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LGHL You’re Nuts: Who is Notre Dame’s biggest villain to you for the next week?
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You’re Nuts: Who is Notre Dame’s biggest villain to you for the next week?
Brett Ludwiczak via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Adam Cairns-Imagn Images
Your (almost) daily dose of good-natured, Ohio State banter.
By beating Texas on Friday night in the Cotton Bowl, Ohio State secured their spot in the College Football Playoff Championship Game, where they’ll take on Notre Dame in Atlanta on Monday night. The Buckeyes and Fighting Irish have met eight previous times, including a home-and-home series that took place in 2022 and 2023. Ohio State has gotten the better of Notre Dame recently, winning the last six meetings between the programs. The last time the Fighting Irish won a meeting between the schools was all the way back in 1936.
With having as much history as Notre Dame does, there are going to be some villains to go along with the heroes the school has cultivated over the decades. Even though Buckeye fans aren’t going to have a lack of material when it comes to smack talk ahead of Monday night’s title game, we figured that we could add to the arsenal. Today we are going to look at some of Notre Dame’s worst villains.
Now we aren’t looking to get too deeply personal with venomous attacks, we are just trying to have some fun to spice up the banter between fans ahead of the title tilt. Your choice doesn’t have to be a current player since there are plenty of people associated with the Notre Dame football program and beyond within the school that are potential targets. Maybe it is a Fighting Irish player or coach that you disliked over the years, or it could be an alum that has made it a habit of sticking their foot in their mouth.
The last two years, former Notre Dame Malik Zaire has popped up ahead of Notre Dame’s games with Ohio State, said some idiotic things, then disappeared back down whatever hole he crawled out of. This year is no different. Zaire has already tried running down Will Howard’s play, called out Jeremiah Smith’s lack of production in the Cotton Bowl, and taken a shot at Jack Sawyer for what he said after Michigan planted their flag at Ohio Stadium. For some reason, Zaire thinks that Notre Dame is going to roll over the Buckeyes in Atlanta.
Since Zaire was born in Kettering and played his high school football at Archbishop Alter, I’m going to assume he is still upset that Ohio State didn’t make him a priority while recruiting him out of high school. Even though the Buckeyes offered Zaire, they signed J.T. Barrett as part of their 2013 recruiting class. Zaire threw 154 passes and six touchdowns in his college career, which included his senior season at Florida. It’s obvious Ohio State made the right decision since Barrett totaled 147 touchdowns in four seasons in Columbus.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25830327/599237600.jpg "Notre Dame v Texas")
Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images
I know I’ve never played a down of college football so I’m not going to claim to know more than he does about the game. I do know a clown when I see one, though. Zaire never could live up to his potential on the field, so he has to cut down those he sees as a threat to where he spent most of his college career. Are you really sure you want to poke Will Howard, Jeremiah Smith, and Jack Sawyer before they step on the field to take on your alma mater? As Jason Bateman said in Dodgeball, “It’s a bold strategy, Cotton. Let’s see if it pays off for him”.
At least when Ohio State beats Notre Dame on Monday night, we can go back to forgetting how incredibly mid Zaire was in the limited time he played. Who knows, maybe next year the Buckeyes and Fighting Irish will match up again in the playoff and Zaire will come out with his same schtick and will have to eat another Notre Dame loss against Ohio State.
Zaire is barely even a footnote in the history of Notre Dame football, let alone college football, so while his specific level of oddly intense venom is annoying, it is really just sad. An Ohio kid who Ohio State didn’t want now can only get his jollies by making himself look a fool anytime the school that benched him and sent him packing plays his home state institution.
So while I completely support Brett’s pick of the laughably embarrassing troll, I’m not going to go in his direction. For similar reasons, I am going to avoid the low-hanging fruit that is Lou Holtz. Ryan Day handled that senile old crackpot already, so I’m going to avoid piling on and let the doddering fool live out his last days in blathering bliss.
With those two obvious options off the board, I’m going to take a different approach to the question. Instead of picking someone who is the epitome of idiocy — making everything about themselves with one disrespectful comment after another — I’m going with someone full of class, dignity, and respect. I am going with Marcus Freeman.
The reason that I am going with Freeman is because in 99% of all situations, I am rooting for him. Not only is he a Buckeye, but he is a Buckeye who played exactly how a Buckeye should play and has carried the lessons he learned from Jim Tressell and Luke Fickell into how he has built his Notre Dame program into the best version of itself in nearly a half-century.
I have no love lost for Notre Dame, and in a vacuum would wish them nothing but misery, but Freeman has made them a program that I tangentially pull for by the sheer force and power of how much I admire and respect the coach.
However, from now until the game is over in Atlanta on Monday, Jan. 20, he is the enemy, and I cannot allow my fond feelings for Freeman to sway me from the ever-important task at hand... no, I am not playing or coaching in the game. No, I will not be in Atlanta to cheer on the Buckeyes in person. Instead, I will be sitting at home channeling all of my energy into making a psychic connection with Ryan Day, Chip Kelly, Jim Knowles, and their players to send them all of my positive vibes and insights gleaned by watching the broadcast on TV. So basically you can say that I’m the 12th man for this OSU team.
In all seriousness, I am a huge fan of Marcus Freeman and I would not mind someday if he ended up coming home to coach the Buckeyes. But, for my own mental focus, for the next 153.5 hours, I cannot think of him in such glowing terms, or it will completely mess with my psyche. So, Marcus Freeman, until the national title trophy is lifted (hopefully not by you), you are Public Enemy No. 1. After that, you are back to being one of my top-five favorite coaches in the sport, but until then... you better not cross me.
Continue reading...
Brett Ludwiczak via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Adam Cairns-Imagn Images
Your (almost) daily dose of good-natured, Ohio State banter.
By beating Texas on Friday night in the Cotton Bowl, Ohio State secured their spot in the College Football Playoff Championship Game, where they’ll take on Notre Dame in Atlanta on Monday night. The Buckeyes and Fighting Irish have met eight previous times, including a home-and-home series that took place in 2022 and 2023. Ohio State has gotten the better of Notre Dame recently, winning the last six meetings between the programs. The last time the Fighting Irish won a meeting between the schools was all the way back in 1936.
With having as much history as Notre Dame does, there are going to be some villains to go along with the heroes the school has cultivated over the decades. Even though Buckeye fans aren’t going to have a lack of material when it comes to smack talk ahead of Monday night’s title game, we figured that we could add to the arsenal. Today we are going to look at some of Notre Dame’s worst villains.
Now we aren’t looking to get too deeply personal with venomous attacks, we are just trying to have some fun to spice up the banter between fans ahead of the title tilt. Your choice doesn’t have to be a current player since there are plenty of people associated with the Notre Dame football program and beyond within the school that are potential targets. Maybe it is a Fighting Irish player or coach that you disliked over the years, or it could be an alum that has made it a habit of sticking their foot in their mouth.
Today’s question: Who is Notre Dame’s biggest villain?
We’d love to hear your choices. Either respond to us on Twitter at @Landgrant33 or leave your choice in the comments.
Brett’s answer: Malik Zaire
The last two years, former Notre Dame Malik Zaire has popped up ahead of Notre Dame’s games with Ohio State, said some idiotic things, then disappeared back down whatever hole he crawled out of. This year is no different. Zaire has already tried running down Will Howard’s play, called out Jeremiah Smith’s lack of production in the Cotton Bowl, and taken a shot at Jack Sawyer for what he said after Michigan planted their flag at Ohio Stadium. For some reason, Zaire thinks that Notre Dame is going to roll over the Buckeyes in Atlanta.
Since Zaire was born in Kettering and played his high school football at Archbishop Alter, I’m going to assume he is still upset that Ohio State didn’t make him a priority while recruiting him out of high school. Even though the Buckeyes offered Zaire, they signed J.T. Barrett as part of their 2013 recruiting class. Zaire threw 154 passes and six touchdowns in his college career, which included his senior season at Florida. It’s obvious Ohio State made the right decision since Barrett totaled 147 touchdowns in four seasons in Columbus.
I know I’ve never played a down of college football so I’m not going to claim to know more than he does about the game. I do know a clown when I see one, though. Zaire never could live up to his potential on the field, so he has to cut down those he sees as a threat to where he spent most of his college career. Are you really sure you want to poke Will Howard, Jeremiah Smith, and Jack Sawyer before they step on the field to take on your alma mater? As Jason Bateman said in Dodgeball, “It’s a bold strategy, Cotton. Let’s see if it pays off for him”.
At least when Ohio State beats Notre Dame on Monday night, we can go back to forgetting how incredibly mid Zaire was in the limited time he played. Who knows, maybe next year the Buckeyes and Fighting Irish will match up again in the playoff and Zaire will come out with his same schtick and will have to eat another Notre Dame loss against Ohio State.
Matt’s answer: Marcus Freeman
Zaire is barely even a footnote in the history of Notre Dame football, let alone college football, so while his specific level of oddly intense venom is annoying, it is really just sad. An Ohio kid who Ohio State didn’t want now can only get his jollies by making himself look a fool anytime the school that benched him and sent him packing plays his home state institution.
So while I completely support Brett’s pick of the laughably embarrassing troll, I’m not going to go in his direction. For similar reasons, I am going to avoid the low-hanging fruit that is Lou Holtz. Ryan Day handled that senile old crackpot already, so I’m going to avoid piling on and let the doddering fool live out his last days in blathering bliss.
With those two obvious options off the board, I’m going to take a different approach to the question. Instead of picking someone who is the epitome of idiocy — making everything about themselves with one disrespectful comment after another — I’m going with someone full of class, dignity, and respect. I am going with Marcus Freeman.
The reason that I am going with Freeman is because in 99% of all situations, I am rooting for him. Not only is he a Buckeye, but he is a Buckeye who played exactly how a Buckeye should play and has carried the lessons he learned from Jim Tressell and Luke Fickell into how he has built his Notre Dame program into the best version of itself in nearly a half-century.
I have no love lost for Notre Dame, and in a vacuum would wish them nothing but misery, but Freeman has made them a program that I tangentially pull for by the sheer force and power of how much I admire and respect the coach.
However, from now until the game is over in Atlanta on Monday, Jan. 20, he is the enemy, and I cannot allow my fond feelings for Freeman to sway me from the ever-important task at hand... no, I am not playing or coaching in the game. No, I will not be in Atlanta to cheer on the Buckeyes in person. Instead, I will be sitting at home channeling all of my energy into making a psychic connection with Ryan Day, Chip Kelly, Jim Knowles, and their players to send them all of my positive vibes and insights gleaned by watching the broadcast on TV. So basically you can say that I’m the 12th man for this OSU team.
In all seriousness, I am a huge fan of Marcus Freeman and I would not mind someday if he ended up coming home to coach the Buckeyes. But, for my own mental focus, for the next 153.5 hours, I cannot think of him in such glowing terms, or it will completely mess with my psyche. So, Marcus Freeman, until the national title trophy is lifted (hopefully not by you), you are Public Enemy No. 1. After that, you are back to being one of my top-five favorite coaches in the sport, but until then... you better not cross me.
Continue reading...
LGHL Ohio State men’s basketball vs. Wisconsin: Game preview and prediction
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Ohio State men’s basketball vs. Wisconsin: Game preview and prediction
Jami Jurich via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images
The Buckeyes head to Madison to face the Badgers, hoping to get back to .500 in conference play.
After a few days off to regroup, Ohio State (10-6, 2-3 B1G) heads to Madison tonight to face No. 24 Wisconsin (13-3, 3-2 B1G) in a key conference matchup that marks the Buckeyes’ second game in a row against a top-25 team and kicks off a tough three-game stretch.
On the heels of a heartbreaking 73-71 loss to No. 15 Oregon in the final minutes, a win against Wisconsin would bring the Buckeyes back to .500 in conference play at a critical time in the season. The Badgers, for their part, are on a five-game win streak, most recently crushing Minnesota, 80-53.
The Buckeyes have faced Wisconsin 175 times historically, and though they lead the all-time series 91-77, the Badgers lead when the game is played in Madison, 49 games to 31.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25820863/usa_today_25130789.jpg "NCAA Basketball: Ohio State at Minnesota")
Nick Wosika-Imagn Images
The loss to Oregon was a setback for the Buckeyes, who have won three of their last five (including their 85-65 upset of No. 4 Kentucky) but have dropped two consecutive games at home (both to ranked opponents).
After carrying a five-point lead into halftime and staying ahead for most of the game, the Ducks clawed their way to victory from behind, thanks to a 24-point outing from Ducks’ guard Jackson Shelstad.
It marked the second-consecutive neck-and-neck game for the Buckeyes, who, in the game just prior, beat Minnesota 89-86 in double-overtime.
With the exception of Meechie Johnson, who is on a leave of absence for personal reasons, all other OSU players were available for the Oregon game for the first time in quite some time, and they came out of the gate strong, forcing a shot clock violation on the very first play of the game.
From there, the Buckeyes held onto the lead for most of the game, with its biggest lead of the day (41-32) coming in the second half. The Buckeyes led the game with just seven seconds on the clock, but a foul on the Ducks’ final possession allowed them to win on free throws.
Ohio State was led by Bruce Thornton with 20 points and three assists. Sophomore Sean Stewart also played a key role in the game, scoring a career-high 14 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 steals. John Mobley Jr., who has been an impressive force for the Buckeyes this season, struggled against Oregon, putting up 16 points but just 1-of-5 from long and committing a team-high five turnovers in 25 minutes.
It was a tough loss for a team that has a brutal January schedule, with games still to come against Indiana, No. 17 Purdue, and Iowa.
So far this year, Ohio State has four guys averaging double-digit scoring: Thornton (17.1 ppg), Devin Royal (13.1 ppg), John Mobley Jr. (12.2 ppg), and Micah Parrish (10.2 ppg).
On the Wisconsin side, the Badgers have been a strong team all season, starting the year 8-0 and seeing their ranking rise as high as No. 11 before losing three straight (to Michigan, No. 5 Marquette, and Illinois—their only three losses this season). Still, they’ve bounced back, cruising past Iowa, Rutgers, and Minnesota in their last three.
They are led in scoring by John Tonje, who is averaging 18.3 points per game, and they currently have four other players averaging in double figures (guard John Blackwell with 15.4 ppg, forward Nolan Winter with 11 ppg, guard Max Klesmit with 10.5 ppg and forward Stephen Crowl with 10.3 ppg). Klesmit leads in assists and steals with an average of 3 and 1.1 per game, respectively, while Winter is the rebound leader with an average of 6.1 per game.
Against the Golden Gophers, Crowl led the Badgers with 18 points, followed by Tonje who added 16 of his own as Wisconsin shot 57.7 percent from the field.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25830981/usa_today_25129755.jpg "NCAA Basketball: Wisconsin at Rutgers")
Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
The Buckeyes’ inability to contain Shelstad—especially from long range—hurt against Oregon, especially knowing victory was within reach. Ohio State outplayed Oregon for most of the sixty minutes, but they couldn’t close it out.
At a certain point, these tough conference games start to become must-wins for the Buckeyes’ postseason hopes. Now, their job becomes a bit harder, as they have to play in Madison rather than on their home turf.
Wisconsin has looked excellent this season; they’re certainly in contention for a Big Ten title if they continue to play as they have been, and they’re even better at defending their home court. That makes this game an uphill battle for the Buckeyes.
Ohio State has played ranked opponents close this year, even landing the upset over Kentucky, so it’s not out of the realm of possibility that they could do the same against Wisconsin, but they’ll need to execute flawlessly and find a way to finish it all the way through to the end.
ESPN BPI: Wisconsin 67.1%
Time: 9 p.m. ET
TV: Peacock
Continue reading...
Jami Jurich via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images
The Buckeyes head to Madison to face the Badgers, hoping to get back to .500 in conference play.
After a few days off to regroup, Ohio State (10-6, 2-3 B1G) heads to Madison tonight to face No. 24 Wisconsin (13-3, 3-2 B1G) in a key conference matchup that marks the Buckeyes’ second game in a row against a top-25 team and kicks off a tough three-game stretch.
On the heels of a heartbreaking 73-71 loss to No. 15 Oregon in the final minutes, a win against Wisconsin would bring the Buckeyes back to .500 in conference play at a critical time in the season. The Badgers, for their part, are on a five-game win streak, most recently crushing Minnesota, 80-53.
The Buckeyes have faced Wisconsin 175 times historically, and though they lead the all-time series 91-77, the Badgers lead when the game is played in Madison, 49 games to 31.
Preview
The loss to Oregon was a setback for the Buckeyes, who have won three of their last five (including their 85-65 upset of No. 4 Kentucky) but have dropped two consecutive games at home (both to ranked opponents).
After carrying a five-point lead into halftime and staying ahead for most of the game, the Ducks clawed their way to victory from behind, thanks to a 24-point outing from Ducks’ guard Jackson Shelstad.
It marked the second-consecutive neck-and-neck game for the Buckeyes, who, in the game just prior, beat Minnesota 89-86 in double-overtime.
With the exception of Meechie Johnson, who is on a leave of absence for personal reasons, all other OSU players were available for the Oregon game for the first time in quite some time, and they came out of the gate strong, forcing a shot clock violation on the very first play of the game.
From there, the Buckeyes held onto the lead for most of the game, with its biggest lead of the day (41-32) coming in the second half. The Buckeyes led the game with just seven seconds on the clock, but a foul on the Ducks’ final possession allowed them to win on free throws.
Ohio State was led by Bruce Thornton with 20 points and three assists. Sophomore Sean Stewart also played a key role in the game, scoring a career-high 14 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 steals. John Mobley Jr., who has been an impressive force for the Buckeyes this season, struggled against Oregon, putting up 16 points but just 1-of-5 from long and committing a team-high five turnovers in 25 minutes.
It was a tough loss for a team that has a brutal January schedule, with games still to come against Indiana, No. 17 Purdue, and Iowa.
So far this year, Ohio State has four guys averaging double-digit scoring: Thornton (17.1 ppg), Devin Royal (13.1 ppg), John Mobley Jr. (12.2 ppg), and Micah Parrish (10.2 ppg).
On the Wisconsin side, the Badgers have been a strong team all season, starting the year 8-0 and seeing their ranking rise as high as No. 11 before losing three straight (to Michigan, No. 5 Marquette, and Illinois—their only three losses this season). Still, they’ve bounced back, cruising past Iowa, Rutgers, and Minnesota in their last three.
They are led in scoring by John Tonje, who is averaging 18.3 points per game, and they currently have four other players averaging in double figures (guard John Blackwell with 15.4 ppg, forward Nolan Winter with 11 ppg, guard Max Klesmit with 10.5 ppg and forward Stephen Crowl with 10.3 ppg). Klesmit leads in assists and steals with an average of 3 and 1.1 per game, respectively, while Winter is the rebound leader with an average of 6.1 per game.
Against the Golden Gophers, Crowl led the Badgers with 18 points, followed by Tonje who added 16 of his own as Wisconsin shot 57.7 percent from the field.
Prediction
The Buckeyes’ inability to contain Shelstad—especially from long range—hurt against Oregon, especially knowing victory was within reach. Ohio State outplayed Oregon for most of the sixty minutes, but they couldn’t close it out.
At a certain point, these tough conference games start to become must-wins for the Buckeyes’ postseason hopes. Now, their job becomes a bit harder, as they have to play in Madison rather than on their home turf.
Wisconsin has looked excellent this season; they’re certainly in contention for a Big Ten title if they continue to play as they have been, and they’re even better at defending their home court. That makes this game an uphill battle for the Buckeyes.
Ohio State has played ranked opponents close this year, even landing the upset over Kentucky, so it’s not out of the realm of possibility that they could do the same against Wisconsin, but they’ll need to execute flawlessly and find a way to finish it all the way through to the end.
ESPN BPI: Wisconsin 67.1%
Time: 9 p.m. ET
TV: Peacock
LGHL score prediction: Wisconsin 75, Ohio State 71
Continue reading...
LGHL Power Two Podcast: You couldn’t write a better story for Jack Sawyer!
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Power Two Podcast: You couldn’t write a better story for Jack Sawyer!
JordanW330 via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Off the back of Sawyer’s career-defining play, Ohio State will meet Notre Dame in Atlanta for the National Championship.
Welcome to a new episode of Land-Grant Podcast Network’s Power Two Podcast. On this show, we talk about Big Ten and SEC football…and everyone else. This show is for the die-hard fans and the casual college football fans.
After every week of action, we will catch you up on all the major matchups of the previous weekend and look ahead at the games, 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 DaNaysia Jones. Lock in as we run a power sweep through the college football landscape.
In this week’s episode, Jordan and DJ discuss paying dues for their respective Greek organizations. The economy is insane, so surely there should be different options for those of us who are trying to make it. There was also a history lesson about Founder’s Day and its importance.
In the news, DJ and Jordan react to Nick Saban’s induction into the College Football Hall of Fame. This is a very well-deserved honor and it is always great to give folks their flowers while they are still here to receive them.
In the two-minute drill, Jordan shares a clip from another podcast about Ryan Day. For the first time in Power Two Podcast history, Jordan defended Day. The clip indicated that Ryan Day may have a particular bias, and Jordan pulled out the receipts to debunk that notion. DJ shared her frustration with baseless claims about people on the internet and how it can affect them.
This week DJ and Jordan give a comprehensive review of both the Orange Bowl and the Cotton Bowl. Texas has earned their respect with a hard-fought battle against Ohio State. DJ believes that Texas has a legitimate shot at returning to the Playoffs next year. Jordan took a moment to appreciate Jack Sawyer and his contribution to the Ohio State team especially now that he has completed a legacy play in the red zone. Jordan also praised both Ryan Day and Steve Sarkisian’s coaching and playcalling.
Penn State and Notre Dame were deemed an instant classic by Jordan. DJ was particularly impressed with the comeback Notre Dame put together but also concerned by the number of injuries. Jordan blamed the lack of wide receivers as Penn State’s downfall instead of James Franklin’s coaching for the loss.
In the pregame power sweep, Jordan and DJ share their in-depth analysis of the college football national title matchup between Notre Dame and Ohio State. Jordan discussed the defensive scheme of Notre Dame and how it may not be successful against Ohio State. DJ discusses what is at stake for each team. Both sides would be deserving of the title, but who will ultimately take it home?
In the two-minute warning, Jordan shares frustration with the Patriots blatantly disrespectful coach hiring process. DJ gives a quick rundown on the new Unrivaled Basketball League and why you all should tune in on Jan. 17.
If you like the show, please share it with friends and family and leave a five-star review. If you want to keep up with the show, subscribe to the Land-Grant Podcast Network Feed where new episodes drop every Monday.
You can also find Jordan’s article ‘B1G Thoughts’ on Land-Grant Holy Land.
Sign up with MyBookie using our link to receive your welcome bonus: https://mybookie.website/Grant23
Follow the show on YouTube: @GetDefensiveSportsNetwork
Follow the podcast on Instagram: @PowerTwoPodcast
Connect with us on Twitter: Jordan: @JordanW330 and DJ:@dj_danaysia
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
Off the back of Sawyer’s career-defining play, Ohio State will meet Notre Dame in Atlanta for the National Championship.
Welcome to a new episode of Land-Grant Podcast Network’s Power Two Podcast. On this show, we talk about Big Ten and SEC football…and everyone else. This show is for the die-hard fans and the casual college football fans.
After every week of action, we will catch you up on all the major matchups of the previous weekend and look ahead at the games, 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 DaNaysia Jones. Lock in as we run a power sweep through the college football landscape.
In this week’s episode, Jordan and DJ discuss paying dues for their respective Greek organizations. The economy is insane, so surely there should be different options for those of us who are trying to make it. There was also a history lesson about Founder’s Day and its importance.
In the news, DJ and Jordan react to Nick Saban’s induction into the College Football Hall of Fame. This is a very well-deserved honor and it is always great to give folks their flowers while they are still here to receive them.
In the two-minute drill, Jordan shares a clip from another podcast about Ryan Day. For the first time in Power Two Podcast history, Jordan defended Day. The clip indicated that Ryan Day may have a particular bias, and Jordan pulled out the receipts to debunk that notion. DJ shared her frustration with baseless claims about people on the internet and how it can affect them.
This week DJ and Jordan give a comprehensive review of both the Orange Bowl and the Cotton Bowl. Texas has earned their respect with a hard-fought battle against Ohio State. DJ believes that Texas has a legitimate shot at returning to the Playoffs next year. Jordan took a moment to appreciate Jack Sawyer and his contribution to the Ohio State team especially now that he has completed a legacy play in the red zone. Jordan also praised both Ryan Day and Steve Sarkisian’s coaching and playcalling.
Penn State and Notre Dame were deemed an instant classic by Jordan. DJ was particularly impressed with the comeback Notre Dame put together but also concerned by the number of injuries. Jordan blamed the lack of wide receivers as Penn State’s downfall instead of James Franklin’s coaching for the loss.
In the pregame power sweep, Jordan and DJ share their in-depth analysis of the college football national title matchup between Notre Dame and Ohio State. Jordan discussed the defensive scheme of Notre Dame and how it may not be successful against Ohio State. DJ discusses what is at stake for each team. Both sides would be deserving of the title, but who will ultimately take it home?
In the two-minute warning, Jordan shares frustration with the Patriots blatantly disrespectful coach hiring process. DJ gives a quick rundown on the new Unrivaled Basketball League and why you all should tune in on Jan. 17.
If you like the show, please share it with friends and family and leave a five-star review. If you want to keep up with the show, subscribe to the Land-Grant Podcast Network Feed where new episodes drop every Monday.
You can also find Jordan’s article ‘B1G Thoughts’ on Land-Grant Holy Land.
Sign up with MyBookie using our link to receive your welcome bonus: https://mybookie.website/Grant23
Follow the show on YouTube: @GetDefensiveSportsNetwork
Follow the podcast on Instagram: @PowerTwoPodcast
Connect with us on Twitter: Jordan: @JordanW330 and DJ:@dj_danaysia
Continue reading...
LGHL Kennedy Cambridge’s acrobatics shatter lethargic start for Ohio State women’s basketball
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Kennedy Cambridge’s acrobatics shatter lethargic start for Ohio State women’s basketball
ThomasCostello via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images
Cambridge played seven first half minutes, but made the most of every single one of them, changing the momentum of the game
On Monday, No. 9 Ohio State women’s basketball celebrated the first Freshman of the Week honor for point guard Jaloni Cambridge. The honor was justified, with the No. 1 overall point guard in the 2024 class averaging 21 points, five rebounds and two assists in the double victory week for the Buckeyes.
On Sunday though, it was her older sister Kennedy Cambridge who played limited minutes, but they were about quality over quantity.
The first quarter of the Buckeyes game against the Oregon Ducks on Sunday was rough. Ohio State shot an abysmal 19 percent from the floor, even worse than a 40 percent showing Wednesday night in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Ohio State wasn’t moving the ball through the Oregon defense, settling for shots and not able to get into their lethal full court press. Head coach Kevin McGuff brought in redshirt guard Kennedy Cambridge with two minutes remaining in the quarter.
Within 15 seconds, Cambridge already had two offensive rebounds, with the second sending the guard out of bounds but not before the defensive-minded former Kentucky Wildcat threw the ball off an Oregon defender to keep possession for the Buckeyes.
In just over two minutes, Cambridge grabbed three rebounds, two offensively, and made a jumper with one second remaining, which put the Buckeyes within a possession.
“What changed the game is when we put Kennedy [Cambridge] in,” said head coach Kevin McGuff. “I thought her effort, intensity, and making hustle plays really just ignited us and we went on a great run there.”
Great is a bit of an understatement. Ohio State went on a 27-point run. Now, Cambridge didn’t turn that defense into game changing offense, and suddenly become another version of her younger sister. Cambridge had two points in the run, but if style earned extra points, it would have been worth a little more.
On a fast break, guard Chance Gray found Cambridge running towards the basket, hit the pass and Cambridge Euro-stepped between two defenders and tripped on a defender’s leg. The guard went crashing to the court but not before heaving the ball into the air from only a couple feet above the ground, banking it off the backboard, as shown below (third made basket of the video):
“You know, that was God because I did not think that was going in,” said Cambridge. “So yeah, I just prayed and it went in.”
Oregon might have been praying for the run to end, but the Buckeyes had 17 more points coming after that circus shot went in. The 27-point run was a far cry from the Buckeyes of the first half. Instead of forcing whatever they could get, the Scarlet and Gray looked confident, poised and ready to disrupt anything the Ducks sent their way.
Speaking of disruption, Cambridge got up quickly from that answered prayer and immediately won the ball back for Ohio State.
“I personally don’t think that I was the spark that got us going,” said Cambridge. “I think that we all were just hyped and turnt. We were just happy.”
To Kennedy Cambridge, the notion that she was the person who sparked what would become the game-winning run for the Buckeyes was as far off base as the chances of that layup going into the basket. Senior guard/forward Taylor Thierry set the record straight, in a moment where she let her media training guard down and spoke honestly about her teammate.
“Ken was definitely the spark this game. She’s honestly the spark every game,” said Thierry. “Like, any time we’re lacking energy or something’s off, especially defensively, we can always trust that Ken’s going to come to the game, give it her all, dive on the floor. Like if I had a dollar for every time she dove on the floor, I mean, I’d be rich. So just seeing that too, like your teammates giving it their all, you know, that just motivates you to even push through, even if you’re tired or anything.”
Kennedy Cambridge was humbled by her teammate’s words.
“I think that’s easy to do when you love your teammates,” said Cambridge.
That love was reciprocated in the locker room following the win, the 16th in a row for the Buckeyes.
Continue reading...
ThomasCostello via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images
Cambridge played seven first half minutes, but made the most of every single one of them, changing the momentum of the game
On Monday, No. 9 Ohio State women’s basketball celebrated the first Freshman of the Week honor for point guard Jaloni Cambridge. The honor was justified, with the No. 1 overall point guard in the 2024 class averaging 21 points, five rebounds and two assists in the double victory week for the Buckeyes.
On Sunday though, it was her older sister Kennedy Cambridge who played limited minutes, but they were about quality over quantity.
The first quarter of the Buckeyes game against the Oregon Ducks on Sunday was rough. Ohio State shot an abysmal 19 percent from the floor, even worse than a 40 percent showing Wednesday night in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Ohio State wasn’t moving the ball through the Oregon defense, settling for shots and not able to get into their lethal full court press. Head coach Kevin McGuff brought in redshirt guard Kennedy Cambridge with two minutes remaining in the quarter.
Within 15 seconds, Cambridge already had two offensive rebounds, with the second sending the guard out of bounds but not before the defensive-minded former Kentucky Wildcat threw the ball off an Oregon defender to keep possession for the Buckeyes.
In just over two minutes, Cambridge grabbed three rebounds, two offensively, and made a jumper with one second remaining, which put the Buckeyes within a possession.
“What changed the game is when we put Kennedy [Cambridge] in,” said head coach Kevin McGuff. “I thought her effort, intensity, and making hustle plays really just ignited us and we went on a great run there.”
Great is a bit of an understatement. Ohio State went on a 27-point run. Now, Cambridge didn’t turn that defense into game changing offense, and suddenly become another version of her younger sister. Cambridge had two points in the run, but if style earned extra points, it would have been worth a little more.
On a fast break, guard Chance Gray found Cambridge running towards the basket, hit the pass and Cambridge Euro-stepped between two defenders and tripped on a defender’s leg. The guard went crashing to the court but not before heaving the ball into the air from only a couple feet above the ground, banking it off the backboard, as shown below (third made basket of the video):
“You know, that was God because I did not think that was going in,” said Cambridge. “So yeah, I just prayed and it went in.”
Oregon might have been praying for the run to end, but the Buckeyes had 17 more points coming after that circus shot went in. The 27-point run was a far cry from the Buckeyes of the first half. Instead of forcing whatever they could get, the Scarlet and Gray looked confident, poised and ready to disrupt anything the Ducks sent their way.
Speaking of disruption, Cambridge got up quickly from that answered prayer and immediately won the ball back for Ohio State.
“I personally don’t think that I was the spark that got us going,” said Cambridge. “I think that we all were just hyped and turnt. We were just happy.”
To Kennedy Cambridge, the notion that she was the person who sparked what would become the game-winning run for the Buckeyes was as far off base as the chances of that layup going into the basket. Senior guard/forward Taylor Thierry set the record straight, in a moment where she let her media training guard down and spoke honestly about her teammate.
“Ken was definitely the spark this game. She’s honestly the spark every game,” said Thierry. “Like, any time we’re lacking energy or something’s off, especially defensively, we can always trust that Ken’s going to come to the game, give it her all, dive on the floor. Like if I had a dollar for every time she dove on the floor, I mean, I’d be rich. So just seeing that too, like your teammates giving it their all, you know, that just motivates you to even push through, even if you’re tired or anything.”
Kennedy Cambridge was humbled by her teammate’s words.
“I think that’s easy to do when you love your teammates,” said Cambridge.
That love was reciprocated in the locker room following the win, the 16th in a row for the Buckeyes.
Continue reading...
LGHL Early previews for Ohio State’s national championship matchup with Notre Dame
- News
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Early previews for Ohio State’s national championship matchup with Notre Dame
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
All the Buckeye news thats fit to re-print.
Look, we get it. Your days are busy and you don’t have time to read all of the stories and tweets from the three dozen websites dedicated to covering Ohio State athletics, or the 237 Buckeye beat writers churning out hot takes and #content on a daily basis. But that’s ok, that’s what your friends at Land-Grant Holy Land are here for.
Monday through Friday, we’ll be collecting all of the articles, tweets, features, interviews, videos, podcasts, memes, photos, and whatever else we stumble across on the interwebz and putting them in our daily “Why is this News?” article. That way, you’ll have a one-stop shop for all of the most important Buckeye news, jokes, and analysis.
You’re welcome!
Subscribe to the Land-Grant Podcast Network for all of your Ohio State needs
Matt Tamanini, Land-Grant Holy Land
Subscribe: RSS | Apple | Spotify | iHeart Radio
Ryan Day, assistants see bonus total rise further with Ohio State’s run to CFP title game
Joey Kaufman, The Columbus Dispatch
Key Takeaways as Ryan Day, Ohio State wipe slate clean for title game
Austin Ward, Dotting The Eyes
Setting the table for Ohio State vs. Notre Dame in national championship game
Spencer Holbrook, Lettermen Row
First Look: Classic Ohio State-Notre Dame match-up set for national championship
Steve Helwagen, Bucknuts
Five Things to Know About Notre Dame, Ohio State’s Opponent in the National Championship Game
Andy Anders, Eleven Warriors
Rare penalty issues can’t pop up again for Buckeyes in title game
Spencer Holbrook, Lettermen Row
What’s the key to Ohio State’s success? Defense refuses to give an inch
Rob Oller, The Columbus Dispatch
Urban Meyer defends Ohio State football fans: ‘Born in your blood’
Austin Curtright, USA Today Network
Jack Sawyer is saving his best for last, the Columbus native has Ohio State on the cusp of a national title
Patrick Murphy, Bucknuts
What it’s been like for the Sawyer family since Jack’s iconic play
Bill Rabinowitz, The Columbus Dispatch
Jaloni Cambridge wins Big Ten Freshman of the Week
Thomas Costello, Land-Grant Holy Land
With some practice consistency, can Ohio State start earning more wins?
Adam Jardy, The Columbus Dispatch
Women’s Volleyball: Fiona Fonoti Joins Women’s Volleyball Staff
Ohio State Athletics
Women’s Ice Hockey: Amos Named WCHA Forward of the Week
Ohio State Athletics
Continue reading...
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
All the Buckeye news thats fit to re-print.
Look, we get it. Your days are busy and you don’t have time to read all of the stories and tweets from the three dozen websites dedicated to covering Ohio State athletics, or the 237 Buckeye beat writers churning out hot takes and #content on a daily basis. But that’s ok, that’s what your friends at Land-Grant Holy Land are here for.
Monday through Friday, we’ll be collecting all of the articles, tweets, features, interviews, videos, podcasts, memes, photos, and whatever else we stumble across on the interwebz and putting them in our daily “Why is this News?” article. That way, you’ll have a one-stop shop for all of the most important Buckeye news, jokes, and analysis.
You’re welcome!
For your Earholes...
Subscribe to the Land-Grant Podcast Network for all of your Ohio State needs
Matt Tamanini, Land-Grant Holy Land
Subscribe: RSS | Apple | Spotify | iHeart Radio
On the Gridiron
Ryan Day, assistants see bonus total rise further with Ohio State’s run to CFP title game
Joey Kaufman, The Columbus Dispatch
Key Takeaways as Ryan Day, Ohio State wipe slate clean for title game
Austin Ward, Dotting The Eyes
Setting the table for Ohio State vs. Notre Dame in national championship game
Spencer Holbrook, Lettermen Row
First Look: Classic Ohio State-Notre Dame match-up set for national championship
Steve Helwagen, Bucknuts
Five Things to Know About Notre Dame, Ohio State’s Opponent in the National Championship Game
Andy Anders, Eleven Warriors
Rare penalty issues can’t pop up again for Buckeyes in title game
Spencer Holbrook, Lettermen Row
What’s the key to Ohio State’s success? Defense refuses to give an inch
Rob Oller, The Columbus Dispatch
Urban Meyer defends Ohio State football fans: ‘Born in your blood’
Austin Curtright, USA Today Network
Jack Sawyer is saving his best for last, the Columbus native has Ohio State on the cusp of a national title
Patrick Murphy, Bucknuts
What it’s been like for the Sawyer family since Jack’s iconic play
Bill Rabinowitz, The Columbus Dispatch
On the Hardwood
Jaloni Cambridge wins Big Ten Freshman of the Week
Thomas Costello, Land-Grant Holy Land
With some practice consistency, can Ohio State start earning more wins?
Adam Jardy, The Columbus Dispatch
Outside the Shoe and Schott
Women’s Volleyball: Fiona Fonoti Joins Women’s Volleyball Staff
Ohio State Athletics
Women’s Ice Hockey: Amos Named WCHA Forward of the Week
Ohio State Athletics
And now for something completely different...
Continue reading...
LGHL Silver Bullets Podcast: Texas rewind and Notre Dame preview
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- 0 Replies
Silver Bullets Podcast: Texas rewind and Notre Dame preview
Michael Citro via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Tim Heitman-Imagn Images
The Cotton Bowl has been won, and it’s on to the national championship game.
The Buckeyes have advanced to the ultimate game — the College Football Playoff championship game — after battling to a 28-14 win over a game Texas Longhorns squad that pushed them to the closing moments of the game.
While Ohio State made things a lot more difficult than they needed to be through a parade of penalties and an early third-quarter turnover, Texas deserves a lot of credit for making it a four-quarter struggle. Ultimately, Jack Sawyer ascended to the pantheon of all-time Buckeye legends with a play for the ages to seal the win.
We look back at the Cotton Bowl’s key plays and statistics, check in on our picks to click, and review our score preview from one of the best games of this year’s College Football Playoff.
Following our game recap, we looked at Ohio State transfer portal news with two more current Buckeyes headed into the portal at season’s end. We also discussed Buckeye great Mike Vrabel’s new coaching gig and congratulate a pair of former Ohio State players for earning All-Pro honors in the NFL.
Finally, we look ahead to Notre Dame. Ohio State will face a familiar face in former OSU linebacker Marcus Freeman, who coaches a Fighting Irish team that looks a lot like the 2002 national champion Buckeyes. They’ve got a strong defense, better-than-they-seem skill players, a quarterback who isn’t flashy but finds ways to get things done, and a team that won’t ever quit.
Ryan Day will have to beat Tresselball to win a national championship on Jan. 20. We preview the matchup, select the players we think will perform well for Ohio State, and give our score predictions.
We would love to hear from you, so please reach out with your feedback and questions below in the comments section or send us an email. Any questions directed toward us will be answered on our next show.
Be sure to subscribe, rate, review, share, and follow the show over on Twitter at @SilvrBulletsPod.
As always, thanks for listening!
0:22 - We look back at a hard-fought Ohio State win over the Texas Longhorns in the Cotton Bowl.
46:10 - Ohio State transfer portal news and big happenings for some Buckeyes in the NFL.
56:05 - The Buckeyes move into the national championship game against a Notre Dame team that looks suspiciously similar to Jim Tressel’s national championship Buckeyes.
Continue reading...
Michael Citro via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Tim Heitman-Imagn Images
The Cotton Bowl has been won, and it’s on to the national championship game.
The Buckeyes have advanced to the ultimate game — the College Football Playoff championship game — after battling to a 28-14 win over a game Texas Longhorns squad that pushed them to the closing moments of the game.
While Ohio State made things a lot more difficult than they needed to be through a parade of penalties and an early third-quarter turnover, Texas deserves a lot of credit for making it a four-quarter struggle. Ultimately, Jack Sawyer ascended to the pantheon of all-time Buckeye legends with a play for the ages to seal the win.
We look back at the Cotton Bowl’s key plays and statistics, check in on our picks to click, and review our score preview from one of the best games of this year’s College Football Playoff.
Following our game recap, we looked at Ohio State transfer portal news with two more current Buckeyes headed into the portal at season’s end. We also discussed Buckeye great Mike Vrabel’s new coaching gig and congratulate a pair of former Ohio State players for earning All-Pro honors in the NFL.
Finally, we look ahead to Notre Dame. Ohio State will face a familiar face in former OSU linebacker Marcus Freeman, who coaches a Fighting Irish team that looks a lot like the 2002 national champion Buckeyes. They’ve got a strong defense, better-than-they-seem skill players, a quarterback who isn’t flashy but finds ways to get things done, and a team that won’t ever quit.
Ryan Day will have to beat Tresselball to win a national championship on Jan. 20. We preview the matchup, select the players we think will perform well for Ohio State, and give our score predictions.
We would love to hear from you, so please reach out with your feedback and questions below in the comments section or send us an email. Any questions directed toward us will be answered on our next show.
Be sure to subscribe, rate, review, share, and follow the show over on Twitter at @SilvrBulletsPod.
As always, thanks for listening!
0:22 - We look back at a hard-fought Ohio State win over the Texas Longhorns in the Cotton Bowl.
46:10 - Ohio State transfer portal news and big happenings for some Buckeyes in the NFL.
56:05 - The Buckeyes move into the national championship game against a Notre Dame team that looks suspiciously similar to Jim Tressel’s national championship Buckeyes.
Continue reading...
LGHL B1G Thoughts: Jack Sawyer, the prince that was promised!
- News
- 0 Replies
B1G Thoughts: Jack Sawyer, the prince that was promised!
JordanW330 via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Austin McAfee/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Sawyer has officially become an Ohio State legend, but the job’s not finished.
Every week after the Big Ten games, we will bring you some B1G thoughts on everything that happened! This will include analysis, stats, key players, moments, and more. With the Big Ten expanding from 14 teams to 18 teams in 2024 we will have a bunch of storylines to follow.
Ryan Day and Ohio State are all in for the 2024 season. Is Oregon a national championship contender or will they stumble in their first Big Ten season? How do the former members of the Big Ten West fair in the new divisionless format?
We track all these storylines and more as the Big Ten hopes to win back-to-back national championships. Check out the I-80 Football Show for more in-depth analysis and to preview the next week of B1G games.
Jack Sawyer was supposed to be the third Bosa brother. In some ways, he never lived up to that, but in other ways, he has been all that in more. Sawyer, the Prince who was Promised, is everything right about this program, while simultaneously being the heart and soul.
Don’t take that from me, that is what any player, coach, or staffer has said any chance they get to talk about Jack. Sawyer was the first player to commit to Ryan Day. As a Columbus kid, he was coming to Ohio State anyway, but his trust in Day helped spurn one of the best recruiting classes under Day’s tenure.
After going 0-3 against Michigan, Sawyer was the first draft-eligible junior to announce publicly that he was coming back for his senior season. Like his decision as a high schooler, his commitment led to a surge in players spurning the NFL for another chance at completing one of their three stated goals: Beat That Team Up North, Win the Big Ten, & compete for a National Championship.
After losing to Michigan for the fourth year in a row, Sawyer stood up like Jon Snow against the Bolton Army, refusing to allow the Michigan players to plant a flag in Ohio Stadium. Ohio State claims ‘The Brotherhood’ when it talks about its culture, its locker room, and what makes this program special. Captain Jack is a shining example of The Brotherhood, Where he goes this program follows. After losing to Michigan he could’ve put his head between his legs, but instead, he chose to fight.
Entering the playoffs, Sawyer and the Buckeyes could’ve listened to the noise; They could’ve wilted under the pressure. Instead, Sawyer is having the best four-game stretch of his life — including the Michigan game, where he made what should’ve been a career-defining interception, except the offense couldn’t get the job done.
In his last four games, he has 4.5 sacks, 10 tackles, an interception, and a forced fumble return for a touchdown. In this biggest moment of the Michigan game, he made a play, a play doomed to be forgotten in history because of the outcome. So he turned up the pressure in the biggest moment of the 2024 College Football Playoff.
Fourth-and-goal from the 8-yard line with Texas trying to tie the game and force overtime, Captain Jack rose to the occasion. A strip sack and 83 yards later, Sawyer cemented himself as an Ohio State legend.
The job’s not finished, but this team and this defense will be ready for Notre Dame in the national championship game because Sawyer will be ready. The Columbus Kid, The Prince who was Promised, the heart and soul of the Ohio State Buckeyes is on the precipice of being immortalized in Buckeye Valhalla.
From his backyard in Pickerington to Atlanta he is making his dreams come true. With only 60 minutes left to wear the scarlet and gray, I would not count out Captain Jack.
This entire season and specifically this playoff run, the most impressive unit on the field at any given moment has been Ohio State’s defense. Three games into the playoffs, and this defense is still not getting the respect it deserves.
Heading into the CFP, Tennessee, Oregon, and Texas were three of the best offenses in the country. The Silver Bullets have held them to a combined 52 points, or 17 points per game. Tennessee and Oregon averaged 35 points per game, while Oregon averaged 33 points, meaning Jim Knowles’s defense has held three straight teams to half of their scoring average.
Knowles has been exactly what Ohio State needed when Ryan Day hired him, including as a leader. Rumor has it that an Ohio State staffer commented, “Wow Texas scored fast there,” leading Knowles to drop one of the greatest quotes when compared to the results saying, “They haven’t scored yet”.
Knowles’ defense has come up big in key moments all season, but specifically on the goal line. The Silver Bullets have five goal line stands this season, stopping Penn State, Nebraska, Indiana, and Michigan before this Texas game. Quick math, Knowles’s defense averages a goal-line stand once every three games. The Buckeye offense is pretty, but this defense is the MVP of the season, and if they show up one more time they will carry Ohio State to a national championship.
Through three playoff games, Knowles’ defense has 16 sacks, 28 tackles for loss, 25 passes broken up, an interception, four forced fumbles, and an 83-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown. Despite the numbers and the overwhelming dominance, this defense isn’t referred to like Georgia and Bama defenses of the past decade. Respect or no respect, the Silver Bullets keep fighting, grinding, and putting teams into submission.
Knowles should be proud of his team’s effort, and Ryan Day and Ross Bjork should hand him a blank check before the champagne dries on his shirt if they win the National Championship.
Follow The I-80 Football Show on YouTube: @GetDefensiveSportsNetwork
Subscribe to the podcast: RSS | Apple | Spotify | Google Podcasts | iHeart Radio
Connect with me on Twitter: @JordanW330
Follow I-80 Football Show on Instagram: @I80FootballShow
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
Photo by Austin McAfee/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Sawyer has officially become an Ohio State legend, but the job’s not finished.
Every week after the Big Ten games, we will bring you some B1G thoughts on everything that happened! This will include analysis, stats, key players, moments, and more. With the Big Ten expanding from 14 teams to 18 teams in 2024 we will have a bunch of storylines to follow.
Ryan Day and Ohio State are all in for the 2024 season. Is Oregon a national championship contender or will they stumble in their first Big Ten season? How do the former members of the Big Ten West fair in the new divisionless format?
We track all these storylines and more as the Big Ten hopes to win back-to-back national championships. Check out the I-80 Football Show for more in-depth analysis and to preview the next week of B1G games.
The prince that was promised
Jack Sawyer was supposed to be the third Bosa brother. In some ways, he never lived up to that, but in other ways, he has been all that in more. Sawyer, the Prince who was Promised, is everything right about this program, while simultaneously being the heart and soul.
Don’t take that from me, that is what any player, coach, or staffer has said any chance they get to talk about Jack. Sawyer was the first player to commit to Ryan Day. As a Columbus kid, he was coming to Ohio State anyway, but his trust in Day helped spurn one of the best recruiting classes under Day’s tenure.
After going 0-3 against Michigan, Sawyer was the first draft-eligible junior to announce publicly that he was coming back for his senior season. Like his decision as a high schooler, his commitment led to a surge in players spurning the NFL for another chance at completing one of their three stated goals: Beat That Team Up North, Win the Big Ten, & compete for a National Championship.
After losing to Michigan for the fourth year in a row, Sawyer stood up like Jon Snow against the Bolton Army, refusing to allow the Michigan players to plant a flag in Ohio Stadium. Ohio State claims ‘The Brotherhood’ when it talks about its culture, its locker room, and what makes this program special. Captain Jack is a shining example of The Brotherhood, Where he goes this program follows. After losing to Michigan he could’ve put his head between his legs, but instead, he chose to fight.
Entering the playoffs, Sawyer and the Buckeyes could’ve listened to the noise; They could’ve wilted under the pressure. Instead, Sawyer is having the best four-game stretch of his life — including the Michigan game, where he made what should’ve been a career-defining interception, except the offense couldn’t get the job done.
In his last four games, he has 4.5 sacks, 10 tackles, an interception, and a forced fumble return for a touchdown. In this biggest moment of the Michigan game, he made a play, a play doomed to be forgotten in history because of the outcome. So he turned up the pressure in the biggest moment of the 2024 College Football Playoff.
Fourth-and-goal from the 8-yard line with Texas trying to tie the game and force overtime, Captain Jack rose to the occasion. A strip sack and 83 yards later, Sawyer cemented himself as an Ohio State legend.
The job’s not finished, but this team and this defense will be ready for Notre Dame in the national championship game because Sawyer will be ready. The Columbus Kid, The Prince who was Promised, the heart and soul of the Ohio State Buckeyes is on the precipice of being immortalized in Buckeye Valhalla.
From his backyard in Pickerington to Atlanta he is making his dreams come true. With only 60 minutes left to wear the scarlet and gray, I would not count out Captain Jack.
Jim Knowles, please fill out this blank check
This entire season and specifically this playoff run, the most impressive unit on the field at any given moment has been Ohio State’s defense. Three games into the playoffs, and this defense is still not getting the respect it deserves.
Heading into the CFP, Tennessee, Oregon, and Texas were three of the best offenses in the country. The Silver Bullets have held them to a combined 52 points, or 17 points per game. Tennessee and Oregon averaged 35 points per game, while Oregon averaged 33 points, meaning Jim Knowles’s defense has held three straight teams to half of their scoring average.
Knowles has been exactly what Ohio State needed when Ryan Day hired him, including as a leader. Rumor has it that an Ohio State staffer commented, “Wow Texas scored fast there,” leading Knowles to drop one of the greatest quotes when compared to the results saying, “They haven’t scored yet”.
Knowles’ defense has come up big in key moments all season, but specifically on the goal line. The Silver Bullets have five goal line stands this season, stopping Penn State, Nebraska, Indiana, and Michigan before this Texas game. Quick math, Knowles’s defense averages a goal-line stand once every three games. The Buckeye offense is pretty, but this defense is the MVP of the season, and if they show up one more time they will carry Ohio State to a national championship.
Through three playoff games, Knowles’ defense has 16 sacks, 28 tackles for loss, 25 passes broken up, an interception, four forced fumbles, and an 83-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown. Despite the numbers and the overwhelming dominance, this defense isn’t referred to like Georgia and Bama defenses of the past decade. Respect or no respect, the Silver Bullets keep fighting, grinding, and putting teams into submission.
Knowles should be proud of his team’s effort, and Ryan Day and Ross Bjork should hand him a blank check before the champagne dries on his shirt if they win the National Championship.
Follow The I-80 Football Show on YouTube: @GetDefensiveSportsNetwork
Subscribe to the podcast: RSS | Apple | Spotify | Google Podcasts | iHeart Radio
Connect with me on Twitter: @JordanW330
Follow I-80 Football Show on Instagram: @I80FootballShow
Continue reading...
LGHL Ohio State makes the cut for 2026 four-star safety
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Ohio State makes the cut for 2026 four-star safety
Dan Hessler via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
2026 four-star safety Zech Fort | via 247Sports
The Buckeyes also saw 2025 four-star WR commit Quincy Porter impress over the weekend.
Ohio State is now 3-0 in the newly expanded College Football Playoff following another impressive showing this past weekend. Ohio State will once again be playing for the national championship after defeating Texas 28-14 in the Cotton Bowl.
The Buckeyes will now have a week to prepare for Notre Dame, who the team will take on in the championship game. Because of this, and rightfully so, many of the headlines surrounding the Ohio State football team this well focus on the upcoming game and the many storylines that will come along with it.
The same can be said for the Ohio State coaching staff, but Ryan Day and co. will also continue to put an emphasis into recruiting. With the transfer portal being open and with high school football seasons over, recruiting will soon be heating up and Ohio State will not be missing out on the fun.
This dedication to recruiting keeps Ohio State in the college football recruiting headlines and Monday was no different. In case you missed out on any of the Ohio State recruiting news, Land-Grant Holy Land has you covered.
With the 2025 recruiting cycle all but wrapped up for the Buckeyes, the Ohio State coaching staff has shifted focus towards the transfer portal and the 2026 class. Fortunately for the Buckeyes, the staff has been building relationships with recruits in the 2026 class for months now, if not longer.
This hard work has led to Ohio State earning four verbal commitments already in the class, good for the No. 12 spot in the 247Sports Class Rankings. The Buckeyes are constantly working on adding to this and the team moved one step closer to doing so on Monday when it learned 2026 four-star safety Zech Fort (Bradenton, FL / IMG Academy) included the team in his top 6 schools.
Alongside Ohio State, the blue-chip safety also included Georgia, Notre Dame, Florida, Alabama and Florida State in his top schools. Fort has made visits with each of his six finalists and has found his way to Ohio State’s campus multiple times, the last being the Ohio State versus Michigan game in November.
Ohio State also has another tool in its arsenal for recruiting Fort which is that the safety has family ties to the program, and he has said the Buckeyes were his dream school as a kid. Rest assured, Ryan Day and the Ohio State coaching staff will use this in his recruitment.
Fort has also reportedly mentioned he would like to commit earlier than later. He spoke with Chad Simmons of On3.com recently and said that he may be ready to come to a decision by February.
There have been no 247Sports Crystal Ball predictions cast for Fort but the On3 predictions favor Alabama, giving them a 25.6 percent chance compared to a 14.5 percent chance for the Buckeyes.
Fort is the No. 8 safety in the 247Sports Composite Rankings and he is the No. 103 overall recruit. He is also the No. 18 recruit out of the talent-rich state of Florida.
Wilson has visited with both the Buckeyes and Missouri since entering the portal and Ohio State has remained the favorites until recently. There is a feeling Missouri could quickly jump the Buckeyes as the favorite to land him, if they have not already. Land-Grant Holy Land will continue to keep you updated on his recruitment.
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
2026 four-star safety Zech Fort | via 247Sports
The Buckeyes also saw 2025 four-star WR commit Quincy Porter impress over the weekend.
Ohio State is now 3-0 in the newly expanded College Football Playoff following another impressive showing this past weekend. Ohio State will once again be playing for the national championship after defeating Texas 28-14 in the Cotton Bowl.
The Buckeyes will now have a week to prepare for Notre Dame, who the team will take on in the championship game. Because of this, and rightfully so, many of the headlines surrounding the Ohio State football team this well focus on the upcoming game and the many storylines that will come along with it.
The same can be said for the Ohio State coaching staff, but Ryan Day and co. will also continue to put an emphasis into recruiting. With the transfer portal being open and with high school football seasons over, recruiting will soon be heating up and Ohio State will not be missing out on the fun.
This dedication to recruiting keeps Ohio State in the college football recruiting headlines and Monday was no different. In case you missed out on any of the Ohio State recruiting news, Land-Grant Holy Land has you covered.
2026 four-star safety has Ohio State as a top school
With the 2025 recruiting cycle all but wrapped up for the Buckeyes, the Ohio State coaching staff has shifted focus towards the transfer portal and the 2026 class. Fortunately for the Buckeyes, the staff has been building relationships with recruits in the 2026 class for months now, if not longer.
This hard work has led to Ohio State earning four verbal commitments already in the class, good for the No. 12 spot in the 247Sports Class Rankings. The Buckeyes are constantly working on adding to this and the team moved one step closer to doing so on Monday when it learned 2026 four-star safety Zech Fort (Bradenton, FL / IMG Academy) included the team in his top 6 schools.
Alongside Ohio State, the blue-chip safety also included Georgia, Notre Dame, Florida, Alabama and Florida State in his top schools. Fort has made visits with each of his six finalists and has found his way to Ohio State’s campus multiple times, the last being the Ohio State versus Michigan game in November.
Ohio State also has another tool in its arsenal for recruiting Fort which is that the safety has family ties to the program, and he has said the Buckeyes were his dream school as a kid. Rest assured, Ryan Day and the Ohio State coaching staff will use this in his recruitment.
Fort has also reportedly mentioned he would like to commit earlier than later. He spoke with Chad Simmons of On3.com recently and said that he may be ready to come to a decision by February.
There have been no 247Sports Crystal Ball predictions cast for Fort but the On3 predictions favor Alabama, giving them a 25.6 percent chance compared to a 14.5 percent chance for the Buckeyes.
Fort is the No. 8 safety in the 247Sports Composite Rankings and he is the No. 103 overall recruit. He is also the No. 18 recruit out of the talent-rich state of Florida.
Quick Hits
- Ohio State 2025 four-star wide receiver recruit Quincy Porter impressed all of last week in practice, leading up to the All-American Bowl on NBC. The good impressions continued during the weekend game as Porter had quite the performance. He was listed as one of the overall top performers by On3 and made this impressive play on fourth-and-20.
- The recent buzz surrounding Ohio State recruiting has revolved around former Alabama defensive end transfer target Damon Wilson II, the No. 5 transfer portal prospect. The Buckeyes were one of his finalists in his recruitment, and because of this immediately became contenders to land him.
Wilson has visited with both the Buckeyes and Missouri since entering the portal and Ohio State has remained the favorites until recently. There is a feeling Missouri could quickly jump the Buckeyes as the favorite to land him, if they have not already. Land-Grant Holy Land will continue to keep you updated on his recruitment.
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2027 FL OL Jayden Dean (Verbal Offer)
- By pnuts34
- Football Recruiting
- 5 Replies
247
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https://247sports.com/Player/jayden-dean-46147158/
Class: 2027
Position: IOL
School: Ft. Lauderdale (FL) St. Thomas Aquinas
Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 277lbs
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Rivals
HudL
https://247sports.com/Player/jayden-dean-46147158/
Class: 2027Position: IOL
School: Ft. Lauderdale (FL) St. Thomas Aquinas
Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 277lbs
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