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LGHL Game of the Year: The best non-conference games involving Big Ten teams

Game of the Year: The best non-conference games involving Big Ten teams
Brett Ludwiczak
via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


COLLEGE FOOTBALL: JAN 10 CFP Semifinal Cotton Bowl Classic - Ohio State vs Texas

Photo by David Buono/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The Texas-Ohio State tilt kicks off an entertaining slate of non-conference games involving Big Ten teams this season.

From now until preseason camp starts in August, Land-Grant Holy Land will be writing articles around a different theme every week. This week is all about this season’s marquee matchups. Whether they feature the Buckeyes, other Big Ten schools, or major teams across the country. You can catch up on all of the Theme Week content here and all of our ”Game of the Year” articles here.



Before the grind that is Big Ten play begins, teams around the conference will test themselves against other schools from around the country. While not every team in the Big Ten will be playing exciting non-conference games, the majority of the programs in the conference will play at least one interesting opponent from another conference, which could help bolster their playoff resumé as the regular season comes to a close.

While the Texas-Ohio State tilt will get top billing when it comes to interesting non-conference games this season, there are a number of other games outside of Big Ten play that deserve your attention.

Who knows, maybe the majority of these games don’t end up living up to the hype, but right now it’s fun to imagine a lot of these games coming down to the wire and leaving us on the edge of our seats. At the very least, getting a lay of the land for some of the best non-conference games involving Big Ten teams can help to pass a little time in mid-July.


Texas vs. Ohio State - Aug. 30


The only negative about this game is it is being played at noon. A game of this magnitude should be under the lights, but unfortunately the Big Ten is in bed with FOX and Big Noon Saturday. Honestly though, if this game kicked off at 2 AM on a Tuesday morning, the start of another Buckeye football season would have all of us sitting in front of our TVs and ready to run through walls.

Not only is this a rematch of the Cotton Bowl College Football Playoff semifinal, both teams will enter this game having to replace numerous starters from last year’s squads on both sides of the football. The most noteworthy replacements are going to be the quarterbacks. Texas will start Arch Manning, who started a couple games for the Longhorns last year after Quinn Ewers was injured. Ohio State will counter with Julian Sayin, who will be making his first start at the collegiate level.

Unlike 2005 when Texas and Ohio State met in Columbus in a game that was essentially a BCS elimination game, the loser of this year’s game will still be in the mix for a playoff spot. Last year both teams lost two games and still made the playoff, hosting games in the first round. What neither team wants to do is get hammered in the opener, which could set the tone for a disappointing 2025 season.


Michigan vs. Oklahoma - Sept. 6


Even though I don’t feel like this game is quite on the same level as Texas-Ohio State, I still thinking it could be entertaining in a way. Like one of those comedy movies that is so bad it ends up being funny.

This contest has already gotten off to a roaring start before kickoff with the news that Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore wouldn’t have to serve a two-game suspension until his team’s third and fourth games of the season. Moore is an Oklahoma alum so it’s understandable why he fought to be able to coach in this game, but it doesn’t make the ruling any less hilarious.

Michigan Maize vs Blue Spring Game
Photo by Mike Mulholland/Getty Images for ONIT

Nobody knows what we are going to get with either of these teams. It wouldn’t be surprising to see the Wolverines or Sooners make the playoff. It also wouldn’t be surprising to see the two teams go 6-6 during the regular season.

Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables is on the hot seat after a few underwhelming seasons in charge in Norman, while Moore looks like he’ll be dealing with the brunt of the punishment Michigan will have to deal with when the NCAA finally rules on a number of infractions that were committed while Jim Harbaugh was in charge in Ann Arbor.


Iowa vs. Iowa State - Sept. 6


It’s not a proper list of the best non-conference games in the country unless it includes El Assico! Last year the Cyclones were just a win away from making the College Football Playoff as champions of the Big 12.

This year Iowa State returns quarterback Rocco Becht and some other important contributors from last year’s team. The Cyclones will have two games under their belt when this game kicks off since they’ll meet Kansas State in Dublin in Week 0, followed by a home game against South Dakota the next week.

Iowa really needs this game since they have a Big Ten schedule that includes games against Penn State, Oregon, and USC. Along with some tough conference games, the Hawkeyes will need to replace running back Kaleb Johnson, who did just about everything on offense for Iowa last year.

Keep an eye on how Iowa’s offense looks in Tim Lester’s second season as offensive coordinator. Maybe Lester opens things up a little more now that he has a year under his belt as OC of the Hawkeyes. Quarterback Mark Gronowski put up big numbers as starting quarterback at South Dakota State, so it’ll be interesting to see if he is able to have similar success in Iowa City.


Illinois vs. Duke - Sept. 6


This game might not be the sexiest non-conference game, but it could mean a lot for Illinois. The Fighting Illini are talking like they think they are a playoff contender this year. Since the schedule for Illinois isn’t all that tough, Bret Bielema’s team can’t afford any slip-ups in games where they don’t play Ohio State.

Duke was a respectable 9-4 last year, with one of those victories being a double overtime win at Northwestern. The Fighting Illini can’t let the Blue Devils make it two straight seasons with a win over a Big Ten foe.


Wisconsin vs. Alabama - Sept. 13


Did Luke Fickell and Wisconsin learn anything from the beatdown they suffered at the hands of Alabama in Madison last year? If they didn’t, the Badgers could be in for a long afternoon in Tuscaloosa.

At least Wisconsin will be facing a Crimson Tide squad that will be breaking in a new quarterback. Although, if Ty Simpson is as good as advertised then it’s hard to imagine the Badgers keeping pace in this one, especially in what could be a very toasty atmosphere at Bryant-Denny Stadium.


USC vs. Notre Dame - Oct. 18


Notre Dame has gotten the better of USC lately in the Battle for the Jeweled Shillelagh, winning six of the last seven over the Trojans. The Fighting Irish have really let the football fly in the last two meetings, scoring 97 total points.

After making the College Football Playoff National Championship Game last year, Marcus Freeman and company have designs on a title this year after falling just short last season. The Fighting Irish are replacing defensive coordinator Al Golden with former Ohio State DC Chris Ash, and will have a new starting quarterback after Riley Leonard graduated.

Notre Dame v USC
Photo by Ric Tapia/Getty Images

USC and Lincoln Riley feel like they have a real shot at making the playoff this year. With a manageable schedule, it’s easy to see why there is optimism in Los Angeles. What will tell the story of the season is how the defense progresses in the second season under defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn.

If the Trojans are able to enter this game undefeated and get by Notre Dame, USC should be able to enter a game in late November against Oregon with a spotless record.



Honorable mention:

  • Nebraska vs. Cincinnati (Aug. 28)
  • Oklahoma State vs. Oregon (Sept. 6)
  • Washington vs. Washington State (Sept. 20)
  • Boston College vs. Michigan State (Sept. 6)

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LGHL Advanced analytics say Ryan Day is the best coach in college football, and who are we to argue?

Advanced analytics say Ryan Day is the best coach in college football, and who are we to argue?
Matt Tamanini
via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Ohio State Buckeyes Celebrate NCAA Football Championship

Photo by Jason Mowry/Getty Images

All the Buckeye news thats fit to re-print.

Look, we get it. Your days are busy and you don’t have time to read all of the stories and tweets from the three dozen websites dedicated to covering Ohio State athletics, or the 237 Buckeye beat writers churning out hot takes and #content on a daily basis. But that’s ok, that’s what your friends at Land-Grant Holy Land are here for.

Monday through Friday, we’ll be collecting all of the articles, tweets, features, interviews, videos, podcasts, memes, photos, and whatever else we stumble across on the interwebz and putting them in our daily “Why is this News?” article. That way, you’ll have a one-stop shop for all of the most important Buckeye news, jokes, and analysis.

You’re welcome!


For your Earholes...


Subscribe to the Land-Grant Podcast Network for all of your Ohio State needs
Matt Tamanini, Land-Grant Holy Land


Subscribe: RSS | Apple | Spotify | iHeart Radio


On the Gridiron


Ranking the best college football coaches over the past 20 years
(Spoiler: Ryan Day is No. 1 amongst active coaches)
Bill Connelly, ESPN



Jim Tressel 106-22
Urban Meyer 83-9
Ryan Day 70-10

Ohio State wins games.

— The Buckeye Show (@TheBuckGuys) July 15, 2025

Former OSU RB Judkins cancels youth football camp after arrest
Staff Reports, Columbus Dispatch

Ohio State’s Sonny Styles nominated for 2025 AFCA Good Works Team
Patrick Murphy, Bucknuts

Game of the Year: Ohio State vs. Illinois deserves a non-noon window
Alex Frank, Land-Grant Holy Land

Tim Walton must have young cornerbacks ready for bigger roles
Spencer Holbrook, Lettermen Row

You’re Nuts: Which team do you wish was on Ohio State’s schedule this season?
Brett Ludwiczak and Matt Tamanini, Land-Grant Holy Land


2 straight minutes of elite red zone defense and smash mouth football. pic.twitter.com/JgsANkAVhE

— College Football Report (@CFBRep) July 15, 2025

Why Malik Hartford is poised, ready for crucial role in Ohio State secondary
Austin Ward, Lettermen Row

Game of the Year: Oregon at Penn State could decide tiebreakers for B1G Championship
Jami Jurich, Land-Grant Holy Land

Caleb Downs on fellow Ohio State safeties: “they’re going to excel”
Spencer Holbrook, Lettermen Row


On the Hardwood


Gabe Cupps, Brandon Noel and Christoph Tilly Acclimating to Ohio State Quickly, Buckeyes Hold Open Practice
Andy Anders, Eleven Warriors

Bucknuts Instant Reaction: Ohio State men’s basketball summer workouts underway
Patrick Murphy, Bucknuts


Outside the Shoe and Schott


MLB Draft: Ohio State pitcher Blaine Wynk selected in 8th round | Tyler Pettorini signs as free agent
Dave Biddle, Bucknuts

Women’s Volleyball: 2025 Single Match Tickets on Sale Now
Ohio State Athletics


And now for something completely different...


What an absolutely bonkers hand! When historians look back at when The Grinder began his absolute runaway domination of the final table, it started here:


The BIGGEST POT of the @WSOP Main Event! @TheGrinder44 ALL-IN at RISK against John Wasnock.

Watch LIVE on https://t.co/2RQh5ROjQG pic.twitter.com/uYmBU5SiUD

— PokerGO (@PokerGO) July 15, 2025

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LGHL What do you think is the biggest game on Ohio State’s schedule?

What do you think is the biggest game on Ohio State’s schedule?
Matt Tamanini
via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Ohio State v Penn State

Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images

You ask, we answer. Sometimes we ask, others answer. And then other times, we ask, we answer.

Throughout the year, we will be asking and answering questions about various
Ohio State teams, the players, and anything else on our collective minds of varying degrees of importance. If you have a question that you would like to ask, you can tweet us @LandGrant33 or if you need more than 280 characters, send an email HERE.



We are smack dab in the middle of Game of the Year Week here at Land-Grant Holy Land. Our staff is examining Ohio State’s and college football’s schedules to identify interesting matchups every day this week. But now it’s your turn!

In our weekly fan survey, we are asking you two related, but fundamentally different questions. We want to know what regular-season game you think will be the most important for the Buckeyes this season, and which one will be the most entertaining.

I’ve included every game on the schedule as an option, so there is no need to write in additional choices this week, but if you want to make a case for your pick, feel free to do so in the comments at the bottom of the page.


Question 1: What do you think will be the most important regular-season game on Ohio State’s schedule?


There are so many great options to choose from for this question. Obviously, Texas, Penn State, and Michigan all jump to the front of mind, but there are some sneaky ones in the mix as well. Games like Illinois, Wisconsin, and Washington could all end up being even more important, because one or even two losses against the Longhorns, Nittany Lions, and Wolverines almost certainly don’t exclude OSU from the College Football Playoff, but coupled with a loss to the Illini, Badgers, or Huskies, and that could be a completely different proposition.

However, I do think that, for reasons that likely do not need explanation to anyone reading this, The Game has a significant, extra helping of importance this season. Ryan Day got the monkey off his back last season as he proved that he could win the big one, but now, there is a much bigger proverbial dragon sitting directly in his path at the end of this season’s journey.

I am already on record predicting an existential dread-free season for Day, so I do expect Ohio State to finally beat its rivals this year. However, the lead-up to that game will be contentious no matter what the two teams’ seasons look like up until that point, but if both teams are vying for a Big Ten Title Game berth, or a spot in the College Football Playoff, it might be hard for me to look anywhere else for a “most important game” designation.


Question 2: What do you think will be the most entertaining regular-season game on Ohio State’s schedule?


I like this question because it is really up to interpretation; whatever you consider an entertaining game is perfectly reasonable criteria. If a high-scoring, back-and-forth affair is what tickles your fancy, have your pick. If a defensive slugfest is more your style, choose accordingly. If you are more into the drama and buildup of a game, you’ve got plenty of options.

Whatever your individual criteria are, find the game that matches and vote in the survey right below this line.


Share your thoughts here:


Throughout the year, we ask questions of the most plugged-in Ohio State fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

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LGHL Hangout in the Holy Land: Big recruiting updates and the biggest games of the year

Hangout in the Holy Land: Big recruiting updates and the biggest games of the year
justingolba
via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Syndication: Detroit Free Press

Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Are there any other games on the Buckeyes schedule that can compete with Ohio State and Michigan for the game of the year?

The latest episode of Land-Grant Holy Land’s flagship podcast is here! Join hosts Justin Golba and Alex Frank as they discuss Ohio State football, basketball, recruiting, and much more! Come for the hot takes. Stay for the warm ones.



Subscribe: RSS | Apple | Spotify | Google Podcasts | iHeart Radio



We are back for episode nine of Hangout in the Holy Land, and Justin and Alex are talking about the biggest games of the season.

Keeping with the theme weeks that LGHL has been doing all summer, this week is ‘Game of the Year’, and Justin and Alex bring a couple of games that you can circle on the calendar, including the one up north in November.

To open the episode, we go over four new recruiting updates and have a discussion about the importance of media days.

Remember to like and subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen, leave a comment, and review!



Connect with the podcast:

Twitter:
@HolyLandPod

Connect with Justin Golba:

Twitter:
@justin_golba

Connect with Alex Frank:

Twitter:
@frankie_nnati

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