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LGHL Stock Market Report: The Buckeyes move to 9-0 on the season and 10-0 all-time against Rutgers

Stock Market Report: The Buckeyes move to 9-0 on the season and 10-0 all-time against Rutgers
justingolba via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here

Syndication: The Columbus Dispatch

Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK

November means it’s winning season, no matter how it looks.

It was not as pretty as some people wanted it to be — let’s face it, that’s a high bar normally — but the No. 1 team in the country, the Ohio State Buckeyes (9-0, 6-0), defeated the Rutgers Scarlet Knights (6-3, 3-3) 35-16 to keep the undefeated season alive.

Now, the Buckeyes will turn their attention to the Michigan State Spartans (3-6, 1-5) as they head back to Columbus after a two game road stretch. Before that, let’s take a look at who helped and who/what hurt their stock this past weekend.

Blue Chip​


November football

There is nothing better than College Football in November. All the games matter, the leaves are off the trees, and the 3:30 games are half sunny and half under the lights, depending on where you live. The weather is perfect, the games matter more than ever, and it is just an awesome feeling.

Solid Investments​

Syndication: The Columbus Dispatch
Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK

Freshmen

Whether it was Jermaine Matthews Jr., Jordan Hancock, or Carnell Tate, the freshman class has had plenty of chances to prove themselves this season. Hancock was in the right place at the right time and possibly saved the Buckeyes season with his pick-six to start the second half after a Josh Proctor pass breakup. The freshmen on this team have had some chances to prove themselves, and it seems every time they get the chance, more often than not, they capitalize. And the best part is, they will be here for a while.

Playing Rutgers

You can’t beat perfect. Ohio State is now 10-0 against Rutgers in the all-time series history, and 35-16 is the closest game they have played. The Buckeyes have split it home and away, winning five of the games at home and five on the road. They average 51 points per game against the Scarlet Knights. The numbers don’t lie, and this has been as one-sided as one-sided gets.

Junk Bonds​


Slow starts

This is something that has been a theme this season, and it is two-fold. On one hand, it is frustrating to see a team take a quarter or even a half at times to find a rhythm this late in the season. However, it is a good feeling to know that halftime adjustments are being made and working, and the Buckeyes can turn it on late in games and win going away.

However, you can do that against Maryland, Rutgers, and Wisconsin, and even Notre Dame or Penn State. That won’t work against Michigan, Georgia, or anyone else they may see in the postseason. The next two weeks are against inferior opponents, and they need to work on getting ahead early and closing the door shut.

Buy/Sell​

Syndication: The Columbus Dispatch
Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK

Buy: The running game

It feels weird to say with Miyan Williams out for the year and the coaching staff looking to maintain the redshirt status for Dallan Hayden (which makes sense when there are four running backs this season and you could be losing three of them), but the running game is improving each week.

Any great team is a two-dimensional offense, being able to move the ball down the field through the air and on the ground. Since TreVeyon Henderson returned from injury, the running game has been fantastic, plus he is a capable receiver out of the backfield. Henderson simply provides something that can take this offense and team to the next level.

Buy: Josh Proctor

Josh Proctor has had an up-and-down career at Ohio State, but for the most part, he has been an awesome piece to the ascension of the defense this season. He has made big play after big play, but was injured in the game. He looked to be active and cheering on the defense at the end of the afternoon, so let’s hope he is ready to go for the rest of the season.

Sell: Fake Punts

I don’t feel like I have to get too deep into this one. Let’s just not do it.

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LGHL Five-star corner sets commitment date, Ohio State gearing up for impressive guest list for Saturday

Five-star corner sets commitment date, Ohio State gearing up for impressive guest list for Saturday
Caleb Houser via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here

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A five-star DB trending towards the Buckeyes is set to announce his commitment in January.

One of the keys to Ohio State’s success on defense this season has been the play of the secondary, and specifically the cornerback position. Having some elite players has certainly helped, but the depth has also been critical to the defense as injuries can tally up in a grueling season. In the last two recruiting cycles, the staff has been able to land some major targets, and the amount of guys to join Ohio State’s roster has this position group heading back towards BIA status. The only thing left to do is keep that success going both on and off the field.

Fortunately, this 2025 cycle is looking like it’s going to be just like the last class and maybe even better when it comes to landing elite cornerbacks. After a visit to the Penn State game by the No. 6 player nationally and top cornerback in the country per the 247Sports Composite, Houston, Texas native Devin Sanchez has been linked to Ohio State. Whether it be by multiple Crystal Ball projections or his comments towards the Buckeyes, Sanchez is looking like a real possibility here for the Buckeyes to land, and his latest update shed light on when that could be coming.

Releasing a commitment date, Sanchez is set to announce his college decision on Jan. 6. Doing so live during the All-American Bowl, Devin is down to just Alabama, Texas A&M, and Ohio State. Though the other schools are definitely not out of it yet, the Buckeyes are in prime position here and just need to close this one out. With the momentum they have, this is a commitment that does seem to be coming. Tim Walton is doing a great job on the trail right now, and this looks like biggest focus.

Whole Nation Will Be Watching

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ DB Devin Sanchez (@Devin2416) will be making his college declaration during the 2024 All-American Bowl on January 6th live on @nbc #RollTide #GigEm #GoBucks #AllAmericanBowl pic.twitter.com/N3nEWLu6BM

— All-American Bowl (@AABonNBC) November 9, 2023
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Home game = big recruiting weekend​


The biggest recruiting weekend of the 2023 season was obviously Penn State, but every Saturday the Buckeyes are home it’s a chance for the staff to host several of their top targets both in-state and nationally. Like any other weekend, Ohio State is seeing their visitor list really take shape. When Michigan State comes to Columbus this Saturday, there will be plenty of top recruits on hand to see the Buckeyes continue their quest for a perfect regular season.

Starting with 2025 tight end target Emaree Winston, the 6-foot-2, 235 pound Georgia native will be making the trek north to see Ohio State. The No. 241 player nationally, Winston is the 11th best tight-end in the class per the 247Sports Composite A four-star talent with nearly 40 offers to his name, Winston is no stranger to Ohio State recruiting as he remains one of the more heavily recruited players at the position. Though he has that long list of offers in the fold, both the Buckeyes and Texas are the lone predictions on the Crystal Ball.

Getting him back on campus this weekend is another chance for position coach Keenan Bailey to build the relationship. Though his tenure as the position coach is newer, Coach Kee is crushing it when it comes to recruiting high-profile tight ends for this room. This Saturday should be no different.

Back in the shoe this weekend @CoachKee @CoachBinckes pic.twitter.com/fPhjd7dk0J

— Emaree Winston (@e_wins2025) November 8, 2023
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Moving on to another big name, the Buckeyes will also be hosting Tennessee native and 2026 quarterback target Jared Curtis for this weekend’s contest. The No. 20 player nationally and the second ranked player at his position per the 247Sports Composite, Curtis is already seeing some major attention for his services. With nearly 30 offers to his name thus far, it’s easy to see why he’s so highly thought of when you turn on the film.

Just a high school sophomore, Curtis boasts offers from the likes of Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, Florida State, Ohio State, and plenty of others so his five-star status really isn’t a surprise. Being fortunate to lock up their 2025 signal caller already thanks to in-state native Tavien St. Clair, the Buckeyes can really hone in on 2026 quarterback recruiting efforts and Curtis will be a major part of that.

Getting him on campus this early into his career is a major win for Ohio State’s staff. When Ryan Day has his way of things, he tends to get who he wants at the position.

247Sports No. 2 overall prospect in the 2026 class in Nashville (Tenn.) Christian QB Jared Curtis will visit #OhioState this weekend. https://t.co/7BNebEGqIF

— Steve Wiltfong (@SWiltfong247) November 8, 2023
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Quick Hits​

  • A few more names that are visiting this weekend for good measure, Ohio State will play host to in-state lineman Adam Guthrie (Washington Court House, OH/Miami Trace). A 6-foot-7, 270 pound class of 2026 athlete, Guthrie currently holds two major offers from Kentucky and Purdue, but with the size he has and being an in-state kid, the Buckeyes are well within the know here and will continue to look after this recruitment.
I will be taking an unofficial visit to The Ohio State University this weekend @ryandaytime @CoachJFrye

@billbankgreene @Birm @TIM_MAYsports @bill_kurelic @marcGivler @bucknuts247 @chasshill @mattparkerLR @billlandis25 @DJRSwework pic.twitter.com/lyQZpGgCTA

— Adam Guthrie (@AdamGuthrie21) November 8, 2023
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Ohio State vs. #15 Texas A&M, Nov 10, 2023, 7PM EST, Peacock

brodybuck21

Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Texas A&M Aggies: Preview, How to Watch​

The Ohio State Buckeyes host the No. 15 Texas A&M Aggies on Friday in a marquee non-conference matchup.

Ohio State Buckeyes

OHIO STATE BUCKEYES
The Ohio State Buckeyes will play one of their toughest non-conference games of the season on Friday night when they host the No. 15 Texas A&M Aggies at Value City Arena.
Ohio State (1-0) is coming off a 79-73 win over Oakland on Monday in the season opener. The Buckeyes took the lead midway through the second half and didn't look back despite things being tight throughout. Neither team led by more than seven for the entire game.

Three players scored 17 points for the Buckeyes in the win. Bruce Thornton, Roddy Gayle Jr. and Zed Key will all be looking for similar performances against a Texas A&M (1-0) team that's coming off a route of Texas A&M-Commerce on Monday in a 78-46 win.
Despite getting bounced out of the NCAA Tournament in the first round last season, the Aggies finished 25-10 and arguably one of the worst-seeded teams in the tournament at No. 7. A&M made its second straight SEC title game before losing to Alabama.


The Aggies return a talented core that has proven to be productive since the end of their impressive run to the SEC Championship at the end of the 2021-22 season.
A key matchup to watch will be Ohio State's starting backcourt of Gayle Jr. and Thornton against Aggies star Wade Taylor IV and guards Tyrece Radford and Hayden Hefner. Taylor (16 points, six assists) and Hefner (19 points) were A&M's two leading scorers in Monday's win, and could be getting a bounce-back game from Radford, who was the team's second-leading scorer last season,

WHAT: Ohio State Buckeyes (1-0, 0-0 Big Ten) vs. No. 15 Texas A&M Aggies (1-0, 0-0 SEC)
WHERE: Value City Arena - Columbus, Ohio (19,049)
WHEN: Friday, Nov. 10, 2023, 7 p.m. ET
HOW TO WATCH: Peacock
HOW TO LISTEN: WBNS-AM 1460 / WBNS-FM 97.1 The Fan

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LGHL Ohio State wrestling: A quick ‘23-24 season preview, plus highlights from the Buckeyes’ dominant performance(s) at the Clarion Open

Ohio State wrestling: A quick ‘23-24 season preview, plus highlights from the Buckeyes’ dominant performance(s) at the Clarion Open
Josh Dooley via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here

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Barbara J. Perenic/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK

Tom Ryan’s OSU squad will look much different on the mat this season, but expectations remain high.

After a bounceback season which saw Ohio State wrestling finish fourth at the NCAA Championships in March, Tom Ryan’s Buckeyes began their 2023-24 campaign in the Keystone State (PA) this past Sunday. But rather than heading east to take on one of Lehigh, Pitt, or Penn State – three of the best and most accomplished college wrestling programs in existence – OSU instead made the trip to participate in this year’s Clarion Open.

The Clarion is open to both collegiate and high school wrestlers, and serves as an exhibition of sorts for some of the country’s top up-and-comers. Ohio State did not compete for team accolades at the Clarion, but rather individual titles. Because unlike the more team-driven Cliff Keen Invitational and/or conference tourneys, these early November tournaments are often used to help determine lineups and evaluate younger wrestlers, of which the Scarlet and Gray have many... I’m talking like, a lot, a lot.

Heading back to Columbus with some hardware Full recap of the Clarion Open⤵️

https://t.co/TOZnAoBlLF#GoBucks

— Ohio State Wrestling (@wrestlingbucks) November 6, 2023
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Though the Buckeyes are still expected to perform well in ’23-24, they might be the youngest team in or around the top-10 of most preseason rankings and/or polls. Intermat has OSU 12th in their tournament rankings, while the NCWA coaches’ poll has them 8th. But Ryan’s squad is or will be unproven at multiple weight classes, putting into question both floor and ceiling.

Gone (eligibility) are the likes of Malik Heinselman, Ethan Smith, Kaleb Romero, and Tate Orndorff, all of whom won at least 85 matches during their collegiate career(s). Also out of action, at least for the time being, is Sammy Sasso, a four-time All-American and two-time NCAA runner-up. The latter was the victim of a senseless and violent crime in August, but is now, thankfully, on the mend. Sasso seems determined to wrestle for Ohio State again in the future, and all of Buckeye Nation is certainly behind him.

Joseph Cress/Iowa City Press-Citizen / USA TODAY NETWORK

Replacing years of experience and guys who combined to wrestle hundreds (!) of Big Ten matches will be no easy task. However, Ryan and his impressive staff have plenty of young guns chomping at the bit to prove themselves and hopefully compete with Penn State for B1G and national supremacy. And they will not be going it alone.

Because not only is Sasso still in the picture to lend his voice and experience from afar, but OSU also returns a few veteran grapplers looking to take the next step. Dylan D’Emilio, Carson Kharchla, and Gavin Hoffman are the ‘old dogs’ this season, all of whom have qualified for the NCAAs but are still seeking their first top-5 finish.

As for those young guns previously mentioned, keep an eye on Nic Bouzakis (133 pounds), Nick Feldman (heavyweight), and Rocco Welsh (174), among others. Bouzakis and Feldman were both part of Ohio State’s historic 2022 recruiting class – along with Jesse Mendez who took 6th at the NCAAs last season – but took redshirts as true freshmen. They were ranked No. 2 and No. 3 overall in that ‘22 class, own incredibly impressive junior resumes, and are expected to be roster mainstays (if not stars) moving forward.

Welsh also earned several junior accolades and was the top-ranked recruit in this year’s Scarlet and Gray recruiting class. He started his first season off with a real bang, which is news I should probably just get to...

Welsh was one of four OSU competitors to go undefeated (5-0) and earn an individual title at the Clarion, joining D’Emilio, Feldman, and redshirt sophomore Paddy Gallagher (157) as champions. The true freshman wrestled a trio of close(ish) matches, including his defeat of Navy’s Sammy Starr in the 174 finals. D’Emilio, Feldman, and Gallagher, on the other hand, combined to earn several major decisions and/or tech falls, winning their respective titles in slightly more dominant fashion. But a title is a title, and Welsh certainly impressed in his first official collegiate event.

174 | True Freshman Rocco Welsh's Buckeye debut did NOT disappoint Welsh edges Star (Navy) in the finals 8-2 #GoBucks pic.twitter.com/ZFSa25AChR

— Ohio State Wrestling (@wrestlingbucks) November 6, 2023
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It should be noted that Mendez and Kharchla also went undefeated, technically speaking. However, the former agreed to a no contest outcome in the 141 final, in lieu of facing teammate and fellow Buckeye Brandon Cannon, who Mendez previously defeated in a wrestle-off. The latter bowed out due to medical forfeit after three wins, hopefully for precautionary reasons.

Elsewhere, Isaac Wilcox impressed at 165 (2nd place, 4-1 record) and Bouzakis finished 4th at 133, starting hot but fading late. He (Bouzakis) racked up two falls in his first two matches but cooled off against Pitt’s Vincent Santaniello and Columbia’s Angelo Rini. True freshman Ryder Rogotzke also impressed at 184, wrestling seven times (!) to earn 5th place.

It is shaping up to be an entertaining/interesting/who the heck knows sort of 2023-24 season for Ohio State wrestling, and it begins in earnest this weekend. The Buckeyes hit the road on Friday, to grapple with a top-5 or borderline top-5 Virginia Tech squad, before welcoming Edinboro to Covelli Center on Sunday... A nice little double dip to get things started.

So fire up those ACCN+ and BTN+ streaming apps and make sure to catch Scarlet and Gray singlets in action.

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Google Snap Counts: Gee Scott Jr., Jermaine Mathews Jr., Sonny Styles Among Buckeyes Whose Playing Time Increased Aga - Eleven Warriors

Snap Counts: Gee Scott Jr., Jermaine Mathews Jr., Sonny Styles Among Buckeyes Whose Playing Time Increased Aga - Eleven Warriors
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".

Snap Counts: Gee Scott Jr., Jermaine Mathews Jr., Sonny Styles Among Buckeyes Whose Playing Time Increased Aga Eleven Warriors

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LGHL Ohio State is still No. 1 in the College Football Playoff rankings, but how long can that last?

Ohio State is still No. 1 in the College Football Playoff rankings, but how long can that last?
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here

COLLEGE FOOTBALL: DEC 31 Semifinal Game Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl

Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The defending champion Georgia Bulldogs are nipping at the Buckeyes’ heels.

Whether you think that the Ohio State Buckeyes are the best team in the country or not — objectively, they are not — they are the No. 1 team in the country thanks to the second iteration of the 2023 College Football Playoff rankings. For the second week in a row, the committee has deemed OSU’s body of work to be better than anyone else in college football.

While there are different organizations that measure the same thing, we will use ESPN’s metrics for this discussion, since the worldwide leader in sports is the home for the CFP. But ESPN’s count, the Buckeyes have the No. 1 strength of record (SOR) in FBS. This number calculates what the average top-25 team would do against a team’s specific schedule. Of the other teams in currently contention for the No. 1 CFP spot — namely the unbeaten teams — Washington is No. 2, Florida State is No. 3, Georgia is No. 7, and Michigan is No. 8.

Another one of the metrics to keep an eye on is the more straightforward strength of schedule (SOS). This is where Ohio State’s advantage slipped from the first week of the rankings, and likely could even more this week. Heading into the first CFP rankings, OSU was No. 15 in SOS, with Alabama being the only playoff contender in the top 30 at No. 8.

Thanks to losses by Notre Dame and Wisconsin last weekend, the Buckeyes’ SOS ranking fell to No. 20. While the Tide remained at No. 8 many of the other contenders — especially the unbeaten teams — are still a ways back. Washington is No. 41, FSU is 58, UGA is 90, and the Mitten State Cheaters are No. 111 out of 133 teams in FBS. However, last week, the Bulldogs beat then-No. 12 Missouri and have No. 9 Ole Miss on the schedule this week and No. 14 Tennessee the following week.

Even if everything else remains status quo, the combination of three straight top-15 wins will almost certainly skyrocket UGA up the SOS rankings and potentially past OSU in the CFP rankings heading into the regular season finale. With Penn State, Maryland, and the Buckeyes remaining this month, the Harboys have the top strength of schedule remaining — UGA is No. 3, Ohio State is No. 7, Washington is No. 10, and Florida State is 44.

While anything can happen in any given game, if we assume that the top five teams all remain unbeaten until Nov. 25 when Ohio State and the Ann Arbor Weasels face off, there is a distinct possibility that the Buckeyes will go into The Game as the No. 2 team — or potentially No. 3, depending on how the games play out.

Partially because of the superior competition that they have faced this season and partially because of the specific style of play that this team has experienced, for many casual onlookers, the Buckeyes might be winning on the scoreboard, but aren’t necessarily doing so in the eye test. And while the College Football Playoff committee does keep objective metrics at the center of their evaluations, they also base their decisions — especially when it comes to distinguishing between exceptionally similar teams — on what they actually see on the field.

Georgia beat Missouri last Saturday 30-21, a solid nine-point victory over a top-15 team. However, the way that game was played seems to have given the Dawgs far more cred in the college football community than Ohio State’s eight-point 20-12 win over then-No. 7 Penn State just a few weeks before. So, even if UGA just wins its games against Ole Miss and Tennessee, while the Buckeyes are playing a lackluster slate of Michigan State and Minnesota, I would honestly be surprised if the defending champs didn’t jump OSU.

Then there is the curious case of the sign-stealing culprits. If the Corn and Blue beat the Nits in a more convincing fashion on Saturday in Happy Valley than OSU did in Columbus, it could give the committee reason to jump the Meerkats over the Bucks if Ryan Day’s squad plays with its Spartan and Golden Gopher food.

So while I think that Miss-Again’s woeful strength of schedule — even after playing Penn State — will probably keep them out of the top two spots assuming OSU and UGA remain undefeated, it will be interesting to note how the committee talks about the Fighting Ferrets following this weekend.

What Are the Strength of Schedule and Strength of Records for the College Football Playoff Contenders?​

Will Ohio State Be the No. 1 team in the College Football Playoff rankings heading into The Game?​

Michigan v Ohio State
Photo by Ben Jackson/Getty Images

Frankly, no, I don’t think that they will be. While I presume that the Buckeyes will still be undefeated, I am going to guess that Georgia will be as well; although I feel a lot less comfortable in projecting that than I do with OSU. With three straight weeks against legitimate opponents, I do think that the committee will eventually give the benefit of the doubt the the Bulldogs, especially if they look strong in all three theoretical victories.

However, barring an epic collapse by Ohio State, I don’t see Michigan, Florida State, or Washington having enough quality opportunities to pass the Buckeyes. Perhaps the Skunk Bears could if they obliterate Penn State and Maryland, considering those would be common opponents between the two squads, but to this point, the best team that both UM and OSU have played was Rutgers and the Pompous Princes only beat the Scarlet Knights 31-7 in the Big House, while OSU won 35-16 in Piscataway. So, if things remain fairly consistent, the Winged Helmet Wingnuts likely won’t have enough juice to jump the Buckeyes... until they actually face off on the field, of course.

While it would be fun for OSU to stay No. 1 throughout the regular season and into the playoffs, if they do drop behind Georgia heading into the regular season finale, being as high as they are now does have its benefits. In the absolute worst-case scenario, if Ohio State loses its rivalry game for the third year in a row, being No. 1 or No. 2 in the country going in, does keep them as high as humanly possible in the pecking order should there be a spot available for a one-loss team to get into the CFP field.

We saw OSU take advantage of that situation last year, and they could do it again in 2023. Obviously, a lot of things would still need to happen for the loser of The Game to get back in, but being in the top two before a loss is a heck of a lot better than being No. 5 or 6.

Ultimately, the Buckeyes are in as good of a position to get back to the College Football Playoffs as they could possibly be, whether they win out or not. The simplest path to the tournament is to beat Michigan State, Minnesota, and TTUN, but if they stumble.

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LGHL You’re Nuts: Which Ohio State basketball non-conference game are you most looking forward to?

You’re Nuts: Which Ohio State basketball non-conference game are you most looking forward to?
Brett Ludwiczak via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here

Ohio State v Purdue

Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images

Your (almost) daily dose of good-natured, Ohio State banter.

Both Ohio State’s men’s and women’s basketball teams kicked off their season on Monday. While the women’s basketball team is looking to make another deep run in the NCAA Tournament, the men’s team is just hoping to make it to the “Big Dance” this year. There certainly are lofty expectations for Kevin McGuff’s team since they are returning so much talent from a team that made the Elite Eight last year. On the other side, Chris Holtmann knows he has to start making some noise with his team because the results so far during his time in Columbus can’t continue.

Before they really jump into conference play, both the men’s and women’s teams have interesting non-conference schedules. Not only will both teams hit the road for early-season tournaments near Thanksgiving, they also will square off with UCLA before Christmas, The men’s team will take on the Bruins in Atlanta, and the women’s team will host UCLA a couple of days later. Other highlights of the men’s schedule include games against Texas A&M in Columbus on Friday, as well as a game in Cleveland against West Virginia a couple of days before the calendar turns to 2024.

Today we want to know which Ohio State non-conference basketball game you are most looking forward to this season. With so many strong options between both the men’s and women’s teams, your pick can be from either squad. No matter which game you select, hopefully, both teams start the season with a strong showing in the non-conference portion of their season, which helps them build some momentum that carries over to conference play.

Today’s question: Which Ohio State non-conference basketball game are you most looking forward to this season?​

We’d love to hear your choices. Either respond to us on Twitter at @Landgrant33 or leave your choice in the comments.​

Brett’s answer: The men’s basketball team’s game against UCLA​


This year Ohio State will take on UCLA in the CBS Sports Classic. The Buckeyes have been a fixture in the annual event since it started back in 2014. This will mark the fourth time the teams have met in the event, with Ohio State winning the last two meetings between the schools in the December classic. This year will be the first time the CBS Sports Classic will take place in Atlanta.

Why this game is most interesting to me of all of Ohio State’s non-conference games is it comes at a time when football takes a bit of a backseat? Hopefully, we’ll be looking ahead to a College Football Playoff game for Ohio State at this time, but any playoff game for the Buckeyes will still be a couple of weeks away. Between this game and a couple of Big Ten games earlier in December, it will be a perfect time for fans to take a better look at the men’s basketball team.

What makes this game even more interesting is next year it will be a conference game since UCLA will be joining the Big Ten in 2024. The Bruins have a couple of strong bigs in Adem Bona and Kenneth Nwuba returning this year, and I’m looking forward to seeing how Zed Key and Felix Okpara handle the size. Square off against Bona and Nwuba will help prepare Key, Okpara, and the rest of the Buckeyes for some of the physical big men they’ll see in Big Ten play.

Also, even though he has left Cincinnati, seeing Mick Cronin have to eat a loss to the Buckeyes never gets old!

Matt’s answer: The women’s basketball team’s game against Tennessee​


I was really tempted to take the women’s game against UCLA just to provide some synergy with Brett’s pick. The OSU women's basketball team does play the Bruins on Dec. 18 at 6:30 p.m. ET in a game that will be broadcast on FS1, but I opted for a different WBB game. This one happens a bit earlier in the non-conference schedule, is a rematch of an epic Ohio State victory from last season, and takes place in one of the most venerable buildings in all of collegiate athletics.

So, I am heading down to Rocky Top for the Ohio State Buckeyes to visit the Lady Vols of Tennessee on Dec. 3 at 5 p.m. ET on ESPN. Hopefully, this game will be a culmination of a day of celebrating for all Buckeye fans as earlier in the afternoon, the College Football Playoff seedings will be announced. So, if the football Buckeyes can take care of business over the next four Saturdays, then this women’s hoops game should be the perfect thing to watch while we are booking our trips to whichever semifinal destination Ryan Day’s squad is heading to.

Beyond the doubleheader nature of the day, last season Kevin McGuff’s squad used an 87-75 victory to propel them into a season that eventually landed them in the Elite Eight. The game took place in the Value City Arena and was the season opener for both sides and even though OSU was ranked 12th and the Lady Vols were No. 24, anytime you can see your favorite team get a win over that historic program is exciting.

On the day, now-graduated Taylor Mikesell led the way with 25 points, while four other Buckeyes — Rebeka Mikulášiková, Jacy Sheldon, Taylor Thierry, and Cotie McMahon — all finished in double figures. The two teams were fairly evenly matched offensively, both shooting roughly 50% from the field. The Lady Vols held a 40-to-30 rebounding advantage, but the biggest difference was in OSU’s suffocating full-court press. The Buckeyes’ D forced 16 steals and 29 turnovers on the night; conversely, Tennessee only forced four steals and the Buckeyes turned it over just 15 times.

Mikesell has now moved on to the professional ranks, but the other four top scorers from last year’s contest are back. Both Tennessee and Ohio State saw their 2022-23 seasons ended by Virginia Tech — Tennessee in the Sweet 16 and OSU in the Elite Eight — before the Hokies lost to LSU in an epic Final Four matchup.

Unfortunately, the No. 7 Buckeyes dropped their first game of the season 83-74 to No. 21 USC on Monday in Las Vegas while the No. 11 Lady Vols beat Florida A&M 93-64. Tennessee was led by Karoline Striplin and Jewel Spear who both went for 20 points.

When these two teams face off in a little less than a month, you know the environment will be electric and coach Kellie Harper will have her team prepared for OSU’s patented press as well. This one should be a thrilling matchup for both teams.

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LGHL Ohio State earns Crystal Ball for 2025 four-star running back

Ohio State earns Crystal Ball for 2025 four-star running back
Gene Ross via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here

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2025 RB Byron Louis | Mick Walker, 247Sports

The Buckeyes are also adding daily to their guest list for Saturday’s game under the lights.

While there are still a handful of spots to be filled in the 2024 recruiting class, where Ohio State currently owns the nation’s No. 2 group, the Buckeyes’ coaching staff is also hard at work getting a head start on 2025. While this weekend’s tilt against Michigan State under the lights will provide a big opportunity to host prospects in both classes, it seems Ohio State is already making headway with a Florida running back.

After earning a Crystal Ball for the top cornerback in the 2025 class just last week, Ohio State became the beneficiary of another Crystal Ball prediction in its favor on Tuesday, when 247Sports Director of Recruiting Steve Wiltfong logged a prediction in favor of the Buckeyes for four-star running back Byron Louis.


Logged a 247Sports Crystal Ball prediction in favor of #OhioState this week: https://t.co/GTMlNFRQ1c

— Steve Wiltfong (@SWiltfong247) November 8, 2023​
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Louis, the No. 18 RB and a top-200 player overall in the 247Sports Composite, hails out of American Heritage, a school Ohio State has had some recent success at having landed five-star wide receiver Brandon Inniss from the prep program in the 2023 class. A 5-foot-10, 180-pound back, the junior has amassed over two dozen offers thus far, including the likes of Georgia, Oklahoma, Penn State, USC, Wisconsin and many others.

Louis has visited Columbus multiple times to this point, most recently for the Buckeyes’ win over Penn State in mid-October. Here is what he told On3 about his latest trip to Ohio State:

“The game-day atmosphere was like no other. You can feel the intensity of the game through the fans both outside and inside the stadium. The highlight of this trip had to be how loud the stadium gets. It was packed. Everyone was involved in the game from start to finish. The atmosphere and the tradition that goes into the game itself at Ohio State was beautiful.”

Louis officially released his top-10 schools back in September, and of course the Buckeyes made the cut. However, it seems as though he is continuing to narrow down his list, and as of right now things are looking very good for Ohio State. That being said, it sounds like OSU has been a frontrunner in this recruitment for a while, telling the following to Rivals after an unofficial visit to Columbus in March:

“Ohio State, where do I start? It’s just different up there. It’s almost the college version of American Heritage in how they operate. They move like a machine — one team, one sound, one goal, really. The culture there is different. As soon as you walk into the facility, you know they’re about business. They’ve got a history behind it, too.”

There is still work to be done here to fully secure Louis’ commitment, and Tony Alford will continue to put the work in to secure another talented back for his position group. Should he officially join the class, Louis would become the third offensive player in Ohio State’s 2025 group — joining quarterback Taven St. Clair and wide receiver Jayvan Boggs — and the fifth member of the class overall.

Quick Hits​


Ohio State will likely be expecting a rather large guest list this weekend for one of the programs final home games of the season, and with the team donning alternate uniforms and being played under the lights, it will only add to the atmosphere. Here are just some of the players who have already announced their intent make the trek to Columbus.

All recruiting rankings are per the 247Sports Composite.

  • 2025 wide receiver Phillip Bell III (No. 8 WR, No. 57 Overall)

will be back @ Thee Ohio State this weekend ! #GoBucks #Zone6 pic.twitter.com/9dHZCxyuy8

— Phillip Bell III (@phillipbelliii) November 7, 2023​
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  • 2025 linebacker Tarvos Alford (No. 12 LB, No. 93 Overall)

Ohio state this weekend!

— Tarvos “Tj” Alford II (@TarvosAlford_II) November 7, 2023​
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  • 2026 QB Will Griffin (No. 5 QB, No. 62 Overall)

Looking forward to being back in Columbus this Saturday! THE Ohio State University! @ryandaytime @CoreyDennis_ @CoachTFitch @markpantoni @OhioStateFB @Bucknuts247 @Buckeye_Nation @Bucknuts247 @adamgorney @GregSmithRivals @ChadSimmons_ @SWiltfong247 @TomLuginbill @TheUCReport… pic.twitter.com/qAEE0GYbRT

— Will Griffin 4⭐️ 2026 QB (@w_griffin11) November 8, 2023​
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  • 2025 LB Grant Beerman (Not yet ranked on Composite)
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  • 2026 offensive tackle Adam Guthrie (Not yet ranked on Composite)

I will be taking an unofficial visit to The Ohio State University this weekend @ryandaytime @CoachJFrye

@billbankgreene @Birm @TIM_MAYsports @bill_kurelic @marcGivler @bucknuts247 @chasshill @mattparkerLR @billlandis25 @DJRSwework pic.twitter.com/lyQZpGgCTA

— Adam Guthrie (@AdamGuthrie21) November 8, 2023​
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LGHL The haters owe C.J. Stroud an apology; not that he cares what they think

The haters owe C.J. Stroud an apology; not that he cares what they think
Jami Jurich via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here

NFL: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Houston Texans

Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

As the former Buckeye puts up historic numbers in his rookie season, it’s time for his doubters to admit they were wrong about him.

When it was announced that former Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud would begin his professional career with the Houston Texans, the internet was full of haters. To be clear, the internet is always the pits — you typically don’t have to look very far to find someone trash-talking an athlete; couch critics are everywhere, including here at LGHL.

But they seemed to be especially loud where Stroud was concerned, and the chatter didn’t start when he was the second name called in the 2023 NFL Draft. It merely revved up the haters who had already been banging on for months, even before he was named a 2022 Heisman Trophy finalist (though this certainly helped stoke the flames).

Columnists and chat board warriors alike chimed in on whether Stroud was overrated. Many people felt he had promise but ultimately wouldn’t measure up to the elite quarterbacks with long and decorated careers. He was, they claimed, destined to burn out in a flash, forgotten after a few seasons; as — they claimed — is the destiny of any Ohio State QB.

I would go to battle with family and friends who claimed he was good but not great, and that he appeared better than he was because he was buoyed by the talent around him. As if he wasn’t also buoying his teammates.

My personal favorite quote, one so funny I nearly printed and framed it, “We will never hear about him again when he goes to the NFL.” (Credit for this one goes to a Michigan fan on Reddit).

By the time we reached the 2023 NFL Draft, the chatter wasn’t new. It was just refueled.

Now, after Stroud’s performance in Week 9, that chatter hopefully has ceased for good. In fact, I don’t want to hear from Stroud’s haters unless they’re tapping the mic to apologize to him.

Because just eight games into his NFL career, Stroud is shattering records. In the Texans’ victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, he had a historic game—perhaps the best game a rookie quarterback has ever had.

Completing 30 of 42 passes, Stroud broke both the NFL record for single-game passing yards by a rookie with 470 yards through the air AND tied the record for single-game touchdowns by a rookie with five.

He did it with flair, leading his team to a come-from-behind victory in the final minute of the game with a 75-yard drive that ended with a 15-yard touchdown pass to Tank Dell with just six seconds left in the game.

The performance earned him the fourth-best single-game passer rating of any NFL quarterback this season.

Additionally, having thrown only one interception all season, Stroud is now tied with Patrick Mahomes for most career touchdowns (14) before throwing your second interception.

(As an added fun aside, his leading receiver on Sunday was another former Buckeye—Noah Brown).

Despite what the haters on the outside said, many Buckeye fans have long known Stroud was special. Now, the proof is in the pudding, as they say.

Stroud, who is putting up astonishing numbers, is the heavy frontrunner to win this year’s NFL Rookie of the Year Award. In addition to his 14 touchdowns, and a single interception, he’s thrown 2,270 yards through his first eight games.

Much to the chagrin of the Michigan fan on Reddit, we are in fact, still hearing about him. I’d venture to guess we’re just getting started putting respect on his name.

And so, I’d like the haters to apologize to C.J. Stroud. Not that he cares what you think. But it’s time to admit you were wrong and that Stroud was worth all the hype he got and then some. Because—if the first half of his rookie season is any indication—it looks like he’s going to be a household name for many years to come.

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