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LGHL MC&J: Week 2’s national schedule is highlighted by Texas-Alabama
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MC&J: Week 2’s national schedule is highlighted by Texas-Alabama
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 Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
Plus, picks for seven other big national games on tap for Saturday.
Last week got off to a pretty good start before things started to go downhill starting Saturday night. South Carolina and LSU fell apart in the second half of their games, Clemson is a mess, Penn State had no interest in kneeling the game out up 16 points, and there were a couple other games that contributed to the losing week.
Still, for the first full college football slate of the year, it wasn’t a horrible week. There’s still a lot of season left, hopefully with more winners than losers out there.
No. 10 Notre Dame (-7.5) v. NC State - 12:00 p.m. - ABC
Notre Dame quarterback Sam Hartman will square off with a team he is quite familiar with. Prior to hitting the transfer portal to join the Fighting Irish in the offseason, Hartman played at Wake Forest, where he played three games against the Wolfpack. Hartman had a hard time finding much success against NC State, throwing six touchdowns and six interceptions in three games against the Wolfpack, winning just one of those three contests.
NC State dipped into the transfer portal as well to find their starting quarterback for this year, bringing in Virginia’s Brennan Armstrong. In their first game of the season against UConn, the Wolfpack leaned more on their running game, racking up 209 yards on the ground against the Huskies in the 24-14 win. Armstrong threw for just 155 yards in a game where NC State struggled to create any separation, with their biggest lead being just 10 points. To his credit, Armstrong did find some success running the football, rushing for 96 yards and a couple touchdowns.
Even though this game is in Raleigh, and it’s always uneasy taking a ranked team hitting the road to take on an unranked foe. Notre Dame has benefitted from playing an extra game so far this year. Hartman is playing at a high level, while the Notre Dame defense has the talent to put the clamps on Armstrong and the Wolfpack. Plus, the Fighting Irish won’t have to worry about Brian Kelly calling 167 passing plays in a hurricane.
Notre Dame 31, NC State 20
No. 12 Utah (-7.5) v. Baylor - 12:00 p.m. - ESPN
Utah looked great to open the season last week, suffocating Florida in Salt Lake City 24-11. Even more impressive was the Utes didn’t have quarterback Cam Rising, who is recovering from a torn ACL. While it is unknown if Rising will be able to play this week, there are still reasons to back Utah in Waco on Saturday afternoon.
The biggest reason is just look at how terrible Baylor was last week. Not only did the Bears lose to Texas State 42-31, they also will be without quarterback Blake Shapen for a number of weeks after Shapen suffered an MCL injury in the fourth quarter of the opener. Stepping in for Shapen will be Mississippi State transfer Sawyer Robertson. It’ll be hard to trust the Baylor offense against a tough Utah defense, especially after the Bears ran for just 3.4 yards per carry in last week’s loss.
While it would be nice to have a better idea about Rising’s status for the game, I still like Utah with or without Rising. They benefit from taking on a Baylor team that is dealing with injury issues of their own. Maybe head coach Dave Aranda has his Baylor team lean into the adversity that they’re facing, but Utah has already risen to the occasion without their starting quarterback.
Utah 30, Baylor 17
No. 20 Ole Miss (-7) v. No. 24 Tulane - 3:30 p.m. - ESPN2
Even though the most anticipated game on Saturday is Texas-Alabama, the game between the Rebels and Green Wave could very well be the most entertaining game of the day. We know Tulane can hang with Power 5 competition after they beat USC in the Rose Bowl last year. Quarterback Michael Pratt returns for the Green Wave, and was nearly perfect in the opener against South Alabama, going 14-of-15 for 294 yards and four touchdown passes.
Ole Miss got an easy win to open up the season, crushing Mercer 73-7. Quarterback Jaxson Dart also tossed four touchdown passes, while running back Quinshon Judkins added two scores on the ground. Even though the Rebels had two wide receivers go over 100 yards in the easy win over Mercer, there has to be some concern that UTSA transfer Zakhari Franklin didn’t play last week, and it doesn’t sound like he’ll be available on Saturday. Franklin caught 174 passes for over 2,150 yards and 27 scores over the last two years.
I’m very tempted to go with Tulane to win this game straight up. I think in the end Ole Miss will end up pulling this game out since they are a little better, but there isn’t much of a gap between the two teams. This feels like a game that is going to go back and forth and in the end is decided by a field goal. I’m siding with Ole Miss to win because Lane Kiffin is a troll and will probably find a way to ruin the feel good story in the last few minutes of the game.
Ole Miss 38, Tulane 35
No. 23 Texas A&M (-4.5) v. Miami (FL) - 3:30 p.m. - ABC
Everything about this game is hilarious. Road rash enthusiast Bobby Petrino is now the offensive coordinator at Texas A&M, which feels like a perfect fit since the Aggies are essentially one big goofy cult. Miami’s top booster John Ruiz is under financial investigation, so “Tha U” is closer to being back than we all think. As if that wasn’t enough, since nobody in Miami actually wants to go to Hurricanes games, the school is giving away tickets to the Georgia Tech game if fans purchase a ticket to Saturday’s game.
So, which team that went 5-7 last year has made more strides? I feel like with the addition of Petrino, as well as Conner Weigman stepping up to take over at quarterback, gives Texas A&M the edge. Miami does have some pieces with quarterback Tyler Van Dyke and a few others, but I just don’t see them as the better team in this game. Jimbo Fisher and the Aggies sweep the home-and-home series with the Hurricanes.
Texas A&M 34, Miami (FL) 24
No. 11 Texas v. No. 3 Alabama (-7) - 7:00 p.m. - ESPN
All offseason there was speculation that Alabama might fall off this year. Not that it was crazy talk since the Crimson Tide had to replace Bryce Young and were bringing in a new offensive coordinator. Even though it was just one game against Middle Tennessee State, Alabama looked really good in their opener. Jalen Milroe is going to be a problem for opposing defenses, as he threw for three touchdowns against the Blue Raiders, and added another two scores on the ground.
Texas has had this game circled on their calendar for a year after falling just short of beating the Crimson Tide last year in Austin. Quinn Ewers certainly hasn’t yet played in an atmosphere like he’ll see Saturday night in Tuscaloosa. I feel like things aren’t going to go well for Ewers and company. Former Saban assistants haven’t had much success against their former boss, and I feel like that trend continues for Steve Sarkisian. Alabama beats Texas for a second straight year, this time by more than just a point.
Alabama 33, Texas 21
No. 13 Oregon (-6.5) v. Texas Tech - 7:00 p.m. - FOX
I’m not going to pretend that I watched one second of Oregon’s season opener. The Ducks did exactly what they were supposed to do against Portland State, beating the Vikings 81-7. Bo Nix tossed three touchdowns and running back Bucky Irving rushed for 119 yards and two touchdowns on just four carries.
Unlike Oregon, I did watch a healthy amount of Texas Tech’s opener since I bet on the Red Raiders to score over 31.5 points. After scoring 17 points in the first quarter the Red Raiders had trouble getting their offense going until late in the fourth quarter and in the two overtimes in the game. Wyoming ended up winning because they were able to convert their two-point conversion in the second overtime.
A trip to Lubbock is never easy, and Texas Tech will want to put together a spirited performance for their quarterback Tyler Shough, who transferred from Oregon. Even with all that, I’m still going to ride with the Ducks, who are better on both sides of the football. Nix adds to the case he is stating to be a Heisman Trophy finalist, while Shough fails to get revenge against his former team.
Oregon 45, Texas Tech 28
Stanford v. No. 6 USC (-29.5) - 10:30 p.m. - FOX
I’m a little puzzled by this spread. I get that Stanford was a very tough watch last year, but they showed some promise in their win at Hawai’i in their season opener. Quarterback Ashton Daniels injected some excitement into the offense of the Cardinal, finding tight end Benjamin Yurosek nine times for 138 yards and a score. Running back Casey Filkins is back for Stanford, while E.J. Smith, son of NFL legend Emmitt Smith returns after suffering a knee injury last season.
Is USC the more talented and athletic team? Undoubtedly. The Trojans have handled their business in their first two games of the year, crushing San Jose State and Nevada. Caleb Williams has thrown nine touchdowns already this season, as he looks to become the second two-time Heisman Trophy winner.
Do you want to trust a team with a defense coached by Alex Grinch to win by at least 30 points? If you do, you have more guts than I do. No matter the record, there aren’t many huge blowouts in the series between USC and Stanford. The last time USC won by at least 30 points was back in 2006. I just don’t see a huge blowout happening in the final meeting between the schools as conference foes.
USC 41, Stanford 21
Auburn (-6.5) v. Cal - 10:30 p.m. - ESPN
Even though neither of these teams are currently ranked, I’m actually pretty intrigued by this game. Both teams almost hit 60 points in their first game of the season, as Auburn scored 59 points against UMass, while Cal ran up 58 points at North Texas. The Golden Bears rolled up 357 yards on the ground in their season opener, with Jaydn Ott accounting for 188 yards and two scores.
Auburn also did some damage on the ground last week, rushing for 289 yards against the Minutemen. Cal might have been a punching bag recently, but asking Hugh Freeze to go out west and beat a rejuvenated Cal squad by at least a touchdown in Berkeley in his second game in charge might be asking a little too much. The Golden Bears adds to the tremendous start to the season for the Pac-12 by upsetting the Tigers.
Cal 31, Auburn 27
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Brett Ludwiczak via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
Plus, picks for seven other big national games on tap for Saturday.
Last week ATS: 8-10 (2-6 National, 6-4 B1G)
Season ATS: 12-13 (6-9 National, 6-4 B1G)
Last week got off to a pretty good start before things started to go downhill starting Saturday night. South Carolina and LSU fell apart in the second half of their games, Clemson is a mess, Penn State had no interest in kneeling the game out up 16 points, and there were a couple other games that contributed to the losing week.
Still, for the first full college football slate of the year, it wasn’t a horrible week. There’s still a lot of season left, hopefully with more winners than losers out there.
National games
No. 10 Notre Dame (-7.5) v. NC State - 12:00 p.m. - ABC
Notre Dame quarterback Sam Hartman will square off with a team he is quite familiar with. Prior to hitting the transfer portal to join the Fighting Irish in the offseason, Hartman played at Wake Forest, where he played three games against the Wolfpack. Hartman had a hard time finding much success against NC State, throwing six touchdowns and six interceptions in three games against the Wolfpack, winning just one of those three contests.
NC State dipped into the transfer portal as well to find their starting quarterback for this year, bringing in Virginia’s Brennan Armstrong. In their first game of the season against UConn, the Wolfpack leaned more on their running game, racking up 209 yards on the ground against the Huskies in the 24-14 win. Armstrong threw for just 155 yards in a game where NC State struggled to create any separation, with their biggest lead being just 10 points. To his credit, Armstrong did find some success running the football, rushing for 96 yards and a couple touchdowns.
Even though this game is in Raleigh, and it’s always uneasy taking a ranked team hitting the road to take on an unranked foe. Notre Dame has benefitted from playing an extra game so far this year. Hartman is playing at a high level, while the Notre Dame defense has the talent to put the clamps on Armstrong and the Wolfpack. Plus, the Fighting Irish won’t have to worry about Brian Kelly calling 167 passing plays in a hurricane.
Notre Dame 31, NC State 20
No. 12 Utah (-7.5) v. Baylor - 12:00 p.m. - ESPN
Utah looked great to open the season last week, suffocating Florida in Salt Lake City 24-11. Even more impressive was the Utes didn’t have quarterback Cam Rising, who is recovering from a torn ACL. While it is unknown if Rising will be able to play this week, there are still reasons to back Utah in Waco on Saturday afternoon.
The biggest reason is just look at how terrible Baylor was last week. Not only did the Bears lose to Texas State 42-31, they also will be without quarterback Blake Shapen for a number of weeks after Shapen suffered an MCL injury in the fourth quarter of the opener. Stepping in for Shapen will be Mississippi State transfer Sawyer Robertson. It’ll be hard to trust the Baylor offense against a tough Utah defense, especially after the Bears ran for just 3.4 yards per carry in last week’s loss.
While it would be nice to have a better idea about Rising’s status for the game, I still like Utah with or without Rising. They benefit from taking on a Baylor team that is dealing with injury issues of their own. Maybe head coach Dave Aranda has his Baylor team lean into the adversity that they’re facing, but Utah has already risen to the occasion without their starting quarterback.
Utah 30, Baylor 17
No. 20 Ole Miss (-7) v. No. 24 Tulane - 3:30 p.m. - ESPN2
Even though the most anticipated game on Saturday is Texas-Alabama, the game between the Rebels and Green Wave could very well be the most entertaining game of the day. We know Tulane can hang with Power 5 competition after they beat USC in the Rose Bowl last year. Quarterback Michael Pratt returns for the Green Wave, and was nearly perfect in the opener against South Alabama, going 14-of-15 for 294 yards and four touchdown passes.
Ole Miss got an easy win to open up the season, crushing Mercer 73-7. Quarterback Jaxson Dart also tossed four touchdown passes, while running back Quinshon Judkins added two scores on the ground. Even though the Rebels had two wide receivers go over 100 yards in the easy win over Mercer, there has to be some concern that UTSA transfer Zakhari Franklin didn’t play last week, and it doesn’t sound like he’ll be available on Saturday. Franklin caught 174 passes for over 2,150 yards and 27 scores over the last two years.
I’m very tempted to go with Tulane to win this game straight up. I think in the end Ole Miss will end up pulling this game out since they are a little better, but there isn’t much of a gap between the two teams. This feels like a game that is going to go back and forth and in the end is decided by a field goal. I’m siding with Ole Miss to win because Lane Kiffin is a troll and will probably find a way to ruin the feel good story in the last few minutes of the game.
Ole Miss 38, Tulane 35
No. 23 Texas A&M (-4.5) v. Miami (FL) - 3:30 p.m. - ABC
Everything about this game is hilarious. Road rash enthusiast Bobby Petrino is now the offensive coordinator at Texas A&M, which feels like a perfect fit since the Aggies are essentially one big goofy cult. Miami’s top booster John Ruiz is under financial investigation, so “Tha U” is closer to being back than we all think. As if that wasn’t enough, since nobody in Miami actually wants to go to Hurricanes games, the school is giving away tickets to the Georgia Tech game if fans purchase a ticket to Saturday’s game.
So, which team that went 5-7 last year has made more strides? I feel like with the addition of Petrino, as well as Conner Weigman stepping up to take over at quarterback, gives Texas A&M the edge. Miami does have some pieces with quarterback Tyler Van Dyke and a few others, but I just don’t see them as the better team in this game. Jimbo Fisher and the Aggies sweep the home-and-home series with the Hurricanes.
Texas A&M 34, Miami (FL) 24
No. 11 Texas v. No. 3 Alabama (-7) - 7:00 p.m. - ESPN
All offseason there was speculation that Alabama might fall off this year. Not that it was crazy talk since the Crimson Tide had to replace Bryce Young and were bringing in a new offensive coordinator. Even though it was just one game against Middle Tennessee State, Alabama looked really good in their opener. Jalen Milroe is going to be a problem for opposing defenses, as he threw for three touchdowns against the Blue Raiders, and added another two scores on the ground.
Texas has had this game circled on their calendar for a year after falling just short of beating the Crimson Tide last year in Austin. Quinn Ewers certainly hasn’t yet played in an atmosphere like he’ll see Saturday night in Tuscaloosa. I feel like things aren’t going to go well for Ewers and company. Former Saban assistants haven’t had much success against their former boss, and I feel like that trend continues for Steve Sarkisian. Alabama beats Texas for a second straight year, this time by more than just a point.
Alabama 33, Texas 21
No. 13 Oregon (-6.5) v. Texas Tech - 7:00 p.m. - FOX
I’m not going to pretend that I watched one second of Oregon’s season opener. The Ducks did exactly what they were supposed to do against Portland State, beating the Vikings 81-7. Bo Nix tossed three touchdowns and running back Bucky Irving rushed for 119 yards and two touchdowns on just four carries.
Unlike Oregon, I did watch a healthy amount of Texas Tech’s opener since I bet on the Red Raiders to score over 31.5 points. After scoring 17 points in the first quarter the Red Raiders had trouble getting their offense going until late in the fourth quarter and in the two overtimes in the game. Wyoming ended up winning because they were able to convert their two-point conversion in the second overtime.
A trip to Lubbock is never easy, and Texas Tech will want to put together a spirited performance for their quarterback Tyler Shough, who transferred from Oregon. Even with all that, I’m still going to ride with the Ducks, who are better on both sides of the football. Nix adds to the case he is stating to be a Heisman Trophy finalist, while Shough fails to get revenge against his former team.
Oregon 45, Texas Tech 28
Stanford v. No. 6 USC (-29.5) - 10:30 p.m. - FOX
I’m a little puzzled by this spread. I get that Stanford was a very tough watch last year, but they showed some promise in their win at Hawai’i in their season opener. Quarterback Ashton Daniels injected some excitement into the offense of the Cardinal, finding tight end Benjamin Yurosek nine times for 138 yards and a score. Running back Casey Filkins is back for Stanford, while E.J. Smith, son of NFL legend Emmitt Smith returns after suffering a knee injury last season.
Is USC the more talented and athletic team? Undoubtedly. The Trojans have handled their business in their first two games of the year, crushing San Jose State and Nevada. Caleb Williams has thrown nine touchdowns already this season, as he looks to become the second two-time Heisman Trophy winner.
Do you want to trust a team with a defense coached by Alex Grinch to win by at least 30 points? If you do, you have more guts than I do. No matter the record, there aren’t many huge blowouts in the series between USC and Stanford. The last time USC won by at least 30 points was back in 2006. I just don’t see a huge blowout happening in the final meeting between the schools as conference foes.
USC 41, Stanford 21
Auburn (-6.5) v. Cal - 10:30 p.m. - ESPN
Even though neither of these teams are currently ranked, I’m actually pretty intrigued by this game. Both teams almost hit 60 points in their first game of the season, as Auburn scored 59 points against UMass, while Cal ran up 58 points at North Texas. The Golden Bears rolled up 357 yards on the ground in their season opener, with Jaydn Ott accounting for 188 yards and two scores.
Auburn also did some damage on the ground last week, rushing for 289 yards against the Minutemen. Cal might have been a punching bag recently, but asking Hugh Freeze to go out west and beat a rejuvenated Cal squad by at least a touchdown in Berkeley in his second game in charge might be asking a little too much. The Golden Bears adds to the tremendous start to the season for the Pac-12 by upsetting the Tigers.
Cal 31, Auburn 27
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LGHL Column: A homer’s annual defense of Ryan Day, winner of nearly 90% of his games
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Column: A homer’s annual defense of Ryan Day, winner of nearly 90% of his games
Josh Dooley via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK
I guess we’re doing this again? Since Ohio State only squeaked out a 20-point conference road win to open their season? Ok, I’ll bite.
After getting bullied by Jim Harbaugh and TTUN, dropping a heartbreaker in last season’s College Football Playoff, and then ‘barely squeaking by’ Indiana to open the 2023 season, certain Ohio State fans are once again calling for Ryan Day’s head. What else is new? In other, equally shocking news, water is wet, and the sky is blue.
**This is where I could easily insert a tweet or something of that nature, in which somebody is saying that OSU should hire Mike Vrabel or perhaps even Bill Belichick or Andy Reid... but I choose to live in the real world.
Pockets of Buckeye Nation have essentially made this an annual exercise, where the rest of us are encouraged to grab our pitchforks and storm the castle known as The Woody. Because Day, who owns a pedestrian .885 winning percentage, is apparently not good enough. Or aggressive enough. He lacks the discipline of Jim Tressel. And/or the fire or Urban Meyer, both of whom won several national titles.
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Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images
Oh, what’s that? Tressel and Meyer each won just a single natty in Columbus? That can’t be right, because I’ve been told they coached circles around their peers.
Sarcasm aside, maybe Tressel and Meyer were better coaches than Day is or could ever aspire to be. After all, and taking into account their respective seasons spent in/at Division 1-AA and Florida, both did win multiple championships. But because we go through this exercise seemingly every year, I have now found myself making an annual argument... For, or in defense of, Ryan Day.
Why am I even remotely passionate about this? Why am I in the Day Hive? I’m not entirely sure, maybe I’m just a homer. Maybe I’m a big New Hampshire guy. I don’t know why I defend Day the way that I do. But what I do know is that I love when Ohio State wins football games. And last time I checked, only one other coach in the history of all freaking history has been able to lead the Buckeyes to victory roughly 90% of the time.
While Day certainly has things to work on and/or improve, I cannot for the life of me understand why some people are trying to run him out of town after each and every week that does not result in a 63-0 victory for the good guys. Is winning 88% of the time not good enough? Is making it to the final four or a national title game not good enough? Have some of us become so spoiled that we’re giving Day shit for achieving suboptimal results in Week 1? With a new quarterback and a new offensive line?
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Photo by Jason Mowry/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Give it some time. Day has earned the benefit of the doubt.
I get it. The head coach should be held accountable. He is responsible for the health, wellbeing, and overall performance of his program, of which he is the CEO. And a large handful of Day’s guys did not bring it or perform in Bloomington. And the coach appeared to be lacking confidence or trust... In something or somebody. But this most recent crummy week – of which there are few to hold against Day – does not negate or cancel out four plus seasons of exemplary performance.
If you do want to take umbrage with the results of the Day era, there is an argument to be made that Ohio State has underachieved when it matters most... Maybe. But what is underachieving? Not winning a title every season? Not winning one? Again, I get it. I hold my team and my alma mater to a high standard, even though I am not competing against anyone or anything on Saturday(s), other than the couch cushion that swallowed up my remote.
Perhaps Day and his teams have underachieved to a certain extent, but let’s be real. OSU has been in it to win it each and every year since he took over. And to say he fumbled the bag that was handed to him by Meyer is just flat-out false. I would argue all day that he (Day) has met, maintained, and/or upheld the standard, with the exception of his teams’ performances against TTUN. Those losses to the Wolverines are a tough look, but you know what? Harbaugh’s bunch is a hell of a lot better than they were prior to 2018.
And if Meyer is the gold standard – which I have no problem with, because I am also a Meyer guy – is it at least fair to say that Day has taken care of ‘day-to-day’ business in a much better fashion? Sure, I am referring to some of the off-the-field stuff, but how about just beating teams Ohio State is supposed to beat? When is the last time Day got his doors blown off by an unranked Iowa or Purdue team? Or lost to a conference opponent other than TTUN? Has he been shutout in a bowl game recently?
Let’s not live in some revisionist history world, where Meyer was end-all, be-all. He was flawed on and off the field. And there is an argument to be made that if Ezekiel Elliott didn’t play out of his damn mind for a few games, then the Swamp King himself might only be remembered as a guy who, metaphorically speaking, sold his soul to win at Florida but could never finish at Ohio State.
If not Meyer, then who else is the standard against which Ryan Day should be measured? Nick Saban? Sure, we would all love to have the GOAT coach our beloved team. But those individuals come along once in a generation or lifetime. Who else? Kirby Smart? Ok, I’ll listen. Although, it did take him six years to establish some sort of dominance in Athens. His program is also a bit of a mess off the field. But if winning is the only thing that matters, then yeah, maybe OSU should give ol’ Kirbs a shot.
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Kyle Robertson/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK
Then how much longer does the list get? How many other coaches would Buckeye fans rather pledge their undying allegiance to, if not Ryan Day? Well, Lincoln Riley wins a lot of games and helps others win Heisman trophies; how about him? I would only entertain the idea long enough to point out that Riley has lost at least two games in each of his seasons and still has a blind spot for Alex Grinch. Plus, who’s to say that he would not eventually bolt for another job in the middle of the night, if offered a big mansion and 24/7 access to a private jet?
How about Dabo Swinney? Is he still ‘the guy’? Seems like his stubbornness and recent results are trying to tell us otherwise. But hey, if you’re looking to recapture the magic of five years ago, perhaps Dabs is your ideal candidate. Let’s see, who else we got? Brian Kelly? Ha! James Franklin? Seems odd to go after a guy who has been repeatedly pantsed by Day ever since the latter took over in Columbus. I got it, I got it... How about Coach Prime!? Well, to that I would say: How about you give me a big, fat break?
I just don’t see where or who the obvious upgrade is. Who is this mythical coaching legend that is going to ride into The Shoe on a scarlet and gray unicorn and absolutely, unequivocally, without question elevate Ohio State to the next level? Who is it?
And that is my biggest reason for defending Day, as if he needs to be defended by some schmuck like me. I understand and admit that guy has some flaws, just like the rest of us —and every other football coach in the history of the sport. But if his floor is winning 88% of the time, shouldn’t you/we/whomever want the theoretical ceiling that comes along with it? Which is having a real title shot year after year after year.
Some would say that Day has done less with more, but I vehemently disagree. I mean, what is ‘less’ even referring to? Not winning a national championship or two? Ok, ya got me. But how about winning 46 out of 52? Is that ‘less’? Give me a break. Losses and defeats happen. Hopefully not to your rival, but did we really expect OSU to beat TTUN 29 straight times, the way they just did Indiana? Are they entitled to multiple... uh, titles? C’mon, grow up Peter Pan. Count Chocula.
Winning it all in college sports, pro sports, or even Monopoly is a difficult, difficult task. In college football there are 300+ losers every year. Which means that Alabama has been a loser four out of the last five years. It means TTUN has been a loser each and every year since 1997. Only one team wins!
At what point does Day deserve at least some credit and/or leeway and/or adequate respect, specifically from those calling for his job on a consistent basis? Only when he hoists the CFP trophy? I am not advocating for complacency, but c’mon. Let’s be realistic.
I say all that to say this: I know that not every Ohio State fan is protesting the mere existence of Ryan Day. But the vocal minority (or majority, who knows?) seems to get so, so, so much louder after a lackluster performance. And potentially against my better judgement, that is when I feel the need to jump in and write 1,500 or so words in defense of Day.
Before I go, I would also just remind the Day haters that he and the Buckeyes are a Clemson screwjob and a missed field goal away from playing in three out of the last four national championship games. They are right there. So have some faith, people. And look at some of the teams and programs that have ousted coaches for ‘only’ winning 9, 10, 11 games each year...
Their pursuit of absolute perfection has often ended poorly, to the point where sustained greatness or even ‘goodness’ has eluded them ever since. Ohio State, on the other hand, is actively enjoying a sustained run of greatness! So let’s not storm the gates of The Woody just yet.
Continue reading...
Josh Dooley via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK
I guess we’re doing this again? Since Ohio State only squeaked out a 20-point conference road win to open their season? Ok, I’ll bite.
After getting bullied by Jim Harbaugh and TTUN, dropping a heartbreaker in last season’s College Football Playoff, and then ‘barely squeaking by’ Indiana to open the 2023 season, certain Ohio State fans are once again calling for Ryan Day’s head. What else is new? In other, equally shocking news, water is wet, and the sky is blue.
**This is where I could easily insert a tweet or something of that nature, in which somebody is saying that OSU should hire Mike Vrabel or perhaps even Bill Belichick or Andy Reid... but I choose to live in the real world.
Pockets of Buckeye Nation have essentially made this an annual exercise, where the rest of us are encouraged to grab our pitchforks and storm the castle known as The Woody. Because Day, who owns a pedestrian .885 winning percentage, is apparently not good enough. Or aggressive enough. He lacks the discipline of Jim Tressel. And/or the fire or Urban Meyer, both of whom won several national titles.
Oh, what’s that? Tressel and Meyer each won just a single natty in Columbus? That can’t be right, because I’ve been told they coached circles around their peers.
Sarcasm aside, maybe Tressel and Meyer were better coaches than Day is or could ever aspire to be. After all, and taking into account their respective seasons spent in/at Division 1-AA and Florida, both did win multiple championships. But because we go through this exercise seemingly every year, I have now found myself making an annual argument... For, or in defense of, Ryan Day.
Why am I even remotely passionate about this? Why am I in the Day Hive? I’m not entirely sure, maybe I’m just a homer. Maybe I’m a big New Hampshire guy. I don’t know why I defend Day the way that I do. But what I do know is that I love when Ohio State wins football games. And last time I checked, only one other coach in the history of all freaking history has been able to lead the Buckeyes to victory roughly 90% of the time.
While Day certainly has things to work on and/or improve, I cannot for the life of me understand why some people are trying to run him out of town after each and every week that does not result in a 63-0 victory for the good guys. Is winning 88% of the time not good enough? Is making it to the final four or a national title game not good enough? Have some of us become so spoiled that we’re giving Day shit for achieving suboptimal results in Week 1? With a new quarterback and a new offensive line?
Give it some time. Day has earned the benefit of the doubt.
I get it. The head coach should be held accountable. He is responsible for the health, wellbeing, and overall performance of his program, of which he is the CEO. And a large handful of Day’s guys did not bring it or perform in Bloomington. And the coach appeared to be lacking confidence or trust... In something or somebody. But this most recent crummy week – of which there are few to hold against Day – does not negate or cancel out four plus seasons of exemplary performance.
If you do want to take umbrage with the results of the Day era, there is an argument to be made that Ohio State has underachieved when it matters most... Maybe. But what is underachieving? Not winning a title every season? Not winning one? Again, I get it. I hold my team and my alma mater to a high standard, even though I am not competing against anyone or anything on Saturday(s), other than the couch cushion that swallowed up my remote.
Perhaps Day and his teams have underachieved to a certain extent, but let’s be real. OSU has been in it to win it each and every year since he took over. And to say he fumbled the bag that was handed to him by Meyer is just flat-out false. I would argue all day that he (Day) has met, maintained, and/or upheld the standard, with the exception of his teams’ performances against TTUN. Those losses to the Wolverines are a tough look, but you know what? Harbaugh’s bunch is a hell of a lot better than they were prior to 2018.
Michigan in the 8 seasons before Jim Harbaugh:
Record: 55-46 (.544)
Conference Record: 30-34 (.405)
Bowl Record: 2-3 (.400)
3 Losing Seasons
1 10+ Win Season
0 Conference Titles
28 NFL Draft Picks
4 First Round Picks
2 Consensus All-Americans… pic.twitter.com/mvgvg7ZGtj
— College Football Report (@CFBRep) May 27, 2023
And if Meyer is the gold standard – which I have no problem with, because I am also a Meyer guy – is it at least fair to say that Day has taken care of ‘day-to-day’ business in a much better fashion? Sure, I am referring to some of the off-the-field stuff, but how about just beating teams Ohio State is supposed to beat? When is the last time Day got his doors blown off by an unranked Iowa or Purdue team? Or lost to a conference opponent other than TTUN? Has he been shutout in a bowl game recently?
Let’s not live in some revisionist history world, where Meyer was end-all, be-all. He was flawed on and off the field. And there is an argument to be made that if Ezekiel Elliott didn’t play out of his damn mind for a few games, then the Swamp King himself might only be remembered as a guy who, metaphorically speaking, sold his soul to win at Florida but could never finish at Ohio State.
If not Meyer, then who else is the standard against which Ryan Day should be measured? Nick Saban? Sure, we would all love to have the GOAT coach our beloved team. But those individuals come along once in a generation or lifetime. Who else? Kirby Smart? Ok, I’ll listen. Although, it did take him six years to establish some sort of dominance in Athens. His program is also a bit of a mess off the field. But if winning is the only thing that matters, then yeah, maybe OSU should give ol’ Kirbs a shot.
Then how much longer does the list get? How many other coaches would Buckeye fans rather pledge their undying allegiance to, if not Ryan Day? Well, Lincoln Riley wins a lot of games and helps others win Heisman trophies; how about him? I would only entertain the idea long enough to point out that Riley has lost at least two games in each of his seasons and still has a blind spot for Alex Grinch. Plus, who’s to say that he would not eventually bolt for another job in the middle of the night, if offered a big mansion and 24/7 access to a private jet?
How about Dabo Swinney? Is he still ‘the guy’? Seems like his stubbornness and recent results are trying to tell us otherwise. But hey, if you’re looking to recapture the magic of five years ago, perhaps Dabs is your ideal candidate. Let’s see, who else we got? Brian Kelly? Ha! James Franklin? Seems odd to go after a guy who has been repeatedly pantsed by Day ever since the latter took over in Columbus. I got it, I got it... How about Coach Prime!? Well, to that I would say: How about you give me a big, fat break?
I just don’t see where or who the obvious upgrade is. Who is this mythical coaching legend that is going to ride into The Shoe on a scarlet and gray unicorn and absolutely, unequivocally, without question elevate Ohio State to the next level? Who is it?
And that is my biggest reason for defending Day, as if he needs to be defended by some schmuck like me. I understand and admit that guy has some flaws, just like the rest of us —and every other football coach in the history of the sport. But if his floor is winning 88% of the time, shouldn’t you/we/whomever want the theoretical ceiling that comes along with it? Which is having a real title shot year after year after year.
Some would say that Day has done less with more, but I vehemently disagree. I mean, what is ‘less’ even referring to? Not winning a national championship or two? Ok, ya got me. But how about winning 46 out of 52? Is that ‘less’? Give me a break. Losses and defeats happen. Hopefully not to your rival, but did we really expect OSU to beat TTUN 29 straight times, the way they just did Indiana? Are they entitled to multiple... uh, titles? C’mon, grow up Peter Pan. Count Chocula.
Winning it all in college sports, pro sports, or even Monopoly is a difficult, difficult task. In college football there are 300+ losers every year. Which means that Alabama has been a loser four out of the last five years. It means TTUN has been a loser each and every year since 1997. Only one team wins!
At what point does Day deserve at least some credit and/or leeway and/or adequate respect, specifically from those calling for his job on a consistent basis? Only when he hoists the CFP trophy? I am not advocating for complacency, but c’mon. Let’s be realistic.
I say all that to say this: I know that not every Ohio State fan is protesting the mere existence of Ryan Day. But the vocal minority (or majority, who knows?) seems to get so, so, so much louder after a lackluster performance. And potentially against my better judgement, that is when I feel the need to jump in and write 1,500 or so words in defense of Day.
Before I go, I would also just remind the Day haters that he and the Buckeyes are a Clemson screwjob and a missed field goal away from playing in three out of the last four national championship games. They are right there. So have some faith, people. And look at some of the teams and programs that have ousted coaches for ‘only’ winning 9, 10, 11 games each year...
Their pursuit of absolute perfection has often ended poorly, to the point where sustained greatness or even ‘goodness’ has eluded them ever since. Ohio State, on the other hand, is actively enjoying a sustained run of greatness! So let’s not storm the gates of The Woody just yet.
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LGHL Why Archie Griffin is Ohio State’s ultimate game changer on and off the field
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Why Archie Griffin is Ohio State’s ultimate game changer on and off the field
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
For over half a century, Archie has been the face of not only the football program, but the entire Ohio State University.
SB Nation team communities will deep dive into the stories of the iconic sports figures who are known to be some of the league’s biggest game-changers while highlighting the game-changing moments that gave them that title. Here’s Land-Grant Holy Land on Archie Griffin.
If you are an Ohio State fan who has attended some sort of university-related event over the past 50 years — a game, a fundraiser, an awards ceremony, a golf outing, etc. — chances are good that you have had the pleasure of coming into contact with Archie Griffin at least once. College football’s only two-time Heisman Trophy winner has been an irrepressible presence in and around Buckeye Nation since he first burst onto the scene as a freshman running back in 1972.
Griffin’s game-changing on-field accomplishments are the stuff of legend, but he has made just as much of an impact off the field as well. Archie has become an ambassador — either officially or unofficially — not only for the OSU football program but for the university as a whole. Having previously served as the president and CEO of The Ohio State University Alumni Association, as an assistant athletic director, and as OSU’s senior advisor for advancement, he has often been the person asked to speak at everything from local alumni club meetings to fancy high-dollar galas, and no matter the setting, Archie has been there with his beaming, trademark smile ready to greet fans and sign as many autographs as it takes to send everybody home happy.
If you look on eBay for items signed by Archie Griffin, you will see literal thousands of programs, jerseys, mini-helmets, and anything else fans have on hand to be signed by the two-time Heisman winner. As if OSU fans weren’t predisposed to loving him already, his generosity of time, energy, and personality have so endeared Archie to Buckeye Nation that he is at least as popular as Brutus himself, if not more so. And, considering that Brutus Buckeye never ran for 1,500 yards in a season, I might go ahead and give Archie the benefit of the doubt on this one.
During his career, Griffin rushed for 5,589, still the program record by a staggering 1,130 yards over the career total of J.K. Dobbins. His sophomore season — which he should have won his first Heisman Trophy for — ended with 1,577 rushing yards, which still ranks as the eighth-best mark in program history, despite the fact that Ohio State only played 11 games — including the Rose Bowl — in 1973. Griffin also still holds two of the top-10 single-game rushing performances in Buckeye history.
Considering how much college football has changed since the early 1970s, as players get bigger, faster, and stronger and the game has titled so in favor of offenses, it is remarkable that Archie’s numbers have withstood the test of time.
For whatever reason, Griffin’s name doesn’t get included nearly enough in the conversations of best college football running backs of all time alongside Barry Sanders, Bo Jackson, Tony Dorsett, Ricky Williams, and others — perhaps because his NFL career was not as illustrious as theirs — but the impact that he had on college football, and especially the Ohio State program, is immeasurable.
What better proof of that could there be than the fact that in the 2023 spring game, the Buckeyes got Archie in on the action, allowing him to not only don his legendary No. 45 jersey (which he is often wont to do), but to score one more touchdown in Ohio Stadium in front of an adoring crowd. For Buckeye fans of a certain age, it is hard to watch the joy on Griffin’s face and the love and appreciation that the team has for him without tearing up.
But Archie has changed the game in so many non-football ways as well; first and foremost through the Archie Griffin Scholarship Fund. Through his annual golf outing and year-round fundraising, the organization creates scholarship opportunities for high school Olympic sport athletes to attend The Ohio State University. Archie has also long been the spokesperson for Wendy’s Heisman High School Scholarship, combining two of Columbus’ most prized exports, Buckeye football and square hamburger patties.
Griffin’s commitment to not only Ohio State athletes but to the university’s academic message as well has allowed him to transcend the scope of football and become an integral part of every aspect of the university and the greater Columbus community as a whole.
There have been many fantastic running backs to wear the scarlet and gray in the half-century since Archie stepped on campus — Dobbins, Eddie George, Ezekiel Elliott, Keith Byars, Tim Spencer, etc. — but it is hard to imagine anyone ever having the impact both on and off the field that Archie Griffin has had, a true game-changer in every imaginable way.
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Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
For over half a century, Archie has been the face of not only the football program, but the entire Ohio State University.
SB Nation team communities will deep dive into the stories of the iconic sports figures who are known to be some of the league’s biggest game-changers while highlighting the game-changing moments that gave them that title. Here’s Land-Grant Holy Land on Archie Griffin.
If you are an Ohio State fan who has attended some sort of university-related event over the past 50 years — a game, a fundraiser, an awards ceremony, a golf outing, etc. — chances are good that you have had the pleasure of coming into contact with Archie Griffin at least once. College football’s only two-time Heisman Trophy winner has been an irrepressible presence in and around Buckeye Nation since he first burst onto the scene as a freshman running back in 1972.
Griffin’s game-changing on-field accomplishments are the stuff of legend, but he has made just as much of an impact off the field as well. Archie has become an ambassador — either officially or unofficially — not only for the OSU football program but for the university as a whole. Having previously served as the president and CEO of The Ohio State University Alumni Association, as an assistant athletic director, and as OSU’s senior advisor for advancement, he has often been the person asked to speak at everything from local alumni club meetings to fancy high-dollar galas, and no matter the setting, Archie has been there with his beaming, trademark smile ready to greet fans and sign as many autographs as it takes to send everybody home happy.
If you look on eBay for items signed by Archie Griffin, you will see literal thousands of programs, jerseys, mini-helmets, and anything else fans have on hand to be signed by the two-time Heisman winner. As if OSU fans weren’t predisposed to loving him already, his generosity of time, energy, and personality have so endeared Archie to Buckeye Nation that he is at least as popular as Brutus himself, if not more so. And, considering that Brutus Buckeye never ran for 1,500 yards in a season, I might go ahead and give Archie the benefit of the doubt on this one.
During his career, Griffin rushed for 5,589, still the program record by a staggering 1,130 yards over the career total of J.K. Dobbins. His sophomore season — which he should have won his first Heisman Trophy for — ended with 1,577 rushing yards, which still ranks as the eighth-best mark in program history, despite the fact that Ohio State only played 11 games — including the Rose Bowl — in 1973. Griffin also still holds two of the top-10 single-game rushing performances in Buckeye history.
Considering how much college football has changed since the early 1970s, as players get bigger, faster, and stronger and the game has titled so in favor of offenses, it is remarkable that Archie’s numbers have withstood the test of time.
For whatever reason, Griffin’s name doesn’t get included nearly enough in the conversations of best college football running backs of all time alongside Barry Sanders, Bo Jackson, Tony Dorsett, Ricky Williams, and others — perhaps because his NFL career was not as illustrious as theirs — but the impact that he had on college football, and especially the Ohio State program, is immeasurable.
What better proof of that could there be than the fact that in the 2023 spring game, the Buckeyes got Archie in on the action, allowing him to not only don his legendary No. 45 jersey (which he is often wont to do), but to score one more touchdown in Ohio Stadium in front of an adoring crowd. For Buckeye fans of a certain age, it is hard to watch the joy on Griffin’s face and the love and appreciation that the team has for him without tearing up.
But Archie has changed the game in so many non-football ways as well; first and foremost through the Archie Griffin Scholarship Fund. Through his annual golf outing and year-round fundraising, the organization creates scholarship opportunities for high school Olympic sport athletes to attend The Ohio State University. Archie has also long been the spokesperson for Wendy’s Heisman High School Scholarship, combining two of Columbus’ most prized exports, Buckeye football and square hamburger patties.
Griffin’s commitment to not only Ohio State athletes but to the university’s academic message as well has allowed him to transcend the scope of football and become an integral part of every aspect of the university and the greater Columbus community as a whole.
There have been many fantastic running backs to wear the scarlet and gray in the half-century since Archie stepped on campus — Dobbins, Eddie George, Ezekiel Elliott, Keith Byars, Tim Spencer, etc. — but it is hard to imagine anyone ever having the impact both on and off the field that Archie Griffin has had, a true game-changer in every imaginable way.
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LGHL Buckeyes set to host more in-state targets on Saturday
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Buckeyes set to host more in-state targets on Saturday
Caleb Houser via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK
Ohio State will host an important four-star defensive back for this weekend’s matchup against Youngstown State.
It’s nearing Saturday thankfully, and better yet the Buckeyes are home. Ready to return to The Horseshoe, Ohio State will look to defend home turf this weekend and should be fine in their quest to start the season with two wins.
While the staff is mainly set on improving from last week and getting better every chance they have, this first home contest also allows recruiting efforts to be increased. Set on hosting several visitors on Saturday, the Buckeyes will look to win on the field, but also off with guys they’ll hope to add to their future recruiting classes.
In the 2024 recruiting class, the in-state Ohio products were once again the major priority for this coaching staff. The cornerback position was far and away the spot that was most critical for Ohio State this cycle in terms of need. Knowing the two most talented players in the state were both in the defensive backfield, the amount of effort and attention both Bryce West and Aaron Scott received proved how badly the Buckeyes needed the duo, and fortunately those efforts paid off with both being key members of this current class.
Looking ahead, the 2025 class within the Ohio borders is once again loaded with top national talent, and it will be the goal as always to lock down the top recruits Ohio State is already after. A similar situation, 2025 boasts another top tier defensive back in Northmont’s Dorian Brew, and with how important that position is in every recruiting class, the Buckeyes are already all over this recruitment and are looking to seal this one up early.
The No. 27 player nationally, Brew is the fifth-ranked cornerback in the class and the top player in Ohio per the 247Sports Composite. A 6-foot-2, 185 pound athlete with well over 20 offers to his name, Brew is set to be back on campus this weekend for the home opener versus Youngstown State. Though the trek to Columbus isn’t a long one, any time the Buckeyes can host the top in-state player for an unofficial visit it’s a win. Seeing how well the defense played last week, Brew has to like what he is seeing from the cornerback position and where he too could fit in the mix if he does in fact choose to stay close to home.
This will be a battle to fend off other top suitors, but knowing what it took in 2024, the Buckeyes will try to rinse and repeat their efforts as the rewards were certainly worth all of the time put in.
With in-state running back Marquise Davis continuing to be a real priority for position coach Tony Alford, this is one individual that St. Clair will look to be around for majority of the day. Looking ahead at the 2026 class, in-state offensive lineman Maxwell Riley should also see his fair share of time around St. Clair. Either way, this is a great chance for the Buckeyes to host, but also for guys already committed to show other priority targets why Columbus is the place to be.
The No. 172 player nationally, Hill is the 15th best edge rusher in the class and the seventh best player in Ohio per the 247Sports Composite for the 2025 class. The Buckeyes are in the mix here, but will look to continue their efforts until this one is done.
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Caleb Houser via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK
Ohio State will host an important four-star defensive back for this weekend’s matchup against Youngstown State.
It’s nearing Saturday thankfully, and better yet the Buckeyes are home. Ready to return to The Horseshoe, Ohio State will look to defend home turf this weekend and should be fine in their quest to start the season with two wins.
While the staff is mainly set on improving from last week and getting better every chance they have, this first home contest also allows recruiting efforts to be increased. Set on hosting several visitors on Saturday, the Buckeyes will look to win on the field, but also off with guys they’ll hope to add to their future recruiting classes.
In-state priority heading to campus this weekend
In the 2024 recruiting class, the in-state Ohio products were once again the major priority for this coaching staff. The cornerback position was far and away the spot that was most critical for Ohio State this cycle in terms of need. Knowing the two most talented players in the state were both in the defensive backfield, the amount of effort and attention both Bryce West and Aaron Scott received proved how badly the Buckeyes needed the duo, and fortunately those efforts paid off with both being key members of this current class.
Looking ahead, the 2025 class within the Ohio borders is once again loaded with top national talent, and it will be the goal as always to lock down the top recruits Ohio State is already after. A similar situation, 2025 boasts another top tier defensive back in Northmont’s Dorian Brew, and with how important that position is in every recruiting class, the Buckeyes are already all over this recruitment and are looking to seal this one up early.
The No. 27 player nationally, Brew is the fifth-ranked cornerback in the class and the top player in Ohio per the 247Sports Composite. A 6-foot-2, 185 pound athlete with well over 20 offers to his name, Brew is set to be back on campus this weekend for the home opener versus Youngstown State. Though the trek to Columbus isn’t a long one, any time the Buckeyes can host the top in-state player for an unofficial visit it’s a win. Seeing how well the defense played last week, Brew has to like what he is seeing from the cornerback position and where he too could fit in the mix if he does in fact choose to stay close to home.
This will be a battle to fend off other top suitors, but knowing what it took in 2024, the Buckeyes will try to rinse and repeat their efforts as the rewards were certainly worth all of the time put in.
Quick Hits
- In every recruiting class the quarterback position is looked at as one of the main leaders. For the Buckeyes and their 2025 cycle, in-state QB commit Tavien St. Clair certainly fits that mold, and will have another major opportunity this weekend to help build his class as a peer recruiter with multiple top targets in attendance.
With in-state running back Marquise Davis continuing to be a real priority for position coach Tony Alford, this is one individual that St. Clair will look to be around for majority of the day. Looking ahead at the 2026 class, in-state offensive lineman Maxwell Riley should also see his fair share of time around St. Clair. Either way, this is a great chance for the Buckeyes to host, but also for guys already committed to show other priority targets why Columbus is the place to be.
- A player that continues to see his stock to rise, Cincinnati, Ohio native Justin Hill is quickly becoming a household name around the country. A 6-foot-4, 215 pound athlete, Hill has offers from Alabama, Florida, Notre Dame, Oregon, USC, and a host of others including Ohio State. On Wednesday the offer train continued to roll, as Penn State also entered the mix.
The No. 172 player nationally, Hill is the 15th best edge rusher in the class and the seventh best player in Ohio per the 247Sports Composite for the 2025 class. The Buckeyes are in the mix here, but will look to continue their efforts until this one is done.
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LGHL In Conversation Podcast: Doug Lesmerises says Ohio State’s quarterback battle is over
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In Conversation Podcast: Doug Lesmerises says Ohio State’s quarterback battle is over
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK
Doug also gives us the details on the forthcoming “Kings of the North” podcast.
On Land-Grant Holy Land In Conversation, we talk to people in and around Ohio State athletics, and the sporting world at large, to bring you a different insight and perspective to the teams, athletes, and university that you love.
Listen to the episode and subscribe:
On today’s episode, Matt Tamanin is in conversation with one of the best and most interesting voices covering Ohio State football, The Podcast’s Doug Lesmerises. After nearly 15 years at The Cleveland Plain Dealer and cleveland.com, Doug recently moved over to The Podcast where he is reuniting with former colleague Bill Landis to host the new show “Kings of Columbus,” in which they dive deep into very specific topics about the Buckeye team.
Matt and Doug talk about Ohio State’s quarterback battle and whether or not it is actually ongoing. They talk about Ryan Day’s trust issues, the importance of asking good questions, and the surprise emergence of “The Chip Truck.”
Connect with Doug Lesmerises
Twitter: @douglesmerises
Listen to The Podcast featuring “Kings of Columbus,” eventually “Kings of the North,” and more:
YouTube: @ThePodcast_OhioState
Apple Podcasts: The Podcast
Connect with Matt Tamanini
Twitter: @BWWMatt
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Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK
Doug also gives us the details on the forthcoming “Kings of the North” podcast.
On Land-Grant Holy Land In Conversation, we talk to people in and around Ohio State athletics, and the sporting world at large, to bring you a different insight and perspective to the teams, athletes, and university that you love.
Listen to the episode and subscribe:
Subscribe: RSS | Apple | Spotify | Google Podcasts | iHeart Radio
On today’s episode, Matt Tamanin is in conversation with one of the best and most interesting voices covering Ohio State football, The Podcast’s Doug Lesmerises. After nearly 15 years at The Cleveland Plain Dealer and cleveland.com, Doug recently moved over to The Podcast where he is reuniting with former colleague Bill Landis to host the new show “Kings of Columbus,” in which they dive deep into very specific topics about the Buckeye team.
Matt and Doug talk about Ohio State’s quarterback battle and whether or not it is actually ongoing. They talk about Ryan Day’s trust issues, the importance of asking good questions, and the surprise emergence of “The Chip Truck.”
Connect with Doug Lesmerises
Twitter: @douglesmerises
Listen to The Podcast featuring “Kings of Columbus,” eventually “Kings of the North,” and more:
YouTube: @ThePodcast_OhioState
Apple Podcasts: The Podcast
Connect with Matt Tamanini
Twitter: @BWWMatt
Theme music provided by www.bensound.com
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