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LGHL Ohio State fans enter season with sky-high expectations for DBs and WRs
- News
- 0 Replies
Ohio State fans enter season with sky-high expectations for DBs and WRs
Matt Tamanini 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
You ask, we answer. Sometimes we ask, others answer. And then other times, we ask, we answer.
Before, during, and after the Ohio State football season, we here at Land-Grant Holy Land like to ask and answer questions about the team, college football, and anything else on our collective minds of varying degrees of importance. If you have a question that you would like to ask, you can tweet us @LandGrant33 or if you need more than 280 characters, send an email HERE.
We’ve made it, friends. We are finally to the first game week of the Ohio State football season. The Buckeyes take on Akron on Saturday and that means that we can finally dispense with all of the made-up, silly talking points and focus on what lies ahead.
But, before we get into game week stuff, we need to revisit the results of last week’s fan survey where we asked about the OSU schedule and the individual position groups on the team this year. We will have these fun little surveys every week of the season, so if you want to participate, check out the link below.
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Look, with all due respect to the environment in Happy Valley, I just can’t get myself excited about playing the Nits until they prove they have the ability to take a monumental step forward and do something. The Buckeyes have lost to PSU a grand total of five times this century (and not since 2016), and only two of those games have taken place in State College (and one of them was in the first year of the century).
So while I respect the tradition and the passion in Happy Valley, you’re not going to get me to be overly amped up about a game there until James Franklin can get out of his own way and let his team actually win a big game.
While I could have made an argument for this weekend’s game against Akron for the sole purpose of it being the season opener, I think I am going with Iowa. It will be the first (and probably best) test for the OSU offense to go up against a dominant defense before the postseason, but it also gives Ryan Day, Chip Kelly, and the players plenty of time to make adjustments. So, I’m excited for the Oct. 5 game against Iowa as a window into just how good the offense is, and how far it has to go.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25589229/OhioState_2_082124.png)
I love how close these two position groups are, because I too have no clue how to pick between them. If I had to choose, I think I would go with the wide receivers, just because I think there is a slight possibility of more guys getting meaningful snaps out of that room.
The defensive backs will be led by Denzel Burke, Davison Igbinosun, Jordan Hancock, Lathan Ransom, and Caleb Downs, and barring an injury, I don’t think that many other guys will see a significant number of snaps in high-pressure situations.
However, for the wide receivers, I think that people are dramatically overlooking both Carnell Tate and Brandon Inniss because of the talent of Emeka Egbuka and the potential of Jeremiah Smith. Then, when you start to throw in guys like Kojo Antwi, Jayden Ballard, Mylan Graham, and Bryson Rodgers, I think there is a legitimate shot for those guys to step up in important situations.
So, while I assume that both units will be absolutely incredible this year, I’ll go with the wideouts.
Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Ohio State fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
Continue reading...
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK
You ask, we answer. Sometimes we ask, others answer. And then other times, we ask, we answer.
Before, during, and after the Ohio State football season, we here at Land-Grant Holy Land like to ask and answer questions about the team, college football, and anything else on our collective minds of varying degrees of importance. If you have a question that you would like to ask, you can tweet us @LandGrant33 or if you need more than 280 characters, send an email HERE.
We’ve made it, friends. We are finally to the first game week of the Ohio State football season. The Buckeyes take on Akron on Saturday and that means that we can finally dispense with all of the made-up, silly talking points and focus on what lies ahead.
But, before we get into game week stuff, we need to revisit the results of last week’s fan survey where we asked about the OSU schedule and the individual position groups on the team this year. We will have these fun little surveys every week of the season, so if you want to participate, check out the link below.
Question 1: Which non-Oregon or Michigan game are you most looking forward to this season?
Look, with all due respect to the environment in Happy Valley, I just can’t get myself excited about playing the Nits until they prove they have the ability to take a monumental step forward and do something. The Buckeyes have lost to PSU a grand total of five times this century (and not since 2016), and only two of those games have taken place in State College (and one of them was in the first year of the century).
So while I respect the tradition and the passion in Happy Valley, you’re not going to get me to be overly amped up about a game there until James Franklin can get out of his own way and let his team actually win a big game.
While I could have made an argument for this weekend’s game against Akron for the sole purpose of it being the season opener, I think I am going with Iowa. It will be the first (and probably best) test for the OSU offense to go up against a dominant defense before the postseason, but it also gives Ryan Day, Chip Kelly, and the players plenty of time to make adjustments. So, I’m excited for the Oct. 5 game against Iowa as a window into just how good the offense is, and how far it has to go.
Question 2: Which Ohio State position group will end up having the best season?
I love how close these two position groups are, because I too have no clue how to pick between them. If I had to choose, I think I would go with the wide receivers, just because I think there is a slight possibility of more guys getting meaningful snaps out of that room.
The defensive backs will be led by Denzel Burke, Davison Igbinosun, Jordan Hancock, Lathan Ransom, and Caleb Downs, and barring an injury, I don’t think that many other guys will see a significant number of snaps in high-pressure situations.
However, for the wide receivers, I think that people are dramatically overlooking both Carnell Tate and Brandon Inniss because of the talent of Emeka Egbuka and the potential of Jeremiah Smith. Then, when you start to throw in guys like Kojo Antwi, Jayden Ballard, Mylan Graham, and Bryson Rodgers, I think there is a legitimate shot for those guys to step up in important situations.
So, while I assume that both units will be absolutely incredible this year, I’ll go with the wideouts.
Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Ohio State fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
Continue reading...
LGHL You’re Nuts: Taking the temperature ahead of Ohio State’s 2024 season opener
- News
- 0 Replies
You’re Nuts: Taking the temperature ahead of Ohio State’s 2024 season opener
Josh Dooley via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Kyle Robertso-USA TODAY Sports
How are we feeling ahead of the Buckeyes’ first game of the year?
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.
It’s about that time, folks. Ohio State football is finally, officially back! Well, as of this weekend it will be. You know what I mean(t). The Buckeyes host Akron at 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, on CBS of all networks/platforms. How odd does that sound?
Actually... forget I asked. I don’t want to think about it and potentially kill the vibes. Not even Gary Danielson and/or Brad Nessler can ruin the return of OSU football. Nothing against either, I just prefer my Big Ten football announcers to be all Gus, no brakes, if you know what I mean.
Getting back to the topic at hand; yes, the CFB season is really almost here. Week 0 was a nice appetizer, but now we’re eatin’, eatin’. Fans will be treated to several tasty matchups of ranked teams this weekend, while Ohio State should absolutely devour an Akron Zips team and program that has won seven games in the past five seasons combined. And now I’m realizing that I shouldn’t have skipped breakfast this morning.
Anyway, prior to this morning (yesterday), when Gene and I were trying to decide what we should debate and/or discuss for You’re Nuts, he asked me a simple question: “How ya feelin?” And at first, I thought that this was his way of reaching out to his favorite writing partner in a real, meaningful way. So I said “Great man, thanks for asking. I really needed that.” Only for him to respond with “No, I meant about the Buckeyes, you simpleton.” Which really ruined the moment.
But his content-creating mind was in the right place, even if his heart wasn’t. Gene thought that today would be a good time to discuss how we’re generally feeling about Ryan Day’s squad, before one play, one quarter, or one game causes us to overreact. And I agree(d).
So without further ado, I would say that I am cautiously optimistic about OSU as they prepare to kick off the 2024-25 season. I think they’re well-coached, loaded with talent, and fully capable of winning a national championship. I might even have a few coins on the Buckeyes going undefeated. That being said, my guard is still partially up for a few reasons.
First and foremost is the fact that the Big Ten is just flat-out better now. With the addition(s) of Oregon, UCLA, USC, and Washington, Ohio State and Michigan are no longer likely to separate themselves by October. There are now more than two big dogs in the race, three if you previously included Penn State. And the Buckeyes play all of those (other) serious contenders, as well as what should be a much-improved Nebraska squad. Some say that this season comes down to one or two games for OSU, however, I see four or five that could cause ulcers.
The other thing that has me cautiously optimistic – as opposed to overly or wildly optimistic – is the weight of expectations that may or may not be felt by Ohio State players and coaches. All offseason, the Buckeyes have been hyped up as world-beaters... But outcomes aren’t determined on paper! Games must be played, players must remain healthy and execute, coaches have to put their guys in a position to succeed, all that jazz. OSU will not simply be handed the CFP National Championship trophy; they’ve got to go out and earn it. And that’s really, really hard. Even for the most talented team(s) in college football.
As far as expectations go, mine are high for this year’s Ohio State team. Potentially higher than ever before. But I wouldn’t say that I’m cocky or over-confident. Because I think that the Buckeyes have a tougher schedule than some would like to admit, and pressure can sometimes get the best of people. However, all the ingredients are there in Ryan Day’s kitchen. And I firmly believe that he and his staff can perfectly execute a title-winning recipe.
So LFG!
I want to start out by saying that I am fully aware that I am a pessimistic sports fan (You can blame the New York Mets for that). I recognize that this Ohio State team is incredibly talented and well set up to make a legitimate run at an undefeated season and/or a national title. That being said, I do have my share of concerns.
At this level, when you are among the elite of the elite like the Buckeyes, the only real improvements you can make year in and year out are on the margins. Adding a five-star recruit at any particular position doesn’t change all that much when most of the other players both around them and on the opposition are of the same caliber. There is only so much that can be done to make tangible improvements from one season to the next, and to an extent Ohio State did a decent job of it this offseason.
First and foremost, they finally fired Parker Fleming, addressing several years of miserable special teams play. They brought in Chip Kelly to take over as a play-caller and take that responsibility off Ryan Day’s plate on game days. They replaced Perry Eliano, who had done a good-not-great job, with an expected improvement in Matt Guerrieri. Ohio State even made a potential addition by subtraction with Carlos Locklyn taking over for Tony Alford.
These moves, of course, are in addition to the several players coming in via the transfer portal, including Caleb Downs, Quinshon Judkins and Seth McLaughlin.
However, several of the areas where the Buckeyes have been lacking in each of the last few seasons went unaddressed this offseason. When you can only improve on the margins, leaving a handful of those areas uncorrected could lead to less than desirable results, and I am worried that these misses — three in particular — could derail what should be an otherwise excellent campaign for Ohio State.
The first and most obvious was a lack of aggression in the transfer portal along the offensive line. Sure, the addition of McLaughlin could plug a hole at center, but you are putting a lot of weight on the guy who played heavily into Alabama’s loss to Michigan in the CFP last season. You also failed to bring in an impact tackle, forcing Josh Fryar to once again play out of position when he would likely be much better suited at guard. This Ohio State offensive line returns a bunch of experience and should be improved from a year ago, but the coaching staff did not set itself up for success to the best of its abilities.
Secondly, we are heading into yet another season where the stubborn defensive line coach will prevent the defensive coordinator from running his scheme. Part of what made Jim Knowles’ defenses so good at his previous stops was the use of the stand-up JACK position along the defensive line. Larry Johnson, meanwhile, refuses to run anything other than a traditional four-down front. Ryan Day has neglected to squash this beef and force LJ to comply with the DC, and so now a position that would be near-perfect for guys like CJ Hicks and Arvell Reese will go largely unused.
Finally, Mick Marotti is still employed as the team’s strength coach. An Urban Meyer holdover, Marotti’s strength and condition program has failed its players time and time again, leading to a plethora of soft tissue injuries and cookie cutter ideals based solely on position group rather than a player’s skillset or body type. Marotti’s methods are outdated, and as a result Ohio State has fallen behind the other major programs when it comes to the physical development of its players.
Can Ohio State overcome these issues and still win a national title? Absolutely! This roster will be more talented than 95% of the opponents they will face, and I do think the coaching staff as a whole is in a great spot to help lead this team towards achieving its ultimate goals. However, when you have three glaring issues that could have easily been addressed this offseason, it leaves me with some hesitation to believe they will actually get the job done — especially given the increased difficulty that is the 12-team College Football Playoff.
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
Kyle Robertso-USA TODAY Sports
How are we feeling ahead of the Buckeyes’ first game of the year?
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: Taking the temperature ahead of Ohio State’s 2024 season opener
Josh’s Take
It’s about that time, folks. Ohio State football is finally, officially back! Well, as of this weekend it will be. You know what I mean(t). The Buckeyes host Akron at 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, on CBS of all networks/platforms. How odd does that sound?
Actually... forget I asked. I don’t want to think about it and potentially kill the vibes. Not even Gary Danielson and/or Brad Nessler can ruin the return of OSU football. Nothing against either, I just prefer my Big Ten football announcers to be all Gus, no brakes, if you know what I mean.
Getting back to the topic at hand; yes, the CFB season is really almost here. Week 0 was a nice appetizer, but now we’re eatin’, eatin’. Fans will be treated to several tasty matchups of ranked teams this weekend, while Ohio State should absolutely devour an Akron Zips team and program that has won seven games in the past five seasons combined. And now I’m realizing that I shouldn’t have skipped breakfast this morning.
Anyway, prior to this morning (yesterday), when Gene and I were trying to decide what we should debate and/or discuss for You’re Nuts, he asked me a simple question: “How ya feelin?” And at first, I thought that this was his way of reaching out to his favorite writing partner in a real, meaningful way. So I said “Great man, thanks for asking. I really needed that.” Only for him to respond with “No, I meant about the Buckeyes, you simpleton.” Which really ruined the moment.
But his content-creating mind was in the right place, even if his heart wasn’t. Gene thought that today would be a good time to discuss how we’re generally feeling about Ryan Day’s squad, before one play, one quarter, or one game causes us to overreact. And I agree(d).
So without further ado, I would say that I am cautiously optimistic about OSU as they prepare to kick off the 2024-25 season. I think they’re well-coached, loaded with talent, and fully capable of winning a national championship. I might even have a few coins on the Buckeyes going undefeated. That being said, my guard is still partially up for a few reasons.
First and foremost is the fact that the Big Ten is just flat-out better now. With the addition(s) of Oregon, UCLA, USC, and Washington, Ohio State and Michigan are no longer likely to separate themselves by October. There are now more than two big dogs in the race, three if you previously included Penn State. And the Buckeyes play all of those (other) serious contenders, as well as what should be a much-improved Nebraska squad. Some say that this season comes down to one or two games for OSU, however, I see four or five that could cause ulcers.
The other thing that has me cautiously optimistic – as opposed to overly or wildly optimistic – is the weight of expectations that may or may not be felt by Ohio State players and coaches. All offseason, the Buckeyes have been hyped up as world-beaters... But outcomes aren’t determined on paper! Games must be played, players must remain healthy and execute, coaches have to put their guys in a position to succeed, all that jazz. OSU will not simply be handed the CFP National Championship trophy; they’ve got to go out and earn it. And that’s really, really hard. Even for the most talented team(s) in college football.
As far as expectations go, mine are high for this year’s Ohio State team. Potentially higher than ever before. But I wouldn’t say that I’m cocky or over-confident. Because I think that the Buckeyes have a tougher schedule than some would like to admit, and pressure can sometimes get the best of people. However, all the ingredients are there in Ryan Day’s kitchen. And I firmly believe that he and his staff can perfectly execute a title-winning recipe.
So LFG!
Gene’s Take
I want to start out by saying that I am fully aware that I am a pessimistic sports fan (You can blame the New York Mets for that). I recognize that this Ohio State team is incredibly talented and well set up to make a legitimate run at an undefeated season and/or a national title. That being said, I do have my share of concerns.
At this level, when you are among the elite of the elite like the Buckeyes, the only real improvements you can make year in and year out are on the margins. Adding a five-star recruit at any particular position doesn’t change all that much when most of the other players both around them and on the opposition are of the same caliber. There is only so much that can be done to make tangible improvements from one season to the next, and to an extent Ohio State did a decent job of it this offseason.
First and foremost, they finally fired Parker Fleming, addressing several years of miserable special teams play. They brought in Chip Kelly to take over as a play-caller and take that responsibility off Ryan Day’s plate on game days. They replaced Perry Eliano, who had done a good-not-great job, with an expected improvement in Matt Guerrieri. Ohio State even made a potential addition by subtraction with Carlos Locklyn taking over for Tony Alford.
These moves, of course, are in addition to the several players coming in via the transfer portal, including Caleb Downs, Quinshon Judkins and Seth McLaughlin.
However, several of the areas where the Buckeyes have been lacking in each of the last few seasons went unaddressed this offseason. When you can only improve on the margins, leaving a handful of those areas uncorrected could lead to less than desirable results, and I am worried that these misses — three in particular — could derail what should be an otherwise excellent campaign for Ohio State.
The first and most obvious was a lack of aggression in the transfer portal along the offensive line. Sure, the addition of McLaughlin could plug a hole at center, but you are putting a lot of weight on the guy who played heavily into Alabama’s loss to Michigan in the CFP last season. You also failed to bring in an impact tackle, forcing Josh Fryar to once again play out of position when he would likely be much better suited at guard. This Ohio State offensive line returns a bunch of experience and should be improved from a year ago, but the coaching staff did not set itself up for success to the best of its abilities.
Secondly, we are heading into yet another season where the stubborn defensive line coach will prevent the defensive coordinator from running his scheme. Part of what made Jim Knowles’ defenses so good at his previous stops was the use of the stand-up JACK position along the defensive line. Larry Johnson, meanwhile, refuses to run anything other than a traditional four-down front. Ryan Day has neglected to squash this beef and force LJ to comply with the DC, and so now a position that would be near-perfect for guys like CJ Hicks and Arvell Reese will go largely unused.
Finally, Mick Marotti is still employed as the team’s strength coach. An Urban Meyer holdover, Marotti’s strength and condition program has failed its players time and time again, leading to a plethora of soft tissue injuries and cookie cutter ideals based solely on position group rather than a player’s skillset or body type. Marotti’s methods are outdated, and as a result Ohio State has fallen behind the other major programs when it comes to the physical development of its players.
Can Ohio State overcome these issues and still win a national title? Absolutely! This roster will be more talented than 95% of the opponents they will face, and I do think the coaching staff as a whole is in a great spot to help lead this team towards achieving its ultimate goals. However, when you have three glaring issues that could have easily been addressed this offseason, it leaves me with some hesitation to believe they will actually get the job done — especially given the increased difficulty that is the 12-team College Football Playoff.
Continue reading...
Wife is prepping for a bodybuilding contest
- By ohiostmuscle
- Open Discussion (Work-safe)
- 1 Replies
She's going to compete at 5'1" and 142 pounds.
