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LGHL You’re Nuts: Who will be the 2023 Big Ten Men’s Basketball Coach of the Year?
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You’re Nuts: Who will be the 2023 Big Ten Men’s Basketball Coach of the Year?
justingolba via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports
It’s hard to believe Tom Izzo has only won the award three times.
With almost exactly one month until the college basketball season, we can finally start making predictions that likely won’t be accurate. The fun part of the offseason!
This week for “You’re Nuts,” we debate Who we think will be the 2023 Big Ten Men’s Basketball Coach of the Year.
Last week, we talked about whether or not we think Ohio State and head coach Chris Holtmann should deploy a three-guard lineup next season.
Connor won the majority of the vote with his answer of No, they should start one of the freshmen.
Connor- 55
And now, this week’s debate.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24981437/1376547433.jpg "Purdue v Wisconsin")
Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images
There’s typically two driving forces behind a coach winning the Big Ten Coach of the Year award. No. 1 — the coach leads their team to a Big Ten championship. No. 2 — the coach doesn’t win the conference, but his/her team does considerably better than they were expected to. I’m going with scenario No. 2 here.
Even though Purdue will probably win the Big Ten, I think there will be some fatigue with Matt Painter, and he won’t win it despite having the best team — kind of like why Urban Meyer never won Big Ten Coach of the Year. Tom Izzo, Kevin Willard, or Brad Underwood are all possibilities too, but none of those teams were bad enough last year that a top-four finish would be deserving of the award.
That means I have to give it to the coach of the team that I think is most likely to makee the biggest jump from last year to this year — and I think that team is Wisconsin.
The Badgers lost three of their last four games to end the season last year, sliding just out of the NCAA Tournament picture and into the NIT, where they wound up losing to North Texas in the semifinals.
Wisconsin brings essentially everyone back from last year’s team that just missed the Big Dance, including Chucky Hepburn, Connor Essegian, Tyler Wahl, Steven Crowl, among others. Getting old and staying old is the name of the game in college basketball, and Gard will have one of the most experienced teams in the Big Ten.
But after missing the tournament with this same group, some folks might be asking, “why should we be confident in a group of guys who missed the NCAA Tournament and are just running it back?” That’s valid! While Essegian is entering his sophomore year, the rest of the Badgers’ core are experienced players. I am willing to bank on an improved Essegian and Wisconsin not crumbling down the stretch this year being the difference in them going from NIT semifinalist to an NCAA Tournament team. I think this Wisconsin team could wind up in the top-four in the Big Ten.
If it were to happen, this would be Gard’s third Big Ten Coach of the Year Award. He would join Tom Izzo and Matt Painter as the three active coaches in the B1G who have taken home the award three times.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24981670/usa_today_20196805.jpg "NCAA Basketball: Big Ten Conference Tournament Quarterfinals - Indiana vs Maryland")
David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
To be honest, I almost put Chris Holtmann in this spot. I have the Buckeyes finishing fourth in the conference, so going from second to last place to a double bye in the conference tournament would be worthy of coach of the year.
However, I do think that since he isn’t turning anything around and last year was just a vast disappointment, that could hurt his candidacy.
Also, I think Maryland’s floor is higher. I have Ohio State finishing fourth, but they could finish anywhere from 4-8 to me. I have Maryland finishing third, but no lower than fifth.
For those reasons, I am picking Kevin Willard.
Maryland went 22-13 overall and 11-9 in the conference last season in Willard’s first season. They earned the No. 8 seed in the NCAA Tournament and beat West Virginia in the first round in a great game to start March Madness, then lost to the No. 1 seed Alabama by 20 in the Round of 32.
With Jahmir Young, Donta Scott, and Julian Reese coming back and DeShawn Harris-Smith and Jamie Kaiser coming in as highly touted freshmen, this Terrapin team has a lot of potential and should be a top-20 team throughout the season.
They finished tied for fifth in the conference last season, so jumping to third isn’t a huge jump, but with Purdue and Michigan State being on a tier of their own in the conference this season, everyone else is fighting for third.
They might give it to Izzo, but I do think Michigan State would have to win the conference, and I am not sure they will. They won’t give it to Matt Painter for going from first to first, even if he may deserve it.
Continue reading...
justingolba via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports
It’s hard to believe Tom Izzo has only won the award three times.
With almost exactly one month until the college basketball season, we can finally start making predictions that likely won’t be accurate. The fun part of the offseason!
This week for “You’re Nuts,” we debate Who we think will be the 2023 Big Ten Men’s Basketball Coach of the Year.
Last week, we talked about whether or not we think Ohio State and head coach Chris Holtmann should deploy a three-guard lineup next season.
Connor won the majority of the vote with his answer of No, they should start one of the freshmen.
After 120 weeks:
Connor- 55
Justin- 48
Other- 13
(There have been four ties)
And now, this week’s debate.
Today’s Question: Who will be the 2023 Big Ten Men’s Basketball Coach of the Year?
Connor: Greg Gard
There’s typically two driving forces behind a coach winning the Big Ten Coach of the Year award. No. 1 — the coach leads their team to a Big Ten championship. No. 2 — the coach doesn’t win the conference, but his/her team does considerably better than they were expected to. I’m going with scenario No. 2 here.
Even though Purdue will probably win the Big Ten, I think there will be some fatigue with Matt Painter, and he won’t win it despite having the best team — kind of like why Urban Meyer never won Big Ten Coach of the Year. Tom Izzo, Kevin Willard, or Brad Underwood are all possibilities too, but none of those teams were bad enough last year that a top-four finish would be deserving of the award.
That means I have to give it to the coach of the team that I think is most likely to makee the biggest jump from last year to this year — and I think that team is Wisconsin.
The Badgers lost three of their last four games to end the season last year, sliding just out of the NCAA Tournament picture and into the NIT, where they wound up losing to North Texas in the semifinals.
Wisconsin brings essentially everyone back from last year’s team that just missed the Big Dance, including Chucky Hepburn, Connor Essegian, Tyler Wahl, Steven Crowl, among others. Getting old and staying old is the name of the game in college basketball, and Gard will have one of the most experienced teams in the Big Ten.
But after missing the tournament with this same group, some folks might be asking, “why should we be confident in a group of guys who missed the NCAA Tournament and are just running it back?” That’s valid! While Essegian is entering his sophomore year, the rest of the Badgers’ core are experienced players. I am willing to bank on an improved Essegian and Wisconsin not crumbling down the stretch this year being the difference in them going from NIT semifinalist to an NCAA Tournament team. I think this Wisconsin team could wind up in the top-four in the Big Ten.
If it were to happen, this would be Gard’s third Big Ten Coach of the Year Award. He would join Tom Izzo and Matt Painter as the three active coaches in the B1G who have taken home the award three times.
Justin: Kevin Willard
To be honest, I almost put Chris Holtmann in this spot. I have the Buckeyes finishing fourth in the conference, so going from second to last place to a double bye in the conference tournament would be worthy of coach of the year.
However, I do think that since he isn’t turning anything around and last year was just a vast disappointment, that could hurt his candidacy.
Also, I think Maryland’s floor is higher. I have Ohio State finishing fourth, but they could finish anywhere from 4-8 to me. I have Maryland finishing third, but no lower than fifth.
For those reasons, I am picking Kevin Willard.
Maryland went 22-13 overall and 11-9 in the conference last season in Willard’s first season. They earned the No. 8 seed in the NCAA Tournament and beat West Virginia in the first round in a great game to start March Madness, then lost to the No. 1 seed Alabama by 20 in the Round of 32.
With Jahmir Young, Donta Scott, and Julian Reese coming back and DeShawn Harris-Smith and Jamie Kaiser coming in as highly touted freshmen, this Terrapin team has a lot of potential and should be a top-20 team throughout the season.
They finished tied for fifth in the conference last season, so jumping to third isn’t a huge jump, but with Purdue and Michigan State being on a tier of their own in the conference this season, everyone else is fighting for third.
They might give it to Izzo, but I do think Michigan State would have to win the conference, and I am not sure they will. They won’t give it to Matt Painter for going from first to first, even if he may deserve it.
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LGHL Rankings and snubs; Big Ten releases preseason All-B1G Teams, rankings and more
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Rankings and snubs; Big Ten releases preseason All-B1G Teams, rankings and more
ThomasCostello via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Barbara J. Perenic/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK
The Buckeyes are coming off an outstanding season, and the expectations carry into the 23/24 season
All of the major outlets released their preseason rankings, bracketology and predictions for the 23/24 season. On Wednesday, the Big Ten conference released their own prognostications with its annual preseason All-B1G Team, preseason rankings and the coveted Player of the Year honor. Here’s where Ohio State women’s basketball landed throughout, with a couple arguments for snubs.
Ohio State is again predicted near the top of the conference. Coaches have the Buckeyes second behind the Iowa Hawkeyes, with the media putting the scarlet and gray third behind Iowa and the Indiana Hoosiers.
Last season, the top four mirrored this season’s selections for both voting camps, with the Maryland Terrapins coming in at No. 4. What’s changed are the No. 5 picks. Last season, coaches had Michigan rounding out top teams but this year the Illinois Fighting Illini jumped the Wolverines. Before the 22/23 season, the media selected the Nebraska Cornhuskers at No. 5 but instead have Michigan occupying the final slot.
The individual benefactors from the Buckeyes is guard Jacy Sheldon and forward Cotie McMahon. Each of the stars earned a spot on both the coaches and media All-B1G Teams. Of the two, McMahon was unanimous for the coaches, joining a group of other unanimous selections in Indiana center Mackenzie Holmes, Maryland guard Shyanne Sellers, Michigan guard Laila Phelia and Iowa Hawkeye star Caitlin Clark, who was the only player unanimous in both teams.
Clark was also selected as the Big Ten Preseason Player of the Year for both coaches and media, which is no surprise. What is surprising is that players like graduate senior Holmes, who’s arguably the Big Ten Player of the Year if Clark didn’t exist, wasn’t a unanimous media selection. Reminder that Land-Grant Holy Land is not included in the media vote.
McMahon and Sheldon are obvious choices. Last year, McMahon earned the Big Ten Freshman of the Year award and a secure spot on the All-Freshman Team (although the media didn’t include McMahon unanimously there either). McMahon ended the season as the Buckeyes’ most dangerous weapon on offense. After starting her freshman season with up and down performances in the first month, McMahon came on strong when it counted.
At season’s end, McMahon averaged 15.5 points and 5.5 rebounds. Most of those points came from blistering attacks to the basket that teams couldn’t seem to stop. McMahon spun and Euro-stepped her way into the national conversation as a future star in the NCAA.
For Sheldon, the Dublin, Ohio native is on the other side of that conversation. As a graduate senior, the guard has one more season to make even more of an indelible impact on her already impressive Ohio State legacy.
Sheldon began last season up there with Clark as the only unanimous preseason selections for both coaches and media. At the start of the season, Sheldon was more than living up to the hype. The guard averaged 16.0 points and 6.0 steals per game in the first five games of the season, including a program-tying 11 steals against the Boston College Eagles. Then Sheldon vanished, due to a foot injury that followed the guard through the rest of the season.
The guard returned for the Big Ten conference tournament, but in limited minutes. It was the NCAA Tournament where the Sheldon of November returned. The menacing senior averaged 17.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 2.3 steals in four games, including hitting the game-winning shot in the second round against the North Carolina Tar Heels.
While McMahon and Sheldon are warranted on the preseason lists, two names missing are transfer guard Celeste Taylor and forward/guard Taylor Thierry.
Taylor is new to the Big Ten, by way of Texas and Duke, but a National Defensive Player of the Year finalist and ACC Defensive Player of the Year award winner going ignored by the conference is a shock.
In Thierry’s case, the Buckeye made a leap from her freshman to sophomore season, leading to a All-B1G Second Team and All-B1G Defensive Team selection for the 22-23 season. Head coach Kevin McGuff often calls Thierry the most athletic person on the court in every game she plays, but what he applauds the most is the work Thierry puts into her craft. If that work continues, the awards that matter should come Thierry’s way at the end of the season.
Here’s the full list of selections, with unanimous selections in italics:
2023-24 Coaches Big Ten Preseason Rankings
2023-24 Coaches Preseason All-Big Ten Team*
* Coaches team has an extra player due to a tie in voting
2023-24 Coaches Preseason Player of the Year
2023-24 Media Big Ten Preseason Rankings
2023-24 Media Big Ten Preseason All-Big Ten Team
2023-24 Media Big Ten Preseason Player of the Year
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
Barbara J. Perenic/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK
The Buckeyes are coming off an outstanding season, and the expectations carry into the 23/24 season
All of the major outlets released their preseason rankings, bracketology and predictions for the 23/24 season. On Wednesday, the Big Ten conference released their own prognostications with its annual preseason All-B1G Team, preseason rankings and the coveted Player of the Year honor. Here’s where Ohio State women’s basketball landed throughout, with a couple arguments for snubs.
Ohio State is again predicted near the top of the conference. Coaches have the Buckeyes second behind the Iowa Hawkeyes, with the media putting the scarlet and gray third behind Iowa and the Indiana Hoosiers.
Last season, the top four mirrored this season’s selections for both voting camps, with the Maryland Terrapins coming in at No. 4. What’s changed are the No. 5 picks. Last season, coaches had Michigan rounding out top teams but this year the Illinois Fighting Illini jumped the Wolverines. Before the 22/23 season, the media selected the Nebraska Cornhuskers at No. 5 but instead have Michigan occupying the final slot.
The individual benefactors from the Buckeyes is guard Jacy Sheldon and forward Cotie McMahon. Each of the stars earned a spot on both the coaches and media All-B1G Teams. Of the two, McMahon was unanimous for the coaches, joining a group of other unanimous selections in Indiana center Mackenzie Holmes, Maryland guard Shyanne Sellers, Michigan guard Laila Phelia and Iowa Hawkeye star Caitlin Clark, who was the only player unanimous in both teams.
Clark was also selected as the Big Ten Preseason Player of the Year for both coaches and media, which is no surprise. What is surprising is that players like graduate senior Holmes, who’s arguably the Big Ten Player of the Year if Clark didn’t exist, wasn’t a unanimous media selection. Reminder that Land-Grant Holy Land is not included in the media vote.
McMahon and Sheldon are obvious choices. Last year, McMahon earned the Big Ten Freshman of the Year award and a secure spot on the All-Freshman Team (although the media didn’t include McMahon unanimously there either). McMahon ended the season as the Buckeyes’ most dangerous weapon on offense. After starting her freshman season with up and down performances in the first month, McMahon came on strong when it counted.
At season’s end, McMahon averaged 15.5 points and 5.5 rebounds. Most of those points came from blistering attacks to the basket that teams couldn’t seem to stop. McMahon spun and Euro-stepped her way into the national conversation as a future star in the NCAA.
For Sheldon, the Dublin, Ohio native is on the other side of that conversation. As a graduate senior, the guard has one more season to make even more of an indelible impact on her already impressive Ohio State legacy.
Sheldon began last season up there with Clark as the only unanimous preseason selections for both coaches and media. At the start of the season, Sheldon was more than living up to the hype. The guard averaged 16.0 points and 6.0 steals per game in the first five games of the season, including a program-tying 11 steals against the Boston College Eagles. Then Sheldon vanished, due to a foot injury that followed the guard through the rest of the season.
The guard returned for the Big Ten conference tournament, but in limited minutes. It was the NCAA Tournament where the Sheldon of November returned. The menacing senior averaged 17.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 2.3 steals in four games, including hitting the game-winning shot in the second round against the North Carolina Tar Heels.
While McMahon and Sheldon are warranted on the preseason lists, two names missing are transfer guard Celeste Taylor and forward/guard Taylor Thierry.
Taylor is new to the Big Ten, by way of Texas and Duke, but a National Defensive Player of the Year finalist and ACC Defensive Player of the Year award winner going ignored by the conference is a shock.
In Thierry’s case, the Buckeye made a leap from her freshman to sophomore season, leading to a All-B1G Second Team and All-B1G Defensive Team selection for the 22-23 season. Head coach Kevin McGuff often calls Thierry the most athletic person on the court in every game she plays, but what he applauds the most is the work Thierry puts into her craft. If that work continues, the awards that matter should come Thierry’s way at the end of the season.
Here’s the full list of selections, with unanimous selections in italics:
2023-24 Coaches Big Ten Preseason Rankings
- Iowa
- Ohio State
- Indiana
- Maryland
- Illinois
2023-24 Coaches Preseason All-Big Ten Team*
- Makira Cook, Illinois
- Mackenzie Holmes, Indiana
- Caitlin Clark, Iowa
- Shyanne Sellers, Maryland
- Laila Phelia, Michigan
- Mara Braun, Minnesota
- Alexis Markowski, Nebraska
- Jaz Shelley, Nebraska
- Cotie McMahon, Ohio State
- Jacy Sheldon, Ohio State
- Makenna Marisa, Penn State
* Coaches team has an extra player due to a tie in voting
2023-24 Coaches Preseason Player of the Year
- Caitlin Clark, Iowa
2023-24 Media Big Ten Preseason Rankings
- Iowa
- Indiana
- Ohio State
- Maryland
- Michigan
2023-24 Media Big Ten Preseason All-Big Ten Team
- Makira Cook, Illinois
- Mackenzie Holmes, Indiana
- Caitlin Clark, Iowa
- Shyanne Sellers, Maryland
- Laila Phelia, Michigan
- Alexis Markowski, Nebraska
- Jaz Shelley, Nebraska
- Cotie McMahon, Ohio State
- Jacy Sheldon, Ohio State
- Makenna Marisa, Penn State
2023-24 Media Big Ten Preseason Player of the Year
- Caitlin Clark, Iowa
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LGHL Three Things To Watch from Maryland
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Three Things To Watch from Maryland
Chip.Minnich via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Ohio State is on upset alert against visiting Maryland.
Coming off a bye week, Ohio State ushers in its Homecoming weekend, welcoming the undefeated Maryland Terrapins to Ohio Stadium. Both teams are undefeated, and this game offers intrigue for the two schools.
The bye week came at an opportune time for Ohio State. The thrilling 17-14 win at Notre Dame resulted in a scary ankle injury sustained by star wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. Harrison used the off week to rehabilitate his ankle, but the junior conceded that he is not at 100% as the season resumes.
Maryland joined The B1G in 2014, and have never beaten the Buckeyes in eight tries; the 2020 scheduled game at Maryland was canceled, due to COVID-19. Maryland has been able to take Ohio State to the brink of defeat when the game has been played in College Park, Maryland in 2018 (52-51) and in 2022 (43-30). The 2022 score result is somewhat misleading, as Ohio State’s Steele Chambers scored a touchdown on a fumble recovery in the last seconds of the game, but Ohio State was clinging to a 36-30 lead late into the fourth quarter.
The larger point is that Maryland has not played well whenever the game has been played at Ohio Stadium, as the Buckeyes have won there in 2015 (49-28), 2017 (62-14), 2019 (73-14), and 2021 (66-17). This game represents an opportunity for Maryland to assess where the Terrapins stand in comparison to one of the better teams within the B1G East.
Below are the Three Things To Watch from Maryland, as this game will kick off at 12:00 p.m. ET on FOX.
Egbuka came up big for the Buckeyes in the win at Notre Dame, catching seven passes for 96 yards. No reception was bigger than the play Egbuka made on a crucial 3rd-and-19 play in the final seconds of the game that not only kept Ohio State’s drive alive, but positioned the Buckeyes near the Notre Dame goal line.
With Marvin Harrison Jr. openly stating that his ankle is not fully healed, it will not be surprising if Egbuka is the primary target for the Ohio State passing game. Quarterback Kyle McCord seems to be developing a rapport with Egbuka, similar in the manner that McCord has with Harrison. It bears watching to see how Maryland decides to defend Egbuka in the passing game and how much attention is still paid to MHJ.
2. Will the Ohio State pass rush be a factor?
Neither Jack Sawyer and J.T. Tuimoloau have registered a sack yet this season on an opposing quarterback, and that has Ohio State fans grumbling. Throw in a talented passer in Maryland’s Taulia Tagovailoa, who has thrown 13 touchdown passes and has completed about 67% of his passes, and it is understandable why there is an elevated level of concern for this game.
While the defensive ends have not been getting sacks, the Ohio State defensive line has been able to force quarterbacks into hurrying throws. With that rationale, considering Tagovailoa is listed at 5-foot-11, it may be possible to “box in” Tagovailoa from the outside, and get a strong pass rush from the interior defensive line. Ohio State defensive tackle Tyleik Williams, who does have a sack this season and is coming off a strong game at Notre Dame, may be able to register pressure on Tagovailoa from the middle, even batting passes down at the line of scrimmage.
3. Has Ohio State solved its short yardage woes?
The football program that used to revel in the phrase “Three Yards And A Cloud Of Dust,” during the Woody Hayes glory years are simply unable to pick up a yard running the ball on 3rd-and-1 or 4th-and-1. The Notre Dame game was an exercise in frustration, with Ohio State missing opportunities in short yardage situations.
As I wrote up above, Ohio State is coming off a bye week. Perhaps the coaching staff have identified the issues around their short yardage problems, and will use running back Chip Trayanum to move the pile if the situation presents itself. Trayanum has demonstrated the strength and speed at the running back position to be a “pile mover”, as he showed in the decisive goal line touchdown run against the Fighting Irish.
Maryland has demonstrated a strong offensive team in their 4-0 start, and should present a legitimate test for an improved Ohio State defense. While the Buckeyes have had their way with Maryland in recent years at Ohio Stadium, look for the Terrapins to battle the Buckeyes deep into the fourth quarter, when I anticipate Ohio State being able to put Maryland away. It will be key for Ohio State to harass Taulia Tagovailoa.
I have it Ohio State 35, Maryland 21.
Continue reading...
Chip.Minnich via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Ohio State is on upset alert against visiting Maryland.
Coming off a bye week, Ohio State ushers in its Homecoming weekend, welcoming the undefeated Maryland Terrapins to Ohio Stadium. Both teams are undefeated, and this game offers intrigue for the two schools.
The bye week came at an opportune time for Ohio State. The thrilling 17-14 win at Notre Dame resulted in a scary ankle injury sustained by star wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. Harrison used the off week to rehabilitate his ankle, but the junior conceded that he is not at 100% as the season resumes.
Maryland joined The B1G in 2014, and have never beaten the Buckeyes in eight tries; the 2020 scheduled game at Maryland was canceled, due to COVID-19. Maryland has been able to take Ohio State to the brink of defeat when the game has been played in College Park, Maryland in 2018 (52-51) and in 2022 (43-30). The 2022 score result is somewhat misleading, as Ohio State’s Steele Chambers scored a touchdown on a fumble recovery in the last seconds of the game, but Ohio State was clinging to a 36-30 lead late into the fourth quarter.
The larger point is that Maryland has not played well whenever the game has been played at Ohio Stadium, as the Buckeyes have won there in 2015 (49-28), 2017 (62-14), 2019 (73-14), and 2021 (66-17). This game represents an opportunity for Maryland to assess where the Terrapins stand in comparison to one of the better teams within the B1G East.
Below are the Three Things To Watch from Maryland, as this game will kick off at 12:00 p.m. ET on FOX.
- Will Emeka Egbuka continue to shine?
Egbuka came up big for the Buckeyes in the win at Notre Dame, catching seven passes for 96 yards. No reception was bigger than the play Egbuka made on a crucial 3rd-and-19 play in the final seconds of the game that not only kept Ohio State’s drive alive, but positioned the Buckeyes near the Notre Dame goal line.
With Marvin Harrison Jr. openly stating that his ankle is not fully healed, it will not be surprising if Egbuka is the primary target for the Ohio State passing game. Quarterback Kyle McCord seems to be developing a rapport with Egbuka, similar in the manner that McCord has with Harrison. It bears watching to see how Maryland decides to defend Egbuka in the passing game and how much attention is still paid to MHJ.
2. Will the Ohio State pass rush be a factor?
Neither Jack Sawyer and J.T. Tuimoloau have registered a sack yet this season on an opposing quarterback, and that has Ohio State fans grumbling. Throw in a talented passer in Maryland’s Taulia Tagovailoa, who has thrown 13 touchdown passes and has completed about 67% of his passes, and it is understandable why there is an elevated level of concern for this game.
While the defensive ends have not been getting sacks, the Ohio State defensive line has been able to force quarterbacks into hurrying throws. With that rationale, considering Tagovailoa is listed at 5-foot-11, it may be possible to “box in” Tagovailoa from the outside, and get a strong pass rush from the interior defensive line. Ohio State defensive tackle Tyleik Williams, who does have a sack this season and is coming off a strong game at Notre Dame, may be able to register pressure on Tagovailoa from the middle, even batting passes down at the line of scrimmage.
3. Has Ohio State solved its short yardage woes?
The football program that used to revel in the phrase “Three Yards And A Cloud Of Dust,” during the Woody Hayes glory years are simply unable to pick up a yard running the ball on 3rd-and-1 or 4th-and-1. The Notre Dame game was an exercise in frustration, with Ohio State missing opportunities in short yardage situations.
As I wrote up above, Ohio State is coming off a bye week. Perhaps the coaching staff have identified the issues around their short yardage problems, and will use running back Chip Trayanum to move the pile if the situation presents itself. Trayanum has demonstrated the strength and speed at the running back position to be a “pile mover”, as he showed in the decisive goal line touchdown run against the Fighting Irish.
Maryland has demonstrated a strong offensive team in their 4-0 start, and should present a legitimate test for an improved Ohio State defense. While the Buckeyes have had their way with Maryland in recent years at Ohio Stadium, look for the Terrapins to battle the Buckeyes deep into the fourth quarter, when I anticipate Ohio State being able to put Maryland away. It will be key for Ohio State to harass Taulia Tagovailoa.
I have it Ohio State 35, Maryland 21.
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LGHL MC&J: The Red River Rivalry dominates the Week 6 college football slate
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MC&J: The Red River Rivalry dominates the Week 6 college football slate
Brett Ludwiczak via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by David Buono/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The two future SEC teams square off as Big 12 foes for the last time.
The Big Ten schedule may have been ugly last week, but at least I was able to pick the majority of the games right. The 5-1 record in Big Ten games saved my bacon since my national picks were ugly. There is still a lot of games left to pick this year, so being two games under .500 right now isn’t the worst spot to be in.
No. 12 Oklahoma v. No. 3 Texas (-6.5) - 12:00 p.m. ET - ABC
This will always be the Red River Shootout to me. This is the final year these two teams will meet as Big 12 teams, as next year they’ll embark on their first season in the SEC. After a mediocre season in Brent Venables first year as head coach, the Sooners have started off this season hot. Not only can Dillon Gabriel spin it at quarterback, Oklahoma has a defense that has allowed just 54 points through their first five games.
As good as the Sooners have been this year, Texas has been even better. I thought last week the Longhorns might be looking ahead last week to Red River, but Steve Sarkisian’s team handled their business against Kansas in Austin. Running back Jonathon Brooks was a beast against the Jayhawks, rushing for 218 yards and two scores in the 39-14 win.
Even though Oklahoma has improved from what we saw from the team last year, some of how good the Sooners have looked can be attributed to a really weak schedule. If Texas can get through this game, it feels like the Longhorns can pretty much coast to a spot in the College Football Playoff. While the Sooners will give Texas a game, the Longhorns create a little separation in the second half and go on to win by double digits.
Texas 34, Oklahoma 24
No. 23 LSU (-6.5) v. No. 21 Missouri - 12:00 p.m. ET - ESPN
Imagine how scary LSU would be if they had a defense. The Tigers have already given up 30 or more points in three of their five games this season, and are coming off a dreadful performance where they allowed 55 points last week in the loss to Ole Miss. You’d have to think that Jayden Daniels would be in the Heisman conversation if LSU hadn’t already lost two games this year, as the quarterback has already thrown for 1,710 yards and 16 touchdowns while adding another three scores on the ground.
I’m not sure which coach is more detestable in this game. On one side you have Brian Kelly, who loves to blame everyone but himself when his team fails. Going up against Kelly is Eli Drinkwitz, who whines so much it makes you want to stuff him in a locker. Aside from Drinkwitz, Missouri is a fun team, led by quarterback Brady Cook and wide receiver Luther Burden III.
LSU just hasn’t impressed me much this year. Cook, Burden, and the rest of the Missouri offense should do a lot of damage against a terrible defense. I know Daniels will put up some numbers, I just think Missouri gets enough stops to not only keep this game close, they could even pull the “upset” here.
Missouri 38, LSU 35
No. 13 Washington State v. UCLA (-3.5) - 3:00 p.m. ET - Pac-12 Network
The Cougars and Bruins each enter this game coming off a bye after two very different results in their last games. Washington State jumped out on Oregon State in Pullman two weeks ago, withstanding a late comeback by the Beavers to stay undefeated this season. Cam Ward continues to dazzle, throwing four touchdowns for the second consecutive game, running his total to 13 passing touchdowns this year. So far in 2023, Ward has attempted 142 passes and has yet to throw an interception.
Last time out UCLA lost to Utah 14-7 in Salt Lake City. Freshman quarterback Dante Moore wasn’t terrible against the tough defense of the Utes, but he also wasn’t all that good either, hitting on just 15 of his 35 pass attempts in the game. I’m still not sold on the Bruins, since aside from Utah they haven’t really played anyone of note. Even though the battle between Ward and Moore will be fun to watch, the wrong team is favored here.
Washington State 31, UCLA 27
No. 11 Alabama (-2.5) v. Texas A&M - 3:30 p.m. ET - CBS
Texas A&M took a big hit when they lost starting quarterback Connor Weigman to injury during the Auburn game, but at least the Aggies had an experienced backup ready to go. Former LSU quarterback Max Johnson threw 27 touchdowns for the Tigers before transferring to Texas A&M last season, and has thrown four touchdowns over the last two games. Johnson actually played in 2020 and 2021 against the Crimson Tide while he was with the Tigers.
Honestly, I’m still not exactly sure what Alabama is this year, or is trying to be. Nick Saban’s team has a stout defense, and then I guess it’s just Jalen Milroe trying to ad-lib on offense? It’s just weird to see an Alabama team that struggles so much to move the football. Things aren’t going to get any easier against a Texas A&M defense that has come together after Miami put up 48 points on them last month. In a game where scoring is going to be tough for both sides, I’ll take the unranked home underdog to hand the Crimson Tide their second loss of the season.
Texas A&M 23, Alabama 20
Syracuse v. No. 14 North Carolina (-8.5) - 3:30 p.m. ET - ESPN
Last week Syracuse was dominated at home by Clemson. The Orange couldn’t stop shooting themselves in the foot, turning the football over three times. I don’t see them being as careless with the football again against a North Carolina defense that isn’t quite at the same level as the Clemson defense. Plus, Drake Maye hasn’t been that sharp this year, and it feels like North Carolina is the college football version of the Los Angeles Chargers, since they love to make things a lot tougher than they need to be.
I wouldn’t be surprised to see Syracuse pull the upset here, as I think the Tar Heels are overrated.
Syracuse 38, North Carolina 31
No. 20 Kentucky v. No. 1 Georgia (-14.5) - 7:00 p.m. ET - ESPN
Georgia would be in a lot of trouble if it wasn’t for Brock Bowers. If we’re being honest, the Bulldogs shouldn’t be ranked in the top-five right now, since what have they actually done this season? Luckily for Georgia they don’t have much on the schedule that can actually challenge them, so as long as they don’t drop a game, they should be able to cruise into the CFP as two-time defending champions.
When you play Kentucky, you better bring your lunch. Just ask Florida, who just got rolled by the Wildcats in Lexington. Even though I imagine the Bulldogs are going to fare better than the Gators did, Mark Stoops’ team is a handful. Running back Ray Davis is coming off a 280-yard performance last week, while the Wildcats have an experienced quarterback in NC State transfer Devin Leary. 14.5 feels like a lot to be laying with a Georgia team that hasn’t put together a full game in the two games they have played in conference so far.
Georgia 24, Kentucky 17
No. 10 Notre Dame (-6.5) v. No. 25 Louisville - 7:30 p.m. ET - ABC
I would like to thank those in charge of the rankings for slipping Louisville into the top-25 so that might improve Notre Dame’s strength of schedule, in turn making Ohio State’s win over the Fighting Irish look better. Also, kudos to Marcus Freeman for making sure Notre Dame had 11 players on the field during important points in last week’s nail-biting win over Duke.
Playing at Louisville at night isn’t going to be easy. Then again, it’s not the toughest environment Sam Hartman and Notre Dame have seen. After losing to the Buckeyes last month, Freeman knows his team will have to beat USC if they want to have any shot at the playoff. Last week the Fighting Irish were taken to the limit by Duke. I think they have an easier time this week against a Louisville squad that is undefeated, but has been inconsistent at times in Jeff Brohm’s first season as head coach.
Notre Dame 31, Louisville 20
Arkansas v. No. 16 Ole Miss (-11.5) - 7:30 p.m. ET - SEC Network
You have to feel for KJ Jefferson. He has been playing quarterback at Arkansas since 2004 and the Razorbacks just can’t get over the hump. Sam Pittman’s team looks lost, as they have dropped their last three games by a combined 22 points. As fun as Arkansas was to watch over the last few years with Jefferson running the show, the Razorbacks have struggled to get much going on offense, averaging just 342 yards per game so far this year.
If Ole Miss could ever get their defense to match up with their offense under Lane Kiffin, the rest of the SEC would definitely be on notice. Last week the Rebels were able to grab the victory in the track meet with LSU, rolling up 706 yards of offense in the 55-49 win. The scary thing is Ole Miss is only going to get better as the season goes on, as Quinshon Judkins is hitting his stride after notching his first 100-yard rushing game of the season. These two teams are heading in opposite directions, so I’ll side with the home team that has pop on offense.
Ole Miss 41, Arkansas 23
No. 15 Oregon State (-9.5) v. Cal - 10:00 p.m. ET - Pac-12 Network
Not that I didn’t think Oregon State wasn’t a tough team, I just thought heading into last week’s game that Utah was tougher. I certainly was wrong there. The Beavers just bullied the Utes in Corvallis. I’m still not big on D.J. Uiagalelei, but he is the perfect quarterback if you have designs on going like 9-3 or 10-2 in the regular season. That feels right about where Oregon State will be since they can use their strong running game to take some of the pressure off the former Clemson quarterback.
Shut down running back Jaydn Ott and it shouldn’t be all that tough to beat Cal. Whether Sam Jackson V or Ben Finley starts at quarterback for the Golden Bears on Saturday, I don’t think it’s going to matter. Oregon State is nasty on defense and should make it a long night for whoever is taking the snaps. The Beavers should win this one by at least two touchdowns.
Oregon State 30, Cal 14
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Brett Ludwiczak via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
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The two future SEC teams square off as Big 12 foes for the last time.
Last week ATS: 7-8 (2-7 National, 5-1 B1G)
Season ATS: 47-49 (19-28 National, 28-21 B1G)
The Big Ten schedule may have been ugly last week, but at least I was able to pick the majority of the games right. The 5-1 record in Big Ten games saved my bacon since my national picks were ugly. There is still a lot of games left to pick this year, so being two games under .500 right now isn’t the worst spot to be in.
National games
No. 12 Oklahoma v. No. 3 Texas (-6.5) - 12:00 p.m. ET - ABC
This will always be the Red River Shootout to me. This is the final year these two teams will meet as Big 12 teams, as next year they’ll embark on their first season in the SEC. After a mediocre season in Brent Venables first year as head coach, the Sooners have started off this season hot. Not only can Dillon Gabriel spin it at quarterback, Oklahoma has a defense that has allowed just 54 points through their first five games.
As good as the Sooners have been this year, Texas has been even better. I thought last week the Longhorns might be looking ahead last week to Red River, but Steve Sarkisian’s team handled their business against Kansas in Austin. Running back Jonathon Brooks was a beast against the Jayhawks, rushing for 218 yards and two scores in the 39-14 win.
Even though Oklahoma has improved from what we saw from the team last year, some of how good the Sooners have looked can be attributed to a really weak schedule. If Texas can get through this game, it feels like the Longhorns can pretty much coast to a spot in the College Football Playoff. While the Sooners will give Texas a game, the Longhorns create a little separation in the second half and go on to win by double digits.
Texas 34, Oklahoma 24
No. 23 LSU (-6.5) v. No. 21 Missouri - 12:00 p.m. ET - ESPN
Imagine how scary LSU would be if they had a defense. The Tigers have already given up 30 or more points in three of their five games this season, and are coming off a dreadful performance where they allowed 55 points last week in the loss to Ole Miss. You’d have to think that Jayden Daniels would be in the Heisman conversation if LSU hadn’t already lost two games this year, as the quarterback has already thrown for 1,710 yards and 16 touchdowns while adding another three scores on the ground.
I’m not sure which coach is more detestable in this game. On one side you have Brian Kelly, who loves to blame everyone but himself when his team fails. Going up against Kelly is Eli Drinkwitz, who whines so much it makes you want to stuff him in a locker. Aside from Drinkwitz, Missouri is a fun team, led by quarterback Brady Cook and wide receiver Luther Burden III.
LSU just hasn’t impressed me much this year. Cook, Burden, and the rest of the Missouri offense should do a lot of damage against a terrible defense. I know Daniels will put up some numbers, I just think Missouri gets enough stops to not only keep this game close, they could even pull the “upset” here.
Missouri 38, LSU 35
No. 13 Washington State v. UCLA (-3.5) - 3:00 p.m. ET - Pac-12 Network
The Cougars and Bruins each enter this game coming off a bye after two very different results in their last games. Washington State jumped out on Oregon State in Pullman two weeks ago, withstanding a late comeback by the Beavers to stay undefeated this season. Cam Ward continues to dazzle, throwing four touchdowns for the second consecutive game, running his total to 13 passing touchdowns this year. So far in 2023, Ward has attempted 142 passes and has yet to throw an interception.
Last time out UCLA lost to Utah 14-7 in Salt Lake City. Freshman quarterback Dante Moore wasn’t terrible against the tough defense of the Utes, but he also wasn’t all that good either, hitting on just 15 of his 35 pass attempts in the game. I’m still not sold on the Bruins, since aside from Utah they haven’t really played anyone of note. Even though the battle between Ward and Moore will be fun to watch, the wrong team is favored here.
Washington State 31, UCLA 27
No. 11 Alabama (-2.5) v. Texas A&M - 3:30 p.m. ET - CBS
Texas A&M took a big hit when they lost starting quarterback Connor Weigman to injury during the Auburn game, but at least the Aggies had an experienced backup ready to go. Former LSU quarterback Max Johnson threw 27 touchdowns for the Tigers before transferring to Texas A&M last season, and has thrown four touchdowns over the last two games. Johnson actually played in 2020 and 2021 against the Crimson Tide while he was with the Tigers.
Honestly, I’m still not exactly sure what Alabama is this year, or is trying to be. Nick Saban’s team has a stout defense, and then I guess it’s just Jalen Milroe trying to ad-lib on offense? It’s just weird to see an Alabama team that struggles so much to move the football. Things aren’t going to get any easier against a Texas A&M defense that has come together after Miami put up 48 points on them last month. In a game where scoring is going to be tough for both sides, I’ll take the unranked home underdog to hand the Crimson Tide their second loss of the season.
Texas A&M 23, Alabama 20
Syracuse v. No. 14 North Carolina (-8.5) - 3:30 p.m. ET - ESPN
Last week Syracuse was dominated at home by Clemson. The Orange couldn’t stop shooting themselves in the foot, turning the football over three times. I don’t see them being as careless with the football again against a North Carolina defense that isn’t quite at the same level as the Clemson defense. Plus, Drake Maye hasn’t been that sharp this year, and it feels like North Carolina is the college football version of the Los Angeles Chargers, since they love to make things a lot tougher than they need to be.
I wouldn’t be surprised to see Syracuse pull the upset here, as I think the Tar Heels are overrated.
Syracuse 38, North Carolina 31
No. 20 Kentucky v. No. 1 Georgia (-14.5) - 7:00 p.m. ET - ESPN
Georgia would be in a lot of trouble if it wasn’t for Brock Bowers. If we’re being honest, the Bulldogs shouldn’t be ranked in the top-five right now, since what have they actually done this season? Luckily for Georgia they don’t have much on the schedule that can actually challenge them, so as long as they don’t drop a game, they should be able to cruise into the CFP as two-time defending champions.
When you play Kentucky, you better bring your lunch. Just ask Florida, who just got rolled by the Wildcats in Lexington. Even though I imagine the Bulldogs are going to fare better than the Gators did, Mark Stoops’ team is a handful. Running back Ray Davis is coming off a 280-yard performance last week, while the Wildcats have an experienced quarterback in NC State transfer Devin Leary. 14.5 feels like a lot to be laying with a Georgia team that hasn’t put together a full game in the two games they have played in conference so far.
Georgia 24, Kentucky 17
No. 10 Notre Dame (-6.5) v. No. 25 Louisville - 7:30 p.m. ET - ABC
I would like to thank those in charge of the rankings for slipping Louisville into the top-25 so that might improve Notre Dame’s strength of schedule, in turn making Ohio State’s win over the Fighting Irish look better. Also, kudos to Marcus Freeman for making sure Notre Dame had 11 players on the field during important points in last week’s nail-biting win over Duke.
Playing at Louisville at night isn’t going to be easy. Then again, it’s not the toughest environment Sam Hartman and Notre Dame have seen. After losing to the Buckeyes last month, Freeman knows his team will have to beat USC if they want to have any shot at the playoff. Last week the Fighting Irish were taken to the limit by Duke. I think they have an easier time this week against a Louisville squad that is undefeated, but has been inconsistent at times in Jeff Brohm’s first season as head coach.
Notre Dame 31, Louisville 20
Arkansas v. No. 16 Ole Miss (-11.5) - 7:30 p.m. ET - SEC Network
You have to feel for KJ Jefferson. He has been playing quarterback at Arkansas since 2004 and the Razorbacks just can’t get over the hump. Sam Pittman’s team looks lost, as they have dropped their last three games by a combined 22 points. As fun as Arkansas was to watch over the last few years with Jefferson running the show, the Razorbacks have struggled to get much going on offense, averaging just 342 yards per game so far this year.
If Ole Miss could ever get their defense to match up with their offense under Lane Kiffin, the rest of the SEC would definitely be on notice. Last week the Rebels were able to grab the victory in the track meet with LSU, rolling up 706 yards of offense in the 55-49 win. The scary thing is Ole Miss is only going to get better as the season goes on, as Quinshon Judkins is hitting his stride after notching his first 100-yard rushing game of the season. These two teams are heading in opposite directions, so I’ll side with the home team that has pop on offense.
Ole Miss 41, Arkansas 23
No. 15 Oregon State (-9.5) v. Cal - 10:00 p.m. ET - Pac-12 Network
Not that I didn’t think Oregon State wasn’t a tough team, I just thought heading into last week’s game that Utah was tougher. I certainly was wrong there. The Beavers just bullied the Utes in Corvallis. I’m still not big on D.J. Uiagalelei, but he is the perfect quarterback if you have designs on going like 9-3 or 10-2 in the regular season. That feels right about where Oregon State will be since they can use their strong running game to take some of the pressure off the former Clemson quarterback.
Shut down running back Jaydn Ott and it shouldn’t be all that tough to beat Cal. Whether Sam Jackson V or Ben Finley starts at quarterback for the Golden Bears on Saturday, I don’t think it’s going to matter. Oregon State is nasty on defense and should make it a long night for whoever is taking the snaps. The Beavers should win this one by at least two touchdowns.
Oregon State 30, Cal 14
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LGHL Ohio State vs. Maryland: 2023 game preview and prediction
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Ohio State vs. Maryland: 2023 game preview and prediction
Brett Ludwiczak via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images
Saturday’s contest will be the first time in nine meetings that both team are undefeated.
After a week off to recharge their batteries following a thrilling last-second victory at Notre Dame, Ohio State returns to action on Saturday to host the Maryland Terrapins. This year’s contest marks the first time the teams have met when both are undefeated. The Buckeyes hope to improve on their 10-0 record during the regular season when they have more than a week to prepare for their opponent.
Last time Ohio State took the field, they defeated Notre Dame 17-14 in South Bend. The Buckeyes trailed 14-10 late in the game before quarterback Kyle McCord led the offense on a 15-play drive, covering 65 yards in 1:25 before Chip Trayanum muscled into the end zone from a yard out with just a second remaining on the clock. Even though it was the first time Ohio State failed to score at least 20 points in the game since a 31-16 loss to Oklahoma in 2017, all that matters is the Buckeyes left South Bend with one of the signature wins so far in the 2023 season.
Even though McCord’s stats in the Notre Dame game won’t blow anyone away, the quarterback showed incredible poise under pressure late in the game against the Fighting Irish, completing 21-of-37 passes for 240 yards. More importantly, McCord didn’t throw any interceptions against a tough Notre Dame, and so far this season the only time McCord has had a pass picked off came in the opener against Indiana. With a strong performance in a clutch situation, expect to see McCord’s confidence continue to grow as the season moves along.
While Marvin Harrison Jr. has deservedly received most of the attention when it comes to Ohio State receivers, a number of other Buckeyes had solid outputs against Notre Dame. Emeka Egbuka led Ohio State with seven catches for 96 yards in the victory. On the final drive, Egbuka caught two passes for at least 20 yards to keep the drive going, including a critical 21-yard catch on 3rd-and-19 to put the Buckeyes at the 1-yard line. Egbuka currently leads the team with 21 catches, and his three touchdown receptions are tied with Harrison for most on the team.
Tight end Cade Stover also has been a big part of the passing attack so far this year, with his 17 catches tying Harrison for second-most on the team. Stover also had seven catches against the Fighting Irish. There are times when Stover’s play is criticized for some shortfalls when it comes to his blocking, but there’s no question that he is one of the more dynamic tight ends in the country, and gives Ohio State a threat at the position that they haven’t had in quite a long time.
Going back to Harrison, it looked like Ohio State was going to lose their top receiving threat for the second year in a row against Notre Dame when he was rolled up on while blocking during TreVeyon Henderson’s touchdown scamper in the third quarter. After receiving some medical attention, Harrison was back out on the field for the next drive and was able to finish the game. It was obvious Harrison wasn’t at 100 percent, but the week off following the game has allowed the star receiver more time to recover ahead of Saturday’s tilt with Maryland.
Ohio State wouldn’t have won against the Fighting Irish had it not been for what TreVeyon Henderson gave them in the running game. After a tough 2022 season, Henderson recaptured some of the magic from 2021 when he broke free in the third quarter for a 61-yard touchdown run to extend Ohio State’s lead at the time to 10-0. Henderson hit triple digits on the ground for the first time in 2023, and is now just 26 rushing yards away from entering the school’s career top-10 rushing yardage rankings. With his touchdown run against Notre Dame, Henderson now has five rushing touchdowns this season.
There were times against Notre Dame when the Ohio State defensive bent. What was encouraging from the unit was they didn’t break in some of the crucial points of the game. Heading into this week’s game against the Terrapins, the Buckeye defense ranks sixth in the country, only allowing 255.5 yards per game. The 34 points Ohio State has allowed so far this season is their fewest through four games since 2006, when they gave up 32 points during that span, and 2007 when opponents scored 29 points in the first four contests.
The defensive star of the win over the Fighting Irish was safety Lathan Ransom, who earned Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week honors with his career-high 13-tackle performance. One of the biggest plays for Ransom in the game came early in the third quarter when he teamed with Sonny Styles to stuff quarterback Sam Hartman on 4th-and-1. Ransom has 20 tackles so far this year, tying Davison Igbinosun for most on the team by a defensive back.
The stars of the defense so far this year have undoubtedly been the Buckeye linebackers. Tommy Eichenberg and Steele Chambers are tied for the team lead with 25 tackles through the first four games. Along with stopping their opponents, Eichenberg has been able to put some heat on quarterback so far this season. At the other linebacker spot, Chambers is a threat to create turnovers, as he has an interception this year, and five picks in his career. Along with the duo, Cody Simon has stepped up at times throughout the season, giving the Buckeyes another solid option at the position.
Even though the defensive line still isn’t playing up to their expectations, there has been some improvement recently. Tyleik Williams continues to demand attention, with the defensive tackle ranking third on the team with 21 tackles. Fellow interior lineman Michael Hall Jr. has one of the few sacks the defensive line has been able to secure this year. More will be needed from J.T. Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer as the season moves along.
Coming to Columbus on Saturday will be the Maryland Terrapins, who are winless against the Buckeyes in eight meetings. Maryland has had little success slowing down Ohio State since joining the Big Ten, giving up 57.3 points per game to the Buckeyes. Last year was actually Maryland’s best defensive performance against Ohio State, giving up 43 points in the loss, but those numbers are skewed a little, with a touchdown coming on a Steele Chambers fumble recovery on the final play of the game.
Since the loss to Ohio State, Maryland has been on fire, winning their seven games since then. Entering Saturday’s game, the Terrapins are 5-0 on the season, marking the first time since 2001 that they have opened a season with five straight wins. All five of Maryland’s wins this season have been by at least 18 points. The only other team to win their first five games this year by that margin is Michigan.
Last week the Terrapins easily handled Indiana, beating the Hoosiers 44-17. Maryland sprinted out of the gates in the blowout, building a 21-3 lead on Indiana by the end of the first quarter. Taulia Tagovailoa was excellent in the victory, completing 24-of-34 passes for 352 yards. Tagovailoa threw five touchdown passes in the win, and now has 13 touchdown tosses this season to along with three rushing touchdowns.
With his strong start to the season, Tagovailoa continues to rewrite Maryland’s passing records. Currently Tua’s younger brother has set the school’s marks in passing yards, touchdown passes, completions, completion percentage, total offense, and 300-yard passing games. The 67.1 completion percentage Tagovailoa currently has for his career is the fourth-best in Big Ten history.
Tagovailoa’s preferred target in the win over Indiana was Tai Felton, who caught seven passes for 134 yards, with three of his receptions resulting in touchdowns. Felton’s 299 yards receiving this year currently sits 20 yards behind Jeshaun Jones for the team lead. Jones has 19 receptions this year, which is also a team-high, one ahead of Felton, West Virginia transfer Kaden Prather, and tight end Corey Dyches. Maryland is one of two teams this year with four receivers with at least 200 yards and two running backs with at least 200 yards. Georgia Southern is the only other team to have players hit those marks.
The two Maryland running backs to rush for at least 200 yards this year are Roman Hemby and Colby McDonald. Coming off a season where he was 11 yards shy of 1,000 for the season, Hemby has carried the football 64 times, racking up 309 yards and four rushing scores this year. McDonald is just over 100 yards shy of Hemby’s total, but has done more with less, toting the rock just 26 times. Antwain Littleton II is also a threat out of the backfield, rushing for 164 yards on 37 carries.
Even though nobody is going to confuse Maryland’s opponents so far this season as offensive juggernauts, the defense of the Terrapins hasn’t given up much to those that they have lined up across from. Dating back to last season, the last opponent to score at least 20 points against Maryland was Ohio State. The seven-game streak in which the Terrapins haven’t allowed an opponent to score at least 20 points is the longest active streak in the country.
A lot of Maryland’s defensive success so far this year can attributed to their ability to create turnovers. Heading into Saturday’s contest, Maryland has a +9 turnover margin, and has forced opponents into turning the football over 13 times. Leading the turnover brigade is defensive back Tarheeb Still, who has three interceptions this season. As a team, Maryland has eight interceptions, with defensive lineman Donnell Brown sitting just behind Still with two picks.
Along with Still, the Terrapins have a number of other defensive backs that are capable of making life tough for McCord and the Ohio State offensive. Beau Brade currently leads the team with 26 tackles, and has an interception and three passes defensed through the first five games of the year. Dante Trader Jr. also has three passes defensed, while recording 17 tackles this year.
Outside of the defensive backs, Maryland is led in tackling by linebackers Caleb Wheatland and Ruben Hyppolite II, with each notching 20 stops. Wheatland is also the team’s leader in sacks, as he has been created with 2.5 sacks this season. Hyppolite is already nearing last year’s 24 tackles total, and if he continues on this pace he’ll best his career-high of 62 tackles from 2021. Sophomore linebacker Jaishawn Barham has two sacks this year, and is halfway to his output from last season.
The area where Maryland’s defensive could have the most issues on Saturday is with their defensive line. Starters Quashon Fuller, Jordan Phillips, and Tommy Akingbesote all have started less than 10 games in their career, combining for just five total sacks. The Buckeye offensive line has been improving after a slow start to the year, and could see their confidence improve even more if they are able to hold the Maryland trio in check and keep McCord clean.
The danger after a big win like Ohio State earned against Notre Dame is there can be a flat performance in the next game. The Buckeyes are less prone to that issue because of the bye week prior to this game, allowing them extra time to prepare for Maryland. There are signs this team is moving in the direction of being a serious national title contender. That’s not to say there aren’t still issues that need to be addressed, though.
The biggest positive from the win over the Fighting Irish is the Buckeyes have a lot more confidence with Kyle McCord at quarterback after the first-year starter engineered a memorable game-winning drive. The offensive playbook has opened up with each start by McCord, and we’ll see that trend continue this week, especially with a week off to work on even more wrinkles.
Head coach Mike Locksley has done a great job at turning a floundering Maryland program around. While the Terrapins aren’t quite yet at the level of Ohio State, Penn State, and Michigan, Maryland isn’t the pushover that they were earlier in their time in the Big Ten. Taulia Tagovailoa gives them a bona fide quarterback, and there are talented players on both sides of the football.
While Maryland enters the game at 5-0, Ohio State is going to be the toughest opponent for the Terrapins this year by a wide margin. It’s hard to see Maryland’s streak of not allowing 20 points in a game continue, especially since the Buckeyes will be looking to start a new streak where they score at least 20 points in a game. The defense of the Terrapins could be in for a rude awakening on Saturday since they haven’t even come close to seeing talent like what will be lining up in the scarlet and gray.
It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Ohio State come out a bit sluggish after the week off, but the home crowd should help them snap out of it rather quickly. The Buckeyes have never scored less than 40 points against Maryland, and that streak should continue for at least another year. The depth of the Buckeyes wears on Maryland as Ohio State pulls away and stays undefeated.
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Brett Ludwiczak via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images
Saturday’s contest will be the first time in nine meetings that both team are undefeated.
After a week off to recharge their batteries following a thrilling last-second victory at Notre Dame, Ohio State returns to action on Saturday to host the Maryland Terrapins. This year’s contest marks the first time the teams have met when both are undefeated. The Buckeyes hope to improve on their 10-0 record during the regular season when they have more than a week to prepare for their opponent.
Last time out
Last time Ohio State took the field, they defeated Notre Dame 17-14 in South Bend. The Buckeyes trailed 14-10 late in the game before quarterback Kyle McCord led the offense on a 15-play drive, covering 65 yards in 1:25 before Chip Trayanum muscled into the end zone from a yard out with just a second remaining on the clock. Even though it was the first time Ohio State failed to score at least 20 points in the game since a 31-16 loss to Oklahoma in 2017, all that matters is the Buckeyes left South Bend with one of the signature wins so far in the 2023 season.
Building confidence
Even though McCord’s stats in the Notre Dame game won’t blow anyone away, the quarterback showed incredible poise under pressure late in the game against the Fighting Irish, completing 21-of-37 passes for 240 yards. More importantly, McCord didn’t throw any interceptions against a tough Notre Dame, and so far this season the only time McCord has had a pass picked off came in the opener against Indiana. With a strong performance in a clutch situation, expect to see McCord’s confidence continue to grow as the season moves along.
While Marvin Harrison Jr. has deservedly received most of the attention when it comes to Ohio State receivers, a number of other Buckeyes had solid outputs against Notre Dame. Emeka Egbuka led Ohio State with seven catches for 96 yards in the victory. On the final drive, Egbuka caught two passes for at least 20 yards to keep the drive going, including a critical 21-yard catch on 3rd-and-19 to put the Buckeyes at the 1-yard line. Egbuka currently leads the team with 21 catches, and his three touchdown receptions are tied with Harrison for most on the team.
Tight end Cade Stover also has been a big part of the passing attack so far this year, with his 17 catches tying Harrison for second-most on the team. Stover also had seven catches against the Fighting Irish. There are times when Stover’s play is criticized for some shortfalls when it comes to his blocking, but there’s no question that he is one of the more dynamic tight ends in the country, and gives Ohio State a threat at the position that they haven’t had in quite a long time.
Going back to Harrison, it looked like Ohio State was going to lose their top receiving threat for the second year in a row against Notre Dame when he was rolled up on while blocking during TreVeyon Henderson’s touchdown scamper in the third quarter. After receiving some medical attention, Harrison was back out on the field for the next drive and was able to finish the game. It was obvious Harrison wasn’t at 100 percent, but the week off following the game has allowed the star receiver more time to recover ahead of Saturday’s tilt with Maryland.
Ohio State wouldn’t have won against the Fighting Irish had it not been for what TreVeyon Henderson gave them in the running game. After a tough 2022 season, Henderson recaptured some of the magic from 2021 when he broke free in the third quarter for a 61-yard touchdown run to extend Ohio State’s lead at the time to 10-0. Henderson hit triple digits on the ground for the first time in 2023, and is now just 26 rushing yards away from entering the school’s career top-10 rushing yardage rankings. With his touchdown run against Notre Dame, Henderson now has five rushing touchdowns this season.
Tough nuts to crack
There were times against Notre Dame when the Ohio State defensive bent. What was encouraging from the unit was they didn’t break in some of the crucial points of the game. Heading into this week’s game against the Terrapins, the Buckeye defense ranks sixth in the country, only allowing 255.5 yards per game. The 34 points Ohio State has allowed so far this season is their fewest through four games since 2006, when they gave up 32 points during that span, and 2007 when opponents scored 29 points in the first four contests.
The defensive star of the win over the Fighting Irish was safety Lathan Ransom, who earned Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week honors with his career-high 13-tackle performance. One of the biggest plays for Ransom in the game came early in the third quarter when he teamed with Sonny Styles to stuff quarterback Sam Hartman on 4th-and-1. Ransom has 20 tackles so far this year, tying Davison Igbinosun for most on the team by a defensive back.
The stars of the defense so far this year have undoubtedly been the Buckeye linebackers. Tommy Eichenberg and Steele Chambers are tied for the team lead with 25 tackles through the first four games. Along with stopping their opponents, Eichenberg has been able to put some heat on quarterback so far this season. At the other linebacker spot, Chambers is a threat to create turnovers, as he has an interception this year, and five picks in his career. Along with the duo, Cody Simon has stepped up at times throughout the season, giving the Buckeyes another solid option at the position.
Even though the defensive line still isn’t playing up to their expectations, there has been some improvement recently. Tyleik Williams continues to demand attention, with the defensive tackle ranking third on the team with 21 tackles. Fellow interior lineman Michael Hall Jr. has one of the few sacks the defensive line has been able to secure this year. More will be needed from J.T. Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer as the season moves along.
History with Ohio State
Coming to Columbus on Saturday will be the Maryland Terrapins, who are winless against the Buckeyes in eight meetings. Maryland has had little success slowing down Ohio State since joining the Big Ten, giving up 57.3 points per game to the Buckeyes. Last year was actually Maryland’s best defensive performance against Ohio State, giving up 43 points in the loss, but those numbers are skewed a little, with a touchdown coming on a Steele Chambers fumble recovery on the final play of the game.
A team on the rise
Since the loss to Ohio State, Maryland has been on fire, winning their seven games since then. Entering Saturday’s game, the Terrapins are 5-0 on the season, marking the first time since 2001 that they have opened a season with five straight wins. All five of Maryland’s wins this season have been by at least 18 points. The only other team to win their first five games this year by that margin is Michigan.
Last week the Terrapins easily handled Indiana, beating the Hoosiers 44-17. Maryland sprinted out of the gates in the blowout, building a 21-3 lead on Indiana by the end of the first quarter. Taulia Tagovailoa was excellent in the victory, completing 24-of-34 passes for 352 yards. Tagovailoa threw five touchdown passes in the win, and now has 13 touchdown tosses this season to along with three rushing touchdowns.
Taulia and the Terps
With his strong start to the season, Tagovailoa continues to rewrite Maryland’s passing records. Currently Tua’s younger brother has set the school’s marks in passing yards, touchdown passes, completions, completion percentage, total offense, and 300-yard passing games. The 67.1 completion percentage Tagovailoa currently has for his career is the fourth-best in Big Ten history.
Tagovailoa’s preferred target in the win over Indiana was Tai Felton, who caught seven passes for 134 yards, with three of his receptions resulting in touchdowns. Felton’s 299 yards receiving this year currently sits 20 yards behind Jeshaun Jones for the team lead. Jones has 19 receptions this year, which is also a team-high, one ahead of Felton, West Virginia transfer Kaden Prather, and tight end Corey Dyches. Maryland is one of two teams this year with four receivers with at least 200 yards and two running backs with at least 200 yards. Georgia Southern is the only other team to have players hit those marks.
The two Maryland running backs to rush for at least 200 yards this year are Roman Hemby and Colby McDonald. Coming off a season where he was 11 yards shy of 1,000 for the season, Hemby has carried the football 64 times, racking up 309 yards and four rushing scores this year. McDonald is just over 100 yards shy of Hemby’s total, but has done more with less, toting the rock just 26 times. Antwain Littleton II is also a threat out of the backfield, rushing for 164 yards on 37 carries.
Maryland on defense
Even though nobody is going to confuse Maryland’s opponents so far this season as offensive juggernauts, the defense of the Terrapins hasn’t given up much to those that they have lined up across from. Dating back to last season, the last opponent to score at least 20 points against Maryland was Ohio State. The seven-game streak in which the Terrapins haven’t allowed an opponent to score at least 20 points is the longest active streak in the country.
A lot of Maryland’s defensive success so far this year can attributed to their ability to create turnovers. Heading into Saturday’s contest, Maryland has a +9 turnover margin, and has forced opponents into turning the football over 13 times. Leading the turnover brigade is defensive back Tarheeb Still, who has three interceptions this season. As a team, Maryland has eight interceptions, with defensive lineman Donnell Brown sitting just behind Still with two picks.
Along with Still, the Terrapins have a number of other defensive backs that are capable of making life tough for McCord and the Ohio State offensive. Beau Brade currently leads the team with 26 tackles, and has an interception and three passes defensed through the first five games of the year. Dante Trader Jr. also has three passes defensed, while recording 17 tackles this year.
Outside of the defensive backs, Maryland is led in tackling by linebackers Caleb Wheatland and Ruben Hyppolite II, with each notching 20 stops. Wheatland is also the team’s leader in sacks, as he has been created with 2.5 sacks this season. Hyppolite is already nearing last year’s 24 tackles total, and if he continues on this pace he’ll best his career-high of 62 tackles from 2021. Sophomore linebacker Jaishawn Barham has two sacks this year, and is halfway to his output from last season.
The area where Maryland’s defensive could have the most issues on Saturday is with their defensive line. Starters Quashon Fuller, Jordan Phillips, and Tommy Akingbesote all have started less than 10 games in their career, combining for just five total sacks. The Buckeye offensive line has been improving after a slow start to the year, and could see their confidence improve even more if they are able to hold the Maryland trio in check and keep McCord clean.
Summary
The danger after a big win like Ohio State earned against Notre Dame is there can be a flat performance in the next game. The Buckeyes are less prone to that issue because of the bye week prior to this game, allowing them extra time to prepare for Maryland. There are signs this team is moving in the direction of being a serious national title contender. That’s not to say there aren’t still issues that need to be addressed, though.
The biggest positive from the win over the Fighting Irish is the Buckeyes have a lot more confidence with Kyle McCord at quarterback after the first-year starter engineered a memorable game-winning drive. The offensive playbook has opened up with each start by McCord, and we’ll see that trend continue this week, especially with a week off to work on even more wrinkles.
Head coach Mike Locksley has done a great job at turning a floundering Maryland program around. While the Terrapins aren’t quite yet at the level of Ohio State, Penn State, and Michigan, Maryland isn’t the pushover that they were earlier in their time in the Big Ten. Taulia Tagovailoa gives them a bona fide quarterback, and there are talented players on both sides of the football.
While Maryland enters the game at 5-0, Ohio State is going to be the toughest opponent for the Terrapins this year by a wide margin. It’s hard to see Maryland’s streak of not allowing 20 points in a game continue, especially since the Buckeyes will be looking to start a new streak where they score at least 20 points in a game. The defense of the Terrapins could be in for a rude awakening on Saturday since they haven’t even come close to seeing talent like what will be lining up in the scarlet and gray.
It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Ohio State come out a bit sluggish after the week off, but the home crowd should help them snap out of it rather quickly. The Buckeyes have never scored less than 40 points against Maryland, and that streak should continue for at least another year. The depth of the Buckeyes wears on Maryland as Ohio State pulls away and stays undefeated.
LGHL prediction: Ohio State 45, Maryland 17
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LGHL Ohio State continues to add to the guest list for this weekend’s Maryland game
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Ohio State continues to add to the guest list for this weekend’s Maryland game
Caleb Houser via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Kyle Robertson/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK
It’s another big recruiting weekend for the Buckeyes as they play host to the Terrapins on Saturday
It was only one off week, but it sort of feels a lot longer since Ohio State has taken the field. Back at home on Saturday, the Buckeyes have the bye week in the rear view mirror for good as they play host to the unbeaten Terrapins. Another chance to work towards their overall goals, the coaching staff and players shouldn’t need much time to shake off the rust as they get after Maryland.
Tomorrow also provides ample opportunities off the field as well. The first priority of any Ohio State football Saturday is bringing home the win, but with tons of high-profile recruits on hand to see the Buckeyes in action, the coaches will want to look sharp for them too.
So far, recruits on either side of the ball have to be pleased with what Ohio State is showcasing each week, and though the schedule doesn’t get a whole lot easier any time soon, there’s plenty of optimism that continued improvements will be made.
Whether local or more national, top prospects from all over are flocking to Columbus for Saturday’s contest, and Thursday was no different than the rest of this week as even more names made it known that they intend on taking some time to see what Ohio State is all about. Without further hesitation, here’s some of the latest additions to the guest list.
Edward Coleman
A 5-foot-10, 180 pound athlete, Coleman (Savannah, Georgia/Calvary Day School) will be in town this weekend to see Ohio State. A 2025 receiver prospect, Coleman is currently the 53rd best receiver in the country and the 35th best player from the Peach State per 247Sports’ rankings.
Maybe not the highest ranked receiver Ohio State followers are used to seeing, the Buckeyes are not concerned with just his ranking status, and that goes for several other programs as well considering he holds offers from the likes of Alabama, Georgia, Florida State, Tennessee, and more. The Buckeyes are also in the mix as they too have dished out an offer to Edward, and typically speaking Hartline tends to win at an unprecedented rate.
Victor Singleton
An in-state product, Singleton is a name that’s been mentioned a few times recently. A 2026 defensive back out of Toledo’s Central Catholic, Singleton is starting to turn some heads with his on-field production. Only being a high school sophomore, there’s plenty of reason to believe before all is said and done he will be a real priority for several top suitors looking to bring in elite talent in the secondary.
A 6-foot, 160 pound unranked cornerback for now, Singleton currently holds one offer from Toledo, but with visits to Ohio State this weekend among others will get the ball rolling even more, especially when his film continues to show the caliber of player he is becoming. One of the premier teams in Ohio, it doesn’t hurt that Singleton is playing for arguably Ohio’s top division two school at the moment.
Ben Nichols
One more name for good measure, yesterday the Michigan native (Davison, Michigan/Davison) Nichols took to Twitter to share his weekend plans. A 6-foot-5, 315 pound athlete, Nichols does not yet have a ranking via his 247Sports profile, but the defensive lineman does currently hold three offers from Michigan State, Eastern Michigan, and Central Michigan.
With an incredible frame already, Nichols still has two more seasons after this current sophomore campaign, so it’s only a matter of time before several other programs get into the mix. For the Buckeyes, getting a prospect from the state up north to visit is always a success, but considering where his potential could take him, having a comfortable relationship with Nichols early is huge.
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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
Kyle Robertson/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK
It’s another big recruiting weekend for the Buckeyes as they play host to the Terrapins on Saturday
It was only one off week, but it sort of feels a lot longer since Ohio State has taken the field. Back at home on Saturday, the Buckeyes have the bye week in the rear view mirror for good as they play host to the unbeaten Terrapins. Another chance to work towards their overall goals, the coaching staff and players shouldn’t need much time to shake off the rust as they get after Maryland.
Tomorrow also provides ample opportunities off the field as well. The first priority of any Ohio State football Saturday is bringing home the win, but with tons of high-profile recruits on hand to see the Buckeyes in action, the coaches will want to look sharp for them too.
So far, recruits on either side of the ball have to be pleased with what Ohio State is showcasing each week, and though the schedule doesn’t get a whole lot easier any time soon, there’s plenty of optimism that continued improvements will be made.
Multiple names added to the guest list
Whether local or more national, top prospects from all over are flocking to Columbus for Saturday’s contest, and Thursday was no different than the rest of this week as even more names made it known that they intend on taking some time to see what Ohio State is all about. Without further hesitation, here’s some of the latest additions to the guest list.
Edward Coleman
A 5-foot-10, 180 pound athlete, Coleman (Savannah, Georgia/Calvary Day School) will be in town this weekend to see Ohio State. A 2025 receiver prospect, Coleman is currently the 53rd best receiver in the country and the 35th best player from the Peach State per 247Sports’ rankings.
Maybe not the highest ranked receiver Ohio State followers are used to seeing, the Buckeyes are not concerned with just his ranking status, and that goes for several other programs as well considering he holds offers from the likes of Alabama, Georgia, Florida State, Tennessee, and more. The Buckeyes are also in the mix as they too have dished out an offer to Edward, and typically speaking Hartline tends to win at an unprecedented rate.
Victor Singleton
An in-state product, Singleton is a name that’s been mentioned a few times recently. A 2026 defensive back out of Toledo’s Central Catholic, Singleton is starting to turn some heads with his on-field production. Only being a high school sophomore, there’s plenty of reason to believe before all is said and done he will be a real priority for several top suitors looking to bring in elite talent in the secondary.
A 6-foot, 160 pound unranked cornerback for now, Singleton currently holds one offer from Toledo, but with visits to Ohio State this weekend among others will get the ball rolling even more, especially when his film continues to show the caliber of player he is becoming. One of the premier teams in Ohio, it doesn’t hurt that Singleton is playing for arguably Ohio’s top division two school at the moment.
Ben Nichols
One more name for good measure, yesterday the Michigan native (Davison, Michigan/Davison) Nichols took to Twitter to share his weekend plans. A 6-foot-5, 315 pound athlete, Nichols does not yet have a ranking via his 247Sports profile, but the defensive lineman does currently hold three offers from Michigan State, Eastern Michigan, and Central Michigan.
With an incredible frame already, Nichols still has two more seasons after this current sophomore campaign, so it’s only a matter of time before several other programs get into the mix. For the Buckeyes, getting a prospect from the state up north to visit is always a success, but considering where his potential could take him, having a comfortable relationship with Nichols early is huge.
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LGHL Uncut Podcast: Marv’s ankle injury is worse than last year, but now he knows how to play with the pain
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Uncut Podcast: Marv’s ankle injury is worse than last year, but now he knows how to play with the pain
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Four Buckeyes preview Saturday’s game against Maryland.
Throughout the year, the Land-Grant Podcast Network will be bringing you uncut audio primarily from Ohio State press conferences, but also from individual interview sessions.
Listen to the episode and subscribe:
Subscribe: RSS | Apple | Spotify | Google Podcasts | iHeart Radio
On today’s episode of “Land-Grant Uncut,” we are bringing you unedited audio from the Wednesday, Oct. 4 player media availability sessions. You will hear from four different Buckeye players as they put a bow on the Notre Dame victory and the bye week, while looking forward to Saturday’s game against the Maryland Terrapins.
First, you will hear from wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. who discusses the ankle injury suffered against the Irish and compares it to the one he played through in 2022. Then, the always loquacious Cade Stover talks about his performance so far this season.
After that, we will flip to the other side of the ball and hear from defensive lineman Mike Hall and safety Lathan Ransom. They each discuss what their specific units have to do in order to stop the unique passing attack of Maryland and quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa.
Contact Matt Tamanini
Twitter: @BWWMatt
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Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Four Buckeyes preview Saturday’s game against Maryland.
Throughout the year, the Land-Grant Podcast Network will be bringing you uncut audio primarily from Ohio State press conferences, but also from individual interview sessions.
Listen to the episode and subscribe:
Subscribe: RSS | Apple | Spotify | Google Podcasts | iHeart Radio
On today’s episode of “Land-Grant Uncut,” we are bringing you unedited audio from the Wednesday, Oct. 4 player media availability sessions. You will hear from four different Buckeye players as they put a bow on the Notre Dame victory and the bye week, while looking forward to Saturday’s game against the Maryland Terrapins.
First, you will hear from wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. who discusses the ankle injury suffered against the Irish and compares it to the one he played through in 2022. Then, the always loquacious Cade Stover talks about his performance so far this season.
After that, we will flip to the other side of the ball and hear from defensive lineman Mike Hall and safety Lathan Ransom. They each discuss what their specific units have to do in order to stop the unique passing attack of Maryland and quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa.
Contact Matt Tamanini
Twitter: @BWWMatt
Music by: www.bensound.com
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LGHL Updated Heisman Trophy odds, plus bonus Biletnikoff and Doak Walker favorites
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Updated Heisman Trophy odds, plus bonus Biletnikoff and Doak Walker favorites
Gene Ross via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images
Which individual performers stand out among the rest after five-plus weeks of action?
All odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.
By virtue of both a lack of explosive offense to begin the year and other guys across the country putting up some big numbers, all of Ohio State’s Heisman Trophy candidates have seen their odds drop. Marvin Harrison Jr. was the Buckeyes’ betting favorite for the award in the preseason, but that honor now belongs to Kyle McCord, who has cracked the top-10 nationally despite seeing his odds fall to +3000. Both TreVeyon Henderson and Emeka Egbuka are bigger longshots than they were before the season even though they’ve both been great for Ohio State through four games.
Caleb Williams remains the odds-on favorite to win the Heisman Trophy, but several players have seen big boosts from their preseason odds. Chief among them is Michael Penix Jr., who having thrown for 2000 yards and 16 TDs through five games is now second on the list at +380 after being +1600 preseason. Quinn Ewers and Bo Nix round out the group of guys with better than +1000 odds, with Ewers having been +1300 in the preseason and Nix at +1600. Dillon Gabriel joins the top-10 at +2000, Jayden Daniels saw his stock fall from +1100 preseason to +2500 now, and McCord, J.J. McCarthy and Sam Hartman round out the contenders heading into Week 6.
No real surprises among the favorites to take home this year’s Biletnikoff Award, given annually to the nation’s top wide receivers. Coming off an over 1,100-yard season in 2022, Rome Odunze is the top dog in an electric Washington offense, having already hauled in 32 catches for 608 yards and four TDs. Marvin Harrison Jr. doesn’t quite have the stats to match thus far, but we know that at the top of his game he’s still the most talented receiver in the country. Burden has been fantastic for Mizzou, already being just two catches shy of his entire freshman campaign through five games this season and leading FBS in receiving yards with 644, while Nabers has been the best part of a disappointing LSU team.
Audric Estime is the current favorite to take home the Doak Walker Award, which honors the nation’s top running back. Estime has been the star of Notre Dame’s offense alongside Sam Hartman, leading all of FBS with 672 yards rushing — although with the added bonus of playing an extra game in Week 0. Blake Corum isn’t quite at peak performance just yet, but even still already has an FBS-high nine rushing TDs. Will Shipley has been one of the lone bright spots of a largely underwhelming Clemson offense, while Jonathon Brooks has helped pave the way for Texas to join the CFP conversation. It’s nice to see Tre Henderson make the top-five, as the finally healthy OSU back is averaging 6.7 yards per carry with five scores through five games.
Ohio State is the only schools to have both a wide receiver and a running back in the top-five for their respective position awards — not to mention also having its starting quarterback in the top-10 in Heisman Trophy odds.
Thought I’d include this at the end just for fun, but Steve Sarkisian tops the list of favorites to take home the Bear Bryant Award, given to college football’s top head coach. I’m surprised Kalen DeBoer isn’t at the top of the list given what he’s done at Washington, but he will have plenty of opportunities to move up with five ranked teams remaining on the schedule. Of course Coach Prime makes the list having already having already tripled Colorado’s win total from a year ago, while Ryan Day and James Franklin round out the list.
Odds/lines subject to change. T&Cs apply. See draftkings.com/sportsbook for details.
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Gene Ross via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images
Which individual performers stand out among the rest after five-plus weeks of action?
All odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.
Ohio State’s Heisman Trophy odds (Current // Preseason)
- Marvin Harrison Jr. (+8000 // +2000)
- Kyle McCord (+3000 // +2200)
- TreVeyon Henderson (+6000 // +4000)
- Emeka Egbuka (+12000 // +10000)
By virtue of both a lack of explosive offense to begin the year and other guys across the country putting up some big numbers, all of Ohio State’s Heisman Trophy candidates have seen their odds drop. Marvin Harrison Jr. was the Buckeyes’ betting favorite for the award in the preseason, but that honor now belongs to Kyle McCord, who has cracked the top-10 nationally despite seeing his odds fall to +3000. Both TreVeyon Henderson and Emeka Egbuka are bigger longshots than they were before the season even though they’ve both been great for Ohio State through four games.
Overall Heisman Trophy Top 10: (All are QBs)
- Caleb Williams - USC (+180)
- Michael Penix Jr. - Washington (+380)
- Quinn Ewers - Texas (+900)
- Bo Nix - Oregon (+900)
- Jordan Travis - Florida State (+1500)
- Dillion Gabriel - Oklahoma (+2000)
- Jayden Daniels - LSU (+2500)
- Kyle McCord - Ohio State (+3000)
- J.J. McCarthy - Michigan (+3000)
- Sam Hartman - Notre Dame (+3000)
Caleb Williams remains the odds-on favorite to win the Heisman Trophy, but several players have seen big boosts from their preseason odds. Chief among them is Michael Penix Jr., who having thrown for 2000 yards and 16 TDs through five games is now second on the list at +380 after being +1600 preseason. Quinn Ewers and Bo Nix round out the group of guys with better than +1000 odds, with Ewers having been +1300 in the preseason and Nix at +1600. Dillon Gabriel joins the top-10 at +2000, Jayden Daniels saw his stock fall from +1100 preseason to +2500 now, and McCord, J.J. McCarthy and Sam Hartman round out the contenders heading into Week 6.
Biletnikoff Award (Top WR)
- Rome Odunze - Washington (+350)
- Marvin Harrison Jr. - Ohio State (+650)
- Luther Burden III - Missouri (+800)
- Malik Nabers - LSU (+800)
- Troy Franklin - Oregon (+1000)
No real surprises among the favorites to take home this year’s Biletnikoff Award, given annually to the nation’s top wide receivers. Coming off an over 1,100-yard season in 2022, Rome Odunze is the top dog in an electric Washington offense, having already hauled in 32 catches for 608 yards and four TDs. Marvin Harrison Jr. doesn’t quite have the stats to match thus far, but we know that at the top of his game he’s still the most talented receiver in the country. Burden has been fantastic for Mizzou, already being just two catches shy of his entire freshman campaign through five games this season and leading FBS in receiving yards with 644, while Nabers has been the best part of a disappointing LSU team.
Doak Walker Award (Top RB)
- Audric Estime - Notre Dame (+450)
- Blake Corum - Michigan (+700)
- Will Shipley - Clemson (+900)
- Jonathon Brooks - Texas (+1000)
- TreVeyon Henderson - Ohio State (+1000)
Audric Estime is the current favorite to take home the Doak Walker Award, which honors the nation’s top running back. Estime has been the star of Notre Dame’s offense alongside Sam Hartman, leading all of FBS with 672 yards rushing — although with the added bonus of playing an extra game in Week 0. Blake Corum isn’t quite at peak performance just yet, but even still already has an FBS-high nine rushing TDs. Will Shipley has been one of the lone bright spots of a largely underwhelming Clemson offense, while Jonathon Brooks has helped pave the way for Texas to join the CFP conversation. It’s nice to see Tre Henderson make the top-five, as the finally healthy OSU back is averaging 6.7 yards per carry with five scores through five games.
Ohio State is the only schools to have both a wide receiver and a running back in the top-five for their respective position awards — not to mention also having its starting quarterback in the top-10 in Heisman Trophy odds.
Bear Bryant Award (Top Head Coach)
- Steve Sarkisian - Texas (+600)
- Mike Norvell - Florida State (+700)
- Kalen DeBoer - Washington (+800)
- Deion Sanders - Colorado (+1000)
- Ryan Day - Ohio State (+1200)
- James Franklin - Penn State (+1200)
Thought I’d include this at the end just for fun, but Steve Sarkisian tops the list of favorites to take home the Bear Bryant Award, given to college football’s top head coach. I’m surprised Kalen DeBoer isn’t at the top of the list given what he’s done at Washington, but he will have plenty of opportunities to move up with five ranked teams remaining on the schedule. Of course Coach Prime makes the list having already having already tripled Colorado’s win total from a year ago, while Ryan Day and James Franklin round out the list.
Odds/lines subject to change. T&Cs apply. See draftkings.com/sportsbook for details.
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