Four Storylines: No. 3 Ohio State women vs. No. 2 UConn in Sweet Sixteen
1ThomasCostello via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
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What to watch for in Saturday’s Sweet Sixteen battle in Seattle

Saturday at 4:00 p.m. ET, the Sweet Sixteen regional semifinal tips off in Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, Washington. It features two forces in college sports for different reasons: The Ohio State women’s basketball team and the UConn Huskies.

On the Ohio State side, their presence looms large over the sport in the size of the university’s athletic department and success across sports, even if the women’s basketball program doesn’t have a national championship trophy to its name. On the UConn side, they’re the winningest team in women’s NCAA Division I basketball, amassing a trophy cabinet including a nation-leading 11 National Championships.

There are numerous elements in this game. Here are four of the biggest storylines to focus your attention this weekend.

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In the Paint​

The UConn Huskies are a team that can hurt an opponent anywhere on the court but for the Buckeyes a spot to always watch is in the post. Ohio State isn’t a strong rebounding team and sides with quick dominating bigs create a liability for the Buckeyes.

UConn has that with forwards Aaliyah Edwards (17.0 points and 9.0 rebounds per game), Aubrey Griffin (11.6 points and 6.7 rebounds per game) and former Buckeye Dorka Juhász (14.2 points and 9.9 rebounds per game). Starting the game will likely be Edwards and Juhász. Of the two, Edwards has the traits to hurt Ohio State the most.

Nika Mühl Aaliyah Edwards pic.twitter.com/Fnuz8Bo098

— UConn Women’s Basketball (@UConnWBB) March 21, 2023

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“One of the things that makes her so special is just she’s an incredible athlete but she can play around the basket and on the perimeter,” said head coach Kevin McGuff. “I’m hoping, especially when we have forward Eboni Walker out there, that we can kind of match that a little bit.”

Since Feb. 13, Walker’s started every game for the Scarlet & Gray with forward Rebeka Mikulášiková suffering a high ankle sprain on Feb. 8. In those nine starts, Walker’s results have been mixed but she enters the Sweet Sixteen on the back of two strong performances.

Against the North Carolina Tar Heels on Monday, in the NCAA Tournament’s Second Round, Walker scored 15 points and had four offensive rebounds and seven boards overall. Walker’s most impressive statistic was having zero turnovers, showing the growing patience she’s brought on the court.

Walker’s also quicker on her feet than Mikulášiková, although coach McGuff loses the three-point shooting of Mikulášiková when Walker is on the court. Walker’s patience and agility near the basket is crucial if Ohio State wants to compete for 40 minutes against UConn.

Underclassmen forwards Taylor Thierry and Cotie McMahon will join Walker in that responsibility. In the Big Ten Tournament, McMahon excelled especially against the Indiana Hoosiers, cutting off passes to AP All-American forward Mackenzie Holmes.

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UConn’s Offense in the Press​

This season, something the Huskies haven’t seen a lot is a a full court defensive press. According to Her Hoops Stats, UConn is in the bottom 10th percentile for facing the press this season. Now, the perennial contenders go into Saturday facing one of the toughest presses in the country.

That gives Ohio State a distinct advantage, if the the Buckeyes’ press can get set. For that, there needs to be shots falling for the Scarlet & Gray. Should that happen, UConn will need to adjust.

Back home in Connecticut this week, the Huskies worked on the press in practice, hoping to duplicate it with practice players. The players chosen, according to guard Lou Lopez Sénéchal “the bigger ones, the more athletic ones” in an effort to replicate what Ohio State does on the court.

While a practice team might not get everything right, it still helps UConn who not only doesn’t see the defensive set often but they also give up the second most turnovers in the Big East. The Huskies give the ball away 16.4 times per game on average, with a turnover margin of -2.12.

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Jacy Sheldon’s Return Continues​

When you take a look at guard Jacy Sheldon’s moments since returning from a foot injury, there are highlights of a game-winner in the NCAA Tournament, well-timed steals and a team-leading 14 assists in the last two March Madness games.

Even so, Sheldon is healthy but still not fully back to the pre-injury star. Should Sheldon’s trajectory of increasing productivity and defensive effectiveness continue against the UConn Huskies, it makes a game that many think will be a Huskies blowout something much more interesting.

“We play much faster transitioning to offense when she’s in the game,” said McGuff. “She just pushes the ball so aggressively and everybody’s got to come with her. And then we’re more effective in our press. Her ball pressure, her speed quickness, ability to cover ground, quick hands just puts us at another level.”

ICE IN HER VEINS@JacySheldon | #GoBucks pic.twitter.com/irTTgA3QIo

— Ohio State WBB (@OhioStateWBB) March 20, 2023

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Sheldon’s scoring is also increasing. For the 23 games the Dublin, Ohio guard missed this season, the Buckeyes needed larger individual efforts on offense to make up for the Sheldon’s 19.7 points averaged in the 21-22 season.

In three Big Ten Tournament games, Sheldon scored 18 points, 12 of which coming in the 24-point comeback against the Hoosiers. So far in two NCAA Tournament games, Sheldon has 17 and 16 points against James Madison and North Carolina respectively.

If Sheldon finds the space to move and shoot against the Huskies, don’t count Ohio State out of the game.

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UConn’s Health​

An enemy for a lot of teams is the injury bug. This season, UConn’s felt it more than most. All season, the Huskies have mostly played with a 10-player roster thanks to injuries to star guard Azzi Fudd and Griffin. Not to mention guard Paige Bueckers and freshman forward Isuneh “Ice” Brady who each missed the entire season before it even began.

UConn returned both Fudd and Griffin as the postseason began. Against the Baylor Bears, in the Second Round, Fudd scored 17 points in the third quarter of the win and Griffin grabbed 12 rebounds.

However, like Sheldon, both aren’t back to their 100% selves. In Fudd’s five games, the guard is shooting 33.3% from the field, as opposed to her 53.4% shooting in nine games to start the season. For Griffin, the forward left the game for UConn against Baylor with back spasms, playing 19 minutes in the UConn victory.

The hope is both teams play injury free basketball, but the injuries leading to Saturday’s game still have an impact.

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7 Cent Drafts: The best Buckeye values from each round of the NFL Draft - 5th Round - Land Grant Holy Land
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7 Cent Drafts: The best Buckeye values from each round of the NFL Draft - 5th Round Land Grant Holy Land

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7 Cent Drafts: The best Buckeye values from each round of the NFL Draft - 5th Round
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 Mark Cunningham/Getty Images

These Scarlet and Gray legends produced the highest ROI relative to when they were selected in the NFL Draft.

Since 1936, the first year in which an official pro football draft took place, 481 Ohio State Buckeyes have been selected in the NFL Draft. Two players – Russ Thomas and Bob Meyers – were actually drafted into the NFL twice, in back-to-back (but separate) years. And 14 of those 481 former Buckeyes were also taken in the AFL Draft, including the legendary Hall of Fame wideout Paul Warfield. That makes 497 total draft picks for OSU since Gomer Jones was selected by the NFL’s Chicago Cardinals nearly a century ago.

Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Warfield counts for two

Of the nearly 500 Buckeyes taken, hundreds have enjoyed successful pro careers, while others flamed out and/or never played a snap after their time in Columbus. The Ohio State football program has produced NFL Hall of Famers, Pro Bowlers, Players and Rookies of the Year, ten-year tackling dummies, one-and-doners, monumental busts, and everything in between.

All of these former OSU football players share one thing in common, which is their affiliation with THE greatest university on the planet. Conversely, one thing that sets them all apart is their varying degrees of success (or lack thereof) in the NFL.

Another way to look at it is in terms of value. Each of these players produced value – positive or negative – for the team which drafted them. And that is what I am going to look at in the weeks leading up to the 2023 NFL Draft. I am going to attempt to identify the seven best Scarlet and Gray values, picking only one player from each round (length of the modern draft, and going in reverse order).

Before we get started, “best” and “most” must be sorted out. Best value is not the same as most valuable. And “most valuable” is not the same as “best value.” Warfield, Eddie George, Orlando Pace, Jack Tatum, or Jim Parker would inarguably be among the most valuable (former) Buckeyes at the professional level. All became team captains, Pro Bowlers, eventual Hall of Famers, you name it. But they were also taken within the first 20 picks of their respective drafts, whereas Dick LeBeau made the NFL Hall of Fame as a fifth-rounder.

I might argue that LeBeau was the better overall value because of where/when he was drafted. But going round by round means I do not have to choose between Pace or LeBeau, which is a good thing because there are already plenty of difficult decisions ahead... Without further ado, let’s go bargain shopping.

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Round 5: Dick LeBeau, Cornerback​

David Boss-USA TODAY Sports

Heavily featured in the intro above, LeBeau might be remembered more for his coaching career, which lasted 45 (!) years. But to ignore his achievements as a player would be doing a major disservice to this former Buckeye. Because LeBeau was a legend long before he ever wore a coaching headset.

A two-way contributor for Woody Hayes’ 1957 national championship team, he then went on to snatch 62 interceptions during a 14-year NFL career which ultimately earned him a HOF nod in 2010. We’re talking about an all-time great and one of the stingiest defensive backs the NFL has ever seen... A damn fine career for any player, let alone a fifth-round draft pick.

**LeBeau was actually cut during training camp as a rookie before he ever played a down for the team that drafted him. So his inclusion on this list could be argued against because he did not provide any value to said team. But it’s my list and he is a legend, so deal with it.​

Now, it should be pointed out that LeBeau was drafted 58th overall in 1959 — with a pick that would currently fall in the latter half of the second round. However, the NFL was much smaller 60+ years ago, and a fifth-rounder is a fifth-rounder. Interestingly enough, LeBeau became the most accomplished player from his draft class, but we’ll get to that later.

Prior to being selected in the 1959 NFL Draft, LeBeau was a two-way standout for Ohio State. And prior to that, he made his mark in London, Ohio, just west of Columbus. He chose to remain close to home (for college) and suited up for the Scarlet and Gray from 1956-1958.

As a halfback for the Buckeyes, LeBeau scored nine career touchdowns and threw a handful of passes... I think. OSU only lists official stats dating back to 1960, so we’ll have to trust the rest of the internet on this one. But it was LeBeau’s play at corner which caught the eye(s) of most NFL teams. The Cleveland Browns were particularly impressed and selected the sticky cover man with pick No. 58, making him the fourth Ohio State player taken in that ‘59 draft.

Unfortunately for the ol’ Brownies, they made the mistake of cutting LeBeau before he ever played a game in Cleveland. The team severed ties with their rookie DB during training camp, leaving the homegrown Buckeye unemployed for a period of time. Although not the start he likely envisioned, LeBeau did eventually find work with the Detroit Lions, for whom he played the entirety of his career. So all’s well that ends well, I suppose.

Initially a backup, LeBeau earned a spot in the starting lineup for the final six games of his rookie campaign. He then remained in the Lions’ lineup for over a decade, not missing a game until his second-to-last season in 1971. The ultimate ironman, he was paired with fellow Hall of Famer Dick “Night Train” Lane from ‘60-65 and helped form one of the league’s best secondary units.

LeBeau picked off at least three passes in 12 straight seasons and earned Second Team All-Pro recognition in 1964, ‘65, and ‘70. He was also named to the Pro Bowl three times, although not after his amazing 1970 season. As a 33-year-old corner that year, the soon-to-be coach came down with 9 INT in 14 games to lead the NFC.

Detroit experienced a mixed bag of success with LeBeau on the team, but his stellar individual play was consistent. He finished his career with 62 INT, which ranked third all-time in 1972 (LeBeau’s last season) and seventh all these years later. The former OSU great then transitioned to coaching immediately upon retirement and became one of the greatest defensive coordinators of all time.

For 44 years, much of it spent in the AFC North, LeBeau designed, developed, and coached some of the best defenses in the league. He helped turn the Cincinnati Bengals into a contender during the 80s and 90’s before overseeing one of the best pass-rushes ever in Pittsburgh. LeBeau has also been credited with inventing the zone blitz and popularizing the 3-4 base defense.

All told, LeBeau spent 59 years in the NFL. Fifty. Nine... A fifth-round pick in any sport is lucky to spend 59 weeks in the league, forget about 59 years spanning multiple generations. But this former Buckeye was and is one of a kind in the football world, making him the most valuable fifth-rounder to ever wear shoulder pads for the Scarlet and Gray.

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The changes for Dorka Juhász and Ohio State women’s basketball since 2021 transfer
1ThomasCostello via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
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Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images

Both sides are in a positive place following the transfer and Saturday the Buckeyes hope to get the upper hand

After three years in Columbus, forward Dorka Juhász graduated from The Ohio State University, playing three seasons with the Ohio State women’s basketball team. Following the 20-21 season, Juhász entered the transfer portal and landed with the UConn Huskies. On Saturday, in the forward’s final NCAA season, she takes on her former team in the Sweet Sixteen.

In those three years, Juhász was the face of a program in flux, missing the postseason in 2021 due to recruiting sanctions against the Scarlet & Gray. Even so, it wasn’t the reason Juhász traveled to Connecticut.

“Obviously, just for me, it was basketball, so I definitely — that was my focus, that I want to go somewhere where I can be challenged more,” said Juhász.

Even if the response sounds like a dig at Ohio State, it isn’t. There’s more beneath the surface. Juhász played three successful years with the Buckeyes. The post player from Hungary averaged 13.1 points and 9.8 rebounds per game across 75 appearances in scarlet, starting all but two of those games.

Juhász left for a new challenge, learn new skills for a move to professional basketball and the chance to play for a National Championship. Each thing she’s gotten under the guidance of UConn and head coach Geno Auriemma, except the National Championship piece.

Last season, Juhász played the first six games of the season off the bench before injuries and her own improvement put her in the starting lineup. Then, as the Huskies advanced in the late rounds of March Madness, the forward suffered an injury.

A wrist injury and surgery left Juhász out of the Final Four and the National Championship defeat to the South Carolina Gamecocks. Ending the most difficult season for the Husky in her five NCAA seasons.

This season, Juhász bounced back and then some. The forward started 28 games for the Huskies, averaging 14.2 points and 9.9 rebounds per game. While those numbers are down ever so slightly compared to her final season as a Buckeye (14.6 points and 11.1 rebounds in 17 games), the 22-23 campaign gave Juhász the growth she hoped to acquire from the transfer.

“This year just the whole different role that I have, just more dominant, obviously having more minutes, just a lot more pressure put on me in games,” said Juhász.

The 6-foot-5 Hungarian is still grabbing rebounds and causing issues in the paint, but on top of that there’s increased success from the perimeter. Overall, Juhász’s shooting is at a 55.5% true shooting percentage, a calculation combining effectiveness of two-point, three-point and free throw shooting.

Photo by Erica Denhoff/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

UConn’s 22-23 season, including injuries to star guard Azzi Fudd, meant Juhász had an increased role in the squad. Culminating in a selection to the First Team All-Big East as the seventh best shooter in the conference.

Now, Buckeyes’ head coach Kevin McGuff has to coach against the star he recruited onto his roster for the 18-19 season. A situation that became possible when the bracket was announced on March 12.

“Well, I was hoping because I knew they would get here,” said McGuff, half-joking. “So I was hoping we would play, get a chance to see Connecticut and her.”

Over the past two seasons, it’s clear that Juhász’s effectiveness, especially in rebounding, was missed by the Scarlet & Gray. Along with the transfer of fellow forward Aaliyah Patty, the Buckeyes post presence suffered. Ohio State forward Rebeka Mikulášiková, who started one game in the first two seasons of her Buckeyes’ career stepped in to start. A different style of player than Juhász.

However, even with that dip, Ohio State’s adjusted and became a new team.

“My time there, I don’t think we pressed as much as they did,” said Juhász. “Also, you know, having amazing guard play. Jacy Sheldon and Taylor Mikesell is just a duo that’s very deadly from anywhere on the court just making threes, making plays for each other.”

In the first year without Juhász, the Buckeyes won a share of the Big Ten regular season title. Also, coach McGuff’s side made it to the Sweet Sixteen for the first time since the 16-17 season. Knowing that the presence in the paint wasn’t there as it was in season’s passed, Ohio State leveraged their pace and athleticism.

It’s a situation that doesn’t always work in the transfer portal where both the team that lost a player and the player themselves each flourish from the change.

“I think we’ve evolved as a program in a really positive direction,” said McGuff. “So I think in this case, she went to a great program and we continue to get better, so I think both people are in a good place.”

That place is the Sweet Sixteen of March Madness. Now on Saturday afternoon, Ohio State needs to plan for Juhász.

This season, the Buckeyes have mixed success against bigs, but in most games the opposition gets the better of Ohio State.

USF forward Dulcy Fankam Mendjiadeu grabbed 17 rebounds and scored 34 points. Outside of the Big Ten Tournament win over the Indiana Hoosiers, forward MacKenzie Holmes averaged 29.5 points in two regular season games. Also, Iowa Hawkeyes’ forward Monika Czinano went 11-for-12 against Ohio State in the Big Ten Tournament title game.

Of the three most dominant forwards who’ve gone up against the Buckeyes, it’s a promising sign that Holmes and Czinano each were held to close or under their season averages for rebounding.

Regardless of Saturday’s result, with either the Buckeyes or Juhász and the UConn Huskies coming out on top, there won’t be bad blood between the two sides.

“It’s definitely a little bit more excitement, but it’s still just a basketball game that is a very important game all of us,” said Juhász. “But hopefully after the game we can have some time to connect with my old teammates and people that I know there.”

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Two Ohio State redshirt freshmen lose black stripe - Buckeyes Wire
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Two Ohio State redshirt freshmen lose black stripe Buckeyes Wire

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GALLERY: NCAA Regional Game vs Harvard – Ohio State Buckeyes - Ohio State University
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GALLERY: NCAA Regional Game vs Harvard – Ohio State Buckeyes Ohio State University

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Quick Hits: Larry Johnson, Six Buckeyes Break Down Ohio State Defensive Line, Early Progress in Spring Practic - Eleven Warriors
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Quick Hits: Larry Johnson, Six Buckeyes Break Down Ohio State Defensive Line, Early Progress in Spring Practic Eleven Warriors

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How to Watch: Ohio State women vs. UConn in Sweet Sixteen
1ThomasCostello via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Photo by Tyler Schank/NCAA Photos via Getty Images

Here are ways to watch and listen, plus some sites you can check out if you plan on making the trek west.

The Ohio State women’s basketball team is back in the Sweet Sixteen of March Madness for the second straight season. This time, it’s no small task going up against the champions of the Big East, and perennial top team in the UConn Huskies.

You can watch every women’s March Madness game with Sling TV. Here’s where you’ll find the games including channels, times and more.

How to Watch​

Time: 4:00 p.m. ET / 1:00 p.m. PT
Television: ABC
Streaming: ESPN3 on the ESPN app
Radio: 97.1 The Fan, Columbus

Head coach Kevin McGuff’s side takes on coach Geno Auriemma and the Huskies on ABC, giving the Buckeyes their first game on network television this season. The closest Ohio State came to a network game this season was Monday, in the 71-68 victory over the North Carolina Tar Heels, airing on ESPN.

In last season’s Sweet Sixteen berth for the Buckeyes, they played the Texas Longhorns on ESPN2. With UConn facing the Scarlet & Gray this season, the added notoriety is the likely cause of the bump up to the big network ABC.

The added availability of the channel, and higher stakes, makes Saturday afternoon’s game a good candidate for the most watched Buckeyes game of the season.

If You’re in Seattle​

Obviously, the best way to go is if you can watch live. Even if it’s not the shortest trip from the Schottenstein Center in Columbus to Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, the city has a lot to do before and after the game, and maybe games should the Buckeyes move on.

The first site to see is where Ohio State is playing. Climate Pledge Arena has gone through multiple renovations and after being the home of the former NBA franchise, the Seattle Supersonics, its not home to the WNBA’s Seattle Storm and NHL’s Seattle Kraken.

Stephen Brashear-USA TODAY Sports
Former Buckeye Jantel Lavender playing at Climate Pledge Arena in 2022 for the Seattle Storm

Something you can’t miss as you get to the arena is an iconic piece of Seattle construction, the Seattle Space Needle. Built on the site of the 1962 World’s Fair, the Space Needle is 605 feet tall, offering a 360 degree view of downtown, Elliott Bay and a glimpse into the Olympic National Park.

Also, if coffee’s your thing, a small local place called Starbucks is from Seattle, but don’t let it distract you from other local shops competing for a share of the caffeine market.

Food-wise, and flying fish-wise, the Pike Place Market is another spot anyone who goes to the city needs to visit. Watch as people throw and catch fish, while also stopping to buy food, drink and any assortment of things from local vendors.

Lastly, the greatest guitarist of all time, Jimi Hendrix, is from the area. That means you can bask in all Hendrix’s glory at his statute in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of check out websites like this one that gives you all the locations of his upbringing.

Photo by GENNA MARTIN/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images

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Successful Thursday leads into big recruiting weekend for the Buckeyes - Land Grant Holy Land
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Successful Thursday leads into big recruiting weekend for the Buckeyes Land Grant Holy Land

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LGHL Asks: Ohio State fans think Jayden Ballard will have breakout spring
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports

You ask, we answer. Sometimes we ask, others answer. And then other times, we ask, we answer.

Spring is a time of rebirth, where what was once dormant can come back to life with the vibrancy of a sunny sky and field full of flowers. That is the vibe from this week’s LGHL Asks fan survey. We wanted to get your thoughts on the future of the Ohio State football and men’s basketball programs, and it looks like there’s a bit of optimism in some places that we haven’t seen in a while.


With the football team in the midst of spring practices and the men’s basketball team squarely pivoted to next season, we asked about breakout football players, your feelings about Chris Holtmann’s program, and next year’s MBB roster.

If you want to participate in LGHL’s SB Nation Reacts surveys, check out our questionnaires every week.

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Question 1: Which football upperclassman will have a breakout spring?​

Overall, a pretty good distribution of picks here, but I like where your collective head is at. Ballard came in with a reputation for being an absolute blue-chip burner. But, injuries have prevented him from thus far living up to expectations like his fellow highly recruited receivers have.

However, appearing to be healthy, Ballard is getting a lot of reps this spring with Emeka Egbuka and Julian Fleming not participating due to injuries. Not only is Ballard a bigger focal point in offensive drills, but he also had the honor of participating in C.J. Stroud’s Pro Day alongside Marvin Harrison Jr. and Xavier Johnson. Obviously, Stroud and the OSU coaching staff must think pretty highly of him to put him in that situation.

With his speed, Ballard could open up yet another facet in the already incredible receiver room. As always, Brian Hartline has a great group of WRs returning this year — Marv, Emeka, Fleming, X — and some studs waiting for their turn — Brandon Innis, Noah Rodgers, Carnell Tate — but having an experienced guy with top-botch straight-line speed like Ballard in the mix could prove to be really exciting for whoever ends up behind center for the Buckeyes.

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Question 2: Following the Big Ten Tournament run, how do you feel about the men’s basketball team moving forward?​

When the Ohio State men’s basketball team is rolling, it’s a lot of fun to be a fan. While OSU will always be a football school, there is just something different about following a basketball team that feels different. Maybe it’s the frequency of games, the smaller venues, or getting to see the players’ faces, but the excitement is more palpable.

We didn’t get the chance to have that much in the second half of the men’s season this year (still definitely have it for the women), but in the team’s last seven games, that electricity was back with Chris Holtmann’s squad. And — at least for me — I think that Big Ten Tournament run helped reframe not only the season that has now passed but also what the expectations should be for the 2023-24 season.

While there will undoubtedly eventually be transfers out of the program, and could potentially be someone (or maybe someones) heading to the NBA, a big part of this year’s squad will be back in the fall, and they will be joined by an elite — and perhaps not yet complete — recruiting class.

So, the fact that this core group was able to stick together and make something positive out of what otherwise was a horrible season is promising. While I love Zed Key, his injury forced the young players to step up when the center’s season ended and it gave us the chance to see what the four main freshmen could actually do, and it was impressive.

Bruce Thornton took another major step forward down the stretch and Roddy Gayle Jr. proved that he was ready for the spotlight during the B1G Tournament. While Felix Okpara needs to bulk up to battle down low for a full Big Ten season, what he was able to do as the team’s primary big man was incredibly encouraging.

Of course, the jury is still out on whether or not Brice Sensabaugh will be back in Columbus or not next season, it only makes sense that he will test the NBA waters to access his draft stock before making his final decision. The only reason that wouldn’t be feasible is if the knee injury that ended his season is more substantial than people assume.

Either way, I’m with y’all, the young talent on this team has me excited for what’s still to come.

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Question 3: Who will be the men’s basketball team’s leading scorer in 2023-24?​

Personally, I would not have had Sensabaugh anywhere on this list, because I think he’s gone, but I am interested in Thornton at the top with nearly 1⁄3 of the votes. The young guard clearly stepped up as the season went on and became a dangerous scorer as his freshman campaign progressed.

Gayle also equated himself really well to a bigger role in the rotation during the tournament, so I’m ok with him being that high. However, I have to say, Key being down at just 6% behind Devin Royal — who plays his final high school game at Pickerington Central this weekend — is a little surprising. I know that Mr. Finger Guns’ shoulder injury this season made him far less effective than we thought he would be, but he is still a really solid post player.

I admit that the team did seem to have a much better flow when he was out, as the young, athletic players were able to run a little bit more and weren’t focused on working the ball into the paint as much, but I think that Key still has another level to unlock in his development and that Holtmann can work on a way to maximize the talents on the team to get the most out of the big man. So, I don’t know that I would have him at No. 1 or 2, but 6% seems a bit low to me.

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Ohio State women’s basketball facing UConn and the aura of UConn
1ThomasCostello via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images

See what head coach Kevin McGuff and players have to say about a game aginst the leading program in women’s college basketball history

There are 40 completed women’s NCAA Tournaments in the record books. That means 40 NCAA Championship trophies, thousands of student athletes lives changed and more pieces of confetti than any human can count. Of those 40 titles, the UConn Huskies own 11. That’s 27.5% of all NCAA Division I women’s basketball handed out in the country.

UConn is a program featuring legends of the game like Maya Moore, Sue Bird and Breanna Stewart. Each winning an NCAA title and carrying that into WNBA hardware. Even the most casual of sports fans has heard of UConn and head coach Geno Auriemma.

In 2023, UConn is in a slump. It’s been a whole five tournaments since the Huskies won a National Championship. There are kids entering kindergarten who haven’t seen Auriemma lift an NCAA trophy.

Heavy sarcasm aside, UConn has built the strongest and most consistent basketball program in the nation. On Saturday, the Ohio State women’s basketball team tries to do something no team has done to UConn in 14 tournaments in a row: End the Huskies NCAA Tournament before the Final Four.

Take a look around the world of women’s college basketball and a Buckeyes’ win on Saturday isn’t a popular opinion. On ESPN’s “people’s bracket,” a name given for who all brackets combined chose to make it into later rounds of the tournament, Ohio State has 19% of selections, compared to 81% for UConn.

Go into the world of sports gambling and confidence is also low for the Scarlet & Gray. FanDuel puts the money line at +410 for Ohio State and -590 for UConn. The spread sits at a 9.5 point victory for the Huskies. Both shared in an article with a headline including “(Huskies Dominate).”

Even the quickest dive into outlets who cover the Huskies exclusively and Saturday’s Sweet Sixteen game against Ohio State is a blip on the radar. It’s a technicality with eyes fixated more on the winner of Virginia Tech and Tennessee.

At this point, the point’s been driven home pretty clearly: Saturday’s game is UConn’s to win.

Fortunately for the Buckeyes, fans, gambling companies and UConn media outlets don’t determine which team moves into the Elite Eight, that’s what 40 minutes of basketball on Saturday decides.

For Ohio State, the initial reaction following Monday’s round of 32 win over the North Carolina Tar Heels was excitement fueled.

“I’m excited. I want to play UConn so bad,” said freshman forward Cotie McMahon. “So, yes. Very excited. Before the season even started. UConn.”

After a rest day for Ohio State, followed by the start of Buckeyes film study and practice, the response changed. The tone shifted.

“They’re a good team but all the teams we’ve played are good teams,” said McMahon. “So, its just another game for us so im sure its just another game for them. That’s it.”

It’s a shift that represents the game outside of the game. Before Saturday, Ohio State practices and strategizes to beat UConn, but until then the Buckeyes face the aura of UConn.

Combating it means doing what the team can to minimize or remove the aura from the conversation.

“As coaches, we always say, ‘if they show up wearing a different jersey that said Illinois or something maybe we’d play a little different,’” said McGuff. “So I think you have to get over the fact that you’re playing an iconic program and make it more about the players and the game and all that type of stuff and take that out as much as you can which is obviously easier said than done.”

Focusing on the players, UConn is obviously talented. Guard Azzi Fudd is returning to form following an injury that kept the sophomore out for 13 games in 2023. Forward Aaliyah Edwards is a dual threat who can attack the basket, force fouls and also hurt teams from the perimeter. Then there’s former Buckeye forward Dorka Juhasz who’s started every game for the Huskies this season.

That’s only three players on a team of all highly touted prospects. A team that also doesn’t include arguably their best player, guard Paige Bueckers who tore her ACL before the start of the 22-23 season.

The way the Scarlet & Gray win on both fronts is keeping their composure. It’s a trait coach McGuff’s stressed to the Buckeyes all season.

“I know it sounds bad to say but, not that we’re used to being down, but we’ve definitely had a couple games where we had to kind of not give up and work our way back up the top,” said McMahon. “So I feel like those games where we’ve been down a tremendous amount have definitely helped us and prepared us for March Madness.”

Looking at this year’s March Madness for the Buckeyes, their two wins are impressive in their own ways.

Against the James Madison Dukes, in the first round of March Madness, the Buckeyes went down 16 points in the second quarter before trimming the deficit to three before halftime. It wasn’t coach McGuff screaming at the players that changed the trajectory of the game. Instead, it was a season full of trials that turn panic situations for some teams into moments that have a knack for coming out in the Buckeyes’ favor.

Now, the name JMU doesn’t strike fear into the hearts of most college basketball fans, but they’re a team that’s made the tournament 14 times in their history of playing in mostly small conferences.

This season, the Dukes moved from the Colonial Athletic Association to the Sun Belt, quite a jump in competition. After being picked to finish sixth in the conference, JMU won the regular season and conference tournaments, handedly.

Then take North Carolina. They’re a team with more eyes on them because of the name and their spot in the ACC. Plus, they have outstanding players like Deja Kelly and Alyssa Ustby who give teams fits. For 40 minutes, Ohio State showed composure as the Tar Heels kept cutting back deficits, but the Buckeyes would adjust and push them back up.

Even at the end of the game, after the Scarlet & Gray led the game for almost 38 minutes, the Tar Heels had their first lead of the game. Ohio State didn’t flinch or crumble. Instead, senior Eboni Walker, who only began starting for the Buckeyes at the end of the regular season, kept her cool in a broken inbound play before guard Jacy Sheldon hit a shot in the paint to get her team back into the Sweet Sixteen.

Those are only the March Madness examples. They don’t include a 24-point comeback against the Indiana Hoosiers in the Big Ten Tournament, 17-point third quarter deficit to the Illinois Fighting Illini and down to both the Tennessee Volunteers and Louisville Cardinals in November. They all ended with Ohio State victories.

It’s clear that Ohio State has the ability to hold their composure. Now they’re doing it off the court before they plan to do it on the court.

“I feel like Uconn, everybody wants to play UConn just because of the name,” said McMahon. “But at the end the day they are just any other team.”

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Viktor Kiss Named Second Team All-American – Ohio State Buckeyes - Ohio State University
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Buck Off Podcast: Ohio State spring practice news, recruiting the state of Ohio, and Buckeyes on ABC
Chris Renne via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK

Spring practice continues for Ohio State as they prepare for the first scrimmage.

Listen to the episode and subscribe:

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

On today’s episode of “Buck Off with Christopher Renne,” I’m joined by Matt Tamanini to talk about the biggest news coming out of the Woody Hayes Athletic Center from Ohio State’s spring practice.

Before the big conversation topics, our first discussion is about Ohio State’s annual pro day and how the players performed. We get into the scene of the event and dive into why C.J. Stroud locked up the No. 1 pick on Wednesday. Then our attention turns to some other surprises, and a discussion about how a young receiver being out there signifies a big role to come.

After that, we turn our attention to the Ohio State media availabilities from this week to get into what we can learn from the coaches and players speaking. We begin this section of the show with a talk about what we expect from the scrimmage, and the importance the coaching staff will put on this glorified practice.

We continue on with the defensive line media availability. Our biggest takeaway gets into the importance of the health of a certain player in the interior. Then we get into what we can project about the depth on the defensive line and what we can takeaway from what the older players are saying about their younger teammates. We close out this section with why the Jack linebacker is gone because Ohio State does not need one — unless they have the type of player recruited for it.

With the talk about the defensive line, we have to discuss the offensive line, and that discussion gets into how the players who spoke might end up being the starters on the OL. Then we turn our attention to the Josh Fryar’s move to left tackle and the players stepping up on the leadership side of things in the room.

To close out the show, we save the best for last with Ohio State’s women’s basketball team taking on UConn in the Sweet 16. We get into the importance of the games being on ABC and why the Buckeyes are one of the most fun basketball teams to watch in the country.

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How to Watch: Ohio State women vs. UConn in Sweet Sixteen
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Photo by Tyler Schank/NCAA Photos via Getty Images

Here are ways to watch and listen, plus some sites you can check out if you plan on making the trek west.

The Ohio State women’s basketball team is back in the Sweet Sixteen of March Madness for the second straight season. This time, it’s no small task going up against the champions of the Big East, and perennial top team in the UConn Huskies.

You can watch every women’s March Madness game with Sling TV. Here’s where you’ll find the games including channels, times and more.

How to Watch​

Time: 4:00 p.m. ET / 1:00 p.m. PT
Television: ABC
Streaming: ESPN3 on the ESPN app
Radio: 97.1 The Fan, Columbus

Head coach Kevin McGuff’s side takes on coach Geno Auriemma and the Huskies on ABC, giving the Buckeyes their first game on network television this season. The closest Ohio State came to a network game this season was Monday, in the 71-68 victory over the North Carolina Tar Heels, airing on ESPN.

In last season’s Sweet Sixteen berth for the Buckeyes, they played the Texas Longhorns on ESPN2. With UConn facing the Scarlet & Gray this season, the added notoriety is the likely cause of the bump up to the big network ABC.

The added availability of the channel, and higher stakes, makes Saturday afternoon’s game a good candidate for the most watched Buckeyes game of the season.

If You’re in Seattle​

Obviously, the best way to go is if you can watch live. Even if it’s not the shortest trip from the Schottenstein Center in Columbus to Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, the city has a lot to do before and after the game, and maybe games should the Buckeyes move on.

The first site to see is where Ohio State is playing. Climate Pledge Arena has gone through multiple renovations and after being the home of the former NBA franchise, the Seattle Supersonics, its not home to the WNBA’s Seattle Storm and NHL’s Seattle Kraken.

Stephen Brashear-USA TODAY Sports
Former Buckeye Jantel Lavender playing at Climate Pledge Arena in 2022 for the Seattle Storm

Something you can’t miss as you get to the arena is an iconic piece of Seattle construction, the Seattle Space Needle. Built on the site of the 1962 World’s Fair, the Space Needle is 605 feet tall, offering a 360 degree view of downtown, Elliott Bay and a glimpse into the Olympic National Park.

Also, if coffee’s your thing, a small local place called Starbucks is from Seattle, but don’t let it distract you from other local shops competing for a share of the caffeine market.

Food-wise, and flying fish-wise, the Pike Place Market is another spot anyone who goes to the city needs to visit. Watch as people throw and catch fish, while also stopping to buy food, drink and any assortment of things from local vendors.

Lastly, the greatest guitarist of all time, Jimi Hendrix, is from the area. That means you can bask in all Hendrix’s glory at his statute in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of check out websites like this one that gives you all the locations of his upbringing.

Photo by GENNA MARTIN/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images

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Mikesell Named Regional Finalist for WBCA Coaches' All-America ... - Ohio State University
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Mikesell Named Regional Finalist for WBCA Coaches' All-America ... Ohio State University

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Successful Thursday leads into big recruiting weekend for the Buckeyes
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Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK

The staff continues to play host to several of their top recruiting targets today and the rest of this weekend.

There’s arguably not been an in-state school that’s been better to Ohio State over the years than Cleveland Glenville. Giving the Buckeyes Troy Smith, Ted Ginn Jr., Cardale Jones, Marshon Lattimore and others, the Tarblooders have built quite the pipeline to Columbus. To the advantage of the Buckeyes, this storied program is once again churning out elite DI talents year in and year out, with Ryan Day and company hopeful they’ll continue staying right at home for their college careers.

Last recruiting cycle, the Buckeyes were able to land linebacker Arvell Reese, and while most of the attention in the 2024 class surrounding Glenville is dedicated to defensive back Bryce West, there’s more the Buckeyes are interested in with this current cycle of recruits. That additional member being tight end target, Damarion Witten — a 6-foot-4, 215 pound athlete with a ton to be excited about.

The No. 190 player nationally per 247Sports, Witten also checks in as the 11th best tight end in the country and sixth best player from Ohio for the 2024 class. Damarion, who has already been to Columbus, will be making another return visit this Saturday, joining several other top targets to be on hand for a busy weekend. With first year tight end coach Keenan Bailey doing a bulk of the recruiting here, the two will share several points of contact this weekend.

Bailey’s retweet of Witten’s visit post certainly shows his excitement for him being on campus. This visit should go over real well.

I will be at THE Ohio State University This saturday , Can’t wait to get back down @ryandaytime @CoachKee @OSUCoachHinton @brianhartline pic.twitter.com/HnfGDjyanl

— Damarion Witten (@DamarionW1_) March 23, 2023

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2025 receiver checking in on Saturday ​

The amount of NFL veterans or former big-name stars that see their kids go on to the same type of success is always fun to watch. Looking at Ohio State’s current roster, and specifically with Marvin Harrison Jr., it’s safe to say the Buckeyes are thrilled to be capitalizing off that dynamic duo and certainly wouldn’t mind a few more of those type of players.

This Saturday another popular last name will be on campus when Jerome Bettis Jr. will see first-hand all the Buckeyes have to offer. A 2025 receiver, Bettis Jr. is a 6-foot-2, 175 pound athlete with early offers from the likes of Notre Dame, Arkansas, Boston College, UConn, and Massachusetts. Unranked right now on his 247Sports profile, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see his stock really increase when a rankings update for the 2025 class takes place.

Looking back at the offer list, it’s easy to see why Notre Dame is the favorite on the 247Sports Crystal Ball, with his dad of course having suited up for the Irish. Only a high school sophomore, there’s plenty of time for other major suitors to really get into the mix. No one is recruiting receivers more successfully right now than Brian Hartline and Ohio State, so having Bettis Jr. on campus has to spark some mutual interest here.

Fortunately the Buckeyes will be in a great spot either way with likely their picks at the spot.

I will be at The Ohio State University this Saturday! @Davis33Coach @RWrightRivals @MohrRecruiting @JeremyO_Johnson @Birm pic.twitter.com/g7KoDeTnZm

— Jerome Bettis Jr (@jeromebettisjr) March 24, 2023

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Quick Hits​

• It takes about two seconds to find drama on social media, and when it comes to recruiting, it’s probably even quicker. On Thursday, Hayes Fawcett, who specializes in many of the top recruiting targets’ commitment graphics, took to his account to share a photo of current Ohio State commit Jeremiah Smith in a Florida uniform while on a visit, and of course that had people talking.

Without going too far into this one, Smith is a player that will take visits and go through the process. He’s been pretty clear that he will attend other school visits, whether it be with his 7-on-7 team or via another outlet, but his words and praise for Ohio State and Hartline specifically should ease a lot of the unrest.

With him being the No. 1 receiver in the country for the 2024 class, of course any non-Buckeye content will be worrisome, but as long as Hartline is in Columbus, Ohio State should be fine — and those are words that came from Smith himself. In other words, don’t sweat a tweet looking for a reaction.

• Just yesterday, Chris Henry Jr. was a topic of discussion as he made his visit to see the Buckeyes on Thursday of this week. Coming away from his visit, it looks as if the in-state 2026 receiver target had another successful time in Columbus. As he continues to be one of the premier receivers for his class, it’s easy to see this recruitment being totally handled by Hartline in hopes to not only keep another in-state kid at home, but once again land an elite talent for his room as he’s done so many times.

Had a great time back in Columbus!!@brianhartline @ryandaytime @CoachJordan82 @CoachKRJones @CoachBerry3211 @REALPACMAN24 @Rivals_Clint @Mansell247 @JeremyO_Johnson @ChadSimmons_ #GoBucks pic.twitter.com/ss4REL0Cjs

— Chris Henry Jr (@ChrisHenryJr) March 23, 2023

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Boulais Named B1G Athlete of the Week – Ohio State Buckeyes - Ohio State University
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Boulais Named B1G Athlete of the Week – Ohio State Buckeyes Ohio State University

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Buckeyes Need to 'Get A Feel' for Brian Hartline's Offense - Sports Illustrated
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Buckeyes Need to 'Get A Feel' for Brian Hartline's Offense Sports Illustrated

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Buckeyes Ready for NCAA Regional Matchup vs. Harvard - Ohio State University
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Buckeyes Ready for NCAA Regional Matchup vs. Harvard Ohio State University

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Better Know a Buckeye: Calvin Simpson-Hunt Has the Speed, Physicality and Coverage Ability to Help Ohio State - Eleven Warriors
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Better Know a Buckeye: Calvin Simpson-Hunt Has the Speed, Physicality and Coverage Ability to Help Ohio State Eleven Warriors

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Women's Basketball: No. 3 seed Buckeyes have chance to end 30 ... - OSU - The Lantern
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Women's Basketball: No. 3 seed Buckeyes have chance to end 30 ... OSU - The Lantern

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Buckeyes C.J. Stroud Leaves Little Doubt As QB1 Following Pro Day - Sports Illustrated
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Buckeyes C.J. Stroud Leaves Little Doubt As QB1 Following Pro Day Sports Illustrated

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Ohio State’s men’s hockey team battles Harvard in the NCAA Tournament East Regional
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Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK

This will only be the second time the Buckeyes and Crimson have squared off on the ice.

Following Ohio State’s women’s hockey team’s run to the NCAA Championship Game, now it is the Buckeye men’s team’s turn to try and advance to the Frozen Four. After losing to Michigan a couple weeks ago, Ohio State was awarded an at-large berth to this year’s tournament when the brackets were revealed on Sunday.

The last time Ohio State was on the ice was nearly two weeks ago in Ann Arbor. The battle with the Wolverines was one the Buckeyes would like to forget. Michigan scored 23 seconds into the Big Ten Tournament semifinal, and the Wolverines added two more goals in the first half of the first period to jump out to a 3-0 lead by the 10:27 mark.

The Buckeyes got on the board 11:43 into the second period when Jake Wise scored a power play goal. Ohio State wasn’t able to build any more momentum though, as Michigan restored their three-goal lead six minutes later. Travis Treloar added a power play goal early in the third period, and Cam Thiesing netted a goal when Ohio State pulled their goalie with less than five minutes left in the game. The Wolverines scored two empty net goals to round out the 7-3 victory.

Ohio State will now head to Bridgeport, Connecticut as a No. 3 seed. This marks the 10th NCAA Tournament appearance for the Buckeyes, with their last tournament berth coming back in 2019, when they were shutout by Denver 2-0 in the first round. The Buckeyes have advanced to two Frozen Fours, with those appearances coming in 1998 and 2018.

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Preview​

Squaring off with the Buckeyes on Friday is the Harvard Crimson. The schools have only met once before, with Ohio State winning the lone previous matchup 4-2 in December 2008 in Columbus at the Ohio Hockey Classic. The Buckeyes did take on another team from the ECAC in the first game of their Frozen Four run in 2018 when they defeated Princeton.

Harvard is making their 27th trip to the NCAA Tournament. With 13 Frozen Four appearances, nearly half of their trips to the NCAA Tournament have seen the Crimson advance to the Frozen Four. The last Frozen Four appearance for Harvard was in 2017. Of all of those runs to the Frozen Four, the Crimson have only won one NCAA title, which came back in 1989 when current head coach Ted Donato was a member of the Harvard team.

Like Ohio State, Harvard earned an at-large bid to this year’s tournament. After beating Princeton and Cornell to get to the ECAC Hockey Championship, the Crimson were defeated 3-2 by Colgate. The Raiders scored two goals in the first 12:47 of the game to put Harvard in a hole they weren’t able to dig out of. Matthew Coronato’s power play goal at the 12:55 mark of the third cut the deficit to 3-2, but would be the last goal scored in the game.

The Crimson are the only team in the country that has three 20-goal scorers this season. Alex Laferriere notched a team-high 21 goals, while Sean Farrell and Coronato both netted 20 tallies. The trio scored nearly half of the 124 goals Harvard potted this season. Farrell enters the NCAA Tournament as Harvard’s overall scoring leader this year, as he dished out 32 assists.

While Harvard has three players that do most of the scoring, Ohio State has had a bunch of players chip in to score their 122 goals this year. Davis Burnside has a team-high 14 goals this year. Four other Buckeyes has scored at least 10 goals over the 38 games Ohio State has played so far this year. Cam Thiesing has 13 goals on the season, Jake Wise has scored 12 times, and Tate Singleton and Joe Dunlap each have 11 goals.

Trying to slow down the Ohio State offensive attach is Harvard goalie Mitchell Gibson, who has started 26 of the 33 games played by the Crimson this year. Gibson is 18-6-2 with three shutouts, a 2.05 goals against average, and a .925 save percentage. Countering Gibson between this pipes for Ohio State is Jakub Dobes, who was named All-Big Ten Honorable Mention this year after posting a 20-15-3 record with three shutouts, a 2.33 goals against average, and a .918 save percentage.

Both teams have shown they can play great all-around hockey at times this year. Ohio State is in the top-17 in the country in scoring, scoring defense, and on the power play, converting 22.4 percent of the time when they have a man-advantage. What is likely going to decide the game is if the Buckeyes can continue to be stingy when their opponent goes on the power play. Ohio State leads the country when on the penalty kill, not only killing off 89.5 percent of the penalties they commit, but the Buckeyes have also scored 10 shorthanded goals this season.

The winner of Friday’s game between Ohio State and Harvard will go on to battle the winner of the game between Quinnipiac and Merrimack, which will take place after the Buckeyes and Crimson play. Quinnipiac enters the NCAA Tournament as the number two overall seed in the tournament. The Northeast Regional Final will take place on Sunday afternoon.

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Time: 2:00 p.m. ET
TV: ESPNU

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Baseball: Ohio State earns midweek split ahead of Big Ten play
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Ohio State 1B/OF Caden Kaiser | via @OhioStateBASE on Twitter

The Buckeyes won one of two against Wright State and Toledo.

Tuesday, March 21: 3-0 Wright State​

Ohio State entered Tuesday’s in-state matchup riding high off of seven-straight victories, including a 2-0 start at home as they welcomed Wright State to Columbus. Unfortunately, the offense would not be up to the task to push the streak to eight games.

The Buckeyes were locked in a pitchers duel for much of the game, with OSU starter Gavin Bruni tossing 3.1 scoreless innings with just one hit allowed and four strikeouts before being replaced by Jonah Jenkins. Jenkins himself was strong as well, pitching 3.1 innings while striking out three, but a home run in the 5th by the Raiders gave the visitors a 1-0 lead. Wright State added an unearned run in the 8th and one last run in the 9th as Ohio State failed to score in the 3-0 loss.

Ohio State managed just three hits in the game and four walks as the bats went totally silent. The Buckeyes got a runner to second base on three separate occasions, but failed to drive him in each time.

Wednesday, March 22: 6-4 Ohio State​

With the way the offense performed on Tuesday, it would be hard not to play any better the following afternoon when Toledo came to town.

It was dicey early on for Ohio State, as the Rockets opened up the scoring in the 1st inning with a bases loaded walk and made it 2-0 in the 2nd with a sac fly. The Buckeyes responded in a big way, however, as a pair of solo home runs by Hank Thomas and Josh McAlister evened things back up. The game remained knotted up at 2-2 until the 6th inning, when Toledo once again took a two-run lead, this time with a two-run homer.

Ohio State managed to get a run back in the bottom of the 6th when Matthew Graveline scored on an error, and then it was back to the long-ball for the Buckeyes with another pair of solo home runs in the 7th inning — this time by Kade Kern and Tyler Pettorini — to take their first lead of the game, 5-4. The scarlet and gray added an insurance run in the 8th on an RBI single by Caden Kaiser as they held on to earn a 6-4 bounce back win.

Bill Mosiello used six different pitchers in this one, with Blayne Robinson ultimately earning the win with his one scoreless inning in relief. Landon Beidelschies earned his third save of the year after getting the final four outs of the game, but it wasn’t easy. Beidelschies entered with two outs on two on in the 8th, but walked a batter to load the bases before getting out of the jam with a groundout. He remained on in the 9th, getting all three of his outs via the strikeout to secure the Ohio State victory.

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The Buckeyes (12-7) will now start Big Ten play on the road, heading to Bloomington, Indiana to take on the Hoosiers (14-7) this weekend in a three-game series beginning on Friday, March 24 at 6:00 p.m. ET. Jeff Mercer’s group is currently riding a four-game winning streak, with their most recent outing a 15-5 win over Indiana State on Tuesday.

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CFB world reacts to horrible Ohio State news - msnNOW
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CFB world reacts to horrible Ohio State news msnNOW

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