts, memes, photos, and whatever else we stumble across on the interwebz and putting them in our daily “Why is this News?” article. That way, you’ll have a one-stop shop for all of the most important Buckeye news, jokes, and analysis.

You’re welcome!


For your Earholes...


Subscribe to the Land-Grant Podcast Network for all of your Ohio State needs
Matt Tamanini, Land-Grant Holy Land


Subscribe: RSS | Apple | Spotify | iHeart Radio


On the Gridiron


“We’ll do whatever it takes”: Buckeyes installing offensive game plan for Tennessee game
Spencer Holbrook, Lettermen Row

Ohio State Teases a Scarlet Out for the Tennessee Game
11W Staff, Eleven Warriors

What do you think about all-scarlet jerseys for a playoff game?



— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) December 10, 2024

You’re Nuts: Could Ryan Day save his job with a deep College Football Playoff run?
Josh Dooley and Gene Ross, Land-Grant Holy Land

What Devin Brown entering transfer portal means for Buckeyes
Spencer Holbrook, Lettermen Row

What do you think about No. 8 Ohio State playing Tennessee at night in The Shoe?
Matt Tamanini, Land-Grant Holy Land


On the Hardwood


Ohio State women’s hoops stays hot and cruises past Ball State 80-48
Justin Golba, Land-Grant Holy Land


Crown her

TT gets the dub crown tonight ‼️ #GoBucks pic.twitter.com/b4mG9y3hxY

— Ohio State Women’s Basketball (@OhioStateWBB) December 11, 2024

No. 11 Ohio State remains undefeated with victory vs Ball State
Brianna Mac Kay, The Columbus Dispatch

What impact does Aaron Bradshaw’s return have on Ohio State’s season?
Adam Jardy, The Columbus Dispatch

Thierry, Gray, McMahon bring years of history together to Ohio State’s lineup
Thomas Costello, Land-Grant Holy Land

Devin Royal Scoring Frequently, Efficiently for Buckeyes
Andy Anders, Eleven Warriors


Outside the Shoe and Schott


Former AD Gene Smith Honored with NCAA Gerald R. Ford Award
Ohio State Athletics

Men’s Soccer: Five Buckeyes Named to All-North Region Team
Ohio State Athletics

Women’s Golf: McGinty Earns LPGA Tour Card in Final Stage of Q Series
Ohio State Athletics


And now for something completely different...


Everything in this thread is absolutely wild:


Update: Belichick has agreed to become the next UNC coach. Belichick handed the school a 400 page “organizational bible” with structure, payment plans, staffing choices etc. decisions on whether to commit with UNC. He is expected to know their decision within 24 hours https://t.co/DAV2yX9Mn5

— Ollie Connolly (@OllieConnolly) December 10, 2024

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LGHL LGHL WBB Podcast: Cotie McMahon returns, Illini fans in disguise

LGHL WBB Podcast: Cotie McMahon returns, Illini fans in disguise
ThomasCostello
via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Illinois v Ohio State

Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images

The Illinois Fighting Illini showed up both on and off the court, that and previewing a two-game week

The Land-Grant Women’s Basketball Podcast is a show dedicated to coverage of the Ohio State women’s basketball team. Each Monday during the basketball season, LGHL recaps recent games, previews upcoming contests, and talks with those in and around the Ohio State women’s basketball universe. Hear directly from players and coaches and receive additional context behind what they say to the media.

Listen to the episode and subscribe:


Subscribe: RSS | Apple | Spotify | iHeart Radio



Ohio State women’s basketball made their triumphant return after nine days off, and so does the “Land-Grant WBB Podcast.”

This episode includes more from the 83-74 win over the Illinois Fighting Illini, including the return of Cotie McMahon. The forward came back in a big way, leading the Buckeyes with 25 points on a day when freshman Jaloni Cambridge played only 22 minutes and fouled out.

Hear from head coach Kevin McGuff about the foul troubles, McMahon on her performance and Chance Gray talk more about what Madison Greene provided off the bench.

Also, a group of Illinois students infiltrated the Schottenstein Center to create a rarely done away school student section.

That and previewing the next two games for the Buckeyes.



Connect with Thomas:
Bluesky:
@ThomasCostello
Theme music: “HOLY MOLY” by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

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LGHL Buckeyes open portal season by welcoming offensive lineman to campus

Buckeyes open portal season by welcoming offensive lineman to campus
Matt Tamanini
via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Syndication: The Columbus Dispatch

Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

All the Buckeye news thats fit to re-print

Look, we get it. Your days are busy and you don’t have time to read all of the stories and tweets from the three dozen websites dedicated to covering Ohio State athletics, or the 237 Buckeye beat writers churning out hot takes and #content on a daily basis. But that’s ok, that’s what your friends at Land-Grant Holy Land are here for.

Monday through Friday, we’ll be collecting all of the articles, tweets, features, interviews, videos, podcasts, memes, photos, and whatever else we stumble across on the interwebz and putting them in our daily “Why is this News?” article. That way, you’ll have a one-stop shop for all of the most important Buckeye news, jokes, and analysis.

You’re welcome!


For your Earholes...


Subscribe to the Land-Grant Podcast Network for all of your Ohio State needs
Matt Tamanini, Land-Grant Holy Land


Subscribe: RSS | Apple | Spotify | iHeart Radio


In the Portal


Buckeyes reach out to transfer portal offensive lineman
Bill Kurelic, Bucknuts


Prediction Alert!

Ohio State Is Currently One Of The Frontrunners To Land Josh Thompson.

Position: Offensive Tackle
Class: 2021
Previous School: Northwestern
Location: Fenton, Michigan pic.twitter.com/VTkw0xuhLM

— Ohio State Football Recruiting (@OhioStateFBChat) December 9, 2024

Buckeyes backup QB Devin Brown plans to enter transfer portal
Joey Kaufman, The Columbus Dispatch

Buckeyes reserve offensive lineman Miles Walker enters transfer portal
Spencer Holbrook, Lettermen Row


On the Gridiron


Ohio State opens as 7.5-point favorites over Tennessee
Gene Ross, Land-Grant Holy Land

Ryan Day responds to Kirk Herbstreit questioning Ohio State’s home-field advantage in College Football Playoff
Cody Nagel, 247Sports


Ohio State’s Seth McLaughlin named a finalist for the Rimington Trophy
Patrick Murphy, Bucknuts

Ohio State’s Path to A National Championship Won’t Be Easy, But Buckeyes Enter College Football Playoff with Excitement and Confidence
Dan Hope, Eleven Warriors

Ohio State gets college football’s equivalent of the ‘Group of Death’ in the playoff
Michael Citro, Land-Grant Holy Land


On the Hardwood


Ohio State’s Aaron Bradshaw is back with the team after absence; Buckeyes getting healthy
Patrick Murphy, Bucknuts

What impact does Aaron Bradshaw’s return have on Ohio State’s season?
Adam Jardy, The Columbus Dispatch


Women’s Basketball: Cotie McMahon Named to Big Ten Weekly Honor Roll
Ohio State Athletics


Outside the Shoe and Schott


Ohio State Men’s Soccer Player Nathan Demian Shot Off-Campus
Dan Hope, Eleven Warriors


pic.twitter.com/BgdibJNoaR

— Ohio State Men’s Soccer (@OhioStateMSOC) December 9, 2024

And now for something completely different...


Man, I sure hope Tito can make magic again.


"They remind me a lot of Cleveland a couple years ago, young, athletic, they seem like really good kids. I think they want to get good. You like to think you could make a difference." - New #Reds manager Terry Francona on why he came to Cincinnati pic.twitter.com/9menKz2oop

— Votto De La Cruz (@EvilJoeyVotto) December 9, 2024

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LGHL Ohio State women’s hoops stays hot and cruises past Ball State 80-48

Ohio State women’s hoops stays hot and cruises past Ball State 80-48
justingolba
via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


NCAA Womens Basketball: Bowling Green At Ohio St

Samantha Madar/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images

The Buckeyes got out an 18-6 lead early and never looked back, moving to 9-0 on the season

The No. 11 Ohio State Women’s Basketball team moved to a perfect 9-0 with a decisive 80-48 win over Ball State (6-4) on Tuesday night at the Schottenstein Center. The Buckeyes are now 5-0 at home.

The Buckeyes move to 5-2 all-time against Ball State, with both losses coming in the 1970s. The last time the two teams played, on Dec. 15, 1996, none of the players on either roster were alive.

Ball State has had a good start to the season, with a 6-3 record, a win over Texas A&M, and a close loss to No. 11 North Carolina.

The Buckeyes were led into this contest by Cotie McMahon, who is averaging 18.5 points per game and 3.8 rebounds per game in four games played. Chance Gray and Jaloni Cambridge are averaging 15.6 and 15.1 points per game, respectively. Ajae Petty is averaging 11.4 points per game and 7.3 rebounds per game, while Taylor Thierry is averaging 11.3 points per game and 6.3 rebounds per game.

Ball State was led into the game by guard Ally Becki, who is averaging 14.4 points per game, 5.9 rebounds per game, and 5.9 assists per game. Lachelle Austin, Madelyn Bischoff, and Elise Stuck are all double-digit scorers as well for the Cardinals.

Last time out, Ohio State beat No. 21 Illinois 83-74 to stay undefeated and earn its first win in the conference.

Ohio State got off to an expected hot start in this one, starting the contest on a 7-0 run with four points from Taylor Thierry and three points from Chance Gray. The Buckeyes jumped out to a 14-2 lead behind three more points from Gray and two points each from McMahon and Cambridge.


Jaloni with a tough take to get our second quarter started :triumph:@JaloniCambridge | #GoBucks pic.twitter.com/6M3eLhdU9B

— Ohio State Women’s Basketball (@OhioStateWBB) December 10, 2024

The Buckeyes led 24-8 after the first quarter as seven different players scored, and Chance Gray and Ava Watson led the team with six points each. Four different players recorded two points for Ball State.

Two Cotie McMahon free throws and a layup from Taylor Thierry saw the Buckeyes take the lead to 17 and 32-15 heading into the media timeout in the second quarter. Ohio State ended up almost doubling up Ball State in the first half, taking a 38-20 lead after a buzzer-beating three-pointer by Ball State into the locker room, and once they took the double-digit lead, it never went below that.


Two down, two to go.#GoBucks pic.twitter.com/HlWTcEIRFt

— Ohio State Women’s Basketball (@OhioStateWBB) December 10, 2024

The Buckeyes defense was suffocating in the first half, forcing the Cardinals into 9-for-25 from the field, 1-for-11 from three-point range, and forcing an impressive 15 turnovers. Ohio State has 20 points off turnovers, and Ball State had zero.

For Ball State, Elise Stuck and Zuri Ransom led the team with five points. For Ohio State, Chance Gray had nine points on 3-for-3 shooting from the field. Ava Watson added seven points and Taylor Thierry recorded six points and seven rebounds in the first half.

The Cardinals' third leading scorer Madelyn Bischoff only played one minute after leaving the game with an apparent wrist injury. She would not return.

To start the second half, the Buckeyes did what they do best and forced some more turnovers, getting the lead up to a game-high 21 points at 47-26 and forcing a Ball State timeout. Gray recorded a quick five more points to be the first player to hit double-digits in the contest.

At the third quarter media timeout, the Buckeyes pushed the lead to 51-26 for the largest lead of the game. They kept up the defensive pressure and ended the third quarter on a 13-3 run to extend the lead to 69-36 with one quarter of basketball remaining. Four Buckeyes (Chance Gray, Ava Watson, Ajae Petty, Taylor Thierry) were in double digits after the third quarter, with Gray leading the way with 16 points on 6-for-8 shooting.

The Buckeyes pushed the lead to 76-42 at the media timeout in the fourth quarter and would go on to win 80-48.

Chance Gray led the Buckeyes with 21 points, while Ava Watson added 15 points and Taylor Thierry recorded 12 points and seven rebounds. Ajae Petty added ten points and eight rebounds.


What’s Next


Ohio State will host the in-state Youngstown State Penguins on Saturday at 11 a.m. ET. The Penguins are led by Jewel Watkins, who is averaging 14.1 points per game, and Malia Magrestro, who is averaging 12.8 points per game.

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CFP first round vs. Tennessee

A bit of unique scenario with tickets potentially going to public sale and Tennessee fans looking to fill the shoe.

If any STM would be willing to purchase an extra 1-4 tickets during tomorrow’s presale window and make sure they are sold to screaming buckeye fans, I would be eternally grateful. Or if there is a generic presale code to share, that would be great.

I will be trying to get tickets on Thursday if there are any left for the general public sale, but I’m not very confident that will be successful.

Thank you and go bucks!

LGHL Thierry, Gray, McMahon bring years of history together to Ohio State’s lineup

Thierry, Gray, McMahon bring years of history together to Ohio State’s lineup
ThomasCostello
via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


warnups_08.0.jpg

Ohio State University Athletic Department

The experience of a trio of the current group of Buckeyes goes back to before their time in scarlet and gray.

On Sunday, Ohio State women’s basketball took on a ranked Illinois Fighting Illini, a team chock full of experience. Starting with five seniors, and three graduate-level players, the Illini had a clear experience gap over the Buckeyes. After all, head coach Kevin McGuff has a starting lineup with two returns, two transfers, and a freshman playing her first NCAA games.

The Scarlet and Gray pulled away in a nine-point victory that wasn’t close from the start of the second quarter through the final buzzer. How can a team that is just learning each other’s tendencies, playing in their eighth competitive game together, beat the Fighting Illini who probably know their teammates' moves in their sleep?

Ohio State’s experience goes deeper than just their time as college athletes.

Sports City U on Twitter | @SportsCityU_AAU

There are a few familiar faces in this photo, taken of the Sports City AAU squad. Before swapping high school jerseys for collegiate threads, Buckeyes Cotie McMahon, Taylor Thierry, and Chance Gray succeeded on the AAU level.

In the world of AAU basketball, it’s no surprise that three aspiring college players from across Ohio crossed paths, even if they’re from different areas of the Buckeye State. Thierry from Cleveland, McMahon from Centerville, and Gray from Cincinnati traveled and competed together on the amateur level.

When Thierry left for Ohio State, the duo of Gray and McMahon kept competing together until they went their separate ways. Gray, along with fellow AAU teammate Grace Van Slooten, left for the West Coast and the Oregon Ducks.

McMahon and Thierry reunited in Columbus only a few months after Thierry’s freshman season, with McMahon enrolling early at the university. The chemistry built by McMahon and Thierry over two seasons is clear. In two years, starting every game together, the pair each played seasons that warranted All-Big Ten team honors and a run to the Elite Eight in 2023.

That streak of starting every game together ended this season, when McMahon went on the injury report for four games, but that brief stint ended Sunday.

Against Illinois, it didn’t look like the Buckeyes were the fresh-faced underdogs. Despite playing four times against Ohio State over the past three seasons, the Illini continued to struggle against McGuff’s havoc-inducing press. Ohio State forced 19 turnovers, turning into 30 points.

The trio of Thierry, McMahon, and Gray each excelled in their own ways. McMahon was the star of the show, scoring 25 points with five rebounds and three assists (two going to Thierry and Gray).

Thierry was the quiet foundation, with 14 points on 5-of-7 shooting, including going 66 percent from beyond the arc, a skill she's added to her in-game repertoire this season.

For Gray, it was offensive firepower when the Buckeyes needed it most. In the second quarter, when the Illini scored seven of the first nine points of the quarter, taking a three-point lead. Their last lead of the game, thanks in part to Gray who returned the favor by scoring seven of the next nine points herself, starting an 11-point Buckeyes run.

Their performances are the fruits of labor from years of playing alongside each other, despite a two-year gap for Gray and the Buckeyes’ duo.

“I think it is so nice to be playing with each other,” said McMahon, sarcastically, about reuniting with Gray at Ohio State. “No, but seriously, we have that relationship where if she needs to, she can tell me to just get my shit together straight up.”

Sports City U on Twitter | @SportsCityU_AAU

With the talk of losing senior guards like Jacy Sheldon and Rikki Harris, and the chemistry they built in the program over five years, McMahon, Gray, and Thierry are upperclassmen who’ve brought their own style to the team. A style that’s still ending with success on the court, but the importance of their relationship stretches beyond what fans see in the Schottenstein Center or on television.

“And then also she’s just there for me in a lot of areas outside of basketball too, so that really helps,” said McMahon.

Also, despite the time away, neither think it's any different playing together now than when they spent time together In the AAU world. Well, it’s almost the same.

“I think she got better and it’s helping us and I love it,” said McMahon about Gray, who went to Oregon as a McDonald’s All-American before leaving for Ohio State this summer.

Ohio State fans are loving Gray’s addition too, watching the program get off to an 8-0 record. A perfect start to the season where the trio accounts for 51 percent of the team’s scoring.

It’s a run fostered through relationships built years before seeing the final product on the court this season.

“We talk to each other a lot about the game and adjustments we need to tell to our team and just different ways to play,” said Gray. “Obviously, she’s been here, she’s established a winning program and I just want to be a part of that and help in any way I can.”

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