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LGHL You’re Nuts: What would be the funniest outcome of this year’s version of The Game?
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You’re Nuts: What would be the funniest outcome of this year’s version of The Game?
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Scott W. Grau/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Your (almost) daily dose of good-natured, Ohio State banter.
Everybody knows that one of the best parts of being a sports fan is debating and dissecting the most (and least) important questions in the sporting world with your friends. So, we’re bringing that to the pages of LGHL with our favorite head-to-head column: You’re Nuts.
In You’re Nuts, two LGHL staff members will take differing sides of one question and argue their opinions passionately. Then, in the end, it’s up to you to determine who’s right and who’s nuts.
Regardless of how The Game shakes out, Saturday’s matchup between Ohio State and their rivals to the north will be inherently hilarious to one of the two fan bases: Either the Buckeyes hand TTUN their sixth (!!!) loss of the season or the Wolverines interfere with OSU’s Big Ten title hopes.
Either way, one fan base is cackling like a hyena. Matt & I are working under the assumption that Buckeye fans will be the ones having the last laugh this time.
Now, a lot of times when I see “haha wouldn’t it be so funny if…” pieces, we get one of two angles: “Wouldn’t it be so funny if Team A absolutely blows out Team B (in this case, I would like OSU to blow out TTUN, and I would laugh, but it’s not exactly the most creative scenario),” or “Wouldn’t it be so funny if so-and-so got injured?”
You won’t get either of those from me: We can do better than Scenario No. 1 and Scenario No. 2 is never funny. We don’t wish injuries on the real human beings playing the game, and if you are someone who does, please seek professional help. OK, glad we got that out of the way.
But since Matt and I both believe the Buckeyes will win big this weekend anyway (I’m talking by a minimum of four touchdowns), it would be especially funny if, in the spirit of the rivalry, the Best Damn Band in the Land rubbed a little extra salt in the wound.
Some of you might have seen clips from TBDBITL’s halftime performance against Purdue, in which they formed the shape of a bear taking a dump on our rival’s logo (and actually, it would be super funny if that was somehow prophetic and an actual bear got loose in the stadium and took a dump in our opponents’ locker room, but I neither foresee that happening nor am I sure they’d be able to play with a giant grizzly running around, and I for one want to watch football).
So instead, it would be flawless comedy if TBDBITL took the opportunity to do a halftime performance reenacting each of TTUN’s five losses so far this season.
Halftime performances typically last around eight minutes, which is plenty of time to act out some of our rival’s funniest flops so far this season. We could open on Texas, on UM tight end Colston Loveland’s unforced fumble.
Follow it with fans storming the field after the Washington Huskies beat the Wolverines in a national championship rematch (albeit between two very different football teams this time around). Then we jump to the following week, where quarterback Jack Tuttle got pummeled with sack after sack from Illinois.
We’d follow the Wolverines through their blowout loss against Oregon and their 20-15 loss to then-No. 8 Indiana. And then we bring it home with a real-time update from Brutus and the band, showcasing the halftime score of the ongoing game against OSU (with Ohio State handily in the lead).
There’s something so funny to me, on both sides, when the rivalry leads to deeply petty nonsense, whether it’s coaches trash-talking, fans scribbling out the Ms all over campus (or in Ann Arbor, refusing to wear red), anything of that nature, so having the band get in on the fun in what should be a blowout game is a harmless yet hilarious way to make our dominance known and felt after three years of misery.
Since nearly the second that No. 2 Ohio State’s 38-15 victory over then-No. 10 Indiana became official, Buckeye quarterback Will Howard has been talking about why he is so passionate about beating That Team Up North. For a guy who only arrived in Columbus in January, he clearly understands the stakes of this rivalry from all angles.
Chief amongst them is that he wants to win for head coach Ryan Day. After winning The Game in his first season in charge in 2019, then having Jim Harbaugh use COVID as an excuse to chicken out of playing in 2020, Day has lost three straight games against the Mitten Men. Over those three disappointing seasons, the coach has taken the brunt of the criticism from fans and the college football media. That criticism has clearly stung his players.
When you throw in the idiotic way that TTUN fans and players have viciously gone after Day following games and in the wake of their self-imposed cheating scandal, OSU players are taking attacks on their coach incredibly personally.
So, what would be the funniest way for this year’s rivalry game to go? In my mind, it would be for Day to get his ultimate revenge, not only in breaking the three-year, cheating-induced losing streak but in finally living up to the goal he laid out in front of his team four years ago... to “hang 100 on ‘em.”
While Day’s comments were made in a private team meeting, they somehow leaked out and became a rallying point for Buckeye fans, but a thorn in the craw of the Weasels. So, given TTUN’s putrid offense and uneven defense, and Ohio State’s star-riddled roster, it feels like if it’s ever going to happen, it would have to be this year.
A few seasons ago I looked at what it would actually take to make this nearly impossible feat happen. It almost certainly won’t come to pass this year, especially considering that the Buckeyes have played deliberately slowly this season and the Corn and Blue utilizes a run-focused offense, meaning that there probably won’t be time to score that many points.
However, I get the sense that Day and his team are out for blood. So, expect surprises, whether that means picking up the pace, throwing in some trick plays, or going for two (because you couldn’t go for three. While getting to triple digits might not actually be in the cards for the Buckeyes, I wouldn’t be opposed to seeing them put up a 50-burger instead.
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 Scott W. Grau/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Your (almost) daily dose of good-natured, Ohio State banter.
Everybody knows that one of the best parts of being a sports fan is debating and dissecting the most (and least) important questions in the sporting world with your friends. So, we’re bringing that to the pages of LGHL with our favorite head-to-head column: You’re Nuts.
In You’re Nuts, two LGHL staff members will take differing sides of one question and argue their opinions passionately. Then, in the end, it’s up to you to determine who’s right and who’s nuts.
Today’s Question: What would be the funniest outcome of this year’s version of The Game?
Jami’s Take: TBDBITL rubs salt in an open wound
Regardless of how The Game shakes out, Saturday’s matchup between Ohio State and their rivals to the north will be inherently hilarious to one of the two fan bases: Either the Buckeyes hand TTUN their sixth (!!!) loss of the season or the Wolverines interfere with OSU’s Big Ten title hopes.
Either way, one fan base is cackling like a hyena. Matt & I are working under the assumption that Buckeye fans will be the ones having the last laugh this time.
Now, a lot of times when I see “haha wouldn’t it be so funny if…” pieces, we get one of two angles: “Wouldn’t it be so funny if Team A absolutely blows out Team B (in this case, I would like OSU to blow out TTUN, and I would laugh, but it’s not exactly the most creative scenario),” or “Wouldn’t it be so funny if so-and-so got injured?”
You won’t get either of those from me: We can do better than Scenario No. 1 and Scenario No. 2 is never funny. We don’t wish injuries on the real human beings playing the game, and if you are someone who does, please seek professional help. OK, glad we got that out of the way.
But since Matt and I both believe the Buckeyes will win big this weekend anyway (I’m talking by a minimum of four touchdowns), it would be especially funny if, in the spirit of the rivalry, the Best Damn Band in the Land rubbed a little extra salt in the wound.
Some of you might have seen clips from TBDBITL’s halftime performance against Purdue, in which they formed the shape of a bear taking a dump on our rival’s logo (and actually, it would be super funny if that was somehow prophetic and an actual bear got loose in the stadium and took a dump in our opponents’ locker room, but I neither foresee that happening nor am I sure they’d be able to play with a giant grizzly running around, and I for one want to watch football).
We went on an adventure to the zoo!
Full Show: https://t.co/sJzzVHFkte pic.twitter.com/UhqWTw5n6z
— The Ohio State Universityarching Band (@TBDBITL) November 9, 2024
So instead, it would be flawless comedy if TBDBITL took the opportunity to do a halftime performance reenacting each of TTUN’s five losses so far this season.
Halftime performances typically last around eight minutes, which is plenty of time to act out some of our rival’s funniest flops so far this season. We could open on Texas, on UM tight end Colston Loveland’s unforced fumble.
Follow it with fans storming the field after the Washington Huskies beat the Wolverines in a national championship rematch (albeit between two very different football teams this time around). Then we jump to the following week, where quarterback Jack Tuttle got pummeled with sack after sack from Illinois.
We’d follow the Wolverines through their blowout loss against Oregon and their 20-15 loss to then-No. 8 Indiana. And then we bring it home with a real-time update from Brutus and the band, showcasing the halftime score of the ongoing game against OSU (with Ohio State handily in the lead).
There’s something so funny to me, on both sides, when the rivalry leads to deeply petty nonsense, whether it’s coaches trash-talking, fans scribbling out the Ms all over campus (or in Ann Arbor, refusing to wear red), anything of that nature, so having the band get in on the fun in what should be a blowout game is a harmless yet hilarious way to make our dominance known and felt after three years of misery.
Matt’s Take: Ryan Day and the Buckeyes hang 100 on ‘em
Since nearly the second that No. 2 Ohio State’s 38-15 victory over then-No. 10 Indiana became official, Buckeye quarterback Will Howard has been talking about why he is so passionate about beating That Team Up North. For a guy who only arrived in Columbus in January, he clearly understands the stakes of this rivalry from all angles.
Chief amongst them is that he wants to win for head coach Ryan Day. After winning The Game in his first season in charge in 2019, then having Jim Harbaugh use COVID as an excuse to chicken out of playing in 2020, Day has lost three straight games against the Mitten Men. Over those three disappointing seasons, the coach has taken the brunt of the criticism from fans and the college football media. That criticism has clearly stung his players.
When you throw in the idiotic way that TTUN fans and players have viciously gone after Day following games and in the wake of their self-imposed cheating scandal, OSU players are taking attacks on their coach incredibly personally.
So, what would be the funniest way for this year’s rivalry game to go? In my mind, it would be for Day to get his ultimate revenge, not only in breaking the three-year, cheating-induced losing streak but in finally living up to the goal he laid out in front of his team four years ago... to “hang 100 on ‘em.”
While Day’s comments were made in a private team meeting, they somehow leaked out and became a rallying point for Buckeye fans, but a thorn in the craw of the Weasels. So, given TTUN’s putrid offense and uneven defense, and Ohio State’s star-riddled roster, it feels like if it’s ever going to happen, it would have to be this year.
A few seasons ago I looked at what it would actually take to make this nearly impossible feat happen. It almost certainly won’t come to pass this year, especially considering that the Buckeyes have played deliberately slowly this season and the Corn and Blue utilizes a run-focused offense, meaning that there probably won’t be time to score that many points.
However, I get the sense that Day and his team are out for blood. So, expect surprises, whether that means picking up the pace, throwing in some trick plays, or going for two (because you couldn’t go for three. While getting to triple digits might not actually be in the cards for the Buckeyes, I wouldn’t be opposed to seeing them put up a 50-burger instead.
Let us know who you are agreeing with:
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LGHL MC&J: Week 14 in the Big Ten has Ohio State looking for revenge on Michigan
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MC&J: Week 14 in the Big Ten has Ohio State looking for revenge on Michigan
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
The Buckeyes are favored by three touchdowns over the Wolverines. Plus, all the rest of the conference action on the regular season’s final weekend.
Last Week ATS: 12-3 (5-2 National, 7-1 B1G)
Season ATS: 106-106 (43-47 National, 63-59 B1G)
Here I was just hoping to make it to .500 by the end of the regular season, but last week saw me go 12-3 to even up my overall regular season record. Now to capitalize on the momentum from last week and pick some winners before we roll into conference championship weekend next week.
Happy Thanksgiving to all!
Minnesota v. Wisconsin (-1.5) - Friday 12:00 p.m. ET - CBS
The Golden Gophers were so close to an upset last week, losing to Penn State by just a point in Minneapolis. At least Minnesota already has the six wins necessary to earn bowl eligibility, so this week they can focus solely on regaining ownership of Paul Bunyan’s Axe after the Badgers snapped their two-game losing streak to their neighbors to the west last year. Minnesota does a lot of things well, they just aren’t really great at anything, which is why only two of their eight Big Ten games this year have been decided by more than eight points.
Luke Fickell has to be torn about this game. Even though it would be great to beat your rival and gain bowl eligibility, he probably just wants this nightmare of a season to be over. The Badgers have lost four games in a row, with their most recent setback being a 44-25 loss to Nebraska in the first game after firing offensive coordinator Phil Longo. I’m not putting much stock in Braedyn Locke throwing for nearly 300 yards and three touchdowns against the Cornhuskers since Wisconsin had to put the ball in the air since they trailed by double digits for most of the game.
Despite playing in Madison, I can’t trust Wisconsin in this game after seeing how they have played over the last month. I know this is a rivalry game, I just don’t feel like there will be much motivation and fight from the Badgers here. Minnesota grinds out another win, halting their two-game losing streak.
Minnesota 24, Wisconsin 17
Nebraska v. Iowa (-5.5) - Friday 7:30 p.m. ET - NBC
Nebraska and Matt Rhule have to be breathing a huge sigh of relief after beating Wisconsin last week, earning bowl eligibility for the first time since 2016. The offense of the Cornhuskers was clicking on all cylinders, rolling up 473 yards of offense in the 44-25 win over the Badgers.
Patrick Mahomes cosplayer Dylan Raiola had his best game in a while, crossing 200 yards passing for the first time in a month, and not throwing a pick in a game since late September against Purdue.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25761963/2186721494.jpg "Wisconsin v Nebraska")
Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images
I guess it doesn’t really matter if Cade McNamara clears concussion protocol and is able to play on Friday since the offense of the Hawkeyes revolves around Kaleb Johnson. The running back enters this week’s game with nearly 1,500 yards rushing and 21 touchdowns.
Unfortunately for Johnson this week he’ll be going up against a Nebraska defense that is solid against the run. Last month the Cornhuskers allowed Ohio State to rush for just 64 yards, and this week they’ll be able to key on Johnson since the Iowa offense doesn’t offer much through the air.
Usually games between these teams come down to the wire, so I’ll gladly take the points.
Nebraska 23, Iowa 20
No. 23 Illinois (-7.5) v. Northwestern - 12:00 p.m. ET - Big Ten Network
How Illinois won last week’s game against Rutgers is beyond me. Kudos to the Fighting Illini for never giving up despite losing the lead to the Scarlet Knights with a minute to go. Bret Bielema has now led Illinois to eight wins for the second time in the last three seasons. Luke Altmyer might be one of the most underrated quarterbacks in the country, throwing 20 touchdowns and just three interceptions this year.
Northwestern comes into the Lincoln Log Battle, or whatever they are calling the battle for bragging rights in Illinois, having lost four of their last five games. Take away an overtime win over Purdue and the Wildcats have only reached double figures in one of those four losses, scoring 14 points against Iowa. Northwestern even let offensively challenged Michigan to drop a 50-burger on them last week.
The Wildcats don’t have enough offense to push the Fighting Illini and they don’t have enough defense to keep Altmyer and Illinois from piling on the points.
Illinois 31, Northwestern 14
No. 5 Notre Dame (-7.5) v. USC - 3:30 p.m. ET - CBS
I’m a sicko who stayed up way too late last Saturday to watch USC-UCLA since I had USC moneyline in a parlay with a couple other late games. Even though the Trojans beat the Bruins they are not a good team. Jayden Maiava had a few moments in his second start of the season, the issue with the UNLV transfer is he is too inconsistent throwing the football. Maiava won’t be able to get away with any mistakes against a Notre Dame defense that is one of the best in the country.
Notre Dame has rebounded from their puzzling loss to Northern Illinois earlier this season, winning all but one game by double digits since. It’s not like Duke transfer Riley Leonard is putting up big numbers, the Fighting Irish are just wearing their opponents out. Running back Jeremiyah Love has 14 rushing touchdowns, and the defense is forcing turnovers and putting their offense in favorable positions. I don’t see that changing against a USC squad that is undisciplined.
The Fighting Irish secure a home playoff game by finishing their regular season at 11-1.
Notre Dame 34, USC 21
Maryland v. No. 4 Penn State (-24.5) - 3:30 p.m. ET - Big Ten Network
Penn State almost saw their playoff hopes take a massive hit last week. Luckily for the Nittany Lions they regrouped in time to earn a 26-25 win at Minnesota. I had a feeling the game with the Golden Gophers would be close, I just had no idea it would see Penn State almost lose.
Now the Nittany Lions close out their regular season with a home game against Maryland. By the time of kickoff James Franklin’s team will likely know their fate when it comes to the Big Ten title game, since they’ll be eliminated from contention for the conference crown if Ohio State beats Michigan.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25761966/2185594107.jpg "Penn State v Purdue")
Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images
Maryland doesn’t have a whole lot to play for here, aside from being a spoiler. The Terrapins enter this game at 4-7, having lost their last four games. Wide receiver Tai Felton is the lone bright spot on the team, having caught 92 passes already this season. For as bad as Maryland has been this year, I could see them keeping this game within 24 points.
Franklin might pull his starters early if they build a big enough lead since he’ll have a playoff game to think about, which will likely be in State College, so he doesn’t have to worry about this being the last game for the seniors at home. The Nittany Lions cruise, they just call off the dogs early enough to allow Maryland to stay inside the spread.
Penn State 38, Maryland 17
Rutgers v. Michigan State (-1.5) - 3:30 p.m. ET - FS1
This line surprised me since Rutgers is the much better team. Michigan State just struggled at home with Purdue, only beating the Boilermakers by a touchdown last week. Even though the Scarlet Knights blew a late lead against Illinois, I still have faith in the Scarlet Knights, especially with running back Kyle Monangai toting the rock.
Plus, I could see the Rutgers defense forcing turnover-prone quarterback Aidan Chiles into mistakes. The Scarlet Knights rebound from last week’s loss by denying Michigan State bowl eligibility.
Rutgers 30, Michigan State 20
Fresno State v. UCLA (-9.5) - 3:30 p.m. ET - Big Ten Network
Nothing screams Big Ten more than Fresno State-UCLA in late November! What an odd game for the Bruins to end the regular season with. It would have been fun to see UCLA have to make the trek east to take on a conference foe in the elements, but I understand why that wasn’t really possible since many of the other Big Ten members are involved in rivalry games.
Honestly, these two teams are perfect for each other in this game, though. They both have veteran quarterbacks and offenses that struggle to run the football. Each of the four wins this year by UCLA have been by seven points or less, so taking the points here seems like a smart move. The Bulldogs give the Bruins all they can handle in a game where it feels like only about 100 people will be in attendance at the Rose Bowl.
UCLA 27, Fresno State 24
Purdue v. No. 10 Indiana (-28.5) - 7:00 p.m. ET - FS1
Don’t overthink this one. Indiana is gonna be heated after getting routed last week in Columbus. The Hoosiers have been hearing all week how they don’t belong in the playoff after falling 38-15 to the Buckeyes, suffering their first loss of the season.
Curt Cignetti is the type of coach that isn’t going to be quick to call off the dogs, especially since this is his first journey into the battle for the Old Oaken Bucket. Indiana will be able to name their score in this one.
Indiana 48, Purdue 10
Washington v. No. 1 Oregon (-18.5) - 7:30 p.m. ET - NBC
Oregon had a bye week last week to recover from their worst performance of the season, barely squeaking by Wisconsin 16-13 in Madison. Dillon Gabriel threw for just 218 yards and an interception against the Badgers. While Gabriel struggled throwing the football, running back Jordan James did a lot of heavy lifting, rushing for 121 yards and the only touchdown of the game for the Ducks.
Oregon was without wide receiver Tez Johnson against Wisconsin, and it’s not known if Johnson will be available to play this week after suffering a shoulder injury in the Michigan game.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25761971/2185410257.jpg "Oregon v Wisconsin")
Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images
Washington also had a bye last week after beating UCLA 31-19 in Seattle two weeks ago. The Huskies are still starting quarterback Will Rogers, but they are mixing in more of Demond Williams Jr. I’m not a fan of the two-quarterback systems, especially when your offense is already having enough trouble moving the football as Washington has throughout the year. The gimmicky rotation of quarterbacks isn’t something you really want to be messing with against a top-tier team like Oregon.
Lanning definitely hasn’t forgotten about the two losses Washington handed to Oregon last season. Even if the Ducks are rolling, don’t expect him to take his foot off the gas, especially because he’ll want to set a tone for his team ahead of next week’s Big Ten Championship Game. The Huskies have struggled to get their offense going all year long and this week will be no different as they won’t be able to keep pace with an Oregon squad that bounces back from a close call against Wisconsin two weeks ago.
Oregon 37, Washington 14
Michigan v. No. 2 Ohio State (-20.5) - 12:00 p.m. ET - FOX
If Ryan Day can’t win this one, he might as well start packing his bags because he doesn’t have the chops to be Ohio State’s head coach. A win here would mean so much to the Buckeyes. Not only would it snap their three-game losing streak to That Team Up North, it would also earn them a spot in the Big Ten Championship Game next week against Oregon in Indianapolis. Whether it would be more beneficial for Ohio State to win that game or go into the playoff as the five-seed is a debate for another day.
This is essentially Michigan’s championship game this year. The Wolverines enter The Game at 6-5, so really the only thing that would redeem their lost season is to beat the Buckeyes on their home turf. Michigan football hasn’t been pretty to watch this year. The quarterback position has been a revolving door. Davis Warren started the season behind center, Alex Orji took over for a few games, then Jack Tuttle made an appearance before Warren returned to the starting role. As if that wasn’t bad enough, video game cover boy Donovan Edwards has been underwhelming all year long.
Really the only issue with Ohio State this year has been their slow starts to games. The last two weeks the Buckeyes have fallen behind 7-0 before reeling off 31 unanswered points in wins over Northwestern and Indiana. Will Howard is rock solid at quarterback, seemingly always making the right read and completing almost 75 percent of his passes.
Aside from the slow starts, the only other thing Buckeye Nation is wanting to see is more from Quinshon Judkins, who has had trouble clearing 30 yards rushing in a number of games in the second half of the season.
This is a massive number for a rivalry game and I’m torn on which way to go. On one hand, Michigan does have a solid defense that could make life difficult for the Ohio State offense. A counterpoint is the Buckeyes and Day have some scores to settle for their losses the last three years. I don’t think Day is going to let up if the Buckeyes get up by a couple scores in this game, which is why I’ll side with Ohio State here. The defense harrasses Warren all game long and forces him into some mistakes which set the Buckeyes up with some short fields which they capitalize on.
In the end, all I really care about is Ohio State winning this game. A cover would just be icing on the cake.
Ohio State 41, Michigan 13
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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 Jason Mowry/Getty Images
The Buckeyes are favored by three touchdowns over the Wolverines. Plus, all the rest of the conference action on the regular season’s final weekend.
Last Week ATS: 12-3 (5-2 National, 7-1 B1G)
Season ATS: 106-106 (43-47 National, 63-59 B1G)
Here I was just hoping to make it to .500 by the end of the regular season, but last week saw me go 12-3 to even up my overall regular season record. Now to capitalize on the momentum from last week and pick some winners before we roll into conference championship weekend next week.
Happy Thanksgiving to all!
Big Ten games (All games Saturday unless otherwise noted)
Minnesota v. Wisconsin (-1.5) - Friday 12:00 p.m. ET - CBS
The Golden Gophers were so close to an upset last week, losing to Penn State by just a point in Minneapolis. At least Minnesota already has the six wins necessary to earn bowl eligibility, so this week they can focus solely on regaining ownership of Paul Bunyan’s Axe after the Badgers snapped their two-game losing streak to their neighbors to the west last year. Minnesota does a lot of things well, they just aren’t really great at anything, which is why only two of their eight Big Ten games this year have been decided by more than eight points.
Luke Fickell has to be torn about this game. Even though it would be great to beat your rival and gain bowl eligibility, he probably just wants this nightmare of a season to be over. The Badgers have lost four games in a row, with their most recent setback being a 44-25 loss to Nebraska in the first game after firing offensive coordinator Phil Longo. I’m not putting much stock in Braedyn Locke throwing for nearly 300 yards and three touchdowns against the Cornhuskers since Wisconsin had to put the ball in the air since they trailed by double digits for most of the game.
Despite playing in Madison, I can’t trust Wisconsin in this game after seeing how they have played over the last month. I know this is a rivalry game, I just don’t feel like there will be much motivation and fight from the Badgers here. Minnesota grinds out another win, halting their two-game losing streak.
Minnesota 24, Wisconsin 17
Nebraska v. Iowa (-5.5) - Friday 7:30 p.m. ET - NBC
Nebraska and Matt Rhule have to be breathing a huge sigh of relief after beating Wisconsin last week, earning bowl eligibility for the first time since 2016. The offense of the Cornhuskers was clicking on all cylinders, rolling up 473 yards of offense in the 44-25 win over the Badgers.
Patrick Mahomes cosplayer Dylan Raiola had his best game in a while, crossing 200 yards passing for the first time in a month, and not throwing a pick in a game since late September against Purdue.
I guess it doesn’t really matter if Cade McNamara clears concussion protocol and is able to play on Friday since the offense of the Hawkeyes revolves around Kaleb Johnson. The running back enters this week’s game with nearly 1,500 yards rushing and 21 touchdowns.
Unfortunately for Johnson this week he’ll be going up against a Nebraska defense that is solid against the run. Last month the Cornhuskers allowed Ohio State to rush for just 64 yards, and this week they’ll be able to key on Johnson since the Iowa offense doesn’t offer much through the air.
Usually games between these teams come down to the wire, so I’ll gladly take the points.
Nebraska 23, Iowa 20
No. 23 Illinois (-7.5) v. Northwestern - 12:00 p.m. ET - Big Ten Network
How Illinois won last week’s game against Rutgers is beyond me. Kudos to the Fighting Illini for never giving up despite losing the lead to the Scarlet Knights with a minute to go. Bret Bielema has now led Illinois to eight wins for the second time in the last three seasons. Luke Altmyer might be one of the most underrated quarterbacks in the country, throwing 20 touchdowns and just three interceptions this year.
Northwestern comes into the Lincoln Log Battle, or whatever they are calling the battle for bragging rights in Illinois, having lost four of their last five games. Take away an overtime win over Purdue and the Wildcats have only reached double figures in one of those four losses, scoring 14 points against Iowa. Northwestern even let offensively challenged Michigan to drop a 50-burger on them last week.
The Wildcats don’t have enough offense to push the Fighting Illini and they don’t have enough defense to keep Altmyer and Illinois from piling on the points.
Illinois 31, Northwestern 14
No. 5 Notre Dame (-7.5) v. USC - 3:30 p.m. ET - CBS
I’m a sicko who stayed up way too late last Saturday to watch USC-UCLA since I had USC moneyline in a parlay with a couple other late games. Even though the Trojans beat the Bruins they are not a good team. Jayden Maiava had a few moments in his second start of the season, the issue with the UNLV transfer is he is too inconsistent throwing the football. Maiava won’t be able to get away with any mistakes against a Notre Dame defense that is one of the best in the country.
Notre Dame has rebounded from their puzzling loss to Northern Illinois earlier this season, winning all but one game by double digits since. It’s not like Duke transfer Riley Leonard is putting up big numbers, the Fighting Irish are just wearing their opponents out. Running back Jeremiyah Love has 14 rushing touchdowns, and the defense is forcing turnovers and putting their offense in favorable positions. I don’t see that changing against a USC squad that is undisciplined.
The Fighting Irish secure a home playoff game by finishing their regular season at 11-1.
Notre Dame 34, USC 21
Maryland v. No. 4 Penn State (-24.5) - 3:30 p.m. ET - Big Ten Network
Penn State almost saw their playoff hopes take a massive hit last week. Luckily for the Nittany Lions they regrouped in time to earn a 26-25 win at Minnesota. I had a feeling the game with the Golden Gophers would be close, I just had no idea it would see Penn State almost lose.
Now the Nittany Lions close out their regular season with a home game against Maryland. By the time of kickoff James Franklin’s team will likely know their fate when it comes to the Big Ten title game, since they’ll be eliminated from contention for the conference crown if Ohio State beats Michigan.
Maryland doesn’t have a whole lot to play for here, aside from being a spoiler. The Terrapins enter this game at 4-7, having lost their last four games. Wide receiver Tai Felton is the lone bright spot on the team, having caught 92 passes already this season. For as bad as Maryland has been this year, I could see them keeping this game within 24 points.
Franklin might pull his starters early if they build a big enough lead since he’ll have a playoff game to think about, which will likely be in State College, so he doesn’t have to worry about this being the last game for the seniors at home. The Nittany Lions cruise, they just call off the dogs early enough to allow Maryland to stay inside the spread.
Penn State 38, Maryland 17
Rutgers v. Michigan State (-1.5) - 3:30 p.m. ET - FS1
This line surprised me since Rutgers is the much better team. Michigan State just struggled at home with Purdue, only beating the Boilermakers by a touchdown last week. Even though the Scarlet Knights blew a late lead against Illinois, I still have faith in the Scarlet Knights, especially with running back Kyle Monangai toting the rock.
Plus, I could see the Rutgers defense forcing turnover-prone quarterback Aidan Chiles into mistakes. The Scarlet Knights rebound from last week’s loss by denying Michigan State bowl eligibility.
Rutgers 30, Michigan State 20
Fresno State v. UCLA (-9.5) - 3:30 p.m. ET - Big Ten Network
Nothing screams Big Ten more than Fresno State-UCLA in late November! What an odd game for the Bruins to end the regular season with. It would have been fun to see UCLA have to make the trek east to take on a conference foe in the elements, but I understand why that wasn’t really possible since many of the other Big Ten members are involved in rivalry games.
Honestly, these two teams are perfect for each other in this game, though. They both have veteran quarterbacks and offenses that struggle to run the football. Each of the four wins this year by UCLA have been by seven points or less, so taking the points here seems like a smart move. The Bulldogs give the Bruins all they can handle in a game where it feels like only about 100 people will be in attendance at the Rose Bowl.
UCLA 27, Fresno State 24
Purdue v. No. 10 Indiana (-28.5) - 7:00 p.m. ET - FS1
Don’t overthink this one. Indiana is gonna be heated after getting routed last week in Columbus. The Hoosiers have been hearing all week how they don’t belong in the playoff after falling 38-15 to the Buckeyes, suffering their first loss of the season.
Curt Cignetti is the type of coach that isn’t going to be quick to call off the dogs, especially since this is his first journey into the battle for the Old Oaken Bucket. Indiana will be able to name their score in this one.
Indiana 48, Purdue 10
Washington v. No. 1 Oregon (-18.5) - 7:30 p.m. ET - NBC
Oregon had a bye week last week to recover from their worst performance of the season, barely squeaking by Wisconsin 16-13 in Madison. Dillon Gabriel threw for just 218 yards and an interception against the Badgers. While Gabriel struggled throwing the football, running back Jordan James did a lot of heavy lifting, rushing for 121 yards and the only touchdown of the game for the Ducks.
Oregon was without wide receiver Tez Johnson against Wisconsin, and it’s not known if Johnson will be available to play this week after suffering a shoulder injury in the Michigan game.
Washington also had a bye last week after beating UCLA 31-19 in Seattle two weeks ago. The Huskies are still starting quarterback Will Rogers, but they are mixing in more of Demond Williams Jr. I’m not a fan of the two-quarterback systems, especially when your offense is already having enough trouble moving the football as Washington has throughout the year. The gimmicky rotation of quarterbacks isn’t something you really want to be messing with against a top-tier team like Oregon.
Lanning definitely hasn’t forgotten about the two losses Washington handed to Oregon last season. Even if the Ducks are rolling, don’t expect him to take his foot off the gas, especially because he’ll want to set a tone for his team ahead of next week’s Big Ten Championship Game. The Huskies have struggled to get their offense going all year long and this week will be no different as they won’t be able to keep pace with an Oregon squad that bounces back from a close call against Wisconsin two weeks ago.
Oregon 37, Washington 14
Michigan v. No. 2 Ohio State (-20.5) - 12:00 p.m. ET - FOX
If Ryan Day can’t win this one, he might as well start packing his bags because he doesn’t have the chops to be Ohio State’s head coach. A win here would mean so much to the Buckeyes. Not only would it snap their three-game losing streak to That Team Up North, it would also earn them a spot in the Big Ten Championship Game next week against Oregon in Indianapolis. Whether it would be more beneficial for Ohio State to win that game or go into the playoff as the five-seed is a debate for another day.
This is essentially Michigan’s championship game this year. The Wolverines enter The Game at 6-5, so really the only thing that would redeem their lost season is to beat the Buckeyes on their home turf. Michigan football hasn’t been pretty to watch this year. The quarterback position has been a revolving door. Davis Warren started the season behind center, Alex Orji took over for a few games, then Jack Tuttle made an appearance before Warren returned to the starting role. As if that wasn’t bad enough, video game cover boy Donovan Edwards has been underwhelming all year long.
Really the only issue with Ohio State this year has been their slow starts to games. The last two weeks the Buckeyes have fallen behind 7-0 before reeling off 31 unanswered points in wins over Northwestern and Indiana. Will Howard is rock solid at quarterback, seemingly always making the right read and completing almost 75 percent of his passes.
Aside from the slow starts, the only other thing Buckeye Nation is wanting to see is more from Quinshon Judkins, who has had trouble clearing 30 yards rushing in a number of games in the second half of the season.
This is a massive number for a rivalry game and I’m torn on which way to go. On one hand, Michigan does have a solid defense that could make life difficult for the Ohio State offense. A counterpoint is the Buckeyes and Day have some scores to settle for their losses the last three years. I don’t think Day is going to let up if the Buckeyes get up by a couple scores in this game, which is why I’ll side with Ohio State here. The defense harrasses Warren all game long and forces him into some mistakes which set the Buckeyes up with some short fields which they capitalize on.
In the end, all I really care about is Ohio State winning this game. A cover would just be icing on the cake.
Ohio State 41, Michigan 13
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LGHL Things you need to know about the *ichigan Wolverines — and a few you don’t, but are fun anyway
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Things you need to know about the *ichigan Wolverines — and a few you don’t, but are fun anyway
Josh Dooley via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images
So*e things that you *ay not know about U* and the Wolverines.
When Ohio State hosts Michigan this weekend, the Buckeyes will be looking for their first victory over the Wolverines since 2019. But as depressing as that sounds – and is! – OSU’s current losing streak in The Game is “only” three (games).
This is because TTUN skipped the 2020 meeting like a bunch of cowards, saving Jim Harbaugh’s job in the process and **Allegedly** allowing the coach and his staff time to devise an elaborate sign-stealing and spying scheme that would change the trajectory of college football and leave an indelible stain on the game forever.
But hey, I’m not bitter or upset that Michigan figured out an illicit way to stop sucking out loud. All’s fair in love, war, and football, right? I guess losing 15 out of 16 brings out the worst in certain people and programs.
That being said, I think Ohio State fans might be ready for the worst in Ryan Day to come out. Not the worst as in Cotton Bowl Ryan Day, but rather a version of Day that will do anything and go to any length(s) necessary to defeat the dastardly, deplorable Wolverines.
And this might just be the year to do so... Not that Day and/or whomever shouldn’t be out for blood every year, but you know what I mean... Because TTUN is down bad, and OSU has a chance to not only exercise three years’ worth of Michigan demons but also (to) reach the Big Ten Championship Game and do something similar against Oregon.
Here are a few more things you should know about the Michigan Wolverines:
The University of Michigan’s motto is Artes, Scientia, Veritas, which translates (in English) to “Arts, Knowledge, Truth”. Ha, Truth! Give me a break. Michigan and truth go together like modern America and bipartisanship.
Jack “Dr. Death” Kevorkian earned a doctorate from U-M.
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Photo by jean-Louis Atlan/Sygma via Getty Images
As did Ted Kaczynski AKA the “Unabomber”...What?? Just pointing out two random facts of interest here, both of which pertain to UM alums.
Just last month, five University of Michigan grads were charged by the FBI with conspiracy, providing false statements to federal investigators, and destruction, alteration, or falsification of records — after being caught spying at/on a U.S. National Guard base in 2023. Okay, you got me. I’m being intentionally shitty. It’s all in good fun, though. And I can’t help that certain folks associated with UM seem to loooove espionage.
Michigan is/has the winningest program in college football history. And most of those victories are (likely) legit.
The Wolverines also boast 12 national titles and 3 Heisman Trophy winners. Fine, I’ll give credit where it is due. Michigan is, was, and likely always will be one of the preeminent programs in CFB. And TTUN just went on one of the most impressive three-year runs in FBS history.
Was said run aided by illegal advance scouting, prohibited recruiting tactics, and other “stuff”? Maybe. But the team’s national title and 40 wins over that period still stand. So the Wolverines – and their fans – earned bragging rights, whether the rest of us like it or not.
However...
Most of last year’s national title team is long gone, coaches included. Actually, it’s more than just last year’s team and/or staff — Most of Michigan’s talent and braintrust from their entire three-year run is long gone.
The Wolverines’ roster experienced very little turnover near the end of Jim Harbaugh’s tenure in Ann Arbor, something that benefited the team and program immensely. Players such as Blake Corum, Roman Wilson, Kris Jenkins, Michael Barrett, and Mike Sainristil stuck around for four-plus years and started a million games together. But when they (and others) all left together, that mass exodus left several holes in UM’s roster.
As for Harbaugh’s staff, well, most of those guys left together too. And we all kind of know why.
But the Wolverines still have plenty of talent, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Mason Graham, Kenneth Grant, and Josaiah Stewart make up most of what is arguably the best defensive line in college football. Ernest Hausman and Jaishawn Barham are both steady, productive linebackers. And Will Johnson, a presumptive top-10 2025 NFL Draft pick, looms as a potential difference maker in TTUN’s secondary (if healthy).
Their offense, on the other hand... Michigan’s offense is basically Iowa’s without the uber-productive running back. The Wolverines have cycled through three quarterbacks this season, all of whom have struggled. And the team’s once vaunted rushing attack has been more of a rushing annoyance or inconvenience to opponents.
Prior to last Saturday’s game against Northwestern, running backs Kalel Mullings and Donovan Edwards had combined to score just three rushing touchdowns since the end of September — while adding little to no value as pass catchers. Mullings averaged 3.5 yards per carry from 9/28 - 11/9, and video game coverboy Edwards has not cracked the century mark (rushing) all season.
Of course, we know what those players – as well as tight end Colston Loveland – are capable of. However, they are naturally dependent upon competent QB play and strong blocking up front, both of which have been inconsistent at best for the Wolverines.
The Wolverines are clearly down this season. So if Ryan Day and the Buckeyes don’t win on Saturday... Whooo boy.
But let’s not even think about that. Go Bucks!
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
Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images
So*e things that you *ay not know about U* and the Wolverines.
When Ohio State hosts Michigan this weekend, the Buckeyes will be looking for their first victory over the Wolverines since 2019. But as depressing as that sounds – and is! – OSU’s current losing streak in The Game is “only” three (games).
This is because TTUN skipped the 2020 meeting like a bunch of cowards, saving Jim Harbaugh’s job in the process and **Allegedly** allowing the coach and his staff time to devise an elaborate sign-stealing and spying scheme that would change the trajectory of college football and leave an indelible stain on the game forever.
But hey, I’m not bitter or upset that Michigan figured out an illicit way to stop sucking out loud. All’s fair in love, war, and football, right? I guess losing 15 out of 16 brings out the worst in certain people and programs.
That being said, I think Ohio State fans might be ready for the worst in Ryan Day to come out. Not the worst as in Cotton Bowl Ryan Day, but rather a version of Day that will do anything and go to any length(s) necessary to defeat the dastardly, deplorable Wolverines.
And this might just be the year to do so... Not that Day and/or whomever shouldn’t be out for blood every year, but you know what I mean... Because TTUN is down bad, and OSU has a chance to not only exercise three years’ worth of Michigan demons but also (to) reach the Big Ten Championship Game and do something similar against Oregon.
Here are a few more things you should know about the Michigan Wolverines:
The University of Michigan’s motto is Artes, Scientia, Veritas, which translates (in English) to “Arts, Knowledge, Truth”. Ha, Truth! Give me a break. Michigan and truth go together like modern America and bipartisanship.
Jack “Dr. Death” Kevorkian earned a doctorate from U-M.
As did Ted Kaczynski AKA the “Unabomber”...What?? Just pointing out two random facts of interest here, both of which pertain to UM alums.
Just last month, five University of Michigan grads were charged by the FBI with conspiracy, providing false statements to federal investigators, and destruction, alteration, or falsification of records — after being caught spying at/on a U.S. National Guard base in 2023. Okay, you got me. I’m being intentionally shitty. It’s all in good fun, though. And I can’t help that certain folks associated with UM seem to loooove espionage.
Michigan is/has the winningest program in college football history. And most of those victories are (likely) legit.
The Wolverines also boast 12 national titles and 3 Heisman Trophy winners. Fine, I’ll give credit where it is due. Michigan is, was, and likely always will be one of the preeminent programs in CFB. And TTUN just went on one of the most impressive three-year runs in FBS history.
Was said run aided by illegal advance scouting, prohibited recruiting tactics, and other “stuff”? Maybe. But the team’s national title and 40 wins over that period still stand. So the Wolverines – and their fans – earned bragging rights, whether the rest of us like it or not.
However...
Most of last year’s national title team is long gone, coaches included. Actually, it’s more than just last year’s team and/or staff — Most of Michigan’s talent and braintrust from their entire three-year run is long gone.
The Wolverines’ roster experienced very little turnover near the end of Jim Harbaugh’s tenure in Ann Arbor, something that benefited the team and program immensely. Players such as Blake Corum, Roman Wilson, Kris Jenkins, Michael Barrett, and Mike Sainristil stuck around for four-plus years and started a million games together. But when they (and others) all left together, that mass exodus left several holes in UM’s roster.
As for Harbaugh’s staff, well, most of those guys left together too. And we all kind of know why.
But the Wolverines still have plenty of talent, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Mason Graham, Kenneth Grant, and Josaiah Stewart make up most of what is arguably the best defensive line in college football. Ernest Hausman and Jaishawn Barham are both steady, productive linebackers. And Will Johnson, a presumptive top-10 2025 NFL Draft pick, looms as a potential difference maker in TTUN’s secondary (if healthy).
Their offense, on the other hand... Michigan’s offense is basically Iowa’s without the uber-productive running back. The Wolverines have cycled through three quarterbacks this season, all of whom have struggled. And the team’s once vaunted rushing attack has been more of a rushing annoyance or inconvenience to opponents.
Prior to last Saturday’s game against Northwestern, running backs Kalel Mullings and Donovan Edwards had combined to score just three rushing touchdowns since the end of September — while adding little to no value as pass catchers. Mullings averaged 3.5 yards per carry from 9/28 - 11/9, and video game coverboy Edwards has not cracked the century mark (rushing) all season.
Of course, we know what those players – as well as tight end Colston Loveland – are capable of. However, they are naturally dependent upon competent QB play and strong blocking up front, both of which have been inconsistent at best for the Wolverines.
The Wolverines are clearly down this season. So if Ryan Day and the Buckeyes don’t win on Saturday... Whooo boy.
But let’s not even think about that. Go Bucks!
Continue reading...
LGHL Game Preview: No. 11 Ohio State women’s basketball vs. Old Dominion
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Game Preview: No. 11 Ohio State women’s basketball vs. Old Dominion
ThomasCostello via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Samantha Madar/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images
This year, the Buckeyes eat their turkey in Daytona, Florida.
Last year, Ohio State women’s basketball played a game in the Bahamas the day before Thanksgiving. It was part of the Baha Mar in-season tournament. This year, the destination and tournament name are different but the idea remains the same.
The Buckeyes take part in two games in two days, this time in Dayton Beach, Florida at the Daytona Beach Classic. This time playing on Thanksgiving day itself against Old Dominion of the Sun Belt Conference.
Head coach Kevin McGuff’s side has adjusted well to the absence of forward Cotie McMahon. Out with a lower leg injury, the Scarlet and Gray are 2-0 since McMahon went out, winning by 64 and 43 points against the Ohio Bobcats and Bowling Green Falcons, respectively.
That margin might’ve been more with the star junior in the lineup, but with her absence, the remaining Buckeyes have a chance to grow in her absence-induced adversity.
Kennedy Cambridge slid into the starting lineup, with Taylor Thierry moving from a guard role to forward. After Cambridge fouled out against Ohio, the guard had a career-high 10 points against the Falcons and added 6 rebounds, 3 steals, and a block.
The guard also didn’t have a single turnover in 28 minutes played, showing settled nerves after giving away three against the Bobcats four days prior.
Cambridge is starting alongside her freshman sister Jaloni Cambridge. In five games, the No. 2 overall recruit of the 2024 class sits second on the team in scoring (17.0) and first in assists (4.8) and steals (2.6) per game.
In the first and only Thursday game of the tournament, the Buckeyes face the Old Dominion Monarchs. After falling in their first game of the year, against future Ohio State opponent Ball State, Old Dominion is on a five-game winning streak.
Leading the Monarchs is senior En’Dya Buford, playing her second season with the Virginia side after two seasons playing for the Memphis Tigers. Buford leads the team with 10.8 points and 4.3 assists per game.
The Monarchs will play off screens, trying to slip Ohio State assignments and find mismatches, Those turn into chances at the basket or midrange efforts. From deep, Old Dominion attempts less than five shots per game, benefiting the Buckeyes’ half-court defense who are prone to the open three-point attempt.
Defensively. the Monarchs play man-to-man, applying pressure in the half-court to make movement and passing more difficult for opponents. It’s been efficient so far, sitting second in the conference in defensive rating, although none of the Monarchs’ opponents have been a Power Four school like Ohio State.
Ohio State has its advantages, but watch turnovers forced. OSU averages 17.7 turnovers per game and now faces a Buckeyes team that averages 14.8 steals per game. However, ODU is improving in that department, not giving away more than 13 turnovers in their last three games.
Part of Old Dominion’s winning streak is victories against two in-state opponents heading into their trip to Daytona Beach. NOn ov. 21, it took overtime to stop a VCU Rams comeback attempt, beating their rivals 53-51 in overtime. A week later, the Monarchs welcomed William & Mary to Norfolk, defeating them 63-39.
G- Jaloni Cambridge
G- Chance Gray
G- Kennedy Cambridge
F- Taylor Thierry
F- Ajae Petty
G- En’Dya Buford
G- Simaru Fields
G- Kelsey Thompson
F- Brenda Fontana
C- Mikayla Brown
Ohio State will persevere against early pressure from the Monarchs and pull away, like most of the non-conference games so far this season for the Scarlet and Gray.
Gray will lead the Buckeyes in scoring from deep, taking advantage of ODU’s focus on stopping Ajae Petty and Elsa Lemmilä in the paint, and Cambridge from attacking the basket.
Date: Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024
Time: 11 a.m. ET
Where: Ocean Center, Daytona Beach, Florida
Stream: BallerTV
With the onslaught of in-season tournaments, streaming gets difficult when each tournament goes with different outlets like FloSports, and this year it’s BallerTV.
This service airing the game is usually reserved for AAU and youth sports. However, there’s an event pass for the series, costing $20, which is the least expensive package to watch the two Ohio State games, plus every other game of the Daytona Beach Classic.
Here’s the link for the page offering the package. Should you try to go to BallerTV and sign up from the main page, it’ll cost $44.95 before tax.
Daytona Beach Classic Event Pass - BallerTV
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
Samantha Madar/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images
This year, the Buckeyes eat their turkey in Daytona, Florida.
Last year, Ohio State women’s basketball played a game in the Bahamas the day before Thanksgiving. It was part of the Baha Mar in-season tournament. This year, the destination and tournament name are different but the idea remains the same.
The Buckeyes take part in two games in two days, this time in Dayton Beach, Florida at the Daytona Beach Classic. This time playing on Thanksgiving day itself against Old Dominion of the Sun Belt Conference.
Preview
Head coach Kevin McGuff’s side has adjusted well to the absence of forward Cotie McMahon. Out with a lower leg injury, the Scarlet and Gray are 2-0 since McMahon went out, winning by 64 and 43 points against the Ohio Bobcats and Bowling Green Falcons, respectively.
That margin might’ve been more with the star junior in the lineup, but with her absence, the remaining Buckeyes have a chance to grow in her absence-induced adversity.
Kennedy Cambridge slid into the starting lineup, with Taylor Thierry moving from a guard role to forward. After Cambridge fouled out against Ohio, the guard had a career-high 10 points against the Falcons and added 6 rebounds, 3 steals, and a block.
The guard also didn’t have a single turnover in 28 minutes played, showing settled nerves after giving away three against the Bobcats four days prior.
Cambridge is starting alongside her freshman sister Jaloni Cambridge. In five games, the No. 2 overall recruit of the 2024 class sits second on the team in scoring (17.0) and first in assists (4.8) and steals (2.6) per game.
In the first and only Thursday game of the tournament, the Buckeyes face the Old Dominion Monarchs. After falling in their first game of the year, against future Ohio State opponent Ball State, Old Dominion is on a five-game winning streak.
Leading the Monarchs is senior En’Dya Buford, playing her second season with the Virginia side after two seasons playing for the Memphis Tigers. Buford leads the team with 10.8 points and 4.3 assists per game.
The Monarchs will play off screens, trying to slip Ohio State assignments and find mismatches, Those turn into chances at the basket or midrange efforts. From deep, Old Dominion attempts less than five shots per game, benefiting the Buckeyes’ half-court defense who are prone to the open three-point attempt.
Defensively. the Monarchs play man-to-man, applying pressure in the half-court to make movement and passing more difficult for opponents. It’s been efficient so far, sitting second in the conference in defensive rating, although none of the Monarchs’ opponents have been a Power Four school like Ohio State.
Ohio State has its advantages, but watch turnovers forced. OSU averages 17.7 turnovers per game and now faces a Buckeyes team that averages 14.8 steals per game. However, ODU is improving in that department, not giving away more than 13 turnovers in their last three games.
Part of Old Dominion’s winning streak is victories against two in-state opponents heading into their trip to Daytona Beach. NOn ov. 21, it took overtime to stop a VCU Rams comeback attempt, beating their rivals 53-51 in overtime. A week later, the Monarchs welcomed William & Mary to Norfolk, defeating them 63-39.
Projected Starters
Ohio State
G- Jaloni Cambridge
G- Chance Gray
G- Kennedy Cambridge
F- Taylor Thierry
F- Ajae Petty
Lineup Notes
- Taylor Thierry is now six points away from 1,000 career NCAA points, all with Ohio State
- Chance Gray is second in the Big Ten with three-point shots made, hitting 20. Gray is behind Moriah Murray of Penn State (35)
- Kennedy Cambridge’s 10 points against Bowling Green is a career-high for the redshirt sophomore
Old Dominion
G- En’Dya Buford
G- Simaru Fields
G- Kelsey Thompson
F- Brenda Fontana
C- Mikayla Brown
Lineup Notes
- Head coach DeLisha Milton-Jones has played around with her starting lineup, using five different groups in six games, but has used this lineup for the past two games, both victories for Old Dominion
- En’Dya Buford is having a career year passing with 4.3 assists per game
- Junior Kelsey Thompson won 22-23 Sun Belt Rookie of the Year with South Alabama. Thompson stayed in-conference, transferring to ODU in the offseason
Prediction
Ohio State will persevere against early pressure from the Monarchs and pull away, like most of the non-conference games so far this season for the Scarlet and Gray.
Gray will lead the Buckeyes in scoring from deep, taking advantage of ODU’s focus on stopping Ajae Petty and Elsa Lemmilä in the paint, and Cambridge from attacking the basket.
How to Watch
Date: Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024
Time: 11 a.m. ET
Where: Ocean Center, Daytona Beach, Florida
Stream: BallerTV
LGHL Score Prediction: 92-60, Ohio State Buckeyes
Death by Streaming
With the onslaught of in-season tournaments, streaming gets difficult when each tournament goes with different outlets like FloSports, and this year it’s BallerTV.
This service airing the game is usually reserved for AAU and youth sports. However, there’s an event pass for the series, costing $20, which is the least expensive package to watch the two Ohio State games, plus every other game of the Daytona Beach Classic.
Here’s the link for the page offering the package. Should you try to go to BallerTV and sign up from the main page, it’ll cost $44.95 before tax.
Daytona Beach Classic Event Pass - BallerTV
Continue reading...
LGHL I-80 Football Show: Will Ryan Day break through and win ‘The Game’?
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I-80 Football Show: Will Ryan Day break through and win ‘The Game’?
JordanW330 via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
According to Ryan Day, losing ‘The Game’ is one of the worst things he’s experienced. After three-straight losses, can he finally break through and beat Michigan?
Welcome to a new episode of Land-Grant Podcast Network’s I-80 Football Show. On this show, we travel down I-80 to talk all things Big Ten Football. After every week of action, we will catch you up on all the conference’s games and look ahead at the matchups, storylines, and players you should be paying attention to for the next week. My name is Jordan Williams, and I am joined by my co-host Dante Morgan.
Ohio State entered this season with a $20 million roster led by 11 returning starters who spurned the draft to get another shot at beating TTUN. Ohio State has rounded into form and looks like one of the most dominant teams in the sport. At 10-1 with two top-five wins, they also have a spot in the 12-team playoff locked up, but nothing is more important this season than getting the monkey off their back and earning a pair of gold pants for the first time in four seasons.
Ryan Day, arguably one of the best coaches in college football, has a stained legacy due to losing to his biggest rival for three-straight years. A win here also means a shot at redemption against Oregon in the Big Ten championship game en route to the playoffs and a hopeful national championship berth.
‘The Game’ may be the greatest rivalry in all of sports, but it is not the only one that matters — especially in the Big Ten. The B1G is one of the few conferences that really understands the importance of rivalries and has a commitment to playing as many as possible on the last week of the season.
This weekend has a few games that have pretty large stakes, starting with USC hoping to play spoiler to Notre Dame who is currently positioned to host a game in the first round of the playoffs. Wisconsin faces Minnesota at 5-6 and hoping to reach bowl eligibility despite a disappointing 2024 campaign. Michigan State is in a similar boat at 5-6 hoping to reach bowl eligibility in their first season under Jonathon Smith.
It’s rivalry week in the Big Ten. No matter the stakes or the records, we are going to witness a weekend full of great games as teams fight for 365 days of bragging rights.
In the MapQuest segment, we lead off with Minnesota-Wisconsin on Black Friday. A heated rivalry that sees Wisconsin needing a win to reach bowl eligibility. At Noon we have ‘The Game’, the greatest rivalry in all of sports. Michigan isn’t as good, but they still have a chance to spoil their rivals season. Mid-day USC is hoping to spoil Notre Dame’s path to the playoff, and in primetime Oregon, like Ohio State, is hoping to flip the script after three-straight losses to its rival.
In their weekly pitstop, the guys discuss the importance of knowing how to work on your car. It saves you a lot of money and it’s an important skill to know. With Youtube and TikTok there is a boatload of resources to learn basic things like changing your oil, changing a tire, and replacing your headlights.
If you like the show, please share it with friends and family and leave a five-star review. To keep up with the show, you can subscribe to the Land-Grant Podcast Network Feed, where new episodes drop every Thursday.
You can also find Jordan’s article ‘B1G Thoughts’ on Land-Grant Holy Land.
Follow the show on YouTube: @GetDefensiveSportsNetwork
Follow the podcast on Instagram: @I80FootballShow
Connect with us on Twitter: Jordan: @JordanW330 and Dante: @DanteM10216
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JordanW330 via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
According to Ryan Day, losing ‘The Game’ is one of the worst things he’s experienced. After three-straight losses, can he finally break through and beat Michigan?
Welcome to a new episode of Land-Grant Podcast Network’s I-80 Football Show. On this show, we travel down I-80 to talk all things Big Ten Football. After every week of action, we will catch you up on all the conference’s games and look ahead at the matchups, storylines, and players you should be paying attention to for the next week. My name is Jordan Williams, and I am joined by my co-host Dante Morgan.
Ohio State entered this season with a $20 million roster led by 11 returning starters who spurned the draft to get another shot at beating TTUN. Ohio State has rounded into form and looks like one of the most dominant teams in the sport. At 10-1 with two top-five wins, they also have a spot in the 12-team playoff locked up, but nothing is more important this season than getting the monkey off their back and earning a pair of gold pants for the first time in four seasons.
Ryan Day, arguably one of the best coaches in college football, has a stained legacy due to losing to his biggest rival for three-straight years. A win here also means a shot at redemption against Oregon in the Big Ten championship game en route to the playoffs and a hopeful national championship berth.
‘The Game’ may be the greatest rivalry in all of sports, but it is not the only one that matters — especially in the Big Ten. The B1G is one of the few conferences that really understands the importance of rivalries and has a commitment to playing as many as possible on the last week of the season.
This weekend has a few games that have pretty large stakes, starting with USC hoping to play spoiler to Notre Dame who is currently positioned to host a game in the first round of the playoffs. Wisconsin faces Minnesota at 5-6 and hoping to reach bowl eligibility despite a disappointing 2024 campaign. Michigan State is in a similar boat at 5-6 hoping to reach bowl eligibility in their first season under Jonathon Smith.
It’s rivalry week in the Big Ten. No matter the stakes or the records, we are going to witness a weekend full of great games as teams fight for 365 days of bragging rights.
In the MapQuest segment, we lead off with Minnesota-Wisconsin on Black Friday. A heated rivalry that sees Wisconsin needing a win to reach bowl eligibility. At Noon we have ‘The Game’, the greatest rivalry in all of sports. Michigan isn’t as good, but they still have a chance to spoil their rivals season. Mid-day USC is hoping to spoil Notre Dame’s path to the playoff, and in primetime Oregon, like Ohio State, is hoping to flip the script after three-straight losses to its rival.
In their weekly pitstop, the guys discuss the importance of knowing how to work on your car. It saves you a lot of money and it’s an important skill to know. With Youtube and TikTok there is a boatload of resources to learn basic things like changing your oil, changing a tire, and replacing your headlights.
If you like the show, please share it with friends and family and leave a five-star review. To keep up with the show, you can subscribe to the Land-Grant Podcast Network Feed, where new episodes drop every Thursday.
You can also find Jordan’s article ‘B1G Thoughts’ on Land-Grant Holy Land.
Follow the show on YouTube: @GetDefensiveSportsNetwork
Follow the podcast on Instagram: @I80FootballShow
Connect with us on Twitter: Jordan: @JordanW330 and Dante: @DanteM10216
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LGHL Ohio State recruiting: State Secrets - Buckeye receiver locks in his signing day plans and the guest list for this weekend continues to grow with top
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Ohio State recruiting: State Secrets - Buckeye receiver locks in his signing day plans and the guest list for this weekend continues to grow with top targets
Caleb Houser via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Quincy Porter | 247Sports
Four-star commit Quincy Porter locks in his plans to be a Buckeye.
Ohio State’s class has taken some hits the last two weeks. The Buckeyes have lost multiple players simply because the program is not willing to pay more NIL money compared to other schools. The coaching staff has legitimate reasons for not wanting to over-pay these players who have yet to play a snap for Ohio State, and like it or not, that’s just the way it is.
Potential to see additional shakeup, it won’t be just on the losing side as the Buckeyes fully expect to add to their class as well this late in the process. With the early signing period about a week away, this staff has plenty going on, but Wednesday gave some positive news that at least one potential flip candidate is shutting things down and sticking with his Ohio State pledge despite the pursuit of other schools.
Four-star receiver Quincy Porter has seen his name in the headlines as of late as multiple schools tried to steal him away from the Buckeyes, the most notable being Penn State. Porter was in Happy Valley for an unofficial just a few weekends ago, and that certainly helped fuel the story that he could be a real threat to leave his Ohio State commitment.
On Wednesday, word from 247Sports came public that Porter was done entertaining other schools and was quoted as saying, “I am signing with Ohio State on December 4.” A big time win for the Buckeyes and Hartline, keeping the No. 56 player nationally and ninth best receiver in the class per the 247Sports Composite is right in line with how you want to finish a class.
One of the better play-making receivers in the country, it makes sense for schools like Penn State to try and swoop in late, but there’s no denying what playing this position at Ohio State can do for these players. Regardless of the last few weeks, Porter is locked in and will be a Buckeye officially come next week.
Throw out the records, the spread, and who is and who may not be playing this weekend. Saturday is The Game for a reason, and it’s drawing quite the guest list. Ohio State has a loaded set of visitors ready to be on campus this weekend, and Wednesday further cemented that narrative as even more top targets announced their visit plans to be in Columbus for the latest edition of the greatest rivalry in sports.
Zech Fort (Bradenton, Florida/IMG Academy) will have his eyes on Ohio State’s defense Saturday as he watches Caleb Downs and Lathan Ransom man the back end of the secondary. The No. 92 player nationally and the eighth best safety in the 2026 class per the 247Sports Composite, Fort is another top safety the Buckeyes are impressing early and often in the upcoming cycle.
Additionally, fellow class of 2026 receiver target Brody Keefe (Charlotte, North Carolina/Myers Park) will also be on hand for the rivalry game. A 6-foot-3, 185 pound athlete with over 20 offers to his name including Ohio State, Keefe is currently the No. 314 player nationally and the 48th best player at his position per the 247Sports Composite.
Already two receiver commits in the fold for the Buckeyes and Hartline, it will be interesting to see who else Ohio State goes after. Keefe is on that short list of names and will be back in town this weekend.
Right back to the defensive side of the ball and in the 2026 class, Simeon Caldwell (Jacksonville, Florida/The Bolles School) will make the trip up from the Sunshine State to see this noon affair. Another impressive talent, Caldwell is currently the No. 70 player nationally and fifth best at his position per the 247Sports Composite.
Also a player with an Ohio State offer already under his belt, this is another major chance for the staff to continue building the relationship they’ve begun, and also an opportunity for Caldwell to see an electric game day environment for the Buckeyes.
An incredible accomplishment and one of the more prestigious accolades a high school athlete can receive, not only is Grady proving his worth, but he also continues to be a solid peer recruiter for his future program as he tries to pitch other recruits into joining the Ohio State class. A major get for this staff, Grady is one of the more impressive commits not only for his on-field ability.
The latest rumor involving Coleman is that Penn State is convincing him not to visit Ohio State this coming weekend, and if that is the case, it makes the battle that much tougher. The Buckeyes won’t go away quietly, but getting him to Columbus for The Game would make things much easier as they try their best to sway him to stay at home for his college career.
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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
Quincy Porter | 247Sports
Four-star commit Quincy Porter locks in his plans to be a Buckeye.
Ohio State’s class has taken some hits the last two weeks. The Buckeyes have lost multiple players simply because the program is not willing to pay more NIL money compared to other schools. The coaching staff has legitimate reasons for not wanting to over-pay these players who have yet to play a snap for Ohio State, and like it or not, that’s just the way it is.
Potential to see additional shakeup, it won’t be just on the losing side as the Buckeyes fully expect to add to their class as well this late in the process. With the early signing period about a week away, this staff has plenty going on, but Wednesday gave some positive news that at least one potential flip candidate is shutting things down and sticking with his Ohio State pledge despite the pursuit of other schools.
Four-star receiver Quincy Porter has seen his name in the headlines as of late as multiple schools tried to steal him away from the Buckeyes, the most notable being Penn State. Porter was in Happy Valley for an unofficial just a few weekends ago, and that certainly helped fuel the story that he could be a real threat to leave his Ohio State commitment.
On Wednesday, word from 247Sports came public that Porter was done entertaining other schools and was quoted as saying, “I am signing with Ohio State on December 4.” A big time win for the Buckeyes and Hartline, keeping the No. 56 player nationally and ninth best receiver in the class per the 247Sports Composite is right in line with how you want to finish a class.
One of the better play-making receivers in the country, it makes sense for schools like Penn State to try and swoop in late, but there’s no denying what playing this position at Ohio State can do for these players. Regardless of the last few weeks, Porter is locked in and will be a Buckeye officially come next week.
The names for this weekend’s guest list continue to pile up
Throw out the records, the spread, and who is and who may not be playing this weekend. Saturday is The Game for a reason, and it’s drawing quite the guest list. Ohio State has a loaded set of visitors ready to be on campus this weekend, and Wednesday further cemented that narrative as even more top targets announced their visit plans to be in Columbus for the latest edition of the greatest rivalry in sports.
Zech Fort (Bradenton, Florida/IMG Academy) will have his eyes on Ohio State’s defense Saturday as he watches Caleb Downs and Lathan Ransom man the back end of the secondary. The No. 92 player nationally and the eighth best safety in the 2026 class per the 247Sports Composite, Fort is another top safety the Buckeyes are impressing early and often in the upcoming cycle.
Additionally, fellow class of 2026 receiver target Brody Keefe (Charlotte, North Carolina/Myers Park) will also be on hand for the rivalry game. A 6-foot-3, 185 pound athlete with over 20 offers to his name including Ohio State, Keefe is currently the No. 314 player nationally and the 48th best player at his position per the 247Sports Composite.
Already two receiver commits in the fold for the Buckeyes and Hartline, it will be interesting to see who else Ohio State goes after. Keefe is on that short list of names and will be back in town this weekend.
Right back to the defensive side of the ball and in the 2026 class, Simeon Caldwell (Jacksonville, Florida/The Bolles School) will make the trip up from the Sunshine State to see this noon affair. Another impressive talent, Caldwell is currently the No. 70 player nationally and fifth best at his position per the 247Sports Composite.
Also a player with an Ohio State offer already under his belt, this is another major chance for the staff to continue building the relationship they’ve begun, and also an opportunity for Caldwell to see an electric game day environment for the Buckeyes.
Quick Hits
- A committed player that has his importance growing by day thanks to the losses of two other defensive linemen in this 2025 Ohio State class, Zion Grady continues to be all Buckeye, and yesterday received his All-American Bowl jersey.
An incredible accomplishment and one of the more prestigious accolades a high school athlete can receive, not only is Grady proving his worth, but he also continues to be a solid peer recruiter for his future program as he tries to pitch other recruits into joining the Ohio State class. A major get for this staff, Grady is one of the more impressive commits not only for his on-field ability.
- Sticking with the defensive line trend, Ohio State is hoping to flip in-state athlete Chaz Coleman late in the process, as he is currently committed to Penn State and has been since earlier this November. An uphill battle thanks to just offering last week, the Buckeyes are hoping they can make up for lost time, but the Nittany Lions are certainly not going to let that be the case if they have anything to say about it.
The latest rumor involving Coleman is that Penn State is convincing him not to visit Ohio State this coming weekend, and if that is the case, it makes the battle that much tougher. The Buckeyes won’t go away quietly, but getting him to Columbus for The Game would make things much easier as they try their best to sway him to stay at home for his college career.
Continue reading...
