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LGHL You’re Nuts: Which Ohio State player would you take first in a college fantasy football draft?
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You’re Nuts: Which Ohio State player would you take first in a college fantasy football draft?
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 G Fiume/Getty Images
Your (almost) daily dose of good-natured, Ohio State banter.
Now that the calendar has turned to August, it’s time to get back into football mode. For many, that means drafting fantasy football teams for this season. While the majority of fantasy football leagues concentrate on the NFL, there are some out there that dive into the college ranks. The college leagues aren’t quite as common just because there are a lot more questions that come with setting up a college league.
Unlike the NFL, with a college fantasy football league you have to decide which conferences are included. Even if you only include the Power 5 conferences, a college football fantasy league could consist of 50-60 teams, which is almost double the size of what you would see in an NFL fantasy league. Also, a college fantasy league could be a little more frustrating at times since college teams don’t have to be as open with injury and availability reports.
One thing you can be sure about when it comes to college fantasy football leagues, is you’re going to see Ohio State players taken early and often. Even with a new starter, you’re likely to see Kyle McCord go early because of the potential he has to put up big numbers. At running back both TreVeyon Henderson and Miyan Williams could explode for big games at any time. And we can’t forget about Marvin Harrison Jr., Emeka Egbuka, Cade Stover, and the rest of the Buckeye receivers.
What we want to know today is who is the first Ohio State player you’d pick in a college fantasy football league. At all your common fantasy football positions, Ohio State can claim some of the best players in the country. For some the answer might be easy, but for others they might have a different strategy depending on who they had their eyes on at different positions from other schools. No matter what your strategy might be, at least we can all unite on rooting for the Bucks.
I know I’m not reinventing the wheel with this pick. Last year I was invited to compete in a college fantasy football league for the first time, and after drafting C.J. Stroud with my first pick, a few picks later I took Marvin Harrison Jr. Even though I ended up finishing third in the league, Harrison was a huge reason why I was able to at least get my entry fee back.
Even though Harrison loses Stroud as his quarterback, he hit the jackpot with Stroud’s replacement, as Kyle McCord was his quarterback in high school. Harrison is the favorite to win the Biletnikoff Award as the nation’s best receiver, and he is a dark horse candidate for the Heisman Trophy. It also helps that Harrison has Emeka Egbuka lining up with him at receiver, along with a talented crop of young wideouts, which will force opponents to make a tough decision on how they cover Harrison and the rest of the Buckeye receivers.
I was tempted to take McCord or Henderson with this pick, but I decided the best pick was the proven commodity. McCord certainly has talent, but I need to see him display those abilities consistently in games. Henderson has shown he can put together a monster season, I’m just a little leery because he had such a hard time staying healthy last year. Plus, we don’t know how much the split of carries between him and Miyan Williams will be.
It’s very likely this is the last year we’ll see Harrison at Ohio State, so there’s reason to think he’s going to make it a special one. Plus, you just know Harrison has a sour taste in his mouth after the way the season ended last year, not only for himself, but for the Buckeyes in the loss to Georgia. This season is likely going to see Harrison in the end zone a lot, and it feels like all the single-season Ohio State receiving records are within reach of the outstanding wideout.
I certainly understand Brett’s rationale on this. Marvin Harrison Jr. is arguably the best non-quarterback in the country and the crown jewel in Ryan Day’s offensive crown. However, if we are talking about fantasy football strategy, I am going to have to keep it simple and pick a quarterback.
I know that Myle McCord has not yet been officially named OSU’s starter, and he might not even eventually earn the job, but I think most folks assume that is the most likely outcome of the fall quarterback battle. So, assuming that to be the case, I am more than comfortable taking the guy who will be throwing to Harrison, Emeka Egbuka, Cade Stover, Julian Fleming, Carnell Tate, Jayden Ballard, Brandon Inniss, et al., this season.
If we expanded this discussion to all of college football, McCord probably wouldn’t be the No. 1 QB on my board, but he would probably be in my top five. Look at the numbers that Buckeye quarterbacks have put up under Day; how can you argue against that? Sure, I understand that there might be some concern about banking on a first-time starter, especially one that has had as few true opportunities over his first two years in Columbus as McCord has, but no matter who Day, Brian Hartline, and Corey Dennis settle on, he’s going to wrack up yards and touchdowns; how could he not?
I would argue that the number of uber-talented play-making pass-catchers on this roster should be borderline illegal if it wasn’t for the fact that they are on the team that I root for. So while I am not 100% sure of what we are going to get out of McCord this season, I have very little hesitation in assuming that he will put up stats. Will they be Dwayne Haskins-level, record-setting stats? Probably not, but I am willing to bet that they will still be pretty darn good.
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 G Fiume/Getty Images
Your (almost) daily dose of good-natured, Ohio State banter.
Now that the calendar has turned to August, it’s time to get back into football mode. For many, that means drafting fantasy football teams for this season. While the majority of fantasy football leagues concentrate on the NFL, there are some out there that dive into the college ranks. The college leagues aren’t quite as common just because there are a lot more questions that come with setting up a college league.
Unlike the NFL, with a college fantasy football league you have to decide which conferences are included. Even if you only include the Power 5 conferences, a college football fantasy league could consist of 50-60 teams, which is almost double the size of what you would see in an NFL fantasy league. Also, a college fantasy league could be a little more frustrating at times since college teams don’t have to be as open with injury and availability reports.
One thing you can be sure about when it comes to college fantasy football leagues, is you’re going to see Ohio State players taken early and often. Even with a new starter, you’re likely to see Kyle McCord go early because of the potential he has to put up big numbers. At running back both TreVeyon Henderson and Miyan Williams could explode for big games at any time. And we can’t forget about Marvin Harrison Jr., Emeka Egbuka, Cade Stover, and the rest of the Buckeye receivers.
What we want to know today is who is the first Ohio State player you’d pick in a college fantasy football league. At all your common fantasy football positions, Ohio State can claim some of the best players in the country. For some the answer might be easy, but for others they might have a different strategy depending on who they had their eyes on at different positions from other schools. No matter what your strategy might be, at least we can all unite on rooting for the Bucks.
Today’s question: Which Ohio State player would you pick first in a college fantasy football league draft?
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: Marvin Harrison Jr.
I know I’m not reinventing the wheel with this pick. Last year I was invited to compete in a college fantasy football league for the first time, and after drafting C.J. Stroud with my first pick, a few picks later I took Marvin Harrison Jr. Even though I ended up finishing third in the league, Harrison was a huge reason why I was able to at least get my entry fee back.
Even though Harrison loses Stroud as his quarterback, he hit the jackpot with Stroud’s replacement, as Kyle McCord was his quarterback in high school. Harrison is the favorite to win the Biletnikoff Award as the nation’s best receiver, and he is a dark horse candidate for the Heisman Trophy. It also helps that Harrison has Emeka Egbuka lining up with him at receiver, along with a talented crop of young wideouts, which will force opponents to make a tough decision on how they cover Harrison and the rest of the Buckeye receivers.
I was tempted to take McCord or Henderson with this pick, but I decided the best pick was the proven commodity. McCord certainly has talent, but I need to see him display those abilities consistently in games. Henderson has shown he can put together a monster season, I’m just a little leery because he had such a hard time staying healthy last year. Plus, we don’t know how much the split of carries between him and Miyan Williams will be.
It’s very likely this is the last year we’ll see Harrison at Ohio State, so there’s reason to think he’s going to make it a special one. Plus, you just know Harrison has a sour taste in his mouth after the way the season ended last year, not only for himself, but for the Buckeyes in the loss to Georgia. This season is likely going to see Harrison in the end zone a lot, and it feels like all the single-season Ohio State receiving records are within reach of the outstanding wideout.
Matt’s answer: Kyle McCord
I certainly understand Brett’s rationale on this. Marvin Harrison Jr. is arguably the best non-quarterback in the country and the crown jewel in Ryan Day’s offensive crown. However, if we are talking about fantasy football strategy, I am going to have to keep it simple and pick a quarterback.
I know that Myle McCord has not yet been officially named OSU’s starter, and he might not even eventually earn the job, but I think most folks assume that is the most likely outcome of the fall quarterback battle. So, assuming that to be the case, I am more than comfortable taking the guy who will be throwing to Harrison, Emeka Egbuka, Cade Stover, Julian Fleming, Carnell Tate, Jayden Ballard, Brandon Inniss, et al., this season.
If we expanded this discussion to all of college football, McCord probably wouldn’t be the No. 1 QB on my board, but he would probably be in my top five. Look at the numbers that Buckeye quarterbacks have put up under Day; how can you argue against that? Sure, I understand that there might be some concern about banking on a first-time starter, especially one that has had as few true opportunities over his first two years in Columbus as McCord has, but no matter who Day, Brian Hartline, and Corey Dennis settle on, he’s going to wrack up yards and touchdowns; how could he not?
I would argue that the number of uber-talented play-making pass-catchers on this roster should be borderline illegal if it wasn’t for the fact that they are on the team that I root for. So while I am not 100% sure of what we are going to get out of McCord this season, I have very little hesitation in assuming that he will put up stats. Will they be Dwayne Haskins-level, record-setting stats? Probably not, but I am willing to bet that they will still be pretty darn good.
Continue reading...
LGHL Ohio State Football Countdown: 25
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Ohio State Football Countdown: 25
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 Lon Horwedel/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
One play or big moment per day as we count down to the start of Ohio State’s 2023 football season.
As we count down to the start of the 2023 season, we will be looking back at one play or big moment in Ohio State history over the past decade or so that corresponds to the remaining days left until Buckeyes take the field against Indiana on Sept. 2. There are 25 days remaining.
Ohio State isn’t exactly the school of the tight end — despite the annual offseason conversations — but that doesn’t mean the position hasn’t made some key plays in some of the Buckeyes’ biggest games. While Marcus Baugh is likely best remembered for his go-ahead score against Penn State in 2017, this 25-yard TD against Michigan in that same season was crucial in evening up the score and helping aid in Ohio State’s 31-20 come-from-behind victory. This was J.T. Barrett’s only TD pass in the game before he was injured and replaced by Dwayne Haskins, who finished 6-of-7 passing with 94 yards as the Buckeyes outscored the Wolverines 31-6 after the first quarter.
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 Lon Horwedel/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
One play or big moment per day as we count down to the start of Ohio State’s 2023 football season.
As we count down to the start of the 2023 season, we will be looking back at one play or big moment in Ohio State history over the past decade or so that corresponds to the remaining days left until Buckeyes take the field against Indiana on Sept. 2. There are 25 days remaining.
Play of the Day: Marcus Baugh’s 25-yard TD vs. Michigan (2017)
Ohio State isn’t exactly the school of the tight end — despite the annual offseason conversations — but that doesn’t mean the position hasn’t made some key plays in some of the Buckeyes’ biggest games. While Marcus Baugh is likely best remembered for his go-ahead score against Penn State in 2017, this 25-yard TD against Michigan in that same season was crucial in evening up the score and helping aid in Ohio State’s 31-20 come-from-behind victory. This was J.T. Barrett’s only TD pass in the game before he was injured and replaced by Dwayne Haskins, who finished 6-of-7 passing with 94 yards as the Buckeyes outscored the Wolverines 31-6 after the first quarter.
Players to Wear the #25 (since 2010):
- Vincent Petrella (2010-11)
- Bradley Roby (2010-11)
- Bri’onte Dunn (2012-15)
- Kevin Niehoff (2013)
- Logan Kelleher (2015-16)
- Mike Weber (2016-18)
- Brendon White (2017-18)
- Jaylen Johnson (2021)
- Kai Saunders (2022-present)
- Malik Hartford (present)
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LGHL Player to Watch: Tommy Eichenberg eyeing historic season at linebacker
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Player to Watch: Tommy Eichenberg eyeing historic season at linebacker
meganhusslein via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Michael Wade/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Especially after getting snubbed for the Butkus Award...
Every day from now until the start of the season, Land-Grant Holy Land is highlighting Ohio State football players that you should be watching this season. Check out all of our ”Player to Watch” articles to get ready for the season opener against Indiana.
While Tommy Eichenberg may not be much of a vocal leader, he certainly lets his play on the field do the talking. The fifth-year senior had a monstrous season leading the linebacker group last year, and is looking to dominate alongside Steele Chambers again this year. How high should the expectations be for him?
In my opinion, pretty dang high. In 2022, he was First Team Big Ten, Second Team All-American and a Butkus Award semifinalist. He was snubbed from winning the dang award for the nation’s best linebacker, much less not even being named a finalist! Iowa’s Jack Campbell took it home, but he had only eight more total tackles on the season than Eichenberg.
The Buckeye LB had 120 total tackles in 2022, with 77 solo tackles (Campbell had 60, but whatever), 12 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks. In fact, the 77 solo stops are the most in nine seasons by a Buckeye since Ryan Shazier had 101 in 2013, and the second-most in the last 20 years. He is the heart and soul of this defense.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24836804/1245126934.jpg "COLLEGE FOOTBALL: NOV 26 Michigan at Ohio State")
Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Eichenberg really broke out in 2021, when he was second on the team in tackles with 64. He actually set a Rose Bowl-record 17 tackles versus Utah, which included 11 solo stops. After looking at how much he improved last season, there is no reason why he shouldn’t be even better this year.
With an experienced defensive line and Jack Sawyer back at defensive end full-time, this should allow Eichenberg and Chambers to make a ton of stops. Additionally, with a year under Jim Knowles’ system, Eichenberg should be completely confident out there.
The linebacker also had the entire offseason to get healthy, as he played most of the 2022 season with two broken hands — yet he STILL managed to put up these kind of numbers. Imagine what kind of dominance he can inflict if he is 100 percent and not in pain on every single play he makes.
At the very least, my goals for Eichenberg this year are as follows...
One, he should be First Team All-Big Ten again (duh). I also believe he should be a First Team All-American, as his main competition in Campbell is now a Detriot Lion. My biggest hope for Eichenberg is that he wins the Butkus Award, not even just a finalist. He deserved it last season, and if he builds upon that, then there is no reason why he can’t be the best linebacker in America.
Continue reading...
meganhusslein via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Michael Wade/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Especially after getting snubbed for the Butkus Award...
Every day from now until the start of the season, Land-Grant Holy Land is highlighting Ohio State football players that you should be watching this season. Check out all of our ”Player to Watch” articles to get ready for the season opener against Indiana.
While Tommy Eichenberg may not be much of a vocal leader, he certainly lets his play on the field do the talking. The fifth-year senior had a monstrous season leading the linebacker group last year, and is looking to dominate alongside Steele Chambers again this year. How high should the expectations be for him?
In my opinion, pretty dang high. In 2022, he was First Team Big Ten, Second Team All-American and a Butkus Award semifinalist. He was snubbed from winning the dang award for the nation’s best linebacker, much less not even being named a finalist! Iowa’s Jack Campbell took it home, but he had only eight more total tackles on the season than Eichenberg.
The Buckeye LB had 120 total tackles in 2022, with 77 solo tackles (Campbell had 60, but whatever), 12 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks. In fact, the 77 solo stops are the most in nine seasons by a Buckeye since Ryan Shazier had 101 in 2013, and the second-most in the last 20 years. He is the heart and soul of this defense.
Eichenberg really broke out in 2021, when he was second on the team in tackles with 64. He actually set a Rose Bowl-record 17 tackles versus Utah, which included 11 solo stops. After looking at how much he improved last season, there is no reason why he shouldn’t be even better this year.
With an experienced defensive line and Jack Sawyer back at defensive end full-time, this should allow Eichenberg and Chambers to make a ton of stops. Additionally, with a year under Jim Knowles’ system, Eichenberg should be completely confident out there.
The linebacker also had the entire offseason to get healthy, as he played most of the 2022 season with two broken hands — yet he STILL managed to put up these kind of numbers. Imagine what kind of dominance he can inflict if he is 100 percent and not in pain on every single play he makes.
At the very least, my goals for Eichenberg this year are as follows...
One, he should be First Team All-Big Ten again (duh). I also believe he should be a First Team All-American, as his main competition in Campbell is now a Detriot Lion. My biggest hope for Eichenberg is that he wins the Butkus Award, not even just a finalist. He deserved it last season, and if he builds upon that, then there is no reason why he can’t be the best linebacker in America.
Continue reading...
