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LGHL Things you need to know about the *ichigan Wolverines — and a few you don’t, but are fun anyway
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- 0 Replies
Things you need to know about the *ichigan Wolverines — and a few you don’t, but are fun anyway
Josh Dooley 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
So*e things that you *ay not know about U* and the Wolverines.
When Ohio State hosts Michigan this weekend, the Buckeyes will be looking for their first victory over the Wolverines since 2019. But as depressing as that sounds – and is! – OSU’s current losing streak in The Game is “only” three (games).
This is because TTUN skipped the 2020 meeting like a bunch of cowards, saving Jim Harbaugh’s job in the process and **Allegedly** allowing the coach and his staff time to devise an elaborate sign-stealing and spying scheme that would change the trajectory of college football and leave an indelible stain on the game forever.
But hey, I’m not bitter or upset that Michigan figured out an illicit way to stop sucking out loud. All’s fair in love, war, and football, right? I guess losing 15 out of 16 brings out the worst in certain people and programs.
That being said, I think Ohio State fans might be ready for the worst in Ryan Day to come out. Not the worst as in Cotton Bowl Ryan Day, but rather a version of Day that will do anything and go to any length(s) necessary to defeat the dastardly, deplorable Wolverines.
And this might just be the year to do so... Not that Day and/or whomever shouldn’t be out for blood every year, but you know what I mean... Because TTUN is down bad, and OSU has a chance to not only exercise three years’ worth of Michigan demons but also (to) reach the Big Ten Championship Game and do something similar against Oregon.
Here are a few more things you should know about the Michigan Wolverines:
The University of Michigan’s motto is Artes, Scientia, Veritas, which translates (in English) to “Arts, Knowledge, Truth”. Ha, Truth! Give me a break. Michigan and truth go together like modern America and bipartisanship.
Jack “Dr. Death” Kevorkian earned a doctorate from U-M.
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Photo by jean-Louis Atlan/Sygma via Getty Images
As did Ted Kaczynski AKA the “Unabomber”...What?? Just pointing out two random facts of interest here, both of which pertain to UM alums.
Just last month, five University of Michigan grads were charged by the FBI with conspiracy, providing false statements to federal investigators, and destruction, alteration, or falsification of records — after being caught spying at/on a U.S. National Guard base in 2023. Okay, you got me. I’m being intentionally shitty. It’s all in good fun, though. And I can’t help that certain folks associated with UM seem to loooove espionage.
Michigan is/has the winningest program in college football history. And most of those victories are (likely) legit.
The Wolverines also boast 12 national titles and 3 Heisman Trophy winners. Fine, I’ll give credit where it is due. Michigan is, was, and likely always will be one of the preeminent programs in CFB. And TTUN just went on one of the most impressive three-year runs in FBS history.
Was said run aided by illegal advance scouting, prohibited recruiting tactics, and other “stuff”? Maybe. But the team’s national title and 40 wins over that period still stand. So the Wolverines – and their fans – earned bragging rights, whether the rest of us like it or not.
However...
Most of last year’s national title team is long gone, coaches included. Actually, it’s more than just last year’s team and/or staff — Most of Michigan’s talent and braintrust from their entire three-year run is long gone.
The Wolverines’ roster experienced very little turnover near the end of Jim Harbaugh’s tenure in Ann Arbor, something that benefited the team and program immensely. Players such as Blake Corum, Roman Wilson, Kris Jenkins, Michael Barrett, and Mike Sainristil stuck around for four-plus years and started a million games together. But when they (and others) all left together, that mass exodus left several holes in UM’s roster.
As for Harbaugh’s staff, well, most of those guys left together too. And we all kind of know why.
But the Wolverines still have plenty of talent, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Mason Graham, Kenneth Grant, and Josaiah Stewart make up most of what is arguably the best defensive line in college football. Ernest Hausman and Jaishawn Barham are both steady, productive linebackers. And Will Johnson, a presumptive top-10 2025 NFL Draft pick, looms as a potential difference maker in TTUN’s secondary (if healthy).
Their offense, on the other hand... Michigan’s offense is basically Iowa’s without the uber-productive running back. The Wolverines have cycled through three quarterbacks this season, all of whom have struggled. And the team’s once vaunted rushing attack has been more of a rushing annoyance or inconvenience to opponents.
Prior to last Saturday’s game against Northwestern, running backs Kalel Mullings and Donovan Edwards had combined to score just three rushing touchdowns since the end of September — while adding little to no value as pass catchers. Mullings averaged 3.5 yards per carry from 9/28 - 11/9, and video game coverboy Edwards has not cracked the century mark (rushing) all season.
Of course, we know what those players – as well as tight end Colston Loveland – are capable of. However, they are naturally dependent upon competent QB play and strong blocking up front, both of which have been inconsistent at best for the Wolverines.
The Wolverines are clearly down this season. So if Ryan Day and the Buckeyes don’t win on Saturday... Whooo boy.
But let’s not even think about that. Go Bucks!
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
Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images
So*e things that you *ay not know about U* and the Wolverines.
When Ohio State hosts Michigan this weekend, the Buckeyes will be looking for their first victory over the Wolverines since 2019. But as depressing as that sounds – and is! – OSU’s current losing streak in The Game is “only” three (games).
This is because TTUN skipped the 2020 meeting like a bunch of cowards, saving Jim Harbaugh’s job in the process and **Allegedly** allowing the coach and his staff time to devise an elaborate sign-stealing and spying scheme that would change the trajectory of college football and leave an indelible stain on the game forever.
But hey, I’m not bitter or upset that Michigan figured out an illicit way to stop sucking out loud. All’s fair in love, war, and football, right? I guess losing 15 out of 16 brings out the worst in certain people and programs.
That being said, I think Ohio State fans might be ready for the worst in Ryan Day to come out. Not the worst as in Cotton Bowl Ryan Day, but rather a version of Day that will do anything and go to any length(s) necessary to defeat the dastardly, deplorable Wolverines.
And this might just be the year to do so... Not that Day and/or whomever shouldn’t be out for blood every year, but you know what I mean... Because TTUN is down bad, and OSU has a chance to not only exercise three years’ worth of Michigan demons but also (to) reach the Big Ten Championship Game and do something similar against Oregon.
Here are a few more things you should know about the Michigan Wolverines:
The University of Michigan’s motto is Artes, Scientia, Veritas, which translates (in English) to “Arts, Knowledge, Truth”. Ha, Truth! Give me a break. Michigan and truth go together like modern America and bipartisanship.
Jack “Dr. Death” Kevorkian earned a doctorate from U-M.
As did Ted Kaczynski AKA the “Unabomber”...What?? Just pointing out two random facts of interest here, both of which pertain to UM alums.
Just last month, five University of Michigan grads were charged by the FBI with conspiracy, providing false statements to federal investigators, and destruction, alteration, or falsification of records — after being caught spying at/on a U.S. National Guard base in 2023. Okay, you got me. I’m being intentionally shitty. It’s all in good fun, though. And I can’t help that certain folks associated with UM seem to loooove espionage.
Michigan is/has the winningest program in college football history. And most of those victories are (likely) legit.
The Wolverines also boast 12 national titles and 3 Heisman Trophy winners. Fine, I’ll give credit where it is due. Michigan is, was, and likely always will be one of the preeminent programs in CFB. And TTUN just went on one of the most impressive three-year runs in FBS history.
Was said run aided by illegal advance scouting, prohibited recruiting tactics, and other “stuff”? Maybe. But the team’s national title and 40 wins over that period still stand. So the Wolverines – and their fans – earned bragging rights, whether the rest of us like it or not.
However...
Most of last year’s national title team is long gone, coaches included. Actually, it’s more than just last year’s team and/or staff — Most of Michigan’s talent and braintrust from their entire three-year run is long gone.
The Wolverines’ roster experienced very little turnover near the end of Jim Harbaugh’s tenure in Ann Arbor, something that benefited the team and program immensely. Players such as Blake Corum, Roman Wilson, Kris Jenkins, Michael Barrett, and Mike Sainristil stuck around for four-plus years and started a million games together. But when they (and others) all left together, that mass exodus left several holes in UM’s roster.
As for Harbaugh’s staff, well, most of those guys left together too. And we all kind of know why.
But the Wolverines still have plenty of talent, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Mason Graham, Kenneth Grant, and Josaiah Stewart make up most of what is arguably the best defensive line in college football. Ernest Hausman and Jaishawn Barham are both steady, productive linebackers. And Will Johnson, a presumptive top-10 2025 NFL Draft pick, looms as a potential difference maker in TTUN’s secondary (if healthy).
Their offense, on the other hand... Michigan’s offense is basically Iowa’s without the uber-productive running back. The Wolverines have cycled through three quarterbacks this season, all of whom have struggled. And the team’s once vaunted rushing attack has been more of a rushing annoyance or inconvenience to opponents.
Prior to last Saturday’s game against Northwestern, running backs Kalel Mullings and Donovan Edwards had combined to score just three rushing touchdowns since the end of September — while adding little to no value as pass catchers. Mullings averaged 3.5 yards per carry from 9/28 - 11/9, and video game coverboy Edwards has not cracked the century mark (rushing) all season.
Of course, we know what those players – as well as tight end Colston Loveland – are capable of. However, they are naturally dependent upon competent QB play and strong blocking up front, both of which have been inconsistent at best for the Wolverines.
The Wolverines are clearly down this season. So if Ryan Day and the Buckeyes don’t win on Saturday... Whooo boy.
But let’s not even think about that. Go Bucks!
Continue reading...
LGHL Game Preview: No. 11 Ohio State women’s basketball vs. Old Dominion
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Game Preview: No. 11 Ohio State women’s basketball vs. Old Dominion
ThomasCostello via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Samantha Madar/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images
This year, the Buckeyes eat their turkey in Daytona, Florida.
Last year, Ohio State women’s basketball played a game in the Bahamas the day before Thanksgiving. It was part of the Baha Mar in-season tournament. This year, the destination and tournament name are different but the idea remains the same.
The Buckeyes take part in two games in two days, this time in Dayton Beach, Florida at the Daytona Beach Classic. This time playing on Thanksgiving day itself against Old Dominion of the Sun Belt Conference.
Head coach Kevin McGuff’s side has adjusted well to the absence of forward Cotie McMahon. Out with a lower leg injury, the Scarlet and Gray are 2-0 since McMahon went out, winning by 64 and 43 points against the Ohio Bobcats and Bowling Green Falcons, respectively.
That margin might’ve been more with the star junior in the lineup, but with her absence, the remaining Buckeyes have a chance to grow in her absence-induced adversity.
Kennedy Cambridge slid into the starting lineup, with Taylor Thierry moving from a guard role to forward. After Cambridge fouled out against Ohio, the guard had a career-high 10 points against the Falcons and added 6 rebounds, 3 steals, and a block.
The guard also didn’t have a single turnover in 28 minutes played, showing settled nerves after giving away three against the Bobcats four days prior.
Cambridge is starting alongside her freshman sister Jaloni Cambridge. In five games, the No. 2 overall recruit of the 2024 class sits second on the team in scoring (17.0) and first in assists (4.8) and steals (2.6) per game.
In the first and only Thursday game of the tournament, the Buckeyes face the Old Dominion Monarchs. After falling in their first game of the year, against future Ohio State opponent Ball State, Old Dominion is on a five-game winning streak.
Leading the Monarchs is senior En’Dya Buford, playing her second season with the Virginia side after two seasons playing for the Memphis Tigers. Buford leads the team with 10.8 points and 4.3 assists per game.
The Monarchs will play off screens, trying to slip Ohio State assignments and find mismatches, Those turn into chances at the basket or midrange efforts. From deep, Old Dominion attempts less than five shots per game, benefiting the Buckeyes’ half-court defense who are prone to the open three-point attempt.
Defensively. the Monarchs play man-to-man, applying pressure in the half-court to make movement and passing more difficult for opponents. It’s been efficient so far, sitting second in the conference in defensive rating, although none of the Monarchs’ opponents have been a Power Four school like Ohio State.
Ohio State has its advantages, but watch turnovers forced. OSU averages 17.7 turnovers per game and now faces a Buckeyes team that averages 14.8 steals per game. However, ODU is improving in that department, not giving away more than 13 turnovers in their last three games.
Part of Old Dominion’s winning streak is victories against two in-state opponents heading into their trip to Daytona Beach. NOn ov. 21, it took overtime to stop a VCU Rams comeback attempt, beating their rivals 53-51 in overtime. A week later, the Monarchs welcomed William & Mary to Norfolk, defeating them 63-39.
G- Jaloni Cambridge
G- Chance Gray
G- Kennedy Cambridge
F- Taylor Thierry
F- Ajae Petty
G- En’Dya Buford
G- Simaru Fields
G- Kelsey Thompson
F- Brenda Fontana
C- Mikayla Brown
Ohio State will persevere against early pressure from the Monarchs and pull away, like most of the non-conference games so far this season for the Scarlet and Gray.
Gray will lead the Buckeyes in scoring from deep, taking advantage of ODU’s focus on stopping Ajae Petty and Elsa Lemmilä in the paint, and Cambridge from attacking the basket.
Date: Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024
Time: 11 a.m. ET
Where: Ocean Center, Daytona Beach, Florida
Stream: BallerTV
With the onslaught of in-season tournaments, streaming gets difficult when each tournament goes with different outlets like FloSports, and this year it’s BallerTV.
This service airing the game is usually reserved for AAU and youth sports. However, there’s an event pass for the series, costing $20, which is the least expensive package to watch the two Ohio State games, plus every other game of the Daytona Beach Classic.
Here’s the link for the page offering the package. Should you try to go to BallerTV and sign up from the main page, it’ll cost $44.95 before tax.
Daytona Beach Classic Event Pass - BallerTV
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
Samantha Madar/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images
This year, the Buckeyes eat their turkey in Daytona, Florida.
Last year, Ohio State women’s basketball played a game in the Bahamas the day before Thanksgiving. It was part of the Baha Mar in-season tournament. This year, the destination and tournament name are different but the idea remains the same.
The Buckeyes take part in two games in two days, this time in Dayton Beach, Florida at the Daytona Beach Classic. This time playing on Thanksgiving day itself against Old Dominion of the Sun Belt Conference.
Preview
Head coach Kevin McGuff’s side has adjusted well to the absence of forward Cotie McMahon. Out with a lower leg injury, the Scarlet and Gray are 2-0 since McMahon went out, winning by 64 and 43 points against the Ohio Bobcats and Bowling Green Falcons, respectively.
That margin might’ve been more with the star junior in the lineup, but with her absence, the remaining Buckeyes have a chance to grow in her absence-induced adversity.
Kennedy Cambridge slid into the starting lineup, with Taylor Thierry moving from a guard role to forward. After Cambridge fouled out against Ohio, the guard had a career-high 10 points against the Falcons and added 6 rebounds, 3 steals, and a block.
The guard also didn’t have a single turnover in 28 minutes played, showing settled nerves after giving away three against the Bobcats four days prior.
Cambridge is starting alongside her freshman sister Jaloni Cambridge. In five games, the No. 2 overall recruit of the 2024 class sits second on the team in scoring (17.0) and first in assists (4.8) and steals (2.6) per game.
In the first and only Thursday game of the tournament, the Buckeyes face the Old Dominion Monarchs. After falling in their first game of the year, against future Ohio State opponent Ball State, Old Dominion is on a five-game winning streak.
Leading the Monarchs is senior En’Dya Buford, playing her second season with the Virginia side after two seasons playing for the Memphis Tigers. Buford leads the team with 10.8 points and 4.3 assists per game.
The Monarchs will play off screens, trying to slip Ohio State assignments and find mismatches, Those turn into chances at the basket or midrange efforts. From deep, Old Dominion attempts less than five shots per game, benefiting the Buckeyes’ half-court defense who are prone to the open three-point attempt.
Defensively. the Monarchs play man-to-man, applying pressure in the half-court to make movement and passing more difficult for opponents. It’s been efficient so far, sitting second in the conference in defensive rating, although none of the Monarchs’ opponents have been a Power Four school like Ohio State.
Ohio State has its advantages, but watch turnovers forced. OSU averages 17.7 turnovers per game and now faces a Buckeyes team that averages 14.8 steals per game. However, ODU is improving in that department, not giving away more than 13 turnovers in their last three games.
Part of Old Dominion’s winning streak is victories against two in-state opponents heading into their trip to Daytona Beach. NOn ov. 21, it took overtime to stop a VCU Rams comeback attempt, beating their rivals 53-51 in overtime. A week later, the Monarchs welcomed William & Mary to Norfolk, defeating them 63-39.
Projected Starters
Ohio State
G- Jaloni Cambridge
G- Chance Gray
G- Kennedy Cambridge
F- Taylor Thierry
F- Ajae Petty
Lineup Notes
- Taylor Thierry is now six points away from 1,000 career NCAA points, all with Ohio State
- Chance Gray is second in the Big Ten with three-point shots made, hitting 20. Gray is behind Moriah Murray of Penn State (35)
- Kennedy Cambridge’s 10 points against Bowling Green is a career-high for the redshirt sophomore
Old Dominion
G- En’Dya Buford
G- Simaru Fields
G- Kelsey Thompson
F- Brenda Fontana
C- Mikayla Brown
Lineup Notes
- Head coach DeLisha Milton-Jones has played around with her starting lineup, using five different groups in six games, but has used this lineup for the past two games, both victories for Old Dominion
- En’Dya Buford is having a career year passing with 4.3 assists per game
- Junior Kelsey Thompson won 22-23 Sun Belt Rookie of the Year with South Alabama. Thompson stayed in-conference, transferring to ODU in the offseason
Prediction
Ohio State will persevere against early pressure from the Monarchs and pull away, like most of the non-conference games so far this season for the Scarlet and Gray.
Gray will lead the Buckeyes in scoring from deep, taking advantage of ODU’s focus on stopping Ajae Petty and Elsa Lemmilä in the paint, and Cambridge from attacking the basket.
How to Watch
Date: Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024
Time: 11 a.m. ET
Where: Ocean Center, Daytona Beach, Florida
Stream: BallerTV
LGHL Score Prediction: 92-60, Ohio State Buckeyes
Death by Streaming
With the onslaught of in-season tournaments, streaming gets difficult when each tournament goes with different outlets like FloSports, and this year it’s BallerTV.
This service airing the game is usually reserved for AAU and youth sports. However, there’s an event pass for the series, costing $20, which is the least expensive package to watch the two Ohio State games, plus every other game of the Daytona Beach Classic.
Here’s the link for the page offering the package. Should you try to go to BallerTV and sign up from the main page, it’ll cost $44.95 before tax.
Daytona Beach Classic Event Pass - BallerTV
Continue reading...
LGHL I-80 Football Show: Will Ryan Day break through and win ‘The Game’?
- News
- 0 Replies
I-80 Football Show: Will Ryan Day break through and win ‘The Game’?
JordanW330 via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
According to Ryan Day, losing ‘The Game’ is one of the worst things he’s experienced. After three-straight losses, can he finally break through and beat Michigan?
Welcome to a new episode of Land-Grant Podcast Network’s I-80 Football Show. On this show, we travel down I-80 to talk all things Big Ten Football. After every week of action, we will catch you up on all the conference’s games and look ahead at the matchups, storylines, and players you should be paying attention to for the next week. My name is Jordan Williams, and I am joined by my co-host Dante Morgan.
Ohio State entered this season with a $20 million roster led by 11 returning starters who spurned the draft to get another shot at beating TTUN. Ohio State has rounded into form and looks like one of the most dominant teams in the sport. At 10-1 with two top-five wins, they also have a spot in the 12-team playoff locked up, but nothing is more important this season than getting the monkey off their back and earning a pair of gold pants for the first time in four seasons.
Ryan Day, arguably one of the best coaches in college football, has a stained legacy due to losing to his biggest rival for three-straight years. A win here also means a shot at redemption against Oregon in the Big Ten championship game en route to the playoffs and a hopeful national championship berth.
‘The Game’ may be the greatest rivalry in all of sports, but it is not the only one that matters — especially in the Big Ten. The B1G is one of the few conferences that really understands the importance of rivalries and has a commitment to playing as many as possible on the last week of the season.
This weekend has a few games that have pretty large stakes, starting with USC hoping to play spoiler to Notre Dame who is currently positioned to host a game in the first round of the playoffs. Wisconsin faces Minnesota at 5-6 and hoping to reach bowl eligibility despite a disappointing 2024 campaign. Michigan State is in a similar boat at 5-6 hoping to reach bowl eligibility in their first season under Jonathon Smith.
It’s rivalry week in the Big Ten. No matter the stakes or the records, we are going to witness a weekend full of great games as teams fight for 365 days of bragging rights.
In the MapQuest segment, we lead off with Minnesota-Wisconsin on Black Friday. A heated rivalry that sees Wisconsin needing a win to reach bowl eligibility. At Noon we have ‘The Game’, the greatest rivalry in all of sports. Michigan isn’t as good, but they still have a chance to spoil their rivals season. Mid-day USC is hoping to spoil Notre Dame’s path to the playoff, and in primetime Oregon, like Ohio State, is hoping to flip the script after three-straight losses to its rival.
In their weekly pitstop, the guys discuss the importance of knowing how to work on your car. It saves you a lot of money and it’s an important skill to know. With Youtube and TikTok there is a boatload of resources to learn basic things like changing your oil, changing a tire, and replacing your headlights.
If you like the show, please share it with friends and family and leave a five-star review. To keep up with the show, you can subscribe to the Land-Grant Podcast Network Feed, where new episodes drop every Thursday.
You can also find Jordan’s article ‘B1G Thoughts’ on Land-Grant Holy Land.
Follow the show on YouTube: @GetDefensiveSportsNetwork
Follow the podcast on Instagram: @I80FootballShow
Connect with us on Twitter: Jordan: @JordanW330 and Dante: @DanteM10216
Continue reading...
JordanW330 via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
According to Ryan Day, losing ‘The Game’ is one of the worst things he’s experienced. After three-straight losses, can he finally break through and beat Michigan?
Welcome to a new episode of Land-Grant Podcast Network’s I-80 Football Show. On this show, we travel down I-80 to talk all things Big Ten Football. After every week of action, we will catch you up on all the conference’s games and look ahead at the matchups, storylines, and players you should be paying attention to for the next week. My name is Jordan Williams, and I am joined by my co-host Dante Morgan.
Ohio State entered this season with a $20 million roster led by 11 returning starters who spurned the draft to get another shot at beating TTUN. Ohio State has rounded into form and looks like one of the most dominant teams in the sport. At 10-1 with two top-five wins, they also have a spot in the 12-team playoff locked up, but nothing is more important this season than getting the monkey off their back and earning a pair of gold pants for the first time in four seasons.
Ryan Day, arguably one of the best coaches in college football, has a stained legacy due to losing to his biggest rival for three-straight years. A win here also means a shot at redemption against Oregon in the Big Ten championship game en route to the playoffs and a hopeful national championship berth.
‘The Game’ may be the greatest rivalry in all of sports, but it is not the only one that matters — especially in the Big Ten. The B1G is one of the few conferences that really understands the importance of rivalries and has a commitment to playing as many as possible on the last week of the season.
This weekend has a few games that have pretty large stakes, starting with USC hoping to play spoiler to Notre Dame who is currently positioned to host a game in the first round of the playoffs. Wisconsin faces Minnesota at 5-6 and hoping to reach bowl eligibility despite a disappointing 2024 campaign. Michigan State is in a similar boat at 5-6 hoping to reach bowl eligibility in their first season under Jonathon Smith.
It’s rivalry week in the Big Ten. No matter the stakes or the records, we are going to witness a weekend full of great games as teams fight for 365 days of bragging rights.
In the MapQuest segment, we lead off with Minnesota-Wisconsin on Black Friday. A heated rivalry that sees Wisconsin needing a win to reach bowl eligibility. At Noon we have ‘The Game’, the greatest rivalry in all of sports. Michigan isn’t as good, but they still have a chance to spoil their rivals season. Mid-day USC is hoping to spoil Notre Dame’s path to the playoff, and in primetime Oregon, like Ohio State, is hoping to flip the script after three-straight losses to its rival.
In their weekly pitstop, the guys discuss the importance of knowing how to work on your car. It saves you a lot of money and it’s an important skill to know. With Youtube and TikTok there is a boatload of resources to learn basic things like changing your oil, changing a tire, and replacing your headlights.
If you like the show, please share it with friends and family and leave a five-star review. To keep up with the show, you can subscribe to the Land-Grant Podcast Network Feed, where new episodes drop every Thursday.
You can also find Jordan’s article ‘B1G Thoughts’ on Land-Grant Holy Land.
Follow the show on YouTube: @GetDefensiveSportsNetwork
Follow the podcast on Instagram: @I80FootballShow
Connect with us on Twitter: Jordan: @JordanW330 and Dante: @DanteM10216
Continue reading...
LGHL Ohio State recruiting: State Secrets - Buckeye receiver locks in his signing day plans and the guest list for this weekend continues to grow with top
- News
- 0 Replies
Ohio State recruiting: State Secrets - Buckeye receiver locks in his signing day plans and the guest list for this weekend continues to grow with top targets
Caleb Houser via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Quincy Porter | 247Sports
Four-star commit Quincy Porter locks in his plans to be a Buckeye.
Ohio State’s class has taken some hits the last two weeks. The Buckeyes have lost multiple players simply because the program is not willing to pay more NIL money compared to other schools. The coaching staff has legitimate reasons for not wanting to over-pay these players who have yet to play a snap for Ohio State, and like it or not, that’s just the way it is.
Potential to see additional shakeup, it won’t be just on the losing side as the Buckeyes fully expect to add to their class as well this late in the process. With the early signing period about a week away, this staff has plenty going on, but Wednesday gave some positive news that at least one potential flip candidate is shutting things down and sticking with his Ohio State pledge despite the pursuit of other schools.
Four-star receiver Quincy Porter has seen his name in the headlines as of late as multiple schools tried to steal him away from the Buckeyes, the most notable being Penn State. Porter was in Happy Valley for an unofficial just a few weekends ago, and that certainly helped fuel the story that he could be a real threat to leave his Ohio State commitment.
On Wednesday, word from 247Sports came public that Porter was done entertaining other schools and was quoted as saying, “I am signing with Ohio State on December 4.” A big time win for the Buckeyes and Hartline, keeping the No. 56 player nationally and ninth best receiver in the class per the 247Sports Composite is right in line with how you want to finish a class.
One of the better play-making receivers in the country, it makes sense for schools like Penn State to try and swoop in late, but there’s no denying what playing this position at Ohio State can do for these players. Regardless of the last few weeks, Porter is locked in and will be a Buckeye officially come next week.
Throw out the records, the spread, and who is and who may not be playing this weekend. Saturday is The Game for a reason, and it’s drawing quite the guest list. Ohio State has a loaded set of visitors ready to be on campus this weekend, and Wednesday further cemented that narrative as even more top targets announced their visit plans to be in Columbus for the latest edition of the greatest rivalry in sports.
Zech Fort (Bradenton, Florida/IMG Academy) will have his eyes on Ohio State’s defense Saturday as he watches Caleb Downs and Lathan Ransom man the back end of the secondary. The No. 92 player nationally and the eighth best safety in the 2026 class per the 247Sports Composite, Fort is another top safety the Buckeyes are impressing early and often in the upcoming cycle.
Additionally, fellow class of 2026 receiver target Brody Keefe (Charlotte, North Carolina/Myers Park) will also be on hand for the rivalry game. A 6-foot-3, 185 pound athlete with over 20 offers to his name including Ohio State, Keefe is currently the No. 314 player nationally and the 48th best player at his position per the 247Sports Composite.
Already two receiver commits in the fold for the Buckeyes and Hartline, it will be interesting to see who else Ohio State goes after. Keefe is on that short list of names and will be back in town this weekend.
Right back to the defensive side of the ball and in the 2026 class, Simeon Caldwell (Jacksonville, Florida/The Bolles School) will make the trip up from the Sunshine State to see this noon affair. Another impressive talent, Caldwell is currently the No. 70 player nationally and fifth best at his position per the 247Sports Composite.
Also a player with an Ohio State offer already under his belt, this is another major chance for the staff to continue building the relationship they’ve begun, and also an opportunity for Caldwell to see an electric game day environment for the Buckeyes.
An incredible accomplishment and one of the more prestigious accolades a high school athlete can receive, not only is Grady proving his worth, but he also continues to be a solid peer recruiter for his future program as he tries to pitch other recruits into joining the Ohio State class. A major get for this staff, Grady is one of the more impressive commits not only for his on-field ability.
The latest rumor involving Coleman is that Penn State is convincing him not to visit Ohio State this coming weekend, and if that is the case, it makes the battle that much tougher. The Buckeyes won’t go away quietly, but getting him to Columbus for The Game would make things much easier as they try their best to sway him to stay at home for his college career.
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Caleb Houser via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Quincy Porter | 247Sports
Four-star commit Quincy Porter locks in his plans to be a Buckeye.
Ohio State’s class has taken some hits the last two weeks. The Buckeyes have lost multiple players simply because the program is not willing to pay more NIL money compared to other schools. The coaching staff has legitimate reasons for not wanting to over-pay these players who have yet to play a snap for Ohio State, and like it or not, that’s just the way it is.
Potential to see additional shakeup, it won’t be just on the losing side as the Buckeyes fully expect to add to their class as well this late in the process. With the early signing period about a week away, this staff has plenty going on, but Wednesday gave some positive news that at least one potential flip candidate is shutting things down and sticking with his Ohio State pledge despite the pursuit of other schools.
Four-star receiver Quincy Porter has seen his name in the headlines as of late as multiple schools tried to steal him away from the Buckeyes, the most notable being Penn State. Porter was in Happy Valley for an unofficial just a few weekends ago, and that certainly helped fuel the story that he could be a real threat to leave his Ohio State commitment.
On Wednesday, word from 247Sports came public that Porter was done entertaining other schools and was quoted as saying, “I am signing with Ohio State on December 4.” A big time win for the Buckeyes and Hartline, keeping the No. 56 player nationally and ninth best receiver in the class per the 247Sports Composite is right in line with how you want to finish a class.
One of the better play-making receivers in the country, it makes sense for schools like Penn State to try and swoop in late, but there’s no denying what playing this position at Ohio State can do for these players. Regardless of the last few weeks, Porter is locked in and will be a Buckeye officially come next week.
The names for this weekend’s guest list continue to pile up
Throw out the records, the spread, and who is and who may not be playing this weekend. Saturday is The Game for a reason, and it’s drawing quite the guest list. Ohio State has a loaded set of visitors ready to be on campus this weekend, and Wednesday further cemented that narrative as even more top targets announced their visit plans to be in Columbus for the latest edition of the greatest rivalry in sports.
Zech Fort (Bradenton, Florida/IMG Academy) will have his eyes on Ohio State’s defense Saturday as he watches Caleb Downs and Lathan Ransom man the back end of the secondary. The No. 92 player nationally and the eighth best safety in the 2026 class per the 247Sports Composite, Fort is another top safety the Buckeyes are impressing early and often in the upcoming cycle.
Additionally, fellow class of 2026 receiver target Brody Keefe (Charlotte, North Carolina/Myers Park) will also be on hand for the rivalry game. A 6-foot-3, 185 pound athlete with over 20 offers to his name including Ohio State, Keefe is currently the No. 314 player nationally and the 48th best player at his position per the 247Sports Composite.
Already two receiver commits in the fold for the Buckeyes and Hartline, it will be interesting to see who else Ohio State goes after. Keefe is on that short list of names and will be back in town this weekend.
Right back to the defensive side of the ball and in the 2026 class, Simeon Caldwell (Jacksonville, Florida/The Bolles School) will make the trip up from the Sunshine State to see this noon affair. Another impressive talent, Caldwell is currently the No. 70 player nationally and fifth best at his position per the 247Sports Composite.
Also a player with an Ohio State offer already under his belt, this is another major chance for the staff to continue building the relationship they’ve begun, and also an opportunity for Caldwell to see an electric game day environment for the Buckeyes.
Quick Hits
- A committed player that has his importance growing by day thanks to the losses of two other defensive linemen in this 2025 Ohio State class, Zion Grady continues to be all Buckeye, and yesterday received his All-American Bowl jersey.
An incredible accomplishment and one of the more prestigious accolades a high school athlete can receive, not only is Grady proving his worth, but he also continues to be a solid peer recruiter for his future program as he tries to pitch other recruits into joining the Ohio State class. A major get for this staff, Grady is one of the more impressive commits not only for his on-field ability.
- Sticking with the defensive line trend, Ohio State is hoping to flip in-state athlete Chaz Coleman late in the process, as he is currently committed to Penn State and has been since earlier this November. An uphill battle thanks to just offering last week, the Buckeyes are hoping they can make up for lost time, but the Nittany Lions are certainly not going to let that be the case if they have anything to say about it.
The latest rumor involving Coleman is that Penn State is convincing him not to visit Ohio State this coming weekend, and if that is the case, it makes the battle that much tougher. The Buckeyes won’t go away quietly, but getting him to Columbus for The Game would make things much easier as they try their best to sway him to stay at home for his college career.
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LGHL In Conversation: Is there any pressure on TTUN’s Sherrone Moore to beat Ohio State?
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In Conversation: Is there any pressure on TTUN’s Sherrone Moore to beat Ohio State?
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Austin also explains why a billionaire suddenly got involved with TTUN’s NIL efforts.
On Land-Grant’s “In Conversation” podcast, we talk to people in and around Ohio State athletics, and the sporting world at large, to bring you a different insight and perspective to the teams, athletes, and university that you love.
Listen to the episode and subscribe:
On this episode of “Land-Grant In Conversation,” Matt Tamanini talks to The Athletic beat writer covering the Michigan Wolverines, Autin Meek. In the conversation, they talk about why a billionaire is spending millions to help flip a 2025 quarterback from LSU to TTUN, even though the player lives about 15 minutes from Ann Arbor. They also talk briefly about the ongoing NCAA investigation still plaguing the Mitten Men, but the majority of the conversation is focused on this Saturday’s installment of the most heated rivalry in all of sports.
They talk about the offensive deficiencies that have plagued the Weasels this season, but also the defensive strengths that could present problems for Ohio State’s multi-talented offense. Austin also argues that there is as little pressure on Sherrone Moore to win this game as there has ever been for a Skunk Bear coach in history.
Connect with Austin Meek
https://theathletic.com/author/austin-meek
Twitter: @byaustinmeek
Connect with Matt Tamanini
Online Portfolio: https://authory.com/MattTamanini
Continue reading...
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Austin also explains why a billionaire suddenly got involved with TTUN’s NIL efforts.
On Land-Grant’s “In Conversation” podcast, we talk to people in and around Ohio State athletics, and the sporting world at large, to bring you a different insight and perspective to the teams, athletes, and university that you love.
Listen to the episode and subscribe:
Subscribe: RSS | Apple | Spotify | iHeart Radio
On this episode of “Land-Grant In Conversation,” Matt Tamanini talks to The Athletic beat writer covering the Michigan Wolverines, Autin Meek. In the conversation, they talk about why a billionaire is spending millions to help flip a 2025 quarterback from LSU to TTUN, even though the player lives about 15 minutes from Ann Arbor. They also talk briefly about the ongoing NCAA investigation still plaguing the Mitten Men, but the majority of the conversation is focused on this Saturday’s installment of the most heated rivalry in all of sports.
They talk about the offensive deficiencies that have plagued the Weasels this season, but also the defensive strengths that could present problems for Ohio State’s multi-talented offense. Austin also argues that there is as little pressure on Sherrone Moore to win this game as there has ever been for a Skunk Bear coach in history.
Connect with Austin Meek
https://theathletic.com/author/austin-meek
Twitter: @byaustinmeek
Connect with Matt Tamanini
Online Portfolio: https://authory.com/MattTamanini
Theme music provided by www.bensound.com
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LGHL Friends turn foes Friday when Utah State and Ohio State clash
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Friends turn foes Friday when Utah State and Ohio State clash
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 C. Morgan Engel/NCAA Photos via Getty Images
Brooks is rebuilding a Utah State program from the ground up, and now has to face the Buckeyes.
For two hours on Friday, friends turn into foes when Ohio State women’s basketball faces the Utah State Aggies at the Daytona Beach Classic. It’s the first time in program history the two teams face off, and there’s good reason for the matchup with former Buckeyes assistant coach Wesley Brooks starring in his first head coaching role with the Mountain West side —even if Brooks doesn’t want it.
“I knew there’s possibility that we could play, but I didn’t necessarily want to play them,” said Brooks. “So I kind of asked that we didn’t.”
Well, the tournament organizers didn’t listen. Friday, Brooks and head coach Kevin McGuff go from co-workers to opponents, at least for a little bit.
Brooks joined the Buckeyes ahead of the 2021-22 season, as the Scarlet and Gray went through a bit of an overhaul on the bench. Following self-imposed sanctions for wrongdoing from past assistant coaches, McGuff’s program lost both players and coaches and the Utah State head coach was part of that Ohio State revival.
The former Michigan Wolverine assistant coach for four seasons took the three-hour drive south to call the other side of The Rivalry home. In his time with the Scarlet and Gray, the Buckeyes won two Big Ten regular season championships and made it to the second round of the NCAA Tournament each year, including a 2023 run to the Elite Eight.
Now, Brooks is on the other side of it, a growing branch of the Muffet McGraw coaching tree that McGuff himself became part of for six years as an assistant with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
In the 22 years of running programs since that stop with Xavier, Washington and now Ohio State, McGuff’s amassed head coaching experience many don’t reach in the job. However, his advice to his former assistant turned head coach wasn’t complicated.
“Keep it simple at first, hire the best staff you can possibly hire, get to know your players,” said McGuff. “Start to establish an identity and a culture that’s going to lead to winning.”
At Utah State, Brooks walked into a situation where the Aggies were ranked 344 out of 366 programs. He walked into a situation that was less than ideal.
Basketball fans might remember Utah State from 2024’s conference tournament time. Specifically, when head coach Kayla Ard stepped up to the press conference table following a loss in the first round of the Mountain West tournament and announced “I just got fired.”
Not an ideal way to relieve a coach of their position.
Less than a month later, Utah State announced the Brooks hiring and the coach walked into what’s a total program rebuild.
“Had to hit the ground running, trying to get as many kids as we can,” Said Brooks. “We got when we got here there were only 6 kids on the roster, so we brought in 10. We had 15 scholarship players plus a walk on.”
Of the returning players, Brooks retained Cheyenne Stubbs, who he sees as a future pro guard. There’s also Jamisyn Heaton, a guard Brooks added from Division II, averaging 12.2 points and 6.3 rebounds per game.
They’re part of a group that Brooks is hoping to turn into a side that resembles the Buckeyes. That means pressing opponents, causing turnovers and going for those steals that turn into easy fast break points. The equivalent of a pick-six on the football side of things.
Brooks has Stubbs as a Jacy Sheldon-style of player who will run the press, and take shots on offense.
The key difference between the offensive sets of the Aggies and the Buckeyes Brooks’ focus on the three-point shot. Last season, the Marshall Thundering Herd averaging nearly 32 three-point attempts per game. Brooks is taking that shooting focus to Utah State, even talking with Marshall turned Tennessee head coach Kim Caldwell.
“So Marshall led the country last year with 31 threes we’re gonna try and shatter that we’re gonna try and take 40 a game,” said Brooks. “And so if we do that, if we if we’re able to accomplish that, I think we’re gonna have a pretty good year because we can hit them.”
In six games, the Aggies average 34 per game, which is good for third most in the country behind the No. 1 overall team throwing up shots from beyond the arc in Caldwell’s Volunteers, attempting 38.2 per game.
It’s been a rough go to start the season at Utah State. The Aggies are 1-5 but show signs of improvement. In Utah State’s last game before heading to the Daytona Beach Classic to face Ohio State and Stetson, Utah State narrowly fell to Omaha 79-77, in overtime, showing that the Aggies are fighting for their coach.
A fight they’ll bring to Ohio State on Friday, even if playing a Power Four school like the Buckeyes isn’t what Brooks hoped for his young team just trying to establish their identity. That doesn’t mean the Scarlet and Gray are going to take it easy.
“We’ll play the game and we’ll obviously put everything we have into winning that game,” said McGuff. “And then afterwards we’ll go back to being friends.”
Hear more from Utah State head coach Wesley Brooks on the latest episode of the “Land-Grant WBB Podcast,” featuring Brooks’ full interview with Land-Grant where he talks more about the Buckeyes, new freshmen recruits and more.
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 C. Morgan Engel/NCAA Photos via Getty Images
Brooks is rebuilding a Utah State program from the ground up, and now has to face the Buckeyes.
For two hours on Friday, friends turn into foes when Ohio State women’s basketball faces the Utah State Aggies at the Daytona Beach Classic. It’s the first time in program history the two teams face off, and there’s good reason for the matchup with former Buckeyes assistant coach Wesley Brooks starring in his first head coaching role with the Mountain West side —even if Brooks doesn’t want it.
“I knew there’s possibility that we could play, but I didn’t necessarily want to play them,” said Brooks. “So I kind of asked that we didn’t.”
Well, the tournament organizers didn’t listen. Friday, Brooks and head coach Kevin McGuff go from co-workers to opponents, at least for a little bit.
Brooks joined the Buckeyes ahead of the 2021-22 season, as the Scarlet and Gray went through a bit of an overhaul on the bench. Following self-imposed sanctions for wrongdoing from past assistant coaches, McGuff’s program lost both players and coaches and the Utah State head coach was part of that Ohio State revival.
The former Michigan Wolverine assistant coach for four seasons took the three-hour drive south to call the other side of The Rivalry home. In his time with the Scarlet and Gray, the Buckeyes won two Big Ten regular season championships and made it to the second round of the NCAA Tournament each year, including a 2023 run to the Elite Eight.
Now, Brooks is on the other side of it, a growing branch of the Muffet McGraw coaching tree that McGuff himself became part of for six years as an assistant with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
In the 22 years of running programs since that stop with Xavier, Washington and now Ohio State, McGuff’s amassed head coaching experience many don’t reach in the job. However, his advice to his former assistant turned head coach wasn’t complicated.
“Keep it simple at first, hire the best staff you can possibly hire, get to know your players,” said McGuff. “Start to establish an identity and a culture that’s going to lead to winning.”
At Utah State, Brooks walked into a situation where the Aggies were ranked 344 out of 366 programs. He walked into a situation that was less than ideal.
Basketball fans might remember Utah State from 2024’s conference tournament time. Specifically, when head coach Kayla Ard stepped up to the press conference table following a loss in the first round of the Mountain West tournament and announced “I just got fired.”
Not an ideal way to relieve a coach of their position.
Less than a month later, Utah State announced the Brooks hiring and the coach walked into what’s a total program rebuild.
“Had to hit the ground running, trying to get as many kids as we can,” Said Brooks. “We got when we got here there were only 6 kids on the roster, so we brought in 10. We had 15 scholarship players plus a walk on.”
Of the returning players, Brooks retained Cheyenne Stubbs, who he sees as a future pro guard. There’s also Jamisyn Heaton, a guard Brooks added from Division II, averaging 12.2 points and 6.3 rebounds per game.
They’re part of a group that Brooks is hoping to turn into a side that resembles the Buckeyes. That means pressing opponents, causing turnovers and going for those steals that turn into easy fast break points. The equivalent of a pick-six on the football side of things.
Brooks has Stubbs as a Jacy Sheldon-style of player who will run the press, and take shots on offense.
The key difference between the offensive sets of the Aggies and the Buckeyes Brooks’ focus on the three-point shot. Last season, the Marshall Thundering Herd averaging nearly 32 three-point attempts per game. Brooks is taking that shooting focus to Utah State, even talking with Marshall turned Tennessee head coach Kim Caldwell.
“So Marshall led the country last year with 31 threes we’re gonna try and shatter that we’re gonna try and take 40 a game,” said Brooks. “And so if we do that, if we if we’re able to accomplish that, I think we’re gonna have a pretty good year because we can hit them.”
In six games, the Aggies average 34 per game, which is good for third most in the country behind the No. 1 overall team throwing up shots from beyond the arc in Caldwell’s Volunteers, attempting 38.2 per game.
It’s been a rough go to start the season at Utah State. The Aggies are 1-5 but show signs of improvement. In Utah State’s last game before heading to the Daytona Beach Classic to face Ohio State and Stetson, Utah State narrowly fell to Omaha 79-77, in overtime, showing that the Aggies are fighting for their coach.
A fight they’ll bring to Ohio State on Friday, even if playing a Power Four school like the Buckeyes isn’t what Brooks hoped for his young team just trying to establish their identity. That doesn’t mean the Scarlet and Gray are going to take it easy.
“We’ll play the game and we’ll obviously put everything we have into winning that game,” said McGuff. “And then afterwards we’ll go back to being friends.”
Hear more from Utah State head coach Wesley Brooks on the latest episode of the “Land-Grant WBB Podcast,” featuring Brooks’ full interview with Land-Grant where he talks more about the Buckeyes, new freshmen recruits and more.
Continue reading...
LGHL It’s time to give Ohio State women’s basketball script Buckeyes jerseys
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It’s time to give Ohio State women’s basketball script Buckeyes jerseys
ThomasCostello via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Time to reward a team that has won two Big Ten championships in three years.
Tuesday night, Ohio State men’s basketball rolled out the jerseys. The best basketball jerseys in the lineup of Ohio State jerseys. The crisp white jerseys with the red Buckeye script.
These beauts:
If you’ve met me, you can see right away that I don’t know much about aesthetics, but you don’t know to know what looks good to know that these jerseys look so good.
They’re clean. No frills. The loops on the letters are beautiful art and for the kids in the years of school that didn’t learn cursive, even get a glimpse at what the olds and the youngs know are a “k” and an “s.”
Ohio State, known for the script Ohio, roll out these script Buckeyes jerseys every so often throughout the season. Replacing the tired block lettering in either white or scarlet. Scroll through the photos above, and the shorts even include a nice block O with a buckeye leaf dead center in the upper half.
Everything about it is great, and I’m not even a Buckeye fan. A wicked Penn State fan even looks at it with eyes of wonderment.
For all the swooning, there is one issue with these jerseys — Ohio State women’s basketball never wears them.
This isn’t an article to shoot down one team over the other. The broiest of bros will respond that Ohio State men make the money, have higher attendance, dunk and blah blah blah blah blah.
No, this article is to support why Ohio State’s women’s team deserves the honor of wearing these jerseys at least once a year.
First, look at the success of this team. The Buckeyes have made the NCAA Tournament every year for the past three seasons, winning at least one game each year. Of those, two saw the Scarlet and Gray make it to at least the Sweet Sixteen.
Not to mention winning two Big Ten regular season championships in the past three years.
Second, the team is still good, despite high turnover in head coach Kevin McGuff’s 12th season at the helm. Ohio State has three new starters and are still as exciting as years past. Freshman Jaloni Cambridge might be the quickest name not only in the conference but the country. Former Oregon guard Chance Gray returned to her home state and is shooting better than she has in two previous seasons starting in the old Pac-12.
That doesn’t even mention the return of star forward Cotie McMahon. The junior started her NCAA career as a freshman and until the last week didn’t miss a game. In those two seasons, McMahon’s spun her way into the hearts of Buckeye fans.
Now, imagine the blur that is Cambridge in those bright white script Buckeye jerseys. How about a long three from Gray or McMahon getting pumped up after hitting a layup and earning a trip to the free throw line?
Also, the current offering of Buckeye jerseys is less than creative. They wear the same scarlet or white jerseys with the block Ohio State game-in and game-out. Except for the occasional breast cancer awareness night where they wear a gray jersey with pink outline.
It’s time to flip the script and get the women’s team into the jerseys.
I’m not asking for it in every game. Eating pizza is great but you can’t eat pizza every single day or else it loses its luster. Just once a year. Maybe twice.
The ball is always in your court physically, Ohio State. Now it is metaphorically.
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
Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Time to reward a team that has won two Big Ten championships in three years.
Tuesday night, Ohio State men’s basketball rolled out the jerseys. The best basketball jerseys in the lineup of Ohio State jerseys. The crisp white jerseys with the red Buckeye script.
These beauts:
If you’ve met me, you can see right away that I don’t know much about aesthetics, but you don’t know to know what looks good to know that these jerseys look so good.
They’re clean. No frills. The loops on the letters are beautiful art and for the kids in the years of school that didn’t learn cursive, even get a glimpse at what the olds and the youngs know are a “k” and an “s.”
Ohio State, known for the script Ohio, roll out these script Buckeyes jerseys every so often throughout the season. Replacing the tired block lettering in either white or scarlet. Scroll through the photos above, and the shorts even include a nice block O with a buckeye leaf dead center in the upper half.
Everything about it is great, and I’m not even a Buckeye fan. A wicked Penn State fan even looks at it with eyes of wonderment.
For all the swooning, there is one issue with these jerseys — Ohio State women’s basketball never wears them.
This isn’t an article to shoot down one team over the other. The broiest of bros will respond that Ohio State men make the money, have higher attendance, dunk and blah blah blah blah blah.
No, this article is to support why Ohio State’s women’s team deserves the honor of wearing these jerseys at least once a year.
First, look at the success of this team. The Buckeyes have made the NCAA Tournament every year for the past three seasons, winning at least one game each year. Of those, two saw the Scarlet and Gray make it to at least the Sweet Sixteen.
Not to mention winning two Big Ten regular season championships in the past three years.
Second, the team is still good, despite high turnover in head coach Kevin McGuff’s 12th season at the helm. Ohio State has three new starters and are still as exciting as years past. Freshman Jaloni Cambridge might be the quickest name not only in the conference but the country. Former Oregon guard Chance Gray returned to her home state and is shooting better than she has in two previous seasons starting in the old Pac-12.
That doesn’t even mention the return of star forward Cotie McMahon. The junior started her NCAA career as a freshman and until the last week didn’t miss a game. In those two seasons, McMahon’s spun her way into the hearts of Buckeye fans.
Now, imagine the blur that is Cambridge in those bright white script Buckeye jerseys. How about a long three from Gray or McMahon getting pumped up after hitting a layup and earning a trip to the free throw line?
Also, the current offering of Buckeye jerseys is less than creative. They wear the same scarlet or white jerseys with the block Ohio State game-in and game-out. Except for the occasional breast cancer awareness night where they wear a gray jersey with pink outline.
It’s time to flip the script and get the women’s team into the jerseys.
I’m not asking for it in every game. Eating pizza is great but you can’t eat pizza every single day or else it loses its luster. Just once a year. Maybe twice.
The ball is always in your court physically, Ohio State. Now it is metaphorically.
Continue reading...
LGHL No Fall Weddings: ‘Michigan sucks!’ We get feisty about IU whining and The Game
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No Fall Weddings: ‘Michigan sucks!’ We get feisty about IU whining and The Game
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Danny Moloshok/Getty Images
Jami and Matt also make predictions for the final CFP rankings and the Heisman Trophy winner.
Every week during the college football season, Matt Tamanini and Jami Jurich will be getting into all things Ohio State, previewing the weekend’s slate, unveiling their individual CFP rankings, and picking Heisman contenders on “No Fall Weddings.”
Listen to the episode and subscribe:
On this episode of the Land-Grant Podcast Network’s “No Fall Weddings,” Jami Jurich and Matt Tamanini react to the idiocy coming out of Indiana following the ridiculous “running up the score” fiasco in the Buckeyes 38-15 win over the then-No. 5 Hooseries last weekend.
Then, they turn their attention to this year’s version of The Game. While TTUN has struggled mightily at times this season, Jami still thinks that there is reason to be cautious about being overconfident. Not only is it a rivalry game, so anything can happen, but the Weasel’s strength is their defensive line, which could exploit the Buckeyes’ beat-up offensive line.
Then, after a break, Jami and Matt reveal their first College Football Playoff and Heisman Trophy finalist predictions, pick games to watch in each window of the college football weekend, and recommend something from outside the world of college football that you need to watch.
Connect with Jami Jurich:
Twitter: @JamiJurich
Connect with Matt Tamanini:
Online Portfolio: https://authory.com/MattTamanini
Theme music provided by audiio.com
Continue reading...
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Danny Moloshok/Getty Images
Jami and Matt also make predictions for the final CFP rankings and the Heisman Trophy winner.
Every week during the college football season, Matt Tamanini and Jami Jurich will be getting into all things Ohio State, previewing the weekend’s slate, unveiling their individual CFP rankings, and picking Heisman contenders on “No Fall Weddings.”
Listen to the episode and subscribe:
Subscribe: RSS | Apple | Spotify | iHeart Radio
On this episode of the Land-Grant Podcast Network’s “No Fall Weddings,” Jami Jurich and Matt Tamanini react to the idiocy coming out of Indiana following the ridiculous “running up the score” fiasco in the Buckeyes 38-15 win over the then-No. 5 Hooseries last weekend.
Then, they turn their attention to this year’s version of The Game. While TTUN has struggled mightily at times this season, Jami still thinks that there is reason to be cautious about being overconfident. Not only is it a rivalry game, so anything can happen, but the Weasel’s strength is their defensive line, which could exploit the Buckeyes’ beat-up offensive line.
Then, after a break, Jami and Matt reveal their first College Football Playoff and Heisman Trophy finalist predictions, pick games to watch in each window of the college football weekend, and recommend something from outside the world of college football that you need to watch.
Connect with Jami Jurich:
Twitter: @JamiJurich
Connect with Matt Tamanini:
Online Portfolio: https://authory.com/MattTamanini
Theme music provided by audiio.com
Continue reading...
LGHL An in-depth look at why Jaeden Ricketts became Ohio State’s second 2026 commit
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An in-depth look at why Jaeden Ricketts became Ohio State’s second 2026 commit
Caleb Houser via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Jaeden Ricketts | 247Sports
Jaeden Ricketts brings the Buckeyes their second receiver commit in the 2026 class early on.
There should be no debate at this point, Brian Hartline is the best wide receivers coach in college football. Elite at all he does, Ohio State has benefitted mightily from both his on and off-field work during his tenure, and there are no signs of him slowing down. Whether it’s in development, recruiting, or relationships with players, Hartline has been a near-perfect addition to the Buckeyes’ staff.
Regardless of year, Hartline has brought in elite recruit after elite recruit and 2024 has been proof of his continued success as true freshman Jeremiah Smith is largely thought to be the best at his position across college football, despite being in just his first season. Obviously, Smith is an elite talent, so it is easier to get great production from players of his caliber, but Hartline has proven that he can significantly raise the level of play no matter where a player begins. He has similarly worked wonders with top-tier recruits and diamonds in the rough alike.
Looking at the under-the-radar recruits that he’s been able to land too, you see it’s not just the five-star caliber players he’s successful with. The fact that Chris Olave was a three-star prospect is probably the easiest example to point to, but considering that Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s ranking rose hundreds of spots when he committed to Ohio State also shows that analysts understand that when Hartline sees someone that he likes, it’s a pretty good bet that they have something special.
Having played at the highest level, Hartline knows what to look for in players and that’s evident in practically every guy that he’s brought into the program. Simply put, when you see a receiver get an offer from the Buckeyes, it’s for a reason and comes from the highest of evaluations.
It’s not uncommon for the Buckeyes to focus all of their recruiting attention on the current cycle before shifting gears to future classes, and that’s primarily been the case between the 2025 and 2026 classes. Wanting to put the finishing touches on their current class, next year’s crop of talent will soon be the top priority for Mark Pantoni and the entire OSU program. As of now, Ohio State has just two commits in the fold, and, unsurprisingly, both are receivers.
Chris Henry Jr. was the first member of the class after he committed way back in July 2023, meaning that Ohio State once again has the top player at the WR position per the 247Sports Composite grades. A feat this program is used to during the Hartline Era, the Buckeyes also now have in-state product Jaeden Ricketts locked in after he committed about two weeks ago.
The No. 425 player nationally and the 66th best receiver in 2026 per the 247Sports Composites, Ricketts fits that mold of an under-the-radar prospect that Hartline loves that I mentioned earlier. Knowing the Buckeyes position coach’s evaluation process, you can throw the rankings out and trust that if he has an offer from the Buckeyes he more than deserves it.
A 6-foot, 190-pound athlete out of Watkins Memorial, his offer list was thin before committing to OSU, including Illinois and a majority of the MAC schools. While that may not live up to the lists of the guys that Ohio State has typically brought in, the really important offer for Jaeden has been accepted and it wouldn’t be a surprise at all to see him have the kind of career you look back on and realize that Hartline was right long before his coaching colleagues and industry analysts.
When looking at his film, Ricketts impresses in multiple aspects. The idea of having a nearly 200-pound athlete with the speed and ball skills that Jaeden has with the ability to line up in the slot allows for an offense to create automatic mismatches solely based on alignment because of who he is going against in coverage. Additionally, seeing him return kicks, his understanding of space immediately catches your attention.
From a more specific perspective, it’s clear that his toolbox is continually being built early. Routes-wise, Ricketts does a really solid job for a high school junior in knowing what it means to stem routes in a way that will set him up with more open windows. His quickness at the line against press coverage is also polished. He keeps his hands and feet active creating as much possible separation and avoiding the contact a defensive back uses to slow the route down.
More schematic things jump off the screen when watching him play as well, but the most impressive tools he has in his belt include being able to attack multiple coverages, to increase his likelihood of being the open man simply based on how he gets in and out of breaks, and how quickly he comes back to the ball to avoiding coverage.
Additionally, once the ball is caught, he’s not easy to bring down, which is a coach’s dream, knowing yards after the catch are often what makes a receiver that much more effective on the field.
Overall, I like Jaeden’s game for all he brings to the table. Knowing there’s still a full season ahead of him to continue improving has to excite Hartline. Already a player who can break a big play at any moment, the next part of his game that he will need to work on is his perimeter blocking. If he can show an improvement there, as well from a physical standpoint, Ohio State will once again have a playmaker that not only can stretch the defense but also make them pay on the edge.
As you look at this commitment, throw the rankings out. Jaeden Ricketts is a major get for the Buckeyes and the fact that he is someone who Hartline identified as a “take” this in the cycle should be enough to satisfy even the most skeptical of fans. Hartline’s track record speaks for itself and you should expect his evaluation prowess to continue with Ricketts.
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Jaeden Ricketts | 247Sports
Jaeden Ricketts brings the Buckeyes their second receiver commit in the 2026 class early on.
There should be no debate at this point, Brian Hartline is the best wide receivers coach in college football. Elite at all he does, Ohio State has benefitted mightily from both his on and off-field work during his tenure, and there are no signs of him slowing down. Whether it’s in development, recruiting, or relationships with players, Hartline has been a near-perfect addition to the Buckeyes’ staff.
Regardless of year, Hartline has brought in elite recruit after elite recruit and 2024 has been proof of his continued success as true freshman Jeremiah Smith is largely thought to be the best at his position across college football, despite being in just his first season. Obviously, Smith is an elite talent, so it is easier to get great production from players of his caliber, but Hartline has proven that he can significantly raise the level of play no matter where a player begins. He has similarly worked wonders with top-tier recruits and diamonds in the rough alike.
Looking at the under-the-radar recruits that he’s been able to land too, you see it’s not just the five-star caliber players he’s successful with. The fact that Chris Olave was a three-star prospect is probably the easiest example to point to, but considering that Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s ranking rose hundreds of spots when he committed to Ohio State also shows that analysts understand that when Hartline sees someone that he likes, it’s a pretty good bet that they have something special.
Having played at the highest level, Hartline knows what to look for in players and that’s evident in practically every guy that he’s brought into the program. Simply put, when you see a receiver get an offer from the Buckeyes, it’s for a reason and comes from the highest of evaluations.
2026’s position room taking shape early on
It’s not uncommon for the Buckeyes to focus all of their recruiting attention on the current cycle before shifting gears to future classes, and that’s primarily been the case between the 2025 and 2026 classes. Wanting to put the finishing touches on their current class, next year’s crop of talent will soon be the top priority for Mark Pantoni and the entire OSU program. As of now, Ohio State has just two commits in the fold, and, unsurprisingly, both are receivers.
Chris Henry Jr. was the first member of the class after he committed way back in July 2023, meaning that Ohio State once again has the top player at the WR position per the 247Sports Composite grades. A feat this program is used to during the Hartline Era, the Buckeyes also now have in-state product Jaeden Ricketts locked in after he committed about two weeks ago.
The No. 425 player nationally and the 66th best receiver in 2026 per the 247Sports Composites, Ricketts fits that mold of an under-the-radar prospect that Hartline loves that I mentioned earlier. Knowing the Buckeyes position coach’s evaluation process, you can throw the rankings out and trust that if he has an offer from the Buckeyes he more than deserves it.
A 6-foot, 190-pound athlete out of Watkins Memorial, his offer list was thin before committing to OSU, including Illinois and a majority of the MAC schools. While that may not live up to the lists of the guys that Ohio State has typically brought in, the really important offer for Jaeden has been accepted and it wouldn’t be a surprise at all to see him have the kind of career you look back on and realize that Hartline was right long before his coaching colleagues and industry analysts.
Looking at the intangibles for Ricketts
When looking at his film, Ricketts impresses in multiple aspects. The idea of having a nearly 200-pound athlete with the speed and ball skills that Jaeden has with the ability to line up in the slot allows for an offense to create automatic mismatches solely based on alignment because of who he is going against in coverage. Additionally, seeing him return kicks, his understanding of space immediately catches your attention.
From a more specific perspective, it’s clear that his toolbox is continually being built early. Routes-wise, Ricketts does a really solid job for a high school junior in knowing what it means to stem routes in a way that will set him up with more open windows. His quickness at the line against press coverage is also polished. He keeps his hands and feet active creating as much possible separation and avoiding the contact a defensive back uses to slow the route down.
More schematic things jump off the screen when watching him play as well, but the most impressive tools he has in his belt include being able to attack multiple coverages, to increase his likelihood of being the open man simply based on how he gets in and out of breaks, and how quickly he comes back to the ball to avoiding coverage.
Additionally, once the ball is caught, he’s not easy to bring down, which is a coach’s dream, knowing yards after the catch are often what makes a receiver that much more effective on the field.
Overall, I like Jaeden’s game for all he brings to the table. Knowing there’s still a full season ahead of him to continue improving has to excite Hartline. Already a player who can break a big play at any moment, the next part of his game that he will need to work on is his perimeter blocking. If he can show an improvement there, as well from a physical standpoint, Ohio State will once again have a playmaker that not only can stretch the defense but also make them pay on the edge.
As you look at this commitment, throw the rankings out. Jaeden Ricketts is a major get for the Buckeyes and the fact that he is someone who Hartline identified as a “take” this in the cycle should be enough to satisfy even the most skeptical of fans. Hartline’s track record speaks for itself and you should expect his evaluation prowess to continue with Ricketts.
Continue reading...
