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LGHL Ohio State fans surprisingly want a Big Ten title over beating TTUN
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Ohio State fans surprisingly want a Big Ten title over beating TTUN
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 Jason Mowry/Getty Images
You ask, we answer. Sometimes we ask, others answer. And then other times, we ask, we answer.
Throughout the Ohio State football season, we will be asking and answering questions about the team, college football, and anything else on our collective minds of varying degrees of importance. If you have a question that you would like to ask, you can tweet us @LandGrant33 or if you need more than 280 characters, send an email HERE.
Today’s the day. For an entire year (or really three entire years), Buckeye Nation has been practically singularly focused on betting back in the win column against their archrivals the Mitten State Weasels. With a slot in the Big Ten Championship Game on the line, Ohio State first needs to win the matchup in Ohio Stadium today, but a lot of fans are looking for the home team to lay down a butt-kicking of epic proportions.
In our fan survey this week, we asked two questions, both with direct and tangential relations to The Game. First, we wanted to know what was most important to fans for the Buckeyes to accomplish over the next few weeks. While there is overlap in some of the outcomes, the question is about what’s most important to you. And, to be honest, I was surprised by the results.
For the second question, we asked what you thought the margin of victory would be in the matchup, and of course, who would win. So, check out the results down below, and if you want to add your two cents in to the discussion, feel free to do that in the comments below.
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I’m not sure what I expected the answer to be here, but I am pretty confident in saying that I did not anticipate winning the conference to be that big of a winner. Of the options, it is the most clinical and the least emotional. I thought, having lost three straight rivalry games, fans would be extra giddy to beat the Weasels this week. Or, at least, I figured Buckeye Nation would be eager for the team to avenge its one loss of the season by beating Oregon.
While beating the Ducks is baked into winning the Big Ten title, that’s not what fans said was most important. For me, I voted for beating the Corn and Blue, because I cannot imagine a world in which this Ohio State team loses to that Team Up North. If that were to happen, I might have to disengage with the world for the better part of the rest of my life.
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When the FanDuel Sportsbook opened up betting on this year’s edition of The Game, it installed the No. 2 Buckeyes as a 21.5-point favorite, that number has dipped down in the last few days and OSU currently sits at -18.5. The gold standard college football analytics model SP+ projects Ohio State to win by a score of 36-10. So, no matter how anxious you are about this game (and deservedly so), it is not expected to be especially close.
While I am hoping that Ryan Day is finally able to #Hang100OnEm, even if it doesn’t get there, I did predict a massive blowout in our predictions article that went live earlier today. I think that with how salty the Buckeyes were following their win over Indiana and how little glimpses of the same animosity have trickled out since the Buckeyes will be out for blood.
You can check out all of our staff’s predictions here and listen to our in-depth thoughts on the game on our “Tailgate” podcast available now. While the consensus of Buckeye fans is not quite as overly confident as I am, roughly 88% are predicting a multi-score victory, so that is still pretty solid.
Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Ohio State fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
Continue reading...
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Jason Mowry/Getty Images
You ask, we answer. Sometimes we ask, others answer. And then other times, we ask, we answer.
Throughout the Ohio State football season, we will be asking and answering questions about the team, college football, and anything else on our collective minds of varying degrees of importance. If you have a question that you would like to ask, you can tweet us @LandGrant33 or if you need more than 280 characters, send an email HERE.
Today’s the day. For an entire year (or really three entire years), Buckeye Nation has been practically singularly focused on betting back in the win column against their archrivals the Mitten State Weasels. With a slot in the Big Ten Championship Game on the line, Ohio State first needs to win the matchup in Ohio Stadium today, but a lot of fans are looking for the home team to lay down a butt-kicking of epic proportions.
In our fan survey this week, we asked two questions, both with direct and tangential relations to The Game. First, we wanted to know what was most important to fans for the Buckeyes to accomplish over the next few weeks. While there is overlap in some of the outcomes, the question is about what’s most important to you. And, to be honest, I was surprised by the results.
For the second question, we asked what you thought the margin of victory would be in the matchup, and of course, who would win. So, check out the results down below, and if you want to add your two cents in to the discussion, feel free to do that in the comments below.
Question 1: What is most important to you over the next few weeks?
I’m not sure what I expected the answer to be here, but I am pretty confident in saying that I did not anticipate winning the conference to be that big of a winner. Of the options, it is the most clinical and the least emotional. I thought, having lost three straight rivalry games, fans would be extra giddy to beat the Weasels this week. Or, at least, I figured Buckeye Nation would be eager for the team to avenge its one loss of the season by beating Oregon.
While beating the Ducks is baked into winning the Big Ten title, that’s not what fans said was most important. For me, I voted for beating the Corn and Blue, because I cannot imagine a world in which this Ohio State team loses to that Team Up North. If that were to happen, I might have to disengage with the world for the better part of the rest of my life.
Question 2: What will the margin of victory be in Saturday’s game against TTUN?
When the FanDuel Sportsbook opened up betting on this year’s edition of The Game, it installed the No. 2 Buckeyes as a 21.5-point favorite, that number has dipped down in the last few days and OSU currently sits at -18.5. The gold standard college football analytics model SP+ projects Ohio State to win by a score of 36-10. So, no matter how anxious you are about this game (and deservedly so), it is not expected to be especially close.
While I am hoping that Ryan Day is finally able to #Hang100OnEm, even if it doesn’t get there, I did predict a massive blowout in our predictions article that went live earlier today. I think that with how salty the Buckeyes were following their win over Indiana and how little glimpses of the same animosity have trickled out since the Buckeyes will be out for blood.
You can check out all of our staff’s predictions here and listen to our in-depth thoughts on the game on our “Tailgate” podcast available now. While the consensus of Buckeye fans is not quite as overly confident as I am, roughly 88% are predicting a multi-score victory, so that is still pretty solid.
Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Ohio State fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
Continue reading...
LGHL OHIO STATE GAMEDAY: It’s a bad day to be a Michigan Wolverine
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OHIO STATE GAMEDAY: It’s a bad day to be a Michigan Wolverine
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 Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The Game has arrived.
Wake up, everyone. It’s Ohio State game day!
Ohio State has made it to the final game of the regular season with just one blemish — a one-point loss on the road to the No. 1 team in the country, Oregon. The last thing standing in the way of the Buckeyes and a trip to Indianapolis for a rematch against those same Ducks in the Big Ten title game is Michigan. Ryan Day has lost to his program’s hated rival for three years in a row, and needs to right the ship this time around against a 6-5 Wolverines squad.
Over the past week, our talented group of writers and podcasters have put together preview pieces, analytical breakdowns, and everything in-between.
If you missed out on any of the coverage, we have you... well, covered. Below, each type of story is categorized. If you’re looking for podcasts and previews we’ve done, you can find them; if you’re looking for the betting lines and non-football topics, they are there, too.
Enjoy the day everyone. As always, Go Bucks!
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 Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The Game has arrived.
Wake up, everyone. It’s Ohio State game day!
Ohio State has made it to the final game of the regular season with just one blemish — a one-point loss on the road to the No. 1 team in the country, Oregon. The last thing standing in the way of the Buckeyes and a trip to Indianapolis for a rematch against those same Ducks in the Big Ten title game is Michigan. Ryan Day has lost to his program’s hated rival for three years in a row, and needs to right the ship this time around against a 6-5 Wolverines squad.
Over the past week, our talented group of writers and podcasters have put together preview pieces, analytical breakdowns, and everything in-between.
If you missed out on any of the coverage, we have you... well, covered. Below, each type of story is categorized. If you’re looking for podcasts and previews we’ve done, you can find them; if you’re looking for the betting lines and non-football topics, they are there, too.
Enjoy the day everyone. As always, Go Bucks!
Podcasts
- Silver Bullets: Indiana rewind and TTUN preview
- Hangout in the Holy Land: The biggest week of the season is finally here
- Power Two: We got a two-loss maximum over here!
- I-80 Football Show: Will Ryan Day break through and win ‘The Game’?
- Uncut: Ryan Day is excited to face TTUN on Saturday, likes the look in his team’s eyes
- In Conversation: Is there any pressure on TTUN’s Sherrone Moore to beat Ohio State?
- No Fall Weddings: ‘Michigan sucks!’ We get feisty about IU whining and The Game
- In Conversation: ‘The test on Saturday will be different than anything they’ve faced’
Previews
- Ohio State v. Michigan: 2024 game preview and prediction
- Biggest matchups to watch in The Game
- Things you need to know about the *ichigan Wolverines
- Three under-the-radar-things Ohio State must do in order to blow out TTUN
- Life in Simulation: EA CFB 25 predicts Ohio State vs. Michigan
Sports Betting
- Ohio State opens as 21.5-point favorites over Michigan
- MC&J: Week 14 in the Big Ten has Ohio State looking for revenge on Michigan
- MC&J: Week 14 nationally will see Texas-Texas A&M renew iconic college football rivalry
Mens Basketball
- Bruce Thornton, Buckeyes overwhelm Doug Gottlieb’s Green Bay Phoenix, 102-69
- Uncut: Doug Gottlieb loves Bruce Thornton, and Bruce Thornton loves Subway cookies
- Big Ten men’s basketball teams as Thanksgiving dishes
- Pitt gets buzzer-beater, hands Ohio State 91-90 loss in overtime
Women’s Basketball
- No. 12 Ohio State women’s basketball defeats Bowling Green, 96-53
- Kennedy Cambridge’s moment almost two years in the making
- LGHL WBB Podcast: Utah State head coach Wesley Brooks talks new role, facing Buckeyes
- Around the world and back again; Elsa Lemmilä’s journey back to Columbus
- It’s time to give Ohio State women’s basketball script Buckeyes jerseys
- No. 11 Ohio State women’s basketball stuff Old Dominion on Thanksgiving 70-47
- No. 11 Ohio State women’s basketball defeat Utah State 87-51
Recruiting
- BOOOOOM!! Five-star 2027 WR Jamier Brown commits to Ohio State
- BOOOM!!! Ohio State flips 2025 cornerback from Cincinnati
- An in-depth look at why Jaeden Ricketts became Ohio State’s second 2026 commit
- Ohio State WR commit shuts down recruitment, Buckeyes add to TTUN visitor list
- BOOOM! Four-star tight end Corbyn Fordham commits to Ohio State
Ask LGHL/B1G Top 10
- What’s most important for you: beating TTUN, avenging the Oregon loss, winning B1G title?
- Big Ten Top 10: Oregon, Ohio State remain unanimous No. 1 and No. 2 in SBN B1G writers’ poll
Other Columns
- Will Howard deserves to be in the Heisman Trophy conversation
- Which Ohio State Buckeye are you most thankful for?
- B1G Thoughts: This edition of ‘The Game’ means everything to the Buckeyes
- What would be the funniest outcome of this year’s version of The Game?
Continue reading...
LGHL Ohio State vs. M*ch*g*n: Land-Grant’s experts make their picks
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Ohio State vs. M*ch*g*n: Land-Grant’s experts make their picks
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Every week, we will be picking the score, MVP, and major storyline for each Buckeye game.
Being the Buckeye beat’s black sheep blog, we here at Land-Grant Holy Land like to pat ourselves on the back. So, throughout the season, members of our staff will be making predictions about that day’s game. They will go on the record with what they think the final score will be, who the game’s MVP will be, and what the major storyline will be coming out of the day.
The No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes will host their heated and hated rivals, the unranked and barely bowl-eligible M*ch*g*n Wolverines on Saturday, Nov. 30 at 12 noon ET in a game to be broadcast on the Fox. Of course, that means that the game won’t actually kick off at noon, instead, it is scheduled to get underway at 12:14 p.m. ET.
As of this article’s writing, the Bucks are 18.5-point favorites according to FanDuel Sportsbook. College football’s gold-standard advanced analytics model SP+ is predicting a score of 36-10 in favor of Ohio State.
Check out what our staff members think and then let us know your thoughts on the game in the comments below. As we move forward with the season, you will be able to keep up with just how well our prognosticators do on a weekly basis HERE.
Score Prediction: Ohio State 27, TTUN 13
Game MVP: Carnell Tate
Major Storyline: Buckeyes control the trenches for the first time since 2019 to snap the skid in the series.
Score Prediction: Ohio State 24, TTUN 17
Game MVP: Will Howard
Major Storyline: Will Howard contributes to all three OSU touchdowns (two passing, one rushing) as Ohio State gets its first win in The Game since 2019.
Score Prediction: Ohio State 31, TTUN 14
Game MVP: Will Howard
Major Storyline: Will Howard throws for three touchdowns and runs for a fourth.
Score Prediction: Ohio State 42, TTUN 13
Game MVP: Will Howard
Major Storyline: Will Howard has the best game of his Ohio State tenure and helps Ryan Day get the monkey off his back which is bearing TTUN. Howard throws for 4 TDs and 300+ yards.
Score Prediction: TTUN 27, Ohio State 21
Game MVP: Donovan Edwards
Major Storyline: Once again, Ryan Day and his staff completely freeze up in the biggest game of the year — the only game that really matters. Ohio State’s patchwork offensive line was taken advantage of by Michigan’s defensive line, and the Wolverines added a few huge field goals in the second half to push ahead. Ohio State still has a chance to make the playoff as a 2-loss team, but if they won’t win the whole thing, the Ryan Day era is probably over.
Score Prediction: Ohio State 41, TTUN 13
Game MVP: Will Howard
Major Storyline: Ohio State gets some revenge for the last 3 years and clinches a spot in the Big Ten Championship Game. The defense pressures Davis Warren into a few turnovers, setting the offense up with some short fields, allowing the Buckeyes to run away with this game. Will Howard is spectacular and puts himself in the mix to be a Heisman Trophy finalist.
Score Prediction: Ohio State 38, TTUN 17
Game MVP: Jeremiah Smith
Major Storyline: Jeremiah Smith scores two touchdowns, immediately cementing his legacy in Ohio State lore. Denzel Burke makes up for a down year with a pick-six. Ryan Day exercises his demons with a massive win in the rivalry, and in his on-field postgame interview half-jokingly says, “I’d like to know where Connor Stalions is right now”
Score Prediction: Ohio State 50, TTUN 9
Game MVP: Will Howard
Major Storyline: Is this a legitimate score prediction? Is this a fan’s blind loyalty? Is this hoping that Ryan Day and company can thoroughly embarrass those obnoxious, holier-than-though players and fans? Maybe a little all of the above.
Nonetheless, I am riding with the Buckeyes to get halfway to hanging 100 on TTUN. Michigan’s pass defense has been just this side of atrocious this season, and with their star cornerback Will Johnson officially being ruled out, Buckeye quarterback Will Howard could have another incredibly impressive day.
The OSU offensive line will need to figure out how to contain defensive tackles Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant and edge rusher Josaiah Stewart, but I think that offensive coordinator Chip Kelly will help by moving guys around and getting the ball out of Howard’s hands quickly and allowing playmakers like Jeremiah Smith, Emeka Egbuka, Carnell Tate, TreVeyon Henderson, Quinshon Judkins, et. al.
The Buckeye defense, which primarily is made up of guys who have been through multiple editions of The Game before, has something to prove against the Corn and Blue. They have been dominated at the line of scrimmage and their toughness has been questioned. I think they are going to answer those questions in The Shoe today.
Score Prediction: Ohio State 41, TTUN 13
Game MVP: Will Howard
Major Storyline: The biggest storyline will be Will Howard leading Ohio State to a huge win over TTUN. Buckeye Nation has had complaints about our last two quarterbacks downplaying the game before and after losses. A lot of fans are already happy with Will's comments about The Game and he backs it up as on Saturday. Howard is going to play his best game of the season and showcase why Ryan Day chose him over Kyle McCord and Dillon Gabriel. Will become a fan favorite and Ryan Day gets a much-needed win and secures a rematch against Oregon.
Continue reading...
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Every week, we will be picking the score, MVP, and major storyline for each Buckeye game.
Being the Buckeye beat’s black sheep blog, we here at Land-Grant Holy Land like to pat ourselves on the back. So, throughout the season, members of our staff will be making predictions about that day’s game. They will go on the record with what they think the final score will be, who the game’s MVP will be, and what the major storyline will be coming out of the day.
The No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes will host their heated and hated rivals, the unranked and barely bowl-eligible M*ch*g*n Wolverines on Saturday, Nov. 30 at 12 noon ET in a game to be broadcast on the Fox. Of course, that means that the game won’t actually kick off at noon, instead, it is scheduled to get underway at 12:14 p.m. ET.
As of this article’s writing, the Bucks are 18.5-point favorites according to FanDuel Sportsbook. College football’s gold-standard advanced analytics model SP+ is predicting a score of 36-10 in favor of Ohio State.
Check out what our staff members think and then let us know your thoughts on the game in the comments below. As we move forward with the season, you will be able to keep up with just how well our prognosticators do on a weekly basis HERE.
Michael Citro
Score Prediction: Ohio State 27, TTUN 13
Game MVP: Carnell Tate
Major Storyline: Buckeyes control the trenches for the first time since 2019 to snap the skid in the series.
Josh Dooley
Score Prediction: Ohio State 24, TTUN 17
Game MVP: Will Howard
Major Storyline: Will Howard contributes to all three OSU touchdowns (two passing, one rushing) as Ohio State gets its first win in The Game since 2019.
Justin Golba
Score Prediction: Ohio State 31, TTUN 14
Game MVP: Will Howard
Major Storyline: Will Howard throws for three touchdowns and runs for a fourth.
Dan Hessler
Score Prediction: Ohio State 42, TTUN 13
Game MVP: Will Howard
Major Storyline: Will Howard has the best game of his Ohio State tenure and helps Ryan Day get the monkey off his back which is bearing TTUN. Howard throws for 4 TDs and 300+ yards.
Connor Lemons
Score Prediction: TTUN 27, Ohio State 21
Game MVP: Donovan Edwards
Major Storyline: Once again, Ryan Day and his staff completely freeze up in the biggest game of the year — the only game that really matters. Ohio State’s patchwork offensive line was taken advantage of by Michigan’s defensive line, and the Wolverines added a few huge field goals in the second half to push ahead. Ohio State still has a chance to make the playoff as a 2-loss team, but if they won’t win the whole thing, the Ryan Day era is probably over.
Brett Ludwiczak
Score Prediction: Ohio State 41, TTUN 13
Game MVP: Will Howard
Major Storyline: Ohio State gets some revenge for the last 3 years and clinches a spot in the Big Ten Championship Game. The defense pressures Davis Warren into a few turnovers, setting the offense up with some short fields, allowing the Buckeyes to run away with this game. Will Howard is spectacular and puts himself in the mix to be a Heisman Trophy finalist.
Gene Ross
Score Prediction: Ohio State 38, TTUN 17
Game MVP: Jeremiah Smith
Major Storyline: Jeremiah Smith scores two touchdowns, immediately cementing his legacy in Ohio State lore. Denzel Burke makes up for a down year with a pick-six. Ryan Day exercises his demons with a massive win in the rivalry, and in his on-field postgame interview half-jokingly says, “I’d like to know where Connor Stalions is right now”
Matt Tamanini
Score Prediction: Ohio State 50, TTUN 9
Game MVP: Will Howard
Major Storyline: Is this a legitimate score prediction? Is this a fan’s blind loyalty? Is this hoping that Ryan Day and company can thoroughly embarrass those obnoxious, holier-than-though players and fans? Maybe a little all of the above.
Nonetheless, I am riding with the Buckeyes to get halfway to hanging 100 on TTUN. Michigan’s pass defense has been just this side of atrocious this season, and with their star cornerback Will Johnson officially being ruled out, Buckeye quarterback Will Howard could have another incredibly impressive day.
The OSU offensive line will need to figure out how to contain defensive tackles Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant and edge rusher Josaiah Stewart, but I think that offensive coordinator Chip Kelly will help by moving guys around and getting the ball out of Howard’s hands quickly and allowing playmakers like Jeremiah Smith, Emeka Egbuka, Carnell Tate, TreVeyon Henderson, Quinshon Judkins, et. al.
The Buckeye defense, which primarily is made up of guys who have been through multiple editions of The Game before, has something to prove against the Corn and Blue. They have been dominated at the line of scrimmage and their toughness has been questioned. I think they are going to answer those questions in The Shoe today.
Jordan Williams
Score Prediction: Ohio State 41, TTUN 13
Game MVP: Will Howard
Major Storyline: The biggest storyline will be Will Howard leading Ohio State to a huge win over TTUN. Buckeye Nation has had complaints about our last two quarterbacks downplaying the game before and after losses. A lot of fans are already happy with Will's comments about The Game and he backs it up as on Saturday. Howard is going to play his best game of the season and showcase why Ryan Day chose him over Kyle McCord and Dillon Gabriel. Will become a fan favorite and Ryan Day gets a much-needed win and secures a rematch against Oregon.
Continue reading...
LGHL Tailgate Podcast: Everything you need to know to watch Ohio State vs. TTUN
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Tailgate Podcast: Everything you need to know to watch Ohio State vs. TTUN
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Set Number: X163079 TK1
The only Ohio State game day podcast you need.
Before every Ohio State football game, Matt Tamanini will get you ready with all of the information that you need for that day’s game on the “Land-Grant Tailgate” podcast.
Listen to the episode and subscribe:
Game Date/Time: Saturday, Nov. 30 at 12 noon ET
Location: Columbus, Ohio
TV: Fox
Radio: 97.1 FM/1460 AM
I don’t think that anyone with any objectivity has any doubt that Ohio State is the best team in this matchup by an ever-widening margin. While they have had more talent than their rivals in each of the last three games that they lost, the gap has grown tremendously this season. However, there is more at play than just a talent advantage in this game.
This Buckeye team, including the coaching staff, feels different than any other of Ryan Day vintage. While I think the toughness debate has gone way off the rails, there has been an aggression – both in play and attitude – that has been evident and growing throughout the back half of the season. This team is salty and spoiling for a fight, and I think they will go looking for one against the Winged Helmet Wingnuts this afternoon.
Additionally, as I mentioned earlier, Day – and by extension his staff – know the stakes are high when it comes to their team’s goals and their status with the program and the fan base. I also think that both players and coaches have heard the trash talking from players and fans out of Ann Arbor over the years, and they are sick of it. This one is personal.
I am confident that Chip Kelly will be able to scheme around the one area where the bad guys have what is assumed to be an advantage against OSU’s rebuilt offensive line and will find new and creative ways for Will Howard to get the ball to his stable of playmakers. In fact, I think Will Howard will have a career day and will move himself closer to being a Heisman Trophy finalist.
I think that Howard will throw for over 300 yards and four touchdowns while running for one as well. Two of those scores will go to Jeremiah Smith, continuing a trend of true freshman receivers having dominant games against That Team Up North.
I also believe that we will finally see the return of OSU’s dual-pronged rushing attack. TreVeyon Henderson has been the one dominating the rushing yardage in recent weeks, but I think Quinshon Judkins will join him in going over 100 yards today.
I expect Jack Sawyer, Tyleik Williams, Cody Simon, J.T. Tuimoloau, et. al to continue bringing the types of pressure that they have in recent weeks. So, while I am going to maintain some level of objectivity and refrain from picking Ohio State to finally hang a hundred on them, I am predicting a fifty-burger. I am going with Ohio State 52, the Sanctimonious Skunk Bears 9.
Will Howard: Over 300 yards passing and 4 TD through the air, 1 rushing TD
Jeremiah Smith: Two touchdowns
TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins: Both over 100 yards rushing
Connect with Matt Tamanini
Online Portfolio: authory.com/MattTamanini
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
Set Number: X163079 TK1
The only Ohio State game day podcast you need.
Before every Ohio State football game, Matt Tamanini will get you ready with all of the information that you need for that day’s game on the “Land-Grant Tailgate” podcast.
Listen to the episode and subscribe:
Subscribe: RSS | Apple | Spotify | Google Podcasts | iHeart Radio
No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes (-19.5) vs. M*ch*g*n | over/under 42
Game Date/Time: Saturday, Nov. 30 at 12 noon ET
Location: Columbus, Ohio
TV: Fox
Radio: 97.1 FM/1460 AM
I don’t think that anyone with any objectivity has any doubt that Ohio State is the best team in this matchup by an ever-widening margin. While they have had more talent than their rivals in each of the last three games that they lost, the gap has grown tremendously this season. However, there is more at play than just a talent advantage in this game.
This Buckeye team, including the coaching staff, feels different than any other of Ryan Day vintage. While I think the toughness debate has gone way off the rails, there has been an aggression – both in play and attitude – that has been evident and growing throughout the back half of the season. This team is salty and spoiling for a fight, and I think they will go looking for one against the Winged Helmet Wingnuts this afternoon.
Additionally, as I mentioned earlier, Day – and by extension his staff – know the stakes are high when it comes to their team’s goals and their status with the program and the fan base. I also think that both players and coaches have heard the trash talking from players and fans out of Ann Arbor over the years, and they are sick of it. This one is personal.
I am confident that Chip Kelly will be able to scheme around the one area where the bad guys have what is assumed to be an advantage against OSU’s rebuilt offensive line and will find new and creative ways for Will Howard to get the ball to his stable of playmakers. In fact, I think Will Howard will have a career day and will move himself closer to being a Heisman Trophy finalist.
I think that Howard will throw for over 300 yards and four touchdowns while running for one as well. Two of those scores will go to Jeremiah Smith, continuing a trend of true freshman receivers having dominant games against That Team Up North.
I also believe that we will finally see the return of OSU’s dual-pronged rushing attack. TreVeyon Henderson has been the one dominating the rushing yardage in recent weeks, but I think Quinshon Judkins will join him in going over 100 yards today.
I expect Jack Sawyer, Tyleik Williams, Cody Simon, J.T. Tuimoloau, et. al to continue bringing the types of pressure that they have in recent weeks. So, while I am going to maintain some level of objectivity and refrain from picking Ohio State to finally hang a hundred on them, I am predicting a fifty-burger. I am going with Ohio State 52, the Sanctimonious Skunk Bears 9.
Matt’s Predictions: Ohio State 52, M*ch*g*n 9
Will Howard: Over 300 yards passing and 4 TD through the air, 1 rushing TD
Jeremiah Smith: Two touchdowns
TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins: Both over 100 yards rushing
Connect with Matt Tamanini
Online Portfolio: authory.com/MattTamanini
Music by: epidemicsound.com
Continue reading...
LGHL Streaming expert has the best ways to watch Ohio State vs. M*ch*g*n for free without cable
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Streaming expert has the best ways to watch Ohio State vs. M*ch*g*n for free without cable
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Made with Google AI
You’ve got a number of free trials you can choose from of various lengths and breadths.
The Game has finally arrived. The Revenge Tour is coming for the defending national champions. The No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes will host their bitter rivals the Mitten State Cheaters in the Horseshoe today at 12:14 p.m. ET in a game airing on Fox. This game is the six-straight noon start with the regular season wrapping up a week from now against the Michigan Wolverines, but I have a feeling that the Scarlet and Gray fans in attendance will have more than enough energy built up by the time the ball is kicked off.
As we move into the postseason, the Buckeyes will play next week’s Big Ten Championship Game on Fox and will play College Football Playoff games on some combination of TNT, ESPN, ABC, and Max. With that many options, it can be tough to keep up with where and how to watch your favorite team.
As cord-cutting has become far more the norm than the exception across the United States, it would not be a surprise if you gave up cable or a live-streaming service following last year’s season only to realize that it’s the day of the game and you have no way to watch it.
And I know it can be incredibly confusing to find the best way to watch a game in today’s entertainment landscape. Fortunately for you, I am something of a streaming expert... no really, I write about streaming services for a living. So, I am going to walk you through the best — and cheapest — ways for you to stream today’s game.
Game Date/Time: Saturday, Nov. 30 at 12:14 p.m. ET
TV: Fox
Broadcasters: Gus Johnson, Joel Klatt, Jenny Taft
Betting Line: Ohio State -19.5 | 42.5 o/u
Best Streaming Option for All College Football Games:
If you’re either looking for a streaming service just for this weekend of football or to watch as much college football as possible, then Hulu + Live TV very well might be the perfect option. Everyone who signs up gets a three-day free trial, so you can watch the entire college football Saturday, NFL Sunday, and “Monday Night Football” without having to pay a single penny.
But, if you are looking for something for the whole season, then Hulu is great because it comes with ESPN+ (more on that below), so in addition to all of the channels available on the live streaming service, you also get all of the streaming-exclusive games via the worldwide leader’s platform.
Hulu + Live TV has one of the few guaranteed multi-day free trials in the industry and provides nearly all of the major cable channels on the market. The basic package comes with all of the major broadcast network channels — all of which have college football — ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC. It also has ESPN, ESPN2, Big Ten Network, FS1, FS2, ESPNU, CBS Sports Network, SEC Network, ACC Network, and the NFL Network (yes, they have college games) without having to sign up for any sports add-on plans. However, if you do want more sports, you can add NFL RedZone, MLB StrikeZone, FanDuel TV, the Tennis Channel, and more.
What’s great about Hulu + Live TV is that in addition to all of the broadcast and cable channels that you could possibly want, it also comes with the Disney Bundle for free. So, you also get the full on-demand Hulu library, Disney+, and ESPN+, which also has hundreds of college football games every season.
Currently, a subscription to Hulu + Live TV costs $82.99 per month after your three-day free trial. It is a little more expensive than some of the other options, but if you are just looking to watch this game, Hulu + Live TV is your best option.
DIRECTV STREAM: $87.99 per month five-day free trial
Sling TV: As low as $40 per month | First month 50% off
Fubo: $94.99 per month, at least a one-day free trial
YouTube TV: $72.99 per month
Below is your Ohio State vs. M*ch*g*n 2024 game thread. Be respectful, be kind and — as always — keep it classy, BuckeyeNation. If you like GIFs, lay ‘em on us. In all, be good fans, cheer for your teams, be cool to each other (even if somebody else isn’t) and everyone wins. Let’s finish the season strong!
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
Made with Google AI
You’ve got a number of free trials you can choose from of various lengths and breadths.
The Game has finally arrived. The Revenge Tour is coming for the defending national champions. The No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes will host their bitter rivals the Mitten State Cheaters in the Horseshoe today at 12:14 p.m. ET in a game airing on Fox. This game is the six-straight noon start with the regular season wrapping up a week from now against the Michigan Wolverines, but I have a feeling that the Scarlet and Gray fans in attendance will have more than enough energy built up by the time the ball is kicked off.
As we move into the postseason, the Buckeyes will play next week’s Big Ten Championship Game on Fox and will play College Football Playoff games on some combination of TNT, ESPN, ABC, and Max. With that many options, it can be tough to keep up with where and how to watch your favorite team.
As cord-cutting has become far more the norm than the exception across the United States, it would not be a surprise if you gave up cable or a live-streaming service following last year’s season only to realize that it’s the day of the game and you have no way to watch it.
And I know it can be incredibly confusing to find the best way to watch a game in today’s entertainment landscape. Fortunately for you, I am something of a streaming expert... no really, I write about streaming services for a living. So, I am going to walk you through the best — and cheapest — ways for you to stream today’s game.
How can I watch the No. 2 Ohio State vs. That Team Up North college football game?
Game Date/Time: Saturday, Nov. 30 at 12:14 p.m. ET
TV: Fox
Broadcasters: Gus Johnson, Joel Klatt, Jenny Taft
Betting Line: Ohio State -19.5 | 42.5 o/u
Best Streaming Option for All College Football Games:
Hulu + Live TV | 3-Day Free Trial
If you’re either looking for a streaming service just for this weekend of football or to watch as much college football as possible, then Hulu + Live TV very well might be the perfect option. Everyone who signs up gets a three-day free trial, so you can watch the entire college football Saturday, NFL Sunday, and “Monday Night Football” without having to pay a single penny.
But, if you are looking for something for the whole season, then Hulu is great because it comes with ESPN+ (more on that below), so in addition to all of the channels available on the live streaming service, you also get all of the streaming-exclusive games via the worldwide leader’s platform.
Hulu + Live TV has one of the few guaranteed multi-day free trials in the industry and provides nearly all of the major cable channels on the market. The basic package comes with all of the major broadcast network channels — all of which have college football — ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC. It also has ESPN, ESPN2, Big Ten Network, FS1, FS2, ESPNU, CBS Sports Network, SEC Network, ACC Network, and the NFL Network (yes, they have college games) without having to sign up for any sports add-on plans. However, if you do want more sports, you can add NFL RedZone, MLB StrikeZone, FanDuel TV, the Tennis Channel, and more.
What’s great about Hulu + Live TV is that in addition to all of the broadcast and cable channels that you could possibly want, it also comes with the Disney Bundle for free. So, you also get the full on-demand Hulu library, Disney+, and ESPN+, which also has hundreds of college football games every season.
Currently, a subscription to Hulu + Live TV costs $82.99 per month after your three-day free trial. It is a little more expensive than some of the other options, but if you are just looking to watch this game, Hulu + Live TV is your best option.
Other Streaming Options for the Ohio State and TTUN Game:
DIRECTV STREAM: $87.99 per month five-day free trial
Sling TV: As low as $40 per month | First month 50% off
Fubo: $94.99 per month, at least a one-day free trial
YouTube TV: $72.99 per month
Join the conversation
Below is your Ohio State vs. M*ch*g*n 2024 game thread. Be respectful, be kind and — as always — keep it classy, BuckeyeNation. If you like GIFs, lay ‘em on us. In all, be good fans, cheer for your teams, be cool to each other (even if somebody else isn’t) and everyone wins. Let’s finish the season strong!
Continue reading...
LGHL You’re Nuts: Big Ten men’s basketball teams as Thanksgiving dishes
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You’re Nuts: Big Ten men’s basketball teams as Thanksgiving dishes
Connor Lemons via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Who’s the green beans of the Big Ten?
Happy holidays to all the loyal readers, listeners, and followers of Land-Grant Holy Land. We hope you’ve had a wonderful week so far with family celebrating Thanksgiving, and hopefully, your week will become even sweeter with big Buckeye wins Friday night and Saturday afternoon.
Last week, Connor and Justin each picked one thing that is still concerning them about the Ohio State men’s basketball team, which is now 5-1 this season with the Pitt Panthers coming to town later this afternoon. They have picked up one resume-building win over the Texas Longhorns but dropped a tough one to Texas A&M in College Station two weeks ago.
Justin went with the starting frontcourt — and it’s gotten even murkier since then. Aaron Bradshaw is now out indefinitely, so understandably 79% of readers agreed with Justin. 12% of readers agreed with Connor, who said that the team still is not playing nearly as fast as Diebler said they would be playing. The final 9% went with “other.”
Connor- 81
Because yesterday was Thanksgiving, we’re going with the turkey time theme for You’re Nuts. Have you ever thought “Yeah, Wisconsin is definitely the mashed potatoes of the Big Ten?” So have we.
This week, we’re picking which Big Ten teams are these five Thanksgiving dishes.
The best dish at Thanksgiving, and my favorite. I always have room for more macaroni & cheese, and I’m always willing to try someone’s mac & cheese that they bring to any function. Likewise, I will always watch Ohio State basketball, whether the team is good, bad, or somewhere in between. Toss some of that on my plate.
It is not always at my Thanksgiving, depending on where we are, but it is a great surprise when it is. I like it when Indiana is good because it is better for the conference when they are good and the Assembly Hall is rocking. My Thanksgiving is better when Mac and Cheese are there.
Sweet potato casserole is the most underappreciated dish. A little marshmallow on top, some cinnamon? Oh yes. I also think that Penn State might be the most fun, under-appreciated program in the conference right now. Mike Rhoades has done a good job picking up where Shrewsberry left.
I don’t like Sweet Potato Casserole, and I don’t like Michigan. It's not on my plate at Thanksgiving.
Like mashed potatoes, Wisconsin is unbelievably consistent. They’re in the NCAA Tournament nearly every year, rarely finish lower than their predicted standings, and have a pretty clear ceiling every year. Sometimes, like mashed potatoes, they can be boring. Very rarely are mashed potatoes the No. 1 dish at Thanksgiving, and rarely is Wisconsin the best team in the Big Ten.
Purdue has been the second dish to the main dish, Turkey (Michigan State), since 2000, with six Big Ten titles. They have been very accomplished, just now quite as accomplished as the Spartans, so they are the second dish. You have to have them, though.
Stuffing is tough to perfect. It’s usually too dry, and it does not reheat well. I’d say that 9 times out of 10, stuffing just is not good. Every now and then someone cooks up a good dish of stuffing that really hits the spot, but I can usually go without. Similarly, Minnesota is only good every once in a while — I appreciate good Minnesota teams, but they only come by so often.
In my opinion, Wisconsin and Stuffing have something in common. They are underrated. In the Bo Ryan and Greg Gard era, Wisconsin has been pretty consistently good. Underrated like stuffing.
Turkey — the star of Thanksgiving, even though in reality it’s not that great. Historically Turkey is the main dish of the meal, and we are all supposed to love it. But if you ask 10 people their favorite dish, you’d be hard-pressed to find one that likes turkey the best. Indiana might be the face of Big Ten basketball, but lately, the Hoosiers have been very underwhelming — kind of like turkey.
The Spartans and Tom Izzo have eight Big Ten regular season championships since 2000 and have been the cornerstone of the conference ever since Izzo took over. They also haven’t missed the NCAA tournament in 26 years and counting.
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Connor Lemons via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Who’s the green beans of the Big Ten?
Happy holidays to all the loyal readers, listeners, and followers of Land-Grant Holy Land. We hope you’ve had a wonderful week so far with family celebrating Thanksgiving, and hopefully, your week will become even sweeter with big Buckeye wins Friday night and Saturday afternoon.
Last week, Connor and Justin each picked one thing that is still concerning them about the Ohio State men’s basketball team, which is now 5-1 this season with the Pitt Panthers coming to town later this afternoon. They have picked up one resume-building win over the Texas Longhorns but dropped a tough one to Texas A&M in College Station two weeks ago.
Justin went with the starting frontcourt — and it’s gotten even murkier since then. Aaron Bradshaw is now out indefinitely, so understandably 79% of readers agreed with Justin. 12% of readers agreed with Connor, who said that the team still is not playing nearly as fast as Diebler said they would be playing. The final 9% went with “other.”
After 179 weeks:
Connor- 81
Justin- 76
Other- 18
(There have been five ties)
Because yesterday was Thanksgiving, we’re going with the turkey time theme for You’re Nuts. Have you ever thought “Yeah, Wisconsin is definitely the mashed potatoes of the Big Ten?” So have we.
This week, we’re picking which Big Ten teams are these five Thanksgiving dishes.
This week’s question: Which Big Ten teams are these Thanksgiving dishes?
Macaroni & cheese
Connor - Ohio State
The best dish at Thanksgiving, and my favorite. I always have room for more macaroni & cheese, and I’m always willing to try someone’s mac & cheese that they bring to any function. Likewise, I will always watch Ohio State basketball, whether the team is good, bad, or somewhere in between. Toss some of that on my plate.
Justin - Indiana
It is not always at my Thanksgiving, depending on where we are, but it is a great surprise when it is. I like it when Indiana is good because it is better for the conference when they are good and the Assembly Hall is rocking. My Thanksgiving is better when Mac and Cheese are there.
Sweet potato casserole
Connor - Penn State
Sweet potato casserole is the most underappreciated dish. A little marshmallow on top, some cinnamon? Oh yes. I also think that Penn State might be the most fun, under-appreciated program in the conference right now. Mike Rhoades has done a good job picking up where Shrewsberry left.
Justin - Michigan
I don’t like Sweet Potato Casserole, and I don’t like Michigan. It's not on my plate at Thanksgiving.
Mashed potatoes
Connor - Wisconsin
Like mashed potatoes, Wisconsin is unbelievably consistent. They’re in the NCAA Tournament nearly every year, rarely finish lower than their predicted standings, and have a pretty clear ceiling every year. Sometimes, like mashed potatoes, they can be boring. Very rarely are mashed potatoes the No. 1 dish at Thanksgiving, and rarely is Wisconsin the best team in the Big Ten.
Justin - Purdue
Purdue has been the second dish to the main dish, Turkey (Michigan State), since 2000, with six Big Ten titles. They have been very accomplished, just now quite as accomplished as the Spartans, so they are the second dish. You have to have them, though.
Stuffing
Connor - Minnesota
Stuffing is tough to perfect. It’s usually too dry, and it does not reheat well. I’d say that 9 times out of 10, stuffing just is not good. Every now and then someone cooks up a good dish of stuffing that really hits the spot, but I can usually go without. Similarly, Minnesota is only good every once in a while — I appreciate good Minnesota teams, but they only come by so often.
Justin - Wisconsin
In my opinion, Wisconsin and Stuffing have something in common. They are underrated. In the Bo Ryan and Greg Gard era, Wisconsin has been pretty consistently good. Underrated like stuffing.
Turkey
Connor - Indiana
Turkey — the star of Thanksgiving, even though in reality it’s not that great. Historically Turkey is the main dish of the meal, and we are all supposed to love it. But if you ask 10 people their favorite dish, you’d be hard-pressed to find one that likes turkey the best. Indiana might be the face of Big Ten basketball, but lately, the Hoosiers have been very underwhelming — kind of like turkey.
Justin - Michigan State
The Spartans and Tom Izzo have eight Big Ten regular season championships since 2000 and have been the cornerstone of the conference ever since Izzo took over. They also haven’t missed the NCAA tournament in 26 years and counting.
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LGHL Uncut: Jake Diebler, Jeff Capel discuss Pitt’s buzzer-beating win in Columbus
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Uncut: Jake Diebler, Jeff Capel discuss Pitt’s buzzer-beating win in Columbus
Connor Lemons via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Ohio State squandered several chances to salt the game away.
Throughout the season, Land-Grant will be bringing you uncut audio primarily from Ohio State press conferences, but also from individual interview sessions.
About 30 minutes after Ohio State was stunned at the buzzer by the Pitt Panthers, both head coaches — Jake Diebler and Jeff Capel — spoke to the media about the final play and the 45 minutes of basketball that preceded it.
Capel said his team didn’t do a good enough job against the Buckeye guards in the first half, but that Papa Kante’s effort in the second half was the driving force behind Pitt’s big comeback. He said that they assumed Ohio State would send a lot of attention toward Jaland Lowe on the final possession, which opened up a shot for Zack Austin.
Diebler said Ohio State practices end-of-game situations like the one they saw Friday night every single day at practice. The difference, he said, was that Ohio State did not execute the situation correctly in-game. Micah Parrish “switched too low” which allowed Pitt to get an open look at the very end.
Bruce Thornton pointed to second-chance points and missing free throws as the reason the Buckeyes lost.
Connect with Connor:
Twitter: @lemons_connor
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Connor Lemons via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Ohio State squandered several chances to salt the game away.
Throughout the season, Land-Grant will be bringing you uncut audio primarily from Ohio State press conferences, but also from individual interview sessions.
Listen to the episode and subscribe:
Subscribe: RSS | Apple | Spotify | Stitcher | Google Podcasts | iHeart Radio
About 30 minutes after Ohio State was stunned at the buzzer by the Pitt Panthers, both head coaches — Jake Diebler and Jeff Capel — spoke to the media about the final play and the 45 minutes of basketball that preceded it.
Capel said his team didn’t do a good enough job against the Buckeye guards in the first half, but that Papa Kante’s effort in the second half was the driving force behind Pitt’s big comeback. He said that they assumed Ohio State would send a lot of attention toward Jaland Lowe on the final possession, which opened up a shot for Zack Austin.
Diebler said Ohio State practices end-of-game situations like the one they saw Friday night every single day at practice. The difference, he said, was that Ohio State did not execute the situation correctly in-game. Micah Parrish “switched too low” which allowed Pitt to get an open look at the very end.
Bruce Thornton pointed to second-chance points and missing free throws as the reason the Buckeyes lost.
Connect with Connor:
Twitter: @lemons_connor
Theme music provided by www.bensound.com
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LGHL No. 11 Ohio State women’s basketball defeat Utah State 87-51
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No. 11 Ohio State women’s basketball defeat Utah State 87-51
ThomasCostello via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Ohio State University Athletic Department
The Daytona Beach Classic ends with another Buckeyes rout.
Friday, Ohio State women’s basketball was back on the court, finishing up their two-day stint at the Daytona Beach Classic. After success in the paint against Old Dominion Thursday, Chance Gray and Ajae Petty lead the Scarlet and Gray over the Utah State Aggies 87-51.
In the first quarter, Ohio State went on an 11-point run to start, with the Aggies missing their first three attempts. It wasn’t until 6:36 that Utah State hit a shot, one of their six attempted shots from beyond the arc in the first quarter.
For Ohio State, forward Petty continued her successful play inside the paint, going 3-of-4 in the first quarter with six points.
Point guard Jaloni Cambridge had a tough opening quarter, making her first shot attempt but missing her next five. Also, Cambridge took a knock in the first two minutes, going up for a layup against Sophie Sene. After hitting the ground, Cambridge got up slowly and was hunched over on the court for a few seconds. The freshman continued playing but was replaced a couple of minutes later by Madison Greene.
In the second quarter, Cambridge showed she was ok, adding five points and four rebounds.
Sene started the second quarter with a Utah State layup, but then Ohio State took over with a 21-point run where seven different Buckeyes scored in a span of 6:16 on the game clock.
Utah State came into the game hoping to continue their run-and-gun style offense where long passes and shots from beyond the arc are their standard operating procedure. Unfortunately for the Aggies, those deep shots didn’t fall, causing ample opportunities for Ohio State rebounds and fast breaks.
The Aggies shot 15 threes in the first half, hitting two. By halftime, the Buckeyes already had 33 rebounds, compared to 20 for Utah State. Those rebounds and 20 forced steals turned into 10 points for Ohio State on the break.
By halftime, the Buckeyes were up 27 points on head coach Wesley Brooks’ side, who was visibly and audibly frustrated in the first half.
That frustration boiled over in the third quarter. With his team on a run of seven missed shots in a row, and a timeout called on the floor, Brooks yelled towards the referee group about how the game was called, caught on the arena mics saying to call the game both ways. The referees assessed Brooks with a technical foul, with two Gray free throws putting the Buckeyes up 31 points.
Gray hit those free shots and more, leading the Buckeyes through three quarters with 15 points on 4-of-6 shooting, including a perfect 3-of-3 from beyond the arc.
Whether that technical was riled up on purpose or not, the Aggies responded, scoring 12 of the next 14 points. It decreased their deficit to 25 points, Utah State was 4of-5 during the run but turnovers hurt that run from going any further, allowing nine points off turnovers in the period.
Benefiting from those turnovers were the Ohio State forwards Eboni Walker and Elsa Lemmilä. The two had eight of the last 13 points of the quarter and the Buckeyes increased their lead back to 33 points
Ohio State built a 12-point run from the end of the third into the start of the fourth quarter. The track meet between the sides was working in the Scarlet and Gray’s favor, with Utah State even struggling to get off a shot. Brooks called a timeout after 1:45 of the fourth quarter with his Aggies taking only one shot in that time, compared to four for the Buckeyes.
In the fourth quarter, with the Buckeyes up 35 points, Utah State’s Mia Tarver hit her second three-point shot of the quarter. Following the shot, the guard had some words to say to the younger Cambridge sister. On the next offensive play, Cambridge responded with a surge to the basket, earning a foul against Tarver.
Overall, Utah State didn’t have much to talk about with play on the court. The chasm between Ohio State and the Aggies was on display throughout the 40 minutes, cruising to the victory.
With 2:43 remaining, Utah State’s Karlie Banks went to the court, rolling her right ankle hard. Coach Brooks and a teammate came up to help Banks off the court. The game continued quickly but it was an unfortunate end on an unfortunate day for the Aggies.
Gray and Petty ended the evening tied for the game-high in points with 17 apiece. Petty was one rebound away from her second consecutive double-double and Gray added five rebounds. Cambridge had 13 points with 6ix rebounds, 5 steals, and 4 assists.
Next up for the Buckeyes is the No. 19 Illinois Fighting Illini. The Big Ten foes will come to the Schottenstein Center on Sunday, Dec. 8 for a game that will air on the Big Ten Network at 4 p.m. ET. It’s the first Big Ten game before getting back to a brief stint in the non-conference schedule.
The Fighting Illini will be the biggest test for McGuff’s side in this young season, with wins over a then-ranked Florida State side and wins against unranked Marquette and Oregon State.
Illinois fell in their last game, losing to No. 14 Kentucky 76-53 on Wednesday.
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
Ohio State University Athletic Department
The Daytona Beach Classic ends with another Buckeyes rout.
Friday, Ohio State women’s basketball was back on the court, finishing up their two-day stint at the Daytona Beach Classic. After success in the paint against Old Dominion Thursday, Chance Gray and Ajae Petty lead the Scarlet and Gray over the Utah State Aggies 87-51.
In the first quarter, Ohio State went on an 11-point run to start, with the Aggies missing their first three attempts. It wasn’t until 6:36 that Utah State hit a shot, one of their six attempted shots from beyond the arc in the first quarter.
For Ohio State, forward Petty continued her successful play inside the paint, going 3-of-4 in the first quarter with six points.
Point guard Jaloni Cambridge had a tough opening quarter, making her first shot attempt but missing her next five. Also, Cambridge took a knock in the first two minutes, going up for a layup against Sophie Sene. After hitting the ground, Cambridge got up slowly and was hunched over on the court for a few seconds. The freshman continued playing but was replaced a couple of minutes later by Madison Greene.
In the second quarter, Cambridge showed she was ok, adding five points and four rebounds.
Sene started the second quarter with a Utah State layup, but then Ohio State took over with a 21-point run where seven different Buckeyes scored in a span of 6:16 on the game clock.
Utah State came into the game hoping to continue their run-and-gun style offense where long passes and shots from beyond the arc are their standard operating procedure. Unfortunately for the Aggies, those deep shots didn’t fall, causing ample opportunities for Ohio State rebounds and fast breaks.
The Aggies shot 15 threes in the first half, hitting two. By halftime, the Buckeyes already had 33 rebounds, compared to 20 for Utah State. Those rebounds and 20 forced steals turned into 10 points for Ohio State on the break.
By halftime, the Buckeyes were up 27 points on head coach Wesley Brooks’ side, who was visibly and audibly frustrated in the first half.
That frustration boiled over in the third quarter. With his team on a run of seven missed shots in a row, and a timeout called on the floor, Brooks yelled towards the referee group about how the game was called, caught on the arena mics saying to call the game both ways. The referees assessed Brooks with a technical foul, with two Gray free throws putting the Buckeyes up 31 points.
Gray hit those free shots and more, leading the Buckeyes through three quarters with 15 points on 4-of-6 shooting, including a perfect 3-of-3 from beyond the arc.
Whether that technical was riled up on purpose or not, the Aggies responded, scoring 12 of the next 14 points. It decreased their deficit to 25 points, Utah State was 4of-5 during the run but turnovers hurt that run from going any further, allowing nine points off turnovers in the period.
Benefiting from those turnovers were the Ohio State forwards Eboni Walker and Elsa Lemmilä. The two had eight of the last 13 points of the quarter and the Buckeyes increased their lead back to 33 points
Ohio State built a 12-point run from the end of the third into the start of the fourth quarter. The track meet between the sides was working in the Scarlet and Gray’s favor, with Utah State even struggling to get off a shot. Brooks called a timeout after 1:45 of the fourth quarter with his Aggies taking only one shot in that time, compared to four for the Buckeyes.
In the fourth quarter, with the Buckeyes up 35 points, Utah State’s Mia Tarver hit her second three-point shot of the quarter. Following the shot, the guard had some words to say to the younger Cambridge sister. On the next offensive play, Cambridge responded with a surge to the basket, earning a foul against Tarver.
Overall, Utah State didn’t have much to talk about with play on the court. The chasm between Ohio State and the Aggies was on display throughout the 40 minutes, cruising to the victory.
With 2:43 remaining, Utah State’s Karlie Banks went to the court, rolling her right ankle hard. Coach Brooks and a teammate came up to help Banks off the court. The game continued quickly but it was an unfortunate end on an unfortunate day for the Aggies.
Gray and Petty ended the evening tied for the game-high in points with 17 apiece. Petty was one rebound away from her second consecutive double-double and Gray added five rebounds. Cambridge had 13 points with 6ix rebounds, 5 steals, and 4 assists.
What’s Next
Next up for the Buckeyes is the No. 19 Illinois Fighting Illini. The Big Ten foes will come to the Schottenstein Center on Sunday, Dec. 8 for a game that will air on the Big Ten Network at 4 p.m. ET. It’s the first Big Ten game before getting back to a brief stint in the non-conference schedule.
The Fighting Illini will be the biggest test for McGuff’s side in this young season, with wins over a then-ranked Florida State side and wins against unranked Marquette and Oregon State.
Illinois fell in their last game, losing to No. 14 Kentucky 76-53 on Wednesday.
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LGHL In Conversation: Lori Schmidt thinks Colston Loveland’s health is a big factor in The Game
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In Conversation: Lori Schmidt thinks Colston Loveland’s health is a big factor in The Game
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
The Columbus Dispatch assistant sports editor also believes that Ohio State needs to get more out of its running game.
On Land-Grant’s “In Conversation” podcast, we talk to people in and around Ohio State athletics, and the sporting world at large, to bring you a different insight and perspective to the teams, athletes, and university that you love.
Listen to the episode and subscribe:
On today’s episode, Matt is in conversation with one of our oldest friends here at Land-Grant, the assistant sports editor of The Columbus Dispatch and Central Ohio sports reporting legend, Lori Schmidt. In the episode, they discuss whether or not Ryan Day has always put the proper emphasis on beating Michigan, how Will Howard is the perfect person to lead this team into The Game, and what Lori thinks might happen in The Shoe on Saturday.
Lori believes that the health of Michigan tight end Colston Loveland will be a key factor in whether or not the Wolverines are able to move the ball and that the Buckeye offense needs to get more consistent production from the running game.
Connect with Lori Schmidt
https://www.dispatch.com/staff/7714074002/lori-schmidt/
Twitter: @LoriSchmidt
Connect with Matt Tamanini
Online Portfolio: https://authory.com/MattTamanini
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Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
The Columbus Dispatch assistant sports editor also believes that Ohio State needs to get more out of its running game.
On Land-Grant’s “In Conversation” podcast, we talk to people in and around Ohio State athletics, and the sporting world at large, to bring you a different insight and perspective to the teams, athletes, and university that you love.
Listen to the episode and subscribe:
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On today’s episode, Matt is in conversation with one of our oldest friends here at Land-Grant, the assistant sports editor of The Columbus Dispatch and Central Ohio sports reporting legend, Lori Schmidt. In the episode, they discuss whether or not Ryan Day has always put the proper emphasis on beating Michigan, how Will Howard is the perfect person to lead this team into The Game, and what Lori thinks might happen in The Shoe on Saturday.
Lori believes that the health of Michigan tight end Colston Loveland will be a key factor in whether or not the Wolverines are able to move the ball and that the Buckeye offense needs to get more consistent production from the running game.
Connect with Lori Schmidt
https://www.dispatch.com/staff/7714074002/lori-schmidt/
Twitter: @LoriSchmidt
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LGHL Pitt gets buzzer-beater, hands Ohio State 91-90 loss in overtime
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Pitt gets buzzer-beater, hands Ohio State 91-90 loss in overtime
Connor Lemons 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 came up on the wrong end of a back-and-forth overtime game on Black Friday.
On the eve of the biggest Buckeye sporting event of the year, the Ohio State men’s basketball team (5-2) welcomed a (relatively) nearby foe to the Schottenstein Center on Friday afternoon — the Pitt Panthers (7-1). Despite the extremely manageable drive between the two schools (a little less than three hours), Ohio State and Pitt had not faced each other in 22 years until Friday’s game.
The Panthers are having a great start to the season, picking up wins over West Virginia and LSU during the first month of the season. Jeff Capel is in his seventh season as head coach of the Panthers and has a chance to win 20 games for the third consecutive season — something that hasn’t happened at Pitt since the program was 20 or more games each year from 2001-2014.
Despite taking a nine-point lead into the halftime locker room, Ohio State went on a prolonged scoring drought in the second half, and Pitt came back to force overtime and then beat the Buckeyes in extra time, 91-90.
Senior guard Damian Dunn, who transferred to Pitt from Houston this spring, had his right thumb surgically repaired this week and was unavailable for the Panthers. In his place in the starting lineup was freshman guard Amsal Delalic, as well as Ishmael Leggett, Jaland Lowe, Cameron Corhen, and Guillermo Diaz Graham.
The Buckeyes were also shorthanded Friday, with starting center Aaron Bradshaw still unavailable as he goes through a “university process” that the team cannot comment on. Freshman forward Colin White and senior guard Ques Glover — who both come off the bench — were both out as well. Ohio State head coach Jake Diebler went with the same starting five he utilized this week against Green Bay — Bruce Thornton, Meechie Johnson, Micah Parrish, Devin Royal, and Sean Stewart.
The Panthers proved tough to control on the glass, grabbing three offensive rebounds before the first media timeout. Corhen got the best of Stewart two different times, grabbing Pitt misses and keeping possessions alive for the Panthers. But the Buckeyes got three-pointers from Johnson and Parrish early on and took a 10-9 lead into that first media timeout with 14:18 left in the first half.
By the under-eight media timeout, Pitt had reached the bonus, but the Buckeyes were ahead 32-25. While they were clearly undersized, Pitt’s forwards struggled to keep up with Royal and Thornton — guys who aren’t big for the positions they play, but much quicker than the Pitt defenders who were trying to get in front of them. Ohio State knocked down 14 of its first 20 shots, good for a 70% shooting percentage to start the game.
Pitt fell behind by double-digits and this game looked like it might snowball in favor of the Buckeyes, but the Panthers strung together a late 8-2 run to keep it close. Still, Ohio State finished one of its best halves of basketball of the season with a 48-39 lead. The Buckeyes shot a super nice 69% as a team over the first 20 minutes and survived Pitt being in the bonus for over 13 minutes.
Ohio State increased its lead to 12 early in the first half, but Pitt answered with a 7-0 run that cut the Buckeyes’ lead to 57-53 with 14 minutes left in the game. A Leggett three-pointer with 12:56 made it 57-56, and Diebler called timeout with Pitt on the verge of taking the lead.
Pitt put together an eye-opening 15-0 run and turned what was a 12-point deficit into a small lead in the second half. Ohio State went over seven minutes without scoring, and Papa Kante — who came into Friday’s game averaging 2.5 points per game, caused havoc on the interior for Pitt. By the under-eight media timeout, the Panthers had taken a 66-64 lead.
The intensity and effort were ratcheted up a few levels over the final eight minutes or so. Buckets became hard to come by, and every made or missed free throw felt like a huge moment.
Parrish, who was perfect shooting the deep ball on Friday afternoon, nailed another from the corner — his fourth of the game — to give Ohio State a 76-72 lead with 1:37 left in the game. He gave the “night night” gesture to the Panthers, but Zack Austin came back down to the other end and buried his fourth triple of the game, too, and Pitt was right back within two points, 77-75.
After Lowe tied the game with a running jumper with 33 seconds left, 77-77, Ohio State held and tried to win it at the end of regulation. However, Thornton’s jumper was no good, and Pitt got a chance to win it with two seconds remaining. The Panthers grabbed the rebounds, called timeout, and missed a half-court heave that would’ve won it. Overtime!
Thornton opened extra time with a three on Ohio State’s first possession, and after Kante split a pair of free throws at the other end, Royal was fouled below the basket and was hooked by Leggett. The sophomore forward knocked down both, putting the Buckeyes up, 82-78 with 3:32 left in OT.
A Leggett foul on a rebound scramble sent Thornton to the line for two free throws, and he hit both to put the Buckeyes up six, 86-80. But Lowe scored on another runner and Royal was called for a questionable foul with 52 seconds left, cutting the Ohio State lead to 87-85 in the final minute.
On tired legs, Thornton split a pair of free throws to put the Buckeyes up 88-85. Lowe air-balled a three, and Ohio State was able to lock up the rebound. However, on the next Pitt possession, Mahaffey was called for a foul as Lowe shot a three-pointer, to the deep chagrin of the home crowd. Lowe hit all three, and the lead was back to 89-88 with seven seconds remaining.
Royal split the free throws after being fouled on the inbounds play, and Ohio State was up 90-88. Austin’s three at the buzzer won it for the Pitt Panthers, 91-90.
If you weren’t able to make it over to the Schott on Friday or you don’t have a Peacock subscription yet, here were a few key plays and moments from Pitt’s resume-building road win over the Buckeyes in Columbus:
The Panthers’ size advantage with Bradshaw out looked like it could be a problem leading into this game, and boy was it. Ohio State put Royal on the 7-foot-tall Diaz Graham, and Stewart on Corhen to start the game. While the fouls weren’t all in the paint, Ohio State struggled to rotate and cover up size mismatches, committing seven fouls in the first 6:37 of the game, putting the Panthers in the bonus for the final 13 minutes of the first half.
Stewart picked up his second foul roughly six minutes into the game, and Parrish picked up his second foul when he jumped into Leggett on a jump shot with one second remaining on the shot clock after Ohio State played sound defense for 29 seconds.
After a nip-and-tuck first seven minutes or so, the Buckeyes got a big three-pointer from John Mobley Jr. with 6:36 remaining in the first half to go up a dozen, 37-25. Neither team was stopping much on the other end, so consecutive baskets of any kind constituted a big swing in this game.
If you ask Jake Diebler the ideal situation for his bigs, he’d probably tell you that he’d love for Sean Stewart to pick up zero fouls, sub him out for a few minutes for a breather, and let Mahaffey or Royal fill in at center for a short time.
In reality, Stewart picked up two fouls early in the game and only played six first-half minutes. Royal and Mahaffey both did play the five a bit, but Austin Parks also stepped up with six minutes at center in the first half, scoring four points and dishing an assist to Royal late in the half.
Pitt tried their best to switch guards onto Parks and put him on skates, but the 6-foot-10 sophomore held his own, committing one foul in the first half but otherwise staying disciplined and sliding toward the basket without fouling Pitt’s shifty guards.
With 16:16 left in the game, Thornton dribbled around a screen and was tripped up by Papa Kante as he tried to get downhill and get to the basket. Somehow Thornton was able to keep his dribble alive from his knees, stand up, and throw a perfect lob to Stewart for a slam to put Ohio State up 57-46. It was Thornton’s seventh assist of the game — the fourth consecutive game he recorded seven or more assists.
Stewart’s slam put Ohio State up 11 points with just over 16 minutes left, but Pitt responded with a 13-0 run — the longest run for either team in the game at the time — to take a 59-57 lead with 12:13 left in the game.
It was seldom-used reserve big man Papa Kante, who’d scored 10 points all season long heading into today’s game, who was the difference maker. He was cutting with purpose and taking advantage of mismatches and scored seven points in the first eight minutes of the second half to help the Panthers take control of the game.
After Lowe tied the game with a running layup with 27 seconds left, Thornton missed a jumper long and Pitt missed a half-court prayer with two seconds remaining, sending this game to overtime tied at 77.
After Leggett fouled Thornton chasing after a loose rebound, Ohio State’s point guard went to the line and knocked down both to put the Buckeyes up six, 86-80, with 1:53 left in overtime.
After Devin Royal split a pair of free throws with seven seconds left to put Ohio State up 90-88, Austin nailed a buzzer-beating three from straightaway to win it for Pitt, 91-90.
With Ohio State’s four-game homestand over, the Buckeyes will hit the road next week to begin Big Ten play at Maryland on Wednesday night. The Terrapins are 6-1 this season and No. 34 in KenPom. Led by a twin towers duo of Derik Queen (16 points and 7.9 rebounds per game) and Julian Reese (13.3 points and 8.1 rebounds per game), Maryland will test Ohio State’s already-thin frontcourt.
The Buckeyes’ second true road game of the season is set to tip off at 6:30 p.m. ET at the Xfinity Center and will be broadcast on BTN.
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Connor Lemons 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 came up on the wrong end of a back-and-forth overtime game on Black Friday.
On the eve of the biggest Buckeye sporting event of the year, the Ohio State men’s basketball team (5-2) welcomed a (relatively) nearby foe to the Schottenstein Center on Friday afternoon — the Pitt Panthers (7-1). Despite the extremely manageable drive between the two schools (a little less than three hours), Ohio State and Pitt had not faced each other in 22 years until Friday’s game.
The Panthers are having a great start to the season, picking up wins over West Virginia and LSU during the first month of the season. Jeff Capel is in his seventh season as head coach of the Panthers and has a chance to win 20 games for the third consecutive season — something that hasn’t happened at Pitt since the program was 20 or more games each year from 2001-2014.
Despite taking a nine-point lead into the halftime locker room, Ohio State went on a prolonged scoring drought in the second half, and Pitt came back to force overtime and then beat the Buckeyes in extra time, 91-90.
Senior guard Damian Dunn, who transferred to Pitt from Houston this spring, had his right thumb surgically repaired this week and was unavailable for the Panthers. In his place in the starting lineup was freshman guard Amsal Delalic, as well as Ishmael Leggett, Jaland Lowe, Cameron Corhen, and Guillermo Diaz Graham.
The Buckeyes were also shorthanded Friday, with starting center Aaron Bradshaw still unavailable as he goes through a “university process” that the team cannot comment on. Freshman forward Colin White and senior guard Ques Glover — who both come off the bench — were both out as well. Ohio State head coach Jake Diebler went with the same starting five he utilized this week against Green Bay — Bruce Thornton, Meechie Johnson, Micah Parrish, Devin Royal, and Sean Stewart.
The Panthers proved tough to control on the glass, grabbing three offensive rebounds before the first media timeout. Corhen got the best of Stewart two different times, grabbing Pitt misses and keeping possessions alive for the Panthers. But the Buckeyes got three-pointers from Johnson and Parrish early on and took a 10-9 lead into that first media timeout with 14:18 left in the first half.
By the under-eight media timeout, Pitt had reached the bonus, but the Buckeyes were ahead 32-25. While they were clearly undersized, Pitt’s forwards struggled to keep up with Royal and Thornton — guys who aren’t big for the positions they play, but much quicker than the Pitt defenders who were trying to get in front of them. Ohio State knocked down 14 of its first 20 shots, good for a 70% shooting percentage to start the game.
Pitt fell behind by double-digits and this game looked like it might snowball in favor of the Buckeyes, but the Panthers strung together a late 8-2 run to keep it close. Still, Ohio State finished one of its best halves of basketball of the season with a 48-39 lead. The Buckeyes shot a super nice 69% as a team over the first 20 minutes and survived Pitt being in the bonus for over 13 minutes.
Ohio State increased its lead to 12 early in the first half, but Pitt answered with a 7-0 run that cut the Buckeyes’ lead to 57-53 with 14 minutes left in the game. A Leggett three-pointer with 12:56 made it 57-56, and Diebler called timeout with Pitt on the verge of taking the lead.
Pitt put together an eye-opening 15-0 run and turned what was a 12-point deficit into a small lead in the second half. Ohio State went over seven minutes without scoring, and Papa Kante — who came into Friday’s game averaging 2.5 points per game, caused havoc on the interior for Pitt. By the under-eight media timeout, the Panthers had taken a 66-64 lead.
The intensity and effort were ratcheted up a few levels over the final eight minutes or so. Buckets became hard to come by, and every made or missed free throw felt like a huge moment.
Parrish, who was perfect shooting the deep ball on Friday afternoon, nailed another from the corner — his fourth of the game — to give Ohio State a 76-72 lead with 1:37 left in the game. He gave the “night night” gesture to the Panthers, but Zack Austin came back down to the other end and buried his fourth triple of the game, too, and Pitt was right back within two points, 77-75.
After Lowe tied the game with a running jumper with 33 seconds left, 77-77, Ohio State held and tried to win it at the end of regulation. However, Thornton’s jumper was no good, and Pitt got a chance to win it with two seconds remaining. The Panthers grabbed the rebounds, called timeout, and missed a half-court heave that would’ve won it. Overtime!
Thornton opened extra time with a three on Ohio State’s first possession, and after Kante split a pair of free throws at the other end, Royal was fouled below the basket and was hooked by Leggett. The sophomore forward knocked down both, putting the Buckeyes up, 82-78 with 3:32 left in OT.
A Leggett foul on a rebound scramble sent Thornton to the line for two free throws, and he hit both to put the Buckeyes up six, 86-80. But Lowe scored on another runner and Royal was called for a questionable foul with 52 seconds left, cutting the Ohio State lead to 87-85 in the final minute.
On tired legs, Thornton split a pair of free throws to put the Buckeyes up 88-85. Lowe air-balled a three, and Ohio State was able to lock up the rebound. However, on the next Pitt possession, Mahaffey was called for a foul as Lowe shot a three-pointer, to the deep chagrin of the home crowd. Lowe hit all three, and the lead was back to 89-88 with seven seconds remaining.
Royal split the free throws after being fouled on the inbounds play, and Ohio State was up 90-88. Austin’s three at the buzzer won it for the Pitt Panthers, 91-90.
If you weren’t able to make it over to the Schott on Friday or you don’t have a Peacock subscription yet, here were a few key plays and moments from Pitt’s resume-building road win over the Buckeyes in Columbus:
Pitt in the bonus early.... very early
The Panthers’ size advantage with Bradshaw out looked like it could be a problem leading into this game, and boy was it. Ohio State put Royal on the 7-foot-tall Diaz Graham, and Stewart on Corhen to start the game. While the fouls weren’t all in the paint, Ohio State struggled to rotate and cover up size mismatches, committing seven fouls in the first 6:37 of the game, putting the Panthers in the bonus for the final 13 minutes of the first half.
Stewart picked up his second foul roughly six minutes into the game, and Parrish picked up his second foul when he jumped into Leggett on a jump shot with one second remaining on the shot clock after Ohio State played sound defense for 29 seconds.
Ohio State goes up 12 with 6:36 until halftime
After a nip-and-tuck first seven minutes or so, the Buckeyes got a big three-pointer from John Mobley Jr. with 6:36 remaining in the first half to go up a dozen, 37-25. Neither team was stopping much on the other end, so consecutive baskets of any kind constituted a big swing in this game.
Big minutes from Austin Parks
AustinDev for
OSU: 43
PITT: 35
1H 2:34@DevinRoyal7 | #GoBucks pic.twitter.com/GZqj0YO1mc
— Ohio State Hoops (@OhioStateHoops) November 29, 2024
If you ask Jake Diebler the ideal situation for his bigs, he’d probably tell you that he’d love for Sean Stewart to pick up zero fouls, sub him out for a few minutes for a breather, and let Mahaffey or Royal fill in at center for a short time.
In reality, Stewart picked up two fouls early in the game and only played six first-half minutes. Royal and Mahaffey both did play the five a bit, but Austin Parks also stepped up with six minutes at center in the first half, scoring four points and dishing an assist to Royal late in the half.
Pitt tried their best to switch guards onto Parks and put him on skates, but the 6-foot-10 sophomore held his own, committing one foul in the first half but otherwise staying disciplined and sliding toward the basket without fouling Pitt’s shifty guards.
Big play Bruce is at it again
With 16:16 left in the game, Thornton dribbled around a screen and was tripped up by Papa Kante as he tried to get downhill and get to the basket. Somehow Thornton was able to keep his dribble alive from his knees, stand up, and throw a perfect lob to Stewart for a slam to put Ohio State up 57-46. It was Thornton’s seventh assist of the game — the fourth consecutive game he recorded seven or more assists.
Pitt swings back with a 13-0 run
Stewart’s slam put Ohio State up 11 points with just over 16 minutes left, but Pitt responded with a 13-0 run — the longest run for either team in the game at the time — to take a 59-57 lead with 12:13 left in the game.
It was seldom-used reserve big man Papa Kante, who’d scored 10 points all season long heading into today’s game, who was the difference maker. He was cutting with purpose and taking advantage of mismatches and scored seven points in the first eight minutes of the second half to help the Panthers take control of the game.
Overtime!
After Lowe tied the game with a running layup with 27 seconds left, Thornton missed a jumper long and Pitt missed a half-court prayer with two seconds remaining, sending this game to overtime tied at 77.
Thornton’s free throws put Ohio State up 86-80
After Leggett fouled Thornton chasing after a loose rebound, Ohio State’s point guard went to the line and knocked down both to put the Buckeyes up six, 86-80, with 1:53 left in overtime.
Austin wins it at the buzzer
After Devin Royal split a pair of free throws with seven seconds left to put Ohio State up 90-88, Austin nailed a buzzer-beating three from straightaway to win it for Pitt, 91-90.
What’s next?
With Ohio State’s four-game homestand over, the Buckeyes will hit the road next week to begin Big Ten play at Maryland on Wednesday night. The Terrapins are 6-1 this season and No. 34 in KenPom. Led by a twin towers duo of Derik Queen (16 points and 7.9 rebounds per game) and Julian Reese (13.3 points and 8.1 rebounds per game), Maryland will test Ohio State’s already-thin frontcourt.
The Buckeyes’ second true road game of the season is set to tip off at 6:30 p.m. ET at the Xfinity Center and will be broadcast on BTN.
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LGHL MC&J: Week 14 nationally will see Texas and Texas A&M renew an iconic college football rivalry
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MC&J: Week 14 nationally will see Texas and Texas A&M renew an iconic college football rivalry
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 Tim Warner/Getty Images
The Longhorns and Aggies put a bow on the college football regular season by squaring off for the first time since 2011.
Last week ATS: 12-3 (5-2 National, 7-1 B1G)
Season ATS: 106-106 (43-47 National, 63-59 B1G)
My picks for all this weekend’s games involving Big Ten teams can be found here.
No. 8 Tennessee (-10.5) v. Vanderbilt - 12:00 p.m. ET - ABC
This is one of those games where I wouldn’t be surprised to see Vanderbilt win because of how tough they have played some of the better teams on their schedule this year, or I could also see Tennessee blowing the doors off the ‘Dores. The Volunteers are coming off a 56-0 win last week over UTEP, rebounding from the setback against Georgia the week before.
Vanderbilt is one of those teams that loves making games messy. Over their last six games, neither the Commodores nor their opponents have scored 30 points in a game. I’m just not convinced Vanderbilt can hold Tennessee in check in Nashville. The combo of Nico Iamaleava and Dylan Sampson are too much for Diego Pavia to keep pace with.
Tennessee 33, Vanderbilt 14
No. 15 South Carolina v. No. 12 Clemson (-2.5) - 12:00 p.m. ET - ESPN
Imagine where South Carolina would be if they had been able to beat LSU and Alabama earlier this season. The Gamecocks are one of the hottest teams in the country right now, winning their last five games. Quarterback LaNorris Sellers has found some rhythm at quarterback, totaling at least 350 yards of offense in each of the last two games.
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Photo by Johnnie Izquierdo/Getty Images
Is Clemson deserving of a playoff spot? Probably not. Somehow Dabo Swinney and Cade Klubnik have the Tigers in position to pounce if Miami loses this week. If the Hurricanes fall to Syracuse, Clemson would play in the ACC Championship Game with a shot at a first round bye in the playoff.
Seeing Dabo humbled at home in the Palmetto Bowl would be tremendous cinema. I just trust the Gamecocks and Rocket Sanders here more. South Carolina keeps rolling as they are a little too dynamic for the Tigers.
South Carolina 28, Clemson 24
Auburn v. No. 13 Alabama (-11.5) - 3:30 p.m. ET - ABC
At least Alabama has a bunch of experience rebounding from a loss this year. The Crimson Tide have lost three games this year, the latest being a 24-3 setback at Oklahoma last week where they looked listless. Jalen Milroe was terrible against the Sooners, throwing three interceptions.
Auburn is coming off a thrilling overtime win against Texas A&M last week. The Tigers aren’t as bad as their record indicates. Running back Jarquez Hunter is a load and wide receivers KeAndre Lambert-Smith and Cam Coleman are capable playmakers.
I could see Auburn winning this game but I’ll play it safe and take the points. Alabama just isn’t sound enough to blow out teams this year. That may sound silly after what they did recently to Missouri and LSU recently but those teams were flawed. Auburn is coming around at the right time.
Alabama 31, Auburn 27
No. 6 Miami (FL) (-10.5) v. Syracuse - 3:30 p.m. ET - ESPN
Kyle McCord can impact the playoff race! He’s not going to lead Syracuse to the playoff but he could spoil Miami’s plans. McCord is putting up huge numbers this year, they just aren’t in games that matter since the Orange already have three losses this season. Syracuse does have some weapons on offense that could cause issues for a suspect Miami defense.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25763724/2185598682.jpg "COLLEGE FOOTBALL: NOV 23 UConn at Syracuse")
Photo by Gregory Fisher/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
I’m just not all that impressed with the Hurricanes. I know Cam Ward is having a great season, the problem is their defense has been leaky throughout the season. Also, I don’t feel great about having to side with Mario Cristobal in a tense game.
I’ll show some love to McCord and back him to earn his biggest win at Syracuse
Syracuse 38, Miami 35
Cal v. No. 9 SMU (-13.5) - 3:30 p.m. ET - ESPN2
This feels like one of those sneaky games where a ranked favorite struggles more with an unranked foe more than we were expecting. Cal plays everyone tough, losing their five games by a combined 17 points. Quarterback Fernando Mendoza has a lot of heart, so expect him to be slinging the football until the very end.
SMU has had an amazing season, putting themselves in position to win the ACC in their first year in the conference. Sometimes the Mustangs can be hard to read since one week they’ll blow out and opponent, then struggle the next week. This Cal team can give them some fits and this has the look of a game that is a one-score game in the fourth quarter.
SMU 30, Cal 23
No. 16 Arizona State (-8.5) v. Arizona - 3:30 p.m. ET - FOX
Much like South Carolina, Arizona State is a team nobody wants to play right now. The Sun Devils are led by electric running back Cam Skattebo, who has rushed for 1,221 yards and 14 touchdowns this season. Arizona State has won their last four games, including two tough wins against BYU and at Kansas State in their last two games.
Arizona has the look of a team that has given up on the season. The Wildcats have lost five of their last six games, rarely looking competitive during that span. Noah Fifita has been a disappointment this season, throwing 12 interceptions. It’s a shame talented wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan has been wasted this year on a bad team.
Even with this game being in Tucson, I don’t see Arizona playing spoiler here. The Sun Devils know a spot in the Big 12 Championship Game is in their grasp and they’ll come ready to play.
Arizona State 34, Arizona 17
No. 24 Kansas State v. No. 18 Iowa State (-2.5) - 7:30 p.m. ET - FOX
How can I not pick a game called Farmageddon? Iowa State has bounced back from their first two losses of the season with two wins, although last week’s victory over Utah was razor-thin. The Cyclones feel like a better version of Kansas State, who I haven’t been very impressed with this year.
I don’t think the Wildcats have enough to win in Ames, so I’ll gladly lay less than a field goal with Iowa State.
Iowa State 31, Kansas State 21
No. 3 Texas (-5.5) v. No. 20 Texas A&M - 7:30 p.m. ET - ABC
What a game to close out the SEC’s regular season schedule. People around the Lone Star State and beyond have been waiting for these teams to square off, since the last time the Longhorns and Aggies met was back in 2011. Along with bragging rights, the winner of this game will meet Georgia in the SEC Championship Game.
Last week I had a feeling Auburn would beat Texas A&M. The Tigers made me look smart by outlasting the Aggies in overtime. Even though Texas A&M will have a raucous crowd behind them at Kyle Field, I’m not convinced they can win this game. Marcel Reed is way too inconsistent and if Auburn can make gains on the Aggie defense, there’s no reason Texas can’t do the same.
Quinn Ewers is working through and ankle injury so there is concern there. Not enough to make me pick A&M since Ewers is a gamer and you know as a Texas native he is going to be amped for this one. The adrenaline will allow him to put together a performance that makes Longhorn fans proud.
Texas 34, Texas A&M 23
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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 Tim Warner/Getty Images
The Longhorns and Aggies put a bow on the college football regular season by squaring off for the first time since 2011.
Last week ATS: 12-3 (5-2 National, 7-1 B1G)
Season ATS: 106-106 (43-47 National, 63-59 B1G)
My picks for all this weekend’s games involving Big Ten teams can be found here.
National games
No. 8 Tennessee (-10.5) v. Vanderbilt - 12:00 p.m. ET - ABC
This is one of those games where I wouldn’t be surprised to see Vanderbilt win because of how tough they have played some of the better teams on their schedule this year, or I could also see Tennessee blowing the doors off the ‘Dores. The Volunteers are coming off a 56-0 win last week over UTEP, rebounding from the setback against Georgia the week before.
Vanderbilt is one of those teams that loves making games messy. Over their last six games, neither the Commodores nor their opponents have scored 30 points in a game. I’m just not convinced Vanderbilt can hold Tennessee in check in Nashville. The combo of Nico Iamaleava and Dylan Sampson are too much for Diego Pavia to keep pace with.
Tennessee 33, Vanderbilt 14
No. 15 South Carolina v. No. 12 Clemson (-2.5) - 12:00 p.m. ET - ESPN
Imagine where South Carolina would be if they had been able to beat LSU and Alabama earlier this season. The Gamecocks are one of the hottest teams in the country right now, winning their last five games. Quarterback LaNorris Sellers has found some rhythm at quarterback, totaling at least 350 yards of offense in each of the last two games.
Is Clemson deserving of a playoff spot? Probably not. Somehow Dabo Swinney and Cade Klubnik have the Tigers in position to pounce if Miami loses this week. If the Hurricanes fall to Syracuse, Clemson would play in the ACC Championship Game with a shot at a first round bye in the playoff.
Seeing Dabo humbled at home in the Palmetto Bowl would be tremendous cinema. I just trust the Gamecocks and Rocket Sanders here more. South Carolina keeps rolling as they are a little too dynamic for the Tigers.
South Carolina 28, Clemson 24
Auburn v. No. 13 Alabama (-11.5) - 3:30 p.m. ET - ABC
At least Alabama has a bunch of experience rebounding from a loss this year. The Crimson Tide have lost three games this year, the latest being a 24-3 setback at Oklahoma last week where they looked listless. Jalen Milroe was terrible against the Sooners, throwing three interceptions.
Auburn is coming off a thrilling overtime win against Texas A&M last week. The Tigers aren’t as bad as their record indicates. Running back Jarquez Hunter is a load and wide receivers KeAndre Lambert-Smith and Cam Coleman are capable playmakers.
I could see Auburn winning this game but I’ll play it safe and take the points. Alabama just isn’t sound enough to blow out teams this year. That may sound silly after what they did recently to Missouri and LSU recently but those teams were flawed. Auburn is coming around at the right time.
Alabama 31, Auburn 27
No. 6 Miami (FL) (-10.5) v. Syracuse - 3:30 p.m. ET - ESPN
Kyle McCord can impact the playoff race! He’s not going to lead Syracuse to the playoff but he could spoil Miami’s plans. McCord is putting up huge numbers this year, they just aren’t in games that matter since the Orange already have three losses this season. Syracuse does have some weapons on offense that could cause issues for a suspect Miami defense.
I’m just not all that impressed with the Hurricanes. I know Cam Ward is having a great season, the problem is their defense has been leaky throughout the season. Also, I don’t feel great about having to side with Mario Cristobal in a tense game.
I’ll show some love to McCord and back him to earn his biggest win at Syracuse
Syracuse 38, Miami 35
Cal v. No. 9 SMU (-13.5) - 3:30 p.m. ET - ESPN2
This feels like one of those sneaky games where a ranked favorite struggles more with an unranked foe more than we were expecting. Cal plays everyone tough, losing their five games by a combined 17 points. Quarterback Fernando Mendoza has a lot of heart, so expect him to be slinging the football until the very end.
SMU has had an amazing season, putting themselves in position to win the ACC in their first year in the conference. Sometimes the Mustangs can be hard to read since one week they’ll blow out and opponent, then struggle the next week. This Cal team can give them some fits and this has the look of a game that is a one-score game in the fourth quarter.
SMU 30, Cal 23
No. 16 Arizona State (-8.5) v. Arizona - 3:30 p.m. ET - FOX
Much like South Carolina, Arizona State is a team nobody wants to play right now. The Sun Devils are led by electric running back Cam Skattebo, who has rushed for 1,221 yards and 14 touchdowns this season. Arizona State has won their last four games, including two tough wins against BYU and at Kansas State in their last two games.
Arizona has the look of a team that has given up on the season. The Wildcats have lost five of their last six games, rarely looking competitive during that span. Noah Fifita has been a disappointment this season, throwing 12 interceptions. It’s a shame talented wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan has been wasted this year on a bad team.
Even with this game being in Tucson, I don’t see Arizona playing spoiler here. The Sun Devils know a spot in the Big 12 Championship Game is in their grasp and they’ll come ready to play.
Arizona State 34, Arizona 17
No. 24 Kansas State v. No. 18 Iowa State (-2.5) - 7:30 p.m. ET - FOX
How can I not pick a game called Farmageddon? Iowa State has bounced back from their first two losses of the season with two wins, although last week’s victory over Utah was razor-thin. The Cyclones feel like a better version of Kansas State, who I haven’t been very impressed with this year.
I don’t think the Wildcats have enough to win in Ames, so I’ll gladly lay less than a field goal with Iowa State.
Iowa State 31, Kansas State 21
No. 3 Texas (-5.5) v. No. 20 Texas A&M - 7:30 p.m. ET - ABC
What a game to close out the SEC’s regular season schedule. People around the Lone Star State and beyond have been waiting for these teams to square off, since the last time the Longhorns and Aggies met was back in 2011. Along with bragging rights, the winner of this game will meet Georgia in the SEC Championship Game.
Last week I had a feeling Auburn would beat Texas A&M. The Tigers made me look smart by outlasting the Aggies in overtime. Even though Texas A&M will have a raucous crowd behind them at Kyle Field, I’m not convinced they can win this game. Marcel Reed is way too inconsistent and if Auburn can make gains on the Aggie defense, there’s no reason Texas can’t do the same.
Quinn Ewers is working through and ankle injury so there is concern there. Not enough to make me pick A&M since Ewers is a gamer and you know as a Texas native he is going to be amped for this one. The adrenaline will allow him to put together a performance that makes Longhorn fans proud.
Texas 34, Texas A&M 23
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LGHL Three under-the-radar-things Ohio State must do in order to blow out TTUN
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Three under-the-radar-things Ohio State must do in order to blow out TTUN
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Here’s what the Buckeyes would need to do to “hang 100 on ‘em.”
If you are anything like me, you have a strong dislike for all things related to the football team from the University of M*ch*g*n. Despite the fact that Ohio State dominated the rivalry for a decade, after cheating to win the last three years, their players and fans have been obnoxiously cocky since they backed out of playing in The Game in 2020.
So, when the No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes (10-1) welcome the unranked Mitten State Weasels (6-5) to Ohio Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 30 for the regular season finale, I am hoping not only for a victory but for a decimation. Ohio State head coach Ryan Day once told his teams that he wanted to “hang 100 on ‘em,” and literally nothing in the world would make me more giddy (save winning the lottery) than the Buckeyes getting to the century mark on Saturday.
However, we all know how incredibly unlikely that is, but if the Buckeyes want to pull off a butt-kicking of Biblical proportions, then there are three things that I think they must do. Obviously, Will Howard would need to get the ball to his playmakers Jeremiah Smith, Emeka Egbuka, Carnell Tate, and running backs TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins would need to have big games, but there’s a lot more than those obvious things that would need to happen in order to make an eye-popping blowout happen.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25763733/usa_today_24857255.jpg "Syndication: The Columbus Dispatch")
Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Look, I am still holding out hope that Day and his team will find a way to hang 100 on ‘em, but even if putting triple digits up on the scoreboard isn’t a reality, winning by half a hundred would still be nice. So, the best way to do that is to get as many offensive plays in as possible. While the defense getting off the field will obviously help that, if Ohio State is going to have the best possible offensive output, they are going to need to have as many plays as possible.
Through the first 11 games of the season, the Buckeyes have looked uninterested in going quickly. While they have shown in the four-minute drill to be able to play a pace, it has not been their standard operating procedure for a number of different reasons. First and likely foremost, Ohio State’s staff all year has talked about the length of the season and how the expanded playoff will impact rotation, practice, and style of play, and this is one of the most obvious examples of that in practice. On a very basic level, the fewer plays you have, the less likely you are to get injured, or to put tread on the tires that add up throughout the course of the season.
Therefore, Ohio State is 113th nationally in how many seconds it takes them to run an offensive play (28.5) and 117th in terms of plays per game (63.7). In the 2021 season, the Buckeyes ran 71.7 plays per game, good enough for 50th nationally, and in the 2019 season, they were seventh in FBS with 78.6 plays.
While I think that the strategy to limit the physical toll on your dynamic offensive players made sense through the regular season, it is the postseason now (The Game always counts as a postseason game to me), and it’s time to take the restrictor plate off of these Ferrari (if I am getting my automotive terms mixed up, I apologize, I am clearly am not a gearhead).
If the Day, Chip Kelly, and all of the Buckeyes want to embarrass the Corn and Blue as much as the fans want them to (and I assume the team wants that even more), then they need to make sure that they run as many plays as possible. Don’t huddle after every play, snap the ball with 20 seconds on the play clock, push the ball down the field more. If you’re going to put up a fifty-burger on the Skunk Bears, you can’t be shy about flexing your offensive muscles.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25763734/1918865618.jpg "2024 CFP National Championship - Michigan v Washington")
Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images
While the statistical output of the Weasels has taken a substantial decline in nearly every category this season, the one part of their performance that has remained at a consistently high level has been the play of their defensive line. TTUN is 20th nationally with 31 sacks on the season and defensive end Josaiah Stewart is 15th nationally with 8.5 sacks.
But given the state of the Buckeyes’ offensive line, the two guys that I am most concerned about are the big-body tackles in the middle, Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant.
Graham is the highest-graded defender on the Mitten Men’s defense behind only Stewart and Grant is fourth. They are two of the best run-stuffers in the country and that has led the Fighting Ferrets to be fourth nationally in run defense, allowing only 94 yards on the ground per game (for comparison, OSU is third nationally at 90 ypg).
Ohio State’s interior offensive line comes into this matchup with one game under its belt together, as Carson Hinzman moved back to starting center after the Seth McLaughlin injury and Austin Siereveld took over at left guard. When you throw in Tegra Tshabola at right guard, who seemed to plateau mid-season, there are a lot of questions about whether or not the reconstructed OSU offensive line can stand up to top-line pressure.
Fortunately, I think that Ohio State is so much better than their rival that Kelly can scheme it up enough to mitigate any issues with quick passes, misdirection, and quarterback runs, but seeing how the interior o-line performs against Graham and Grant will not only be critical in terms of running up the score on the Nervous Chickens, but also telling for how the line might perform in the Big Ten Title Game and the College Football Playoff.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25763736/1820945285.jpg "Ohio State v Michigan")
Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images
The Pompous Princes are a legitimately terrible passing team. They rank 128th nationally in passing yards per game with 140.1. That is better than only Louisiana-Monroe, New Mexico State, and all three service academies. That being said, having rotated through quarterbacks desperately trying to find anyone who could be semi-competent at running the offense, they seem to have stumbled upon a serviceable option in Davis Warren.
In the seven games that he has started, the QB is completing 64.1% of his passes for 1,064 yards, 6 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions. His yards per attempt are only at 5.9, so it’s not like he is lighting the world on fire, but he is doing enough to keep the seat warm for Bryce Underwood to take over next season.
The only pass-catcher that truly worries you at all on the Winged Helmet Wingnuts’ offense is tight end Colston Loveland. He has 582 yards and 10 touchdowns on the season and is averaging 10.4 yards per reception. But here’s the thing, despite setting a program record with his 56th catch of the season last weekend against Northwestern, he left the game with an undisclosed injury and missed the entire second half.
At his Monday press conference, TTUN head coach Sherrone More said, “I think Colston is trending in a good direction. We’ll get a better feel in the next couple days.”
Moore essentially repeated this statement on his Wednesday radio show. So, while not guaranteed, I think it seems likely that he will at least be active if not a full participant in The Game on Saturday.
If that is the case, then the Buckeye defense can’t allow him to be a Get Out of Jail Free Card for Warren. Whether as the first option or as a check-down, if TTUN’s QB gets the ball to Loveland, he can’t be allowed to routinely move the chains. Jordan Hancock, Sonny Styles, Arvell Reese, or whoever is lined up on the tight end needs to be able to deny the TE the ball and if not, tackle him immediately upon the catch.
If the OSU rush defense can keep the Corn and Blue behind the chains, they simply cannot allow Warren and Loveland to regularly convert on third down if they want to blow out the Muskrats.
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Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Here’s what the Buckeyes would need to do to “hang 100 on ‘em.”
If you are anything like me, you have a strong dislike for all things related to the football team from the University of M*ch*g*n. Despite the fact that Ohio State dominated the rivalry for a decade, after cheating to win the last three years, their players and fans have been obnoxiously cocky since they backed out of playing in The Game in 2020.
So, when the No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes (10-1) welcome the unranked Mitten State Weasels (6-5) to Ohio Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 30 for the regular season finale, I am hoping not only for a victory but for a decimation. Ohio State head coach Ryan Day once told his teams that he wanted to “hang 100 on ‘em,” and literally nothing in the world would make me more giddy (save winning the lottery) than the Buckeyes getting to the century mark on Saturday.
However, we all know how incredibly unlikely that is, but if the Buckeyes want to pull off a butt-kicking of Biblical proportions, then there are three things that I think they must do. Obviously, Will Howard would need to get the ball to his playmakers Jeremiah Smith, Emeka Egbuka, Carnell Tate, and running backs TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins would need to have big games, but there’s a lot more than those obvious things that would need to happen in order to make an eye-popping blowout happen.
1. Pick up the pace
Look, I am still holding out hope that Day and his team will find a way to hang 100 on ‘em, but even if putting triple digits up on the scoreboard isn’t a reality, winning by half a hundred would still be nice. So, the best way to do that is to get as many offensive plays in as possible. While the defense getting off the field will obviously help that, if Ohio State is going to have the best possible offensive output, they are going to need to have as many plays as possible.
Through the first 11 games of the season, the Buckeyes have looked uninterested in going quickly. While they have shown in the four-minute drill to be able to play a pace, it has not been their standard operating procedure for a number of different reasons. First and likely foremost, Ohio State’s staff all year has talked about the length of the season and how the expanded playoff will impact rotation, practice, and style of play, and this is one of the most obvious examples of that in practice. On a very basic level, the fewer plays you have, the less likely you are to get injured, or to put tread on the tires that add up throughout the course of the season.
Therefore, Ohio State is 113th nationally in how many seconds it takes them to run an offensive play (28.5) and 117th in terms of plays per game (63.7). In the 2021 season, the Buckeyes ran 71.7 plays per game, good enough for 50th nationally, and in the 2019 season, they were seventh in FBS with 78.6 plays.
While I think that the strategy to limit the physical toll on your dynamic offensive players made sense through the regular season, it is the postseason now (The Game always counts as a postseason game to me), and it’s time to take the restrictor plate off of these Ferrari (if I am getting my automotive terms mixed up, I apologize, I am clearly am not a gearhead).
If the Day, Chip Kelly, and all of the Buckeyes want to embarrass the Corn and Blue as much as the fans want them to (and I assume the team wants that even more), then they need to make sure that they run as many plays as possible. Don’t huddle after every play, snap the ball with 20 seconds on the play clock, push the ball down the field more. If you’re going to put up a fifty-burger on the Skunk Bears, you can’t be shy about flexing your offensive muscles.
2. Offensive line can’t get run over by Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant
While the statistical output of the Weasels has taken a substantial decline in nearly every category this season, the one part of their performance that has remained at a consistently high level has been the play of their defensive line. TTUN is 20th nationally with 31 sacks on the season and defensive end Josaiah Stewart is 15th nationally with 8.5 sacks.
But given the state of the Buckeyes’ offensive line, the two guys that I am most concerned about are the big-body tackles in the middle, Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant.
Graham is the highest-graded defender on the Mitten Men’s defense behind only Stewart and Grant is fourth. They are two of the best run-stuffers in the country and that has led the Fighting Ferrets to be fourth nationally in run defense, allowing only 94 yards on the ground per game (for comparison, OSU is third nationally at 90 ypg).
Ohio State’s interior offensive line comes into this matchup with one game under its belt together, as Carson Hinzman moved back to starting center after the Seth McLaughlin injury and Austin Siereveld took over at left guard. When you throw in Tegra Tshabola at right guard, who seemed to plateau mid-season, there are a lot of questions about whether or not the reconstructed OSU offensive line can stand up to top-line pressure.
Fortunately, I think that Ohio State is so much better than their rival that Kelly can scheme it up enough to mitigate any issues with quick passes, misdirection, and quarterback runs, but seeing how the interior o-line performs against Graham and Grant will not only be critical in terms of running up the score on the Nervous Chickens, but also telling for how the line might perform in the Big Ten Title Game and the College Football Playoff.
3. Don’t let Colston Loveland have easy catches (if he plays)
The Pompous Princes are a legitimately terrible passing team. They rank 128th nationally in passing yards per game with 140.1. That is better than only Louisiana-Monroe, New Mexico State, and all three service academies. That being said, having rotated through quarterbacks desperately trying to find anyone who could be semi-competent at running the offense, they seem to have stumbled upon a serviceable option in Davis Warren.
In the seven games that he has started, the QB is completing 64.1% of his passes for 1,064 yards, 6 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions. His yards per attempt are only at 5.9, so it’s not like he is lighting the world on fire, but he is doing enough to keep the seat warm for Bryce Underwood to take over next season.
The only pass-catcher that truly worries you at all on the Winged Helmet Wingnuts’ offense is tight end Colston Loveland. He has 582 yards and 10 touchdowns on the season and is averaging 10.4 yards per reception. But here’s the thing, despite setting a program record with his 56th catch of the season last weekend against Northwestern, he left the game with an undisclosed injury and missed the entire second half.
At his Monday press conference, TTUN head coach Sherrone More said, “I think Colston is trending in a good direction. We’ll get a better feel in the next couple days.”
Moore essentially repeated this statement on his Wednesday radio show. So, while not guaranteed, I think it seems likely that he will at least be active if not a full participant in The Game on Saturday.
If that is the case, then the Buckeye defense can’t allow him to be a Get Out of Jail Free Card for Warren. Whether as the first option or as a check-down, if TTUN’s QB gets the ball to Loveland, he can’t be allowed to routinely move the chains. Jordan Hancock, Sonny Styles, Arvell Reese, or whoever is lined up on the tight end needs to be able to deny the TE the ball and if not, tackle him immediately upon the catch.
If the OSU rush defense can keep the Corn and Blue behind the chains, they simply cannot allow Warren and Loveland to regularly convert on third down if they want to blow out the Muskrats.
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LGHL Life in Simulation: EA CFB 25 predicts Ohio State vs. Michigan
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Life in Simulation: EA CFB 25 predicts Ohio State vs. Michigan
Gene Ross via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The virtual Buckeyes take on the virtual Wolverines in Week 14.
College football finally returned to the virtual world in 2024 with the release of EA Sports College Football 25, allowing fans of all 134 FBS schools to take control of their favorite team. For Buckeye Nation, that means getting to dominate with one of the best rosters in the game.
The new game also allows us to get a glimpse at what the season could look like, at least if the computers had their say. Each week, Land-Grant Holy Land will simulate Ohio State’s real-life matchup to see what our AI overlords think will happen.
Here are the results of our Week 14 sim:
This week’s simulation was a departure from how Ohio State has generally performed this season, with the Buckeyes jumping out to an early lead and giving up some points late in the game as opposed to falling behind with a slow start and then dominating the second half. Ohio State had little resistance in knocking off its rival and ending the three-game skid against TTUN, but did have some offensive struggles that led to an absurd five field goals.
The Buckeyes started off the game with a huge play, as Will Howard took it himself on a 74-yard touchdown run to give the home team and immediate 7-0 lead. Later in the frame, TreVeyon Henderson punched it in from a yard out to make it a two-score lead, and a long 51-yard field goal by Jayden Fielding made it 17-0 Ohio State at the end of the first quarter.
The Wolverines got on the board to begin the second quarter on a 3-yard touchdown run by Kalel Mullings, but the Buckeyes answered a short while later on an 18-yard touchdown pass from Howard to Emeka Egbuka to make it 24-7. Neither team would muster any points the rest of the half, and that score would remain going into the break with Ohio State holding a three-score lead.
The third quarter would also belong to the Buckeyes, as Jeremiah Smith hauled in a 27-yard touchdown pass to extend the lead even further about five minutes into the period. Nearing the end of the quarter, Fielding added another field goal — this one from 27 yards out — and Ohio State now owned a 34-7 lead through three quarters.
Fielding opened up the fourth quarter with yet another field goal from 33 yards, and Michigan responded with a short touchdown run for Mullings, his second of the game. The Buckeyes really struggled to pay off drives in the end zone, kicking another two field goals from 34 and 49 yards out to make it 43-14. The Wolverines would pick up a garbage time score on a 39-yard touchdown pass from Alex Orji (?) to Kendrick Bell, and that would be the final at 43-21.
It wasn’t the best day from Howard, who finished the game completing 10-of-21 passes for 181 yards and two touchdowns, but he also had the long touchdown run and finished with 136 yards rushing total with no turnovers. TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins combined for 102 yards on 24 carries, and Jeremiah Smith really dominated the receiving game with five catches for 109 yards and a score. Egbuka added two catches for 33 yards and a TD, while Tate finished with 3 catches for 30 yards.
Ohio State’s defense had an absolute field day, forcing five turnovers on four interceptions and a forced fumble. Lathan Ransom had two picks, while Denzel Burke and Davison Igbinson had one each. Jack Sawyer forced the one fumble, and also led the team with eight total tackles, three tackles for loss and a sack. Kenyatta Jackson had two sacks, Tyler Bourne (J.T. Tuimoloau) had 1.5, and Kayden McDonald and Cody Simon each totaled half a sack. Tyleik Williams added three tackles for loss.
Despite all the turnovers it was a close game in yardage, with Ohio State only out-gaining Michigan 421-379. The Silver Bullets really stifled the Wolverines’ run game, allowing just 69 yards on 33 attempts (2.1 yards per carry). The Buckeyes did not do well on third down, as evidenced by all the field goals, finishing the game converting on only 5-of-14 attempts. It was a relatively clean contest for both teams in terms of penalties, with Ohio State flagged once for five yards and TTUN three times for 23 yards.
While the real life Buckeyes are 10-1 with a chance to move to 11-1, the virtual Buckeyes move to a perfect 12-0 on the year. Check back next week to see how Ohio State actually performed on the field compared to the simulation, and see how they fare in our Big Ten Championship simulation against Oregon should they defeat the Wolverines to advance to Indianapolis.
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Gene Ross via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The virtual Buckeyes take on the virtual Wolverines in Week 14.
College football finally returned to the virtual world in 2024 with the release of EA Sports College Football 25, allowing fans of all 134 FBS schools to take control of their favorite team. For Buckeye Nation, that means getting to dominate with one of the best rosters in the game.
The new game also allows us to get a glimpse at what the season could look like, at least if the computers had their say. Each week, Land-Grant Holy Land will simulate Ohio State’s real-life matchup to see what our AI overlords think will happen.
Here are the results of our Week 14 sim:
Ohio State 43 - Michigan 21
This week’s simulation was a departure from how Ohio State has generally performed this season, with the Buckeyes jumping out to an early lead and giving up some points late in the game as opposed to falling behind with a slow start and then dominating the second half. Ohio State had little resistance in knocking off its rival and ending the three-game skid against TTUN, but did have some offensive struggles that led to an absurd five field goals.
The Buckeyes started off the game with a huge play, as Will Howard took it himself on a 74-yard touchdown run to give the home team and immediate 7-0 lead. Later in the frame, TreVeyon Henderson punched it in from a yard out to make it a two-score lead, and a long 51-yard field goal by Jayden Fielding made it 17-0 Ohio State at the end of the first quarter.
The Wolverines got on the board to begin the second quarter on a 3-yard touchdown run by Kalel Mullings, but the Buckeyes answered a short while later on an 18-yard touchdown pass from Howard to Emeka Egbuka to make it 24-7. Neither team would muster any points the rest of the half, and that score would remain going into the break with Ohio State holding a three-score lead.
The third quarter would also belong to the Buckeyes, as Jeremiah Smith hauled in a 27-yard touchdown pass to extend the lead even further about five minutes into the period. Nearing the end of the quarter, Fielding added another field goal — this one from 27 yards out — and Ohio State now owned a 34-7 lead through three quarters.
Fielding opened up the fourth quarter with yet another field goal from 33 yards, and Michigan responded with a short touchdown run for Mullings, his second of the game. The Buckeyes really struggled to pay off drives in the end zone, kicking another two field goals from 34 and 49 yards out to make it 43-14. The Wolverines would pick up a garbage time score on a 39-yard touchdown pass from Alex Orji (?) to Kendrick Bell, and that would be the final at 43-21.
It wasn’t the best day from Howard, who finished the game completing 10-of-21 passes for 181 yards and two touchdowns, but he also had the long touchdown run and finished with 136 yards rushing total with no turnovers. TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins combined for 102 yards on 24 carries, and Jeremiah Smith really dominated the receiving game with five catches for 109 yards and a score. Egbuka added two catches for 33 yards and a TD, while Tate finished with 3 catches for 30 yards.
Ohio State’s defense had an absolute field day, forcing five turnovers on four interceptions and a forced fumble. Lathan Ransom had two picks, while Denzel Burke and Davison Igbinson had one each. Jack Sawyer forced the one fumble, and also led the team with eight total tackles, three tackles for loss and a sack. Kenyatta Jackson had two sacks, Tyler Bourne (J.T. Tuimoloau) had 1.5, and Kayden McDonald and Cody Simon each totaled half a sack. Tyleik Williams added three tackles for loss.
Despite all the turnovers it was a close game in yardage, with Ohio State only out-gaining Michigan 421-379. The Silver Bullets really stifled the Wolverines’ run game, allowing just 69 yards on 33 attempts (2.1 yards per carry). The Buckeyes did not do well on third down, as evidenced by all the field goals, finishing the game converting on only 5-of-14 attempts. It was a relatively clean contest for both teams in terms of penalties, with Ohio State flagged once for five yards and TTUN three times for 23 yards.
While the real life Buckeyes are 10-1 with a chance to move to 11-1, the virtual Buckeyes move to a perfect 12-0 on the year. Check back next week to see how Ohio State actually performed on the field compared to the simulation, and see how they fare in our Big Ten Championship simulation against Oregon should they defeat the Wolverines to advance to Indianapolis.
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LGHL Ohio State v. Michigan: 2024 game preview and prediction
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Ohio State v. Michigan: 2024 game preview and prediction
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 Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images
The Buckeyes are itching to end their three-game losing streak against Michigan, as well as secure a rematch with Oregon next week.
Ohio State closes out their regular season schedule on Saturday by hosting the Michigan Wolverines. A win over the hated rivals to the north would earn the Buckeyes a spot in next week’s Big Ten Championship Game, where they would be trying to avenge last month’s 32-31 loss to Oregon, as well as earn a first round bye in the College Football Playoff.
If Ohio State is able to make it to Indianapolis next week, it would be their first appearance in the conference championship game since 2020.
Before the Buckeyes can think about a rematch with Oregon, they’ll have to snap a three-game losing streak against Michigan. Even though the Wolverines enter this game at 6-5, throw the record books out the window when it comes to The Game since many times in the rivalry a slumping side has played spoiler. Michigan enters this year’s game holding a 61-51-3 advantage in the heated series.
What has done the Buckeyes in over the past three years has been their play in the second half, with Michigan outscoring Ohio State 72-31 after halftime. This year the Buckeyes have dominated the middle portion of games, outscoring their opponents 278-52 in the second and third quarters of games. The scoring outbursts in the middle two quarters have helped Ohio State shake off some slow starts, as they have only scored more than once in the first quarter in one game, when they put 21 points on the board against Western Michigan.
Ohio State enters this week’s game coming off a 38-15 win over Indiana, their second win over a Top 5 team in three games this season. The defense of the Buckeyes was the difference in the win over the Hoosiers, holding the high-powered Indiana offense to just 153 yards, with most of the success for Curt Cignetti’s team coming on their first drive of the game when they marched down the field to score a touchdown and put the Buckeyes in a 7-0 hole.
Ohio State would go on to score 31 unanswered points to erase any doubt in the result and win their 29th straight game against Indiana.
Will Howard continued his tremendous quarterback play by throwing for two touchdowns and rushing for another last week, earning Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week honors. By completing 22 of his 26 pass attempts against the Hoosiers, Howard now has six games this year where he has posted a completion percentage of 80 percent or better, giving him both single season and career school records in that category.
Howard is currently leading the country with a 74 percent pass completion percentage. Through 11 games this year Howard has 33 total touchdowns, throwing for 26 scores and adding another seven on the ground.
Following a quiet four games since the loss to Oregon,
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25763707/2186509476.jpg "Indiana v Ohio State")
Photo by Jason Mowry/Getty Images
Egbuka was Howard’s preferred target last week, catching seven passes for 80 yards and a score. Not only has Egbuka now caught at least one pass in 36 straight games, the senior is now third in school history with 180 receptions, moving past Chris Olave last week. With 65 more receiving yards, Egbuka will move up to sixth in school history in career receiving yards, passing Marvin Harrison Jr.
Egbuka wasn’t the only Buckeye catching passes last week. Carnell Tate continued his consistent play by hauling in four passes for 68 yards, while Jeremiah Smith finished with three receptions for 34 yards. Tight end Jelani Thurman made up for a first half miscue that saw a ball bounce off his hands and directly into the arms of an Indiana defender, catching the first touchdown pass of his college career to extend Ohio State’s lead to 28-7 in the third quarter.
An area where the Buckeyes might have a hard time finding success is on the ground. Michigan is 10th in the country, allowing just 94 yards per game rushing. TreVeyon Henderson ran for 68 yards and a touchdown last week, while Quinshon Judkins was only able to gain 36 yards on 14 carries against the Hoosiers.
The duo has put up similar numbers this season. Judkins leads the team with 759 yards rushing and eight touchdowns, 29 yards and two scores more than Henderson. The difference is Henderson has done his damage on 37 less carries than the Ole Miss transfer.
Despite suffering two massive injuries to starters this season, the Ohio State offensive line is still one of the best groups in the country. Donovan Jackson has slid over to left tackle to replace Josh Simmons, while last year’s starter Carson Hinzman is back at center after Seth McLaughlin suffered an achilles injury in practice prior to the Indiana game.
Entering this week’s game, the Buckeyes have allowed just 37 tackles for loss, which is tied for fourth-fewest in the country. The line also has done a great job at keeping Howard clean, giving up just 12 sacks.
Cody Simon continues to play at a high level in his final season in Columbus, earning Bednarik Award National Player of the Week and Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week accolades after recording 10 tackles and a career-high 2.5 sacks against Indiana.
Simon is second on the team in tackles with 65 stops, six behind fellow linebacker Sonny Styles. The New Jersey native is also second on the team with five sacks, one shy of tying defensive end J.T. Tuimoloau for the team lead.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25763710/2186461823.jpg "COLLEGE FOOTBALL: NOV 23 Indiana at Ohio State")
Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Another Buckeye defender that has been making waves this season is safety Caleb Downs. The Alabama transfer was recently named a finalist for the Thorpe and Bednarik Awards. Last week Downs not only had five tackles, he also had the first Ohio State punt return touchdown in a decade, 10 years to the day that Jalin Marshall took a punt to the house against Indiana. Downs is tied for fourth in the country among defensive backs with 6.5 TFLs.
Along with Downs, a key member of the secondary is Denzel Burke, who is in line to make his 46th straight start this week, which would tie William White for most among Ohio State defensive backs. Joining Burke at cornerback is Davison Igbinosun, who has had some issues with pass interference penalties. Despite the flags, Igbinosun has made some massive plays in key spots this season. Rounding out the secondary is safety Lathan Ransom and cornerbacks Jordan Hancock and Jermaine Matthews Jr.
How the defense plays on Saturday is going to start with the defensive line. Jack Sawyer continued his second half resurgence by registering a sack and a half against Indiana. Sawyer now has 4.5 sacks this year, along with two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. Tuimoloau and Sawyer are the key pass rushers on a defense that has 35 sacks and 75 tackles for loss this season. Along with sacks in last week’s game from Sawyer and Tuimoloau, defensive tackle Ty Hamilton had a huge play when he recovered a fumble.
This season would be a lot tougher for Michigan to stomach if they weren’t the defending national champs. Everybody knew there was going to be some regression after Jim Harbaugh left to return to the NFL, and quarterback J.J. McCarthy followed his head coach and was a first round pick in the NFL Draft. Even with those key losses, many Michigan fans thought they would be entering this week’s game with more than six wins.
The Wolverines are coming off their best game of the season, beating Northwestern 50-6 on senior day in Ann Arbor. The 50 points were the most Michigan has scored this season. After taking a 17-6 lead into halftime, the Wolverines really turned up the heat in the second half. The victory was needed after Michigan entered last week’s game having lost four of their previous five contests.
Davis Warren has recovered from a tough early start to the season to regain the trust of head coach Sherrone Moore and offensive coordinator Kirk Campbell. Earlier in the season Warren had issues with interceptions, tossing six picks over the first three games.
Since returning as starter for the Michigan State game, Warren has made better decisions, only throwing one interception over the last four games. The 195 yards he threw for last week against Northwestern is his second-highest yardage total of the season.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25763711/2186163248.jpg "COLLEGE FOOTBALL: NOV 23 Northwestern at Michigan")
Photo by Scott W. Grau/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Entering this season Donovan Edwards was expected to be the star of the Wolverine offense after Blake Corum moved on to the NFL. Edwards ran for 104 yards and two touchdowns in the title game win over Washington in January, but hasn’t hit triple digits on the ground since. So far this year Edwards has been ordinary, totaling just 578 yards and four touchdowns on 124 carries. The senior has only eclipsed 80 yards on the ground in two games this season.
Kalel Mullings has done most of the heavy lifting this year, leading the team with 832 yards rushing and 11 touchdowns. Mullings had a stretch in September where he rushed for at least 110 yards in three straight games. The senior running back from Massachusetts is coming off a career-high three touchdown game in the blowout win over Northwestern. Mullings, Edwards, and the rest of the Michigan running backs are coached by former Ohio State running backs coach Tony Alford, who accepted the job in Ann Arbor in the offseason.
Expect Davis Warren to target tight end Colston Loveland frequently on Saturday. Loveland made a name for himself the last time the teams played in Columbus, catching a 45-yard touchdown pass in the 45-23 win.
This year Loveland has 56 catches, which are the most by a tight end in a season in school history, passing the 53 receptions Bennie Joppru had in 2002. With three more catches Loveland will pass Jim Mandich’s 119 receptions for second-most in Michigan history by a tight end. Loveland had 112 yards in the loss to Oregon, marking his only 100-yard game so far this season.
Last week the Michigan receiving corps was without Semaj Morgan, who was sidelined due to injury. Stepping up with Morgan inactive was Tyler Morris, who caught a career-high seven passes. Morris now sits one reception behind Morgan’s 23 catches for most by a Wolverine wide receiver this season. The only Michigan players with at least 10 receptions this year are Loveland, Morgan, Morris, and Edwards.
Had it not been for their defense, Michigan wouldn’t be anywhere close to six wins this year. After spending 20 years in the NFL, Wink Martindale came to Ann Arbor to take over for Jesse Minter as defensive coordinator. So far this season the only games in which the Wolverines have allowed more than 30 points came against Texas and Oregon.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25763712/2183980663.jpg "Oregon v Michigan")
Photo by Brandon Sloter/Image Of Sport/Getty Images
One player who will test the Ohio State offensive line is Josaiah Stewart, who is the NCAA’s active leader with 30 sacks. This season Stewart has 13 TFLs, 8.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles. Along with Stewart, Michigan has a formidable interior of their defensive line with Mason Graham and Larry Grant. The defensive tackles have combined to record 13 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks through 11 games.
Patrolling the middle of the defense of the Wolverines are two transfer linebackers from Big Ten schools. Ernest Hausmann came to Michigan from Nebraska two years ago, while Jaishawn Barham was a transfer portal addition from Maryland in the offseason. Hausmann leads the team with 74 tackles, and Barham is second on the squad with 60 stops. The tackling totals for both players this year have already set career highs.
Unfortunately for Michigan, their best defensive player has missed the last four games. Prior to the season, Will Johnson was in the mix to be the Big Ten’s Defensive Player of the Year. The junior from Detroit started the season strong, returning interceptions for touchdowns against Fresno State and USC. While head coach Sherrone Moore hasn’t ruled Johnson out to play on Saturday, he didn’t sound optimistic the cornerback would be suiting up.
The absence of Johnson has put more on the plates of the rest of the defensive backs of the Wolverines. The pressure must have gotten to Jyaire Hill, since despite breaking up eight passes this season Hill was recently benched, leaving Aamir Hall to start for Hill. The move paid immediate dividends since Hall intercepted a pass last week against Northwestern.
Zeke Berry has bounced between nickelback and cornerback this season, picking off two passes and breaking up seven throws. Lining up at safety are Makari Paige and Quinten Johnson. Paige has 42 tackles, which are the most on the team among defensive backs.
On paper Ohio State should win handily but when it comes to The Game the best strategy is to expect the unexpected. Michigan is coming off their best performance of the season which should help their mental state entering Saturday’s game. Plus they will have confidence riding three straight wins over the Buckeyes. While the cast of characters has changed for the Wolverines there are still some players who have played key roles in recent wins over Ohio State.
What will help the Buckeyes is if they can come out of the gates hot, which is something they repeatedly have failed to do this year. Even if their first series of the game is a dud at least they know how to respond and make changes to be able to take the game by the horns. Will Howard brings a lot of savvy veteran leadership that will allow Ohio State to weather any early adversity.
While we know Howard has no problem finding Egbuka, Smith, and his other talented targets, the running game is going to be paramount in this contest. Ryan Day and Chip Kelly might be wise to feature TreVeyon Henderson more in this game because he has been able to consistently find success this year more than Quinshon Judkins has. Plus, Henderson has a number of games against Michigan under his belt.
In the end, quarterback play is going to be the difference. Howard knows all about what is needed in big spots while Davis Warren will be playing in the toughest game of his career. Earlier in the season Warren had some issues with turnovers, and those mistakes could pop back up again on Saturday since the defense of the Buckeyes is relentless. Ohio State narrowly misses covering but they win comfortably.
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Brett Ludwiczak via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
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The Buckeyes are itching to end their three-game losing streak against Michigan, as well as secure a rematch with Oregon next week.
Ohio State closes out their regular season schedule on Saturday by hosting the Michigan Wolverines. A win over the hated rivals to the north would earn the Buckeyes a spot in next week’s Big Ten Championship Game, where they would be trying to avenge last month’s 32-31 loss to Oregon, as well as earn a first round bye in the College Football Playoff.
If Ohio State is able to make it to Indianapolis next week, it would be their first appearance in the conference championship game since 2020.
History against That Team Up North
Before the Buckeyes can think about a rematch with Oregon, they’ll have to snap a three-game losing streak against Michigan. Even though the Wolverines enter this game at 6-5, throw the record books out the window when it comes to The Game since many times in the rivalry a slumping side has played spoiler. Michigan enters this year’s game holding a 61-51-3 advantage in the heated series.
What has done the Buckeyes in over the past three years has been their play in the second half, with Michigan outscoring Ohio State 72-31 after halftime. This year the Buckeyes have dominated the middle portion of games, outscoring their opponents 278-52 in the second and third quarters of games. The scoring outbursts in the middle two quarters have helped Ohio State shake off some slow starts, as they have only scored more than once in the first quarter in one game, when they put 21 points on the board against Western Michigan.
What happened last week against Indiana
Ohio State enters this week’s game coming off a 38-15 win over Indiana, their second win over a Top 5 team in three games this season. The defense of the Buckeyes was the difference in the win over the Hoosiers, holding the high-powered Indiana offense to just 153 yards, with most of the success for Curt Cignetti’s team coming on their first drive of the game when they marched down the field to score a touchdown and put the Buckeyes in a 7-0 hole.
Ohio State would go on to score 31 unanswered points to erase any doubt in the result and win their 29th straight game against Indiana.
Ohio State on offense
Will Howard continued his tremendous quarterback play by throwing for two touchdowns and rushing for another last week, earning Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week honors. By completing 22 of his 26 pass attempts against the Hoosiers, Howard now has six games this year where he has posted a completion percentage of 80 percent or better, giving him both single season and career school records in that category.
Howard is currently leading the country with a 74 percent pass completion percentage. Through 11 games this year Howard has 33 total touchdowns, throwing for 26 scores and adding another seven on the ground.
Following a quiet four games since the loss to Oregon,
Egbuka was Howard’s preferred target last week, catching seven passes for 80 yards and a score. Not only has Egbuka now caught at least one pass in 36 straight games, the senior is now third in school history with 180 receptions, moving past Chris Olave last week. With 65 more receiving yards, Egbuka will move up to sixth in school history in career receiving yards, passing Marvin Harrison Jr.
Egbuka wasn’t the only Buckeye catching passes last week. Carnell Tate continued his consistent play by hauling in four passes for 68 yards, while Jeremiah Smith finished with three receptions for 34 yards. Tight end Jelani Thurman made up for a first half miscue that saw a ball bounce off his hands and directly into the arms of an Indiana defender, catching the first touchdown pass of his college career to extend Ohio State’s lead to 28-7 in the third quarter.
An area where the Buckeyes might have a hard time finding success is on the ground. Michigan is 10th in the country, allowing just 94 yards per game rushing. TreVeyon Henderson ran for 68 yards and a touchdown last week, while Quinshon Judkins was only able to gain 36 yards on 14 carries against the Hoosiers.
The duo has put up similar numbers this season. Judkins leads the team with 759 yards rushing and eight touchdowns, 29 yards and two scores more than Henderson. The difference is Henderson has done his damage on 37 less carries than the Ole Miss transfer.
Despite suffering two massive injuries to starters this season, the Ohio State offensive line is still one of the best groups in the country. Donovan Jackson has slid over to left tackle to replace Josh Simmons, while last year’s starter Carson Hinzman is back at center after Seth McLaughlin suffered an achilles injury in practice prior to the Indiana game.
Entering this week’s game, the Buckeyes have allowed just 37 tackles for loss, which is tied for fourth-fewest in the country. The line also has done a great job at keeping Howard clean, giving up just 12 sacks.
The Buckeye defense is smothering opponents
Cody Simon continues to play at a high level in his final season in Columbus, earning Bednarik Award National Player of the Week and Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week accolades after recording 10 tackles and a career-high 2.5 sacks against Indiana.
Simon is second on the team in tackles with 65 stops, six behind fellow linebacker Sonny Styles. The New Jersey native is also second on the team with five sacks, one shy of tying defensive end J.T. Tuimoloau for the team lead.
Another Buckeye defender that has been making waves this season is safety Caleb Downs. The Alabama transfer was recently named a finalist for the Thorpe and Bednarik Awards. Last week Downs not only had five tackles, he also had the first Ohio State punt return touchdown in a decade, 10 years to the day that Jalin Marshall took a punt to the house against Indiana. Downs is tied for fourth in the country among defensive backs with 6.5 TFLs.
Along with Downs, a key member of the secondary is Denzel Burke, who is in line to make his 46th straight start this week, which would tie William White for most among Ohio State defensive backs. Joining Burke at cornerback is Davison Igbinosun, who has had some issues with pass interference penalties. Despite the flags, Igbinosun has made some massive plays in key spots this season. Rounding out the secondary is safety Lathan Ransom and cornerbacks Jordan Hancock and Jermaine Matthews Jr.
How the defense plays on Saturday is going to start with the defensive line. Jack Sawyer continued his second half resurgence by registering a sack and a half against Indiana. Sawyer now has 4.5 sacks this year, along with two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. Tuimoloau and Sawyer are the key pass rushers on a defense that has 35 sacks and 75 tackles for loss this season. Along with sacks in last week’s game from Sawyer and Tuimoloau, defensive tackle Ty Hamilton had a huge play when he recovered a fumble.
A tough season after winning it all
This season would be a lot tougher for Michigan to stomach if they weren’t the defending national champs. Everybody knew there was going to be some regression after Jim Harbaugh left to return to the NFL, and quarterback J.J. McCarthy followed his head coach and was a first round pick in the NFL Draft. Even with those key losses, many Michigan fans thought they would be entering this week’s game with more than six wins.
The Wolverines are coming off their best game of the season, beating Northwestern 50-6 on senior day in Ann Arbor. The 50 points were the most Michigan has scored this season. After taking a 17-6 lead into halftime, the Wolverines really turned up the heat in the second half. The victory was needed after Michigan entered last week’s game having lost four of their previous five contests.
Warren & the Wolverines
Davis Warren has recovered from a tough early start to the season to regain the trust of head coach Sherrone Moore and offensive coordinator Kirk Campbell. Earlier in the season Warren had issues with interceptions, tossing six picks over the first three games.
Since returning as starter for the Michigan State game, Warren has made better decisions, only throwing one interception over the last four games. The 195 yards he threw for last week against Northwestern is his second-highest yardage total of the season.
Entering this season Donovan Edwards was expected to be the star of the Wolverine offense after Blake Corum moved on to the NFL. Edwards ran for 104 yards and two touchdowns in the title game win over Washington in January, but hasn’t hit triple digits on the ground since. So far this year Edwards has been ordinary, totaling just 578 yards and four touchdowns on 124 carries. The senior has only eclipsed 80 yards on the ground in two games this season.
Kalel Mullings has done most of the heavy lifting this year, leading the team with 832 yards rushing and 11 touchdowns. Mullings had a stretch in September where he rushed for at least 110 yards in three straight games. The senior running back from Massachusetts is coming off a career-high three touchdown game in the blowout win over Northwestern. Mullings, Edwards, and the rest of the Michigan running backs are coached by former Ohio State running backs coach Tony Alford, who accepted the job in Ann Arbor in the offseason.
Expect Davis Warren to target tight end Colston Loveland frequently on Saturday. Loveland made a name for himself the last time the teams played in Columbus, catching a 45-yard touchdown pass in the 45-23 win.
This year Loveland has 56 catches, which are the most by a tight end in a season in school history, passing the 53 receptions Bennie Joppru had in 2002. With three more catches Loveland will pass Jim Mandich’s 119 receptions for second-most in Michigan history by a tight end. Loveland had 112 yards in the loss to Oregon, marking his only 100-yard game so far this season.
Last week the Michigan receiving corps was without Semaj Morgan, who was sidelined due to injury. Stepping up with Morgan inactive was Tyler Morris, who caught a career-high seven passes. Morris now sits one reception behind Morgan’s 23 catches for most by a Wolverine wide receiver this season. The only Michigan players with at least 10 receptions this year are Loveland, Morgan, Morris, and Edwards.
Picking up the slack
Had it not been for their defense, Michigan wouldn’t be anywhere close to six wins this year. After spending 20 years in the NFL, Wink Martindale came to Ann Arbor to take over for Jesse Minter as defensive coordinator. So far this season the only games in which the Wolverines have allowed more than 30 points came against Texas and Oregon.
One player who will test the Ohio State offensive line is Josaiah Stewart, who is the NCAA’s active leader with 30 sacks. This season Stewart has 13 TFLs, 8.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles. Along with Stewart, Michigan has a formidable interior of their defensive line with Mason Graham and Larry Grant. The defensive tackles have combined to record 13 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks through 11 games.
Patrolling the middle of the defense of the Wolverines are two transfer linebackers from Big Ten schools. Ernest Hausmann came to Michigan from Nebraska two years ago, while Jaishawn Barham was a transfer portal addition from Maryland in the offseason. Hausmann leads the team with 74 tackles, and Barham is second on the squad with 60 stops. The tackling totals for both players this year have already set career highs.
Unfortunately for Michigan, their best defensive player has missed the last four games. Prior to the season, Will Johnson was in the mix to be the Big Ten’s Defensive Player of the Year. The junior from Detroit started the season strong, returning interceptions for touchdowns against Fresno State and USC. While head coach Sherrone Moore hasn’t ruled Johnson out to play on Saturday, he didn’t sound optimistic the cornerback would be suiting up.
The absence of Johnson has put more on the plates of the rest of the defensive backs of the Wolverines. The pressure must have gotten to Jyaire Hill, since despite breaking up eight passes this season Hill was recently benched, leaving Aamir Hall to start for Hill. The move paid immediate dividends since Hall intercepted a pass last week against Northwestern.
Zeke Berry has bounced between nickelback and cornerback this season, picking off two passes and breaking up seven throws. Lining up at safety are Makari Paige and Quinten Johnson. Paige has 42 tackles, which are the most on the team among defensive backs.
Prediction
On paper Ohio State should win handily but when it comes to The Game the best strategy is to expect the unexpected. Michigan is coming off their best performance of the season which should help their mental state entering Saturday’s game. Plus they will have confidence riding three straight wins over the Buckeyes. While the cast of characters has changed for the Wolverines there are still some players who have played key roles in recent wins over Ohio State.
What will help the Buckeyes is if they can come out of the gates hot, which is something they repeatedly have failed to do this year. Even if their first series of the game is a dud at least they know how to respond and make changes to be able to take the game by the horns. Will Howard brings a lot of savvy veteran leadership that will allow Ohio State to weather any early adversity.
While we know Howard has no problem finding Egbuka, Smith, and his other talented targets, the running game is going to be paramount in this contest. Ryan Day and Chip Kelly might be wise to feature TreVeyon Henderson more in this game because he has been able to consistently find success this year more than Quinshon Judkins has. Plus, Henderson has a number of games against Michigan under his belt.
In the end, quarterback play is going to be the difference. Howard knows all about what is needed in big spots while Davis Warren will be playing in the toughest game of his career. Earlier in the season Warren had some issues with turnovers, and those mistakes could pop back up again on Saturday since the defense of the Buckeyes is relentless. Ohio State narrowly misses covering but they win comfortably.
LGHL score prediction: Ohio State 34, Michigan 17
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Buy One Get One Free Promo (not football)
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Pick Your Seat!!!
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I found an interesting post on X.
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Which seat would you pick?
It would be interesting to sit between the Manning brothers; however, I like the aisle seat, so I'd probably pick #4.
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Which seat would you pick?
It would be interesting to sit between the Manning brothers; however, I like the aisle seat, so I'd probably pick #4.