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LGHL MC&J: Saturday’s college football bowl slate features two matchups between ranked teams
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MC&J: Saturday’s college football bowl slate features two matchups between ranked teams
Brett Ludwiczak via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images
Before the CFP jumps back into action on Tuesday, there are nine bowl games being played on Saturday and Monday.
Bowl games ATS: 10-7 (8-5 National, 2-2 B1G)
Season ATS: 134-122 (60-59 National, 74-63 B1G)
Our bowl picks record reflects games through Thursday. By the time Saturday morning rolls around things could look different since there are five Friday games pending.
What’s the deal with all this overtime? So far there have been three overtime bowl games this year, with the Hawai’i Bowl going to five overtimes on Christmas Eve, followed by the GameAbove Sports Bowl topping that by needing six overtimes before Toledo was able to defeat Pitt. At least I was on Toledo on Thursday after being on the wrong side of the first two overtime games.
Fenway Bowl: UConn v. North Carolina (-2.5) - Saturday 12/28 11:00 a.m. - ESPN
North Carolina probably doesn’t care all that much about this game since they are already looking forward to next season when Bill Belichick is stalking the sidelines as head coach of the Tar Heels. Running back Omarion Hampton, who totaled over 2,000 yards from scrimmage and 17 touchdowns, opted out of this game to prepare for the NFL Draft. Aside from Hampton, North Carolina doesn’t have much of note on offense.
Jim Mora Jr. put together a solid season in his third season as head coach in Storrs after posting a 3-9 record in 2023. The Huskies have three running backs with over 500 yards on the ground, while linebacker Jayden McDonald amassed 119 tackles. Not only will UConn benefit from playing in Boston, they’ll be motivated to close out 2024 with a victory, while North Carolina is eager to put this season behind them.
UConn 27, North Carolina 20
Pinstripe Bowl: Boston College v. Nebraska (-3.5) - Saturday 12/28 12:00 p.m. - ABC
Can Boston College find more success at Yankee Stadium in 2024 than the Red Sox? In his first season as head coach of the Golden Eagles, former Ohio State offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien led Boston College to a 7-5 record. Quarterback Thomas Castellanos has already secured a spot at Florida State after entering the transfer portal, but it’s not like O’Brien isn’t used to having Castellanos on the field since Grayson James started the last three games of the regular season.
Matt Rhule finally was able to lead a Nebraska team to bowl eligibility. This marks the first bowl appearance for the Cornhuskers since 2016 when they lost to Tennessee in the Music City Bowl. Even though Patrick Mahomes cosplayer Dylan Raiola gave Nebraska stability at quarterback this year, he didn’t really improve as the season went on. Over the last five games, Raiola threw just three touchdowns and four interceptions.
The Cornhuskers will be missing a lot on defense, as a number of key contributors entered the transfer portal. With the way Nebraska has found creative ways to lose close games since joining the Big Ten, it feels like they do just that in a bowl game.
Boston College 28, Nebraska 24
New Mexico Bowl: Louisiana v. TCU (-11.5) - Saturday 12/28 2:15 p.m. ET - ESPN
What a mascot battle we have here. The Ragin’ Cajuns against the Horned Frogs. If it just came down to the mascots to decide this battle then we’d likely see some Cajuns feasting on some frog legs. They just better hope it isn’t Hypnotoad or else they might start seeing some wild things.
The good news for Louisiana is they’ll get quarterback Ben Wooldridge back behind center. Wooldridge missed the 31-3 loss to Marshall in the Sun Belt Championship Game where backup Chandler Fields was carted off due to injury. The Ragin’ Cajuns won 10 games for the fourth time in the last six seasons.
For most of the year TCU has had a dreadful defense. It did look better over the last three games, but they faced three teams who aren’t bowl eligible. I know the Horned Frogs will put points on the board, I just don’t think they’ll be able to keep Louisiana from scoring enough to keep the game inside double digits.
TCU 38, Louisiana 31
Pop-Tarts Bowl: No. 18 Iowa State v. No. 13 Miami (FL) (-3.5) - Saturday 12/28 3:30 p.m. - ABC
Just a month ago both of these teams had dreams of making the College Football Playoff. Iowa State was crushed by Arizona State in the Big 12 Championship Game, while Kyle McCord and Syracuse knocked the Hurricanes out of the ACC title game. At least both teams are playing in one of the most entertaining bowl games since some Pop Tarts are going to be murdered as tribute for the winner.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25807222/2188307126.jpg "Miami v Syracuse")
Photo by Bryan Bennett/Getty Images
It sounds like Heisman Trophy finalist Cam Ward will play in this game, so there should be plenty of fireworks. Iowa State also has a sneaky good offense, so both defenses will be stretched on Saturday afternoon. I just think the Hurricanes will have a little more success since they have running back Damien Martinez to balance out their attack in a back-and-forth game.
Miami (FL) 37, Iowa State 27
Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl: Miami (OH) (-2.5) v. Colorado State - Saturday 12/28 4:30 p.m. - CW Network
Had the RedHawks beat Ohio in the MAC Championship Game they would have had a shot at a 10-win season. Those hopes were dashed by the blowout win by the Bobcats in Detroit. Miami still has a chance to end their season, as well as the college career of quarterback Brett Gabbert, on a high note (get it, because the bowl is sponsored by Snoop Dogg) with a win over Colorado State.
I’m surprised Colorado State enters this game with eight wins since I haven’t been all that impressed with them. Wide receiver Tony Horton was lost during the season because of injury and Caleb Goodie is in the transfer portal. Running back Anthony Morrow is solid, I just don’t think he will be able to find many holes against a stout Miami defense. The RedHawks win just their second bowl game in their last six bowl appearances.
Miami (OH) 27, Colorado State 17
Military Bowl: East Carolina v. NC State (-6.5) - Saturday 12/28 5:45 p.m. - ESPN
It’s not often you get a rivalry game in a bowl game. East Carolina and NC State are separated by less than 90 miles and have played 32 previous times, with the Wolfpack winning the last three meetings. The most recent time the teams squared off ended with a 21-20 NC State win in Greenville, extending their edge in the series to 19-13.This marks the second time the schools have met in a bowl game. Back in the 1992 Peach Bowl, the Pirates squeaked out a 37-34 win in Atlanta.
East Carolina caught fire after firing head coach Mike Houston, winning four of their last five games under defensive coordinator Blake Harrell, who had the interim tag removed from his title prior to the final game of the regular season, which ended up being the only setback under Harrell, as the Pirates lost to Navy. Michigan State transfer quarterback Katin Houser was outstanding in the first two games after the firing of Houston, throwing 10 touchdowns in wins over Temple and Florida Atlantic.
Early on in NC State’s season quarterback Grayson McCall suffered a career-ending concussion, leaving freshman CJ Bailey to take the snaps for the Wolfpack. Bailey will be without wide receiver KC Concepcion, who led the team with six receiving touchdowns. The 2023 ACC Offensive Rookie of the Year entered the transfer portal after the end of the regular season. I have a little more confidence riding with East Carolina in the points since they closed out the regular season strong after making a coaching change.
East Carolina 31, NC State 24
Alamo Bowl: No. 17 BYU v. No. 23 Colorado (-3.5) - Saturday 12/28 7:30 p.m. - ABC
When the bowl matchups were announced this pairing was a bit of a head-scratcher since both of these teams currently play in the Big 12. It turns out Colorado is still considered a Pac-12 team when it comes to bowl tie-ins, so that explains why two teams from the same conference are playing in a non-CFP bowl game.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25807224/2186849896.jpg "Oklahoma State v Colorado")
Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images
It is refreshing to hear that Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter and quarterback Shedeur Sanders are expected to play in Saturday night’s game. I wouldn’t have blamed them if they sat out this game since they have their NFL futures to think of, but it just shows you how much these two players love playing for head coach Deion Sanders. The Buffaloes really hit their stride after the loss to Kansas State, winning five of their last six games.
The same can’t be said for BYU, who lost two of their last three games to ruin their undefeated season and dash their CFP hopes. The Cougars play tough football, I’m just not convinced they have the horses to keep up with Colorado. Quarterback Jake Retzlaff fell off in the final four games, throwing just two touchdowns and three interceptions. I could see Hunter closing out his college career by picking off Retzlaff. The Buffaloes should win this one by double digits.
Colorado 38, BYU 23
Independence Bowl: Louisiana Tech v. No. 22 Army (-14.5) - Saturday 12/28 9:15 p.m. - ESPN
Louisiana Tech is the only team with a losing record playing in a bowl game since the Bulldogs replaced Marshall, who decided to opt out after head coach Charles Huff left for Southern Miss and a bunch of players entered the transfer portal. While Louisiana Tech finished the regular season 5-7, the record looks even more unimpressive when you see two of their wins came against Nicholls and Kennesaw State.
Even if Marshall was playing in this game I probably would have sided with Army since the Black Knights have been playing at a high level for most of the season, with their only losses coming to Notre Dame and Navy. Quarterback Bryson Daily has 29 of Army’s 44 rushing touchdowns this year. After closing out their regular season with a loss to Navy, the Black Knights should be able to rebound and earn their sixth bowl victory in their last seven bowl appearances.
Army 34, Louisiana Tech 14
Music City Bowl: Iowa v. No. 19 Missouri (-2.5) - Monday 12/30 2:30 p.m. - ESPN
After scoring 40 points in four games this season, Iowa might have some trouble moving the football on Monday. Running back Kaleb Johnson has opted out of this game after rushing for 1,537 yards and 21 touchdowns this season. At least the Hawkeyes will have a little bit of experience at quarterback, since Brendan Sullivan is healthy after missing the last two games of the regular season.
With their top offensive player not suiting up against the Tigers, Iowa will need their stout defense to force some turnovers and give their offense some short fields.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25807226/2188338247.jpg "COLLEGE FOOTBALL: NOV 30 Arkansas at Missouri")
Missouri had high expectations coming into the season after beating Ohio State in last year’s Cotton Bowl. The Tigers weren’t able to live up to the hype, losing three games in conference to keep them out of the CFP mix. Quarterback Brady Cook won’t have his top target on Monday, as wide receiver Luther Burden III has opted out of this game. Even without Burden, Missouri is still a little too dynamic for Iowa.
The Tigers make it wins in consecutive years against Big Ten teams in bowl games.
Missouri 23, Iowa 10
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
Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images
Before the CFP jumps back into action on Tuesday, there are nine bowl games being played on Saturday and Monday.
Bowl games ATS: 10-7 (8-5 National, 2-2 B1G)
Season ATS: 134-122 (60-59 National, 74-63 B1G)
Our bowl picks record reflects games through Thursday. By the time Saturday morning rolls around things could look different since there are five Friday games pending.
What’s the deal with all this overtime? So far there have been three overtime bowl games this year, with the Hawai’i Bowl going to five overtimes on Christmas Eve, followed by the GameAbove Sports Bowl topping that by needing six overtimes before Toledo was able to defeat Pitt. At least I was on Toledo on Thursday after being on the wrong side of the first two overtime games.
Bowl games 12/28 & 12/30:
Fenway Bowl: UConn v. North Carolina (-2.5) - Saturday 12/28 11:00 a.m. - ESPN
North Carolina probably doesn’t care all that much about this game since they are already looking forward to next season when Bill Belichick is stalking the sidelines as head coach of the Tar Heels. Running back Omarion Hampton, who totaled over 2,000 yards from scrimmage and 17 touchdowns, opted out of this game to prepare for the NFL Draft. Aside from Hampton, North Carolina doesn’t have much of note on offense.
Jim Mora Jr. put together a solid season in his third season as head coach in Storrs after posting a 3-9 record in 2023. The Huskies have three running backs with over 500 yards on the ground, while linebacker Jayden McDonald amassed 119 tackles. Not only will UConn benefit from playing in Boston, they’ll be motivated to close out 2024 with a victory, while North Carolina is eager to put this season behind them.
UConn 27, North Carolina 20
Pinstripe Bowl: Boston College v. Nebraska (-3.5) - Saturday 12/28 12:00 p.m. - ABC
Can Boston College find more success at Yankee Stadium in 2024 than the Red Sox? In his first season as head coach of the Golden Eagles, former Ohio State offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien led Boston College to a 7-5 record. Quarterback Thomas Castellanos has already secured a spot at Florida State after entering the transfer portal, but it’s not like O’Brien isn’t used to having Castellanos on the field since Grayson James started the last three games of the regular season.
Matt Rhule finally was able to lead a Nebraska team to bowl eligibility. This marks the first bowl appearance for the Cornhuskers since 2016 when they lost to Tennessee in the Music City Bowl. Even though Patrick Mahomes cosplayer Dylan Raiola gave Nebraska stability at quarterback this year, he didn’t really improve as the season went on. Over the last five games, Raiola threw just three touchdowns and four interceptions.
The Cornhuskers will be missing a lot on defense, as a number of key contributors entered the transfer portal. With the way Nebraska has found creative ways to lose close games since joining the Big Ten, it feels like they do just that in a bowl game.
Boston College 28, Nebraska 24
New Mexico Bowl: Louisiana v. TCU (-11.5) - Saturday 12/28 2:15 p.m. ET - ESPN
What a mascot battle we have here. The Ragin’ Cajuns against the Horned Frogs. If it just came down to the mascots to decide this battle then we’d likely see some Cajuns feasting on some frog legs. They just better hope it isn’t Hypnotoad or else they might start seeing some wild things.
The good news for Louisiana is they’ll get quarterback Ben Wooldridge back behind center. Wooldridge missed the 31-3 loss to Marshall in the Sun Belt Championship Game where backup Chandler Fields was carted off due to injury. The Ragin’ Cajuns won 10 games for the fourth time in the last six seasons.
For most of the year TCU has had a dreadful defense. It did look better over the last three games, but they faced three teams who aren’t bowl eligible. I know the Horned Frogs will put points on the board, I just don’t think they’ll be able to keep Louisiana from scoring enough to keep the game inside double digits.
TCU 38, Louisiana 31
Pop-Tarts Bowl: No. 18 Iowa State v. No. 13 Miami (FL) (-3.5) - Saturday 12/28 3:30 p.m. - ABC
Just a month ago both of these teams had dreams of making the College Football Playoff. Iowa State was crushed by Arizona State in the Big 12 Championship Game, while Kyle McCord and Syracuse knocked the Hurricanes out of the ACC title game. At least both teams are playing in one of the most entertaining bowl games since some Pop Tarts are going to be murdered as tribute for the winner.
It sounds like Heisman Trophy finalist Cam Ward will play in this game, so there should be plenty of fireworks. Iowa State also has a sneaky good offense, so both defenses will be stretched on Saturday afternoon. I just think the Hurricanes will have a little more success since they have running back Damien Martinez to balance out their attack in a back-and-forth game.
Miami (FL) 37, Iowa State 27
Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl: Miami (OH) (-2.5) v. Colorado State - Saturday 12/28 4:30 p.m. - CW Network
Had the RedHawks beat Ohio in the MAC Championship Game they would have had a shot at a 10-win season. Those hopes were dashed by the blowout win by the Bobcats in Detroit. Miami still has a chance to end their season, as well as the college career of quarterback Brett Gabbert, on a high note (get it, because the bowl is sponsored by Snoop Dogg) with a win over Colorado State.
I’m surprised Colorado State enters this game with eight wins since I haven’t been all that impressed with them. Wide receiver Tony Horton was lost during the season because of injury and Caleb Goodie is in the transfer portal. Running back Anthony Morrow is solid, I just don’t think he will be able to find many holes against a stout Miami defense. The RedHawks win just their second bowl game in their last six bowl appearances.
Miami (OH) 27, Colorado State 17
Military Bowl: East Carolina v. NC State (-6.5) - Saturday 12/28 5:45 p.m. - ESPN
It’s not often you get a rivalry game in a bowl game. East Carolina and NC State are separated by less than 90 miles and have played 32 previous times, with the Wolfpack winning the last three meetings. The most recent time the teams squared off ended with a 21-20 NC State win in Greenville, extending their edge in the series to 19-13.This marks the second time the schools have met in a bowl game. Back in the 1992 Peach Bowl, the Pirates squeaked out a 37-34 win in Atlanta.
East Carolina caught fire after firing head coach Mike Houston, winning four of their last five games under defensive coordinator Blake Harrell, who had the interim tag removed from his title prior to the final game of the regular season, which ended up being the only setback under Harrell, as the Pirates lost to Navy. Michigan State transfer quarterback Katin Houser was outstanding in the first two games after the firing of Houston, throwing 10 touchdowns in wins over Temple and Florida Atlantic.
Early on in NC State’s season quarterback Grayson McCall suffered a career-ending concussion, leaving freshman CJ Bailey to take the snaps for the Wolfpack. Bailey will be without wide receiver KC Concepcion, who led the team with six receiving touchdowns. The 2023 ACC Offensive Rookie of the Year entered the transfer portal after the end of the regular season. I have a little more confidence riding with East Carolina in the points since they closed out the regular season strong after making a coaching change.
East Carolina 31, NC State 24
Alamo Bowl: No. 17 BYU v. No. 23 Colorado (-3.5) - Saturday 12/28 7:30 p.m. - ABC
When the bowl matchups were announced this pairing was a bit of a head-scratcher since both of these teams currently play in the Big 12. It turns out Colorado is still considered a Pac-12 team when it comes to bowl tie-ins, so that explains why two teams from the same conference are playing in a non-CFP bowl game.
It is refreshing to hear that Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter and quarterback Shedeur Sanders are expected to play in Saturday night’s game. I wouldn’t have blamed them if they sat out this game since they have their NFL futures to think of, but it just shows you how much these two players love playing for head coach Deion Sanders. The Buffaloes really hit their stride after the loss to Kansas State, winning five of their last six games.
The same can’t be said for BYU, who lost two of their last three games to ruin their undefeated season and dash their CFP hopes. The Cougars play tough football, I’m just not convinced they have the horses to keep up with Colorado. Quarterback Jake Retzlaff fell off in the final four games, throwing just two touchdowns and three interceptions. I could see Hunter closing out his college career by picking off Retzlaff. The Buffaloes should win this one by double digits.
Colorado 38, BYU 23
Independence Bowl: Louisiana Tech v. No. 22 Army (-14.5) - Saturday 12/28 9:15 p.m. - ESPN
Louisiana Tech is the only team with a losing record playing in a bowl game since the Bulldogs replaced Marshall, who decided to opt out after head coach Charles Huff left for Southern Miss and a bunch of players entered the transfer portal. While Louisiana Tech finished the regular season 5-7, the record looks even more unimpressive when you see two of their wins came against Nicholls and Kennesaw State.
Even if Marshall was playing in this game I probably would have sided with Army since the Black Knights have been playing at a high level for most of the season, with their only losses coming to Notre Dame and Navy. Quarterback Bryson Daily has 29 of Army’s 44 rushing touchdowns this year. After closing out their regular season with a loss to Navy, the Black Knights should be able to rebound and earn their sixth bowl victory in their last seven bowl appearances.
Army 34, Louisiana Tech 14
Music City Bowl: Iowa v. No. 19 Missouri (-2.5) - Monday 12/30 2:30 p.m. - ESPN
After scoring 40 points in four games this season, Iowa might have some trouble moving the football on Monday. Running back Kaleb Johnson has opted out of this game after rushing for 1,537 yards and 21 touchdowns this season. At least the Hawkeyes will have a little bit of experience at quarterback, since Brendan Sullivan is healthy after missing the last two games of the regular season.
With their top offensive player not suiting up against the Tigers, Iowa will need their stout defense to force some turnovers and give their offense some short fields.
Missouri had high expectations coming into the season after beating Ohio State in last year’s Cotton Bowl. The Tigers weren’t able to live up to the hype, losing three games in conference to keep them out of the CFP mix. Quarterback Brady Cook won’t have his top target on Monday, as wide receiver Luther Burden III has opted out of this game. Even without Burden, Missouri is still a little too dynamic for Iowa.
The Tigers make it wins in consecutive years against Big Ten teams in bowl games.
Missouri 23, Iowa 10
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LGHL You’re Nuts: How confident are we that Ohio State will make the NCAA Tournament?
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You’re Nuts: How confident are we that Ohio State will make the NCAA Tournament?
Connor Lemons via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
John Jones-Imagn Images
Ohio State picked up a humongous resume-building win against the Wildcats last weekend.
The Ohio State men’s basketball team faced off with a top-five team for the second time last weekend, and it’s fair to say that it went drastically different than the first time.
Exactly seven days after being rolled by No. 2 Auburn by 38 points — one of the worst losses for the program in the past half century — Ohio State took it to the No. 4 Kentucky Wildcats, winning 85-65. The Buckeyes outscored Kentucky 36-24 in the paint, despite being the far smaller and less experienced team.
Ohio State’s NCAA Tournament resume was completely upgraded and refreshed, as they’ve now got two Quad-1 wins under their belt. More on that later.
Last week, Connor and Justin celebrated Christmas early and kept with the holiday theme by debating which college basketball coaches were going to end up on Santa’s naughty list. Connor went with Rick Pitino, who decided his team would no longer participate in the post-game handshake line. Justin chose Green Bay head coach Doug Gottlieb, who called D-II Michigan Tech “Nobody U” and then lost to them at home hours later.
73% of readers liked Justin’s pick of Gottlieb, who has also lost to Ohio State this season in Columbus.
Connor- 83
One week ago, Ohio State was trending downward in a major way. Embarrassing blowout losses to Maryland and Auburn on the road erased any notion that this team could compete to win the Big Ten this season, but also had many people doubting if this is even an NCAA Tournament-caliber team.
With its win only win against tournament-caliber teams being its victory over the Texas Longhorns to open the season, Ohio State was running out of time to add a non-conference gem to its resume. It did that with a blowout win over Kentucky.
How does that change our vision of this Ohio State team? Is this a surefire NCAA Tournament team? A bubble squad at best? Or was this win merely a fluke? Should we expect a bumpy road in Big Ten play despite last weekend’s win?
If you were getting ready to grab your life vest and jump off the Ohio State boat last week, that win over Kentucky should make you feel a whole lot safer. Perspective is everything, and boy oh boy, things look so much better with that win than if the Buckeyes would’ve lost.
If they would’ve lost, Ohio State would have been 7-5 overall, 1-1 in Big Ten play, and with one Quad-1 win so far this season — Texas.
With the win, the Buckeyes are now 8-4 and have two Quad-1 wins. A win over a top-five team, especially with the Kentucky brand name, is going to age well over the course of the season.
Making the bold assumption that the Buckeyes beat Indiana State this weekend and get to 9-4 on the season, they would need to go 10-10 in Big Ten play plus win one game in the conference tournament to get to 20 wins for the 19th time in the past 21 years. 20 wins isn’t a magical benchmark to make the tournament, but 20 wins plus 10 wins in conference play plus a win over a top-five team will look pretty solid if they can get there.
Jake Diebler’s team is in a good spot at the moment, with the Sycamores coming to town this weekend followed by a visit from Tom Izzo and the Michigan State Spartans next Friday. Michigan State is super deep this year, with eight different players averaging six points per game or better — by comparison, Ohio State has six.
But the Spartans struggle from beyond the arc (28.7% as a team), and don’t have the size around the basket that has given Ohio State problems this year. Right now ESPN is giving Ohio State a 57% chance to win that game.
If they do that and follow it up with a win over Minnesota three days later, the Buckeyes could be 11-4 overall and 3-1 in the Big Ten heading into a brutally tough eight-game stretch that will start with a home date with Oregon.
I’m not sure if that hypothetical scenario will come to pass, but the Buckeyes should be favored to win all three of those games and get to 11-4. From there, Ohio State wouldn’t even need to play .500 basketball the rest of the way to have a great chance at making the tournament.
Plus, Bruce Thornton is the best player on the floor almost every time he plays. Ohio State is lucky to have him, and as long as he’s playing, the Buckeyes have a chance to win.
I get it. I want Ohio State to make the NCAA Tournament more than I want air to breathe. A lot of my winter happiness is derived from this team’s success, and over the past two years, my happiness has been non-existent.
However, I am cautious of getting too overworked about one game. The only other two wins outside of Kentucky that Ohio State has over teams with a pulse are Texas, who is 10-2 — but I predict will struggle in the SEC’s gauntlet of a schedule — and Rutgers, who, as of right now, is not a tournament team and just lost to Princeton.
The Kentucky win was amazing. It gave me hope I wasn’t sure I would have heading into conference play, but the first three games of 2025 will tell us a lot. At Minnesota is a must-win because the Gophers stink, but it is a road game. Conference road wins are tough to come by. Then, at home against Michigan State, which is a solid team, and then Oregon, which may be the best team in the conference.
Come out of that stretch 2-1 or 3-0, and I will feel much better.
Continue reading...
Connor Lemons via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
John Jones-Imagn Images
Ohio State picked up a humongous resume-building win against the Wildcats last weekend.
The Ohio State men’s basketball team faced off with a top-five team for the second time last weekend, and it’s fair to say that it went drastically different than the first time.
Exactly seven days after being rolled by No. 2 Auburn by 38 points — one of the worst losses for the program in the past half century — Ohio State took it to the No. 4 Kentucky Wildcats, winning 85-65. The Buckeyes outscored Kentucky 36-24 in the paint, despite being the far smaller and less experienced team.
Ohio State’s NCAA Tournament resume was completely upgraded and refreshed, as they’ve now got two Quad-1 wins under their belt. More on that later.
Last week, Connor and Justin celebrated Christmas early and kept with the holiday theme by debating which college basketball coaches were going to end up on Santa’s naughty list. Connor went with Rick Pitino, who decided his team would no longer participate in the post-game handshake line. Justin chose Green Bay head coach Doug Gottlieb, who called D-II Michigan Tech “Nobody U” and then lost to them at home hours later.
73% of readers liked Justin’s pick of Gottlieb, who has also lost to Ohio State this season in Columbus.
After 184 weeks:
Connor- 83
Justin- 78
Other- 18
(There have been five ties)
One week ago, Ohio State was trending downward in a major way. Embarrassing blowout losses to Maryland and Auburn on the road erased any notion that this team could compete to win the Big Ten this season, but also had many people doubting if this is even an NCAA Tournament-caliber team.
With its win only win against tournament-caliber teams being its victory over the Texas Longhorns to open the season, Ohio State was running out of time to add a non-conference gem to its resume. It did that with a blowout win over Kentucky.
How does that change our vision of this Ohio State team? Is this a surefire NCAA Tournament team? A bubble squad at best? Or was this win merely a fluke? Should we expect a bumpy road in Big Ten play despite last weekend’s win?
This week’s question: How confident are we that Ohio State will make the NCAA Tournament? (On a scale of 1-10)
Connor: 9.9
If you were getting ready to grab your life vest and jump off the Ohio State boat last week, that win over Kentucky should make you feel a whole lot safer. Perspective is everything, and boy oh boy, things look so much better with that win than if the Buckeyes would’ve lost.
If they would’ve lost, Ohio State would have been 7-5 overall, 1-1 in Big Ten play, and with one Quad-1 win so far this season — Texas.
With the win, the Buckeyes are now 8-4 and have two Quad-1 wins. A win over a top-five team, especially with the Kentucky brand name, is going to age well over the course of the season.
Making the bold assumption that the Buckeyes beat Indiana State this weekend and get to 9-4 on the season, they would need to go 10-10 in Big Ten play plus win one game in the conference tournament to get to 20 wins for the 19th time in the past 21 years. 20 wins isn’t a magical benchmark to make the tournament, but 20 wins plus 10 wins in conference play plus a win over a top-five team will look pretty solid if they can get there.
Jake Diebler’s team is in a good spot at the moment, with the Sycamores coming to town this weekend followed by a visit from Tom Izzo and the Michigan State Spartans next Friday. Michigan State is super deep this year, with eight different players averaging six points per game or better — by comparison, Ohio State has six.
But the Spartans struggle from beyond the arc (28.7% as a team), and don’t have the size around the basket that has given Ohio State problems this year. Right now ESPN is giving Ohio State a 57% chance to win that game.
If they do that and follow it up with a win over Minnesota three days later, the Buckeyes could be 11-4 overall and 3-1 in the Big Ten heading into a brutally tough eight-game stretch that will start with a home date with Oregon.
I’m not sure if that hypothetical scenario will come to pass, but the Buckeyes should be favored to win all three of those games and get to 11-4. From there, Ohio State wouldn’t even need to play .500 basketball the rest of the way to have a great chance at making the tournament.
Plus, Bruce Thornton is the best player on the floor almost every time he plays. Ohio State is lucky to have him, and as long as he’s playing, the Buckeyes have a chance to win.
Justin: 5
I get it. I want Ohio State to make the NCAA Tournament more than I want air to breathe. A lot of my winter happiness is derived from this team’s success, and over the past two years, my happiness has been non-existent.
However, I am cautious of getting too overworked about one game. The only other two wins outside of Kentucky that Ohio State has over teams with a pulse are Texas, who is 10-2 — but I predict will struggle in the SEC’s gauntlet of a schedule — and Rutgers, who, as of right now, is not a tournament team and just lost to Princeton.
The Kentucky win was amazing. It gave me hope I wasn’t sure I would have heading into conference play, but the first three games of 2025 will tell us a lot. At Minnesota is a must-win because the Gophers stink, but it is a road game. Conference road wins are tough to come by. Then, at home against Michigan State, which is a solid team, and then Oregon, which may be the best team in the conference.
Come out of that stretch 2-1 or 3-0, and I will feel much better.
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LGHL Visiting Locker Room: Guarden State talks Rutgers women’s basketball
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Visiting Locker Room: Guarden State talks Rutgers 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
Adam Zielonka brings his passion for New Jersey college basketball to Land-Grant before Sunday’s Big Ten clash.
With the holiday time off in the rearview mirror for No. 10 Ohio State women’s basketball, the road ahead is all lined with Big Ten competition. It begins Sunday when the Buckeyes travel east to face a dynamic pair of stars on the Rutgers Scarlet Knights.
To prepare for the last game of the 2024 calendar, Adam Zielonka answered questions about Rutgers. Zielonka covers everything and anything related to college basketball in New Jersey on his side Guarden State.
Check it out to learn more about the Scarlet Knights before Sunday’s jump.
Here’s what Zielonka had to say about one of the most exciting freshman in the nation, a hybrid guard/forward who put the conference on notice in the Big Ten tournament and what can people expect from the Scarlet Knights this season.
Land-Grant Holy Land: The focus around Rutgers this season is the play of the duo of Kiyomi McMiller and Destiny Adams.
I want to start with the freshman. McMiller hasn’t taken long to show the conference what she’s about, playing with confidence not seen in many freshmen. What makes her so effective on the court and how does anyone stop her?
LGHL: Adams is on the other side of the class roster, playing in her final season. Last year, Adams was outstanding in the Big Ten tournament with 31 points and 24 rebounds in the Scarlet Knights last game of the season. How has Adams grown this season?
LGHL: With a lot of focus going to the two, who else stands out in the roster?
LGHL: How do you see the season panning out for Rutgers? Are they going to exceed their past two seasons or do you see them sitting outside of the top 15 of the conference and missing out on the Big Ten tournament?
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
Adam Zielonka brings his passion for New Jersey college basketball to Land-Grant before Sunday’s Big Ten clash.
With the holiday time off in the rearview mirror for No. 10 Ohio State women’s basketball, the road ahead is all lined with Big Ten competition. It begins Sunday when the Buckeyes travel east to face a dynamic pair of stars on the Rutgers Scarlet Knights.
To prepare for the last game of the 2024 calendar, Adam Zielonka answered questions about Rutgers. Zielonka covers everything and anything related to college basketball in New Jersey on his side Guarden State.
Check it out to learn more about the Scarlet Knights before Sunday’s jump.
Here’s what Zielonka had to say about one of the most exciting freshman in the nation, a hybrid guard/forward who put the conference on notice in the Big Ten tournament and what can people expect from the Scarlet Knights this season.
Land-Grant Holy Land: The focus around Rutgers this season is the play of the duo of Kiyomi McMiller and Destiny Adams.
I want to start with the freshman. McMiller hasn’t taken long to show the conference what she’s about, playing with confidence not seen in many freshmen. What makes her so effective on the court and how does anyone stop her?
LGHL: Adams is on the other side of the class roster, playing in her final season. Last year, Adams was outstanding in the Big Ten tournament with 31 points and 24 rebounds in the Scarlet Knights last game of the season. How has Adams grown this season?
LGHL: With a lot of focus going to the two, who else stands out in the roster?
LGHL: How do you see the season panning out for Rutgers? Are they going to exceed their past two seasons or do you see them sitting outside of the top 15 of the conference and missing out on the Big Ten tournament?
Continue reading...
LGHL Can Jeremiah Smith be the determining factor in the Rose Bowl?
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Can Jeremiah Smith be the determining factor in the Rose Bowl?
Gene Ross via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Jason Mowry/Getty Images
The freshman wide receiver has a chance to lead the Buckeyes into the semifinals.
Jeremiah Smith has had the greatest freshman season of any wide receiver in Ohio State’s storied program history — and by a wide margin, at that.
Prior to the five-star phenom, the Buckeyes’ prior freshman record holder was Cris Carter. The future NFL Hall of Famer tallied 41 receptions for 648 yards and eight touchdowns in his first year in Columbus. That mark withstood 40 years of Ohio State football before it was completely shattered by Smith, who has amassed 1,037 yards on 61 catches with 12 touchdowns with still at least one game left to play.
Carter put an exclamation point on that 1984 campaign with a dominant performance in the Rose Bowl against USC. The then-freshman set a then-Rose Bowl record with nine catches for 172 yards and a TD. It was a game the Buckeyes would go on to lose 20-17 to the Trojans, who at the time were a member of the Pac-10. Carter would go on to become a First Team All American in 1986 and a two-time First Team All-Big Ten before being selected in the fourth round of the 1987 NFL Draft, and the rest was history.
Fast forward four decades later, and a new Ohio State freshman receiving record-holder will now have a chance to add an early chapter to their legacy with a dominant performance in the Rose Bowl against a West Coast powerhouse — albeit this time against a conference foe with much more on the line.
Smith has already gotten a chance to match up against Oregon, and while the Buckeyes came up short in a 32-31 loss at Autzen Stadium in early October, the electric pass-catcher was certainly not the reason.
Smith actually had one of his better games of the year against the Ducks, posting a season-high nine receptions for 100 yards and a touchdown. The freshman could have had one additional catch that would’ve set Ohio State up for potential game-winning field goal, but Smith was incorrectly called for offensive pass interference after outmuscling his defender.
Now, Smith will get the ultimate chance to avenge the early-season loss, and his performance in Pasadena could prove to be the difference in Ohio State advancing to the College Football Playoff semifinals, or the Buckeyes’ season coming to an unfortunate end.
We have seen what can happen when Ohio State gears its offense towards Smith and its treasure trove of elite wide receiver talent. After all the talk of Ryan Day and Chip Kelly’s head-scratchingly awful game plan against Michigan, the Buckeyes came out and threw the ball around the yard against Tennessee, with Will Howard completing 24-of-29 passes for 311 yards and two touchdowns. Smith was the biggest beneficiary of the air attack, catching a team-high six passes for 103 yards and two scores.
Howard was great the last time Ohio State played Oregon as well, throwing for a season-high 326 yards with two touchdowns and no picks. Smith and Emeka Egbuka combined for 19 catches in that game, while TreVeyon Henderson ran the ball 10 times for 87 yards. The offense was not the problem in that matchup, as the Buckeyes’ defense allowed almost 500 yards in the one-point loss.
Jim Knowles has made massive changes to the unit since that game, but Ohio State’s offensive line is also a lot different this time around. Another wrench in the plan for the Buckeyes in this second meeting with Oregon is the health of the Ducks’ defensive line.
Ohio State will be without both Seth McLaughlin and Josh Simmons up front, the former of which was playing in that October loss and the latter who suffered a season-ending injury in the first half of that game. Oregon will have a healthy Jordan Burch, who was out during that prior matchup and is second on the team with 8.5 sacks despite missing four games.
As a result, it's likely that Ohio State won’t be able to run the ball as effectively, with Henderson and Quinshon Judkins combining to average 5.23 yards per carry in that prior meeting. Howard also won’t have as much time to sit in the pocket and wait out those long-developing passing plays downfield.
This new-look offensive line did not allow a sack against Tennessee, but the Oregon defensive line presents a different challenge. If the run game isn’t working and Howard doesn’t have a ton of time to throw, Smith may need to do even more to help the offense move the ball.
We know how dangerous the freshman is with the ball in his hands. A guy who stands at 6-foot-2, 215 pounds should not be able to move as quick and as smoothly as he does, and Ohio State would be smart to work Smith both across the middle and outside on quick-hitters and let him pick up those yards after the catch. If they can get their elite wide receiver the ball anywhere from 10-12 times in this game, the Buckeyes’ chances of winning would increase dramatically.
Smith has yet to find a cornerback who can guard him 1-on-1. Oregon has some great defensive backs in Jabbar Muhammad and Nikko Reed, among others, but even the Ducks will likely look to bracket him in coverage. That will open up even more space for Egubka and Carnell Tate, both of whom are more than capable of carving up a defense on their own.
If Oregon really focuses on taking Smith out of this game after the performance he had against the Volunteers, Howard will have to look to his other playmakers to make them pay.
Ohio State will obviously hope to get a better performance from its defense against the Ducks than it got back in October, when Oregon had far too many wide open receivers and Dillon Gabriel faced little to no pressure all game long. However, the Buckeyes know they will still have to put up a lot of points to compete with one of the best teams in college football, who aren’t going to be held in check quite as easily as Tennessee was even with an improved showing from Knowles’ group.
Jeremiah Smith, whether on his own or by virtue of drawing the focus, may be the key for Ohio State to get its revenge in the Rose Bowl.
Continue reading...
Gene Ross via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Jason Mowry/Getty Images
The freshman wide receiver has a chance to lead the Buckeyes into the semifinals.
Jeremiah Smith has had the greatest freshman season of any wide receiver in Ohio State’s storied program history — and by a wide margin, at that.
Prior to the five-star phenom, the Buckeyes’ prior freshman record holder was Cris Carter. The future NFL Hall of Famer tallied 41 receptions for 648 yards and eight touchdowns in his first year in Columbus. That mark withstood 40 years of Ohio State football before it was completely shattered by Smith, who has amassed 1,037 yards on 61 catches with 12 touchdowns with still at least one game left to play.
Carter put an exclamation point on that 1984 campaign with a dominant performance in the Rose Bowl against USC. The then-freshman set a then-Rose Bowl record with nine catches for 172 yards and a TD. It was a game the Buckeyes would go on to lose 20-17 to the Trojans, who at the time were a member of the Pac-10. Carter would go on to become a First Team All American in 1986 and a two-time First Team All-Big Ten before being selected in the fourth round of the 1987 NFL Draft, and the rest was history.
Fast forward four decades later, and a new Ohio State freshman receiving record-holder will now have a chance to add an early chapter to their legacy with a dominant performance in the Rose Bowl against a West Coast powerhouse — albeit this time against a conference foe with much more on the line.
Smith has already gotten a chance to match up against Oregon, and while the Buckeyes came up short in a 32-31 loss at Autzen Stadium in early October, the electric pass-catcher was certainly not the reason.
Smith actually had one of his better games of the year against the Ducks, posting a season-high nine receptions for 100 yards and a touchdown. The freshman could have had one additional catch that would’ve set Ohio State up for potential game-winning field goal, but Smith was incorrectly called for offensive pass interference after outmuscling his defender.
Now, Smith will get the ultimate chance to avenge the early-season loss, and his performance in Pasadena could prove to be the difference in Ohio State advancing to the College Football Playoff semifinals, or the Buckeyes’ season coming to an unfortunate end.
We have seen what can happen when Ohio State gears its offense towards Smith and its treasure trove of elite wide receiver talent. After all the talk of Ryan Day and Chip Kelly’s head-scratchingly awful game plan against Michigan, the Buckeyes came out and threw the ball around the yard against Tennessee, with Will Howard completing 24-of-29 passes for 311 yards and two touchdowns. Smith was the biggest beneficiary of the air attack, catching a team-high six passes for 103 yards and two scores.
Howard was great the last time Ohio State played Oregon as well, throwing for a season-high 326 yards with two touchdowns and no picks. Smith and Emeka Egbuka combined for 19 catches in that game, while TreVeyon Henderson ran the ball 10 times for 87 yards. The offense was not the problem in that matchup, as the Buckeyes’ defense allowed almost 500 yards in the one-point loss.
Jim Knowles has made massive changes to the unit since that game, but Ohio State’s offensive line is also a lot different this time around. Another wrench in the plan for the Buckeyes in this second meeting with Oregon is the health of the Ducks’ defensive line.
Ohio State will be without both Seth McLaughlin and Josh Simmons up front, the former of which was playing in that October loss and the latter who suffered a season-ending injury in the first half of that game. Oregon will have a healthy Jordan Burch, who was out during that prior matchup and is second on the team with 8.5 sacks despite missing four games.
As a result, it's likely that Ohio State won’t be able to run the ball as effectively, with Henderson and Quinshon Judkins combining to average 5.23 yards per carry in that prior meeting. Howard also won’t have as much time to sit in the pocket and wait out those long-developing passing plays downfield.
This new-look offensive line did not allow a sack against Tennessee, but the Oregon defensive line presents a different challenge. If the run game isn’t working and Howard doesn’t have a ton of time to throw, Smith may need to do even more to help the offense move the ball.
We know how dangerous the freshman is with the ball in his hands. A guy who stands at 6-foot-2, 215 pounds should not be able to move as quick and as smoothly as he does, and Ohio State would be smart to work Smith both across the middle and outside on quick-hitters and let him pick up those yards after the catch. If they can get their elite wide receiver the ball anywhere from 10-12 times in this game, the Buckeyes’ chances of winning would increase dramatically.
Smith has yet to find a cornerback who can guard him 1-on-1. Oregon has some great defensive backs in Jabbar Muhammad and Nikko Reed, among others, but even the Ducks will likely look to bracket him in coverage. That will open up even more space for Egubka and Carnell Tate, both of whom are more than capable of carving up a defense on their own.
If Oregon really focuses on taking Smith out of this game after the performance he had against the Volunteers, Howard will have to look to his other playmakers to make them pay.
Ohio State will obviously hope to get a better performance from its defense against the Ducks than it got back in October, when Oregon had far too many wide open receivers and Dillon Gabriel faced little to no pressure all game long. However, the Buckeyes know they will still have to put up a lot of points to compete with one of the best teams in college football, who aren’t going to be held in check quite as easily as Tennessee was even with an improved showing from Knowles’ group.
Jeremiah Smith, whether on his own or by virtue of drawing the focus, may be the key for Ohio State to get its revenge in the Rose Bowl.
Continue reading...
