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LGHL Doing a vibe check with Ohio State fans with one month left in the regular season

Doing a vibe check with Ohio State fans with one month left in the regular 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

Syndication: The Providence Journal

Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK

Also, let us know what you think is going to happen in Piscataway on Saturday.

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.

Believe it or not, friends, it is November. That means that we are in the final month of the college football regular season. There have been a lot of positives for the No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes so far this fall — as evidenced by their spot atop the College Football Playoff rankings — but there have also been some frustrations and disappointments.

So, in our weekly fan survey, we are checking to get a picture of how the collective Ohio State fanbase feels about the team heading into the final four regular season games and what you are thinking about the Buckeyes’ trip to Piscataway this Saturday. We have two questions in this week’s survey, and we would love your input. Make sure to answer the questions and if you have more thoughts, let us know in the comments at the bottom of the page.

Question 1: With one month left of the regular season, how are you feeling about the Ohio State team?​


Since Ohio State beat Notre Dame in Week 4, I have been on record about how I have felt that this team has the makings of something truly special, and that feeling only increases with every outing. I know that the offense still struggles in the red zone and that Kyle McCord is not the reliable passer that they need during the first halves of games, but there is just something about this team that feels like it is made to break the hearts of opposing teams and fans.

So, while I know that a lot of people view LGHL as being overly critical of the team at times, I completely acknowledge its issues but see the fact that they are overcoming them as evidence of a team that is already playing at a high level but is still working toward its ceiling.

Question 2: What will the final score be against Rutgers?​


Ohio State opened the week as an 18-point favorite to beat Rutgers on Saturday, and SP+ has the Buckeyes winning by a score of 32-14, which would be... 18 points. The College Football Nerds are modeling the score to be 29.8 to 13.3, so 16.5 points. And the NCAA Game Simulator is currently projecting 25.4 to 13.7, so an 11.7-point differential.


Everybody has the Buckeyes winning by double digits, but there is some variance there. Let us know what you think the outcome will be below.

Share your thoughts here:​


Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Ohio State fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

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LGHL Ohio State women’s basketball 2023-24 player preview: Celeste Taylor

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

NCAA Womens Basketball: ACC Conference Tournament Quarterfinals-Duke vs North Carolina

William Howard-USA TODAY Sports

The reigning ACC Defensive Player of the Year joins the Buckeyes for one last ride in NCAA basketball

From the start of the 21-22 season, the Ohio State women’s basketball team relied on the play of an outstanding transfer guard. This season that trend continues, but it isn’t former Buckeye and now pro basketball player Taylor Mikesell. It’s a guard who joined the scarlet and gray following an impressive four-year career, culminating in the attention deserving of one of the best defensive players in the nation.

It’s Celeste Taylor, a guard that won’t shoot as prolifically as Mikesell, but has a similarly high level of ability on the defensive side of the ball.


Name: Celeste Taylor
Position: Guard
Class: Graduate Senior
High School: Long Island Lutheran (Long Island, New York)
2022-23 Stats: 11.4 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 2.5 apg, .440 FG%, .321 3FG%, .675 FT%

Last Season​


Taylor joins the Buckeyes following an outstanding season with the Duke Blue Devils. Playing in a defensive highlighted by fullcourt one-on-one pressure, Taylor let her presence known.

The former Texas Longhorn and Buckeye recruit led Duke to its best success in over five seasons. Under second-year head coach Kara Lawson, Taylor and the Blue Devils ended the season 26-7 but with an early exit in the NCAA Tournament. At home, Duke fell to the Colorado Buffaloes.

That game against Colorado was indicative of the type of basketball that describes Taylor, despite the defeat. Taylor ended the game with eight points but what was most impressive was the work off the ball. The guard grabbed a whopping 10 steals and 10 rebounds. She was two points and two assists away from a quadruple double.

Taylor ended the game with a defensive rating of 49, meaning when she was on the court, Colorado scored an average of 49 points over 100 possessions. An incomprehensible statistic that followed Taylor throughout the entire season. Starting every game for the Blue Devils, Taylor’s defensive rating on the season was 72.1 points — the highest in the ACC and eighth highest in the country, earning her one of three spots as a finalist for Naismith Defensive Player of the Year.

Following the season, Taylor transferred to the Buckeyes, causing some controversy in the Duke basketball world. After sharing that she would return for her graduate season, Taylor put her name in the transfer portal. Taylor spoke about the move with Land-Grant Holy Land this summer, referencing the move of an assistant coach vital to her experience with the Blue Devils. Following his move to the South Carolina Gamecocks staff, Taylor made the decision to join the Buckeyes.

What to Expect​


Yes, defense is what to expect but that’s not all. Taylor joins from a Duke team who’s goal was to slow the game down with full court pressure and methodical offensive work. The Blue Devils under Lawson averaged 63.6 points per game, good for 12th in the 15-team ACC.

With that understanding, Taylor’s 11.4 points per game led Duke. Taylor brings a complete game to Columbus and the Buckeyes. The guard joins Ohio State, who were on a different offensive sphere than the Blue Devils, averaging 80.1 points, and leading the country in scoring during its 19-0 start to the 23-24 season.

Taylor will be more free to attack the basket, which the guard can and will do. Now, one thing not to expect is Taylor to fill Mikesell’s spot as a three-point assassin. A question that will surround Ohio State through the start of the season is how does Mikesell’s 17.2 points per game and over 100 threes made in each of the last two seasons. In Taylor’s four seasons of NCAA basketball, last year’s 44 threes was her career high for a campaign.

However, the court awareness and engine Taylor brings to the Buckeyes defense will push its full court press to another level. It’s a different style than Duke plays where players are shadowing the opposition. With Ohio State, Taylor will run, intercept more passes and force mistakes from opponents.

From that work, Taylor will get opportunities to find open teammates on assists and her own fast break scoring opportunities. Basically, if teams were intimidated by Ohio State’s defense before, it’s getting much scarier with Taylor.

Bringing that pressure from Duke to the half court will also do wonders to the Buckeyes. Partnered with guard Jacy Sheldon, the two could become the best defensive duo in the country.

Prediction​


Taylor is starting every game for the Buckeyes. The guard is a lock for the shooting guard role, alongside Sheldon at point guard and forwards Taylor Thierry and Cotie McMahon. The only way that changes is if guard Madison Greene returns from injury to the point where head coach Kevin McGuff wants her to start at point guard.

If that happens, it’ll be a tough decision on who to sit but Ohio State could play a five-player lineup that includes Greene, Sheldon at shooting guard and Taylor sliding over to the third guard role, one that fits her skillset better.

Regardless of how the team lines up, expect Taylor to play close to 40 minutes a game and make the most of her final season in NCAA basketball.

Highlights​


Do you want to see a LeBron James-esque chase down block? Taylor has that in her arsenal too. After that, check out highlights from that 8/10/8/10 game in the NCAA Tournament.


GET THAT OUTTA THERE CELESTE TAYLOR!! pic.twitter.com/rWZDQBElse

— Blue Devils (@BlueDevils) January 29, 2023​
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Celeste Taylor Second Round highlights

First player ever to put up 8/10/8/10 in an NCAA Tourney game. pic.twitter.com/kRHzBE6K2F

— Duke Women’s Basketball (@DukeWBB) March 21, 2023​
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Miss a player preview? Here’s who you can read about so far:


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LGHL Big Ten Men’s Basketball Team Previews: Rutgers Scarlet Knights

Big Ten Men’s Basketball Team Previews: Rutgers Scarlet Knights
justingolba via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here

NCAA Basketball: Rutgers at Minnesota

David Berding-USA TODAY Sports

Can a guy like Derek Simpson make a big enough leap to help Rutgers fill in the gaps?

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.


Team: Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Head coach: Steve Pikiell, Eighth Season, 117-106
2022-23 record: 19-15 (10-10)
All-time record against Ohio State: 5-11

Returners: Clifford Omoruyi, Aundre Hyatt, Derek Simpson, Mawot Mag, Antwone Woolfolk, Antonio Chol

Departures: Oskar Palmquist, Jalen Miller, Dean Reiber, Cam Spencer, Paul Mulcahy, Caleb McConnell

Newcomers: Gavin Griffiths, Jamichael Davis, Noah Fernandes, Emmanuel Ogbole

Outlook​


Rutgers could very well be a top-five team in the country in 2024. They are bringing in Ace Bailey and possibly Dylan Harper Jr., the second and third overall recruits in the 2024 class behind Duke commit Cooper Flagg. Harper has not officially committed yet, but he is down to either Duke or Rutgers and is the younger brother of Ron Harper Jr., former Rutgers star. He has also been Crystal Balled by 247Sports to Rutgers. Those two, plus Gavin Griffiths and Derek Simpson, could create the best team Rutgers has seen in a very long time.

However, we are talking about this year, and Bailey and Harper are seniors in high school. Rutgers will be good this year, but they lost some key pieces, particularly on the defensive end.

Caleb McConnell and Paul Mulcahy will be missed on defense, while Cam Spencer and his sharpshooting is heading to UCONN. Gavin Griffiths is a top-75 overall, 6-foot-8 small forward who should be able to step right in and contribute for the Scarlet Knights, and Cliff Omoruyi is projected to be an All-Big Ten player this season. Aundre Wyatt and Mawot Mag are solid role players, and Derek Simpson is a popular candidate for one of the breakout players in the conference.

Noah Fernandes is a transfer from UMASS who averaged 13.2 points per game last season. He can be a solid scorer for the Scarlet Knights if he shows he can still score at a high level in this conference.

Austin Williams is also an interesting addition to Rutgers, as he averaged 16.1 points and 5.2 rebounds per game for FIU and Hartford. Fernandes and Williams can come in and help replace the scoring they lost with Mulcahy, McConnell, and Spencer, who combined to average over 30 points per game last season.

Prediction​


Rutgers is squarely in the second tier of Big Ten teams with Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Maryland, and Ohio State — not in that order. It is just the teams that are not as good as Purdue and Michigan State, but better than Michigan and Northwestern.

They will be a fringe tournament team, and like a lot of Big Ten teams, their success will come from role players like Hyatt, Mag, and Simpson and what kind of leaps they can take as they will play increased minutes this season.

Ever since the Scarlet Knights lost Geo Baker and Ron Harper Jr., and even with them at times, they relied on their defense to win games. Losing McConnell and Mulcahy will leave some gaps in the defense that they will need other guys to step into and fill. A big question will be if the two transfers, Fernandes and Williams, can continue to be elite scorers in the Big Ten. If they can, Rutgers will be safely a tournament team.

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LGHL Ohio State trying to flip four-star DT, makes top five of two high four-star linemen

Ohio State trying to flip four-star DT, makes top five of two high four-star linemen
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here

Syndication: The Columbus Dispatch

Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK

Rumors swirl about Ohio State running back commit Jordan Lyle flipping to Miami.

Both the offensive and defensive lines are major points of emphasis for the Ohio State Buckeyes out on the recruiting trail right now. Not only are the Buckeyes looking to wrap up their 2024 classes, but they are also focusing on landing key pieces in their 2025 classes as well. Over the last few days, we’ve gotten news on both sides of the line that could impact how things look in the trenches for the Buckeyes.

Ohio State offers four-star Nebraska defensive line commit​


Larry Johnson has assembled an impressive d-line haul for the 2024 class thus far, but he’s not done adding pieces to the puzzle. With five-stars Justin Scott and Eddrick Houston in the mix, along with three-star Eric Mensah, the defensive line coach is still trying to get one more lineman into the fold.

On Monday night, LJ extended an offer to Carlon Jones, a 6-foot-2.5, 270-pound lineman from Bay City, Texas. Jones is currently rated No. 441 nationally and is the No. 49 defensive lineman in the 2024 recruiting class, and he has been committed to the Nebraska Cornhuskers since late June.

He will reportedly make a visit to Ohio State on Nov. 11 to see the Buckeyes take on Michigan State. With the way that the defensive line has excelled this season, Johnson apparently feels the need to have more guys in the mix as Tyleik Williams, Mike Hall Jr., and Ty Hamilton could all head to the NFL after this season.

After great talks with Coach Larry Johnson I have a offer from Ohio State Buckeyes @OhioStateFB @dctf @GPowersScout @Perroni247 @BHoward_11 @CoachRJones_ let’s go!!! pic.twitter.com/4G6dCjbfmX

— carlonjones6⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️ (@carlonjones11) October 31, 2023
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Buckeyes make the top 5 for pair of 2025 lineman​


On Tuesday, OSU got word that not one, but two different four-star linemen had included the Buckeyes in their top five finalists list. The first is the No. 41 player in the 2025 class Zahir Mathis according to 247Sports Composite Rankings.

A 6-foot-6, 225-pound recruit from Philadelphia, Mathis is the No. 5 Edge rusher in the cycle and also lists Florida State, Tennessee, Texas, and South Carolina. According to 247’s Brian Dohn, Mathis will begin making visits in the spring and was impressed with what he saw from the Buckeyes in their recent win over Penn State.

“I was taking a big interest in the Penn State game,” the prospect said. “They had a big ‘W’ over them. It was amazing. It was something good to watch. That was a good ball game. I was trying to see what they were doing.”

This the 5 . @recruit_access @cy_woodland @RivalsFriedman @BrianDohn247 @SWiltfong247 pic.twitter.com/pn2xUEwxVG

— Zahir Mathis (@ZahirMathis5) October 31, 2023
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The other lineman that had the Buckeyes in his final five on Tuesday is Toledo-native Carter Lowe. Currently the No. 149 player in the country and the No. 14 offensive lineman, Lowe also has Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, and Michigan as finalists; quite the impressive list.

However, in October, both Ohio State recruiting expert Bill Kurelic and Steve Wiltfong, 247’s Director of Football Recruiting, logged crystal balls for Lowe in favor of the Buckeyes, so Justin Frye getting an in-state talent like Lowe and keeping him away from those other blue-blood teams would be a big win for the long-term health of the position.

BREAKING: Four-Star OT Carter Lowe is down to 5️⃣ Schools!

The 6’6 310 OT from Toledo, OH is ranked as a Top 15 OT in the 2025 Class

Where Should He Go? https://t.co/8P4sq3AwXl pic.twitter.com/I0ESmD4nvY

— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) October 31, 2023
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Ohio State running back commit considering Hurricane flip​


Running backs coach Tony Alford and the Buckeyes currently have three backs committed in the 2024 class, No. 86 nationally James Peoples, No. 147 Jordan Lyle, and No. 597 Sam Williams-Dixon. However, there is a lot of smoke that says that South Florida native Lyle might be considering a switch to stay closer to home.

According to Rivals’ recruiting expert Jeremy Birmingham, the St. Thomas Aquinas prospect is still telling Ohio State that he is committed to the class, but there is buzz about how the Hurricanes are attempting to flip the back. One person leading the charge in that effort is Lyle’s high school teammate wide receiver Chance Robinson. However, the No. 155 prospect just so happens to have a visit to Columbus scheduled for next weekend when the Buckeyes host the Spartans. If he were to flip to Brina Hartline and the Buckeyes, that could have a ripple effect for Lyle as well.

Lyle was on campus for the Penn State game, but has been to Coral Gables at least three times this season on unofficial visits. Obviously, the proximity to home makes that trip much easier, but with the familiarity of being on Miami’s campus and around the team’s staff, anything is possible in the world of recruiting.

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LGHL Ohio State looks to replicate patience, composure it showed at UD Arena in season opener

Ohio State looks to replicate patience, composure it showed at UD Arena in season opener
Connor Lemons via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here

Syndication: The Columbus Dispatch

Clare Grant/The Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK

Despite mixed results on the floor, one thing that was not in question in Dayton last week was Ohio State’s resolve.

Following Ohio State’s 78-70 win over Dayton last weekend in their charity exhibition game, point guard Bruce Thornton was asked about a stretch during the second half where the Buckeyes looked completely lost. Thanks to Ohio State turning the ball over six times out of seven possessions over a four-minute stretch early in the second half, Dayton was able to take a nine-point deficit and turn it into a 52-52 tie with 12 minutes remaining.

But moments after Marvel Allen tied it up for Dayton with a couple of free throws, Roddy Gayle came back at the other end and banged home a three to put the Buckeyes up, 55-52 once again. Chris Holtmann immediately called timeout. Ohio State did not trail again from this point on.


Last season, a young Ohio State team may not have had the maturity to pause, stop the bleeding, and then put their foot back on the gas pedal to win the game. Last season’s team may have let Dayton’s 9-0 run turn into a 13-0 or 16-3 run, and then let the game get away from them while the opposing crowd roared on every side of them.

“Us going six for seven (possessions) with no scoring but turnovers, but then come back, stay composed, and keep playing through it. That’s a good sign,” Thornton said. “You got to find a way to keep your composure and find a way to win.”

Ohio State has had a top-20 offense in the country each of the last four seasons, according to KenPom. But anyone who has spent any time watching this program knows that it also is prone to prolonged stretches of confusion and poor shot selection. Far too often, Ohio State will follow a good 10-12 minute stretch with a seven or eight minute stretch where it only scores a few points on free throws and nothing more, while watching its opponent claw back into a game that appeared over not too long before. The moment gets too big, the lights get too bright, and mistakes start to compound on themselves.

That’s why Thornton’s response was telling — he didn’t spend much time talking about the turnovers or the poor stretch where things began to get out of hand. “Offense just takes a minute. It takes everyone (a minute) for their rhythm, their timing,” he said. “So you understand all that, but we knew it wasn’t going to be perfect (tonight).”

“It’s a road game. When they go on a run, you have to keep your composure and keep the team together,” he added. “We all knew this was the first time we’d all played with each other against someone else in a road environment. So I feel like this was a great experience, great cause for mental health and I feel like it was a good day today.”

Syndication: The Columbus Dispatch
Clare Grant/The Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK

It was a pointed response from a guy who was a freshman last season, and at times played like you’d expect a freshman point guard to play. Thornton exceeded everyone’s expectations, but even he wasn’t immune to turnovers, poor shot selection, and defensive lapses at times. He’s expected to take a massive leap this season leading Ohio State as a captain once again, and pointing out how his team responded to that poor stretch, rather than dwelling on the mistakes, was a captain-like response.

This team cannot afford to turn the ball over 16 times in any game this season, especially once conference play begins. Ball security will be paramount for Ohio State’s success, and will be scrutinized even more than last season with senior Dale Bonner now in the mix, as well as Gayle and Thornton, who are sophomores but “really aren’t sophomores” in the eyes of head coach Chris Holtmann.

After getting thrown into the fire last season and learning on the job, Holtmann thinks his sophomore guards resemble seasoned vets at this point. And unfortunately for Gayle and Thornton, being a seasoned vet comes with higher standards. 16 turnovers — that ain’t gonna cut it.

Syndication: The Columbus Dispatch
Clare Grant/The Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK

Despite the turnovers, Ohio State won the game. It didn’t count, but Ohio State beat a very good Dayton team that is the unanimous choice by everyone to win the A-10 this season by eight points on their home court. Dayton head coach Anthony Grant did not play his starters as much as he will during the season, but neither did Chris Holtmann.

There were no Ohio State fans there. It was loud. Things started to spiral a bit, and the offense looked lost. But Thornton, Gayle, and their teammates put on their big boy pants, did not let the moment get too big, and hung in there to win the (exhibition) game on the road.

Would last year’s team have done the same? Not likely. Should anything that happened in an exhibition game that -literally- did not count fouls be taken seriously? Maybe not. But for a split second, UD Arena was rocking and felt like a big time road environment. It was Ohio State’s first test of the season.

It passed.

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LGHL Hangout in the Holy Land Podcast: Buckeyes become Jersey boys, hit the road to take on Greg Schiano and Rutgers

Hangout in the Holy Land Podcast: Buckeyes become Jersey boys, hit the road to take on Greg Schiano and Rutgers
Josh Dooley via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here

1658335801.0.jpg

Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images

Josh and Chuck give their GOAT Halloween candies, discuss Kyle McCord’s potential injury, and preview Ohio State’s road trip to Piscataway.

The latest episode of Land-Grant Holy Land’s flagship podcast is here! Join LGHL’s Josh Dooley and Chuck Holmes as they discuss Ohio State football, recruiting, and much, much more! Come for the hot takes, stay for the warm ones.

Listen to the episode and subscribe:

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


On this episode of “Hangout in the Holy Land,” Josh and Chuck begin with a very important discussion on Halloween candy and fall(ish) weather in Ohio. But bear with them, the conversation is brief.

The hosts then move on to more relevant topics, like initial College Football Playoff rankings, as well as Ohio State injuries and snap counts. Recording before Tuesday night’s first CFP reveal, the guys attempt to predict the top-4. How high can the Buckeyes possibly go? Will the committee go chalk? And how accurate were the hosts? Listen to find out.

Finally, after touching on the health of Kyle McCord and others, the Hangout boys become Jersey boys as they preview OSU’s roadie at Rutgers. The Scarlet Knights are an impressive 6-2, but own a less-than-impressive strength of schedule.

Regardless of who they’ve played and/or beaten before, Greg Schiano will undoubtedly have his team ready for a battle with the Buckeyes this weekend.

Please make sure to like, rate, review, and subscribe to the podcast! And as always, Go Bucks!


Connect with the pod
Twitter: @HolyLandPod

Connect with Josh Dooley
Twitter: @jdooleybuckeye

Connect with Chuck Holmes
Twitter: @ctholmes3

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LGHL The make or break week in Ohio State women’s basketball schedule

The make or break week in Ohio State women’s basketball schedule
ThomasCostello via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here

Syndication: The Columbus Dispatch

Joseph Scheller/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK

The Buckeyes have a tough road to the NCAA Tournament, but one week plays a lot like a deep March Madness run

With the start of the regular season within reach, it's ok to look ahead into the schedule to see the type of games that await Ohio State women’s basketball. From Nov. 6 all the way to March 3, the road for the scarlet and gray is not a smooth one. No one can look at the schedule and think that head coach Kevin McGuff has got it easy.

Ohio State has games against the UCLA Bruins, Tennessee Volunteers and USC Trojans on the docket. However, there’s one eight-day span that will show the identity and fight of this edition of the Buckeyes. It comes in January during Big Ten play. That’s when Ohio State goes up against three teams who all have an argument for being near the top of the conference.

Jan. 17 - at Maryland Terrapins​


The stretch starts on a Wednesday night in College Park, Maryland. It’s the first time the Buckeyes take on the Maryland Terrapins, a side that’s had Ohio State’s number over the past two seasons. In four games, the scarlet and gray are 1-3, with McGuff’s side on a three-game losing streak to Brenda Freese’s Terrapins.

There’s an argument that this iteration of the Terrapins isn’t the same because it doesn’t include forward Angel Reese and guard Ashley Owusu, who played for Maryland during the 21-22 season. Or even last year’s side that featured now WNBA guard Diamond Miller causing issues for the Buckeyes.

Maryland’s next star is one Ohio State’s already faced multiple times: Ohio-born guard Shyanne Sellers. In a 90-54 win for Maryland (not a typo) last year in College Park, Sellers scored 19 points and added nine assists and four rebounds. With Miller gone, Sellers’ responsibilities will increase, and she’s a player who’s up for the additional work.

NCAA Womens Basketball: NCAA Tournament Greenville Regional-Maryland vs South Carolina
Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Plus, the Terrapins return graduate seniors Brinae Alexander and Lavender Briggs in a team heavy with upperclassmen leadership. Not to mention a 6-foot-7 center named Hawa Doumbouya who will have a few months of NCAA basketball under her belt by the time the teams meet.

To Ohio State’s credit, it adjusted well the second time the two teams played, and a potential game-winning shot by Cotie McMahon was a fraction of a second too late to give the Buckeyes a win on the final day of last year’s regular season.

McGuff’s group returns home after the Maryland game in January, but four days later it gets exponentially more difficult.

Jan. 21 - vs. Iowa Hawkeyes​


Of all the games on the basketball calendar, this one is circled, highlighted and circled again. It’s against superstar Caitlin Clark and the Iowa Hawkeyes.

Last year, the team that continued to get in Ohio State’s way was the Hawkeyes. When the Buckeyes were 19-0 and close to breaking a program record for wins in a row, it was a home game on Jan. 23 against Clark that ended with the guard racking up a triple-double and Ohio State suffering their first loss of the season.

That first loss turned into the Buckeyes’ only losing streak of the season, dropping the next two as well against the Michigan State Spartans and Indiana Hoosiers.

Fast forward to the Big Ten Tournament. A day after coming back from a 24-point deficit to the Hoosiers, the Buckeyes faced none other than the Hawkeyes in the final. It wasn’t really a game. Like the day before, Ohio State went down big, but this time there was no comeback. Clark had another triple-double (30 points, 17 assists and 10 rebounds) in the 105-72 demolishing.

NCAA Womens Basketball: Big Ten Conference Tournament Championship - Ohio State vs. Iowa
Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

If Ohio State is in the same position on Jan. 21 as they were last year, expect this game to be one with even more national attention. Tickets already sold out within moments of going on sale, and at time of publishing are up to $148 for the cheapest available seat.

Iowa lost center Monika Czinano and forward Kate Martin, who ended their NCAA careers, and the Hawkeyes were quiet in the transfer portal. However, they still have the reigning Naismith Player of the Year in Clark, plus the Big Ten Sixth Player of the Year in Hannah Stuelke.

The Hawkeyes aren’t a test for Ohio State. They’re the test. It goes back to the old wrestling adage of, “If you wanna be the man, you’ve got to beat the man.”

Jan. 25 - at Illinois Fighting Illini​


At this point of the eight-day stretch, the Buckeyes could be riding high or trying to pick themselves back up. Either way, Illinois isn’t a team Ohio State can take lightly.

While McGuff’s team has had Illinois’ number in recent years, it wasn’t easy last year. With 6:56 remaining in the third quarter against Illinois, the Buckeyes were down 17 points to first-year Illinois head coach Shauna Green.

Green turned the Illini around in a short period of time. After not making the NCAA Tournament since the 02-03 season, Illinois’ 20-10 record was the program’s best since the late 90s.

Up 17 points to the Buckeyes though, it turned into the McMahon show. The freshman forward scored 11 of Ohio State’s 28 third quarter points to enter the fourth quarter with a one point lead. It was the lone matchup between the two teams last season, and its not a stretch to think that Illinois is looking forward to seeing the Buckeyes twice this year to make up for it.

Illinois gets one more year with Green at the helm, which means more time to build out her system. The players who got the Illini to that point last year are back too. All of the starting lineup is back, including guards Makira Cook and Genesis Bryant who combined for 32 points and 13 assists in the defeat last year. Also outstanding forward Kendall Bostic, who rocked the Buckeyes on the boards grabbing 15 rebounds on top of 27 points.

Syndication: The Columbus Dispatch
Joseph Scheller/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK

In the last six years, only one team has won the conference regular season with more than five losses. That team was the 21-22 Ohio State Buckeyes. If McGuff and the scarlet and gray hope to add more to its trophy case, it could come down to this stretch of three games.

The last week of the season doesn’t get any easier, with the Buckeyes facing Maryland, rival Michigan Wolverines and the Iowa Hawkeyes to end the season.

This year, there are no weeks off in Big Ten play.

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Google Ohio State Opens As a 19-Point Favorite Over Rutgers Ahead of the Buckeyes' First Game in November 2023 | Elev - Eleven Warriors

Ohio State Opens As a 19-Point Favorite Over Rutgers Ahead of the Buckeyes' First Game in November 2023 | Elev - Eleven Warriors
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".

Ohio State Opens As a 19-Point Favorite Over Rutgers Ahead of the Buckeyes' First Game in November 2023 | Elev Eleven Warriors

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