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LGHL LGHL Asks: ‘What If’ you could rewrite Ohio State football history?
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LGHL Asks: ‘What If’ you could rewrite Ohio State football history?
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 Doug Pensinger/Getty Images
You ask, we answer. Sometimes we ask, others answer. And then other times, we ask, we answer.
From now until preseason camp starts in August, Land-Grant Holy Land will be writing articles around a different theme every week. This week is all about players to watch this upcoming season. You can catch up on all of the Theme Week content here and all of our ”What If?” articles here.
As we are in “What If” Week, we have decided to allow you to play Doctor Strange and venture into the multiverse and change the course of Ohio State football history in this week’s LGHL Asks survey. Not only are we allowing you to make a key addition to this year’s roster, but also to rewrite history following one of the Buckeyes’ most painful and disappointing losses.
So, check out the two questions below and make sure to answer them in the survey at the bottom of the page. We will bring you the collective Buckeye Nation answers later in the week so that you can see if the other Sorceror Supremes amongst us feel the same way that you do.
Obviously, C.J. Stroud is probably the best answer to this question, if it didn’t have the caveat — and for a while, we thought that might be possible — but, with the Houston Texans quarterback off the board, who would you like to see back in the scarlet and gray for one more year?
Would you want to see what a fully healthy Jaxon Smith-Njigba could do alongside Marvin Harrison Jr. in his current other-worldly form? Or, would you like to see one of the departed offensive linemen back protecting the new, first-time starting QB?
I know what my answer would be, but I don’t want to put my thumb on the scale and influence your pick, so I will save my thoughts for when we go over the results. I have only included the players that were selected in the NFL Draft, but there are plenty of other players that you could go with if you would like. If you want to pick someone off the board, drop the name in the comments at the bottom of the page.
While Question 1 is a fun thought experiment, Question 2 might be a little more painful. Despite all of the highs that the Buckeye football team has experienced since the dawning of the 21st Century, there have been an uncomfortable number of lows as well. So, Aladdin, I am hereby granting you a single wish to change the outcome of one game since 2001 (that’s when the new century started, not 2000). I have gone ahead and selected a slate of options that I imagine would most appeal to the majority of Ohio State football fans, but, again, feel free to contribute different picks in the comments at the bottom of the page.
I have given a bit more prominence to recent games as the sting of those Ls likely lingers most, but feel free to change whichever game your heart desires.
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.
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 Doug Pensinger/Getty Images
You ask, we answer. Sometimes we ask, others answer. And then other times, we ask, we answer.
From now until preseason camp starts in August, Land-Grant Holy Land will be writing articles around a different theme every week. This week is all about players to watch this upcoming season. You can catch up on all of the Theme Week content here and all of our ”What If?” articles here.
As we are in “What If” Week, we have decided to allow you to play Doctor Strange and venture into the multiverse and change the course of Ohio State football history in this week’s LGHL Asks survey. Not only are we allowing you to make a key addition to this year’s roster, but also to rewrite history following one of the Buckeyes’ most painful and disappointing losses.
So, check out the two questions below and make sure to answer them in the survey at the bottom of the page. We will bring you the collective Buckeye Nation answers later in the week so that you can see if the other Sorceror Supremes amongst us feel the same way that you do.
Question 1: If you could have brought back one player from last year’s football team other than C.J. Stroud, who would it be?
Obviously, C.J. Stroud is probably the best answer to this question, if it didn’t have the caveat — and for a while, we thought that might be possible — but, with the Houston Texans quarterback off the board, who would you like to see back in the scarlet and gray for one more year?
Would you want to see what a fully healthy Jaxon Smith-Njigba could do alongside Marvin Harrison Jr. in his current other-worldly form? Or, would you like to see one of the departed offensive linemen back protecting the new, first-time starting QB?
I know what my answer would be, but I don’t want to put my thumb on the scale and influence your pick, so I will save my thoughts for when we go over the results. I have only included the players that were selected in the NFL Draft, but there are plenty of other players that you could go with if you would like. If you want to pick someone off the board, drop the name in the comments at the bottom of the page.
Question 2: If you could change the outcome of one Ohio State football game from this century, what would it be?
While Question 1 is a fun thought experiment, Question 2 might be a little more painful. Despite all of the highs that the Buckeye football team has experienced since the dawning of the 21st Century, there have been an uncomfortable number of lows as well. So, Aladdin, I am hereby granting you a single wish to change the outcome of one game since 2001 (that’s when the new century started, not 2000). I have gone ahead and selected a slate of options that I imagine would most appeal to the majority of Ohio State football fans, but, again, feel free to contribute different picks in the comments at the bottom of the page.
I have given a bit more prominence to recent games as the sting of those Ls likely lingers most, but feel free to change whichever game your heart desires.
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.
Continue reading...
LGHL ‘What if’ Marvin Harrison Jr. never suffered a concussion in the 2022 Peach Bowl?
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‘What if’ Marvin Harrison Jr. never suffered a concussion in the 2022 Peach Bowl?
Josh Dooley via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
Route Man Marv’s injury changed the course of the 2022 college football season. But what if the best WR in the game had been (or remained) available to continue cooking the Georgia secondary?
From now until preseason camp starts in August, Land-Grant Holy Land will be writing articles around a different theme every week. This week is all about asking “What If?”. You can catch up on all of the Theme Week content here and all of our ‘What If?’ articles here.
Well... damn. Each and every time I am forced to recall or think about this, I become irrationally angry. Probably should have chosen a different ‘What if’ huh?
But Marvin Harrison Jr.’s concussion and its impact on the game against Georgia (in the College Football Playoff semifinal) will likely go down as one of the biggest Ohio State-related what-ifs of the 21st century. And I don’t consider that statement to be of the hyperbolic variety.
So I simply had to focus on Super Marv’s unfortunate injury as part of LGHL’s theme week, despite my deep desire to avoid self-induced torture. Damn you, Javon Bullard!
Up 35-24 and driving on New Year’s Eve, the Ohio State Buckeyes had the defending champion Georgia Bulldogs on the ropes and gasping for air. C.J. Stroud looked nearly unstoppable moving the ball up and down the field against UGA’s “vaunted” defense, and Harrison Jr. was or had been on the receiving end of many of his quarterback’s most important – and most impressive – throws.
Wildly impressive in his own right, MHJ racked up 5 catches for 102 yards and 2 TD, all before the end of the third quarter. However, with just 35 seconds left in that third quarter and OSU facing a 3rd and goal, disaster struck for both he and Buckeyes.
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Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images
Or, you could say that Javon Bullard struck... illegally. As Stroud was pressured behind the line of scrimmage, he lobbed a pass toward the back of the endzone, where his No. 1 target was perfectly positioned to reel in a TD that would have given Ohio State a three-possession lead.
But as the pass arrived in MHJ’s hands, Bullard, a starting defensive back for Georgia, ran across the back of the endzone, lowered his helmet, made forcible contact with the helmet of MHJ, and separated the second-generation star from the ball.
Referees immediately threw a flag and called Bullard for targeting, while MHJ lay on the ground receiving medical attention. But then inexplicably, the call was reversed and the laundry picked up, forcing OSU to attempt field goal. MHJ of course suffered a concussion as a result of Bullard’s vicious hit, and his Buckeyes settled for a 14-point lead instead of the 18-point advantage they had been seeking.
The hit, the concussion, and the absence of MHJ completely flipped the Peach Bowl script. Ohio State was outscored 18-3 in the fourth quarter, struggled to move the ball without its star WR, and ultimately lost the CFP semi 42-41. Sure, the Buckeyes still had a kick to win it, even without MHJ, but his mere presence in the game would have eliminated the need for said kick. And that is just a big, fat fact.
So what if Harrison Jr. never suffered a concussion? How would the rest of the Peach Bowl and the rest of the 2022 college football season have played out? Well, I think the answer to both is obvious. OSU would have finished the job against UGA, before taking TCU to the woodshed and eventually winning another national championship. There is just no debate.
If a penalty is (rightfully) called against Georgia in that game, Ohio State gets a 1st & Goal, putting them in prime position to go up 42-24. Admittedly, Kirby Smart’s squad had a stout defensive line last season, so running or sneaking may have been a challenge, but Ryan Day was in his bag that night. The Buckeyes probably score on a Stroud bootleg or a goal line fade to Route Man Marv, and the boat race is on.
Even if the Bulldogs score on the ensuing possession – which they did, via FG – we’re talking about a 42-27 game in which MHJ is still involved.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24705694/1453541075.jpg)
Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images
MHJ put on a show for three quarters against the “vaunted” UGA defense
On OSU’s next possession, he (MHJ) would have opened the offense for the Buckeyes and likely prevented a quick three-and-out. But say their drive ends in a punt again. Then Georgia draws closer with the 76-yard strike to Adrian Smith, and the Scarlet and Gray are suddenly looking at just a seven-point advantage (42-35). No problem. Ohio State had two more possessions. And all they would have needed was three points... Which they got!
On the Buckeyes’ penultimate possession, Stroud led OSU down the field and set up a 48-yard field goal for Noah Ruggles, which he banged through the uprights. Ruggles’ kick made the (real) score 41-35, but with four additional points from “the MHJ drive”, that same kick would have pushed the lead to 45-35. Or maybe MARVelous makes another big play, banks a third or fourth TD, and puts the game out of reach for good (49-35). Who knows what the final score could have or would have been? Not me.
But what I do know, is that if Harrison Jr. had played the fourth quarter of the Peach Bowl, we would absolutely be talking about Ohio State as the reigning champs. Because much like UGA, OSU would have made easy work of TCU in the title game. No disrespect to Sonny Dykes, Max Duggan, and/or Quentin Johnson, but the Horned Frogs would not have stood a chance against the Buckeyes. They would have had no answers on defense for the trio of Stroud, MHJ, and Emeka Egbuka. And even if Johnston made plays against a below-average (OSU) secondary, the Frogs were just too one-dimensional without star running back Kendre Miller.
So there you have it, folks. A big ol’ what-if and a biased view of how things would have played out differently. Have I been eating bitter berries? Perhaps. Will I cry about it – literally or figuratively – in the future? Probably. But Ohio State played a hell of a game against Georgia and Ryan Day really deserved that one. Likewise for Marvin Harrison Jr. and the rest of the Buckeyes.
Here’s hoping most of the same group gets another crack at it in 2023.
Continue reading...
Josh Dooley via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
Route Man Marv’s injury changed the course of the 2022 college football season. But what if the best WR in the game had been (or remained) available to continue cooking the Georgia secondary?
From now until preseason camp starts in August, Land-Grant Holy Land will be writing articles around a different theme every week. This week is all about asking “What If?”. You can catch up on all of the Theme Week content here and all of our ‘What If?’ articles here.
Well... damn. Each and every time I am forced to recall or think about this, I become irrationally angry. Probably should have chosen a different ‘What if’ huh?
But Marvin Harrison Jr.’s concussion and its impact on the game against Georgia (in the College Football Playoff semifinal) will likely go down as one of the biggest Ohio State-related what-ifs of the 21st century. And I don’t consider that statement to be of the hyperbolic variety.
So I simply had to focus on Super Marv’s unfortunate injury as part of LGHL’s theme week, despite my deep desire to avoid self-induced torture. Damn you, Javon Bullard!
Up 35-24 and driving on New Year’s Eve, the Ohio State Buckeyes had the defending champion Georgia Bulldogs on the ropes and gasping for air. C.J. Stroud looked nearly unstoppable moving the ball up and down the field against UGA’s “vaunted” defense, and Harrison Jr. was or had been on the receiving end of many of his quarterback’s most important – and most impressive – throws.
Wildly impressive in his own right, MHJ racked up 5 catches for 102 yards and 2 TD, all before the end of the third quarter. However, with just 35 seconds left in that third quarter and OSU facing a 3rd and goal, disaster struck for both he and Buckeyes.
Or, you could say that Javon Bullard struck... illegally. As Stroud was pressured behind the line of scrimmage, he lobbed a pass toward the back of the endzone, where his No. 1 target was perfectly positioned to reel in a TD that would have given Ohio State a three-possession lead.
But as the pass arrived in MHJ’s hands, Bullard, a starting defensive back for Georgia, ran across the back of the endzone, lowered his helmet, made forcible contact with the helmet of MHJ, and separated the second-generation star from the ball.
Referees immediately threw a flag and called Bullard for targeting, while MHJ lay on the ground receiving medical attention. But then inexplicably, the call was reversed and the laundry picked up, forcing OSU to attempt field goal. MHJ of course suffered a concussion as a result of Bullard’s vicious hit, and his Buckeyes settled for a 14-point lead instead of the 18-point advantage they had been seeking.
The hit, the concussion, and the absence of MHJ completely flipped the Peach Bowl script. Ohio State was outscored 18-3 in the fourth quarter, struggled to move the ball without its star WR, and ultimately lost the CFP semi 42-41. Sure, the Buckeyes still had a kick to win it, even without MHJ, but his mere presence in the game would have eliminated the need for said kick. And that is just a big, fat fact.
So what if Harrison Jr. never suffered a concussion? How would the rest of the Peach Bowl and the rest of the 2022 college football season have played out? Well, I think the answer to both is obvious. OSU would have finished the job against UGA, before taking TCU to the woodshed and eventually winning another national championship. There is just no debate.
If a penalty is (rightfully) called against Georgia in that game, Ohio State gets a 1st & Goal, putting them in prime position to go up 42-24. Admittedly, Kirby Smart’s squad had a stout defensive line last season, so running or sneaking may have been a challenge, but Ryan Day was in his bag that night. The Buckeyes probably score on a Stroud bootleg or a goal line fade to Route Man Marv, and the boat race is on.
Even if the Bulldogs score on the ensuing possession – which they did, via FG – we’re talking about a 42-27 game in which MHJ is still involved.
MHJ put on a show for three quarters against the “vaunted” UGA defense
On OSU’s next possession, he (MHJ) would have opened the offense for the Buckeyes and likely prevented a quick three-and-out. But say their drive ends in a punt again. Then Georgia draws closer with the 76-yard strike to Adrian Smith, and the Scarlet and Gray are suddenly looking at just a seven-point advantage (42-35). No problem. Ohio State had two more possessions. And all they would have needed was three points... Which they got!
On the Buckeyes’ penultimate possession, Stroud led OSU down the field and set up a 48-yard field goal for Noah Ruggles, which he banged through the uprights. Ruggles’ kick made the (real) score 41-35, but with four additional points from “the MHJ drive”, that same kick would have pushed the lead to 45-35. Or maybe MARVelous makes another big play, banks a third or fourth TD, and puts the game out of reach for good (49-35). Who knows what the final score could have or would have been? Not me.
But what I do know, is that if Harrison Jr. had played the fourth quarter of the Peach Bowl, we would absolutely be talking about Ohio State as the reigning champs. Because much like UGA, OSU would have made easy work of TCU in the title game. No disrespect to Sonny Dykes, Max Duggan, and/or Quentin Johnson, but the Horned Frogs would not have stood a chance against the Buckeyes. They would have had no answers on defense for the trio of Stroud, MHJ, and Emeka Egbuka. And even if Johnston made plays against a below-average (OSU) secondary, the Frogs were just too one-dimensional without star running back Kendre Miller.
So there you have it, folks. A big ol’ what-if and a biased view of how things would have played out differently. Have I been eating bitter berries? Perhaps. Will I cry about it – literally or figuratively – in the future? Probably. But Ohio State played a hell of a game against Georgia and Ryan Day really deserved that one. Likewise for Marvin Harrison Jr. and the rest of the Buckeyes.
Here’s hoping most of the same group gets another crack at it in 2023.
Continue reading...
LGHL Hangout in the Holy Land Podcast: ‘What ifs’ of the future for Ohio State football
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Hangout in the Holy Land Podcast: ‘What ifs’ of the future for Ohio State football
Josh Dooley via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Bonnie Britain/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
In keeping with LGHL’s weekly theme of What If, Josh and Chuck look into their magical crystal balls and discuss the future.
The latest episode of Land-Grant Holy Land’s flagship podcast is here! Join LGHL’s Josh Dooley and Chuck Holmes as they cover Ohio State football, basketball, recruiting, and much, much more! Come for the hot takes, stay for the warm ones.
Listen to the episode and subscribe:
On this episode of Hangout in the Holy Land, Josh and Chuck embrace LGHL’s weekly theme of What If, as they boldly look toward the future. The guys hit you with a bunch of ‘What If’ scenarios and discuss potential outcomes, whether good or bad for Scarlet and Gray fans.
Is there any chance whatsoever that Ryan Day and his Ohio State football staff produce a dud (instead of a dude) at quarterback? If so, are the Buckeyes toast in 2023 and potentially even 2024?
Will Jim Knowles (ever) replicate his Oklahoma State magic with better players in Columbus? And would that make OSU a championship contender, regardless of QB play?
And what does the future look like for both Ryan Day and Brian Hartline? What if they are destined for greatness elsewhere?
Lastly, before signing off, Chuck hits Josh with a few questions sent in by you, the listeners.
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
Continue reading...
Josh Dooley via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Bonnie Britain/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
In keeping with LGHL’s weekly theme of What If, Josh and Chuck look into their magical crystal balls and discuss the future.
The latest episode of Land-Grant Holy Land’s flagship podcast is here! Join LGHL’s Josh Dooley and Chuck Holmes as they cover Ohio State football, basketball, 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 | Stitcher | Google Podcasts | iHeart Radio
On this episode of Hangout in the Holy Land, Josh and Chuck embrace LGHL’s weekly theme of What If, as they boldly look toward the future. The guys hit you with a bunch of ‘What If’ scenarios and discuss potential outcomes, whether good or bad for Scarlet and Gray fans.
Is there any chance whatsoever that Ryan Day and his Ohio State football staff produce a dud (instead of a dude) at quarterback? If so, are the Buckeyes toast in 2023 and potentially even 2024?
Will Jim Knowles (ever) replicate his Oklahoma State magic with better players in Columbus? And would that make OSU a championship contender, regardless of QB play?
And what does the future look like for both Ryan Day and Brian Hartline? What if they are destined for greatness elsewhere?
Lastly, before signing off, Chuck hits Josh with a few questions sent in by you, the listeners.
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
Continue reading...
LGHL You’re Nuts: What Ohio State men’s basketball game is the biggest ‘what if’ for you?
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You’re Nuts: What Ohio State men’s basketball game is the biggest ‘what if’ for you?
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 Harry How/Getty Images
Your (almost) daily dose of good-natured, Ohio State banter.
From now until preseason camp starts in August, Land-Grant Holy Land will be writing articles around a different theme every week. This week is all about asking “What If?”. You can catch up on all of the Theme Week content here and all of our ”What If?” articles here.
As a sports fan, there are always moments when you find yourself asking years after “what if?”. What if a play had gone a different way? What if a penalty was or wasn’t called? What if a recruit decided to commit to Ohio State or decided to transfer to the school? What if a certain coaching hire was made? It’s crazy how one play or call could change how a season plays out, and even how it affects a program for years after.
During “What if?” week, there will be plenty of attention paid to the Ohio State football program, and rightfully so since there are plenty of events from years ago that fans still dwell on. Today we are going to focus on the men’s basketball program. Even though the Buckeye basketball team hasn’t reached expectations for a number of years, for nearly a decade they were in the conversation as one of the best college basketball programs in the country.
What we want to know is what Ohio State men’s basketball game is the biggest “what if” for you? What game is the one that still sticks in your craw to this day, and you think could have made a huge difference in the program had the result gone differently? With so many deep runs in the tournament under Thad Matta that never ended up with the Buckeyes cutting down the nets, it shouldn’t be too tough to come up with a game that ended with Ohio State missing a golden opportunity.
Ohio State entered the 2012-13 season coming off a run to the Final Four where they blew a lead against Kansas in the national semifinal. Who knows if Jared Sullinger, William Buford, and the Buckeyes would have been able to defeat Anthony Davis and Kentucky in the title game, but judging how the Wildcats handled the Jayhawks, it would have been tough for Ohio State to win. Even though Sullinger declared for the NBA Draft and Buford graduated, the Buckeyes still entered the 2012-13 season ranked fourth in the country.
During the regular season, Ohio State posted a record of 23-7, with all seven losses coming to ranked teams. The Buckeyes had a rough stretch in February where the lost three of four games, but they put things together late in the year, winning their final five regular season games. Thad Matta’s team kept the strong play going in the Big Ten Tournament, beating Wisconsin 50-43 in the championship game. Following their close to the season, the Buckeyes were placed as the two-seed in the West in the NCAA Tournament.
After an easy win against Iona in their first game of the tournament in Dayton, Aaron Craft hit a three-pointer with half a second left to give Ohio State a 78-75 win over Iowa State. Heading into the Sweet Sixteen, the West region was a mess, with the other three teams still alive being seeded sixth or higher. Out in Los Angeles, the Buckeyes again won on a late three-pointer, beating Arizona 73-70 after LaQuinton Ross hit a triple with two seconds left, setting up an Elite Eight battle with Wichita State.
With the Shockers being a nine-seed, it felt like a given that Ohio State would be heading to the Final Four for a second straight season. Unfortunately, the underdogs put the Buckeyes in a hole they couldn’t dig out of, earning their second Final Four appearance in school history with a 70-66 victory. Had Ohio State been able to beat Wichita State, they would have been joined in the Final Four by Louisville, Syracuse, and Michigan. Louisville was the only one-seed that made the Final Four, as Syracuse and Michigan were both four-seeds.
Ohio State would have certainly been tested in the national semifinal by Louisville, but it’s not like the Cardinals were an unbeatable team. Wichita State hung with Louisville in their Final Four battle, so it’s not unthinkable that Deshaun Thomas and the Buckeyes could have found a way to beat Rick Pitino’s team. If Ohio State had beaten Louisville, they would have taken on Michigan and Trey Burke in the title game. The Buckeyes beat Michigan by three in Columbus, and the Wolverines returned the favor in Ann Arbor, beating Ohio State 76-74 in overtime.
Not only would it have been amazing to see an Ohio State-Michigan basketball title game, it would have been great to see Thad Matta possibly get a title after two other Final Four appearances with the Buckeyes. Following the loss to Wichita State, things started to trend in the wrong direction for Ohio State. The Elite Eight appearance in 2013 was the last time the Buckeyes have advanced past the first weekend of the NCAA Tournament.
Had Ohio State been able to win it all, maybe recruiting goes a little different for the Buckeyes, and they bring in a few more high-profile recruits to go along with D’Angelo Russell in 2015. Also, there might not be as many transfers in the last few years under Matta, which left Chris Holtmann with some roster issues to work through after taking over for Matta. Who knows, maybe Matta sticks around longer since there isn’t as much pressure on him after winning a title. The loss to the Shockers started a downhill slide for Ohio State that they are still trying to work through.
I know this is kind of cheating a bit, since the question was about individual games, but to me, the way that 2019-20 season ended could end up having dramatic implications on the program; heck, it probably already has.
In case you have blocked out that entire spring (and I wouldn’t blame you), here’s a refresher as to what was happening with Chris Holtmann’s crew. The Buckeyes were 21-10 having gone 11-9 in Big Ten play. They had earned the fifth seed in the B1G Tournament. However, the team was 9-3 dating back to a Jan. 26 victory over Northwestern. In their final five games of the campaign, they had beaten No. 7 Maryland 79-72, No. 19 Michigan 77-63, and No. 23 Illinois 71-63. The Buckeyes fell on the road to No. 16 Michigan State on the Spartan’s Senior Day 80-69 to close out the season.
At the time COVID put an end to the season, the Buckeyes were No. 8 in the country according to venerated basketball analytics guru Ken Pomeroy and projected to be a No. 5 seed in the NCAA Tournament. The Spartans were the only B1G ranked ahead of the Buckeyes according to KenPom, and the Washington Post even ran a bunch of simulations and determined that Ohio State would have won the NCAA Tournament that season. We even sold t-shirts celebrating the completely real and undisputed national title.
Now, I don’t actually claim that as a national championship, obviously, and I wouldn’t even go so far as to say the Buckeyes were Final Four bound, but you know what I would have been willing to put money on that year? The collection of Kaleb Wesson, Duane Washington Jr., CJ Walker, Andre Wesson, Luther Muhammad, Kyle Young, and a freshman E.J. Liddell getting out of the first weekend.
To this day, Holtmann has yet to take an Ohio State team to the Sweet 16, and fans rightly never let him (or anyone who says anything nice about him) forget it. I have to wonder how things would have been different had COVID never become a thing and the Buckeyes had made it to the Sweet 16, the Elite 8, or even the title game. Not only would that have taken away one of the major arguments against Holtmann’s tenure as the Buckeyes’ coach, but it also could have seriously impacted players transferring and who OSU landed on the recruiting trail.
But even if nothing other than the end of that season changed, and everything that has happened since remained the same, if Ohio State had done what many smart basketball people expected and made it to the Elite 8 in the 2019-20 season, it might have bought a little more good will for Holtmann following last season’s horrific season. While I still expect a marked turnaround for the team this year, if that doesn’t happen, Holtmann is almost assuredly out the door. But would that have been the case if he had taken his team on a deep run just a few years ago?
We’ll obviously never know, and there were clearly far more damaging things that happened because of the pandemic, but the impact that the cancelation of the postseason had on the Ohio State program really could have ripple effects for years still to come.
Continue reading...
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 Harry How/Getty Images
Your (almost) daily dose of good-natured, Ohio State banter.
From now until preseason camp starts in August, Land-Grant Holy Land will be writing articles around a different theme every week. This week is all about asking “What If?”. You can catch up on all of the Theme Week content here and all of our ”What If?” articles here.
As a sports fan, there are always moments when you find yourself asking years after “what if?”. What if a play had gone a different way? What if a penalty was or wasn’t called? What if a recruit decided to commit to Ohio State or decided to transfer to the school? What if a certain coaching hire was made? It’s crazy how one play or call could change how a season plays out, and even how it affects a program for years after.
During “What if?” week, there will be plenty of attention paid to the Ohio State football program, and rightfully so since there are plenty of events from years ago that fans still dwell on. Today we are going to focus on the men’s basketball program. Even though the Buckeye basketball team hasn’t reached expectations for a number of years, for nearly a decade they were in the conversation as one of the best college basketball programs in the country.
What we want to know is what Ohio State men’s basketball game is the biggest “what if” for you? What game is the one that still sticks in your craw to this day, and you think could have made a huge difference in the program had the result gone differently? With so many deep runs in the tournament under Thad Matta that never ended up with the Buckeyes cutting down the nets, it shouldn’t be too tough to come up with a game that ended with Ohio State missing a golden opportunity.
Today’s question: What Ohio State men’s basketball game is the biggest ‘what if’ for you?
We’d love to hear your choices. Either respond to us on Twitter at @Landgrant33 or leave your choice in the comments.
Brett’s answer: The Elite Eight loss to Wichita State in 2013
Ohio State entered the 2012-13 season coming off a run to the Final Four where they blew a lead against Kansas in the national semifinal. Who knows if Jared Sullinger, William Buford, and the Buckeyes would have been able to defeat Anthony Davis and Kentucky in the title game, but judging how the Wildcats handled the Jayhawks, it would have been tough for Ohio State to win. Even though Sullinger declared for the NBA Draft and Buford graduated, the Buckeyes still entered the 2012-13 season ranked fourth in the country.
During the regular season, Ohio State posted a record of 23-7, with all seven losses coming to ranked teams. The Buckeyes had a rough stretch in February where the lost three of four games, but they put things together late in the year, winning their final five regular season games. Thad Matta’s team kept the strong play going in the Big Ten Tournament, beating Wisconsin 50-43 in the championship game. Following their close to the season, the Buckeyes were placed as the two-seed in the West in the NCAA Tournament.
After an easy win against Iona in their first game of the tournament in Dayton, Aaron Craft hit a three-pointer with half a second left to give Ohio State a 78-75 win over Iowa State. Heading into the Sweet Sixteen, the West region was a mess, with the other three teams still alive being seeded sixth or higher. Out in Los Angeles, the Buckeyes again won on a late three-pointer, beating Arizona 73-70 after LaQuinton Ross hit a triple with two seconds left, setting up an Elite Eight battle with Wichita State.
With the Shockers being a nine-seed, it felt like a given that Ohio State would be heading to the Final Four for a second straight season. Unfortunately, the underdogs put the Buckeyes in a hole they couldn’t dig out of, earning their second Final Four appearance in school history with a 70-66 victory. Had Ohio State been able to beat Wichita State, they would have been joined in the Final Four by Louisville, Syracuse, and Michigan. Louisville was the only one-seed that made the Final Four, as Syracuse and Michigan were both four-seeds.
Ohio State would have certainly been tested in the national semifinal by Louisville, but it’s not like the Cardinals were an unbeatable team. Wichita State hung with Louisville in their Final Four battle, so it’s not unthinkable that Deshaun Thomas and the Buckeyes could have found a way to beat Rick Pitino’s team. If Ohio State had beaten Louisville, they would have taken on Michigan and Trey Burke in the title game. The Buckeyes beat Michigan by three in Columbus, and the Wolverines returned the favor in Ann Arbor, beating Ohio State 76-74 in overtime.
Not only would it have been amazing to see an Ohio State-Michigan basketball title game, it would have been great to see Thad Matta possibly get a title after two other Final Four appearances with the Buckeyes. Following the loss to Wichita State, things started to trend in the wrong direction for Ohio State. The Elite Eight appearance in 2013 was the last time the Buckeyes have advanced past the first weekend of the NCAA Tournament.
Had Ohio State been able to win it all, maybe recruiting goes a little different for the Buckeyes, and they bring in a few more high-profile recruits to go along with D’Angelo Russell in 2015. Also, there might not be as many transfers in the last few years under Matta, which left Chris Holtmann with some roster issues to work through after taking over for Matta. Who knows, maybe Matta sticks around longer since there isn’t as much pressure on him after winning a title. The loss to the Shockers started a downhill slide for Ohio State that they are still trying to work through.
Matt’s answer: The 2019-20 postseason
I know this is kind of cheating a bit, since the question was about individual games, but to me, the way that 2019-20 season ended could end up having dramatic implications on the program; heck, it probably already has.
In case you have blocked out that entire spring (and I wouldn’t blame you), here’s a refresher as to what was happening with Chris Holtmann’s crew. The Buckeyes were 21-10 having gone 11-9 in Big Ten play. They had earned the fifth seed in the B1G Tournament. However, the team was 9-3 dating back to a Jan. 26 victory over Northwestern. In their final five games of the campaign, they had beaten No. 7 Maryland 79-72, No. 19 Michigan 77-63, and No. 23 Illinois 71-63. The Buckeyes fell on the road to No. 16 Michigan State on the Spartan’s Senior Day 80-69 to close out the season.
At the time COVID put an end to the season, the Buckeyes were No. 8 in the country according to venerated basketball analytics guru Ken Pomeroy and projected to be a No. 5 seed in the NCAA Tournament. The Spartans were the only B1G ranked ahead of the Buckeyes according to KenPom, and the Washington Post even ran a bunch of simulations and determined that Ohio State would have won the NCAA Tournament that season. We even sold t-shirts celebrating the completely real and undisputed national title.
Now, I don’t actually claim that as a national championship, obviously, and I wouldn’t even go so far as to say the Buckeyes were Final Four bound, but you know what I would have been willing to put money on that year? The collection of Kaleb Wesson, Duane Washington Jr., CJ Walker, Andre Wesson, Luther Muhammad, Kyle Young, and a freshman E.J. Liddell getting out of the first weekend.
To this day, Holtmann has yet to take an Ohio State team to the Sweet 16, and fans rightly never let him (or anyone who says anything nice about him) forget it. I have to wonder how things would have been different had COVID never become a thing and the Buckeyes had made it to the Sweet 16, the Elite 8, or even the title game. Not only would that have taken away one of the major arguments against Holtmann’s tenure as the Buckeyes’ coach, but it also could have seriously impacted players transferring and who OSU landed on the recruiting trail.
But even if nothing other than the end of that season changed, and everything that has happened since remained the same, if Ohio State had done what many smart basketball people expected and made it to the Elite 8 in the 2019-20 season, it might have bought a little more good will for Holtmann following last season’s horrific season. While I still expect a marked turnaround for the team this year, if that doesn’t happen, Holtmann is almost assuredly out the door. But would that have been the case if he had taken his team on a deep run just a few years ago?
We’ll obviously never know, and there were clearly far more damaging things that happened because of the pandemic, but the impact that the cancelation of the postseason had on the Ohio State program really could have ripple effects for years still to come.
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