-
New here? Register here now for access to all the forums, download game torrents, private messages, polls, Sportsbook, etc. Plus, stay connected and follow BP on Instagram @buckeyeplanet and Facebook.
LGHL You’re Nuts: What will you have your eyes on in the second half of Ohio State’s regular season?
- News
- 0 Replies
You’re Nuts: What will you have your eyes on in the second half of Ohio State’s regular season?
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 Jason Mowry/Getty Images
Your (almost) daily dose of good-natured, Ohio State banter.
With Ohio State being halfway through the 2024 regular season, we can look ahead to some of the storylines and things we’ll be looking for over the next six games. The Buckeyes are still in prime position to make the College Football Playoff, but they can’t become too comfortable since they still have tough games left at Penn State and in Columbus against Indiana and Michigan. Even though the Wolverines have taken a few steps back this season, Buckeye Nation can’t take the meeting between the rivals in late November for granted since Ryan Day has lost the last three meetings with That Team Up North.
There is no question Ohio State is one of the strongest teams in the country this season. There still are questions that need to be answered about the Buckeyes, though. How will the offensive line respond to the loss of tackle Josh Simmons? Will the defense continue to shrink in big games? What more would you like to see from the offense? Those are all questions that are pertinent to the Big Ten and national title hopes this season.
Today we want to know what you will be focusing on in the second half of Ohio State’s regular season. The loss to Oregon may sting but it definitely has made the Buckeyes take a deeper look at their team and things they can work on so they can make sure the same mistakes don’t happen if the two teams meet again in the Big Ten Championship Game or in the College Football Playoff.
There has been a common theme for the Ohio State defense since Jim Knowles took over as defensive coordinator following the 2021 season. The Buckeyes are lights out when they are playing lesser competition. Unfortunately the same can’t be said when Ohio State has played some of the top teams in the country over the last three seasons. While Oregon does have one of the best offenses in the country, the Buckeyes left more to be desired from their defensive unit when the Ducks had the football.
One area of the defense that stands out is the lack of impact plays the defensive line makes. Maybe defensive line coach Larry Johnson is past his prime and is kept on staff because of the work he did in the past. I almost guarantee that if you had someone 20 years younger producing results like Johnson has in the last few years, they would already be in the unemployment line. How J.T. Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer aren’t bigger forces on the defensive line is puzzling. Both have had their moments over the last few years, they just aren’t consistently making life difficult for opposing quarterbacks.
It will also be interesting to see how cornerback Denzel Burke recovers from his horrific performance against Oregon. Burke had the unenviable task of trying to cover Tez Johnson, who has shown he is one of the best wide receivers in the country. If Burke wants to be considered one of the best cornerbacks in the country, he has to find a way to win a few of those battles with Johnson. As if allowing so many receptions wasn’t bad enough, Burke looked like he was allergic to talking against the Ducks. While the performance isn’t going to be a career-defining game for Burke, it could make teams think twice when he enters the NFL Draft.
Until it happens consistently, I just can’t trust Jim Knowles to make the right calls in a big game. There is way too much talent on defense for Ohio State to play as poorly as they did in Eugene. If the Buckeyes play the same way against Penn State, they might suffer the same fate and see their CFP hopes disappear, and if Ohio State doesn’t make the playoff then Knowles better be working on a revised version of his resumé since he’ll be looking for another job in the offseason.
My answer is partially baked into Brett’s, but I am going to be a little more singularly focused on the defensive front in general and the defensive line specifically. We are all well aware of the Buckeye defense’s inability to come up with sacks in big games and in big moments. Nationally, they rank 33rd with 17 sacks on the season, but those types of numbers are cumulative and don’t give any sort of insight into when and against whom they happen.
Obviously, you expect to not be as disruptive and productive against the best competition on your schedule, but the difference between how Jim Knowles’ defenses play against the bad to above-average teams is markedly different from how they play against the best teams on the schedule. Knowles has been Ohio State’s defensive coordinator for two and a half seasons, so while it’s not the biggest sample size — especially since there are so many returning defensive starters — I do think that we can pinpoint the issues coming from the scheme.
The Buckeyes do not do anything creative with their pass rush on a consistent basis. It is primarily just run your four d-linemen straight ahead and hope they can beat the five offensive linemen and any tight ends or running backs that the opponents keep in for protection. As we have seen, that has not been especially productive.
I am not a football genius, so I cannot prescribe the exact play calls in every situation that will get this group of obviously physically gifted athletes to sack the quarterback, but I can tell what they have been doing isn’t working. So, I am hoping that we see more stunts, more exotic calls, more linemen dropping back while linebackers blitz, more involvement from the defensive backs in the pass rush, and basically whatever needs to be done in order to have some sort of disruptive impact on opposing QBs throwing the ball.
Denzel Burke is one of the best cornerbacks in the country, but he was absolutely embarrassed against Oregon. While he has to bear the brunt of that, it certainly didn’t help that Dillon Gabriel was not especially bothered by the OSU pass rush. Knowles and defensive line coach Larry Johnson need to get on the same page (despite Ryan Day obviously lying by saying they already are) and get this shit figured out.
You simply can’t have this conglomeration of talent and not meet any of your goals. Fortunately, beating Michigan, winning the Big Ten, and winning the national title are all still fully in their control, but if the Buckeye coaching staff doesn’t get some things figured out ASAP, I am afraid we will have another disappointing ending to the season, and very well another coaching search this winter.
Continue reading...
Brett Ludwiczak via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Jason Mowry/Getty Images
Your (almost) daily dose of good-natured, Ohio State banter.
With Ohio State being halfway through the 2024 regular season, we can look ahead to some of the storylines and things we’ll be looking for over the next six games. The Buckeyes are still in prime position to make the College Football Playoff, but they can’t become too comfortable since they still have tough games left at Penn State and in Columbus against Indiana and Michigan. Even though the Wolverines have taken a few steps back this season, Buckeye Nation can’t take the meeting between the rivals in late November for granted since Ryan Day has lost the last three meetings with That Team Up North.
There is no question Ohio State is one of the strongest teams in the country this season. There still are questions that need to be answered about the Buckeyes, though. How will the offensive line respond to the loss of tackle Josh Simmons? Will the defense continue to shrink in big games? What more would you like to see from the offense? Those are all questions that are pertinent to the Big Ten and national title hopes this season.
Today we want to know what you will be focusing on in the second half of Ohio State’s regular season. The loss to Oregon may sting but it definitely has made the Buckeyes take a deeper look at their team and things they can work on so they can make sure the same mistakes don’t happen if the two teams meet again in the Big Ten Championship Game or in the College Football Playoff.
Today’s question: What will you have your eyes on in the second half of Ohio State’s regular season?
We’d love to hear your choices. Either respond to us on Twitter at @Landgrant33 or leave your choice in the comments.
Brett’s answer: How the defense plays in big games
There has been a common theme for the Ohio State defense since Jim Knowles took over as defensive coordinator following the 2021 season. The Buckeyes are lights out when they are playing lesser competition. Unfortunately the same can’t be said when Ohio State has played some of the top teams in the country over the last three seasons. While Oregon does have one of the best offenses in the country, the Buckeyes left more to be desired from their defensive unit when the Ducks had the football.
One area of the defense that stands out is the lack of impact plays the defensive line makes. Maybe defensive line coach Larry Johnson is past his prime and is kept on staff because of the work he did in the past. I almost guarantee that if you had someone 20 years younger producing results like Johnson has in the last few years, they would already be in the unemployment line. How J.T. Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer aren’t bigger forces on the defensive line is puzzling. Both have had their moments over the last few years, they just aren’t consistently making life difficult for opposing quarterbacks.
It will also be interesting to see how cornerback Denzel Burke recovers from his horrific performance against Oregon. Burke had the unenviable task of trying to cover Tez Johnson, who has shown he is one of the best wide receivers in the country. If Burke wants to be considered one of the best cornerbacks in the country, he has to find a way to win a few of those battles with Johnson. As if allowing so many receptions wasn’t bad enough, Burke looked like he was allergic to talking against the Ducks. While the performance isn’t going to be a career-defining game for Burke, it could make teams think twice when he enters the NFL Draft.
Until it happens consistently, I just can’t trust Jim Knowles to make the right calls in a big game. There is way too much talent on defense for Ohio State to play as poorly as they did in Eugene. If the Buckeyes play the same way against Penn State, they might suffer the same fate and see their CFP hopes disappear, and if Ohio State doesn’t make the playoff then Knowles better be working on a revised version of his resumé since he’ll be looking for another job in the offseason.
Matt’s answer: Get some damn sacks in big games finally
My answer is partially baked into Brett’s, but I am going to be a little more singularly focused on the defensive front in general and the defensive line specifically. We are all well aware of the Buckeye defense’s inability to come up with sacks in big games and in big moments. Nationally, they rank 33rd with 17 sacks on the season, but those types of numbers are cumulative and don’t give any sort of insight into when and against whom they happen.
Obviously, you expect to not be as disruptive and productive against the best competition on your schedule, but the difference between how Jim Knowles’ defenses play against the bad to above-average teams is markedly different from how they play against the best teams on the schedule. Knowles has been Ohio State’s defensive coordinator for two and a half seasons, so while it’s not the biggest sample size — especially since there are so many returning defensive starters — I do think that we can pinpoint the issues coming from the scheme.
The Buckeyes do not do anything creative with their pass rush on a consistent basis. It is primarily just run your four d-linemen straight ahead and hope they can beat the five offensive linemen and any tight ends or running backs that the opponents keep in for protection. As we have seen, that has not been especially productive.
I am not a football genius, so I cannot prescribe the exact play calls in every situation that will get this group of obviously physically gifted athletes to sack the quarterback, but I can tell what they have been doing isn’t working. So, I am hoping that we see more stunts, more exotic calls, more linemen dropping back while linebackers blitz, more involvement from the defensive backs in the pass rush, and basically whatever needs to be done in order to have some sort of disruptive impact on opposing QBs throwing the ball.
Denzel Burke is one of the best cornerbacks in the country, but he was absolutely embarrassed against Oregon. While he has to bear the brunt of that, it certainly didn’t help that Dillon Gabriel was not especially bothered by the OSU pass rush. Knowles and defensive line coach Larry Johnson need to get on the same page (despite Ryan Day obviously lying by saying they already are) and get this shit figured out.
You simply can’t have this conglomeration of talent and not meet any of your goals. Fortunately, beating Michigan, winning the Big Ten, and winning the national title are all still fully in their control, but if the Buckeye coaching staff doesn’t get some things figured out ASAP, I am afraid we will have another disappointing ending to the season, and very well another coaching search this winter.
Continue reading...
LGHL Almost 75% of Ohio State fans don’t think the Buckeyes will win the Big Ten
- News
- 0 Replies
Almost 75% of Ohio State fans don’t think the Buckeyes will win the Big Ten
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Barbara J. Perenic/Columbus Disp / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn 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.
It is finally an Ohio State football game day again, and for the first time in three weeks, the No. 4 Buckeyes (5-1) will be back on the field at The Horseshoe for a Homecoming matchup against the Nebraska Cornhuskers (5-2). With OSU heading into the second half of the regular season, we wanted to take the pulse of the Buckeye fanbase and see where their expectations are for the rest of the season.
So, in our weekly fan survey, we polled Buckeye Nation about where they thought Ohio State would end up in terms of the College Football Playoff. And, while I have been a Buckeye fan since birth, the results surprised me quite a bit. We also asked fans what they thought the margin of victory would be in the Nebraska game later today.
Check out the results to both questions below and if you disagree, feel free to chime in at the bottom of the article in the comments section.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25699437/OhioState_1_102324.png)
A lot can happen in six weeks of a college football season — as we have already seen this fall — so it is difficult to make definitive statements about what will or won’t happen, especially in the first year of the 12-team College Football Playoff. But, I feel pretty confident in reading these tea leaves.
By rule, if Ohio State is in the top four of the CFP — as 26% of respondents selected — that means that they made the Big Ten Championship Game and won it. It is impossible to get a top-four seed — and the bye that comes with it — without being a conference champion.
But what interests me is the fact that a plurality of voters seem to be predicting that the Buckeyes will make the Big Ten Title Game and lose to Oregon, Indiana, or whomever they match up against.
If OSU wins out, that means that they would have beaten the Hoosiers and Penn State, giving them the tiebreaker over them in a head-to-head matchup. Those two teams don’t play each other, which would result in the Buckeyes having the tiebreaker in a situation that seems them all finish 8-1 in the B1G. Assuming that Oregon wins out — which seems fairly probable, especially if they beat No. 20 Illinois today — that would give us a Bucks and Ducks rematch for the title.
So, the 39% of respondents who picked OSU to be a No. 9 through No. 12 seed appear to be predicting that the Buckeyes will lose that game. Because if they win the conference championship game, they will be No. 1 through No. 4, but if they win out and don’t make the B1G title game, they would certainly be No. 5 through No. 8 and hosting a first-round CFP game.
I’m not sure that what we saw in Eugene last weekend was enough to convince me that Oregon is unbeatable, but I do understand the apprehension that fans have to pick the Buckeyes to win any big games at the moment.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25699438/OhioState_2_102324.png)
When FanDuel opened betting for today’s game last Sunday, they installed Ohio State as a 23.5-point favorite. Since then, the number has increased and as of the time of this writing, the Buckeyes were up to 25.5-point favorites. The gold-standard college football analytics system SP+ predicts a final score of 33-11 in favor of the Buckeyes
So, while a plurality of respondents were pretty close to both of those projections, it still seems like they are underestimating the Buckeyes by a few points. Earlier this morning, various members of the LGHL staff made their predictions for the game, and most were in the same neighborhood, but I went 38-10 in favor of the home team.
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
Barbara J. Perenic/Columbus Disp / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn 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.
It is finally an Ohio State football game day again, and for the first time in three weeks, the No. 4 Buckeyes (5-1) will be back on the field at The Horseshoe for a Homecoming matchup against the Nebraska Cornhuskers (5-2). With OSU heading into the second half of the regular season, we wanted to take the pulse of the Buckeye fanbase and see where their expectations are for the rest of the season.
So, in our weekly fan survey, we polled Buckeye Nation about where they thought Ohio State would end up in terms of the College Football Playoff. And, while I have been a Buckeye fan since birth, the results surprised me quite a bit. We also asked fans what they thought the margin of victory would be in the Nebraska game later today.
Check out the results to both questions below and if you disagree, feel free to chime in at the bottom of the article in the comments section.
Question 1: Where do you think Ohio State will be seeded in the College Football Playoff?
A lot can happen in six weeks of a college football season — as we have already seen this fall — so it is difficult to make definitive statements about what will or won’t happen, especially in the first year of the 12-team College Football Playoff. But, I feel pretty confident in reading these tea leaves.
By rule, if Ohio State is in the top four of the CFP — as 26% of respondents selected — that means that they made the Big Ten Championship Game and won it. It is impossible to get a top-four seed — and the bye that comes with it — without being a conference champion.
But what interests me is the fact that a plurality of voters seem to be predicting that the Buckeyes will make the Big Ten Title Game and lose to Oregon, Indiana, or whomever they match up against.
If OSU wins out, that means that they would have beaten the Hoosiers and Penn State, giving them the tiebreaker over them in a head-to-head matchup. Those two teams don’t play each other, which would result in the Buckeyes having the tiebreaker in a situation that seems them all finish 8-1 in the B1G. Assuming that Oregon wins out — which seems fairly probable, especially if they beat No. 20 Illinois today — that would give us a Bucks and Ducks rematch for the title.
So, the 39% of respondents who picked OSU to be a No. 9 through No. 12 seed appear to be predicting that the Buckeyes will lose that game. Because if they win the conference championship game, they will be No. 1 through No. 4, but if they win out and don’t make the B1G title game, they would certainly be No. 5 through No. 8 and hosting a first-round CFP game.
I’m not sure that what we saw in Eugene last weekend was enough to convince me that Oregon is unbeatable, but I do understand the apprehension that fans have to pick the Buckeyes to win any big games at the moment.
Question 2: What will the margin of victory be in Saturday’s game against Nebraska?
When FanDuel opened betting for today’s game last Sunday, they installed Ohio State as a 23.5-point favorite. Since then, the number has increased and as of the time of this writing, the Buckeyes were up to 25.5-point favorites. The gold-standard college football analytics system SP+ predicts a final score of 33-11 in favor of the Buckeyes
So, while a plurality of respondents were pretty close to both of those projections, it still seems like they are underestimating the Buckeyes by a few points. Earlier this morning, various members of the LGHL staff made their predictions for the game, and most were in the same neighborhood, but I went 38-10 in favor of the home team.
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 Nebraska Cornhusker
- News
- 0 Replies
OHIO STATE GAMEDAY: It’s a bad day to be a Nebraska Cornhusker
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 Brandon Sloter/Image Of Sport/Getty Images
The Buckeyes are back at home and looking to get back in the win column.
Wake up, everyone. It’s Ohio State game day!
It has been far too long since the Buckeyes have taken the football field, but they return home on Saturday as they host the Nebraska Cornhuskers. Ohio State is looking to find itself back on the right side of the ledger after dropping its last game against Oregon, and hopes to get the second half of the regular season off on the right foot with a convincing victory in Columbus.
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 Brandon Sloter/Image Of Sport/Getty Images
The Buckeyes are back at home and looking to get back in the win column.
Wake up, everyone. It’s Ohio State game day!
It has been far too long since the Buckeyes have taken the football field, but they return home on Saturday as they host the Nebraska Cornhuskers. Ohio State is looking to find itself back on the right side of the ledger after dropping its last game against Oregon, and hopes to get the second half of the regular season off on the right foot with a convincing victory in Columbus.
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
- Hangout in the Holy Land: Ohio State, Nebraska look to bounce back Saturday
- Silver Bullets: Ohio State’s bye week, Big Ten results and Nebraska preview
- Bucketheads: Adam Jardy talks Cincinnati exhibition game, A’mare Bynum
- In Conversation: Nebraska beating Ohio State would Vandy-over-Bama level upset
- Power Two: Won’t the real playoff teams please stand up?
- Uncut: ‘Nobody felt worse’ than Ryan Day following Oregon loss
- LGHL’s WBB Podcast: Recapping the major storylines from Big Ten Media Day
- I-80 Football Show: Will the real Rich Rod please stand up!
- Ohio State controls its own destiny, but is it still a favorite to make the Big Ten Title Game?
Previews
- Ohio State v. Nebraska: 2024 game preview and prediction
- Things you need to know about the Nebraska Cornhuskers
- Life in Simulation: EA CFB 25 predicts Ohio State vs. Nebraska
- Ohio State vs. Nebraska: Land-Grant’s experts make their picks
- Ohio State and Nebraska game carries far more importance than a single win or loss
Sports Betting
- Ohio State opens as 23.5-point favorites over Nebraska
- MC&J: Week 9 nationally features four showdowns between ranked teams
- MC&J: Ohio State looks to get back on track in Week 9 in the Big Ten
Basketball
- BOOM! Four-star center A’Mare Bynum commits to Ohio State
- Ohio State men’s basketball player preview: Evan Mahaffey
- Predicting the starting five for Ohio State women’s basketball
- Seini Henry starts freshman campaign for Ohio State women’s basketball
- Jaloni Cambridge feels “right at home” with Ohio State women’s basketball
- Ajae Petty joins Ohio State’s roster to improve the Big Ten’s worst rebounding team
- Will Ohio State men’s basketball land any of these four big 2025 targets?
Recruiting
- Ohio State adds big visitor to guest list for Nebraska game
- Ohio State a top school for new No. 1 overall recruit
- Buckeyes receive both good and bad news ahead of a major recruiting weekend
- Ohio State’s guest list continues to grow as the Buckeyes host Nebraska
Ask LGHL/B1G Top 10
- Ohio State fans remain optimistic about season despite loss to Oregon
- Where will Ohio State be seeded in the College Football Playoff
- Big Ten Top 10: Oregon is No. 1 as three B1G teams claim top-4 spots
Other Columns
- B1G Thoughts: Sometimes it’s not arrogance, it’s just a fact!
- Reassessing Ohio State’s remaining 2024 football schedule
- Stock Market Report - Big Ten edition: Is Indiana the standout stock of the league?
- Who is Ohio State’s biggest non-Oregon threat in the Big Ten?
- Are the Buckeyes the Los Angeles Dodgers of college football?
- What lesson do you hope Ohio State has learned from the Oregon loss?
Continue reading...
LGHL Ohio State vs. Nebraska: Land-Grant’s experts make their picks
- News
- 0 Replies
Ohio State vs. Nebraska: 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
Photo by Brandon Sloter/Image Of Sport/Getty Images
Every week, we will be picking the score, MVP, and major storyline for each Buckeye game.
faBeing 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. 4 Ohio State Buckeyes will welcome the Nebraska Cornhuskers to Ohio Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 26 at 12 noon ET in a game to be broadcast on Fox. As of this article’s writing, the Bucks are 25.5-point favorites according to FanDuel Sportsbook. College football’s gold-standard advanced analytics model SP+ is predicting a score of 33-11 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 38, Nebraska 24
Game MVP: TreVeyon Henderson
Major Storyline: Henderson stars as the featured back, but the Buckeyes show their lack of depth at key positions.
Score Prediction: Ohio State 38, Nebraska 10
Game MVP: Will Howard
Major Storyline: Howard continues to impress and throws three touchdowns in the first half.
Score Prediction: Ohio State 42, Nebraska 17
Game MVP: TreVeyon Henderson
Major Storyline: Ohio State wins easily but the defense still is not on the same page.
Score Prediction: Ohio State 41, Nebraska 14
Game MVP: Quinshon Judkins
Major Storyline: Ohio State bounces back from the Oregon loss in a big way ahead of the clash with Penn State next week.
Score Prediction: Ohio State 42, Nebraska 17
Game MVP: TreVeyon Henderson
Major Storyline: Ohio State’s defensive line does something other than a straight four-man rush.
Score Prediction: Ohio State 38, Nebraska 10
Game MVP: Emeka Egbuka
Major Storyline: Nebraska is not an elite team, so Ohio State will dominate enough to give the glass-half-full fans enough to be excited about, but will still have enough blips to drive the half-empty contingent crazy.
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 Brandon Sloter/Image Of Sport/Getty Images
Every week, we will be picking the score, MVP, and major storyline for each Buckeye game.
faBeing 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. 4 Ohio State Buckeyes will welcome the Nebraska Cornhuskers to Ohio Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 26 at 12 noon ET in a game to be broadcast on Fox. As of this article’s writing, the Bucks are 25.5-point favorites according to FanDuel Sportsbook. College football’s gold-standard advanced analytics model SP+ is predicting a score of 33-11 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.
Josh Dooley
Score Prediction: Ohio State 38, Nebraska 24
Game MVP: TreVeyon Henderson
Major Storyline: Henderson stars as the featured back, but the Buckeyes show their lack of depth at key positions.
Dan Hessler
Score Prediction: Ohio State 38, Nebraska 10
Game MVP: Will Howard
Major Storyline: Howard continues to impress and throws three touchdowns in the first half.
Connor Lemons
Score Prediction: Ohio State 42, Nebraska 17
Game MVP: TreVeyon Henderson
Major Storyline: Ohio State wins easily but the defense still is not on the same page.
Brett Ludwiczak
Score Prediction: Ohio State 41, Nebraska 14
Game MVP: Quinshon Judkins
Major Storyline: Ohio State bounces back from the Oregon loss in a big way ahead of the clash with Penn State next week.
Gene Ross
Score Prediction: Ohio State 42, Nebraska 17
Game MVP: TreVeyon Henderson
Major Storyline: Ohio State’s defensive line does something other than a straight four-man rush.
Matt Tamanini
Score Prediction: Ohio State 38, Nebraska 10
Game MVP: Emeka Egbuka
Major Storyline: Nebraska is not an elite team, so Ohio State will dominate enough to give the glass-half-full fans enough to be excited about, but will still have enough blips to drive the half-empty contingent crazy.
Continue reading...
LGHL All of the Ohio State-Nebraska analysis you need for tomorrow’s game
- News
- 0 Replies
All of the Ohio State-Nebraska analysis you need for tomorrow’s 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
Photo by Brandon Sloter/Image Of Sport/Getty Images
All the Buckeye news thats fit to re-print.
Look, we get it. Your days are busy and you don’t have time to read all of the stories and tweets from the three dozen websites dedicated to covering Ohio State athletics, or the 237 Buckeye beat writers churning out hot takes and #content on a daily basis. But that’s ok, that’s what your friends at Land-Grant Holy Land are here for.
Monday through Friday, we’ll be collecting all of the articles, tweets, features, interviews, videos, podcasts, memes, photos, and whatever else we stumble across on the interwebz and putting them in our daily “Why is this News?” article. That way, you’ll have a one-stop shop for all of the most important Buckeye news, jokes, and analysis.
You’re welcome!
Subscribe to the Land-Grant Podcast Network for all of your Ohio State needs
Matt Tamanini, Land-Grant Holy Land
Subscribe: RSS | Apple | Spotify | iHeart Radio
Things you need to know about the Nebraska Cornhuskers — and a few you don’t need to know, but are fun anyway
Josh Dooley, Land-Grant Holy Land
3 keys to victory for Ohio State football against Nebraska
Joey Kaufman, The Columbus Dispatch
Three Keys for Buckeyes as second half of season begins against Nebraska
Spencer Holbrook, Lettermen Row
Game Data: Buckeyes come off open week by hosting wounded Nebraska squad
Steve Helwagen, Bucknuts
Football: Buckeyes Spoke to the Media Ahead of Nebraska Match Up
Ohio State Athletics
Ohio State and Nebraska game carries far more importance than a single win or loss
Matt Tamanini, Land-Grant Holy Land
Reassessing Ohio State’s remaining 2024 football schedule
Michael Citro, Land-Grant Holy Land
Buckeyes need second-year defenders to begin stepping up, taking on bigger roles
Spencer Holbrook, Lettermen Row
Film Study: Jim Knowles and the Ohio State Defense Are Searching for Solutions After the Loss to Oregon
Kyle Jones, Eleven Warriors
Buckeyes receive both good and bad news ahead of a major recruiting weekend
Caleb Houser, Land-Grant Holy Land
MC&J: Week 9 nationally in college football features four showdowns between ranked teams
Brett Ludwiczak, Land-Grant Holy Land
Buckeyes crack top 15 in USA TODAY preseason coaches poll
Brianna Mac Kay, The Columbus Dispatch
Jaloni Cambridge feels “right at home” with Ohio State women’s basketball
Thomas Costello, Land-Grant Holy Land
Wrestling: No. 7 Ohio State Completes Wrestle-Offs
Ohio State Athletics
Wrestling: Bouzakis Opens U23 World Championships Friday
Ohio State Athletics
Oh, Kyle. That’s not it.
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 Brandon Sloter/Image Of Sport/Getty Images
All the Buckeye news thats fit to re-print.
Look, we get it. Your days are busy and you don’t have time to read all of the stories and tweets from the three dozen websites dedicated to covering Ohio State athletics, or the 237 Buckeye beat writers churning out hot takes and #content on a daily basis. But that’s ok, that’s what your friends at Land-Grant Holy Land are here for.
Monday through Friday, we’ll be collecting all of the articles, tweets, features, interviews, videos, podcasts, memes, photos, and whatever else we stumble across on the interwebz and putting them in our daily “Why is this News?” article. That way, you’ll have a one-stop shop for all of the most important Buckeye news, jokes, and analysis.
You’re welcome!
For your Earholes...
Subscribe to the Land-Grant Podcast Network for all of your Ohio State needs
Matt Tamanini, Land-Grant Holy Land
Subscribe: RSS | Apple | Spotify | iHeart Radio
On the Gridiron
Things you need to know about the Nebraska Cornhuskers — and a few you don’t need to know, but are fun anyway
Josh Dooley, Land-Grant Holy Land
3 keys to victory for Ohio State football against Nebraska
Joey Kaufman, The Columbus Dispatch
Three Keys for Buckeyes as second half of season begins against Nebraska
Spencer Holbrook, Lettermen Row
Game Data: Buckeyes come off open week by hosting wounded Nebraska squad
Steve Helwagen, Bucknuts
Football: Buckeyes Spoke to the Media Ahead of Nebraska Match Up
Ohio State Athletics
Ohio State and Nebraska game carries far more importance than a single win or loss
Matt Tamanini, Land-Grant Holy Land
Reassessing Ohio State’s remaining 2024 football schedule
Michael Citro, Land-Grant Holy Land
Buckeyes need second-year defenders to begin stepping up, taking on bigger roles
Spencer Holbrook, Lettermen Row
Film Study: Jim Knowles and the Ohio State Defense Are Searching for Solutions After the Loss to Oregon
Kyle Jones, Eleven Warriors
Buckeyes receive both good and bad news ahead of a major recruiting weekend
Caleb Houser, Land-Grant Holy Land
MC&J: Week 9 nationally in college football features four showdowns between ranked teams
Brett Ludwiczak, Land-Grant Holy Land
On the Hardwood
Buckeyes crack top 15 in USA TODAY preseason coaches poll
Brianna Mac Kay, The Columbus Dispatch
Jaloni Cambridge feels “right at home” with Ohio State women’s basketball
Thomas Costello, Land-Grant Holy Land
Outside the Shoe and Schott
Wrestling: No. 7 Ohio State Completes Wrestle-Offs
Ohio State Athletics
Wrestling: Bouzakis Opens U23 World Championships Friday
Ohio State Athletics
And now for something completely different...
Oh, Kyle. That’s not it.
Continue reading...
LGHL Ohio State controls its own destiny, but is it still a favorite to make the Big Ten Title Game?
- News
- 0 Replies
Ohio State controls its own destiny, but is it still a favorite to make the Big Ten Title 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
Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images
Jami and Matt also pick their individual top 12 and handicap the Heisman Trophy race.
Every week during the college football season, Matt Tamanini and Jami Jurich will be getting into all things Ohio State, previewing the weekend’s slate, unveiling their individual CFP rankings, and picking Heisman contenders on “No Fall Weddings.”
Listen to the episode and subscribe:
On this episode of the Land-Grant Podcast Network’s “No Fall Weddings,” Jami Jurich and Matt Tamanini reassess the race for the Big Ten championship following Oregon’s one-point win over Ohio State and Indiana’s continued dominance. Jami always expected the Buckeyes to lose in Eugene, but she thought OSU would win the rematch in Indianapolis. How does she feel about that prediction now?
Then, after a break, Jami and Matt reveal their own personal top-12 lists, dive into the Heisman horserace, and recommend games in each window of the college football season.
Connect with Jami Jurich:
Twitter: @JamiJurich
Connect with Matt Tamanini:
Online Portfolio: https://authory.com/MattTamanini
Theme music provided by audiio.com
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 Joe Robbins/Getty Images
Jami and Matt also pick their individual top 12 and handicap the Heisman Trophy race.
Every week during the college football season, Matt Tamanini and Jami Jurich will be getting into all things Ohio State, previewing the weekend’s slate, unveiling their individual CFP rankings, and picking Heisman contenders on “No Fall Weddings.”
Listen to the episode and subscribe:
Subscribe: RSS | Apple | Spotify | iHeart Radio
On this episode of the Land-Grant Podcast Network’s “No Fall Weddings,” Jami Jurich and Matt Tamanini reassess the race for the Big Ten championship following Oregon’s one-point win over Ohio State and Indiana’s continued dominance. Jami always expected the Buckeyes to lose in Eugene, but she thought OSU would win the rematch in Indianapolis. How does she feel about that prediction now?
Then, after a break, Jami and Matt reveal their own personal top-12 lists, dive into the Heisman horserace, and recommend games in each window of the college football season.
Connect with Jami Jurich:
Twitter: @JamiJurich
Connect with Matt Tamanini:
Online Portfolio: https://authory.com/MattTamanini
Theme music provided by audiio.com
Continue reading...
LGHL You’re Nuts: Will Ohio State men’s basketball land any of these four big 2025 targets?
- News
- 0 Replies
You’re Nuts: Will Ohio State men’s basketball land any of these four big 2025 targets?
Connor Lemons via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Brooks Holton / USA TODAY NETWORK
The Buckeyes are in on several big recruits, but will they close the deal on any of these priority targets?
A lot has happened since last week. Ohio State traveled down I-71 and took on the No. 20 Cincinnati Bearcats on Friday night and got clobbered, 80-62. The game didn’t count for anything, and if the Buckeyes were really trying to ensure victory, Bruce Thornton would’ve played more than 22 minutes and Austin Parks probably would not have been in the lineup to start the second half.
Still, we learned some things about the team, including some hints about what a hypothetical depth chart might look like.
Then on Tuesday, four-star center A’Mare Bynum committed to Ohio State. He visited in October, and despite being one of the final teams to offer him a scholarship, the Buckeyes swooped in and grabbed the commitment from the Omaha native over teams like Nebraska, LSU, and Colorado.
Last week, Connor and Justin each listed one thing they were going to pay attention to during Ohio State’s preseason game against Cincinnati. Connor said he was watching the big men to see is Ivan Njegovan or Austin Parks was ahead of the other. Justin was looking to see how John Mobley Jr. fared in his first collegiate action.
There was a four-way tie in the poll between the bigs, pace of play, defense, and the Bruce/Meechie combo, which means Justin and Juni were the least picked. Still, that’s a tie.
Connor- 81
So Ohio State now has Bynum and Dorian Jones in their 2025 recruiting class, but Jake Diebler and his staff are reportedly trying to add one and maybe even two players to that group. Four players in particular — Jerry Easter, Darryn Peterson, Niko Bundalo, and Isaiah Denis — look like the “big targets” right now.
Two of those four have commitment dates scheduled, and the other two are expected to announce within the next few weeks. Will Ohio State get one of these guys, or will Diebler and his staff complement the roster in other ways?
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25697744/usa_today_22550661.jpg "Syndication: Akron Beacon Journal")
Jeff Lange / USA TODAY NETWORK
Long story short, I don’t think Ohio State is going to wind up getting any of these guys. Where do the Buckeyes go from here, if that’s how it ends up? Well, in the transfer portal era, you don’t necessarily need to panic or pivot following a recruiting miss. Diebler and his staff could try to lock down another player in the 2026 class (hello, Anthony Thompson), or they could add an additional transfer or two next summer.
Here’s why I don’t think they’re going to get these four. Understand that neither myself or Justin are “insiders” or “scoopers” — we’re just giving our opinions and hunches here.
Darryn Peterson - Kansas has been the assumed spot for a long time, partially because of the Adidas deal. Ohio State probably ends up as the “second place” team here, and, despite what some Kansas folks say, really did have a chance. There are now two crystal balls on 247Sports for Peterson to go to Kansas.
Niko Bundalo - Ohio State taking Bynum more or less eliminates any chance of Bundalo coming to Columbus. They play the same position, and there are three basketball blue bloods pursuing him in addition to Ohio State. It would be a stunner if this one worked out.
Isaiah Denis - He is committing somewhere the first week of November, but North Carolina fans seem very confident that the four-star guard is headed to Chapel Hill. Wake Forest has been persistently recruiting him, and so has Ohio State. But if it comes down to North Carolina vs Ohio State, it’s tough to see the Buckeyes winning that battle.
Jerry Easter - If any of the four wind up in Columbus, Easter is the most likely one. He’s got family connections to Ohio State and Diebler has been recruiting him since before he was in high school. However, Easter had a great visit with SMU and new head coach Andy Enfield.
Easter is cut from a different cloth than a lot of elite prep players — he doesn’t seem too focused on going to a big school with a marketable brand. He also does not plan on cutting down a list of final schools. One day he’s just going to announce, kind of like Bynum did.
To save the reader some time, I won’t go over every recruit player by player like Connor did, because he did a good job, and I agree with three of the four. Peterson is going to Kansas, Bundalo is going to UConn and Denis is going somewhere — likely in North Carolina — but he isn’t heading to Columbus.
And that leaves one of the big four: Jerry Easter. The Toledo native and current star at Link Academy was a top priority under Chris Holtmann, and that interest stayed steady once Jake Diebler took the job.
So far, the Buckeyes have commitments from A’mare Bynum and Dorian Jones, two top-100 recruits who should see minutes right away in Columbus. If they could add Easter, that would be a top-50 recruit that will also add an immediate impact, especially since guards Meechie Johnson and Ques Glover will be gone.
Easter has already said he will commit when he is ready and not set a commitment date. As of right now, it doesn’t seem like he is leaning a specific way. He also just visited Columbus, which went very well.
I do think Ohio State will land one of the top guys they are going after, and Easter is the only one that they still have a reasonable chance at.
Continue reading...
Connor Lemons via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Brooks Holton / USA TODAY NETWORK
The Buckeyes are in on several big recruits, but will they close the deal on any of these priority targets?
A lot has happened since last week. Ohio State traveled down I-71 and took on the No. 20 Cincinnati Bearcats on Friday night and got clobbered, 80-62. The game didn’t count for anything, and if the Buckeyes were really trying to ensure victory, Bruce Thornton would’ve played more than 22 minutes and Austin Parks probably would not have been in the lineup to start the second half.
Still, we learned some things about the team, including some hints about what a hypothetical depth chart might look like.
Then on Tuesday, four-star center A’Mare Bynum committed to Ohio State. He visited in October, and despite being one of the final teams to offer him a scholarship, the Buckeyes swooped in and grabbed the commitment from the Omaha native over teams like Nebraska, LSU, and Colorado.
Last week, Connor and Justin each listed one thing they were going to pay attention to during Ohio State’s preseason game against Cincinnati. Connor said he was watching the big men to see is Ivan Njegovan or Austin Parks was ahead of the other. Justin was looking to see how John Mobley Jr. fared in his first collegiate action.
There was a four-way tie in the poll between the bigs, pace of play, defense, and the Bruce/Meechie combo, which means Justin and Juni were the least picked. Still, that’s a tie.
After 175 weeks:
Connor- 81
Justin- 71
Other- 18
(There have been five ties)
So Ohio State now has Bynum and Dorian Jones in their 2025 recruiting class, but Jake Diebler and his staff are reportedly trying to add one and maybe even two players to that group. Four players in particular — Jerry Easter, Darryn Peterson, Niko Bundalo, and Isaiah Denis — look like the “big targets” right now.
Two of those four have commitment dates scheduled, and the other two are expected to announce within the next few weeks. Will Ohio State get one of these guys, or will Diebler and his staff complement the roster in other ways?
This week’s question: Will Ohio State land any of these four priority targets?
Connor: No
Long story short, I don’t think Ohio State is going to wind up getting any of these guys. Where do the Buckeyes go from here, if that’s how it ends up? Well, in the transfer portal era, you don’t necessarily need to panic or pivot following a recruiting miss. Diebler and his staff could try to lock down another player in the 2026 class (hello, Anthony Thompson), or they could add an additional transfer or two next summer.
Here’s why I don’t think they’re going to get these four. Understand that neither myself or Justin are “insiders” or “scoopers” — we’re just giving our opinions and hunches here.
Darryn Peterson - Kansas has been the assumed spot for a long time, partially because of the Adidas deal. Ohio State probably ends up as the “second place” team here, and, despite what some Kansas folks say, really did have a chance. There are now two crystal balls on 247Sports for Peterson to go to Kansas.
Niko Bundalo - Ohio State taking Bynum more or less eliminates any chance of Bundalo coming to Columbus. They play the same position, and there are three basketball blue bloods pursuing him in addition to Ohio State. It would be a stunner if this one worked out.
Isaiah Denis - He is committing somewhere the first week of November, but North Carolina fans seem very confident that the four-star guard is headed to Chapel Hill. Wake Forest has been persistently recruiting him, and so has Ohio State. But if it comes down to North Carolina vs Ohio State, it’s tough to see the Buckeyes winning that battle.
Jerry Easter - If any of the four wind up in Columbus, Easter is the most likely one. He’s got family connections to Ohio State and Diebler has been recruiting him since before he was in high school. However, Easter had a great visit with SMU and new head coach Andy Enfield.
Easter is cut from a different cloth than a lot of elite prep players — he doesn’t seem too focused on going to a big school with a marketable brand. He also does not plan on cutting down a list of final schools. One day he’s just going to announce, kind of like Bynum did.
Justin: Yes
To save the reader some time, I won’t go over every recruit player by player like Connor did, because he did a good job, and I agree with three of the four. Peterson is going to Kansas, Bundalo is going to UConn and Denis is going somewhere — likely in North Carolina — but he isn’t heading to Columbus.
And that leaves one of the big four: Jerry Easter. The Toledo native and current star at Link Academy was a top priority under Chris Holtmann, and that interest stayed steady once Jake Diebler took the job.
So far, the Buckeyes have commitments from A’mare Bynum and Dorian Jones, two top-100 recruits who should see minutes right away in Columbus. If they could add Easter, that would be a top-50 recruit that will also add an immediate impact, especially since guards Meechie Johnson and Ques Glover will be gone.
Easter has already said he will commit when he is ready and not set a commitment date. As of right now, it doesn’t seem like he is leaning a specific way. He also just visited Columbus, which went very well.
I do think Ohio State will land one of the top guys they are going after, and Easter is the only one that they still have a reasonable chance at.
Continue reading...
LGHL Streaming expert has the best ways to watch Ohio State vs. Nebraska for free without cable
- News
- 0 Replies
Streaming expert has the best ways to watch Ohio State vs. Nebraska 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 No. 4 Ohio State Buckeyes are back in action after a post-Oregon loss bye week. On Saturday, Oct. 26, they will welcome the Nebraska Cornhuskers to Ohio Stadium in a game that has lost a lot of the luster it had in the preseason. The Bucks and Huskers will kick off at 12 noon ET in a game airing on Fox. This will be OSU’s second Big Noon Game of the week this fall, and with it comes the Big Noon Kickoff traveling road show. The pregame show will begin at 10 a.m. ET also on Fox.
This season, the Buckeyes will play on three different broadcast networks (CBS, Fox, and NBC), at least one cable channel (Big Ten Network), and exclusively on a streaming service (Peacock); 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, Oct. 26 at 12 noon ET
TV: Fox
Broadcasters: Gus Johnson, Joel Klatt, Jenny Taft
Betting Line: Ohio State -25.5 | 47.5 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. Nebraska 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 No. 4 Ohio State Buckeyes are back in action after a post-Oregon loss bye week. On Saturday, Oct. 26, they will welcome the Nebraska Cornhuskers to Ohio Stadium in a game that has lost a lot of the luster it had in the preseason. The Bucks and Huskers will kick off at 12 noon ET in a game airing on Fox. This will be OSU’s second Big Noon Game of the week this fall, and with it comes the Big Noon Kickoff traveling road show. The pregame show will begin at 10 a.m. ET also on Fox.
This season, the Buckeyes will play on three different broadcast networks (CBS, Fox, and NBC), at least one cable channel (Big Ten Network), and exclusively on a streaming service (Peacock); 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. 4 Ohio State vs. Nebraska college football game?
Game Date/Time: Saturday, Oct. 26 at 12 noon ET
TV: Fox
Broadcasters: Gus Johnson, Joel Klatt, Jenny Taft
Betting Line: Ohio State -25.5 | 47.5 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 Nebraska 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. Nebraska 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 Life in Simulation: EA CFB 25 predicts Ohio State vs. Nebraska
- News
- 0 Replies
Life in Simulation: EA CFB 25 predicts Ohio State vs. Nebraska
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 Brandon Sloter/Image Of Sport/Getty Images
The virtual Buckeyes take on the virtual Cornhuskers in Week 9.
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 9 sim:
This was one of the stranger simulations we’ve had so far this season. While Ohio State never really seemed in danger of losing, the offense struggled a bit, failing to put up more than 10 points in any quarter while scoring exactly one touchdown in each of the final three quarters. The defense, however, remained strong throughout, keeping Nebraska out of the end zone until the final five minutes of action with the game already well in hand.
The Buckeyes mustered only a field goal on their opening possession, with Jayden Fielding knocking through the 38-yarder. After both teams traded punts, Ohio State found pay dirt for the first time on a 2-yard touchdown run by Quinshon Judkins. It wasn’t until the second quarter that either team would add any points, with the Cornhuskers hitting two field goals in a row to cut the deficit to 10-6.
Just before the half, the Buckeyes put together a long 78-yard drive resulting in 16-yard touchdown pass from Will Howard to Jeremiah Smith, taking a 17-6 lead into the break.
Ohio State would add on yet again early in the third quarter, as Judkins scored his second touchdown of the game, this time from only a yard out. Both teams would remain scoreless through the rest of the frame, with the home team taking a 24-6 lead into the fourth quarter.
Nebraska kicked its third field goal of the game for some reason to make it 24-9 on its first possession of the final period. On their ensuing drive, the Buckeyes found the end zone yet again on a 28-yard catch-and-run touchdown by Emeka Egbuka.
With Ohio State now leading 31-9 with under seven minutes remaining, Ryan Day decided to empty his bench. Now playing against the backup defenders, the Cornhuskers scored their only touchdown of the contest with four minutes to go, missing the 2-point try to make it 31-15 — which would end up the final score.
Howard put together a quiet but efficient afternoon passing the football, completing 15-of-20 attempts for 171 yards and two touchdowns and adding another 41 yards on the ground. Carnell Tate led the way among the receivers, hauling in five catches for 58 yards, while Egbuka finished with three receptions for 58 yards and Smith with three grabs for 31 yards. Both Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson ran the ball 13 times apiece — Judkins for 88 yards and two scores and Henderson for 72 yards.
Defensively, it was the Tyler Bourne (J.T. Tuimoloau) show, as the defensive end tallied six total tackles, four tackles for loss and a pass breakup. Lathan Ransom (who could potentially miss the Nebraska game with an injury) and Sonny Styles tied for the team lead with 11 total tackles, while Tyleik Williams recorded Ohio State’s only sack. Cody Simon was credited with three pass breakups, and Caleb Downs forced a fumble, but the Huskers recovered.
For Nebraska, Dylan Raiola put together a decent performance despite much in the way of points to show for it, completing 20-of-35 passes for 232 yards and a touchdown. The run game was stifled by the Buckeyes’ defense, with lead back Gabe Ervin Jr. (the team’s sixth-leading rusher in real life?) managing only 65 yards on 24 attempts — a 2.7 yards-per-carry average. Tight end Thomas Fidone II led the way through the air, recording a team-high six catches for 71 yards.
Nebraska actually gained more first downs than Ohio State, 18 to 17, but the Buckeyes outgained the Huskers 373-330. As a team Ohio State ran the ball for 191 yards on 39 attempts, compared to 89 yards on 43 attempts for Nebraska. Neither team performed all that well on third down, with the Buckeyes converting 7-of-13 and the Cornhuskers converting 8-of-21, but Nebraska did go 3-for-4 on fourth down. There was not a single turnover in the contest, and only three combined penalties.
While the real life Buckeyes are 5-1 with a chance to move to 6-1, the virtual Buckeyes move to a perfect 7-0 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 Week 10 simulation against Penn State.
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 Brandon Sloter/Image Of Sport/Getty Images
The virtual Buckeyes take on the virtual Cornhuskers in Week 9.
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 9 sim:
Ohio State 31 - Nebraska 15
This was one of the stranger simulations we’ve had so far this season. While Ohio State never really seemed in danger of losing, the offense struggled a bit, failing to put up more than 10 points in any quarter while scoring exactly one touchdown in each of the final three quarters. The defense, however, remained strong throughout, keeping Nebraska out of the end zone until the final five minutes of action with the game already well in hand.
The Buckeyes mustered only a field goal on their opening possession, with Jayden Fielding knocking through the 38-yarder. After both teams traded punts, Ohio State found pay dirt for the first time on a 2-yard touchdown run by Quinshon Judkins. It wasn’t until the second quarter that either team would add any points, with the Cornhuskers hitting two field goals in a row to cut the deficit to 10-6.
Just before the half, the Buckeyes put together a long 78-yard drive resulting in 16-yard touchdown pass from Will Howard to Jeremiah Smith, taking a 17-6 lead into the break.
Ohio State would add on yet again early in the third quarter, as Judkins scored his second touchdown of the game, this time from only a yard out. Both teams would remain scoreless through the rest of the frame, with the home team taking a 24-6 lead into the fourth quarter.
Nebraska kicked its third field goal of the game for some reason to make it 24-9 on its first possession of the final period. On their ensuing drive, the Buckeyes found the end zone yet again on a 28-yard catch-and-run touchdown by Emeka Egbuka.
With Ohio State now leading 31-9 with under seven minutes remaining, Ryan Day decided to empty his bench. Now playing against the backup defenders, the Cornhuskers scored their only touchdown of the contest with four minutes to go, missing the 2-point try to make it 31-15 — which would end up the final score.
Howard put together a quiet but efficient afternoon passing the football, completing 15-of-20 attempts for 171 yards and two touchdowns and adding another 41 yards on the ground. Carnell Tate led the way among the receivers, hauling in five catches for 58 yards, while Egbuka finished with three receptions for 58 yards and Smith with three grabs for 31 yards. Both Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson ran the ball 13 times apiece — Judkins for 88 yards and two scores and Henderson for 72 yards.
Defensively, it was the Tyler Bourne (J.T. Tuimoloau) show, as the defensive end tallied six total tackles, four tackles for loss and a pass breakup. Lathan Ransom (who could potentially miss the Nebraska game with an injury) and Sonny Styles tied for the team lead with 11 total tackles, while Tyleik Williams recorded Ohio State’s only sack. Cody Simon was credited with three pass breakups, and Caleb Downs forced a fumble, but the Huskers recovered.
For Nebraska, Dylan Raiola put together a decent performance despite much in the way of points to show for it, completing 20-of-35 passes for 232 yards and a touchdown. The run game was stifled by the Buckeyes’ defense, with lead back Gabe Ervin Jr. (the team’s sixth-leading rusher in real life?) managing only 65 yards on 24 attempts — a 2.7 yards-per-carry average. Tight end Thomas Fidone II led the way through the air, recording a team-high six catches for 71 yards.
Nebraska actually gained more first downs than Ohio State, 18 to 17, but the Buckeyes outgained the Huskers 373-330. As a team Ohio State ran the ball for 191 yards on 39 attempts, compared to 89 yards on 43 attempts for Nebraska. Neither team performed all that well on third down, with the Buckeyes converting 7-of-13 and the Cornhuskers converting 8-of-21, but Nebraska did go 3-for-4 on fourth down. There was not a single turnover in the contest, and only three combined penalties.
While the real life Buckeyes are 5-1 with a chance to move to 6-1, the virtual Buckeyes move to a perfect 7-0 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 Week 10 simulation against Penn State.
Continue reading...
LGHL MC&J: Ohio State looks to get back on track in Week 9 in the Big Ten
- News
- 0 Replies
MC&J: Ohio State looks to get back on track in Week 9 in the Big Ten
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 Brandon Sloter/Image Of Sport/Getty Images
Picks for Cornhuskers-Buckeyes, Penn State-Wisconsin, and the rest of this weekend’s action around the conference.
Last week ATS: 6-9 (3-5 National, 3-4 B1G)
Season ATS: 65-74 (24-30 National, 41-44 B1G)
My picks for this week’s entertaining games outside the Big Ten can be found here.
Rutgers v. USC (-13.5) - Friday 11:00 p.m. ET- FOX
After both these squads started off the season hot, they have come back down to earth in a big way, with each entering tonight’s contest riding three-game losing streaks. USC has really got to be kicking themselves for their recent slide since all three of their losses have seen them leading in the fourth quarter.
Rutgers has to be wondering who they pissed off in the Big Ten scheduling office to be playing across the country on a Friday night at 11:00 p.m. eastern time. The Scarlet Knights will be looking to avoid being swept by the new Big Ten teams from Los Angeles after falling 35-32 to UCLA last week.
USC definitely has the edge on offense in this one, but they also did against Minnesota and Maryland and it didn’t do them any good. I do like the ability Rutgers has to control the clock with running back Kyle Monangai. Maybe Greg Schiano even asked for Minnesota quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis to call up former coach P.J. Fleck to see if he had any advice on taking down the Trojans.
Even though USC snaps their losing streak, I’m not convinced in their ability to win here by at least two touchdowns.
USC 31, Rutgers 21
Washington v. No. 13 Indiana (-6.5) - 12:00 p.m. ET - Big Ten Network
It would be easy to doubt Indiana here with Kurtis Rourke on the shelf for the near future after suffering a thumb injury last week against Nebraska. The Hoosiers still have a ground game that is averaging over 200 yards per game, so while they might not be as explosive as they were with Rourke under center, they will still be able to make plenty of positive games.
Last time we saw Washington the Huskies were getting rolled at Iowa two weeks ago. Washington can’t afford to fall behind early because they haven’t shown the ability to put points on the board, as they haven’t scored more than 27 points in a game since early September. Will Rogers is a veteran quarterback, he just doesn’t have explosive targets in the passing game like we saw last year from the Huskies.
Many probably think Indiana is on upset alert with Rourke sidelined. I’m not one of those people. If this happened under Tom Allen I’d definitely think so. Curt Cignetti brought a new culture from James Madison. The Hoosiers believe they are one of the best teams in the Big Ten and stay undefeated with a win over a Washington team that still seems to be finding their identity under new head coach Jeff Fisch.
Indiana 34, Washington 20
No. 20 Illinois v. No. 1 Oregon (-21.5) - 3:30 p.m. ET - CBS
If you asked me at the beginning of the year if I thought Oregon would be the top-ranked team in the country in late October, I would have said no since I thought Ohio State would have squeaked out a win at Autzen. Instead the Ducks were the ones to earn a tight victory in the showdown. Dan Lanning’s team didn’t even have a hangover at Purdue, shutting out the Boilermakers 35-0 last Friday.
Nothing Illinois does really jumps off the page at you. Luke Altmyer does a lot of things right at quarterback and the defense is solid. The Fighting Illini have had some close calls this year, winning two overtime games. Illinois can’t keep pace with Oregon offensively, so Bret Bielema will have to have some tricks up his sleeve.
Not saying I think Oregon isn’t for real, I just think Illinois is a tougher out than some are giving them credit for. Aside from last week against Purdue, Oregon has been sketchy covering big spreads this year. The Fighting Illini fight hard enough to keep this inside the number.
Oregon 41, Illinois 24
Northwestern v. Iowa (-13.5) - 3:30 p.m. ET - Big Ten Network
If Iowa gets Kaleb Johnson going early they’ll be fine. In losses to the Buckeyes and Spartans, Johnson failed to reach 100 yards on the ground, with the touchdowns he scored coming in the fourth quarter with the Hawkeyes trailing by sizable amounts. While Cade McNamara has the ability to make some plays, Johnson is the straw that stirs the drink for Tim Lester’s offense.
As tough as it is to watch Iowa at times, Northwestern is so much worse. The Wildcats have serious issues moving the football, which will become even more evident against the Iowa defense. If the Hawkeyes can roll Washington at Kinnick, just imagine what they’ll do against Northwestern.
This one could get ugly for the Wildcats.
Iowa 30, Northwestern 10
Maryland v. Minnesota (-4.5) - 3:30 p.m. ET- FS1
Somehow Maryland snapped a two-game losing streak with a fourth quarter comeback against USC last week in College Park. Now the Terrapins and Golden Gophers will both be looking to take another step towards bowl eligibility as they enter Saturdays game with matching 4-3 records.
I think Minnesota has the edge in this game since they have the pass defense to slow down Maryland quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. The Golden Gophers have only allowed three passing touchdowns this year, and we saw how they were able to hold Miller Moss and USC in check in Minneapolis earlier this month.
Minnesota is a little better all-around team than Maryland in this one.
Minnesota 27, Maryland 17
No. 3 Penn State (-6.5) v. Wisconsin -7:30 p.m. ET - NBC
Here I was thinking Wisconsin was dead after their loss to USC. Since then the Badgers have won three straight games, outscoring their opponents 117-16 during that stretch. I know those games were only against Purdue, Rutgers, and Northwestern but it would have been easy for Luke Fickell’s team to let the season spiral out of control after losing Tyler Van Dyke early in the season.
Even though Penn State is still undefeated I’m not all that impressed with the Nittany Lions. While they have Drew Allar, they haven’t been setting the world on fire through the air. Maybe that changes going forward after the breakout performance from tight end Tyler Warren against the Trojans. Then again, if Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen are gashing defense on the ground the Nittany Lions don’t need to throw all that much.
Despite saying nice things about the Badgers earlier, I’m banking on Penn State to stay undefeated heading into next week’s showdown with Ohio State. The Nittany Lions are miles better than Wisconsin’s last three opponents, so don’t expect Braedyn Locke to be as productive as he has lately.
Penn State 28, Wisconsin 14
Michigan State v. Michigan (-4.5) - 7:30 p.m. ET - Big Ten Network
This is the battle for Messigan (since both teams have been incredibly sloppy this year). Michigan State did find something against Iowa last week, holding outstanding running back Kaleb Johnson in check in the 32-20. The Spartans will have another tough task this week in trying to bottle up Kalel Mullings.
Somehow the offense of the Wolverines is getting worse. Now Michigan is on to quarterback Jack Tuttle, their third starter of the season. Mullings has been regressing over the last two games opponents know they don’t have to respect the Wolverines throwing the football.
This is head coach Jonathan Smith’s first experience in the battle for the Mitten State. Last week’s win over Iowa gives them some confidence Smith has things heading the right direction. The good feelings carry over with a win in a sloppy game in Ann Arbor.
Michigan State 23, Michigan 20
Nebraska v. No. 4 Ohio State (-25.5) - 12:00 p.m. ET - FOX
Ohio State takes the field on Saturday for the first time since their tough loss to Oregon in Eugene two weeks ago. The Buckeyes shouldn’t hang their head too low, since they did a lot of good things on the road against the team ranked No. 1 in the country right now.
Aside from sliding too late to stop the clock on the game’s last play, Will Howard was nearly flawless against Oregon, finding Jeremiah Smith and Emeka Egbuka a combined 19 times. The dynamic duo at wide receiver made up for limited production from TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins. Some of the issues running the football could be attributed to the Josh Simmons injury during the game.
Nebraska also enters this game coming off a road loss. The difference with their loss is they were thoroughly destroyed by Indiana, losing 56-7 to the Hoosiers. Quarterback Dylan Raiola has hit a bit of a wall, tossing three interceptions in last week’s blowout. The Cornhuskers have some pieces on offense, they just aren’t as dynamic as what the Buckeyes have.
There is the possibility of a sleepy start from Ohio State in a noon kickoff off a bye week. I don’t think it is anything that will hurt them too bad since they have shown the ability to turn things on in a blink. Plus, the defense will have a lot to prove after hearing two weeks of criticism following a bad game against the Oregon offense.
The Buckeyes restore their confidence before heading into next week’s game against Penn State.
Ohio State 41, Nebraska 14
Continue reading...
Brett Ludwiczak via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Brandon Sloter/Image Of Sport/Getty Images
Picks for Cornhuskers-Buckeyes, Penn State-Wisconsin, and the rest of this weekend’s action around the conference.
Last week ATS: 6-9 (3-5 National, 3-4 B1G)
Season ATS: 65-74 (24-30 National, 41-44 B1G)
My picks for this week’s entertaining games outside the Big Ten can be found here.
Big Ten games (All games Saturday unless noted)
Rutgers v. USC (-13.5) - Friday 11:00 p.m. ET- FOX
After both these squads started off the season hot, they have come back down to earth in a big way, with each entering tonight’s contest riding three-game losing streaks. USC has really got to be kicking themselves for their recent slide since all three of their losses have seen them leading in the fourth quarter.
Rutgers has to be wondering who they pissed off in the Big Ten scheduling office to be playing across the country on a Friday night at 11:00 p.m. eastern time. The Scarlet Knights will be looking to avoid being swept by the new Big Ten teams from Los Angeles after falling 35-32 to UCLA last week.
USC definitely has the edge on offense in this one, but they also did against Minnesota and Maryland and it didn’t do them any good. I do like the ability Rutgers has to control the clock with running back Kyle Monangai. Maybe Greg Schiano even asked for Minnesota quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis to call up former coach P.J. Fleck to see if he had any advice on taking down the Trojans.
Even though USC snaps their losing streak, I’m not convinced in their ability to win here by at least two touchdowns.
USC 31, Rutgers 21
Washington v. No. 13 Indiana (-6.5) - 12:00 p.m. ET - Big Ten Network
It would be easy to doubt Indiana here with Kurtis Rourke on the shelf for the near future after suffering a thumb injury last week against Nebraska. The Hoosiers still have a ground game that is averaging over 200 yards per game, so while they might not be as explosive as they were with Rourke under center, they will still be able to make plenty of positive games.
Last time we saw Washington the Huskies were getting rolled at Iowa two weeks ago. Washington can’t afford to fall behind early because they haven’t shown the ability to put points on the board, as they haven’t scored more than 27 points in a game since early September. Will Rogers is a veteran quarterback, he just doesn’t have explosive targets in the passing game like we saw last year from the Huskies.
Many probably think Indiana is on upset alert with Rourke sidelined. I’m not one of those people. If this happened under Tom Allen I’d definitely think so. Curt Cignetti brought a new culture from James Madison. The Hoosiers believe they are one of the best teams in the Big Ten and stay undefeated with a win over a Washington team that still seems to be finding their identity under new head coach Jeff Fisch.
Indiana 34, Washington 20
No. 20 Illinois v. No. 1 Oregon (-21.5) - 3:30 p.m. ET - CBS
If you asked me at the beginning of the year if I thought Oregon would be the top-ranked team in the country in late October, I would have said no since I thought Ohio State would have squeaked out a win at Autzen. Instead the Ducks were the ones to earn a tight victory in the showdown. Dan Lanning’s team didn’t even have a hangover at Purdue, shutting out the Boilermakers 35-0 last Friday.
Nothing Illinois does really jumps off the page at you. Luke Altmyer does a lot of things right at quarterback and the defense is solid. The Fighting Illini have had some close calls this year, winning two overtime games. Illinois can’t keep pace with Oregon offensively, so Bret Bielema will have to have some tricks up his sleeve.
Not saying I think Oregon isn’t for real, I just think Illinois is a tougher out than some are giving them credit for. Aside from last week against Purdue, Oregon has been sketchy covering big spreads this year. The Fighting Illini fight hard enough to keep this inside the number.
Oregon 41, Illinois 24
Northwestern v. Iowa (-13.5) - 3:30 p.m. ET - Big Ten Network
If Iowa gets Kaleb Johnson going early they’ll be fine. In losses to the Buckeyes and Spartans, Johnson failed to reach 100 yards on the ground, with the touchdowns he scored coming in the fourth quarter with the Hawkeyes trailing by sizable amounts. While Cade McNamara has the ability to make some plays, Johnson is the straw that stirs the drink for Tim Lester’s offense.
As tough as it is to watch Iowa at times, Northwestern is so much worse. The Wildcats have serious issues moving the football, which will become even more evident against the Iowa defense. If the Hawkeyes can roll Washington at Kinnick, just imagine what they’ll do against Northwestern.
This one could get ugly for the Wildcats.
Iowa 30, Northwestern 10
Maryland v. Minnesota (-4.5) - 3:30 p.m. ET- FS1
Somehow Maryland snapped a two-game losing streak with a fourth quarter comeback against USC last week in College Park. Now the Terrapins and Golden Gophers will both be looking to take another step towards bowl eligibility as they enter Saturdays game with matching 4-3 records.
I think Minnesota has the edge in this game since they have the pass defense to slow down Maryland quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. The Golden Gophers have only allowed three passing touchdowns this year, and we saw how they were able to hold Miller Moss and USC in check in Minneapolis earlier this month.
Minnesota is a little better all-around team than Maryland in this one.
Minnesota 27, Maryland 17
No. 3 Penn State (-6.5) v. Wisconsin -7:30 p.m. ET - NBC
Here I was thinking Wisconsin was dead after their loss to USC. Since then the Badgers have won three straight games, outscoring their opponents 117-16 during that stretch. I know those games were only against Purdue, Rutgers, and Northwestern but it would have been easy for Luke Fickell’s team to let the season spiral out of control after losing Tyler Van Dyke early in the season.
Even though Penn State is still undefeated I’m not all that impressed with the Nittany Lions. While they have Drew Allar, they haven’t been setting the world on fire through the air. Maybe that changes going forward after the breakout performance from tight end Tyler Warren against the Trojans. Then again, if Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen are gashing defense on the ground the Nittany Lions don’t need to throw all that much.
Despite saying nice things about the Badgers earlier, I’m banking on Penn State to stay undefeated heading into next week’s showdown with Ohio State. The Nittany Lions are miles better than Wisconsin’s last three opponents, so don’t expect Braedyn Locke to be as productive as he has lately.
Penn State 28, Wisconsin 14
Michigan State v. Michigan (-4.5) - 7:30 p.m. ET - Big Ten Network
This is the battle for Messigan (since both teams have been incredibly sloppy this year). Michigan State did find something against Iowa last week, holding outstanding running back Kaleb Johnson in check in the 32-20. The Spartans will have another tough task this week in trying to bottle up Kalel Mullings.
Somehow the offense of the Wolverines is getting worse. Now Michigan is on to quarterback Jack Tuttle, their third starter of the season. Mullings has been regressing over the last two games opponents know they don’t have to respect the Wolverines throwing the football.
This is head coach Jonathan Smith’s first experience in the battle for the Mitten State. Last week’s win over Iowa gives them some confidence Smith has things heading the right direction. The good feelings carry over with a win in a sloppy game in Ann Arbor.
Michigan State 23, Michigan 20
Nebraska v. No. 4 Ohio State (-25.5) - 12:00 p.m. ET - FOX
Ohio State takes the field on Saturday for the first time since their tough loss to Oregon in Eugene two weeks ago. The Buckeyes shouldn’t hang their head too low, since they did a lot of good things on the road against the team ranked No. 1 in the country right now.
Aside from sliding too late to stop the clock on the game’s last play, Will Howard was nearly flawless against Oregon, finding Jeremiah Smith and Emeka Egbuka a combined 19 times. The dynamic duo at wide receiver made up for limited production from TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins. Some of the issues running the football could be attributed to the Josh Simmons injury during the game.
Nebraska also enters this game coming off a road loss. The difference with their loss is they were thoroughly destroyed by Indiana, losing 56-7 to the Hoosiers. Quarterback Dylan Raiola has hit a bit of a wall, tossing three interceptions in last week’s blowout. The Cornhuskers have some pieces on offense, they just aren’t as dynamic as what the Buckeyes have.
There is the possibility of a sleepy start from Ohio State in a noon kickoff off a bye week. I don’t think it is anything that will hurt them too bad since they have shown the ability to turn things on in a blink. Plus, the defense will have a lot to prove after hearing two weeks of criticism following a bad game against the Oregon offense.
The Buckeyes restore their confidence before heading into next week’s game against Penn State.
Ohio State 41, Nebraska 14
Continue reading...
LGHL Ajae Petty joins Ohio State’s roster to improve the Big Ten’s worst rebounding team
- News
- 0 Replies
Ajae Petty joins Ohio State’s roster to improve the Big Ten’s worst rebounding team
ThomasCostello via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
The Kentucky transfer gets one year to make her mark in Columbus.
College basketball season is fast approaching and Land-Grant Holy Land is here to get you ready. Before the season starts this fall, check back regularly for player previews, schedule news, features, and more heading into the 2024-25 Ohio State women’s basketball season.
Take a look back at the top 10 rebounders in the Big Ten for the 2023-24 season and there’s a concerning similarity between the athletes. Of the 10, nine have a top 10 career high conference rebounding game against Ohio State women’s basketball. Only Wisconsin’s Serah Williams hasn’t had a top game in the paint against the Buckeyes, but even then the star forward still has a matchup with 11 boards against the Scarlet and Gray.
Ohio State ended last season in dead last for rebounds per game (33.5). So, it’s no surprise that anytime head coach Kevin McGuff talks about what plagues the Buckeyes, it’s rebounding. It’s a major problem, but now there’s some hope with the transfer of Ajae Petty.
Name: Ajae Petty
Position: Forward
Class: Graduate Senior
High School: Baltimore Polytechnic Institute (Baltimore, Maryland)
2023-24 Stats: 14.2 ppg, 10.6 rpg, 1.0 apg, .507 FG%, .495 FT%
Petty transferred in after four years in the SEC. However, it wasn’t until last season that the forward out of Maryland saw substantial minutes on the court.
After appearing 31 times in two years with the LSU Tigers, averaging only 5.3 minutes per appearance, Petty left for bluer pastures with the Kentucky Wildcats. In the forward’s first season in Kentucky, the minutes increased but she still couldn’t crack the starting five.
Once she did for the 2023-24 season, she made up for lost time.
Petty started every game for Kentucky in head coach Kyra Elzy’s final season in Lexington. Despite a 12-and-20 record, Petty thrived. In 32 games, averaged a double-double with 14.2 points and 10.6 rebounds, one of only four to accomplish the feat in the competitive SEC. It put Petty in a class alongside the likes of LSU’s Angel Reese and Aneesah Morrow.
The new Buckeye also had 18 double-doubles, compared to nine total double-doubles with points and rebounds for the entire Ohio State roster.
Petty’s boards aren’t stat padding either, where a player thrives against non-conference opponents and then shrinks in conference play. Petty averaged 11 rebounds per game against SEC competition and 14 of those 18 double-doubles came against Power Five Conference schools.
On Jan. 11, 2024, Petty had a career-best 21 rebounds, along with 23 points, against Vanderbilt. Of those rebounds, 11 came on the offensive boards.
When it comes to transferring, Petty did know former Kentucky teammate Kennedy Cambridge, but pursuing the forward went further. McGuff knew Petty through a relationship with the forward’s high school coach.
Petty considered other strong programs, but opted to go with the Scarlet and Gray.
“I think she’ll be really impactful. I do,” said McGuff. “I think just our presence around the basket will be certainly way better than it has been. And I think she’ll be a big part of that.”
Take a guess at what you can expect from Petty. Yes, it’s rebounding.
The 6-foot-3 forward is physical, quick, and will grab more boards than the Buckeyes, but there are pros and cons within the post-game. On one hand, Petty hasn’t fouled out of a game, despite the manner in which she grabs boards. That shows discipline to not foul in the act.
On the other hand, free throw efficiency doesn’t jump off the stat sheet. Petty is a 50.7% shooter from the line, meaning when the game is on the line, the old “Hack-a-Shaq” game plan could come into play.
Also, Petty doesn’t provide an outside shooting game. In four seasons, Petty hasn’t attempted a three-point shot. If McGuff had years with Petty, that might be something to improve over time but there’s one season before Petty’s eligibility runs out. That means the five-out offensive game plan will adjust slightly, with defenders not going to run out and cover Petty on the perimeter.
That doesn’t likely mean an all-out shift in offensive strategy but expect tweaks.
Off the court, Petty’s already saying what needs to be said and is a team-first kind of player.
“My mindset currently is just to come in, you know, do whatever the team needs me to do,” said Petty. “Whether it’s stepping into a leadership role, whether it’s following TT [Taylor Thierry] and all the other older people who’ve already been here. It’s whatever the team needs me to be.”
There’s a close to 100% chance Petty starts from day one and doesn’t lose it, barring injury. Petty will not only grab boards but be an outlet to a group of four surrounding the big who all have the ability to attack the basket. The speed and skill of the four perimeter players could make life difficult for defenders, and give Petty open baskets in the paint as a by-product.
Petty of course won’t be able to play 40 minutes each night. Supporting the forward is a pair with varying levels of experience. Forward Eboni Walker has the most, but McGuff is high on new freshman center Elsa Lemmilä. The 6-foot-6 Finnish big is the likely next player in behind Petty.
Watch Petty in an exhibition game before last season. Outside of rebounding, Petty shows presence and timing to pick up blocks and see her work on the offensive end of the floor.
For an added bonus, take a listen to Petty during a recent Buckeye practice.
Miss a player preview? Click the links below to learn more about the 2024-25 Buckeyes roster:
Madison Greene
Eboni Walker
Ava Watson
Chance Gray
Elsa Lemmilä
Kennedy Cambridge
Taylor Thierry
Seini Henry
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
Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
The Kentucky transfer gets one year to make her mark in Columbus.
College basketball season is fast approaching and Land-Grant Holy Land is here to get you ready. Before the season starts this fall, check back regularly for player previews, schedule news, features, and more heading into the 2024-25 Ohio State women’s basketball season.
Take a look back at the top 10 rebounders in the Big Ten for the 2023-24 season and there’s a concerning similarity between the athletes. Of the 10, nine have a top 10 career high conference rebounding game against Ohio State women’s basketball. Only Wisconsin’s Serah Williams hasn’t had a top game in the paint against the Buckeyes, but even then the star forward still has a matchup with 11 boards against the Scarlet and Gray.
Ohio State ended last season in dead last for rebounds per game (33.5). So, it’s no surprise that anytime head coach Kevin McGuff talks about what plagues the Buckeyes, it’s rebounding. It’s a major problem, but now there’s some hope with the transfer of Ajae Petty.
Name: Ajae Petty
Position: Forward
Class: Graduate Senior
High School: Baltimore Polytechnic Institute (Baltimore, Maryland)
2023-24 Stats: 14.2 ppg, 10.6 rpg, 1.0 apg, .507 FG%, .495 FT%
Last Season
Petty transferred in after four years in the SEC. However, it wasn’t until last season that the forward out of Maryland saw substantial minutes on the court.
After appearing 31 times in two years with the LSU Tigers, averaging only 5.3 minutes per appearance, Petty left for bluer pastures with the Kentucky Wildcats. In the forward’s first season in Kentucky, the minutes increased but she still couldn’t crack the starting five.
Once she did for the 2023-24 season, she made up for lost time.
Petty started every game for Kentucky in head coach Kyra Elzy’s final season in Lexington. Despite a 12-and-20 record, Petty thrived. In 32 games, averaged a double-double with 14.2 points and 10.6 rebounds, one of only four to accomplish the feat in the competitive SEC. It put Petty in a class alongside the likes of LSU’s Angel Reese and Aneesah Morrow.
The new Buckeye also had 18 double-doubles, compared to nine total double-doubles with points and rebounds for the entire Ohio State roster.
Petty’s boards aren’t stat padding either, where a player thrives against non-conference opponents and then shrinks in conference play. Petty averaged 11 rebounds per game against SEC competition and 14 of those 18 double-doubles came against Power Five Conference schools.
On Jan. 11, 2024, Petty had a career-best 21 rebounds, along with 23 points, against Vanderbilt. Of those rebounds, 11 came on the offensive boards.
When it comes to transferring, Petty did know former Kentucky teammate Kennedy Cambridge, but pursuing the forward went further. McGuff knew Petty through a relationship with the forward’s high school coach.
Petty considered other strong programs, but opted to go with the Scarlet and Gray.
“I think she’ll be really impactful. I do,” said McGuff. “I think just our presence around the basket will be certainly way better than it has been. And I think she’ll be a big part of that.”
What to Expect
Take a guess at what you can expect from Petty. Yes, it’s rebounding.
The 6-foot-3 forward is physical, quick, and will grab more boards than the Buckeyes, but there are pros and cons within the post-game. On one hand, Petty hasn’t fouled out of a game, despite the manner in which she grabs boards. That shows discipline to not foul in the act.
On the other hand, free throw efficiency doesn’t jump off the stat sheet. Petty is a 50.7% shooter from the line, meaning when the game is on the line, the old “Hack-a-Shaq” game plan could come into play.
Also, Petty doesn’t provide an outside shooting game. In four seasons, Petty hasn’t attempted a three-point shot. If McGuff had years with Petty, that might be something to improve over time but there’s one season before Petty’s eligibility runs out. That means the five-out offensive game plan will adjust slightly, with defenders not going to run out and cover Petty on the perimeter.
That doesn’t likely mean an all-out shift in offensive strategy but expect tweaks.
Off the court, Petty’s already saying what needs to be said and is a team-first kind of player.
“My mindset currently is just to come in, you know, do whatever the team needs me to do,” said Petty. “Whether it’s stepping into a leadership role, whether it’s following TT [Taylor Thierry] and all the other older people who’ve already been here. It’s whatever the team needs me to be.”
Prediction
There’s a close to 100% chance Petty starts from day one and doesn’t lose it, barring injury. Petty will not only grab boards but be an outlet to a group of four surrounding the big who all have the ability to attack the basket. The speed and skill of the four perimeter players could make life difficult for defenders, and give Petty open baskets in the paint as a by-product.
Petty of course won’t be able to play 40 minutes each night. Supporting the forward is a pair with varying levels of experience. Forward Eboni Walker has the most, but McGuff is high on new freshman center Elsa Lemmilä. The 6-foot-6 Finnish big is the likely next player in behind Petty.
Highlights
Watch Petty in an exhibition game before last season. Outside of rebounding, Petty shows presence and timing to pick up blocks and see her work on the offensive end of the floor.
For an added bonus, take a listen to Petty during a recent Buckeye practice.
Other Player Previews
Miss a player preview? Click the links below to learn more about the 2024-25 Buckeyes roster:
Madison Greene
Eboni Walker
Ava Watson
Chance Gray
Elsa Lemmilä
Kennedy Cambridge
Taylor Thierry
Seini Henry
Continue reading...