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LGHL Know the Reason Why Podcast: Western Kentucky is perfect prep game for Ohio State
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Know the Reason Why Podcast: Western Kentucky is perfect prep game for Ohio State
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Barbara J. Perenic/The Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK
With Notre Dame on the horizon, the Hilltoppers serve as a great way for OSU to see where they are at.
On the Land-Grant Podcast Network’s “Know the Reason Why,” Matt Tamanini and Justin Golba break down Ohio State’s upcoming game so that no matter whether the Buckeyes win or lose, you will be sure to know the reason why.
Listen to the episode and subscribe:
Subscribe: RSS | Apple | Spotify | Google Podcasts | iHeart Radio
Ohio State has a big game coming up in Week 4 as they travel to South Bend to take on Notre Dame, but before they turn to the Domers, the Buckeyes will face the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers on Saturday in Ohio Stadium. One of the most prolific passing teams in college football WKU appears to be a great test to see just how good the Buckeye secondary is.
On this episode of “Know the Reason Why,” Matt Tamanini and Justin Golba preview Ohio State’s Week 3 matchup and make predictions for the game.
Contact Matt Tamanini
Twitter: @BWWMatt
Connect with Justin:
Twitter: @justin_golba
Continue reading...
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Barbara J. Perenic/The Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK
With Notre Dame on the horizon, the Hilltoppers serve as a great way for OSU to see where they are at.
On the Land-Grant Podcast Network’s “Know the Reason Why,” Matt Tamanini and Justin Golba break down Ohio State’s upcoming game so that no matter whether the Buckeyes win or lose, you will be sure to know the reason why.
Listen to the episode and subscribe:
Subscribe: RSS | Apple | Spotify | Google Podcasts | iHeart Radio
Ohio State has a big game coming up in Week 4 as they travel to South Bend to take on Notre Dame, but before they turn to the Domers, the Buckeyes will face the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers on Saturday in Ohio Stadium. One of the most prolific passing teams in college football WKU appears to be a great test to see just how good the Buckeye secondary is.
On this episode of “Know the Reason Why,” Matt Tamanini and Justin Golba preview Ohio State’s Week 3 matchup and make predictions for the game.
Contact Matt Tamanini
Twitter: @BWWMatt
Connect with Justin:
Twitter: @justin_golba
Continue reading...
LGHL Land-Grant Tailgate Podcast: Everything you need to know to watch today’s Ohio State vs. Western Kentucky game
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Land-Grant Tailgate Podcast: Everything you need to know to watch today’s Ohio State vs. Western Kentucky game
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Joshua A. Bickel/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK
The only Ohio State game day podcast you need.
Before every Ohio State football game, Matt Tamanini will get you ready with all of the information that you need for that day’s game on the “LGHL Tailgate” podcast.
Listen to the episode and subscribe:
Game Date/Time: Saturday, Sept. 16 at 4 p.m. ET
Location: Ohio Stadium | 411 Woody Hayes Dr, Columbus, OH 43210
TV: FOX
Streaming: DIRECTV STREAM, Sling TV, Fubo
Radio: 97.1 FM | 1460 AM
I have been burnt a little bit through the first two weeks of the season expecting that eventually the OSU offense will get back to its high-flying ways. They have yet to do that this season, but I am maintaining hope that with a couple of games under their belts and a full week of Kyle McCord being the full-time starting quarterback, that we will see the offense start to get back into the groove.
On the other side of the ball, I think this OSU defense is for real, and while I think they will give up more points today than they did in the first two weeks combined, I do believe that this game will show us that the squad is ready for the challenge against Sam Hartman and Notre Dame next week.
Kyle McCord: 295 yards passing
TreVeyon Henderson: 130 yards rushing
Ohio State defense: 3 interceptions
Contact Matt Tamanini
Twitter: @BWWMatt
Continue reading...
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Joshua A. Bickel/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK
The only Ohio State game day podcast you need.
Before every Ohio State football game, Matt Tamanini will get you ready with all of the information that you need for that day’s game on the “LGHL Tailgate” podcast.
Listen to the episode and subscribe:
Subscribe: RSS | Apple | Spotify | Google Podcasts | iHeart Radio
No. 6 Ohio State Buckeyes (-29.5) vs. Western Kentucky Hilltoppers | over/under 65
Game Date/Time: Saturday, Sept. 16 at 4 p.m. ET
Location: Ohio Stadium | 411 Woody Hayes Dr, Columbus, OH 43210
TV: FOX
Streaming: DIRECTV STREAM, Sling TV, Fubo
Radio: 97.1 FM | 1460 AM
I have been burnt a little bit through the first two weeks of the season expecting that eventually the OSU offense will get back to its high-flying ways. They have yet to do that this season, but I am maintaining hope that with a couple of games under their belts and a full week of Kyle McCord being the full-time starting quarterback, that we will see the offense start to get back into the groove.
On the other side of the ball, I think this OSU defense is for real, and while I think they will give up more points today than they did in the first two weeks combined, I do believe that this game will show us that the squad is ready for the challenge against Sam Hartman and Notre Dame next week.
Matt’s Game Prediction: Ohio State 53, Youngstown State 0
Kyle McCord: 295 yards passing
TreVeyon Henderson: 130 yards rushing
Ohio State defense: 3 interceptions
Contact Matt Tamanini
Twitter: @BWWMatt
Music by: epidemicsound.com
Odds/lines subject to change. T&Cs apply. See draftkings.com/sportsbook for details.
Continue reading...
LGHL MC&J: Ohio State as a 29.5-point favorite over Western Kentucky feels a tad high
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MC&J: Ohio State as a 29.5-point favorite over Western Kentucky feels a tad high
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 Lauren Leigh Bacho/Getty Images
Plus picks for the rest of the lined games involving Big Ten teams this weekend.
Big Ten action not enough for you? I made some picks for a few national games on Saturday, which can be found here.
Virginia v. Maryland (-15.5) - Friday 7:00 p.m. ET - FS1
Even though Maryland hasn’t blown away their competition so far this year, the Terrapins have handled their business. Maryland is averaging nearly 500 yards per game, and has scored 38 points in each of their first two games. Taulia Tagovailoa will get most of the headlines for the Maryland offense, but don’t sleep on Roman Hemby, who has 220 yards rushing and two scores through the first two games.
It has been a real tough year for Virginia after having to deal with tragedy near the end of last season. Last week, the Cavaliers fell 36-35 to James Madison, giving up nearly 400 yards to the Dukes. A big problem for Virginia is they can’t run the football, averaging just 56 yards per game through the first two games.
While it can be hard to trust Maryland with a big spread like this, they should roll the Cavaliers. Hemby should have a big game against a Virginia defense that is giving up 220 yards per game on the groud. If the Cavaliers are somehow able to corral Hemby, then they have to deal with Tagovailoa. I just don’t see how Virginia keeps this one close.
Maryland 42, Virginia 20
No. 7 Penn State (-14.5) v. Illinois - 12:00 p.m. ET - FOX
I knew Illinois was going to take a step back this season after losing a bunch of key players from last year’s team on both sides of the football. I just didn’t think things would be this tough for Bret Bielema’s team. Last season Illinois was able to use Chase Brown on the ground to control the clock and tire out opposing defenses. This year the Fighting Illini can’t get much going on the ground, as quarterback Luke Altmyer is their leading rusher with 139 yards and two touchdowns in the first two games.
If Toledo and Kansas didn’t have much trouble moving the football against Illinois, I can’t see the Fighting Illini slowing down Drew Allar and the Penn State offense. I know some weird things happen in Champaign, but that usually happens as the season goes on and the weather gets worse in Illinois. There isn’t any of those concerns for Saturday. The Nittany Lions keep rolling to start the year.
Penn State 38, Illinois 17
Louisville (-10.5) v. Indiana - 12:00 p.m. ET - Big Ten Network
After watching Indiana against Ohio State, it feels like it’d be easy to say the Hoosiers should get rolled in this game. I feel like Indiana is somewhat close to at least being a little competent, though. Tom Allen has decided that Tayven Jackson is the starting quarterback for the Hoosiers. The former Tennessee recruit was 18-of-21 for 236 yards last week against Indiana State.
Jeff Brohm should know what Allen and Indiana will try and do since Brohm faced the Hoosiers annually during his time as Purdue head coach. Louisville still feels like a bit of an odd team to me. The Cardinals needed a comeback to beat Georgia Tech in the opener, and we didn’t learn much of anything about them as they steamrolled Austin Peay last week. I’ll roll with Aaron Casey and Indiana to play some tough defense, while Jaylin Lucas breaks a couple big plays to keep the Hoosiers within shouting distance of Louisville.
Louisville 31, Indiana 24
Georgia Southern v. Wisconsin (-19.5) - 12:00 p.m. ET - Big Ten Network
I figured the Badgers would face a tough battle in Pullman last week against Washington State. I just thought they would find a way to head back to Madison with a close victory. What happened to the running game of Wisconsin? The Badgers ran for just 91 yards in the 31-22 loss to Wazzu. We knew Luke Fickell was going to bring more of a passing attack to Wisconsin, I just had no idea the running game would suffer so much.
Georgia Southern has an experienced transfer quarterback of their own in Davis Brin. The former Tulsa quarterback threw for 318 yards and two scores in a 49-35 win over UAB last week. The Eagles certainly have more confidence than the Badgers right now, as they are heading into this matchup with a 2-0 record. Maybe Wisconsin sees things click this week on offense, but I’m leery of laying nearly three touchdowns against a team that can move the football a bit.
Wisconsin 34, Georgia Southern 17
Minnesota v. No. 20 North Carolina (-7.5) - 3:30 p.m. ET - ESPN
Minnesota will face a serious step up in competition on Saturday when they head to Chapel Hill to take on North Carolina. The Golden Gophers squeaked by Nebraska in the opener and then beat Eastern Michigan 25-6 last week in Minneapolis. Darius Taylor exploded for 193 yards and a touchdown on 33 carries last week.
Now Minnesota has to take on a team that has a real offense. Drake Maye is considered one of the best quarterback in the country, while Omarion Hampton was a monster against Appalachian State, rolling up 234 yards and three scores in the 40-34 double overtime win. Even if the Golden Gophers are able to slow down the offense of the Tar Heels, I’m not convinced they have enough offense to keep on the scoreboard.
North Carolina 31, Minnesota 21
Northwestern v. No. 21 Duke (-18.5) - 3:30 p.m. ET - ACC Network
Northwestern finally won a game in the United States! Before their 38-7 victory last week against UTEP, the last win for the Wildcats in the land of the free came back in 2021. Ben Bryant was serviceable at quarterback for Northwestern, while Cam Porter neared 100 yards on the ground, finishing with 90 yards rushing against the Miners.
Duke followed up a 28-7 win against Clemson with a 42-7 triumph over Lafayette last week. The Blue Devils have a great shot at heading into the Notre Dame game with a 4-0 record, as they take on UConn after Saturday’s game against Northwestern. Riley Leonard has done a little bit of everything for the Blue Devils, while getting help from running back Jordan Waters, who has 175 yards rushing and three touchdowns.
Northwestern isn’t as bad as they showed against Rutgers, and will get a little better each week as the firing of Pat Fitzgerald continues to fade away. Duke wins the Nerd Bowl, but Northwestern keeps things respectable.
Duke 27, Northwestern 14
Western Michigan v. No. 25 Iowa (-28.5) - 3:30 p.m. ET - Big Ten Network
Every week when Iowa is favored by more than double-digits we have to ask if they are even capable of scoring that many points. This week is no different. The Hawkeyes enter this game coming off an emotional win over rival Iowa State in Ames last week. As if that wasn’t enough, next week they take on Penn State under the lights in State College. This feels like a sandwich game that the Hawkeyes will control but not run away with.
Iowa 28, Western Michigan 7
Virginia Tech v. Rutgers (-6.5) - 3:30 p.m. ET - Big Ten Network
Rutgers had little trouble with Temple last week, pushing their record to 2-0 on the season. I know the Scarlet Knights have been dominant so far this year, but lets not put the cart in front of the horse. The defense is good, I’m just not convinced the offense can consistently be productive. It probably sounds crazy to say this after Rutgers put up 452 yards last week, we just have to remember it was against Temple.
Virginia Tech certainly isn’t the team they were a decade ago. Having said that, are they really so bad that they are nearly a touchdown underdog against Rutgers? Losing to Purdue was tough, it just doesn’t mean the world is falling. I definitely trust Virginia Tech getting points here more than I trust Rutgers laying points against a Power 5 team.
Rutgers 24, Virginia Tech 20
No. 8 Washington (-16.5) v. Michigan State - 5:00 p.m. ET - Peacock
While some teams rally after a coach is suspended or fired, it’s so hard to believe that Michigan State is going to be ready to play on Saturday after the disgusting sexual harassment allegations were levied against Mel Tucker. The Spartans aren’t playing some directional Michigan MAC school here, they are playing Michael Penix and Washington, who are a serious College Football Playoff contender. I just don’t see how the Huskies don’t win this game by at least three touchdowns.
Washington 45, Michigan State 21
Northern Illinois v. Nebraska (-10.5) - 7:00 p.m. ET - FS1
Nebraska is still looking for their first win over new head coach Matt Rhule. The Cornhuskers were throttled by Colorado last week in Boulder 36-14. It’s obvious Georgia Tech transfer Jeff Sims isn’t the answer at quarterback. The issue is there isn’t anyone else worth starting for Nebraska.
As bad as the Cornhuskers have been, they have a couple things on their side this week. They’ll be playing in the friendly confines of Lincoln, and they’ll be hosting a Northern Illinois team that just lost to Southern Illinois. If Nebraska can’t handily win this game, then they are in even bigger trouble than we thought.
Nebraska 30, Northern Illinois 13
Bowling Green v. No. 2 Michigan (-40.5) - 7:30 p.m. ET - Big Ten Network
The game plan for Michigan while Jim Harbaugh is on suspension is quite obvious. Build a 28-35 point lead and then just sit on it. Even though there’s nothing wrong with how they are winning, they could be winning by a lot more if they really wanted to. It just feels like they are going to keep things pretty vanilla while Harbaugh is at home against these lesser opponents.
Michigan 44, Bowling Green 10
Syracuse (-2.5) v. Purdue - 7:30 p.m. ET - NBC
After a couple clunkers to start the season, you know NBC is hoping this game plays out like last year’s contest between these teams in Syracuse, which was absolutely bonkers. The Orange are rolling to start the year, averaging 586 yards of offense in their two wins. Garrett Shrader already has 543 yards passing and five touchdowns in wins over Colgate and Western Michigan.
Does Vegas know you don’t waltz into West Lafayette at night and leave with a win? As an Ohio State fan I certainly know this. Things haven’t been perfect for the Boilers to start the year, but they did outlast the storms and Hokies in Blacksburg last week. Hudson Card continues to gain confidence in the Purdue offense as they upend Syracuse in an entertaining game.
Purdue 35, Syracuse 31
Western Kentucky v. No. 6 Ohio State (-29.5) - 4:00 p.m. ET - FOX
Last week we saw signs of improved play from Kyle McCord, as he was impressive enough to be named the starting quarterback for Ohio State going forward. McCord figured out good things happen if you get the football to Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka, as the duo combined for three scores last week.
The Buckeyes still have some things to work on, though. Both the offensive and defensive lines aren’t playing up to their expectations. Also, the secondary has looked good, they just haven’t been tested by a team that wasn’t to throw the football. That certainly won’t be the case on Saturday. Western Kentucky quarterback Austin Reed led the nation in passing last year, and been outstanding in two wins this year.
At least Ryan Day won’t be crying about the new clock rules this year since Western Kentucky will try and play quicker than Indiana and Youngstown State. We could see some lapses on defense as they try and keep Reed and the passing attack of the Hilltoppers contained. The Buckeyes give up a few touchdowns which keep this game inside the spread, while also trying to prepare and keep everyone healthy for Notre Dame next week.
Ohio State 49, Western Kentucky 24
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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 Lauren Leigh Bacho/Getty Images
Plus picks for the rest of the lined games involving Big Ten teams this weekend.
Last week ATS: 10-9 (3-5 National, 7-4 B1G)
Season ATS: 22-22 (9-14 National, 13-8 B1G)
Big Ten action not enough for you? I made some picks for a few national games on Saturday, which can be found here.
B1G games:
Virginia v. Maryland (-15.5) - Friday 7:00 p.m. ET - FS1
Even though Maryland hasn’t blown away their competition so far this year, the Terrapins have handled their business. Maryland is averaging nearly 500 yards per game, and has scored 38 points in each of their first two games. Taulia Tagovailoa will get most of the headlines for the Maryland offense, but don’t sleep on Roman Hemby, who has 220 yards rushing and two scores through the first two games.
It has been a real tough year for Virginia after having to deal with tragedy near the end of last season. Last week, the Cavaliers fell 36-35 to James Madison, giving up nearly 400 yards to the Dukes. A big problem for Virginia is they can’t run the football, averaging just 56 yards per game through the first two games.
While it can be hard to trust Maryland with a big spread like this, they should roll the Cavaliers. Hemby should have a big game against a Virginia defense that is giving up 220 yards per game on the groud. If the Cavaliers are somehow able to corral Hemby, then they have to deal with Tagovailoa. I just don’t see how Virginia keeps this one close.
Maryland 42, Virginia 20
No. 7 Penn State (-14.5) v. Illinois - 12:00 p.m. ET - FOX
I knew Illinois was going to take a step back this season after losing a bunch of key players from last year’s team on both sides of the football. I just didn’t think things would be this tough for Bret Bielema’s team. Last season Illinois was able to use Chase Brown on the ground to control the clock and tire out opposing defenses. This year the Fighting Illini can’t get much going on the ground, as quarterback Luke Altmyer is their leading rusher with 139 yards and two touchdowns in the first two games.
If Toledo and Kansas didn’t have much trouble moving the football against Illinois, I can’t see the Fighting Illini slowing down Drew Allar and the Penn State offense. I know some weird things happen in Champaign, but that usually happens as the season goes on and the weather gets worse in Illinois. There isn’t any of those concerns for Saturday. The Nittany Lions keep rolling to start the year.
Penn State 38, Illinois 17
Louisville (-10.5) v. Indiana - 12:00 p.m. ET - Big Ten Network
After watching Indiana against Ohio State, it feels like it’d be easy to say the Hoosiers should get rolled in this game. I feel like Indiana is somewhat close to at least being a little competent, though. Tom Allen has decided that Tayven Jackson is the starting quarterback for the Hoosiers. The former Tennessee recruit was 18-of-21 for 236 yards last week against Indiana State.
Jeff Brohm should know what Allen and Indiana will try and do since Brohm faced the Hoosiers annually during his time as Purdue head coach. Louisville still feels like a bit of an odd team to me. The Cardinals needed a comeback to beat Georgia Tech in the opener, and we didn’t learn much of anything about them as they steamrolled Austin Peay last week. I’ll roll with Aaron Casey and Indiana to play some tough defense, while Jaylin Lucas breaks a couple big plays to keep the Hoosiers within shouting distance of Louisville.
Louisville 31, Indiana 24
Georgia Southern v. Wisconsin (-19.5) - 12:00 p.m. ET - Big Ten Network
I figured the Badgers would face a tough battle in Pullman last week against Washington State. I just thought they would find a way to head back to Madison with a close victory. What happened to the running game of Wisconsin? The Badgers ran for just 91 yards in the 31-22 loss to Wazzu. We knew Luke Fickell was going to bring more of a passing attack to Wisconsin, I just had no idea the running game would suffer so much.
Georgia Southern has an experienced transfer quarterback of their own in Davis Brin. The former Tulsa quarterback threw for 318 yards and two scores in a 49-35 win over UAB last week. The Eagles certainly have more confidence than the Badgers right now, as they are heading into this matchup with a 2-0 record. Maybe Wisconsin sees things click this week on offense, but I’m leery of laying nearly three touchdowns against a team that can move the football a bit.
Wisconsin 34, Georgia Southern 17
Minnesota v. No. 20 North Carolina (-7.5) - 3:30 p.m. ET - ESPN
Minnesota will face a serious step up in competition on Saturday when they head to Chapel Hill to take on North Carolina. The Golden Gophers squeaked by Nebraska in the opener and then beat Eastern Michigan 25-6 last week in Minneapolis. Darius Taylor exploded for 193 yards and a touchdown on 33 carries last week.
Now Minnesota has to take on a team that has a real offense. Drake Maye is considered one of the best quarterback in the country, while Omarion Hampton was a monster against Appalachian State, rolling up 234 yards and three scores in the 40-34 double overtime win. Even if the Golden Gophers are able to slow down the offense of the Tar Heels, I’m not convinced they have enough offense to keep on the scoreboard.
North Carolina 31, Minnesota 21
Northwestern v. No. 21 Duke (-18.5) - 3:30 p.m. ET - ACC Network
Northwestern finally won a game in the United States! Before their 38-7 victory last week against UTEP, the last win for the Wildcats in the land of the free came back in 2021. Ben Bryant was serviceable at quarterback for Northwestern, while Cam Porter neared 100 yards on the ground, finishing with 90 yards rushing against the Miners.
Duke followed up a 28-7 win against Clemson with a 42-7 triumph over Lafayette last week. The Blue Devils have a great shot at heading into the Notre Dame game with a 4-0 record, as they take on UConn after Saturday’s game against Northwestern. Riley Leonard has done a little bit of everything for the Blue Devils, while getting help from running back Jordan Waters, who has 175 yards rushing and three touchdowns.
Northwestern isn’t as bad as they showed against Rutgers, and will get a little better each week as the firing of Pat Fitzgerald continues to fade away. Duke wins the Nerd Bowl, but Northwestern keeps things respectable.
Duke 27, Northwestern 14
Western Michigan v. No. 25 Iowa (-28.5) - 3:30 p.m. ET - Big Ten Network
Every week when Iowa is favored by more than double-digits we have to ask if they are even capable of scoring that many points. This week is no different. The Hawkeyes enter this game coming off an emotional win over rival Iowa State in Ames last week. As if that wasn’t enough, next week they take on Penn State under the lights in State College. This feels like a sandwich game that the Hawkeyes will control but not run away with.
Iowa 28, Western Michigan 7
Virginia Tech v. Rutgers (-6.5) - 3:30 p.m. ET - Big Ten Network
Rutgers had little trouble with Temple last week, pushing their record to 2-0 on the season. I know the Scarlet Knights have been dominant so far this year, but lets not put the cart in front of the horse. The defense is good, I’m just not convinced the offense can consistently be productive. It probably sounds crazy to say this after Rutgers put up 452 yards last week, we just have to remember it was against Temple.
Virginia Tech certainly isn’t the team they were a decade ago. Having said that, are they really so bad that they are nearly a touchdown underdog against Rutgers? Losing to Purdue was tough, it just doesn’t mean the world is falling. I definitely trust Virginia Tech getting points here more than I trust Rutgers laying points against a Power 5 team.
Rutgers 24, Virginia Tech 20
No. 8 Washington (-16.5) v. Michigan State - 5:00 p.m. ET - Peacock
While some teams rally after a coach is suspended or fired, it’s so hard to believe that Michigan State is going to be ready to play on Saturday after the disgusting sexual harassment allegations were levied against Mel Tucker. The Spartans aren’t playing some directional Michigan MAC school here, they are playing Michael Penix and Washington, who are a serious College Football Playoff contender. I just don’t see how the Huskies don’t win this game by at least three touchdowns.
Washington 45, Michigan State 21
Northern Illinois v. Nebraska (-10.5) - 7:00 p.m. ET - FS1
Nebraska is still looking for their first win over new head coach Matt Rhule. The Cornhuskers were throttled by Colorado last week in Boulder 36-14. It’s obvious Georgia Tech transfer Jeff Sims isn’t the answer at quarterback. The issue is there isn’t anyone else worth starting for Nebraska.
As bad as the Cornhuskers have been, they have a couple things on their side this week. They’ll be playing in the friendly confines of Lincoln, and they’ll be hosting a Northern Illinois team that just lost to Southern Illinois. If Nebraska can’t handily win this game, then they are in even bigger trouble than we thought.
Nebraska 30, Northern Illinois 13
Bowling Green v. No. 2 Michigan (-40.5) - 7:30 p.m. ET - Big Ten Network
The game plan for Michigan while Jim Harbaugh is on suspension is quite obvious. Build a 28-35 point lead and then just sit on it. Even though there’s nothing wrong with how they are winning, they could be winning by a lot more if they really wanted to. It just feels like they are going to keep things pretty vanilla while Harbaugh is at home against these lesser opponents.
Michigan 44, Bowling Green 10
Syracuse (-2.5) v. Purdue - 7:30 p.m. ET - NBC
After a couple clunkers to start the season, you know NBC is hoping this game plays out like last year’s contest between these teams in Syracuse, which was absolutely bonkers. The Orange are rolling to start the year, averaging 586 yards of offense in their two wins. Garrett Shrader already has 543 yards passing and five touchdowns in wins over Colgate and Western Michigan.
Does Vegas know you don’t waltz into West Lafayette at night and leave with a win? As an Ohio State fan I certainly know this. Things haven’t been perfect for the Boilers to start the year, but they did outlast the storms and Hokies in Blacksburg last week. Hudson Card continues to gain confidence in the Purdue offense as they upend Syracuse in an entertaining game.
Purdue 35, Syracuse 31
Western Kentucky v. No. 6 Ohio State (-29.5) - 4:00 p.m. ET - FOX
Last week we saw signs of improved play from Kyle McCord, as he was impressive enough to be named the starting quarterback for Ohio State going forward. McCord figured out good things happen if you get the football to Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka, as the duo combined for three scores last week.
The Buckeyes still have some things to work on, though. Both the offensive and defensive lines aren’t playing up to their expectations. Also, the secondary has looked good, they just haven’t been tested by a team that wasn’t to throw the football. That certainly won’t be the case on Saturday. Western Kentucky quarterback Austin Reed led the nation in passing last year, and been outstanding in two wins this year.
At least Ryan Day won’t be crying about the new clock rules this year since Western Kentucky will try and play quicker than Indiana and Youngstown State. We could see some lapses on defense as they try and keep Reed and the passing attack of the Hilltoppers contained. The Buckeyes give up a few touchdowns which keep this game inside the spread, while also trying to prepare and keep everyone healthy for Notre Dame next week.
Ohio State 49, Western Kentucky 24
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LGHL Big Ten Men’s Basketball Team Previews: Illinois Fighting Illini
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Big Ten Men’s Basketball Team Previews: Illinois Fighting Illini
justingolba via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Kelsey Kremer/The Register / USA TODAY NETWORK
Can the Illini take advantage of getting some key players back this season?
As we enter the fall season and college football gets underway, college basketball is right around the corner. As always, to prepare you for the season, Land-Grant Holy Land will be publishing Big Ten Team Previews and Ohio State Basketball Player Previews, starting now with the Team Previews. First up, we have the Illinois Fighting Illini.
Team: Illinois Fighting Illini
Head coach: Brad Underwood, Seventh Season, 114-79 (66-52)
2022-23 record: 20-13 (11-9)
All-time record against Ohio State: 71-63
Returners: Coleman Hawkins, Terrence Shannon Jr., Dain Dainja, Ty Rodgers, Sencire Harris, Luke Goode, Niccolo Moretti
Departures: Skyy Clark to Louisville, Jayden Epps to Georgetown, Brandon Lieb to Illinois State, RJ Melendez to Georgia, Matthew Mayer
Newcomers: Amani Hansberry, Dra-Gibbs Lawhorn, Marcus Domask, Justin Harmon, Quincy Guerrier, Jeremiah Williams
No team in the Big Ten had better luck when it came to NBA Draft decisions than Illinois. With Coleman Hawkins and Terrance Shannon Jr. returning, the Fighting Illini have a chance to have a successful season. If they had headed to the NBA, the Illini would be replacing two of its best players and, more importantly, two experienced and versatile guys.
The Illini have a good recruiting class, ranked 37th in the country and fifth in the Big Ten behind Michigan State, Ohio State, Indiana, and Maryland. But they likely do not have a top guy who will come in and contribute immediately like they have had in some years past.
Shannon Jr. will be a favorite for All-Big Ten First Team in the preseason, and if Zach Edey does not repeat as Big Ten Player of the Year, Shannon will be a popular pick to dethrone him. He also helps answer the question the Illini have at the point guard position, because he will have the ball in his hands early and often.
Another person who needs to take a jump for the Fighting Illini is Dain Dainja. Dainja took a solid step forward last season, and now he will be looking to become one of the top big men in the conference.
Illinois has a solid roster, and they looked good in their overseas games, but the point guard position is going to be the question mark. Skyy Clark came into the program as the highly touted recruit who was going to run the position until he left for the NBA, with Jayden Epps ready to go right behind him. However, in the current state of college basketball, Clark is now at Louisville, Epps is at Georgetown, and the Fighting Illini are thin at the most important position on the court.
Ty Rodgers is a good player, but he is not a natural point guard, and while Sencire Harris can play good minutes, he is likely not ready to run the offense. Terrance Shannon Jr. will have the ball in his hands a lot, and he will run the point at times. Dra-Gibbs Lawhorn has solid potential, but it is a lot to ask a true freshman to immediately step in and play the point guard position at a high level.
Coleman Hawkins has always been an above-average defender who can be switchable, can guard the perimeter, and can guard multiple positions. However, he needs to take the next step on offense, particularly in efficiency, and become the true second option on the team to help Shannon Jr. on that end of the basket.
Illinois is talented, and there is no question they are well-coached, but it feels like they are missing one piece, especially on offense. If one of the freshmen or transfers like Quincy Guerrier or Jeremiah Williams can step in and take on more of an offensive role than they are expected, that could vault them into the top five in the conference. If not, they could struggle with consistency throughout the season.
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justingolba via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Kelsey Kremer/The Register / USA TODAY NETWORK
Can the Illini take advantage of getting some key players back this season?
As we enter the fall season and college football gets underway, college basketball is right around the corner. As always, to prepare you for the season, Land-Grant Holy Land will be publishing Big Ten Team Previews and Ohio State Basketball Player Previews, starting now with the Team Previews. First up, we have the Illinois Fighting Illini.
Team: Illinois Fighting Illini
Head coach: Brad Underwood, Seventh Season, 114-79 (66-52)
2022-23 record: 20-13 (11-9)
All-time record against Ohio State: 71-63
Returners: Coleman Hawkins, Terrence Shannon Jr., Dain Dainja, Ty Rodgers, Sencire Harris, Luke Goode, Niccolo Moretti
Departures: Skyy Clark to Louisville, Jayden Epps to Georgetown, Brandon Lieb to Illinois State, RJ Melendez to Georgia, Matthew Mayer
Newcomers: Amani Hansberry, Dra-Gibbs Lawhorn, Marcus Domask, Justin Harmon, Quincy Guerrier, Jeremiah Williams
Outlook
No team in the Big Ten had better luck when it came to NBA Draft decisions than Illinois. With Coleman Hawkins and Terrance Shannon Jr. returning, the Fighting Illini have a chance to have a successful season. If they had headed to the NBA, the Illini would be replacing two of its best players and, more importantly, two experienced and versatile guys.
The Illini have a good recruiting class, ranked 37th in the country and fifth in the Big Ten behind Michigan State, Ohio State, Indiana, and Maryland. But they likely do not have a top guy who will come in and contribute immediately like they have had in some years past.
Shannon Jr. will be a favorite for All-Big Ten First Team in the preseason, and if Zach Edey does not repeat as Big Ten Player of the Year, Shannon will be a popular pick to dethrone him. He also helps answer the question the Illini have at the point guard position, because he will have the ball in his hands early and often.
Another person who needs to take a jump for the Fighting Illini is Dain Dainja. Dainja took a solid step forward last season, and now he will be looking to become one of the top big men in the conference.
Prediction
Illinois has a solid roster, and they looked good in their overseas games, but the point guard position is going to be the question mark. Skyy Clark came into the program as the highly touted recruit who was going to run the position until he left for the NBA, with Jayden Epps ready to go right behind him. However, in the current state of college basketball, Clark is now at Louisville, Epps is at Georgetown, and the Fighting Illini are thin at the most important position on the court.
Ty Rodgers is a good player, but he is not a natural point guard, and while Sencire Harris can play good minutes, he is likely not ready to run the offense. Terrance Shannon Jr. will have the ball in his hands a lot, and he will run the point at times. Dra-Gibbs Lawhorn has solid potential, but it is a lot to ask a true freshman to immediately step in and play the point guard position at a high level.
Coleman Hawkins has always been an above-average defender who can be switchable, can guard the perimeter, and can guard multiple positions. However, he needs to take the next step on offense, particularly in efficiency, and become the true second option on the team to help Shannon Jr. on that end of the basket.
Illinois is talented, and there is no question they are well-coached, but it feels like they are missing one piece, especially on offense. If one of the freshmen or transfers like Quincy Guerrier or Jeremiah Williams can step in and take on more of an offensive role than they are expected, that could vault them into the top five in the conference. If not, they could struggle with consistency throughout the season.
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LGHL Denzel Burke has impressed Ohio State fans through two games of 2023 season
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Denzel Burke has impressed Ohio State fans through two games of 2023 season
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Jason Mowry/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
And with Notre Dame looming, fans would like to see improvement from the offensive line.
Throughout the Ohio State football season, we will be asking and answering questions about the team, college football, and anything else on our collective minds of varying degrees of importance. If you have a question that you would like to ask, you can tweet us @LandGrant33 or if you need more than 280 characters, send an email HERE.
Buckeye Nation has been a bit split on how the first two games have gone for the Ohio State football team. While the results have been wins, which is positive, neither victory has looked exactly how anyone expected. However, whether that is enough to sound the alarm or not, depends on the person.
So, we wanted to check in with Ohio State fans and play both sides of the fence. In our weekly fan survey, we asked fans what player has been a bright spot for them this season and what area of concern they would like to see addressed against Western Kentucky today with an eye on Notre Dame next weekend.
Check out DraftKings Sportsbook, the official sportsbook partner of SB Nation.
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I truly love to see this. After an All-American campaign as a freshman in 2021, Denzel Burke had a tough sophomore season and a lot of Buckeye fans were less than pleased with his play. So, it has been really wonderful to see him bounce back and finally look like the BIA corner that we all thought he could be following his rookie campaign.
Coming into the season, I might have guessed that Sonny Styles might be the one to earn this honor — and he still might be by year’s end — but coming in a respectable second is pretty strong for the 18-year-old first-time starter.
But, I do think that the fact that the top two vote-getters play in the secondary goes a long way to explain why the OSU defense has looked so much better this year against the pass. The unit comes into Week 3 as the fifth-best pass defense allowing only 108.5 yards per game through the air.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24925817/OhioState_2_091323.png)
The offensive line continues to be the top concern for Ohio State fans in our weekly survey, but it does make sense given how much better many of the other position groups have looked through two games.
I don’t think that Day is ever going to turn his team into a pure run-first team, but if he did want to try and work some things out on the ground, this week would be a good opportunity. In WKU’s season opener against South Florida, the Bulls ran the ball 61 times for a total of 374 yards (6.13 yards per carry) and 2 touchdowns. USF had a pair of backs go for over 100 yards. Even last week against FCS Houston Christian University, the Hilltoppers allowed 155 rushing yards on 35 carries for a 4.42 ypc average.
The Buckeyes are only going for 4.6 ypc themselves, much of that attributable to an offensive line that is still getting things figured out. However, offensive line coach and run game coordinator Justin Frye thinks that his position group is fixing the communication and scheme issues seen in the first two weeks and that the next step would be for them to play “violently.”
Will they do that against Western Kentucky today? Only time will tell, but I think Buckeye Nation would be quite happy if they did.
Continue reading...
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Jason Mowry/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
And with Notre Dame looming, fans would like to see improvement from the offensive line.
Throughout the Ohio State football season, we will be asking and answering questions about the team, college football, and anything else on our collective minds of varying degrees of importance. If you have a question that you would like to ask, you can tweet us @LandGrant33 or if you need more than 280 characters, send an email HERE.
Buckeye Nation has been a bit split on how the first two games have gone for the Ohio State football team. While the results have been wins, which is positive, neither victory has looked exactly how anyone expected. However, whether that is enough to sound the alarm or not, depends on the person.
So, we wanted to check in with Ohio State fans and play both sides of the fence. In our weekly fan survey, we asked fans what player has been a bright spot for them this season and what area of concern they would like to see addressed against Western Kentucky today with an eye on Notre Dame next weekend.
Check out DraftKings Sportsbook, the official sportsbook partner of SB Nation.
Question 1: What player has most impressed you through two games?
I truly love to see this. After an All-American campaign as a freshman in 2021, Denzel Burke had a tough sophomore season and a lot of Buckeye fans were less than pleased with his play. So, it has been really wonderful to see him bounce back and finally look like the BIA corner that we all thought he could be following his rookie campaign.
Coming into the season, I might have guessed that Sonny Styles might be the one to earn this honor — and he still might be by year’s end — but coming in a respectable second is pretty strong for the 18-year-old first-time starter.
But, I do think that the fact that the top two vote-getters play in the secondary goes a long way to explain why the OSU defense has looked so much better this year against the pass. The unit comes into Week 3 as the fifth-best pass defense allowing only 108.5 yards per game through the air.
Question 2: What is the one thing you want to see most against Western Kentucky?
The offensive line continues to be the top concern for Ohio State fans in our weekly survey, but it does make sense given how much better many of the other position groups have looked through two games.
I don’t think that Day is ever going to turn his team into a pure run-first team, but if he did want to try and work some things out on the ground, this week would be a good opportunity. In WKU’s season opener against South Florida, the Bulls ran the ball 61 times for a total of 374 yards (6.13 yards per carry) and 2 touchdowns. USF had a pair of backs go for over 100 yards. Even last week against FCS Houston Christian University, the Hilltoppers allowed 155 rushing yards on 35 carries for a 4.42 ypc average.
The Buckeyes are only going for 4.6 ypc themselves, much of that attributable to an offensive line that is still getting things figured out. However, offensive line coach and run game coordinator Justin Frye thinks that his position group is fixing the communication and scheme issues seen in the first two weeks and that the next step would be for them to play “violently.”
Will they do that against Western Kentucky today? Only time will tell, but I think Buckeye Nation would be quite happy if they did.
Continue reading...
LGHL OHIO STATE GAMEDAY: It’s a bad day to be a Western Kentucky Hilltopper
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OHIO STATE GAMEDAY: It’s a bad day to be a Western Kentucky Hilltopper
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 Jason Mowry/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The Buckeyes have one final game to get ready for a road trip to Notre Dame in Week 4.
Wake up, everyone. It’s Ohio State game day!
The Buckeyes have one final contest to prepare themselves for a marquee matchup against Notre Dame next weekend, but this week’s opponent will provide a unique challenge. Western Kentucky brings to Columbus one of the nation’s best passing attacks, led by quarterback Austin Reed and wide receiver Malachi Corley. Ohio State’s defense has looked good to start the season, but the Hilltoppers will look different than anything Jim Knowles’ unit has seen thus far. On the other side, Ryan Day will be looking to get newly established QB1 Kyle McCord ready to go for a road trip to South Bend in Week 4.
Over the past week, our talented group of writers and podcasters have put together preview pieces, analytical breakdowns, and everything in-between.
If you missed out on any of the coverage, we have you... well, covered. Below, each type of story is categorized. If you’re looking for podcasts and previews we’ve done, you can find them; if you’re looking for the betting lines and non-football topics, they are there, too.
Enjoy the day everyone. As always, Go Bucks!
Continue reading...
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 Jason Mowry/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The Buckeyes have one final game to get ready for a road trip to Notre Dame in Week 4.
Wake up, everyone. It’s Ohio State game day!
The Buckeyes have one final contest to prepare themselves for a marquee matchup against Notre Dame next weekend, but this week’s opponent will provide a unique challenge. Western Kentucky brings to Columbus one of the nation’s best passing attacks, led by quarterback Austin Reed and wide receiver Malachi Corley. Ohio State’s defense has looked good to start the season, but the Hilltoppers will look different than anything Jim Knowles’ unit has seen thus far. On the other side, Ryan Day will be looking to get newly established QB1 Kyle McCord ready to go for a road trip to South Bend in Week 4.
Over the past week, our talented group of writers and podcasters have put together preview pieces, analytical breakdowns, and everything in-between.
If you missed out on any of the coverage, we have you... well, covered. Below, each type of story is categorized. If you’re looking for podcasts and previews we’ve done, you can find them; if you’re looking for the betting lines and non-football topics, they are there, too.
Enjoy the day everyone. As always, Go Bucks!
Football Podcasts
- Know the Reason Why: Western Kentucky is perfect prep game for Ohio State
- Hangout in the Holy Land: Preparing for a track meet against WKU in The Shoe
- Uncut: Justin Frye on the good and bad he’s seen from the offensive line this fall
- Uncut: Day says Ohio State officially has a QB, but also has third-down issues
- Silver Bullets: Youngstown State rewind, Western Kentucky preview
Previews
- Ohio State vs. Western Kentucky: 2023 game preview and prediction
- Three Things To Watch from Western Kentucky
Sports Betting
- Ohio State opens as 27.5-point favorites over Western Kentucky
- Ohio State vs. Western Kentucky prop bets
- Week 3 national games
- Week 3 Big Ten games
Basketball
- Big Ten Men’s Basketball Team Previews: Illinois Fighting Illini
- Should Ohio State men’s basketball take another player in the 2024 class?
Recruiting
- Ohio State offers latest prospect in the 2025 class with Texas linebacker
- In-state 2026 DB set to see OSU, 2025 TE target breaks down top schools
- Ohio State commit lands in top 5 of 2026 recruiting class
- Ohio State offers a pair of in-state prospects in 2025, 2026
Ask LGHL
Other Podcasts
Other Columns
- Ohio State has a talent advantage over every team it plays; it’s time Ryan Day coaches like it
- Cover Six: Is Denzel Burke back to All-American status?
- It is actually healthy to criticize your favorite team
- B1G Thoughts: Kyle McCord is Ohio State’s QB1, Iowa still can’t hit 25
- Chris Olave shows out, Denzel Ward shuts down Ja’Marr Chase
- Which player you have never heard of will be a Heisman finalist?
- What Ohio State can learn from Deion Sanders and Colorado
- College football needs to adopt professional soccer’s system of player movement
- Should TreVeyon Henderson or Chip Trayanum be Ohio State’s RB1?
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LGHL What prop bets can you make on the Ohio State vs. Western Kentucky game?
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What prop bets can you make on the Ohio State vs. Western Kentucky game?
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
The first two Buckeye games of the season have been less than thrilling, so might as well put some action on this one to spicy things up!
The first two games of the Ohio State football season have been less than thrilling. No matter what you think of the Buckeyes’ performance, neither the season opener against Indiana nor last week’s game against Youngstown State have been exactly aesthetically pleasing.
So, if you want to ensure that tomorrow’s contest has a little extra juice on it, then might I interest you in some prop bets? The Buckeyes opened as 27.5-point favorites, but as of publishing time, that has risen to 29.5 points, according to DraftKings SportsBook.
But any simpleton can bet the spread or the over/under (65.5), so let’s take a look at some of the more exotic options that our friends at DraftKings are offering.
Odds/lines subject to change. T&Cs apply. See draftkings.com/sportsbook for details.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24925297/Screenshot_2023_09_15_at_3.56.12_PM.png)
In a matchup that will feature two teams that like to throw the ball, the race is on to see who can score first. If you decide that you want to put some money down on the home team, the Buckeyes are at -270 while the Hilltoppers are +200.
What that means is that if you want to win $100 by betting the Buckeyes, you would need to bet $270. But, if you put $100 on WKU, you will profit $200. So, the implied odds are that OSU has a 2:1 chance of scoring first.
But, if you want to go a little further on the first score betting, DraftKings has options that could pay you a bit more. Of the six options, five of them would pay significantly more than just betting just a Buckeyes’ score, with one — OSU getting a TD — being only a relatively small increase at -190.
However, if you really want to get creative, I might go ahead and put $10 on each team scoring a safety, because if it hits, I would walk with $780 in profit.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24925299/Screenshot_2023_09_15_at_3.56.45_PM.png)
As I said before, both WKU and OSU are teams that like to sling it. In 2022, the Hilltoppers had the No. 2 passing offense averaging 352.1 yards through the air per game; the Buckeyes were 14th with 298.3. Through two games, Western Kentucky is 12th nationally with 327 yards per game, while Ohio State is down at 30th with 298 yards per.
So, both teams have the potential to hit big bombs, but what’s interesting is that WKU tends to stick to quick passes allowing the receivers to make the most of open space, while the Buckeyes — under C.J. Stroud and Justin Field — were far more likely to take deep shots. So, you would think that OSU would have the better likelihood to hit big plays, but last year, the Hilltoppers were tied for third nationally with 47 plays of 30 yards are more, while the Bucks were fifth with 42.
When you push that to 40 yards, Ohio State was sixth with 22, while WKU had 20, which was good for ninth. At 50+? Ohio State and Western Kentucky were tied for 34th nationally with eight. Through two weeks of the 2023 season, the teams are tied at 58th with four plays of 30+ yards.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24925305/Screenshot_2023_09_15_at_3.58.49_PM.png)
I like this bet, not because I think it is one that can be used for making a ton of money, but just because it’s fun and is nearly impossible to predict. Ohio State has allowed two scores all season, so on average, there is only a 25% chance of their opponents holding up their end of the bargain for this to get home. But given the new clock rules and Ryan Day switching things up so that he took the ball to start the game last week, how do you pick when to bet that both will hang a crooked number?
The Buckeyes have scored in every quarter of the season except for the fourth quarter against YSU when they actually had a TD called back, so I would feel comfortable betting on OSU’s offense to score in any quarter, but determining whether or not the defense will continue its lights out play, or if (and when) it will give up points is a fascinating crap shoot that only degenerates should be putting money on.
Continue reading...
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
The first two Buckeye games of the season have been less than thrilling, so might as well put some action on this one to spicy things up!
The first two games of the Ohio State football season have been less than thrilling. No matter what you think of the Buckeyes’ performance, neither the season opener against Indiana nor last week’s game against Youngstown State have been exactly aesthetically pleasing.
So, if you want to ensure that tomorrow’s contest has a little extra juice on it, then might I interest you in some prop bets? The Buckeyes opened as 27.5-point favorites, but as of publishing time, that has risen to 29.5 points, according to DraftKings SportsBook.
But any simpleton can bet the spread or the over/under (65.5), so let’s take a look at some of the more exotic options that our friends at DraftKings are offering.
Odds/lines subject to change. T&Cs apply. See draftkings.com/sportsbook for details.
First Score
In a matchup that will feature two teams that like to throw the ball, the race is on to see who can score first. If you decide that you want to put some money down on the home team, the Buckeyes are at -270 while the Hilltoppers are +200.
What that means is that if you want to win $100 by betting the Buckeyes, you would need to bet $270. But, if you put $100 on WKU, you will profit $200. So, the implied odds are that OSU has a 2:1 chance of scoring first.
But, if you want to go a little further on the first score betting, DraftKings has options that could pay you a bit more. Of the six options, five of them would pay significantly more than just betting just a Buckeyes’ score, with one — OSU getting a TD — being only a relatively small increase at -190.
However, if you really want to get creative, I might go ahead and put $10 on each team scoring a safety, because if it hits, I would walk with $780 in profit.
Longest Touchdown
As I said before, both WKU and OSU are teams that like to sling it. In 2022, the Hilltoppers had the No. 2 passing offense averaging 352.1 yards through the air per game; the Buckeyes were 14th with 298.3. Through two games, Western Kentucky is 12th nationally with 327 yards per game, while Ohio State is down at 30th with 298 yards per.
So, both teams have the potential to hit big bombs, but what’s interesting is that WKU tends to stick to quick passes allowing the receivers to make the most of open space, while the Buckeyes — under C.J. Stroud and Justin Field — were far more likely to take deep shots. So, you would think that OSU would have the better likelihood to hit big plays, but last year, the Hilltoppers were tied for third nationally with 47 plays of 30 yards are more, while the Bucks were fifth with 42.
When you push that to 40 yards, Ohio State was sixth with 22, while WKU had 20, which was good for ninth. At 50+? Ohio State and Western Kentucky were tied for 34th nationally with eight. Through two weeks of the 2023 season, the teams are tied at 58th with four plays of 30+ yards.
Quarter Scoring
I like this bet, not because I think it is one that can be used for making a ton of money, but just because it’s fun and is nearly impossible to predict. Ohio State has allowed two scores all season, so on average, there is only a 25% chance of their opponents holding up their end of the bargain for this to get home. But given the new clock rules and Ryan Day switching things up so that he took the ball to start the game last week, how do you pick when to bet that both will hang a crooked number?
The Buckeyes have scored in every quarter of the season except for the fourth quarter against YSU when they actually had a TD called back, so I would feel comfortable betting on OSU’s offense to score in any quarter, but determining whether or not the defense will continue its lights out play, or if (and when) it will give up points is a fascinating crap shoot that only degenerates should be putting money on.
Continue reading...
LGHL Our streaming expert has the best ways to watch Ohio State vs. Western Kentucky for free without cable
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Our streaming expert has the best ways to watch Ohio State vs. Western Kentucky for free without cable
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Jason Mowry/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
You’ve got a number of free trials you can choose from of various lengths and breadths.
No. 6 Ohio State is taking on the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers on Fox today, but not in the Big Noon slot that fans are used to. So, if you are a little confused about how to watch the game, you’ve come to the right place.
As cord-cutting has become far more the norm than the exception across the United States, it would not be a surprise if you gave up cable or a live-streaming service following last year’s season only to realize that it’s the day of the game and you have no way to watch it.
Millions of cable customers across the country are dealing with blacked-out channels thanks to a retransmission dispute between DIRECTV and Nexstar, the largest local station owner in the country, impacting over 200 channels across the country, including dozens of FOX affiliates.
All of that can make finding the best way to watch a game incredibly confusing. Fortunately for you, I am something of a streaming expert... no really, I write about streaming services for a living. So, I am going to walk you through the best — and cheapest — ways for you to stream today’s game.
Also, if you want to put a little money on the game over at DraftKings Sportsbook, not only would it make what could be a blowout even more exciting, but you could make enough cash to pay for a full month of cable or streaming!
Game Date/Time: Saturday, Sept. 16 at 4 p.m. ET
TV: Fox
Broadcasters: Jason Benetti, Brock Huard, Allison Williams
Betting Line: Ohio State -29.5 | 65 o/u
Odds/lines subject to change. T&Cs apply. See draftkings.com/sportsbook for details.
If you just realized that you didn’t have a way to watch this afternoon’s game on the FOX, then DIRECTV STREAM is your best option. The live TV streaming service has the only guaranteed multi-day free trial in the industry and provides the most top cable channels of all of its competitors. The basic, Entertainment package comes with all of the major network channels — all of which have college football — ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC. It also has ESPN, ESPN2, and FS1. Then, if you want to upgrade, other packages include the ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPNU, SEC Network, CBS Sports Network, Longhorn Network, and more.
What’s great about DIRECTV STREAM’s free trial is that you are able to sign up for whatever package you want for free. You don’t have to worry about being charged for upgraded plans. So, you can simply sign up for the top-tier Premier package — which normally costs $154.99 per month — enjoy all 140 channels for five days and then cancel.
The only issue with DIRECTV STREAM is that the provider is currently locked in a carriage dispute with station owner Nexstar. So, there are a number of channels across the country that are blacked out on DIRECTV’s satellite and streaming services. So, if you are going to go with DIRECTV STREAM, make sure that you check here to see if the game(s) you want to watch are blacked out in your area.
Big Ten Network won’t be impacted by the blackout, but a lot of the other games today — and NFL opening weekend — will be.
If you are unable to watch a game this weekend because of the DIRECTV/Nexstar dispute, Fubo is another good alternative. Currently, the service is only guaranteeing a one-day trial — as it is trying to discourage people from watching an entire weekend of football for free — but depending on the day and circumstances, it could be longer.
Either way, if you sign up here, you will at least be able to watch all of today’s games for free.
Below is your Ohio State vs. Youngstown State 2023 game thread. Be respectful, be kind and — as always — keep it classy, BuckeyeNation. If you like GIFs, lay ‘em on us. In all, be good fans, cheer for your teams, be cool to each other (even if somebody else isn’t) and everyone wins. Let’s finish the season strong!
Continue reading...
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Jason Mowry/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
You’ve got a number of free trials you can choose from of various lengths and breadths.
No. 6 Ohio State is taking on the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers on Fox today, but not in the Big Noon slot that fans are used to. So, if you are a little confused about how to watch the game, you’ve come to the right place.
As cord-cutting has become far more the norm than the exception across the United States, it would not be a surprise if you gave up cable or a live-streaming service following last year’s season only to realize that it’s the day of the game and you have no way to watch it.
Millions of cable customers across the country are dealing with blacked-out channels thanks to a retransmission dispute between DIRECTV and Nexstar, the largest local station owner in the country, impacting over 200 channels across the country, including dozens of FOX affiliates.
All of that can make finding the best way to watch a game incredibly confusing. Fortunately for you, I am something of a streaming expert... no really, I write about streaming services for a living. So, I am going to walk you through the best — and cheapest — ways for you to stream today’s game.
Also, if you want to put a little money on the game over at DraftKings Sportsbook, not only would it make what could be a blowout even more exciting, but you could make enough cash to pay for a full month of cable or streaming!
How can I watch the Ohio State vs. Western Kentucky college football game?
Game Date/Time: Saturday, Sept. 16 at 4 p.m. ET
TV: Fox
Broadcasters: Jason Benetti, Brock Huard, Allison Williams
Betting Line: Ohio State -29.5 | 65 o/u
Odds/lines subject to change. T&Cs apply. See draftkings.com/sportsbook for details.
Best Streaming Option for All Week 2 College Football Games: DIRECTV STREAM | 5-Day Free Trial
If you just realized that you didn’t have a way to watch this afternoon’s game on the FOX, then DIRECTV STREAM is your best option. The live TV streaming service has the only guaranteed multi-day free trial in the industry and provides the most top cable channels of all of its competitors. The basic, Entertainment package comes with all of the major network channels — all of which have college football — ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC. It also has ESPN, ESPN2, and FS1. Then, if you want to upgrade, other packages include the ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPNU, SEC Network, CBS Sports Network, Longhorn Network, and more.
What’s great about DIRECTV STREAM’s free trial is that you are able to sign up for whatever package you want for free. You don’t have to worry about being charged for upgraded plans. So, you can simply sign up for the top-tier Premier package — which normally costs $154.99 per month — enjoy all 140 channels for five days and then cancel.
The only issue with DIRECTV STREAM is that the provider is currently locked in a carriage dispute with station owner Nexstar. So, there are a number of channels across the country that are blacked out on DIRECTV’s satellite and streaming services. So, if you are going to go with DIRECTV STREAM, make sure that you check here to see if the game(s) you want to watch are blacked out in your area.
Big Ten Network won’t be impacted by the blackout, but a lot of the other games today — and NFL opening weekend — will be.
Best Streaming Option for Week 2 College Football Games If You Have Local Blackouts: Fubo | At Least a 1-Day Free Trial
If you are unable to watch a game this weekend because of the DIRECTV/Nexstar dispute, Fubo is another good alternative. Currently, the service is only guaranteeing a one-day trial — as it is trying to discourage people from watching an entire weekend of football for free — but depending on the day and circumstances, it could be longer.
Either way, if you sign up here, you will at least be able to watch all of today’s games for free.
Join the conversation
Below is your Ohio State vs. Youngstown State 2023 game thread. Be respectful, be kind and — as always — keep it classy, BuckeyeNation. If you like GIFs, lay ‘em on us. In all, be good fans, cheer for your teams, be cool to each other (even if somebody else isn’t) and everyone wins. Let’s finish the season strong!
Odds/lines subject to change. T&Cs apply. See draftkings.com/sportsbook for details.
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LGHL You’re Nuts: Should Ohio State men’s basketball take another player in the 2024 class?
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You’re Nuts: Should Ohio State men’s basketball take another player in the 2024 class?
Connor Lemons via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Roster construction in the year 2023 is a nearly impossible task, but we’ve got the answers.
Roster building. In videogames, it’s easy. But in real life — in the year of our Lord, 2023, putting together a college basketball roster is like pulling teeth while getting allergy tested right after stubbing your toe on a bedframe.
Name, image, and likeness compensation looms large — how much dos a player value the program vs how much money do they know they can get at a certain school? Roster and fit matter — is there a clear path for them to play right away? And if they don’t play right away, the one-time immediate transfer rule means a core player that you were expecting to help mold your program for four years could move on just like that.
This week, we’re looking at the 2024 class for Ohio State that currently has two commits. Should they seek out a third or fourth? We’ll talk about it.
Last week, the guys talked about charges. They’re annoying as heck, and are called incorrectly more often than not. But should we just get rid of them? Connor said no, Justin said yes. 67% of the readers sided with Connor.
Connor- 52
This week, we’re crunching the numbers and trying to decide if Ohio State should take another player in their 2024 class. The 2025 and 2026 classes are looking more talented than 2024, so should they leave roster spots for those classes?
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24923564/1246280675.jpg "HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL: JAN 16 Hoophall Classic")
Photo by John Jones/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The roster is getting crowded with freshmen and sophomores. I can do the math. Including 2024 commits Juni Mobley and Colin White, there are 13 players with eligibility that could return next season for Ohio State. For those who weren’t aware, that is a full roster.
Which means that if Ohio State was to take one additional 2024 commit, they would be putting themselves over the scholarship for next season. But the thing is, that’s not how it’s going to play out. Chris Holtmann even told us himself a few weeks ago — you always have to prepare assuming there will be at least one or two departures. For this roster in particular, Bowen Hardman and Kalen Etzler stand out as guys who could potentially be on the move next spring if they don’t crack the rotation this season.
Etzler is going into his third season, and Hardman his second. Each of them have only seen a handful of game minutes to this point in their careers. And with the younger guys rolling in year after year after year, it is getting tougher and tougher to see where these two guys fit in long-term with the program.
Now I’m not trying to boot those players, they’re just the two most obvious candidates. It also wouldn’t shock me if one of Ohio State’s centers — Felix Okpara, Zed Key, and Austin Parks — transferred after this season. We know for a fact that Key and Okpara both believe they should be in the starting lineup. Parks has some work to do, but if he knew he’d be stuck behind Okpara for the forseeable future, maybe it’s different.
The point is even if there isn’t obvious space right this second, there will be come spring time. That means Ohio State can try to add some size and strength in Jayden Quaintance (2024 No. 9) or Chris Nwuli (2024 No. 29). Either of these recruits would become one of the best, if not the best, recruit of the Chris Holtmann era at Ohio State. Quaintance is a 6-foot-9, athletic center who would have an immediate impact and would likely be a one-and-done type of talent. Nwuli is listed at 6-foot-7 and 200 pounds. The Buckeyes are losing a large presence with their forwards when Jamison Battle moves on. Nwuli also makes sense, roster-wise.
All of this is just to say that there are still some elite talents left in the 2024, and two of them have a particularly close eye on the Buckeyes. If Holtmann has the chance to get Quaintance or Nwuli, he should do it, and allow the roster changes to fix themsleves in the spring.
Plus, with nearly a half dozen guys on the team who could potentially put their name in the 2024 NBA Draft, I have very little doubt that there wouldn’t be safe space for another 2024 recruit come June next year. Stacking strong classes is the same of the game, and Chris Holtmann has the opportunity to do just that.
I think this one is pretty simple. If you can get Jayden Quaintance, you obviously do it. That opportunity does not come along often to add a five-star center to a class, and they would jump at that opportunity, no doubt.
However, it is looking unlikely that they will be able to add Quaintance when looking at the schools he is visiting and the way his recruitment has been talked about. But, his official visit apparently went very well last Saturday, so anything is possible.
What you have to do if you are Ohio State, though, is look at the future. The 2025 and 2026 recruiting classes are looking like two of the best Ohio classes in a while, and the Buckeyes need to make sure they will have room to add some of those guys.
After the 2023-24 season, it is only guaranteed that they will lose two guys due to eligibility — Dale Bonner and Jamison Battle — and even though it is likely they will lose one or two more to the transfer portal with the way, it is not a guarantee.
In the 2025 class, Darryn Peterson, the No. 2 recruit in the country, plus Dorian Jones and Jerry Easter, are top 50 guards in the country. In 2026, Marcus Johnson and Niko Bundalo are top 20 recruits in the country, according to ESPN 25. These guys are game changers. If you get Quaintance in the 2024 class, he is a game-changer as well, but you can’t just add a player to add a player with the two classes you have coming up. Plus, in the 2022 and 2023 classes total, they added nine players.
It is okay if you only have a two-person class, especially with two solid players.
Continue reading...
Connor Lemons via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Roster construction in the year 2023 is a nearly impossible task, but we’ve got the answers.
Roster building. In videogames, it’s easy. But in real life — in the year of our Lord, 2023, putting together a college basketball roster is like pulling teeth while getting allergy tested right after stubbing your toe on a bedframe.
Name, image, and likeness compensation looms large — how much dos a player value the program vs how much money do they know they can get at a certain school? Roster and fit matter — is there a clear path for them to play right away? And if they don’t play right away, the one-time immediate transfer rule means a core player that you were expecting to help mold your program for four years could move on just like that.
This week, we’re looking at the 2024 class for Ohio State that currently has two commits. Should they seek out a third or fourth? We’ll talk about it.
Last week, the guys talked about charges. They’re annoying as heck, and are called incorrectly more often than not. But should we just get rid of them? Connor said no, Justin said yes. 67% of the readers sided with Connor.
After 117 weeks:
Connor- 52
Justin- 48
Other- 13
(There have been four ties)
This week, we’re crunching the numbers and trying to decide if Ohio State should take another player in their 2024 class. The 2025 and 2026 classes are looking more talented than 2024, so should they leave roster spots for those classes?
Today’s Question: Should Ohio State men’s basketball take another player in the 2024 class?
Connor: Yes
The roster is getting crowded with freshmen and sophomores. I can do the math. Including 2024 commits Juni Mobley and Colin White, there are 13 players with eligibility that could return next season for Ohio State. For those who weren’t aware, that is a full roster.
Which means that if Ohio State was to take one additional 2024 commit, they would be putting themselves over the scholarship for next season. But the thing is, that’s not how it’s going to play out. Chris Holtmann even told us himself a few weeks ago — you always have to prepare assuming there will be at least one or two departures. For this roster in particular, Bowen Hardman and Kalen Etzler stand out as guys who could potentially be on the move next spring if they don’t crack the rotation this season.
Etzler is going into his third season, and Hardman his second. Each of them have only seen a handful of game minutes to this point in their careers. And with the younger guys rolling in year after year after year, it is getting tougher and tougher to see where these two guys fit in long-term with the program.
Now I’m not trying to boot those players, they’re just the two most obvious candidates. It also wouldn’t shock me if one of Ohio State’s centers — Felix Okpara, Zed Key, and Austin Parks — transferred after this season. We know for a fact that Key and Okpara both believe they should be in the starting lineup. Parks has some work to do, but if he knew he’d be stuck behind Okpara for the forseeable future, maybe it’s different.
The point is even if there isn’t obvious space right this second, there will be come spring time. That means Ohio State can try to add some size and strength in Jayden Quaintance (2024 No. 9) or Chris Nwuli (2024 No. 29). Either of these recruits would become one of the best, if not the best, recruit of the Chris Holtmann era at Ohio State. Quaintance is a 6-foot-9, athletic center who would have an immediate impact and would likely be a one-and-done type of talent. Nwuli is listed at 6-foot-7 and 200 pounds. The Buckeyes are losing a large presence with their forwards when Jamison Battle moves on. Nwuli also makes sense, roster-wise.
All of this is just to say that there are still some elite talents left in the 2024, and two of them have a particularly close eye on the Buckeyes. If Holtmann has the chance to get Quaintance or Nwuli, he should do it, and allow the roster changes to fix themsleves in the spring.
Plus, with nearly a half dozen guys on the team who could potentially put their name in the 2024 NBA Draft, I have very little doubt that there wouldn’t be safe space for another 2024 recruit come June next year. Stacking strong classes is the same of the game, and Chris Holtmann has the opportunity to do just that.
Justin: No
I think this one is pretty simple. If you can get Jayden Quaintance, you obviously do it. That opportunity does not come along often to add a five-star center to a class, and they would jump at that opportunity, no doubt.
However, it is looking unlikely that they will be able to add Quaintance when looking at the schools he is visiting and the way his recruitment has been talked about. But, his official visit apparently went very well last Saturday, so anything is possible.
What you have to do if you are Ohio State, though, is look at the future. The 2025 and 2026 recruiting classes are looking like two of the best Ohio classes in a while, and the Buckeyes need to make sure they will have room to add some of those guys.
After the 2023-24 season, it is only guaranteed that they will lose two guys due to eligibility — Dale Bonner and Jamison Battle — and even though it is likely they will lose one or two more to the transfer portal with the way, it is not a guarantee.
In the 2025 class, Darryn Peterson, the No. 2 recruit in the country, plus Dorian Jones and Jerry Easter, are top 50 guards in the country. In 2026, Marcus Johnson and Niko Bundalo are top 20 recruits in the country, according to ESPN 25. These guys are game changers. If you get Quaintance in the 2024 class, he is a game-changer as well, but you can’t just add a player to add a player with the two classes you have coming up. Plus, in the 2022 and 2023 classes total, they added nine players.
It is okay if you only have a two-person class, especially with two solid players.
Continue reading...
