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LGHL Buckeyes trending for multiple top targets as decision dates near
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Buckeyes trending for multiple top targets as decision dates near
Caleb Houser via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Nicolas Galindo/The Columbus Dispatch via Imagn Content Services, LLC
Ohio State’s hot start to 2024 looking like it will continue.
The positives keep on coming for the Ohio State football program, and Wednesday was a perfect example.
The Buckeyes are crushing it on the recruiting trail right now, but being able to bring back the best players on their current roster is just as important as any type of commitment. Seeing Denzel Burke, Jordan Hancock, and Donovan Jackson announce their plans to return for another year, the 2024 campaign shaping up to be a special one. If the last few remaining guys weighing their options decide the same, it very well could be the tipping point for a season to remember.
In the high school ranks, Wednesday proved to be another busy day where Ohio State found their name in the headlines — and all for good reasons. It’s hard to keep track of all the good vibes surrounding this team’s recruiting, and that’s all you can ask for in the offseason.
Tim Walton is absolutely crushing it in recruiting right now. Getting closer to becoming the Brian Hartline of the defensive side of the ball, Walton is bringing in elite defensive backs at an impressive rate, and is already off to an incredible start in the 2025 class.
The recent commitment of Devin Sanchez, the No. 1 cornerback in the country per 247Sports, of course takes most of the attention, but Walton has also already added Maryland native Blake Woodby, who is another top-10 cornerback and top-100 overall player, giving the Buckeyes a dynamic duo early on.
That said, the Buckeyes are looking for more, and know exactly where to find it in an Ohio native who is now in Texas, Dorian Brew. The No. 19 player nationally, Brew is the fourth ranked cornerback in the country per the 247Sports Composite, and has a decision date set for Jan. 24. Ohio State has quickly become the clear frontrunner in this recruitment, and whether its the Crystal Ball via 247Sports or the FutureCast for On3, the predictions are in favor of the Buckeyes landing Brew in the coming weeks, which would give Ohio State three top-10 corners nationally if that comes to fruition.
Walton is doing what he can right now to ensure the Buckeyes are able to hold on to this one. The other top suitors for Brew were listed on Wednesday as well, which included Penn State, Texas, Oregon, and Michigan. As noted, the rumblings of this recruitment seem to be pointing towards Columbus, and though there’s only about two weeks until it’s official, Ohio State is going to continue pitching why their the best fit. It certainly helps to have a player like Sanchez also doing his part, as those two have formed a strong relationship.
With the defensive side of the ball on fire right now with their momentum, let’s move back to the offense and discuss another big time target in the 2025 class who yesterday narrowed his recruitment down a bit by announcing a list of six remaining schools in the mix for his commitment.
Georgia native Edward Coleman looks ready to get closer to a decision, and Wednesday’s development of a few schools to choose from included Ohio State. The 60th ranked receiver in the country by 247Sports, Coleman may not have the ranking the fits what most Ohio State receiver targets have, but with offers from the likes of Alabama, Georgia, Florida State, Tennessee and a host of others, it’s probably safe to assume he’s due for an increase in status once the updated rankings are available.
Officially down to Alabama, Georgia, Florida State, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Ohio State, Coleman will work to narrow it down even further in the coming months. Ohio State does have one receiver committed in the 2025 class in Jayvan Boggs, but if the previous cycles tell us anything, we know the Buckeyes will have their pick of the litter before all is said and done.
With the 30-day rule for players to enter the portal due to losing their head coach, surely Ohio State and any other smart program is going to be take a close look at where they may be able to benefit. The obvious name that people love to connect automatically is safety Caleb Downs.
First and foremost, this is not a guarantee that Downs will be looking to leave or will be in contact, but rumors of his Instagram followings and his one-time thoughts of Ohio State are going to continue to circulate through the social media apps. With the de-commitment yesterday of five-star 2024 receiver Ryan Williams, the aftermath is at least being felt in some capacity.
Ohio State will do their due diligence in where they may be able to take advantage, but just like the Buckeyes would, Alabama surely has a succession plan in place even with the near impossible task of replacing a legend such as Saban.
Continue reading...
Caleb Houser via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Nicolas Galindo/The Columbus Dispatch via Imagn Content Services, LLC
Ohio State’s hot start to 2024 looking like it will continue.
The positives keep on coming for the Ohio State football program, and Wednesday was a perfect example.
The Buckeyes are crushing it on the recruiting trail right now, but being able to bring back the best players on their current roster is just as important as any type of commitment. Seeing Denzel Burke, Jordan Hancock, and Donovan Jackson announce their plans to return for another year, the 2024 campaign shaping up to be a special one. If the last few remaining guys weighing their options decide the same, it very well could be the tipping point for a season to remember.
In the high school ranks, Wednesday proved to be another busy day where Ohio State found their name in the headlines — and all for good reasons. It’s hard to keep track of all the good vibes surrounding this team’s recruiting, and that’s all you can ask for in the offseason.
Decision date set, top schools announced
Tim Walton is absolutely crushing it in recruiting right now. Getting closer to becoming the Brian Hartline of the defensive side of the ball, Walton is bringing in elite defensive backs at an impressive rate, and is already off to an incredible start in the 2025 class.
The recent commitment of Devin Sanchez, the No. 1 cornerback in the country per 247Sports, of course takes most of the attention, but Walton has also already added Maryland native Blake Woodby, who is another top-10 cornerback and top-100 overall player, giving the Buckeyes a dynamic duo early on.
That said, the Buckeyes are looking for more, and know exactly where to find it in an Ohio native who is now in Texas, Dorian Brew. The No. 19 player nationally, Brew is the fourth ranked cornerback in the country per the 247Sports Composite, and has a decision date set for Jan. 24. Ohio State has quickly become the clear frontrunner in this recruitment, and whether its the Crystal Ball via 247Sports or the FutureCast for On3, the predictions are in favor of the Buckeyes landing Brew in the coming weeks, which would give Ohio State three top-10 corners nationally if that comes to fruition.
Walton is doing what he can right now to ensure the Buckeyes are able to hold on to this one. The other top suitors for Brew were listed on Wednesday as well, which included Penn State, Texas, Oregon, and Michigan. As noted, the rumblings of this recruitment seem to be pointing towards Columbus, and though there’s only about two weeks until it’s official, Ohio State is going to continue pitching why their the best fit. It certainly helps to have a player like Sanchez also doing his part, as those two have formed a strong relationship.
NEWS: Elite 2025 CB Dorian Brew is down toSchools!
The No. 3 CB will announce his College Decision on January 24th
Where Should He Go? https://t.co/SbUHoLUGRf pic.twitter.com/FCKtTg3hHB
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) January 10, 2024
2025 receiver target shares top schools list
With the defensive side of the ball on fire right now with their momentum, let’s move back to the offense and discuss another big time target in the 2025 class who yesterday narrowed his recruitment down a bit by announcing a list of six remaining schools in the mix for his commitment.
Georgia native Edward Coleman looks ready to get closer to a decision, and Wednesday’s development of a few schools to choose from included Ohio State. The 60th ranked receiver in the country by 247Sports, Coleman may not have the ranking the fits what most Ohio State receiver targets have, but with offers from the likes of Alabama, Georgia, Florida State, Tennessee and a host of others, it’s probably safe to assume he’s due for an increase in status once the updated rankings are available.
Officially down to Alabama, Georgia, Florida State, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Ohio State, Coleman will work to narrow it down even further in the coming months. Ohio State does have one receiver committed in the 2025 class in Jayvan Boggs, but if the previous cycles tell us anything, we know the Buckeyes will have their pick of the litter before all is said and done.
Quick Hits
- What could very well be the biggest development in college football this offseason, the news of Nick Saban’s retirement is still a little tough to comprehend considering his incredible run with Alabama. With how this can impact Ohio State though is of course in recruiting.
With the 30-day rule for players to enter the portal due to losing their head coach, surely Ohio State and any other smart program is going to be take a close look at where they may be able to benefit. The obvious name that people love to connect automatically is safety Caleb Downs.
First and foremost, this is not a guarantee that Downs will be looking to leave or will be in contact, but rumors of his Instagram followings and his one-time thoughts of Ohio State are going to continue to circulate through the social media apps. With the de-commitment yesterday of five-star 2024 receiver Ryan Williams, the aftermath is at least being felt in some capacity.
Ohio State will do their due diligence in where they may be able to take advantage, but just like the Buckeyes would, Alabama surely has a succession plan in place even with the near impossible task of replacing a legend such as Saban.
- On the hardwood, Ohio State sent out their latest offer to in-state product Anthony Thompson. A 6-foot-7 guard and forward combo out of Lebanon, Thompson is not yet ranked via 247Sports, but with a offer from the Buckeyes now in hand, surely it won’t be long before his further on the map and other schools also come knocking at his door.
Continue reading...
2024 Bowl Games Discussion
- By ScriptOhio
- College Football
- 0 Replies
'Irrelevant Bowl' between college football's two worst teams has 'no chance' to receive waiver, per report
It's unlikely that a Southern California-based promoter's bowl game proposal will become a reality
www.cbssports.com
'Irrelevant Bowl' between college football's two worst teams has 'no chance' to receive waiver, per report
It's unlikely that a Southern California-based promoter's bowl game proposal will become a reality
A bowl game featuring the two worst teams in college football? That's exactly what a Southern California-based promoter wants to see happen in 2024, though sources told the Action Network's Brett McMurphy there is "no chance" the NCAA would issue the necessary waiver allowing for a proposed "Irrelevant Bowl."Proposed by Newport Beach, California-based promoter Roy Englebrecht, the bowl game would feature a pair of college football teams that are either winless or close to it. Cities would put in bids within the first quarter of the year to host the "Irrelevant Bowl," according to the release. The city selected as the host site would retain all event revenue, including ticket sales, concessions and parking fees.
"No polls, no rankings, no controversy, just two winless or near winless teams looking for redemption and one elusive win," Englebrecht said in a press release. "Knowing that the NCAA has become more flexible with the number of team's wins to qualify for a bowl, I will petition the NCAA asking them to grant a waiver in 2024 so that two teams would be eligible to play in the inaugural Irrelevant Bowl."
While the proposed bowl game would provide a postseason opportunity for two teams who would otherwise be nowhere close to the six-win bowl eligibility mark, it immediately poses questions about the integrity of competition. As one source told Action Network, "a conference or team is not going to mock itself for going 1-11 or 2-10."
Just sayin': Probably one of the worst ideas (concerning the NCAA) ever. There will be no "Irrelevant Bowl" in 2024. Nobody would care who wins and/or watch it on TV and I doubt that very many of either team's fanbases would pay thousands of dollars traveling to the site to watch their "loser team" play another game.
College Football Top 133 Team Rankings for 2023 (After Week 14)
132. ULM133. Kent State
How interested would you have been in seeing Kent State vs ULM in a bowl game this past season?
2024 tOSU Defense Discussion
- By ScriptOhio
- Buckeye Football
- 492 Replies
Ohio State’s Cornerback Unit Built to Be Best in America in 2024, Elite for Years to Come
Ohio State should have college football’s best cornerback unit in 2024 and is set up to have elite cornerback play for years to come with the talent it’s recruited at the position.
OHIO STATE’S CORNERBACK UNIT BUILT TO BE BEST IN AMERICA IN 2024, ELITE FOR YEARS TO COME
Going into the 2023 season, Tim Walton had reason to ponder whether Ohio State’s secondary really deserved to call itself the Best In America.
Ohio State’s defensive backs have proudly used “BIA” as a moniker for the past decade, but the Buckeyes’ secondary play was far from that standard from 2020-22.
Ohio State finished 122nd in the FBS in passing yards allowed per game in 2020, 96th in 2021 and 26th in 2022. So, while the Buckeyes’ secondary improved in Walton’s first year on the job in 2022, he knew the BIA standard was something Ohio State had to earn back this past season.
“The Best in America, that’s a big statement. I think we had that going for a while. I think we gotta get that back,” Walton said in a “Tradition Talk” video posted by Ohio State last June. “Get that standard back to where it used to be, man, where we have first-round draft picks, first-team All-Americans, first-team All-Big Tens, guys up for the Thorpe Award, things like that. That’s to me the standard of BIA, the absolute Best in America.”
Half a year later, it no longer feels like a stretch for Ohio State’s defensive backs – particularly its cornerbacks, the position Walton primarily coaches – to call themselves BIA once again.
Statistically, Ohio State’s pass defense was the Best in America in 2023, leading the nation in passing yards allowed per game (145.9) and passing yards allowed per attempt (5.0). Those efforts were led by elite secondary play, particularly from the starting cornerback trio of Denzel Burke, Davison Igbinosun and Jordan Hancock, who consistently covered up opposing receivers and made it difficult for opponents to pass the ball all year long.
Ohio State has every reason to believe it should have the best cornerback unit in America once again in 2024, as it now knows that it will have all three of those starting cornerbacks back. While Burke could have been an early-round pick in the 2024 NFL draft and Hancock played well enough in his first year as a starter to get himself drafted, both of them announced Wednesday that they would stay at Ohio State for their senior seasons. Igbinosun, who joined the Buckeyes via the transfer portal in 2023, is not yet draft-eligible and is entering his junior season.
After three years of substandard play at the position, Ohio State’s cornerbacks were arguably the team’s best unit in 2023, finishing the year with three of the team’s 12 best players. Burke bounced back from an injury-plagued 2022 season to become one of the nation’s top cover men in his third year as a starter. Igbinosun was a clear upgrade opposite Burke, providing physical coverage and excellent run support all season as Ohio State’s No. 2 cornerback. Hancock didn’t become a starter until midyear, when the Buckeyes moved to a three-cornerback lineup instead of starting Sonny Styles as a nickel safety, but he emerged as an excellent slot cornerback and one of Ohio State’s top defensive playmakers down the stretch of the season.
With Burke now set to be a rare fourth-year starter at Ohio State, Igbinosun having a full year of experience as a Buckeye under his belt, and Hancock now entrenched as a full-time starter, Ohio State’s cornerbacks should be even better in 2024, setting the foundation for the Buckeyes to have an elite defense.
“We’ll be the No. 1 defense coming into next year,” Burke said before the Cotton Bowl when asked about the defense’s potential if he returned to Columbus. “There’s a lot of guys that have played a lot of ball. Honestly, it would look scary.”
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LGHL Bucketheads Podcast: Welcome to the 100th Episode Extravaganza!
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Bucketheads Podcast: Welcome to the 100th Episode Extravaganza!
justingolba via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Robert Goddin-USA TODAY Sports
In the words of LeBron James, not one, not two, not three, but we have four guests for this one!
“Bucketheads” is LGHL’s men’s basketball podcast, hosted by Connor Lemons and Justin Golba. Every episode, they give you the latest scoop on the Ohio State Buckeyes and everything else happening in the college hoops world.
Subscribe: RSS | Apple | Spotify | Google Podcasts | iHeart Radio
We officially, somehow, made it to 100 episodes, and we have the biggest episode in the podcast history for you. We have had plenty of guests on the podcast, and one time, we had two guests. However, this week, we have four guests for you.
We talked to Joe Gemma of Ohio State Athletics, Rapheal Davis of the Big Ten Network, Adam Jardy of the Columbus Dispatch, and Derick Hutchinson of Local 4 News in Detroit.
We talked about everything Ohio State basketball, some Michigan hoops with Derick, and some Big Ten hoops with Rapheal. You won’t want to miss this one.
Note: This was recorded before the Wisconsin game, so there are no thoughts on that final.
Be sure to like and subscribe to the podcast and leave a review of your thoughts on the show. And be sure to check out Rapheal's foundation, Crew Life Foundation HERE
Connect with the Podcast:
Twitter: @BucketheadsLGPN
Connect with Connor:
Twitter: @lemons_connor
Connect with Justin:
Twitter: @justin_golba
Connect with Adam:
Twitter: @AdamJardy
Connect with Derick:
Twitter: @Derick_Hutch
Connect with Joe:
Twitter: JoeDGemma
Connect with Rapheal:
Twitter: @RaphealDavis3
Continue reading...
justingolba via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Robert Goddin-USA TODAY Sports
In the words of LeBron James, not one, not two, not three, but we have four guests for this one!
“Bucketheads” is LGHL’s men’s basketball podcast, hosted by Connor Lemons and Justin Golba. Every episode, they give you the latest scoop on the Ohio State Buckeyes and everything else happening in the college hoops world.
Subscribe: RSS | Apple | Spotify | Google Podcasts | iHeart Radio
We officially, somehow, made it to 100 episodes, and we have the biggest episode in the podcast history for you. We have had plenty of guests on the podcast, and one time, we had two guests. However, this week, we have four guests for you.
We talked to Joe Gemma of Ohio State Athletics, Rapheal Davis of the Big Ten Network, Adam Jardy of the Columbus Dispatch, and Derick Hutchinson of Local 4 News in Detroit.
We talked about everything Ohio State basketball, some Michigan hoops with Derick, and some Big Ten hoops with Rapheal. You won’t want to miss this one.
Note: This was recorded before the Wisconsin game, so there are no thoughts on that final.
Be sure to like and subscribe to the podcast and leave a review of your thoughts on the show. And be sure to check out Rapheal's foundation, Crew Life Foundation HERE
Connect with the Podcast:
Twitter: @BucketheadsLGPN
Connect with Connor:
Twitter: @lemons_connor
Connect with Justin:
Twitter: @justin_golba
Connect with Adam:
Twitter: @AdamJardy
Connect with Derick:
Twitter: @Derick_Hutch
Connect with Joe:
Twitter: JoeDGemma
Connect with Rapheal:
Twitter: @RaphealDavis3
Continue reading...
LGHL Game Preview: No. 17 Ohio State women’s basketball vs. Rutgers
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Game Preview: No. 17 Ohio State women’s basketball vs. Rutgers
ThomasCostello via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images
The Scarlet Knights, potentially down a star, head to Columbus for the lone matchup between the two schools.
Following a two-game road trip, Ohio State women’s basketball is back in Columbus on Thursday. This time, it's the start of two straight home games of varying difficulties. Up first are the Rutgers Scarlet Knights.
It’s the lone time the two teams will meet this season, and Rutgers comes in dealing with key losses on its roster, and following a 34-point defeat to guard Caitlin Clark and the Iowa Hawkeyes.
Thursday is a game that could show what direction the Buckeyes want to go this season, depending on one key decision in the starting lineup.
Like Friday’s game in Evanston, Illinois, Thursday’s game for the Buckeyes is against another team likely sitting in the bottom half of the conference when the regular season ends in March. Rutgers comes to Columbus on a six-game losing streak, sitting with the worst conference and overall record at 6-11 and 0-4, respectively.
What’s made matters worse is the absence of guard Kaylene Smikle. The guard’s recent injury-induced absence creates a unifiable hole for the Scarlet Knights. Smikle, a sophomore, has been at Rutgers since joining the team last season. Part of the Big Ten’s All-Freshman team with Buckeyes’ forward Cotie McMahon, Smikle surpassed the Ohio State star in scoring, leading the Scarlet Knights with 17.9 points per game.
This season is no different. Smikle leads Rutgers with 16.1 points per game but has also missed two games this season — its last two against the Iowa Hawkeyes and Purdue Boilermakers. Smikle’s most recent injury began against the Northwestern Wildcats on Dec. 30. After only five minutes, Smikle left the game and hasn’t returned.
As of publishing, Smikle isn’t listed on the Scarlet Knights’ injury report. That doesn’t mean the guard will play, as coaches have until three hours before tipoff to share availability information. Smikle’s presence is a game changer, but it won’t be a cakewalk if the road to recovery continues.
“Still a really talented team. They’ve got some good kids and they play a little bit of a different style. They throw out several different presses,” said head coach Kevin McGuff. “They play very aggressively in the half-court. I think a big thing for us is just really maintaining our organization and sense of togetherness and execution against them.”
That unity the coach referenced was clear on Friday against the Wildcats. Ohio State recovered from a 19-turnover game against the Michigan Wolverines to a season-low six against Northwestern. The Buckeyes weren’t forcing things on offense, and it turned into fluid play that broke through the Wildcat defense en route to a 90-60 victory. Thursday could be the same kind of result, should the scarlet and gray stay the course.
However, will Coach McGuff stay the course with the starting five? Friday, forward Rebeka Mikulášiková was out due to an illness. She’s returned for Ohio State but during media availability Wednesday, McGuff shared that he didn’t make a decision on who would start.
Forward Eboni Walker made it a harder call. After the Slovakian starter Mikulášiková’s name was in every starting roster until the illness, Walker continued a strong run of form that could put her ahead of others playing the five position.
Against Northwestern, Walker led the team in rebounds and assists, with six apiece. That was on top of 11 points. The graduate senior (more on that later), was integral in breaking down the zone defense employed by her opponents. Walker’s mobility, court awareness, and passing ability opened up space for her teammates against a Wildcats team that wasn’t allowing anything into the paint.
The Wildcats aren’t the first team to use that style of defense and they won’t be the last, with Ohio State’s shooting woes from deep not requiring opponents to fully respect the shot. The Buckeyes are 11th in the 14-team conference in three-point percentage. However, starting Mikulášiková and seeing if she gets into a good scoring form could help for a tough run ahead.
Mikulášiková’s scoring is down slightly this year, from 1.6 points per game to 8.5 points, but her three-point shooting percentage is up. The more she makes, the more defenses have to worry about the long shot. Ohio State goes from facing two of the teams in the bottom half of the conference to the reigning NCAA national runners-up: The Iowa Hawkeyes.
That game is on the back of games against the Michigan State Spartans (11-3) this Sunday and a trip to face the Maryland Terrapins (10-5) next Thursday, Jan. 17.
How Thursday’s decision goes could be how the team handles the upcoming slate of stiff conference competition. Last season, McGuff sat Mikulášiková following an ankle sprain that took her out of a game for Walker. That stretch lasted 11 games through the end of the postseason. Does a similar run start against Rutgers?
G- Jacy Sheldon
G- Celeste Taylor
G- Taylor Thierry
F- Cotie McMahon
F- Rebeka Mikulášiková
G- Mya Petticord
G- Jillian Huerter
G- Lisa Thompson
F- Destiny Adams
F- Chyna Cornwell
Ohio State loses this game if it's looking ahead to matchups against the Spartans, Terrapins, and Hawkeyes. That is not going to happen.
Mikulášiková starts the game and hits two threes in the one-sided Buckeyes win. Guard Jacy Sheldon and McMahon lead the scarlet and gray who are able to work through the Scarlet Knights press, showing a more to-form McMahon performance following a quieter offensive stretch since the December matchup against the UCLA Bruins.
Smikle doesn’t start for the Scarlet Knights.
Date: Thursday, January 11, 2024
Time: 6 p.m. ET
Where: Schottenstein Center, Columbus, Ohio
TV: Big Ten Network
Stream: Fox Sports App
On Wednesday, Coach McGuff gave updates on two interesting redshirt situations on the roster. The first is surrounding guard Kennedy Cambridge. After transferring from the Kentucky Wildcats, Cambridge was cleared to play but never saw the court for the Buckeyes. That’s because McGuff is saving the guard for next season.
Cambridge gaining a year of on-court eligibility means more time next to her sister, the No. 3 recruit in the nation Jaloni Cambridge. Although the guard hasn’t signed officially with the Buckeyes, her verbal commitment means the two sisters can play at least three seasons together in scarlet and gray.
The other isn’t a current redshirt, but one that could stretch back two seasons. Walker joined the Buckeyes following one season in the ACC with the Syracuse Orange. In that year, Walker appeared in six games, and then her lone season in Upstate New York ended due to injury.
It’s a story to watch since Walker, Mikulášiková and Michigan State transfer Taiyier Parks are all currently graduate seniors. That means the Buckeyes’ paint presence could suffer in future seasons.
Continue reading...
ThomasCostello via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images
The Scarlet Knights, potentially down a star, head to Columbus for the lone matchup between the two schools.
Following a two-game road trip, Ohio State women’s basketball is back in Columbus on Thursday. This time, it's the start of two straight home games of varying difficulties. Up first are the Rutgers Scarlet Knights.
It’s the lone time the two teams will meet this season, and Rutgers comes in dealing with key losses on its roster, and following a 34-point defeat to guard Caitlin Clark and the Iowa Hawkeyes.
Thursday is a game that could show what direction the Buckeyes want to go this season, depending on one key decision in the starting lineup.
Preview
Like Friday’s game in Evanston, Illinois, Thursday’s game for the Buckeyes is against another team likely sitting in the bottom half of the conference when the regular season ends in March. Rutgers comes to Columbus on a six-game losing streak, sitting with the worst conference and overall record at 6-11 and 0-4, respectively.
What’s made matters worse is the absence of guard Kaylene Smikle. The guard’s recent injury-induced absence creates a unifiable hole for the Scarlet Knights. Smikle, a sophomore, has been at Rutgers since joining the team last season. Part of the Big Ten’s All-Freshman team with Buckeyes’ forward Cotie McMahon, Smikle surpassed the Ohio State star in scoring, leading the Scarlet Knights with 17.9 points per game.
This season is no different. Smikle leads Rutgers with 16.1 points per game but has also missed two games this season — its last two against the Iowa Hawkeyes and Purdue Boilermakers. Smikle’s most recent injury began against the Northwestern Wildcats on Dec. 30. After only five minutes, Smikle left the game and hasn’t returned.
As of publishing, Smikle isn’t listed on the Scarlet Knights’ injury report. That doesn’t mean the guard will play, as coaches have until three hours before tipoff to share availability information. Smikle’s presence is a game changer, but it won’t be a cakewalk if the road to recovery continues.
“Still a really talented team. They’ve got some good kids and they play a little bit of a different style. They throw out several different presses,” said head coach Kevin McGuff. “They play very aggressively in the half-court. I think a big thing for us is just really maintaining our organization and sense of togetherness and execution against them.”
That unity the coach referenced was clear on Friday against the Wildcats. Ohio State recovered from a 19-turnover game against the Michigan Wolverines to a season-low six against Northwestern. The Buckeyes weren’t forcing things on offense, and it turned into fluid play that broke through the Wildcat defense en route to a 90-60 victory. Thursday could be the same kind of result, should the scarlet and gray stay the course.
However, will Coach McGuff stay the course with the starting five? Friday, forward Rebeka Mikulášiková was out due to an illness. She’s returned for Ohio State but during media availability Wednesday, McGuff shared that he didn’t make a decision on who would start.
Forward Eboni Walker made it a harder call. After the Slovakian starter Mikulášiková’s name was in every starting roster until the illness, Walker continued a strong run of form that could put her ahead of others playing the five position.
Against Northwestern, Walker led the team in rebounds and assists, with six apiece. That was on top of 11 points. The graduate senior (more on that later), was integral in breaking down the zone defense employed by her opponents. Walker’s mobility, court awareness, and passing ability opened up space for her teammates against a Wildcats team that wasn’t allowing anything into the paint.
The Wildcats aren’t the first team to use that style of defense and they won’t be the last, with Ohio State’s shooting woes from deep not requiring opponents to fully respect the shot. The Buckeyes are 11th in the 14-team conference in three-point percentage. However, starting Mikulášiková and seeing if she gets into a good scoring form could help for a tough run ahead.
Mikulášiková’s scoring is down slightly this year, from 1.6 points per game to 8.5 points, but her three-point shooting percentage is up. The more she makes, the more defenses have to worry about the long shot. Ohio State goes from facing two of the teams in the bottom half of the conference to the reigning NCAA national runners-up: The Iowa Hawkeyes.
That game is on the back of games against the Michigan State Spartans (11-3) this Sunday and a trip to face the Maryland Terrapins (10-5) next Thursday, Jan. 17.
How Thursday’s decision goes could be how the team handles the upcoming slate of stiff conference competition. Last season, McGuff sat Mikulášiková following an ankle sprain that took her out of a game for Walker. That stretch lasted 11 games through the end of the postseason. Does a similar run start against Rutgers?
Ohio State
G- Jacy Sheldon
G- Celeste Taylor
G- Taylor Thierry
F- Cotie McMahon
F- Rebeka Mikulášiková
Lineup Notes
- Six different Buckeyes scored in double-figures on Friday against Northwestern, the second time all five starters hit the mark in the same game this season. The first was against the IUPUI Jaguars on Nov. 12.
- The sixth player in double-figures was guard Diana Collins. The freshman came into the game for her 13 minutes in the second half, scoring 10 points in a confident display.
- Guard Celeste Taylor has led Ohio State in scoring over the past two games, the only two times she has this season. It shows the improved chemistry of Taylor in the Buckeyes offense, and a newfound aggressiveness in her lone season in the program.
Rutgers
G- Mya Petticord
G- Jillian Huerter
G- Lisa Thompson
F- Destiny Adams
F- Chyna Cornwell
Lineup Notes
- With Smikle’s availability unknown, guard/forward Destiny Adams is the Rutgers player to watch. Adams transferred from the North Carolina Tar Heels in the offseason and is the second-leading scorer for the Scarlet Knights. In a narrow, one-point loss to the Purdue Boilermakers, Adams scored 23 points.
- A name guaranteed to miss Thursday is graduate senior guard Awa Sibide. The Scarlet Knight started all 32 games last season, averaging 9.3 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.1 assists. Sibide is out this season due to injury.
- Freshman Lisa Thompson came off the bench to start the season but has started the last 11 games for head coach Coquese Washington, averaging 8.6 points per game and coming off three-straight games scoring at least 10 points.
Prediction
Ohio State loses this game if it's looking ahead to matchups against the Spartans, Terrapins, and Hawkeyes. That is not going to happen.
Mikulášiková starts the game and hits two threes in the one-sided Buckeyes win. Guard Jacy Sheldon and McMahon lead the scarlet and gray who are able to work through the Scarlet Knights press, showing a more to-form McMahon performance following a quieter offensive stretch since the December matchup against the UCLA Bruins.
Smikle doesn’t start for the Scarlet Knights.
How to Watch
Date: Thursday, January 11, 2024
Time: 6 p.m. ET
Where: Schottenstein Center, Columbus, Ohio
TV: Big Ten Network
Stream: Fox Sports App
LGHL Prediction: 85-58 Ohio State Buckeyes
Roster Updates
On Wednesday, Coach McGuff gave updates on two interesting redshirt situations on the roster. The first is surrounding guard Kennedy Cambridge. After transferring from the Kentucky Wildcats, Cambridge was cleared to play but never saw the court for the Buckeyes. That’s because McGuff is saving the guard for next season.
Cambridge gaining a year of on-court eligibility means more time next to her sister, the No. 3 recruit in the nation Jaloni Cambridge. Although the guard hasn’t signed officially with the Buckeyes, her verbal commitment means the two sisters can play at least three seasons together in scarlet and gray.
The other isn’t a current redshirt, but one that could stretch back two seasons. Walker joined the Buckeyes following one season in the ACC with the Syracuse Orange. In that year, Walker appeared in six games, and then her lone season in Upstate New York ended due to injury.
It’s a story to watch since Walker, Mikulášiková and Michigan State transfer Taiyier Parks are all currently graduate seniors. That means the Buckeyes’ paint presence could suffer in future seasons.
Continue reading...
LGHL Hangout in the Holy Land Podcast: Several Silver Bullets are running it back! With a new quarterback and additional help on the way
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Hangout in the Holy Land Podcast: Several Silver Bullets are running it back! With a new quarterback and additional help on the way
Josh Dooley via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Scott Sewell-USA TODAY Sports
The Hangout Boys are feeling positive about 2024. Because the Ohio State football program finally received some good news... Oh, but the men’s basketball team still can’t win on the road. So there’s that, too.
The latest episode of Land-Grant Holy Land’s flagship podcast is here! Join LGHL’s Josh Dooley and Chuck Holmes as they discuss Ohio State football, recruiting, and much, much more! Come for the hot takes, stay for the warm ones.
Listen to the episode and subscribe:
On this episode of “Hangout in the Holy Land,” Josh and Chuck are jacked for the arrival of new Ohio State quarterback Will Howard, as well as the return(s) of several players on the defensive side of the ball. And might there be even more help on the way to Columbus?
But before the Hangout Boys discuss “the good”, they’ve got to cover “the bad”. As in, blown opportunities on the hardwood and certain football coaches still employed by Ryan Day.
With that out of the way, how ‘bout them (football) Buckeyes!? After a rough end to 2023, Day’s program has already received plenty of good news in just the first week plus of the new year. So how will the return(s) of several key defenders — and the addition of a few P5 transfers — impact next season? The hosts look ahead with robust optimism... For real!
Please make sure to like, rate, review, and subscribe to the podcast! And as always, Go Bucks!
Connect with the pod
Twitter: @HolyLandPod
Connect with Josh Dooley
Twitter: @jdooleybuckeye
Connect with Chuck Holmes
Twitter: @ctholmes3
Continue reading...
Josh Dooley via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Scott Sewell-USA TODAY Sports
The Hangout Boys are feeling positive about 2024. Because the Ohio State football program finally received some good news... Oh, but the men’s basketball team still can’t win on the road. So there’s that, too.
The latest episode of Land-Grant Holy Land’s flagship podcast is here! Join LGHL’s Josh Dooley and Chuck Holmes as they discuss Ohio State football, recruiting, and much, much more! Come for the hot takes, stay for the warm ones.
Listen to the episode and subscribe:
Subscribe: RSS | Apple | Spotify | Google Podcasts | iHeart Radio
On this episode of “Hangout in the Holy Land,” Josh and Chuck are jacked for the arrival of new Ohio State quarterback Will Howard, as well as the return(s) of several players on the defensive side of the ball. And might there be even more help on the way to Columbus?
But before the Hangout Boys discuss “the good”, they’ve got to cover “the bad”. As in, blown opportunities on the hardwood and certain football coaches still employed by Ryan Day.
With that out of the way, how ‘bout them (football) Buckeyes!? After a rough end to 2023, Day’s program has already received plenty of good news in just the first week plus of the new year. So how will the return(s) of several key defenders — and the addition of a few P5 transfers — impact next season? The hosts look ahead with robust optimism... For real!
Please make sure to like, rate, review, and subscribe to the podcast! And as always, Go Bucks!
Connect with the pod
Twitter: @HolyLandPod
Connect with Josh Dooley
Twitter: @jdooleybuckeye
Connect with Chuck Holmes
Twitter: @ctholmes3
Continue reading...
