• New here? Register here now for access to all the forums, download game torrents, private messages, polls, Sportsbook, etc. Plus, stay connected and follow BP on Instagram @buckeyeplanet and Facebook.

LGHL In-state prospects continue to plan visits to Ohio State spring practices

In-state prospects continue to plan visits to Ohio State spring practices
Caleb Houser
via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


12075587.0.jpg

Cam Thomas | 247Sports

Multiple 2026 in-state prospects set visit dates to see the Buckeyes.

Thursday proved to be a slower day with recruiting news, but that makes sense considering where the staff is channeling the majority of their focus. Set to get back on the practice field and finding a new running backs coach, Day and crew have plenty of work to get done these next few weeks, but it should be full of optimism considering how the rest of this off-season has gone for Ohio State.

Visits galore are set to be taken by countless top recruits, and though the 2024 season is the main focus right now, this staff is always dealing with several topics on the to-do list. Fortunately, the coaches have handled it well thus far.

In-state linebacker sets visit plans to see OSU and more


Ohio State has done a great job at locking up its in-state targets early over the last several recruiting cycles. Making Ohio the first priority is always going to be atop the board of priorities for any Buckeye coaching staffer and having the amount of talent in their backyard certainly helps. The 2025 class is proving to be extremely solid and 2026 looks to be much of the same.

Cam Thomas is one of the latest Ohio natives to plan a trip to campus over the next few weeks..

A 6-foot-2, 200-pound athlete, Thomas plays his ball at Lakota West, a program that has produced multiple Buckeyes over the last few years. Yet to be ranked via his 247Sports profile, Thomas is currently listed as an athlete, but likely projects as an outside linebacker at the next level. Having over 20 offers to his name, it won’t be a surprise to see him listed with a rankings boost when his class is updated.

Programs such as Cincinnati, Georgia Tech, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Virginia Tech, Wisconsin, and a host of others have already entered the mix for Thomas. Set to see Ohio State on March 21, an offer may not happen yet, but continued points of contact sure don’t hurt his chances. Taking visits to other schools in the coming weeks, Cam is looking at really getting a serious look at his top choices and the Buckeyes of course have plenty of his attention even before offering.

2026 LB Cam Thomas has already gotten to two of his spring visits. Several in-state visits and Kentucky coming up in the next two weeks.https://t.co/toSvLemWTx pic.twitter.com/eRRa3OdElF

— Allen Trieu (@AllenTrieu) March 13, 2024

Quick Hits:

  • Another in-state, 2026 prospect making his way to Columbus in the coming days, receiver prospect Jaeden Ricketts will be at practice on March 19. An unranked player right now, Ricketts does currently have one offer from Bowling Green, but is looking to see his interest from other programs start to pick up.
Blessed to receive a invite to attend Ohio states spring practice! I will be at Ohio state on the 19th‼️@etwill21 @brianhartline @ryandaytime @TLow14 @crossfit161 @Watkins_FB @CoachJordan82 @WM_Warriors pic.twitter.com/p4gQfI7SGW

— Jaeden ricketts (@JaedenRicketts2) March 13, 2024

Continue reading...

LGHL Ohio State can’t hold off Illinois, falling 77-74 in the Big Ten Tournament quarterfinal

Ohio State can’t hold off Illinois, falling 77-74 in the Big Ten Tournament quarterfinal
justingolba
via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


NCAA Basketball: Big Ten Conference Tournament Quarterfinal-Ohio State vs Illinois

Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

The Buckeyes gave Illinois everything they could handle on Friday night.

The Ohio State men’s basketball team (20-13, 9-11) lost to the Illinois Fighting Illini (25-8, 14-6) 77-74 in the Big Ten Tournament quarterfinals.

The No. 10 seed Buckeyes started the Big Ten Tournament off with a bang, defeating the No. 7 seed Iowa Hawkeyes 90-78 on Thursday night. The Buckeyes never trailed in the contest, taking a single-digit lead into the halftime break but increasing their lead to as much as 16 and winning by 12.

Ohio State entered this contest with five straight wins and 6-1 under interim head coach Jake Diebler, who took over the program after head coach Chris Holtmann was fired on February 14. The Buckeyes have seen their defense sharply improve since Diebler took over, as well as deeper utilization of the bench.

Jamison Battle got the scoring going against Illinois hitting the first jumper of the game 1:18 into the night. Battle scored 23 points in the first-round game against Iowa, with all 23 coming in the second half. He didn’t wait that long in this one. Bruce Thornton recorded the next five points for Ohio State, and they jumped out to a quick 7-4 lead. Roddy Gayle recorded the next bucket for the Buckeyes, so the three top scorers for Ohio State all got on the stat sheet early on.

Jamison Battle gets things started for the Buckeyes. #B1GMBBT x @OhioStateHoops pic.twitter.com/yhGCTht1vU

— Big Ten Men's Basketball (@B1GMBBall) March 15, 2024

After some back-and-forth offense, Illinois led 16-15 by the under-12 media timeout. Illinois jumped out to a 25-18 lead after some untimely Ohio State fouls and missed shots by the Buckeyes, but an 11-6 run to end the half for Ohio State cut the Illinois lead to only two at 31-29 at the halftime break.

Zed Key is feelin' himself. #B1GMBBT x @OhioStateHoops pic.twitter.com/TRaZQkWr6v

— Big Ten Men's Basketball (@B1GMBBall) March 15, 2024

Thornton led the Buckeyes with seven first-half points, while Gayle and Battle added six points each in the first half. The Buckeyes committed eleven fouls and recorded nine turnovers in the opening 20 minutes, which forced Diebler to roll with some different combinations. Devin Royal and Mahaffey each picked up two first-half fouls, while Battle and Thornton each had two. Battle sat the final eight-plus minutes of the first half after picking up his second.

Terrance Shannon led Illinois with 14 first-half points on 6-of-13 shooting. Marcus Domask, Shannon’s right-hand man in scoring for Illinois, had zero first-half points on 0-for-6 shooting. Both Shannon and Domask were named All-Big Ten First Team on Tuesday afternoon.

To start the second half, Ohio State went on a speedy 8-0 run to take a 37-31 lead. A tip-in from Ty Rodgers on a Marcus Domask missed three-pointer gave Illinois its first points of the second half, with Ohio State leading 37-33.

Domask recorded his first points of the game at 16:24 after making a three-pointer. He missed his first eight field goal attempts of the game. An Okpara foul on a driving Justin Harmon sent Illinois to the line, down 38-36 with 15:31 left in the game. Harmon knocked down both, tying it up at 38 and erasing the Buckeyes’ six-point lead.

The Buckeyes then went on a 14-6 run, with seven points from Bruce Thornton and five points from Scotty Middleton, to take a 52-44 lead at the under-12 timeout. Middleton was invisible in the first half but stepped up and knocked down two big shots to give the Buckeyes the lead.

IT'S DAINJA TIME. #B1GMBBT x @IlliniMBB pic.twitter.com/2KLVqcUrJ4

— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) March 16, 2024

Terrance Shannon Jr. finally got going in the second half for the Illini, recording five quick points and cutting the Buckeye lead to just three. Illinois got another bucket from Dain Dainja to make it 57-56, but a fourth foul on Shannon forced him to go to the bench with 9:04 remaining in the game, but he came back in less than three minutes later.

Illinois tied the game at 59, capping off a 13-3 run in three minutes to put them back in the game. The Buckeyes answered with a quick 6-2 run of their own and led 65-61 with just over five minutes left in the game. Jamison Battle’s put-back off his own miss made it 69-66 with 3:35 remaining.

The Buckeyes and Illini continued to trade baskets back and forth, with Illinois tying the game up at 71 and Felix Okpara and Evan Mahaffey both fouling out with 2:26 left.

Jamison Battle knocked down a three-pointer to give the Buckeyes a 74-71 lead, but two Shannon free throws cut the lead to one. Coleman Hawkins got a block on the other end and made two free throws to give Illinois a one-point lead.

Shannon missed a three-pointer with 11 seconds left, but an offensive rebound by Coleman Hawkins gave the Illinois free throws. He would make both, and Ohio State took a timeout down 77-74.

Jamison Battle missed a three at the end of the game, and Ohio State fell 77-74.

Here are some takeaways from the Buckeyes loss to Illinois


Limiting the dynamic duo


One of the things that makes Illinois so tough to beat is the one-two punch that is Terrence Shannon Jr. and Marcus Domask, two first-team all-conference selections. Shannon had 14 points in the first half to lead all scorers, but Domask was 0-for-6 from the field, recording no points.

Domask recorded his first points with 16:24 left in the second half after missing his first eight field goal attempts. He would finish with seven points.


Taking care of the ball


One key to winning this one for the Buckeyes is limiting Illinois in transition. The Illini like to get out and push the pace, and score on the run. The Buckeyes made it harder on themselves in the first half by committing nine turnovers but found a way to hold the Illini to just 31 first-half points.

They committed just two second-half turnovers.


Fast start to the second half


The Buckeyes trailed at the half 31-29, but that deficit did not last long. Ohio State started the second half on an 8-0 run in the opening two minutes to take a 37-31 lead and help the Buckeyes not have to chase all second half, with how good Illinois is on offense.



Continue reading...

LGHL Men’s basketball Buckeyes keep tournament hopes alive; former OSU RB wants to come home

Men’s basketball Buckeyes keep tournament hopes alive; former OSU RB wants to come home
Matt Tamanini
via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


NCAA Basketball: Big Ten Conference Tournament Second Round-Ohio State vs Iowa

Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

One more win and Jake Diebler should have his team dancing, and the word “interim” dropped from his title.

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!


On the Gridiron


Pepe Pearson wants to join Ryan Day’s staff as OSU running backs coach
Rob Oller, The Columbus Dispatch

Sources — CFP nears finish line for changes starting in ‘26
Heather Dinich and Pete Thamel, ESPN


When everyone signs on to new CFP deal tomorrow, worth noting that the Big Ten/SEC will achieve one of their main goals — their revenue distribution will be clearly different & greater than that of the Big 12/ACC. Further stratification.

(Format still needs to be finalized.) https://t.co/3IawtrwEDn

— Nicole Auerbach (@NicoleAuerbach) March 14, 2024

2024 college football transfer portal player rankings: Ohio State trio headlines new top 150
Clint Brewster, 247Sports

Why this spring is so critical for Tyleik Williams, Buckeyes defensive tackles (paywall)
Spencer Holbrook, Lettermen Row

Former Ohio State Club Football Receiver, Track Athlete Praise Olatoke Chasing NFL Dream Through International Pathway Program
Dan Hope, Eleven Warriors


On the Hardwood


Ohio State Men’s Basketball Big Ten Tournament vs Illinois: Game Preview and Prediction
Connor Lemons, Land-Grant Holy Land

Ohio State gets revenge on Iowa 90-78, advances to Big Ten quarterfinal
Connor Lemons, Land-Grant Holy Land

Login to view embedded media

Special Teams, Special Plays, Special Players☝️@battletime510 x @thesketchreal pic.twitter.com/aqKGoyrUIe

— Ohio State Hoops (@OhioStateHoops) March 15, 2024

4 takeaways: Hot-shooting Scotty Middleton helps Ohio State past Iowa
Adam Jardy, The Columbus Dispatch

Quick Takes: Buckeyes get important contributions at key times to beat Iowa at Big Ten Tournament
Patrick Murphy, Bucknuts

Jamison Battle right at home but all business in Target Center (paywall)
Andy Backstrom, Lettermen Row

With work still to do, Ohio State on the March Madness bubble
Adam Jardy, The Columbus Dispatch


Congratulations to Jacy Sheldon on being named a semifinalist for the Naismith Player of the Year ‼️

: https://t.co/PAplmEp30s#GoBucks pic.twitter.com/QpfwGybWWH

— Ohio State Women’s Basketball (@OhioStateWBB) March 14, 2024

Former Ohio State head coach Chris Holtmann has agreed to become the next head coach of DePaul
Connor Lemons, Land-Grant Holy Land


Outside the Shoe and Schott


Men’s Swimming and Diving: Three Buckeyes Qualify for NCAA Championships on Day One of Zones
Oho State Athletics

Ohio State Wrestling: Mendez a champ, Buckeyes settle for fifth at the 2024 Big Ten Championships
Josh Dooley, Land-Grant Holy Land


And now for something completely different...


I am ready:


Same time. Everywhere.

Get ready for the global premiere of #DoctorWho on @BBCiPlayer in the UK 11th May and @DisneyPlus 10th May where available. pic.twitter.com/dFHh0BKCgO

— Doctor Who (@bbcdoctorwho) March 15, 2024

Continue reading...

LGHL You’re Nuts: What is the biggest key to upsetting Illinois in the Big Ten quarterfinal?

You’re Nuts: What is the biggest key to upsetting Illinois in the Big Ten quarterfinal?
Connor Lemons
via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Syndication: The Columbus Dispatch

Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK

Ohio State is one win away from maybe-possibly-perhaps earning an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament.

At first it was a joke. Then it was a pipe dream. Now? Now the Ohio State men’s basketball team is one win away from having a strong argument for swiping one of the 32 at-large bids to the NCAA Tournament.

After knocking off Iowa on Thursday night in the second round of the Big Ten Tournament, the Buckeyes improved to 20-12 overall and 7-11 against Quad 1 & Quad 2 opponents. They were listed among the “next four out” in some bracket predictions before the Iowa win, so the assumption is Ohio State remains in that group of six-to-eight teams hoping to sneak in on this final weekend.

Of course, winning the Big Ten Tournament would do the job, too.

Last week, Connor and Justin debated which Rutgers player should’ve been at the top of the scouting report as Ohio State traveled to New Jersey for the final game of the regular season. Connor went with senior center Cliff Omoruyi, while Justin picked sophomore guard Derek Simpson. 83% of the readers sided with Connor, and Omoruyi did in fact outscore Simpson in the game, 10-0.

After 143 weeks:

Connor- 71
Justin- 53
Other- 15

(There have been four ties)


We now turn our attention to the Illinois Fighting Illini. The No. 2 seed in the Big Ten Tournament beat Ohio State 87-75 on Jan. 30. Both Terrence Shannon and Marcus Domask had 23 points in Illinois 12-point win. One day after winning a track meet with Iowa, what will be the biggest key to beating Illinois and advancing to the Big Ten semifinal for the second straight season?

Today’s Question: What is the biggest key to upsetting Illinois in the Big Ten quarterfinal?


Connor: Bench production

NCAA Basketball: Purdue at Ohio State
Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports

Ohio State’s bench outscored Iowa’s bench 37-16 on Thursday night, including 11 points from Scotty Middleton (all in the first half!), eight from Devin Royal, and eight from Zed Key. Leaning on his team’s depth has been something interim head coach Jake Diebler has been talking about since he was elevated to head coach, saying that the bench, “should be a strength of this team.” Against Iowa, it was the difference in a 90-78 win.

Diebler would certainly love to see more of that against Illinois, and they might need it if they have any chance of advancing to the Big Ten semifinal on Saturday. Last time these teams played, Illinois was able to completely shut off the water to Bruce Thornton and Felix Okpara, holding the former to seven points on 3-of-11 shooting and the latter to zero points and only two shot attempts in 18 minutes.

The Buckeyes’ bench didn’t make up for the difference, scoring just 14 points as the Buckeyes lost by 12. Illinois has not been quite as studly on the defensive end since that game, but the goal will still be to cut off Thornton, who is the head of the snake and makes everything happen for Ohio State offensively. He flirted with a triple-double against Iowa, finishing with 14 points, 9 assists, and 6 rebounds. Illinois wants that line to be much closer to the seven points and five assists he had against them two months ago.

On top of the obvious “more points!” Ohio State also needs to lean on its bench because there are going to be some tired legs wearing scarlet and gray on Friday night. Diebler has this team fully bought-in on giving 100% hustle at all times — getting back in transition, fighting in crowds for rebounds, trying to save every ball that is going out of bounds. The players have to be winded and tired after the track meet with Iowa on Thursday, and now they’ll be lacing it up to face the team that is probably the second-fastest, up and down team in the Big Ten just 24 hours later.

Guys are going to have tired legs and sometimes get out-ran by Illinois, who has not played in five days. When that happens, Diebler is going to utilize his bench liberally — like he has been lately — to get guys breathers. But as we’ve seen, guys like Taison Chatman, Devin Royal, and Scotty Middleton aren’t just in the game to give starters a break. Diebler expects those players to take and make big shots, too. Each of those three did that on Thursday, and they will need to do it again Friday to win.


Justin: Transition defense

Illinois v Iowa
Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images

Illinois is dangerous in many ways and can hurt you in a variety of areas, but almost no one in the country can hurt you in transition like Illinois and Terrance Shannon Jr.

Illinois is second in the conference at 83.9 points per game, and second in the conference in point differential at +11.0. The Fighting Illini are a team that loves to push the pace and beat you in transition. Think Iowa, but faster and more lethal.

Shannon Jr. is one of the best players in the country when he can get out and run and create in transition. Marcus Domask is also great in transition, and can hurt you from all three levels if you lose track of him.

Ohio State just ran up and down the court against Iowa, and Illinois was sitting and watching, so the Illini have an advantage there. They are going to want to push the pace and test Ohio State’s stamina. However, Illinois hasn’t played all week, so the Buckeyes come in with some momentum after a hot shooting night.

The Buckeyes will need the same bench production they got against Iowa to show up in this one. Devin Royal, Taison Chatman, Scotty Middleton, and Zed Key are all going to play meaningful minutes to give Bruce Thornton, Roddy Gayle, and Jamison Battle some rest on their legs, and if they can’t give them those minutes, Illinois will just continue to push the pace.

If they can force Illinois to play through the half-court and not let them get out into transition, they can slow the game down and force the Illini to execute.



Continue reading...

LGHL Ohio State Men’s Basketball Big Ten Tournament vs Illinois: Game Preview and Prediction

Ohio State Men’s Basketball Big Ten Tournament vs Illinois: Game Preview and Prediction
Connor Lemons
via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Syndication: The Columbus Dispatch

Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK

The Buckeyes’ five-game winning streak and NCAA Tournament hopes are on the line against an explosive Illinois team.

How about the Fighting Jake Dieblers, eh?

After knocking off Iowa in the second round of the Big Ten Tournament on Thursday night, No. 10 seed Ohio State has now advanced to the quarterfinal, where it will face No. 2 seed Illinois with a trip to the semifinals on the line. The two teams met one time this past season — an 87-75 Illinois win in Columbus on January 30.

Terrence Shannon Jr. and Marcus Domask — two players who both were named First Team All-Big Ten this week — each had 23 points in the road win for the Fighting Illini. Bruce Thornton was held to seven points in that game, and Felix Okpara was scoreless.

The 90 points Ohio State scored on Thursday night was the second-most it has scored all season, but the elevated pace of play could show some effects on Friday as the Buckeyes play their second game in two days. In terms of tempo, Iowa is the fastest-moving team in the Big Ten at 71.4 possessions per 40 minutes, while Illinois is third at 69.7. Comparatively, Ohio State is the fifth-slowest team in the Big Ten at 65.5 possessions per 40 minutes, but has been moving pushing pace more deliberately since Jake Diebler took over.

Why is pace relevant? Because Ohio State might not have the lungs and the legs to run with the third-fastest team in the Big Ten for 40 minutes one day after running with the fastest team in the Big Ten for 40 minutes. That will make bench production paramount for Ohio State against Illinois, as Diebler will be subbing players in an out continuously, trying to keep guys fresh while also throwing different combinations at Illinois.

Jake Diebler’s Buckeyes have shown some versatility over the past four weeks, beating Michigan State in a 60-57 rock fight but also out-running Iowa on Thursday in a 90-78 win. Ohio State has shown the ability to win physical, low-scoring bouts if that is what the situation calls for. It showed on Thursday that it can also go punch-for-punch with any team that wants to play in the 80’s or 90’s.


Preview

Syndication: The Columbus Dispatch
Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK

Ohio State fans were relieved when the Buckeyes wound up as the 10-seed and avoided Purdue in the second round, but beating Illinois on the second day of a back-to-back will be a tall task. The Fighting Illini beat Ohio State by 12 in Columbus two months ago, but the lead got as high as 16 and the Buckeyes were more or less out of the game for the entire second half.

Illinois finished as the runner-up in the Big Ten with a conference record of 14-6. Two of those losses were to Maryland and Penn State, so the Illini aren’t immune to an off night every now and then. What has been very on the money for this team lately, however, has been its offense. Illinois has scored 85 or more points in 11 of its last 15 games, and averages 83.9 points per game — the second-most in the Big Ten behind Purdue.

Meanwhile, Illinois’ team defense has taken a pretty serious slide while the offense has sharpened. Their defensive efficiency has slid down to No. 76 in the country, allowing 101.1 points per 100 possessions, or 1.01 points per possession. This is the ninth-best defense in the conference, while Ohio State is the seventh-best defense in the Big Ten (not impressive at first glance, but if you watched the Buckeyes for the first three months of the season, you know getting to seventh is quite the accomplishment).

Illinois has allowed some high point totals to a few middle-of the road Big Ten teams recently. For example, Michigan State and Maryland both scored 80, Penn State scored 89, Minnesota scored 97, and Wisconsin scored 83. Illinois was still able to win three of those games, but the fact remains that — like Iowa — Ohio State should be able to watch the ball go into the basket quite a bit.

The Illini are currently No. 16 in the NET rankings (Quad-1 win opportunity) and No. 10 in KenPom. Illinois has three players who are averaging 12.9 or more points per game while also playing at least 31 minutes.

  • Terrence Shannon Jr. (21.6 PPG, 4.2 REB, 46.9% FG, 34.9% 3PT, 33.9 minutes per game)
  • Marcus Domask (16 PPG, 4.9 REB, 3.5 AST, 46% FG, 28.1% 3PT, 34.2 minutes per game)
  • Coleman Hawkins (12.9 PPG, 6.1 REB, 2.7 AST, 46% FG, 39.2% 3PT, 31.4 minutes per game)

When these teams met in January, that trio combined for 51 points. Ohio State won’t be able to stop all three from getting hot, but they can try to force them into taking shots they would prefer not take. That means forcing Shannon to his right and making him shoot threes, which is preferable to letting the 6-foot-6, 230-pound guard get downhill with his lightning fast first step and pick apart Ohio State’s interior defense. Roddy Gayle Jr. will have to work hard to keep Domask from breaking loose as well, as the 6-foot-6 Southern Illinois transfer isn’t a sharpshooter from deep but is very good backing down smaller guards and getting into a rhythm in the mid-range.

It will likely be Gayle guarding Domask and Mahaffey guarding Shannon initially. Look for the Buckeyes to send help on all post drives and force Illinois to kick it back out and rely on outside shooting until that strategy fails.

Also look for Devin Royal to get some extended run in this game, as he’s been impactful on the glass for Ohio State in spurts and could make a big difference in this one if he can stay out of foul trouble. When these teams met in January, Illinois out-rebounded Ohio State 36-28.


Prediction

Syndication: The Columbus Dispatch
Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK

Ohio State is playing with a high level of confidence right now, and truly believes that nobody wants to play them. The depth that people thought the Buckeyes would have at the beginning of the year is finally paying dividends, but is it too late?

After not scoring at all in the first half against Iowa, Jamison Battle exploded for 23 in the second half. Bruce Thornton came one assist and a few rebounds away from a triple-double. Roddy Gayle had an almost invisible 10/4/4, and Scotty Middleton came out of nowhere to score 11 points in the first half. Nearly everybody is playing well at the same time.

However, I think exhaustion could set in during the second half against Illinois. In a win-or-go home tournament, you have no choice but to empty the tank in every game, which puts the teams with double-byes at a big advantage. Illinois hasn’t had a warm-up game like Ohio State, but they also didn’t run back and forth with Iowa for 40 minutes yesterday.

Although the run has been improbable, incredible, and inspiring, I do not think Ohio State will have the horses to outlast Illinois. Domask and Shannon are big guards that create matchup issues, and at the end of the day Illinois is just the better, more dynamic team.

The Buckeyes will keep it close, but sending Illinois home will take a Herculean effort.


Time: 6:30 p.m. ET
TV: BTN

LGHL score prediction: Illinois 81, Ohio State 76


Continue reading...

LGHL Tony ‘Judas’ Alford quits Ohio State to join the Dark Side, stealing spring practice plans, more

Tony ‘Judas’ Alford quits Ohio State to join the Dark Side, stealing spring practice plans, more
Matt Tamanini
via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Syndication: The Columbus Dispatch

Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK

Goodbye and good riddance.

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: RSS | Apple | Spotify | Google Podcasts | iHeart Radio


On the Gridiron


Michigan football poaches Ohio State RB coach Tony Alford for same job
Tony Garcia, Detroit Free Press

Candidates to replace Tony Alford as Buckeyes running backs coach (paywall)
Spencer Holbrook, Lettermen Row

Who will replace Tony Alford at Ohio State?
Rob Oller, The Columbus Dispatch

Six Potential Candidates to Replace Tony Alford as Ohio State’s Running Backs Coach
Andy Anders, Eleven Warriors


To nip one rumor in the bud, former @OhioStateFB Heisman-winning RB @EddieGeorge27 now @TSUTigersFB HC tells me he is NOT interested in now-open OSU rb job. But his current RB coach and former @OhioStateFB rb Pepe Pearson likely is.

— Tim May (@TIM_MAYsports) March 13, 2024

OSU players, Maurice Clarett react to Tony Alford Michigan move
Colin Gay, The Columbus Dispatch

Buckeye RB offers react to Alford leaving and discuss their status in regards to visiting Ohio State
Bill Kurelic, Bucknuts

Analyzing impact as Tony Alford bolts for Michigan in midst of spring camp (paywall)
Austin Ward, Dotting the Eyes

Replacing Tony Alford as recruiter won’t be easy for Ryan Day, Ohio State (paywall)
Jeremy Birmingham, Dotting the Eyes


OH no Ohio State went from having the best RB room in college football to having the best RB room in college football pic.twitter.com/w2PJbQIAXs

— BIA (@Buckeye_Zone6) March 13, 2024

On the Hardwood


Ohio State Men’s Basketball vs. Iowa: Game Preview and Prediction
Justin Golba, Land-Grant Holy Land


Maryland moved up to No. 72 in the NET, making the #OhioState win against the Terps a Quad 2 game once again. https://t.co/tc0l5QJnHQ

— Adam Jardy (@AdamJardy) March 14, 2024

Buckeyes’ first-round game vs. Iowa feels eerily similar to 2019 Big Ten Tournament
Connor Lemons, Land-Grant Holy Land

Can Ohio State replicate last year’s Big Ten Tournament run?
Adam Jardy, The Columbus Dispatch

Jake Diebler in rare company as interim coach who is winning
Rob Oller, The Columbus Dispatch


BREAKING : DePaul has focused its search on former Ohio State Head Coach Chris Holtmann, source told @TheFieldOf68. pic.twitter.com/HwQHKBn8cc

— The Field of 68 (@TheFieldOf68) March 14, 2024

Ohio State women’s basketball Bracketology, March Madness tournament structure and key dates
Thomas Costello, Land-Grant Holy Land


Outside the Shoe and Schott


Wrestling: Mendez Earns No. 1 Seed, Nine Buckeyes Headed to NCAA Championships
Ohio State Athletics

Baseball: Buckeyes Close out California Trip with Comeback Win Over the Titans
Ohio State Athletics

Men’s Tennis: Buckeyes Rebound with 6-1 Win at No. 12 Texas A&M
Ohio State Athletics

Softball: Buckeyes Come From Behind to Top Austin Peay in Eight Innings
Ohio State Athletics


And now for something completely different...


I will be seated for each and every one of these!


Elizabeth Olsen upcoming projects:

• ‘HIS THREE DAUGHTERS’ - drama w/ Carrie Coon & Natasha Lyonne

• ‘THE ASSESSMENT’ - sci-fi/drama w/ Alicia Vikander & Himesh Patel

• ‘LOVE CHILD’ - comedy/drama w/ Charles Melton

• ‘ETERNITY’ - rom-com w/ Callum Turner & Miles Teller pic.twitter.com/ncQxbicv7F

— Film Updates (@FilmUpdates) March 14, 2024

Continue reading...

Filter

Back
Top