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LGHL Uncut Podcast: Marv’s ankle injury is worse than last year, but now he knows how to play with the pain
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Uncut Podcast: Marv’s ankle injury is worse than last year, but now he knows how to play with the pain
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Four Buckeyes preview Saturday’s game against Maryland.
Throughout the year, the Land-Grant Podcast Network will be bringing you uncut audio primarily from Ohio State press conferences, but also from individual interview sessions.
Listen to the episode and subscribe:
Subscribe: RSS | Apple | Spotify | Google Podcasts | iHeart Radio
On today’s episode of “Land-Grant Uncut,” we are bringing you unedited audio from the Wednesday, Oct. 4 player media availability sessions. You will hear from four different Buckeye players as they put a bow on the Notre Dame victory and the bye week, while looking forward to Saturday’s game against the Maryland Terrapins.
First, you will hear from wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. who discusses the ankle injury suffered against the Irish and compares it to the one he played through in 2022. Then, the always loquacious Cade Stover talks about his performance so far this season.
After that, we will flip to the other side of the ball and hear from defensive lineman Mike Hall and safety Lathan Ransom. They each discuss what their specific units have to do in order to stop the unique passing attack of Maryland and quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa.
Contact Matt Tamanini
Twitter: @BWWMatt
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
Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Four Buckeyes preview Saturday’s game against Maryland.
Throughout the year, the Land-Grant Podcast Network will be bringing you uncut audio primarily from Ohio State press conferences, but also from individual interview sessions.
Listen to the episode and subscribe:
Subscribe: RSS | Apple | Spotify | Google Podcasts | iHeart Radio
On today’s episode of “Land-Grant Uncut,” we are bringing you unedited audio from the Wednesday, Oct. 4 player media availability sessions. You will hear from four different Buckeye players as they put a bow on the Notre Dame victory and the bye week, while looking forward to Saturday’s game against the Maryland Terrapins.
First, you will hear from wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. who discusses the ankle injury suffered against the Irish and compares it to the one he played through in 2022. Then, the always loquacious Cade Stover talks about his performance so far this season.
After that, we will flip to the other side of the ball and hear from defensive lineman Mike Hall and safety Lathan Ransom. They each discuss what their specific units have to do in order to stop the unique passing attack of Maryland and quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa.
Contact Matt Tamanini
Twitter: @BWWMatt
Music by: www.bensound.com
Continue reading...
LGHL Updated Heisman Trophy odds, plus bonus Biletnikoff and Doak Walker favorites
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- 0 Replies
Updated Heisman Trophy odds, plus bonus Biletnikoff and Doak Walker favorites
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 Steph Chambers/Getty Images
Which individual performers stand out among the rest after five-plus weeks of action?
All odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.
By virtue of both a lack of explosive offense to begin the year and other guys across the country putting up some big numbers, all of Ohio State’s Heisman Trophy candidates have seen their odds drop. Marvin Harrison Jr. was the Buckeyes’ betting favorite for the award in the preseason, but that honor now belongs to Kyle McCord, who has cracked the top-10 nationally despite seeing his odds fall to +3000. Both TreVeyon Henderson and Emeka Egbuka are bigger longshots than they were before the season even though they’ve both been great for Ohio State through four games.
Caleb Williams remains the odds-on favorite to win the Heisman Trophy, but several players have seen big boosts from their preseason odds. Chief among them is Michael Penix Jr., who having thrown for 2000 yards and 16 TDs through five games is now second on the list at +380 after being +1600 preseason. Quinn Ewers and Bo Nix round out the group of guys with better than +1000 odds, with Ewers having been +1300 in the preseason and Nix at +1600. Dillon Gabriel joins the top-10 at +2000, Jayden Daniels saw his stock fall from +1100 preseason to +2500 now, and McCord, J.J. McCarthy and Sam Hartman round out the contenders heading into Week 6.
No real surprises among the favorites to take home this year’s Biletnikoff Award, given annually to the nation’s top wide receivers. Coming off an over 1,100-yard season in 2022, Rome Odunze is the top dog in an electric Washington offense, having already hauled in 32 catches for 608 yards and four TDs. Marvin Harrison Jr. doesn’t quite have the stats to match thus far, but we know that at the top of his game he’s still the most talented receiver in the country. Burden has been fantastic for Mizzou, already being just two catches shy of his entire freshman campaign through five games this season and leading FBS in receiving yards with 644, while Nabers has been the best part of a disappointing LSU team.
Audric Estime is the current favorite to take home the Doak Walker Award, which honors the nation’s top running back. Estime has been the star of Notre Dame’s offense alongside Sam Hartman, leading all of FBS with 672 yards rushing — although with the added bonus of playing an extra game in Week 0. Blake Corum isn’t quite at peak performance just yet, but even still already has an FBS-high nine rushing TDs. Will Shipley has been one of the lone bright spots of a largely underwhelming Clemson offense, while Jonathon Brooks has helped pave the way for Texas to join the CFP conversation. It’s nice to see Tre Henderson make the top-five, as the finally healthy OSU back is averaging 6.7 yards per carry with five scores through five games.
Ohio State is the only schools to have both a wide receiver and a running back in the top-five for their respective position awards — not to mention also having its starting quarterback in the top-10 in Heisman Trophy odds.
Thought I’d include this at the end just for fun, but Steve Sarkisian tops the list of favorites to take home the Bear Bryant Award, given to college football’s top head coach. I’m surprised Kalen DeBoer isn’t at the top of the list given what he’s done at Washington, but he will have plenty of opportunities to move up with five ranked teams remaining on the schedule. Of course Coach Prime makes the list having already having already tripled Colorado’s win total from a year ago, while Ryan Day and James Franklin round out the list.
Odds/lines subject to change. T&Cs apply. See draftkings.com/sportsbook for details.
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 Steph Chambers/Getty Images
Which individual performers stand out among the rest after five-plus weeks of action?
All odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.
Ohio State’s Heisman Trophy odds (Current // Preseason)
- Marvin Harrison Jr. (+8000 // +2000)
- Kyle McCord (+3000 // +2200)
- TreVeyon Henderson (+6000 // +4000)
- Emeka Egbuka (+12000 // +10000)
By virtue of both a lack of explosive offense to begin the year and other guys across the country putting up some big numbers, all of Ohio State’s Heisman Trophy candidates have seen their odds drop. Marvin Harrison Jr. was the Buckeyes’ betting favorite for the award in the preseason, but that honor now belongs to Kyle McCord, who has cracked the top-10 nationally despite seeing his odds fall to +3000. Both TreVeyon Henderson and Emeka Egbuka are bigger longshots than they were before the season even though they’ve both been great for Ohio State through four games.
Overall Heisman Trophy Top 10: (All are QBs)
- Caleb Williams - USC (+180)
- Michael Penix Jr. - Washington (+380)
- Quinn Ewers - Texas (+900)
- Bo Nix - Oregon (+900)
- Jordan Travis - Florida State (+1500)
- Dillion Gabriel - Oklahoma (+2000)
- Jayden Daniels - LSU (+2500)
- Kyle McCord - Ohio State (+3000)
- J.J. McCarthy - Michigan (+3000)
- Sam Hartman - Notre Dame (+3000)
Caleb Williams remains the odds-on favorite to win the Heisman Trophy, but several players have seen big boosts from their preseason odds. Chief among them is Michael Penix Jr., who having thrown for 2000 yards and 16 TDs through five games is now second on the list at +380 after being +1600 preseason. Quinn Ewers and Bo Nix round out the group of guys with better than +1000 odds, with Ewers having been +1300 in the preseason and Nix at +1600. Dillon Gabriel joins the top-10 at +2000, Jayden Daniels saw his stock fall from +1100 preseason to +2500 now, and McCord, J.J. McCarthy and Sam Hartman round out the contenders heading into Week 6.
Biletnikoff Award (Top WR)
- Rome Odunze - Washington (+350)
- Marvin Harrison Jr. - Ohio State (+650)
- Luther Burden III - Missouri (+800)
- Malik Nabers - LSU (+800)
- Troy Franklin - Oregon (+1000)
No real surprises among the favorites to take home this year’s Biletnikoff Award, given annually to the nation’s top wide receivers. Coming off an over 1,100-yard season in 2022, Rome Odunze is the top dog in an electric Washington offense, having already hauled in 32 catches for 608 yards and four TDs. Marvin Harrison Jr. doesn’t quite have the stats to match thus far, but we know that at the top of his game he’s still the most talented receiver in the country. Burden has been fantastic for Mizzou, already being just two catches shy of his entire freshman campaign through five games this season and leading FBS in receiving yards with 644, while Nabers has been the best part of a disappointing LSU team.
Doak Walker Award (Top RB)
- Audric Estime - Notre Dame (+450)
- Blake Corum - Michigan (+700)
- Will Shipley - Clemson (+900)
- Jonathon Brooks - Texas (+1000)
- TreVeyon Henderson - Ohio State (+1000)
Audric Estime is the current favorite to take home the Doak Walker Award, which honors the nation’s top running back. Estime has been the star of Notre Dame’s offense alongside Sam Hartman, leading all of FBS with 672 yards rushing — although with the added bonus of playing an extra game in Week 0. Blake Corum isn’t quite at peak performance just yet, but even still already has an FBS-high nine rushing TDs. Will Shipley has been one of the lone bright spots of a largely underwhelming Clemson offense, while Jonathon Brooks has helped pave the way for Texas to join the CFP conversation. It’s nice to see Tre Henderson make the top-five, as the finally healthy OSU back is averaging 6.7 yards per carry with five scores through five games.
Ohio State is the only schools to have both a wide receiver and a running back in the top-five for their respective position awards — not to mention also having its starting quarterback in the top-10 in Heisman Trophy odds.
Bear Bryant Award (Top Head Coach)
- Steve Sarkisian - Texas (+600)
- Mike Norvell - Florida State (+700)
- Kalen DeBoer - Washington (+800)
- Deion Sanders - Colorado (+1000)
- Ryan Day - Ohio State (+1200)
- James Franklin - Penn State (+1200)
Thought I’d include this at the end just for fun, but Steve Sarkisian tops the list of favorites to take home the Bear Bryant Award, given to college football’s top head coach. I’m surprised Kalen DeBoer isn’t at the top of the list given what he’s done at Washington, but he will have plenty of opportunities to move up with five ranked teams remaining on the schedule. Of course Coach Prime makes the list having already having already tripled Colorado’s win total from a year ago, while Ryan Day and James Franklin round out the list.
Odds/lines subject to change. T&Cs apply. See draftkings.com/sportsbook for details.
Continue reading...
LGHL C.J. Stroud is off to a red-hot start in the NFL, proving doubters wrong and making his case for Rookie of the Year
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C.J. Stroud is off to a red-hot start in the NFL, proving doubters wrong and making his case for Rookie of the Year
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 Carmen Mandato/Getty Images
The former Buckeye signal caller is experiencing early success in Houston. And it should come as no surprise to those of us who know that ‘ball don’t lie’.
Taken second overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, C.J. Stroud was not celebrated or seen by all – maybe even most – as a homerun pick. Despite attending The Ohio StateUniversity quarterback factory, putting up video game numbers, and twice finishing in the top four of the Heisman voting, there was still (seemingly manufactured) skepticism that his game would translate to the next level. Not only that, but there were also folks who questioned the former Buckeye’s toughness, desire or will to win, and even his intelligence.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24973961/1453549832.jpg)
Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images
Because Stroud appeared to be a reluctant runner in Columbus, was part of a team that lost a few big games, and supposedly scored poorly on some test, certain people were quick to label him ‘this’ or ‘that’. Stroud also had a stigma attached to him; one that comes with being a recent OSU QB. His name was mentioned with the likes of Miller, Barrett, Jones, and unfortunately even Haskins and Fields, as Buckeye signal callers whose talents or attributes did not work in the NFL.
Now, I am not here to defend or make a case for those other legendary QBs, but I could if I wanted to. Let’s just say that Stroud vs. anybody is not an apples-to-apples comparison and move on...
The conversation surrounding Stroud ultimately had little to no effect on his draft status, as he ended up going No. 2 to the Houston Texans, joining a rookie head coach, a bunch of other young guys, and several middling vets. No offense, but the Texans’ roster is simply not one that you would put together in Madden. So that became one more obstacle in the way of Stroud becoming a successful NFL quarterback. Something that is difficult enough without said obstacles, outside noise, internal pressure, etc.
Anyway, I gave you (or jogged your memory about) the backstory to now deliver a real-time update, which is that Stroud is absolutely balling in Houston. And the haters are sick as a result! But this should come as no real surprise to those of us who spent years watching the former Buckeye and also subscribe to Rasheed Wallace’s idiom of ‘ball don’t lie’.
Stroud has not just hit the ground running; he has actually taken the NFL by storm in record-breaking fashion. He is off to arguably the best start ever by a rookie QB, trailing only Cam Newton in total passing yards through four games, while also adding six touchdowns. And he (Stroud) has compiled these impressive stats (1,212 yards, 6 TD) without throwing a single interception, becoming the first player in NFL history to do so over the course of his first four games.
All of this – plus two wins – with a banged up offensive line and essentially no running game to speak of. I mean, seriously. How impressive has this guy been!?
More importantly, Stroud just contributed to Houston’s first victory at home since Dec. 26, 2021. That’s right, this Texans franchise in seemingly perpetual rebuild had not won a home game since the day after Christmas — (nearly) two years ago! Now, on top of notching that long-awaited home dub and having a real chance in the AFC South, Paul Wall’s favorite team has a QB they can and want to build around.
To replace the last guy, who... uhhh... wore out his welcome. Seems like onward and upward in Houston, with a massive upgrade in the leadership, personnel, and vibes department(s).
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24973952/1423222749.jpg)
Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images
Paul Wall, Houston legend and the people’s champ
But again, no surprise to the Stroud Hive. Because C.J. also hit the ground running in Columbus — the same way he has thus far in Houston. Granted, his supporting cast at Ohio State was leaps and bounds better than most of the competition his team faced, but I digress.
Stroud took the reins of the QB position (at OSU) in 2021 and never looked back. He threw for over 8,000 yards and 85 TD in just 25 starts, and the only real ‘weakness’ he showed was a potential aversion to running... A narrative he more or less dispelled during last season’s CFP game against the Georgia Bulldogs.
So when Draft SZN rolled around, and certain analysts/evaluators/pundits/whomever began to poke holes in Stroud’s game, it seemed agenda or hot take-driven. There was little authenticity to their arguments. The kid checked all physical boxes, showed he could command an NFL-style offense, make all the reads, all the throws, and do so with a seemingly good head on his shoulders.
What’s the problem, not tough enough? Wrong. Blew off Peyton Manning? Wrong again. Terrible test taker? Maybe, but who cares! The bottom line is this: C.J. Stroud was the best QB prospect in the 2023 NFL Draft. But several ‘professional evaluators’ wanted to sell us on literally anyone else, just so they could get some camera time.
Now Stroud is the betting favorite to win NFL Rookie of the Year. He will continue to battle the likes ofJerry Rice Puka Nacua (Los Angeles Rams), Marshall Faulk Bijan Robinson (Atlanta Falcons), and The actual Flash De’Von Achane (Miami Dolphins), but as the QB and face of his franchise, the former Buckeye should have a slight edge.
That being said, I don’t think ROTY would mean a damn thing to Stroud if his Texans team went 5-12. He wants to win. He showed as much against UGA, he has talked about the importance of doing so in Houston, and it seems to genuinely be his primary motivation.
The Houston franchise and its fans should be pretty happy. As should supporters and fans of Ohio State, who watched Stroud develop into a certified stud. The Texans got a good one. All because they knew and/or know that ball don’t lie.
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 Carmen Mandato/Getty Images
The former Buckeye signal caller is experiencing early success in Houston. And it should come as no surprise to those of us who know that ‘ball don’t lie’.
Taken second overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, C.J. Stroud was not celebrated or seen by all – maybe even most – as a homerun pick. Despite attending The Ohio State
Because Stroud appeared to be a reluctant runner in Columbus, was part of a team that lost a few big games, and supposedly scored poorly on some test, certain people were quick to label him ‘this’ or ‘that’. Stroud also had a stigma attached to him; one that comes with being a recent OSU QB. His name was mentioned with the likes of Miller, Barrett, Jones, and unfortunately even Haskins and Fields, as Buckeye signal callers whose talents or attributes did not work in the NFL.
Now, I am not here to defend or make a case for those other legendary QBs, but I could if I wanted to. Let’s just say that Stroud vs. anybody is not an apples-to-apples comparison and move on...
The conversation surrounding Stroud ultimately had little to no effect on his draft status, as he ended up going No. 2 to the Houston Texans, joining a rookie head coach, a bunch of other young guys, and several middling vets. No offense, but the Texans’ roster is simply not one that you would put together in Madden. So that became one more obstacle in the way of Stroud becoming a successful NFL quarterback. Something that is difficult enough without said obstacles, outside noise, internal pressure, etc.
Anyway, I gave you (or jogged your memory about) the backstory to now deliver a real-time update, which is that Stroud is absolutely balling in Houston. And the haters are sick as a result! But this should come as no real surprise to those of us who spent years watching the former Buckeye and also subscribe to Rasheed Wallace’s idiom of ‘ball don’t lie’.
Stroud has not just hit the ground running; he has actually taken the NFL by storm in record-breaking fashion. He is off to arguably the best start ever by a rookie QB, trailing only Cam Newton in total passing yards through four games, while also adding six touchdowns. And he (Stroud) has compiled these impressive stats (1,212 yards, 6 TD) without throwing a single interception, becoming the first player in NFL history to do so over the course of his first four games.
All of this – plus two wins – with a banged up offensive line and essentially no running game to speak of. I mean, seriously. How impressive has this guy been!?
More importantly, Stroud just contributed to Houston’s first victory at home since Dec. 26, 2021. That’s right, this Texans franchise in seemingly perpetual rebuild had not won a home game since the day after Christmas — (nearly) two years ago! Now, on top of notching that long-awaited home dub and having a real chance in the AFC South, Paul Wall’s favorite team has a QB they can and want to build around.
To replace the last guy, who... uhhh... wore out his welcome. Seems like onward and upward in Houston, with a massive upgrade in the leadership, personnel, and vibes department(s).
Paul Wall, Houston legend and the people’s champ
But again, no surprise to the Stroud Hive. Because C.J. also hit the ground running in Columbus — the same way he has thus far in Houston. Granted, his supporting cast at Ohio State was leaps and bounds better than most of the competition his team faced, but I digress.
Stroud took the reins of the QB position (at OSU) in 2021 and never looked back. He threw for over 8,000 yards and 85 TD in just 25 starts, and the only real ‘weakness’ he showed was a potential aversion to running... A narrative he more or less dispelled during last season’s CFP game against the Georgia Bulldogs.
So when Draft SZN rolled around, and certain analysts/evaluators/pundits/whomever began to poke holes in Stroud’s game, it seemed agenda or hot take-driven. There was little authenticity to their arguments. The kid checked all physical boxes, showed he could command an NFL-style offense, make all the reads, all the throws, and do so with a seemingly good head on his shoulders.
What’s the problem, not tough enough? Wrong. Blew off Peyton Manning? Wrong again. Terrible test taker? Maybe, but who cares! The bottom line is this: C.J. Stroud was the best QB prospect in the 2023 NFL Draft. But several ‘professional evaluators’ wanted to sell us on literally anyone else, just so they could get some camera time.
Now Stroud is the betting favorite to win NFL Rookie of the Year. He will continue to battle the likes of
That being said, I don’t think ROTY would mean a damn thing to Stroud if his Texans team went 5-12. He wants to win. He showed as much against UGA, he has talked about the importance of doing so in Houston, and it seems to genuinely be his primary motivation.
The Houston franchise and its fans should be pretty happy. As should supporters and fans of Ohio State, who watched Stroud develop into a certified stud. The Texans got a good one. All because they knew and/or know that ball don’t lie.
Continue reading...
LGHL Ohio State’s Big Ten opponents announced through 2028
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Ohio State’s Big Ten opponents announced through 2028
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 Larry Placido/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Among the new B1G programs, the Buckeyes will only see Oregon in 2024.
On Thursday afternoon, the Big Ten Conference announced its future scheduling format, with each program in the B1G learning who they will see in-conference both home and away through the 2028 season. The Big Ten described it’s new scheduling model as the following:
Here is how things broke for Ohio State, with the order of games not yet set. Games against newly added B1G teams (Oregon, UCLA, USC and Washington) are in bold. The Buckeyes will play the Ducks on the road in 2024, both the Bruins (home) and the Huskies (road) in 2025, and meet the Trojans in-conference for the first time in 2026 on the road. Of course, there is a chance they will see some of these teams earlier in a Big Ten title game, as the B1G will be scrapping divisions starting next season.
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 Larry Placido/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Among the new B1G programs, the Buckeyes will only see Oregon in 2024.
On Thursday afternoon, the Big Ten Conference announced its future scheduling format, with each program in the B1G learning who they will see in-conference both home and away through the 2028 season. The Big Ten described it’s new scheduling model as the following:
Here is how things broke for Ohio State, with the order of games not yet set. Games against newly added B1G teams (Oregon, UCLA, USC and Washington) are in bold. The Buckeyes will play the Ducks on the road in 2024, both the Bruins (home) and the Huskies (road) in 2025, and meet the Trojans in-conference for the first time in 2026 on the road. Of course, there is a chance they will see some of these teams earlier in a Big Ten title game, as the B1G will be scrapping divisions starting next season.
2024
Home Games:
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Michigan
- Nebraska
- Purdue
Away Games:
- Michigan State
- Northwestern
- Oregon
- Penn State
2025
Home Games:
- Minnesota
- Penn State
- Rutgers
- UCLA
Away Games:
- Illinois
- Michigan
- Purdue
- Washington
- Wisconsin
2026
Home Games:
- Illinois
- Maryland
- Michigan
- Northwestern
- Oregon
Away Games:
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Nebraska
- USC
2027
Home Games:
- Michigan State
- Nebraska
- Purdue
- USC
Away Games:
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Northwestern
- Oregon
- Rutgers
2028
Home Games:
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Rutgers
- Washington
- Wisconsin
Away Games:
- Illinois
- Maryland
- Penn State
- UCLA
Continue reading...
LGHL Big Ten Men’s Basketball Team Previews: Minnesota Golden Gophers
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Big Ten Men’s Basketball Team Previews: Minnesota Golden Gophers
justingolba via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Is the third season under Ben Johnson where things starts to click?
As we enter the fall season and college football gets underway, college basketball is right around the corner. As always, to prepare you for the season, Land-Grant Holy Land will be publishing Big Ten Team Previews and Ohio State Basketball Player Previews, starting now with the Team Previews.
Team: Minnesota Golden Gophers
Head coach: Ben Johnson, Third Season, 22-39 (6-33)
2022-23 record: 9-22 (2-17)
All-time record against Ohio State: 47-77
Returners: Dawson Garcia, Parker Fox, Isaiah Ihnen, Pharrel Payne, Josh Ola-Joseph, Braeden Carrington, Kadyn Betts
Departures: Treyton Thompson, Jaden Henley, Jamison Battle, Ta’Lon Cooper
Newcomers: Cameron Christie, Mike Mitchell Jr., Jack Wilson, Elijah Hawkins, Kristupas Keinys
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24980133/usa_today_20086059.jpg "NCAA Basketball: Minnesota at Nebraska")
Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports
As the last couple of years have been for the Gophers, the outlook is not pretty this season. Dawson Garcia is a very solid talent to lead the team, and Pharrel Payne could be a breakout star for them, but they lost too much talent to the transfer portal to truly be excited about the roster.
The Gophers lost Jamison Battle to Ohio State, Ta’Lon Cooper to South Carolina, Treyton Thompson to Stetson, and Jaden Henley to DePaul. All of these players would have been valuable contributors to the team this season, Cooper was the starting point guard last year, and Battle would be the best player on the floor along with Garcia and has All-Big Ten potential — and he is still in the conference in Columbus.
Garcia, who averaged 15.3 points, 6.7 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game last season, is going to take much more attention this season as the clear top guy. They will need someone like Josh Ola-Joseph or Braeden Carrington to step up into a larger scoring role.
Cameron Christie is an interesting prospect. The younger brother of former Michigan State Spartan Max Christie, Cameron is a top-100 recruit nationally and is the third-best recruit in the state of Illinois.
If Christie can come in and be amongst some of the top freshmen in the conference and play a pivotal role immediately, he could be the right complement to Garcia and help Minnesota win a couple of games.
Minnesota will likely finish at the bottom of the conference again, and then the question really becomes: what is the expectation of Ben Johnson and the program? Richard Pitino went 141-123 at Minnesota in eight years and made the tournament twice with one NIT appearance.
Johnson is in a really tough position, and that is easy to acknowledge. Plus, he is a respected alumnus of the university, and right or wrong, that gives you a little bit more benefit of the doubt.
However, Johnson is 6-33 in the conference in two seasons at Minnesota, and has finished T-13th and 14th in the conference. If they finish 13th or 14th in the conference this season again, which they probably will, you have to start to wonder how long Johnson has to turn that ship around.
If Garcia is an all-conference player, Payne takes the next step, Christie is a top freshman in the conference, and two or three of the returning players take the next step, they might be able to win some games. But that is a lot of ‘ifs’ for a couple of wins.
Continue reading...
justingolba via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Is the third season under Ben Johnson where things starts to click?
As we enter the fall season and college football gets underway, college basketball is right around the corner. As always, to prepare you for the season, Land-Grant Holy Land will be publishing Big Ten Team Previews and Ohio State Basketball Player Previews, starting now with the Team Previews.
Team: Minnesota Golden Gophers
Head coach: Ben Johnson, Third Season, 22-39 (6-33)
2022-23 record: 9-22 (2-17)
All-time record against Ohio State: 47-77
Returners: Dawson Garcia, Parker Fox, Isaiah Ihnen, Pharrel Payne, Josh Ola-Joseph, Braeden Carrington, Kadyn Betts
Departures: Treyton Thompson, Jaden Henley, Jamison Battle, Ta’Lon Cooper
Newcomers: Cameron Christie, Mike Mitchell Jr., Jack Wilson, Elijah Hawkins, Kristupas Keinys
Outlook
As the last couple of years have been for the Gophers, the outlook is not pretty this season. Dawson Garcia is a very solid talent to lead the team, and Pharrel Payne could be a breakout star for them, but they lost too much talent to the transfer portal to truly be excited about the roster.
The Gophers lost Jamison Battle to Ohio State, Ta’Lon Cooper to South Carolina, Treyton Thompson to Stetson, and Jaden Henley to DePaul. All of these players would have been valuable contributors to the team this season, Cooper was the starting point guard last year, and Battle would be the best player on the floor along with Garcia and has All-Big Ten potential — and he is still in the conference in Columbus.
Garcia, who averaged 15.3 points, 6.7 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game last season, is going to take much more attention this season as the clear top guy. They will need someone like Josh Ola-Joseph or Braeden Carrington to step up into a larger scoring role.
Cameron Christie is an interesting prospect. The younger brother of former Michigan State Spartan Max Christie, Cameron is a top-100 recruit nationally and is the third-best recruit in the state of Illinois.
If Christie can come in and be amongst some of the top freshmen in the conference and play a pivotal role immediately, he could be the right complement to Garcia and help Minnesota win a couple of games.
Prediction
Minnesota will likely finish at the bottom of the conference again, and then the question really becomes: what is the expectation of Ben Johnson and the program? Richard Pitino went 141-123 at Minnesota in eight years and made the tournament twice with one NIT appearance.
Johnson is in a really tough position, and that is easy to acknowledge. Plus, he is a respected alumnus of the university, and right or wrong, that gives you a little bit more benefit of the doubt.
However, Johnson is 6-33 in the conference in two seasons at Minnesota, and has finished T-13th and 14th in the conference. If they finish 13th or 14th in the conference this season again, which they probably will, you have to start to wonder how long Johnson has to turn that ship around.
If Garcia is an all-conference player, Payne takes the next step, Christie is a top freshman in the conference, and two or three of the returning players take the next step, they might be able to win some games. But that is a lot of ‘ifs’ for a couple of wins.
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DL Dominic Kirks (National Champion)
- By brodybuck21
- Buckeye Football
- 55 Replies
247
Rivals
HUDL
ON3
Class: 2024 (high school)
Position: Defensive Line
School: Cleveland (OH) Villa Angela-St. Joseph
Height: 6-foot-5
Weight: 250 lbs
courtesy of 11W forums....
AG tweeted about a 2024 recruit who's committed elsewhere visiting OSU this weekend. I might've missed it somewhere, but anyone know who it is?
Dominic Kirks is one of Washington’s major 2024 recruiting wins - they’ve been trying desperately to establish a recruiting pipeline in the Midwest. Kirks is their first recruit from Ohio in 20 years. ON3 has Kirks in their top 300.
Rivals
HUDL
ON3
Class: 2024 (high school)
Position: Defensive Line
School: Cleveland (OH) Villa Angela-St. Joseph
Height: 6-foot-5
Weight: 250 lbs
courtesy of 11W forums....
AG tweeted about a 2024 recruit who's committed elsewhere visiting OSU this weekend. I might've missed it somewhere, but anyone know who it is?
Dominic Kirks is one of Washington’s major 2024 recruiting wins - they’ve been trying desperately to establish a recruiting pipeline in the Midwest. Kirks is their first recruit from Ohio in 20 years. ON3 has Kirks in their top 300.
LGHL Ohio State offers in-state 2025 linebacker, gets set for big recruiting weekend
- News
- 0 Replies
Ohio State offers in-state 2025 linebacker, gets set for big recruiting weekend
Caleb Houser via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Akron Hoban product Eli Lee is the latest to earn an Ohio State offer.
Ohio State will certainly need to load up at the linebacker position in the 2025 class. With the veteran room in Columbus now, Jim Knowles and James Laurinaitis will have to land multiple prospects in the next cycle, and on Wednesday a new name of potential emerged on the list as the staff sent out their latest offer to another linebacker target.
Not having to go far from their own backyard, the Buckeyes dished out an offer to in-state linebacker, Eli Lee. A 6-foot-3, 215 pound athlete, the Akron Hoban product is currently the 56th best player at his position and the 34th best player in Ohio per 247Sports’ rankings for the 2025 class. With two offers to his name until Ohio State pulled the trigger, an addition like this makes it just a matter of time before several other top suitors take notice.
The Buckeyes already look like the team to beat for Lee, as he was Crystal Ball’d to end up staying close to home the same day as he received the offer by Bill Kurelic. Typically, when an in-state native hears from the Buckeyes it tends to go well, and if the trend continues here it looks more like a matter of when and not if that Ohio State will land his commitment.
Wanting to keep their best guys at home for their college careers, Lee is the next name worth paying attention to as he looks like a real candidate to commit for the 2025 haul.
Ohio State being back at home this weekend means the recruiting opportunities are back in action. Hosting Maryland for game five of the season, the Buckeyes won’t only be playing host to the Terps, but also several top recruiting prospects in the current and future classes. It’s only been a few weeks, but it feels like it’s been much longer since Ohio State had a home contest, and this weekend should get things back on track in terms of on-campus visits for game days.
On Wednesday the names for the guest list continued to grow when current four-star commit Jaylen McClain shared that he would be back in town to see his future home, The No. 257 player nationally and the 24th best safety in the class per the 247Sports Composite, McClain being back on campus gives the staff another chance to further cement his decision, but also let the DB do some peer recruiting of his own as there will be ample chances to explain why Ohio State is the place to be.
Only a few spots left in the 2024 class, the staff is looking hard to fill each with a top talent and though their efforts are strong, there’s never anything wrong with current commits doing some recruiting of their own.
A 6-foot-5, 290 pound athlete out of Toledo Whitmer, Lowe is currently the No. 164 player nationally and the 15th best offensive tackle in the 2025 class per the 247Sports Composite. Knowing how important the offensive line is in every recruiting class, the Ohio bloodlines are producing top tier targets and the Buckeyes look to have the upper hand early on with their in-state natives.
What would be a big time get for the 2025 cycle, position coach Justin Frye will be all over this one until it’s a done deal, but the trends are certainly positive for Ohio State’s chances at keeping another one of the better products at home for their college careers.
Continue reading...
Caleb Houser via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Akron Hoban product Eli Lee is the latest to earn an Ohio State offer.
Ohio State will certainly need to load up at the linebacker position in the 2025 class. With the veteran room in Columbus now, Jim Knowles and James Laurinaitis will have to land multiple prospects in the next cycle, and on Wednesday a new name of potential emerged on the list as the staff sent out their latest offer to another linebacker target.
Not having to go far from their own backyard, the Buckeyes dished out an offer to in-state linebacker, Eli Lee. A 6-foot-3, 215 pound athlete, the Akron Hoban product is currently the 56th best player at his position and the 34th best player in Ohio per 247Sports’ rankings for the 2025 class. With two offers to his name until Ohio State pulled the trigger, an addition like this makes it just a matter of time before several other top suitors take notice.
The Buckeyes already look like the team to beat for Lee, as he was Crystal Ball’d to end up staying close to home the same day as he received the offer by Bill Kurelic. Typically, when an in-state native hears from the Buckeyes it tends to go well, and if the trend continues here it looks more like a matter of when and not if that Ohio State will land his commitment.
Wanting to keep their best guys at home for their college careers, Lee is the next name worth paying attention to as he looks like a real candidate to commit for the 2025 haul.
Guest list for this weekend continuing to grow
Ohio State being back at home this weekend means the recruiting opportunities are back in action. Hosting Maryland for game five of the season, the Buckeyes won’t only be playing host to the Terps, but also several top recruiting prospects in the current and future classes. It’s only been a few weeks, but it feels like it’s been much longer since Ohio State had a home contest, and this weekend should get things back on track in terms of on-campus visits for game days.
On Wednesday the names for the guest list continued to grow when current four-star commit Jaylen McClain shared that he would be back in town to see his future home, The No. 257 player nationally and the 24th best safety in the class per the 247Sports Composite, McClain being back on campus gives the staff another chance to further cement his decision, but also let the DB do some peer recruiting of his own as there will be ample chances to explain why Ohio State is the place to be.
Only a few spots left in the 2024 class, the staff is looking hard to fill each with a top talent and though their efforts are strong, there’s never anything wrong with current commits doing some recruiting of their own.
Quick Hits
- In addition to the Crystal Ball submitted for Lee, Bill Kurelic of Bucknuts also issued a second prediction on Wednesday via the 247Sports Crystal Ball for the Buckeyes to land in-state 2025 offensive tackle Carter Lowe.
A 6-foot-5, 290 pound athlete out of Toledo Whitmer, Lowe is currently the No. 164 player nationally and the 15th best offensive tackle in the 2025 class per the 247Sports Composite. Knowing how important the offensive line is in every recruiting class, the Ohio bloodlines are producing top tier targets and the Buckeyes look to have the upper hand early on with their in-state natives.
What would be a big time get for the 2025 cycle, position coach Justin Frye will be all over this one until it’s a done deal, but the trends are certainly positive for Ohio State’s chances at keeping another one of the better products at home for their college careers.
Continue reading...