Ohio State women’s basketball 2023-24 player preview: Emma Shumate
ThomasCostello via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK

After a quiet first season in Columbus, can the shooter find her stride on a team needing offense?

The Ohio State women’s basketball team lost one player last year from its starting lineup. Not a bad year of turnover for most schools, but for the Buckeyes, the loss of guard Taylor Mikesell leaves an empty spot on the roster for distance shooting.

While all starters will be responsible for filling the void, someone off the bench has potential to surprise people. That could be guard Emma Shumate.

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Name: Emma Shumate
Position: Guard
Class: Redshirt sophomore
High School: Newark High School (Newark, Ohio)
2022-23 Stats: 1.6 ppg, 1.03 rpg, 0.5 apg, .240 FG%, .231 3FG%, .500 FT%

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Last Season​

Shumate came to the Buckeyes following one season with the West Virginia Mountaineers. The Newark, Ohio guard who head coach Kevin McGuff initially recruited added Shumate via the transfer portal after one year south of the Buckeye state border.

Redshirted in her first season, Shumate came to Ohio State with four years of eligibility and family history surrounding the game of basketball. Raised by then Newark High School basketball coach J.R. Shumate, the guard came into a Buckeyes team that had a solidified starting lineup.

Off the bench, Shumate never made the impact some fans of local high school basketball expected. Known as a strong deep shooter, Shumate never had the time on the court to reinforce the stories. In 32 appearances, the guard averaged 11.3 minutes per game, going 12-for-52 from beyond the arc. Shumate’s scoring high was six, achieved twice at opposite ends of the regular season.

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What to Expect​

Shumate is a tall guard who’s known for her shooting stroke, even if last year’s limited minutes didn’t necessarily show it. During the season, McGuff referenced that he can see Shumate as someone hitting multiple three-point shots a game. Of the guard’s 31 appearances last season, Shumate hit two three-point shots in two games.

For the offensive struggle, one surprise area where the Buckeyes benefited from Shumate’s play was inside the paint. The 6-foot-1 guard with impressive wingspan used her long arms to swat down 27 blocks, which led everyone on the scarlet and gray.

Ohio State’s struggled in the paint defensively over the past two seasons. This year, with reinforcements joining the team in the paint, Shumate may be able to focus more on contributing on the offensive half of the court.

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Prediction​

With the abundance of upperclassmen guard depth, Shumate is a name to watch off the bench. Even then, it’ll be behind guard Rikki Harris, who’s the likely sixth player for the Buckeyes this season.

Shumate’s role this year could look a lot like Hevynne Bristow’s time with the Buckeyes before transferring to James Madison University in the summer. Last year, Bristow played around 15 minutes per game during the middle of the season, before losing minutes late in the year.

If Shumate’s shooting adjusts to the NCAA, those minutes are sure to rise.

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Highlights​

Of Shumate’s made shots, the most memorable came against rivals. On New Year’s Eve, 2022, Shumate sent the Buckeyes into halftime up three thanks to a buzzer beating three.

Q2 | AT. THE. HORN Emma Shumate for THREE!!#GoBucks @SCTopTen pic.twitter.com/legzdXLERK

— Ohio State WBB (@OhioStateWBB) December 31, 2022​

Click to expand...

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Miss a player preview? Here’s who you can read about so far:

• Jacy Sheldon
• Rebeka Mikulášiková
• Diana Collins
• Taiyier Parks
• Rikki Harris
• Taylor Thierry
• Kennedy Cambridge
• Faith Carson
• Madison Greene
• Celeste Taylor

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Uncut Podcast: McGuff, Sheldon, McMahon on new season of Ohio State women’s basketball
ThomasCostello via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Clare Grant/The Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK

Before the start of the Buckeyes’ 23-24 season, Ohio State talks expectations, starters for the season and more

Throughout the year, Land-Grant Holy Land will be bringing you uncut audio primarily from Ohio State press conferences, but also from individual interview sessions.


Monday, the Ohio State women’s basketball team held a public practice one week before the start of the 23-24 season. Before practice, head coach Kevin McGuff, forward Cotie McMahon, and guard Jacy Sheldon spoke with the media.

Coach McGuff talked about the upcoming game against USC, how he thinks this Buckeyes team could be special, and how they aren’t close to where they could be right now. Also, the scarlet and gray’s leader named Rebeka Mikulášiková the starting forward following the end of the 22-23 season where the Slovakian graduate senior lost her starting role at the end of the season.

McMahon talks about going into her sophomore season with a lot more preseason accolades following a breakout second half of her freshman season. The forward also talks about her growing role as a leader on the team, playing alongside people that she’ll play against Monday against USC, and what she’s worked on in the offseason to make her a better basketball player.

For Sheldon, the guard discussed how she doesn’t think much about this being her final season, or at least tries not to. She also talks about the growing relationship between her and shooting guard Celeste Taylor and more.

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Connect with Thomas:

Twitter: @1ThomasCostello

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Huskers visit the ‘Shoe on the last Saturday in October.

Hoosiers visit the ‘Shoe the week before The Game.

Hawkeyes and their presumed new offensive coordinator come to the ‘Shoe. The Buckeyes have won 7 straight against Iowa in Columbus, since a 9-16 loss in 1991.

Buckeyes head to (un)Happy Valley holding a 7-game win streak in the series.

The first of two BYE weeks falls in week 3.

The Buckeyes make their 4th and final conference road trip of the season to Evanston.

EDIT - this game will be at Wrigley Field.

The Buckeyes won the only previous meeting, a 38-12 decision in Columbus in 2015.

Boilers visit the ‘Shoe on the 22nd anniversary of the Holy Buckeye game in West Lafayette.

The Thundering Herd make their third visit to Columbus. In 2010, the score was 45-7.

In 2004, as time expired, a 55-yard field goal by Mike Nuuuuuuuuuuugent gave the Buckeyes a 24-21 win.

1974 in East Lansing. 1998 in Columbus (still too soon). 2013 in Indy. 2015 in Columbus.

That’s enough pain. Let’s never allow their next head coach to inflict any more.

Th Golden Eagles, who had Brett Favre as their QB in the late 80s, will face the Buckeyes for the first time.

Edit - Southern Miss has been replaced with Akron for the season opener.

Buckeyes will hold a huge edge for this matchup, having seen BYE’s signals on Sep. 14th.

I plan on attending this one, since Covid wiped out the contest scheduled for 2020.

The Game, assuming that tCun is still playing football next fall.

UTQTFS

MC&J: Washington will try and stay undefeated in Week 10’s national action
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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

The Huskies will try and add to Alex Grinch’s woes. Plus, picks for seven other games outside the Big Ten.

Last week ATS: 5-7 (4-3 National, 1-4 B1G)​

Season ATS: 74-74 (33-44 National, 41-30 B1G)​

Last week was a bit strange, since I struggled with my Big Ten picks while hitting the majority of my national picks. Essentially we have a clean slate for the final month of the regular season as we are heading into November with a 74-74 record.

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National games​

No. 23 Kansas State v. No. 7 Texas (-4.5) - 12:00 p.m. ET - FOX

Texas was able to easily navigate their first game without Quinn Ewers, beating BYU 35-6 last week in Austin. Maalik Murphy threw for 170 yards and two touchdowns against the Cougars in his first start for the Longhorns. Texas also got nearly 100 yards and a touchdown on the ground from Jonathon Brooks, as well as a punt return for a score from Xavier Worthy early in the game.

After losing at Oklahoma State early in October, Kansas State has started to figure things out recently, winning their last three games. The Wildcats have looked especially dominant in their last two contests, beating TCU and Houston by a combined score of 82-3. If there was ever a team to throw a wrench into the Longhorns’ plans of winning the Big 12 to state their case for a spot in the CFP, it feels like Kansas State is that team since they have done just that to a number of teams in the conference in the last decade.

Kansas State 33, Texas 30

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Texas A&M v. No. 10 Ole Miss (-3) - 12:00 p.m. ET - ESPN

Texas A&M is sort of that mosquito that keeps flying around. Even though you keep swatting at it, for some reason it takes forever to actually hit it. They pose no real danger, they are just super annoying. The Aggies hung around Alabama and Tennessee before losing to the Crimson Tide and Volunteers. Texas A&M does have a really good defense, I’m just not sure exactly how good they are because they haven’t played anyone with an offense quite like what they’ll see from Ole Miss.

If only the Rebels didn’t collapse in the second half against Alabama, we might be talking about an undefeated Ole Miss team right now. Quarterback Jaxson Dart and running back Quinshon Judkins power an offense that is averaging 474 yards per game so far this year. On the other side of the football, the defense is gaining confidence. After allowing 49 points to LSU, over the last three games the defense of the Rebels has given up a combined 48 points.

I’m actually a little surprised this line is as low as it is. I know Texas A&M is a solid team, I just think Ole Miss is a tier above them right now. Besides, it feels like since Jimbo Fisher has arrived in College Station the Aggies always seem to fall apart in November. In three of the last four seasons, Texas A&M has lost at least two games in November. Lane Kiffin adds to Fisher’s November woes.

Ole Miss 34, Texas A&M 24

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No. 15 Notre Dame (-3) v. Clemson - 12:00 p.m. ET - ABC

I’ll be honest, I just want to see Clemson keep losing games because I want the Dabo Swinney meltdowns to get funnier with each loss. The Tigers have now lost two straight games and Dabo is more worried about Tyler from Spartanburg taking shots at him on his weekly call-in show. Dabo and Clemson have lost the plot, and a home game isn’t going to save them this week.

If anything, Sam Hartman and the Fighting Irish are only going to make things worse for Clemson. Notre Dame continues their recent strong play as they win their third-straight game.

Notre Dame 31, Clemson 21

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No. 12 Missouri v. No. 2 Georgia (-15.5) - 3:30 p.m. ET - CBS

This Georgia team is ridiculously tough to get a read on. Just when you think the Bulldogs might be vulnerable, that’s when they put a hurtin’ on their opponents. Then when you think they are going to steamroll somebody, it ends up being a one-score game. No Brock Bowers for Georgia? No problem, since last week against Florida Ladd McConkey made everyone remember just how dangerous he is at receiver.

I think Missouri is actually a pretty good team. The Tigers have a really good offense and an underrated defense. Too bad Eli Drinkwitz is such a whiny nerd. As much as I have been impressed by Missouri when I watch them, this feels like the type of game where Kirby Smart shoves Drinkwitz in a locker. Plus, I bet Georgia is a little chapped they weren’t ranked in the top spot of the first CFP rankings, so they’ll make the committee recognize this week.

Georgia 38, Missouri 20

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No. 9 Oklahoma (-5.5) v. Oklahoma State - 3:30 p.m. ET - ABC

This will be the last installment of Bedlam for who knows how long since the Sooners are moving to the SEC following this year. Oklahoma enters this game heading in the wrong direction after their win against Texas. Not only did the Sooners struggle with UCF a couple weeks ago, last week Oklahoma was beaten by Kansas in Lawrence.

As much as I can’t stand Mike Gundy, a part of me wants to see Oklahoma State win this game just to see how smug he is after the win. In a way it’s like rooting for the bad guy to win a wrestling match. You know you’re going to hate yourself for siding with him, yet you still want it to happen. With the way Ollie Gordon and the rest of the Cowboys are playing lately, I actually do think Oklahoma State pulls off the victory over the Sooners in Stillwater on Saturday afternoon.

Oklahoma State 37, Oklahoma 30

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No. 21 Kansas v. Iowa State (-2.5) - 7:00 p.m. ET - ESPN

This feels like it should be a prime letdown spot for Kansas after a huge win last week over Oklahoma. Were the Jayhawks coached by pretty much anyone aside from Lance Leipold, I would pick Iowa State to win this game. Even without their starting quarterback for most of the season, Kansas is still 6-2, and still has a shot at making it to the Big 12 Championship Game next month. Running back Devin Neal is a big reason for that, as he leads a Jayhawk ground attack that is averaging over 200 yards per game.

After starting the season dealing with the effects from a gambling scandal (ironic this is mentioned in a gambling article, right?), Iowa State has found their way lately, winning their last three games. Freshman Rocco Becht is looking like the quarterback of the future for the Cyclones, as he has thrown 13 touchdowns so far this season. For as good as Becht has been, I’m just not convinced Iowa State can pull off the upset of Kansas in this one.

Kansas 27, Iowa State 23

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No. 5 Washington (-3) v. No. 20 USC - 7:30 p.m. ET - ABC

Michael Penix and the Washington offense against Alex Grinch’s defense is going to be a snuff film. The last time the Trojans allowed less than 30 points in a game was back in September when they beat Arizona State 42-28. Imagine what Penix and the Huskies will be able to do on Saturday night, especially since Washington knows right now they are just on the outside of the playoff in the CFP rankings right now.

Really though, we could say the same about Caleb Williams going up against the Washington defense, which has struggled of late. This is certainly going to be a fun game to watch with a lot of points put on the scoreboard. In the end, Washington is the more complete team, which is why I think they clear another hurdle on their way to an undefeated regular season. After a couple off weeks, Penix gets back into the Heisman Trophy race with a big performance on Saturday night.

Washington 45, USC 34

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No. 14 LSU v. No. 8 Alabama (-3) - 7:45 p.m. ET - CBS

Alabama head coach Nick Saban has done everything you could possibly do in college football. While not much can rattle Saban anymore, I feel like last year’s loss at LSU still has to eat at him after the Tigers won in overtime when they went for two after scoring a touchdown. The loss to LSU drove a stake through the heart of Alabama’s CFP hopes, as it was their second loss of the season.

This year LSU has been cooking on offense. The problem for the Tigers is their defense has been brutal. If Brian Kelly’s team had any semblance of a defense, they might be undefeated right now. Instead, LSU has lost to Florida State and Ole Miss, and even though they could still make the SEC Championship Game, they aren’t going to be a factor in the playoff.

Even though Alabama’s offense has really struggled at times this year, we have seen it get better recently. I think the growth continues with Jalen Milroe at quarterback after last week’s bye week allowed them the chance to tighten things up even more. LSU hasn’t seen a defense as good as what they’ll see from Alabama on Saturday. While Jayden Daniels will make some plays, the Crimson Tide defense will rise up in key spots.

Alabama 28, LSU 24

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I'll be visiting for a few days in a few weeks and was wondering if there were any recommendations from locals (@ORD_Buckeye or anyone else) on interesting things to do, and good restaurants to check out.

I've been a few times before, so I've done a good number of the typical tourist things before (Willis & Hancock Towers, Architecture Tour on the Chicago river, The Magnificent Mile, Lincoln Park Zoo, Goodman Theatre, Second City, etc ...never been to Navy Pier but don't have any interest in it). Wouldn't be opposed to experiencing some of those again, but just wanted to get some ideas for the type of experiences that locals would have. The main thing I have planned for now is seeing the Caravaggio exhibition at the AIC. Besides that, I have an open itinerary.


Will only be there a few days, and will probably return again soon, so just a spitball of different recommendations and ideas would be appreciated as I have enough familiarity with the City to not need a fully itinerary spelled out for me.

Any ideas (good or bad) would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Ohio State: Buckeyes tailback Miyan Williams ruled out for year - Lettermen Row
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".

Ohio State: Buckeyes tailback Miyan Williams ruled out for year Lettermen Row

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Ohio State RB Miyan Williams out for season as Buckeyes lose key backfield piece amid CFP push - CBS Sports
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".

Ohio State RB Miyan Williams out for season as Buckeyes lose key backfield piece amid CFP push CBS Sports

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Buckeyes make the cut for two 2025 linebacker targets, set to welcome back a big time 2024 defensive lineman
Caleb Houser via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK

Ohio State is continuing to work tirelessly in the 2025 class.

Watching the Buckeyes this season, the defense has taken some serious steps forward. With the players in year two under Jim Knowles, Ohio State is seeing that side of the ball return to form after too many seasons of subpar play. Still with room to improve of course, it’s been a huge part of this team’s identity thus far, and if there’s any one position group that has been leading the way, it’s been at linebacker.

A guy like Tommy Eichenberg captains that side of the ball, and knowing the Buckeyes will have to replace a few guys at the position with the 2023 season’s conclusion, both Knowles and James Laurinaitis are working tirelessly to make sure their future hauls — especially in the 2025 class — are loaded up with elite players to keep the group in a good place. Fortunately, guys who have already earned Ohio State offers are keeping the Buckeyes in the mix and strongly considering Columbus as their college destination.

On Wednesday, a top 2025 linebacker released the latest update in his recruitment by trimming his top schools list down to 10, and kept the Buckeyes among his favorites. Florida native Elijah Melendez currently holds nearly 40 offers to his name, so narrowing it down this much shows he is seriously weighing his options. Now Kentucky, Georgia Tech, LSU, USC, Colorado, Georgia, Miami, Michigan, Alabama, and Ohio State are all that remain.

The No. 183 player nationally, Melendez is the 21st best linebacker and the 26th best player in Florida in the 2025 cycle per the 247Sports Composite. Ohio State is heavily in the thick of this race, and Elijah has been up front with how he feels about the Buckeyes. There’s no timetable set for his final call, but certainly with how this has been trending Ohio State will be in it until the end.

(same schools) Top Ten! happy Halloween @SWiltfong247 @GabyUrrutia247 @Andrew_Ivins @adamgorney @ChadSimmons_ @DemetricDWarren @CraigHaubert @JohnGarcia_Jr @adamcm777 @KiddRyno_Rivals @On3Recruits pic.twitter.com/PLxgdLp1dY

— Elijah melendez (@Babyman3J) November 1, 2023

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Another guy at the position to give the Buckeyes the nod on Wednesday, Texas product Jonah Williams also took to Twitter and released a list of top schools he is still considering before making the final call. A 6-foot-3, 203 pound athlete, Williams is already among the top players in the country regardless of position, and with nearly 30 offers to his name, his list of 12 after cutting the contenders nearly in half also gives notion to his desire to start really honing in on some of the schools he is liking more than others.

Keeping Colorado, Oklahoma, Oregon, Alabama, Texas A&M, TCU, Texas, USC, Tennessee, Arizona State, LSU, and Ohio State in it, Williams will have his work cut out for him to narrow it down even further, but is poised to go through the process. For Ohio State, this is another elite player that has been vocal about the Buckeyes and their advantages. Surely Jonah will keep the Buckeyes near the top of this list for the long haul, and what’s next for Ohio State is to try and get him back on campus to continue their best pitch.

The No. 16 player nationally, Williams is the second ranked player at his position for the 2025 class per the 247Sports Composite. Though his ranking and status is a bit higher than the aforementioned Melendez, the Buckeyes are being clear with both that they’re among their top targets and would love to have both of them in the fold for 2025.

Five-Star LB Jonah Williams tells me he’s down to Schools!

The 6’3 200 LB from Galveston, TX is ranked as a Top 15 Recruit in the 2025 Class (No. 2 LB)

Where Should He Go? https://t.co/chaX0PF2Ao pic.twitter.com/7qUS8tvEKJ

— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) November 2, 2023

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Quick Hits​

• Though most of the attention now is being paid to the future classes like 2025, the 2024 class is still not set in stone and Ohio State is working to fill their few remaining spots in the haul that is currently the nation’s second-ranked recruiting class. That said, there’s names that are being sought after to finish this cycle, and yesterday brought some positive vibes surrounding one target this staff would love to have.

North Carolina native Amaris Williams is currently committed to Florida, and has been since June of this year. But after visiting Ohio State just a couple of weeks ago, the No. 100 player nationally per the 247Sports Composite looks to have a return visit scheduled for Nov. 11.

A 6-foot-3, 270 pound defensive lineman, his position is certainly where at least one open space in the 2024 class is still up for grabs. While he’s still committed to the Gators, taking two trips within a month to see Ohio State certainly means something — especially when this upcoming trip is an unofficial visit and paid for on his own dime.

This is one recruitment that is worth watching closely for a potential “flip” and seeing what Larry Johnson does from here could be pretty telling for the chances the Buckeyes really have down the stretch.

NEW: Rivals100 Florida DL commit Amaris Williams has three visits planned

Details here: https://t.co/wF6Z5A20fp pic.twitter.com/didTvJubQX

— Adam Friedman (@RivalsFriedman) November 1, 2023

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Bucketheads Podcast: We pick every single Ohio State men’s basketball game... kind of
justingolba via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Brooke LaValley/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK

Plus, a preview of the Oakland game on Monday night.

“Bucketheads” is LGHL’s men’s basketball podcast, hosted by Connor Lemons and Justin Golba. Every episode, they give you the latest scoop on the Ohio State Buckeyes and everything else happening in the college hoops world.

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Subscribe: RSS | Apple | Spotify | Google Podcasts | iHeart Radio

For Episode 89 of “Bucketheads,” we are playing a game with Ohio State’s schedule. Connor and Justin will be drafting games they think Ohio State will win, and as the season goes on, if they indeed win those games, the person who drafted that game will either get one, two, or three points based on the difficulty of the game.

We also very briefly talk about the “secret” scrimmage against Clemson, and at the end, we preview the opening game against Oakland.

Be sure to like and subscribe to the podcast and leave a review of what you think of the show!

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Connect with the Podcast:
Twitter: @BucketheadsLGPN

Connect with Connor:
Twitter: @lemons_connor

Connect with Justin:
Twitter: @justin_golba

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247
Rivals
HUDL
ON3



Class: 2024 (high school)
Position: Defensive Line
School: Bay City (TX) Bay City
Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 290 lbs

Carlon Jones will take an official for the Michigan State game.

Stock Market Report: Ohio State survives its trip to Madison, remains undefeated
justingolba via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK

Ohio State is 8-0, and is one of the five P5 teams left with a zero in the loss column.

Seven more wins and the Ohio State Buckeyes (8-0) are national champions. It is not truly that simple, but the sentence remains true. After the Buckeye's trip to Madison resulted in a 24-10 win over Wisconsin (5-3) and the fighting Luke Fickell’s, the Buckeyes will turn their attention to Rutgers and the 6-2 Scarlet Knights.

Let’s take a look at who helped and who and what hurt their stock this past weekend.

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Blue Chip​

Surviving and advancing: In my world, late October into November means two things in college football: The College Football Playoff rankings have been announced, and the season now truly becomes real (because who cares about the AP Poll). Because of this, it is survive and advance season. The Buckeyes have a target on their backs as the No. 1 team in the country.

It does not matter if they win each game by one point or 100 points. If they win out, they are in the college football playoff. Al Davis said it best, just win, baby win.

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Solid Investments​

Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK

Camp Randall at night: There is a reason a lot of Ohio State fans were nervous about the game Saturday night, and none of it had to do with the players on the field. There is just something about Camp Randall Stadium under the lights.

Whether it is the sea of red or Jump Around to enter the fourth quarter, Wisconsin is one of the toughest places to play at night in the conference, and Ohio State has had its troubles there in the past. Personally, I love watching those games. A good night atmosphere is what makes college football special.

TreVeyon Henderson: There has been a lot of talk about the running back room, and with the season-ending injury to Miyan Williams and the Buckeyes’ desire to redshirt Dallan Hayden, the room has got a little smaller recently. However, as long as he is healthy, Henderson is the star of the backfield.

Henderson came back from injury against Wisconsin and recorded 207 total yards and a touchdown, and really provided a huge spark to the running game for Ohio State. Henderson has looked great every time he has been able to play, and hopefully he stays healthy so he can continue to produce at a high level.

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Junk Bonds​

Strength of Schedule: Look, let’s be honest, it very likely does not matter. As long as the Buckeyes win all their games, they are going to the College Football Playoff. But what was once a pretty tough schedule is starting to take a real hit.

First, Notre Dame has since lost to Louisville and almost lost to Duke, Maryland has not won a game since they lost to Ohio State and went on to lose to Illinois and Northwestern, and Penn State was in real trouble at home against Indiana. Thankfully, Penn State hung on, but they did not look great in the process.

Again, it doesn’t really matter, but it is worth pointing out.

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Buy/Sell​

Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK

Buy: Marvin Harrison Jr.’s Heisman chances. I have not been convinced that Marvin Harrison Jr. could win the Heisman Trophy until the Penn State game, and now after the Wisconsin game, I really do believe he can win it.

This doubt had nothing to do with Harrison Jr. himself. But normally, it is so hard for a receiver to win the Heisman because they have to put up insane numbers and they have to share votes with their quarterback. Harrison won’t have to do that, and it is clear he is the difference maker on his team that could go undefeated. He has a real chance.

Buy: Defense wins championships. Is it a cliche statement? Of Course. Do I still think it is correct? Yes, I do. Ohio State fans are living in a weird reality right now. We are so used to the offense leading the way and hoping the defense can catch up, and now it is the reverse. But that is not necessarily a bad thing.

Even with the amazing offenses the Buckeyes have had over the last two or three years, they really haven’t won anything. They have not won a Big Ten Championship since 2021, they are 0-2 against Michigan in the last two seasons and have won one playoff game. Now, they have an elite defense and a good but not a dominant offense. We will see what that may bring.

Sell: Zero targets for Cade Stover. Throughout the entire game on Saturday night, I was asking myself one question: Where is Cade Stover? He was blocking all night (sometimes), but he was not targeted once in the passing game. It was odd to see because, normally, he is a solid and dependable option for Kyle McCord, especially with Emeka Egbuka on the sideline and Julian Fleming missing the second half.

This was clearly the Marvin Harrison Jr. and TreVeyon Henderson show, but it will be interesting to see if they get Stover back in the mix against Rutgers. I hope they do, because Stover brings versatility to the offense that is really hard for defenses to match.

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Social Media Sounds Off on Ohio State Buckeyes' Placement in College Football Playoff Rankings - Sports Illustrated
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".

1. Social Media Sounds Off on Ohio State Buckeyes' Placement in College Football Playoff Rankings Sports Illustrated
2. Ohio State lands at No. 1 spot in first College Football Playoff rankings 10TV
3. Scarlet Sunrise: Rounding up bowl projections for Buckeyes after Week 9 On3.com

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