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LGHL A moment for the Ohio State dance team: National Champs!
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A moment for the Ohio State dance team: National Champs!
Megan.Husslein via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
This team does not get enough credit!
Over the weekend, in between watching playoff football (go C.J.) and the women’s basketball team avoid an upset against Michigan State, I tuned in a bit to the National Championship competition for cheer and dance. I’ve never watched it before in my life, but wow was I impressed!
Starting with some backstory, Ohio State’s dance program has been the best in the nation over the past few years. In five of the last six years, they’ve won at least one championship at nationals, and last year, they took home three!
I must preface this by saying that I don’t have a total understanding on how dance competitions work; Even my friend who was a dancer said that college competitions are very confusing. But, from what I gathered, the main categories are jazz, pom, hip-hop and gameday.
There are two different categories schools are put in: D1A and D1. D1A are FBS programs, while D1 is FCS, so Ohio State competes in the D1A category.
This year, the Buckeyes took home first place for their jazz performance. It was an absolutely stunning routine. A lot of different factors go into how the judges score the routine. This includes the choreography, how creative it is and the level of difficulty, how the dancers connect with the audience through emotion and facial expressions, the execution of the movements, synchronization and the overall impression it left on the audience.
The Buckeyes finished with a score of 98.9206, which topped second-place Minnesota at 98.4286. I have to show you Minnesota’s jazz routine too, because it was just beautiful. I know that most readers on this site follow it for football coverage, but you have to appreciate both of these program’s dances, because I know the vast majority of us could never do what they do!
And, who doesn’t like ‘Dream On’ by Aerosmith?
Both routines were just astonishing, but fortunately, the Buckeyes came out on top. However, for the pom category, the Golden Gophers took home the hardware while the Bucks came in second. Minnesota had a score of 98.4762, while the Buckeyes scored 97.7143. Here is their routine:
How about that mid-routine costume change?! I just cannot get over how synchronized they are, too. I guess that’s why they are the best of the best.
Also, I have to shoutout the spirit team. This is compromised of Ohio State’s cheer and dance teams, as well as Brutus. They took home the national title as well, so the Buckeyes were two-time champs this past weekend.
The amount of strength, concentration and unity these teams have are just unreal. Plus, how can you not root for a team that brings home at least one championship every year?
Continue reading...
Megan.Husslein via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
This team does not get enough credit!
Over the weekend, in between watching playoff football (go C.J.) and the women’s basketball team avoid an upset against Michigan State, I tuned in a bit to the National Championship competition for cheer and dance. I’ve never watched it before in my life, but wow was I impressed!
Starting with some backstory, Ohio State’s dance program has been the best in the nation over the past few years. In five of the last six years, they’ve won at least one championship at nationals, and last year, they took home three!
I must preface this by saying that I don’t have a total understanding on how dance competitions work; Even my friend who was a dancer said that college competitions are very confusing. But, from what I gathered, the main categories are jazz, pom, hip-hop and gameday.
There are two different categories schools are put in: D1A and D1. D1A are FBS programs, while D1 is FCS, so Ohio State competes in the D1A category.
This year, the Buckeyes took home first place for their jazz performance. It was an absolutely stunning routine. A lot of different factors go into how the judges score the routine. This includes the choreography, how creative it is and the level of difficulty, how the dancers connect with the audience through emotion and facial expressions, the execution of the movements, synchronization and the overall impression it left on the audience.
The Buckeyes finished with a score of 98.9206, which topped second-place Minnesota at 98.4286. I have to show you Minnesota’s jazz routine too, because it was just beautiful. I know that most readers on this site follow it for football coverage, but you have to appreciate both of these program’s dances, because I know the vast majority of us could never do what they do!
And, who doesn’t like ‘Dream On’ by Aerosmith?
Both routines were just astonishing, but fortunately, the Buckeyes came out on top. However, for the pom category, the Golden Gophers took home the hardware while the Bucks came in second. Minnesota had a score of 98.4762, while the Buckeyes scored 97.7143. Here is their routine:
How about that mid-routine costume change?! I just cannot get over how synchronized they are, too. I guess that’s why they are the best of the best.
Also, I have to shoutout the spirit team. This is compromised of Ohio State’s cheer and dance teams, as well as Brutus. They took home the national title as well, so the Buckeyes were two-time champs this past weekend.
The amount of strength, concentration and unity these teams have are just unreal. Plus, how can you not root for a team that brings home at least one championship every year?
Continue reading...
2024 tOSU Spring Practices and Game (April 13)
- By ScriptOhio
- Buckeye Football
- 141 Replies
Ohio State’s 2024 Spring Game Scheduled for April 13
Ohio State’s 2024 spring game at Ohio Stadium is scheduled for April 13.
OHIO STATE’S 2024 SPRING GAME SCHEDULED FOR APRIL 13
Ohio State fans’ first opportunity to watch this year’s Buckeyes inside Ohio Stadium will come on April 13.
Per a graphic posted to social media on Tuesday by Ohio State defensive line coach Larry Johnson, Ohio State’s 2024 spring game is set for the second Saturday in April. Ohio State will hold its annual coaches’ clinic leading up to the spring game on April 11 and 12.
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LGHL Uncut Podcast: Thornton answers questions about Holtmann’s hot seat after loss to Michigan
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Uncut Podcast: Thornton answers questions about Holtmann’s hot seat after loss to Michigan
Connor Lemons via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Bruce Thornton, Felix Okpara, and Chris Holtmann talk after stumbling in Ann Arbor.
Throughout the season, Land-Grant will be bringing you uncut audio primarily from Ohio State press conferences, but also from individual interview sessions.
After Ohio State lost a game to Michigan on Monday that was labeled as a “must-win” game by many people, Bruce Thornton, Felix Okpara, and Chris Holtmann spoke to the collective Ohio State media that made the trip to Ann Arbor.
Thornton and Okpara spoke first. Okpara said that he and the team need to be tougher “in the final two minutes when our bodies are hurting and we’re tired.”
Thornton said that it’s a make-shots league, and spent some time pointing out that every missed layup and free throw counts and will bite you later on.
Thornton was also asked about the fanbase turning up the heat on his head coach and even commented on the fans who have been long calling for Chris Holtmann to be fired.
Holtmann himself said that he loved the fight his team showed in the second half when it went on a 16-0 run, but that his defense wasn’t able to support itself when shots weren’t falling on the other end. He also said, “Our story is not finished.”
Connect with Connor:
Twitter: @lemons_connor
Continue reading...
Connor Lemons via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Bruce Thornton, Felix Okpara, and Chris Holtmann talk after stumbling in Ann Arbor.
Throughout the season, Land-Grant will be bringing you uncut audio primarily from Ohio State press conferences, but also from individual interview sessions.
Listen to the episode and subscribe:
Subscribe: RSS | Apple | Spotify | Stitcher | Google Podcasts | iHeart Radio
After Ohio State lost a game to Michigan on Monday that was labeled as a “must-win” game by many people, Bruce Thornton, Felix Okpara, and Chris Holtmann spoke to the collective Ohio State media that made the trip to Ann Arbor.
Thornton and Okpara spoke first. Okpara said that he and the team need to be tougher “in the final two minutes when our bodies are hurting and we’re tired.”
Thornton said that it’s a make-shots league, and spent some time pointing out that every missed layup and free throw counts and will bite you later on.
Thornton was also asked about the fanbase turning up the heat on his head coach and even commented on the fans who have been long calling for Chris Holtmann to be fired.
Holtmann himself said that he loved the fight his team showed in the second half when it went on a 16-0 run, but that his defense wasn’t able to support itself when shots weren’t falling on the other end. He also said, “Our story is not finished.”
Connect with Connor:
Twitter: @lemons_connor
Theme music provided by www.bensound.com
Continue reading...
2025 GA WR James Johnson (USC Signee)
- By pnuts34
- Football Recruiting
- 3 Replies
247
Rivals
Twitter
HudL
Class: 2025
School: Douglasville(GA) Douglas Co.
Position: WR
Height: 6ft
Weight: 175lbs
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Rivals
HudL
Class: 2025
School: Douglasville(GA) Douglas Co.
Position: WR
Height: 6ft
Weight: 175lbs
Login to view embedded media
LGHL Ohio State makes cut for 2025 four-star cornerback
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Ohio State makes cut for 2025 four-star cornerback
Dan Hessler via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
2025 four-star CB Mark Zackery | USA TODAY Sports, 247Sports
The Buckeyes will also play host to a handful of recruits this week, including a rising 2026 Ohio CB.
The college football season has now come to a close, and it was one many Ohio State fans will want to forget — or at least hope it is something to learn from. While the season may be over, the Buckeyes’ coaching staff is still hard at work.
Since the start of the New Year, Ohio State has seen multiple players forgo a chance to test the NFL Draft waters in favor of returning for another year. Combined with the incoming recruiting class — one that ranks top 5 nationally — the Buckeyes should have one of the best rosters in college football.
Ohio State’s 2024 recruiting class has virtually been wrapped up since the end of the Early Signing Period. However, with multiple coaching changes occurring last week, a good number of recruits have elected to de-commit and reopen their recruitment.
Recruiting never ends for Ohio State, and once again, the Buckeyes made the recruiting headlines on Monday.
Ohio State is not only working on next year’s roster, as the coaching staff is also busy recruiting the 2025 class. The Buckeyes already hold six verbal commitments in the class, and are hoping to add to that as soon as possible.
On Monday, the Buckeyes moved potentially one step closer in earning a commitment from four-star cornerback Mark Zackery (Indianapolis, IN / Ben Davis) when he included Ohio State in his top 10 schools.
Alongside Ohio State, Zackery included Cincinnati, Georgia, Michigan, Notre Dame, Oregon, Purdue, Penn State, USC and Tennessee in his top schools.
Ohio State has long been recruiting Zackery, officially offering him last summer. He was also able to visit with Columbus multiple times last season. The Buckeyes will look to get him back multiple times this year, including for an in-game atmosphere.
The close proximity combined with his relationship with the coaching staff has Ohio State in a great spot in Zackery’s recruitment. However, they are not alone, and Notre Dame is also viewed as a top contender to land him; they have also gained some recent momentum in his recruitment.
The Irish have the lone 247Sports Crystal Ball prediction for Zackery, and it was cast just last week by 247Sports Director of Football Recruiting, Steve Wiltfong. There is still plenty of time left in his recruitment, but the Buckeyes will look to overtake the Irish as favorites before he commits.
The Buckeyes have already earned two commitments at cornerback in the 2025 class in five-star Devin Sanchez and high four-star Blake Woodby. Zackery would make for an excellent addition alongside these two.
Zackery is the No. 23 CB in the 247Sports Composite Rankings and is the No. 167 overall prospect. He is also the No. 2 recruit out of Indiana.
Hill does not yet have a star-ranking yet from 247Sports, but he does hold claim to an impressive offer sheet. Hill holds offers from the likes of Akron, Colorado, Louisville, Miami, Michigan, Penn State, Wisconsin, Notre Dame, Pitt, Tennessee, West Virginia, etc.
Continue reading...
Dan Hessler via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
2025 four-star CB Mark Zackery | USA TODAY Sports, 247Sports
The Buckeyes will also play host to a handful of recruits this week, including a rising 2026 Ohio CB.
The college football season has now come to a close, and it was one many Ohio State fans will want to forget — or at least hope it is something to learn from. While the season may be over, the Buckeyes’ coaching staff is still hard at work.
Since the start of the New Year, Ohio State has seen multiple players forgo a chance to test the NFL Draft waters in favor of returning for another year. Combined with the incoming recruiting class — one that ranks top 5 nationally — the Buckeyes should have one of the best rosters in college football.
Ohio State’s 2024 recruiting class has virtually been wrapped up since the end of the Early Signing Period. However, with multiple coaching changes occurring last week, a good number of recruits have elected to de-commit and reopen their recruitment.
Recruiting never ends for Ohio State, and once again, the Buckeyes made the recruiting headlines on Monday.
Ohio State a top school for 2025 CB
Ohio State is not only working on next year’s roster, as the coaching staff is also busy recruiting the 2025 class. The Buckeyes already hold six verbal commitments in the class, and are hoping to add to that as soon as possible.
On Monday, the Buckeyes moved potentially one step closer in earning a commitment from four-star cornerback Mark Zackery (Indianapolis, IN / Ben Davis) when he included Ohio State in his top 10 schools.
Alongside Ohio State, Zackery included Cincinnati, Georgia, Michigan, Notre Dame, Oregon, Purdue, Penn State, USC and Tennessee in his top schools.
Ohio State has long been recruiting Zackery, officially offering him last summer. He was also able to visit with Columbus multiple times last season. The Buckeyes will look to get him back multiple times this year, including for an in-game atmosphere.
The close proximity combined with his relationship with the coaching staff has Ohio State in a great spot in Zackery’s recruitment. However, they are not alone, and Notre Dame is also viewed as a top contender to land him; they have also gained some recent momentum in his recruitment.
The Irish have the lone 247Sports Crystal Ball prediction for Zackery, and it was cast just last week by 247Sports Director of Football Recruiting, Steve Wiltfong. There is still plenty of time left in his recruitment, but the Buckeyes will look to overtake the Irish as favorites before he commits.
The Buckeyes have already earned two commitments at cornerback in the 2025 class in five-star Devin Sanchez and high four-star Blake Woodby. Zackery would make for an excellent addition alongside these two.
Zackery is the No. 23 CB in the 247Sports Composite Rankings and is the No. 167 overall prospect. He is also the No. 2 recruit out of Indiana.
Quick Hits
- Ohio State is preparing to play host to a handful of recruits in both the 2025 and 2026 recruiting classes this weekend. The list continued to grow Monday as 2026 Ohio cornerback Elbert Hill (Akron, OH / Archbishop Hoban) announced he would be making his way down to Columbus this weekend.
Hill does not yet have a star-ranking yet from 247Sports, but he does hold claim to an impressive offer sheet. Hill holds offers from the likes of Akron, Colorado, Louisville, Miami, Michigan, Penn State, Wisconsin, Notre Dame, Pitt, Tennessee, West Virginia, etc.
I will be at Ohio state this weekend!!️@OhioStateFB @CoachTimWalton @CoachDuHart pic.twitter.com/3yTCiPKrfN
— Elbert Hill (@Rockk114) January 15, 2024
Continue reading...
LGHL I-80 Football Show: Examining the new era in college football and how Ohio State fits in
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I-80 Football Show: Examining the new era in college football and how Ohio State fits in
JordanW330 via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Three giants in the football coaching world are either retired or looking for new jobs! Welcome to a new era
Welcome to a new episode of “The I-80 Football Show.” On this show, we travel down I-80 to talk all things Big Ten Football. This is the only Big Ten Podcast that’ll cover all 18 teams. After every week of action, we will catch you up on all the conference’s games and look ahead at the matchups, storylines, and players you should be paying attention to for the next week. My name is Jordan Williams, and I am joined by my co-host Dante Morgan.
Congrats to the 2023 National Champion Michigan Wolverines. In this episode, Dante and Jordan discuss Michigan’s win over Washington for their first national championship in almost three decades. With a dominant run game and Michael Penix Jr. playing the worst game of his season Michigan cruised to a victory. Jordan may be hating but Michigan might be the most annoying National Champion of all time by trying to play the victim after their cheating scandal.
In other news, there have been seismic changes to the football landscape. Nick Saban retired from Alabama while Pete Carroll and Bill Belichick have parted ways with the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots respectively. Three titans in the industry with a combined 900 wins and 16 Super Bowls and national championships are either retired or looking for new jobs. Whether you like it or not, 2024 is the start of a new era.
With all the changes in the sport, the guys talk about Alabama and Washington’s coaching searches. Ohio State is making drastic changes to their coaching staff while Lincoln Riley has finished filling out his defensive staff hiring some big names. Despite all the big names, we’re not sure this is enough to fix their defensive issues. Ice Cube getting an award named after him is the subject of our weekly pitstop. Why do the NBA and the Basketball Hall of Fame continue to mess up anytime they try to add a new element to the sport?
Follow the show on YouTube: @JordanW330
Follow the podcast on Instagram: @I80FootballShow
Connect with us on Twitter: Jordan: @JordanW330 and Dante: @DanteM10216
Continue reading...
JordanW330 via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Three giants in the football coaching world are either retired or looking for new jobs! Welcome to a new era
Welcome to a new episode of “The I-80 Football Show.” On this show, we travel down I-80 to talk all things Big Ten Football. This is the only Big Ten Podcast that’ll cover all 18 teams. After every week of action, we will catch you up on all the conference’s games and look ahead at the matchups, storylines, and players you should be paying attention to for the next week. My name is Jordan Williams, and I am joined by my co-host Dante Morgan.
Congrats to the 2023 National Champion Michigan Wolverines. In this episode, Dante and Jordan discuss Michigan’s win over Washington for their first national championship in almost three decades. With a dominant run game and Michael Penix Jr. playing the worst game of his season Michigan cruised to a victory. Jordan may be hating but Michigan might be the most annoying National Champion of all time by trying to play the victim after their cheating scandal.
In other news, there have been seismic changes to the football landscape. Nick Saban retired from Alabama while Pete Carroll and Bill Belichick have parted ways with the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots respectively. Three titans in the industry with a combined 900 wins and 16 Super Bowls and national championships are either retired or looking for new jobs. Whether you like it or not, 2024 is the start of a new era.
With all the changes in the sport, the guys talk about Alabama and Washington’s coaching searches. Ohio State is making drastic changes to their coaching staff while Lincoln Riley has finished filling out his defensive staff hiring some big names. Despite all the big names, we’re not sure this is enough to fix their defensive issues. Ice Cube getting an award named after him is the subject of our weekly pitstop. Why do the NBA and the Basketball Hall of Fame continue to mess up anytime they try to add a new element to the sport?
Follow the show on YouTube: @JordanW330
Follow the podcast on Instagram: @I80FootballShow
Connect with us on Twitter: Jordan: @JordanW330 and Dante: @DanteM10216
Continue reading...
LGHL You’re Nuts: Who should Ohio State hire as its offensive coordinator?
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You’re Nuts: Who should Ohio State hire as its offensive coordinator?
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 Sarah Stier/Getty Images
The Buckeyes are in search of their next play-caller.
Everybody knows that one of the best parts of being a sports fan is debating and dissecting the most (and least) important questions in the sporting world with your friends. So, we’re bringing that to the pages of LGHL with our favorite head-to-head column: You’re Nuts.
In You’re Nuts, two LGHL staff members will take differing sides of one question and argue their opinions passionately. Then, in the end, it’s up to you to determine who’s right and who’s nuts.
The Ohio State football program has experienced — nay, enjoyed — a busy and fruitful month of January, helping to ease the sting of a rather dismal December (other than Early Signing Day). In the first few weeks of the new year, OSU has already added a handful of impact transfers and began to re-work Ryan Day’s coaching staff, while also retaining the services of several stars.
Oh, and Parker Fleming was finally let go, ending Buckeye Nation’s long, insomnia-inducing nightmare. RE: Fleming, it’s nothing personal. I think most fans want him to land a new gig and grow as a coach. But the Buckeyes’ special teams units have stunk out loud under his direction. So it was beyond time.
However, one move that Day and Ohio State have not yet made is the selection or naming of a new offensive coordinator (playcaller) and/or quarterbacks coach... If that is indeed the plan. Adding a non-Day playcaller is something that many fans have wanted for years, while replacing Cory Dennis with an actual QB “expert” now seems prudent after the lackluster performance(s) of Devin Brown and Lincoln Kienholz. And to a certain extent, Kyle McCord.
But ultimately, Day has to want to pull the trigger on such a move. And be willing to hand over the playcalling duties...
Fortunately, the Buckeyes’ head coach finally seems willing to do so. Or at least that is what has been rumored on the ol’ interweb, as well as several podcast progrums. And there have even been real, non-fictional names attached to these rumors! Such as Dan Mullen, Jason Candle, and Liam Coen.
While all of the names above carry a certain amount of cache, they may or may not be the ideal candidate for OSU’s hypothetically-open(?) OC/QB coach role. And what do I mean by “ideal”? Of course I mean respected and desired by the likes of Gene Ross and yours truly, thanks to their previous success, giant football brain, and/or ties to Ohio State... Actual fit and qualifications are secondary or tertiary in terms of importance here.
So that is the topic for today’s edition of You’re Nuts. Gene and I each came up with one ideal candidate to inherit playcalling duties and presumably coach QBs in Columbus. Whether Ryan Day listens to either one of us is TBD. But he would be wise to at least read the next few paragraphs.
My ideal candidate is current (interim) offensive coordinator and QBs coach for the Buffalo Bills, Joe Brady. Primarily known for his work with LSU in 2019, Brady is only 34 years old and already boasts a decade of high-level coaching experience. Furthermore, he has worked with multiple position groups and under highly respected coaches such as Sean Payton, Ed Orgeron, and Matt Rhule. Say what you will about the latter two, but Coach O has a ring and Rhule gets plenty of love in coaching circles.
While Brady gained notoriety as the passing game coordinator and wide receivers coach for LSU in 2019, that has little (or nothing) to do with why I want him as the Buckeyes’ playcaller. Plus, Ohio State already has Brian Hartline fulfilling those duties. No, I want Brady in Columbus because of the work that he has done with Buffalo.
Brady has helped turn around an underperforming Bills offense, while also getting the most out of RB James Cook and QB Josh Allen — AKA a rich man’s Will Howard. The former had been severely underutilized with (former BUF OC) Ken Dorsey calling the shots, while the latter... Well, he has sort of always been awesome. But there are comps between him and the Buckeyes’ new QB, so why not bring in the guy who has been directing the tank and aiming the rocket launcher!? Just to be clear: Josh Allen is both the human tank and the human rocket launcher in this scenario.
Brady’s ability to achieve balance in Buffalo has been impressive. If you watched the Bills in previous seasons, you know that their offense relied solely on Allen and WR Stefon Diggs. But since taking over as the team’s playcaller, not only has Brady helped keep Allen playing at an MVP level, but he has also turned Cook into a legitimate 1,000-yard back. Now, the latter still doesn't (get to) score touchdowns, but that’s between Brady and my fantasy team. We’ll talk if he comes to Columbus.
Ryan Day has always talked about the importance of balance, and Joe Brady seems to have found it in Buffalo. And when you also take into account the latter’s combination of youth and championship-level experience, don’t you just sort of see the PERFECT candidate for what we think is an open OC role with Ohio State? I mean, imagine a little bit of the 2019 LSU passing game mixed with Will The Tank Howard getting downhill and plowing over defenders.
I’m getting ahead of myself, Gene! Tell me I’m dreaming, or give me a better candidate than Joseph no middle name on Wiki Brady!
While I don't really have a strong take as to who I want as Ohio State’s offensive coordinator in 2024, I know that two things are true: Ryan Day has to finally pass the sticks, and Corey Dennis has to be shown the door.
Dennis’ only claim to fame as a coach was being the son-in-law of former Buckeyes head coach Urban Meyer. He had no prior coaching experience beforehand, and Ohio State is definitely not a place to cut your teeth and learn on the job. While the Buckeyes have had strong quarterback play throughout Dennis’ tenure in Columbus before 2023, likely all of that credit falls on the shoulders of Day. It is time to move on from the Meyer nepotism hire, and find a coach who can actually work with the quarterbacks and take some of the load off the head coach in the QB training department.
In terms of Day as a play-caller, he was really solid in his first few seasons at Ohio State, but the weight of being the program’s CEO in addition to all of his other responsibilities as the headman has resulted in a steady decline in the team’s offensive output. There is a reason a play-calling head coach has not won a national title since Jimbo Fisher in 2013 — it is simply too much to ask. Especially in today’s college football landscape, where in addition to recruiting and game planning you also have to worry about the transfer portal, NIL and a host of other issues, calling plays on game day is a huge ask.
As such, Day needs a guy who can come in and make his life easier elsewhere by helping to actually coach the quarterbacks as well as being trusted to call plays on Saturdays. While I didn’t like the idea of this hire originally, I can see a lot of reasons why a guy like Dan Mullen could be a good fit at Ohio State.
Mullen has 13 years of head coaching experience between Mississippi State and Florida, most recently serving as the Gators’ headman from 2018-21 before spending the last few years as a TV analyst for ESPN. Mullen spent time working under Urban Meyer as the quarterbacks coach at Utah, where he helped Alex Smith become the No. 1 overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft. He then followed Meyer to Florida as the QB coach and offensive coordinator, where he aided Tim Tebow to a Heisman Trophy season, and later coached Dak Prescott at Mississippi State.
Mullen also has ties to Ryan Day, as the two spent time together at Florida when Day was a grad assistant with the Gators in 2005. The two coaches also both hail from New Hampshire. He is a well-known commodity, winning 103 games in his head coaching career, and has largely had strong offenses during his stints in both Starkville and Gainesville. Mullen also posted a 7-3 record in bowl games, winning four of his last five postseason contests.
The one area I worry about Mullen is on the recruiting trail, where he has never really been all that willing a recruiter. It is a little easier to stomach that if he is spending the majority of his time coaching the QBs and designing the offense, as it will free up more time for both Ryan Day and Brian Hartline to hit the trail — both of whom are some of the nation’s top recruiters. It would also be interesting to see if Mullen could adapt to new and evolving trends among college football offenses, and how he would be able to utilize an Ohio State offense that features far more talent across the board than any of his prior teams.
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 Sarah Stier/Getty Images
The Buckeyes are in search of their next play-caller.
Everybody knows that one of the best parts of being a sports fan is debating and dissecting the most (and least) important questions in the sporting world with your friends. So, we’re bringing that to the pages of LGHL with our favorite head-to-head column: You’re Nuts.
In You’re Nuts, two LGHL staff members will take differing sides of one question and argue their opinions passionately. Then, in the end, it’s up to you to determine who’s right and who’s nuts.
This week’s topic: Who should Ohio State hire as its offensive coordinator?
Josh’s Take
The Ohio State football program has experienced — nay, enjoyed — a busy and fruitful month of January, helping to ease the sting of a rather dismal December (other than Early Signing Day). In the first few weeks of the new year, OSU has already added a handful of impact transfers and began to re-work Ryan Day’s coaching staff, while also retaining the services of several stars.
Oh, and Parker Fleming was finally let go, ending Buckeye Nation’s long, insomnia-inducing nightmare. RE: Fleming, it’s nothing personal. I think most fans want him to land a new gig and grow as a coach. But the Buckeyes’ special teams units have stunk out loud under his direction. So it was beyond time.
However, one move that Day and Ohio State have not yet made is the selection or naming of a new offensive coordinator (playcaller) and/or quarterbacks coach... If that is indeed the plan. Adding a non-Day playcaller is something that many fans have wanted for years, while replacing Cory Dennis with an actual QB “expert” now seems prudent after the lackluster performance(s) of Devin Brown and Lincoln Kienholz. And to a certain extent, Kyle McCord.
But ultimately, Day has to want to pull the trigger on such a move. And be willing to hand over the playcalling duties...
Fortunately, the Buckeyes’ head coach finally seems willing to do so. Or at least that is what has been rumored on the ol’ interweb, as well as several podcast progrums. And there have even been real, non-fictional names attached to these rumors! Such as Dan Mullen, Jason Candle, and Liam Coen.
While all of the names above carry a certain amount of cache, they may or may not be the ideal candidate for OSU’s hypothetically-open(?) OC/QB coach role. And what do I mean by “ideal”? Of course I mean respected and desired by the likes of Gene Ross and yours truly, thanks to their previous success, giant football brain, and/or ties to Ohio State... Actual fit and qualifications are secondary or tertiary in terms of importance here.
So that is the topic for today’s edition of You’re Nuts. Gene and I each came up with one ideal candidate to inherit playcalling duties and presumably coach QBs in Columbus. Whether Ryan Day listens to either one of us is TBD. But he would be wise to at least read the next few paragraphs.
My ideal candidate is current (interim) offensive coordinator and QBs coach for the Buffalo Bills, Joe Brady. Primarily known for his work with LSU in 2019, Brady is only 34 years old and already boasts a decade of high-level coaching experience. Furthermore, he has worked with multiple position groups and under highly respected coaches such as Sean Payton, Ed Orgeron, and Matt Rhule. Say what you will about the latter two, but Coach O has a ring and Rhule gets plenty of love in coaching circles.
While Brady gained notoriety as the passing game coordinator and wide receivers coach for LSU in 2019, that has little (or nothing) to do with why I want him as the Buckeyes’ playcaller. Plus, Ohio State already has Brian Hartline fulfilling those duties. No, I want Brady in Columbus because of the work that he has done with Buffalo.
Brady has helped turn around an underperforming Bills offense, while also getting the most out of RB James Cook and QB Josh Allen — AKA a rich man’s Will Howard. The former had been severely underutilized with (former BUF OC) Ken Dorsey calling the shots, while the latter... Well, he has sort of always been awesome. But there are comps between him and the Buckeyes’ new QB, so why not bring in the guy who has been directing the tank and aiming the rocket launcher!? Just to be clear: Josh Allen is both the human tank and the human rocket launcher in this scenario.
Brady’s ability to achieve balance in Buffalo has been impressive. If you watched the Bills in previous seasons, you know that their offense relied solely on Allen and WR Stefon Diggs. But since taking over as the team’s playcaller, not only has Brady helped keep Allen playing at an MVP level, but he has also turned Cook into a legitimate 1,000-yard back. Now, the latter still doesn't (get to) score touchdowns, but that’s between Brady and my fantasy team. We’ll talk if he comes to Columbus.
Ryan Day has always talked about the importance of balance, and Joe Brady seems to have found it in Buffalo. And when you also take into account the latter’s combination of youth and championship-level experience, don’t you just sort of see the PERFECT candidate for what we think is an open OC role with Ohio State? I mean, imagine a little bit of the 2019 LSU passing game mixed with Will The Tank Howard getting downhill and plowing over defenders.
I’m getting ahead of myself, Gene! Tell me I’m dreaming, or give me a better candidate than Joseph no middle name on Wiki Brady!
Gene’s Take
While I don't really have a strong take as to who I want as Ohio State’s offensive coordinator in 2024, I know that two things are true: Ryan Day has to finally pass the sticks, and Corey Dennis has to be shown the door.
Dennis’ only claim to fame as a coach was being the son-in-law of former Buckeyes head coach Urban Meyer. He had no prior coaching experience beforehand, and Ohio State is definitely not a place to cut your teeth and learn on the job. While the Buckeyes have had strong quarterback play throughout Dennis’ tenure in Columbus before 2023, likely all of that credit falls on the shoulders of Day. It is time to move on from the Meyer nepotism hire, and find a coach who can actually work with the quarterbacks and take some of the load off the head coach in the QB training department.
In terms of Day as a play-caller, he was really solid in his first few seasons at Ohio State, but the weight of being the program’s CEO in addition to all of his other responsibilities as the headman has resulted in a steady decline in the team’s offensive output. There is a reason a play-calling head coach has not won a national title since Jimbo Fisher in 2013 — it is simply too much to ask. Especially in today’s college football landscape, where in addition to recruiting and game planning you also have to worry about the transfer portal, NIL and a host of other issues, calling plays on game day is a huge ask.
As such, Day needs a guy who can come in and make his life easier elsewhere by helping to actually coach the quarterbacks as well as being trusted to call plays on Saturdays. While I didn’t like the idea of this hire originally, I can see a lot of reasons why a guy like Dan Mullen could be a good fit at Ohio State.
Mullen has 13 years of head coaching experience between Mississippi State and Florida, most recently serving as the Gators’ headman from 2018-21 before spending the last few years as a TV analyst for ESPN. Mullen spent time working under Urban Meyer as the quarterbacks coach at Utah, where he helped Alex Smith become the No. 1 overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft. He then followed Meyer to Florida as the QB coach and offensive coordinator, where he aided Tim Tebow to a Heisman Trophy season, and later coached Dak Prescott at Mississippi State.
Mullen also has ties to Ryan Day, as the two spent time together at Florida when Day was a grad assistant with the Gators in 2005. The two coaches also both hail from New Hampshire. He is a well-known commodity, winning 103 games in his head coaching career, and has largely had strong offenses during his stints in both Starkville and Gainesville. Mullen also posted a 7-3 record in bowl games, winning four of his last five postseason contests.
The one area I worry about Mullen is on the recruiting trail, where he has never really been all that willing a recruiter. It is a little easier to stomach that if he is spending the majority of his time coaching the QBs and designing the offense, as it will free up more time for both Ryan Day and Brian Hartline to hit the trail — both of whom are some of the nation’s top recruiters. It would also be interesting to see if Mullen could adapt to new and evolving trends among college football offenses, and how he would be able to utilize an Ohio State offense that features far more talent across the board than any of his prior teams.
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