2024 OH CB Terhyon Nichols (Kentucky Verbal)
- By pnuts34
- Football Recruiting
- 29 Replies
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LGHL LGHL Uncut Podcast: All-American and WNBA Star Kelsey Mitchell
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LGHL Uncut Podcast: All-American and WNBA Star Kelsey Mitchell
1ThomasCostello via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports
The former Buckeye touches on the current form of the 19-0 No. 2 Ohio State women’s team, being honored and a dive into her professional career
Throughout the year, Land-Grant Holy Land will be bringing you uncut audio primarily from Ohio State press conferences, but also from individual interview sessions.
There’s a lot of fanfare surrounding Monday's game between the No. 2 Ohio State women’s basketball team and No. 10 Iowa Hawkeyes. It features a 19-0 Scarlet & Gray side who could continue their historic run and match a program high 20-game wing streak. On the other side, there’s guard Caitlin Clark, a favorite for National Player of the Year.
During all that competition on the court will be a name from Buckeyes success of the past: Kelsey Mitchell. Ohio State is honoring the former Ohio State All-American and current guard for the Indiana Fever during Monday’s game. Adding more excitement to an already jam-packed evening.
Before she was honored, Mitchell spoke with the media about a long list of topics.
Part of it was on the current Buckeyes team and their undefeated start to the season. Mitchell pinpoints what makes streaks like this one achievable, advice for those players on Ohio State who are looking ahead to playing professional basketball and how she feels about being honored at a game for the first time since finishing her NCAA career in 2018.
Also, Mitchell discusses the future of the Indiana Fever, playing with Athletes Unlimited basketball and her sales pitch to people who watch college basketball but don’t watch the WNBA.
Mitchell also talks about her own professional journey through injury, playing overseas and the transition from a college basketball player to a professional, ending the entire interview with some good advice that applies to things outside of basketball.
Connect with Thomas:
Twitter: @1ThomasCostello
Theme music provided by www.bensound.com
Continue reading...
1ThomasCostello via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports
The former Buckeye touches on the current form of the 19-0 No. 2 Ohio State women’s team, being honored and a dive into her professional career
Throughout the year, Land-Grant Holy Land will be bringing you uncut audio primarily from Ohio State press conferences, but also from individual interview sessions.
There’s a lot of fanfare surrounding Monday's game between the No. 2 Ohio State women’s basketball team and No. 10 Iowa Hawkeyes. It features a 19-0 Scarlet & Gray side who could continue their historic run and match a program high 20-game wing streak. On the other side, there’s guard Caitlin Clark, a favorite for National Player of the Year.
During all that competition on the court will be a name from Buckeyes success of the past: Kelsey Mitchell. Ohio State is honoring the former Ohio State All-American and current guard for the Indiana Fever during Monday’s game. Adding more excitement to an already jam-packed evening.
Before she was honored, Mitchell spoke with the media about a long list of topics.
Part of it was on the current Buckeyes team and their undefeated start to the season. Mitchell pinpoints what makes streaks like this one achievable, advice for those players on Ohio State who are looking ahead to playing professional basketball and how she feels about being honored at a game for the first time since finishing her NCAA career in 2018.
Also, Mitchell discusses the future of the Indiana Fever, playing with Athletes Unlimited basketball and her sales pitch to people who watch college basketball but don’t watch the WNBA.
Mitchell also talks about her own professional journey through injury, playing overseas and the transition from a college basketball player to a professional, ending the entire interview with some good advice that applies to things outside of basketball.
Connect with Thomas:
Twitter: @1ThomasCostello
Theme music provided by www.bensound.com
Continue reading...
LGHL Four-star combo guard with a famous father names Ohio State as finalist
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Four-star combo guard with a famous father names Ohio State as finalist
Bret Favachio via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Bronny James | 247Sports
The Buckeyes are very much a player in the recruitment of a highly sought after prospect that’s father plays at the highest level.
While it’s usually the football Buckeyes that make the headlines in the recruiting world, it was Chris Holtmann and the hoops program who was on the receiving end of some potential program-altering news this weekend. Not to be forgotten, Ryan Day also dished out a few new offers in recent days.
Unquestionably the brightest spot on the recruiting trail for Ohio State was when 2023 four-star combo guard Bronny James, son of LeBron James, of Sierra Canyon (CA) announced his top three that featured Ohio State, Oregon, and USC.
James is graded out as the No. 33 overall prospect in the class and would be a major pickup for Holtmannn and the Buckeyes with the ties that the program already has to his father. Not to be forgotten, the 6-foot-3, 190-pounder is also a highly-coveted prospect and a top-10 player at his position and in the state of California.
A pickup of Bronny would be a welcome addition to a 2023 recruiting class that already features three blue-chip prospects led by four-star combo guard Taison Chatman. The entire four-man haul, which could see another addition soon, currently slots in as the sixth-best class in the country.
Aside from the hoops news, Ohio State was very active in the pursuit of more talent on the gridiron. Ryan Day and the coaching staff dished out three new offers this weekend as 2024 four-star linebacker Payton Pierce of Lovejoy (TX), 2025 athlete Quincy Porter of Bergen Catholic (NJ), and 2025 athlete Jahmir Joseph of St. Joseph Regional (NJ).
The Buckeyes are a little late in their pursuit of Pierce, a top fifteen linebacker in the class, but there still is more than enough time to make a move. Ohio State will need to show some urgency in this recruitment if they want to be a viable option for the Lucas native. Pierce named a top ten of Arkansas, Baylor, Michigan, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, TCU, Tennessee, Texas, and Texas A&M in December.
As for Porter and Joseph, you have a pair of prospects from the garden state that have caught their attention. Both are well on their way to being highly-coveted, national recruits. Porter already holds offers from Georgia, Michigan, Oregon, Penn State, and more. As for Joseph, he has yet to eclipse the double-digit offer mark but he also has an offer from the Bulldogs and Nittany Lions to go with his latest scholarship opportunity from Ohio State.
Just 10 days ago, Ohio State rewarded 2024 three-star offensive tackles Deontae and Devontae Armstrong of St. Edward (OH) and Deontae didn’t hold back on Sunday when discussing the offer with Eleven Warriors. “I’d say definitely top three among Michigan and Penn State for sure,” Devontae revealed to Garrick Hodge.
According to Bill Kurelic of 247Sports, the Buckeyes sent head coach Ryan Day and quarterback coach Corey Dennis to North Carolina on Friday to check on five-star quarterback Jadyn Davis and five-star offensive tackle David Sanders of Providence Day School (NC). Sanders is the consensus top recruit in the cycle while the continued effort for Davis likely is an indicator of Ohio State still trying to find their signal-caller in the class after the departure of five-star quarterback Dylan Raiola of Chandler (AZ).
On Sunday morning, On3’s Chad Simmons reported that despite being committed to the Buckeyes, a trio of schools in specific are still in pursuit of five-star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith of Chaminade-Madonna Prep (FL). Simmons mentioned Florida, Georgia, and Miami (FL) as the three still with their sights set on Smith, who has been committed to Ohio State for over a month.
Continue reading...
Bret Favachio via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Bronny James | 247Sports
The Buckeyes are very much a player in the recruitment of a highly sought after prospect that’s father plays at the highest level.
While it’s usually the football Buckeyes that make the headlines in the recruiting world, it was Chris Holtmann and the hoops program who was on the receiving end of some potential program-altering news this weekend. Not to be forgotten, Ryan Day also dished out a few new offers in recent days.
James down to three
Unquestionably the brightest spot on the recruiting trail for Ohio State was when 2023 four-star combo guard Bronny James, son of LeBron James, of Sierra Canyon (CA) announced his top three that featured Ohio State, Oregon, and USC.
James is graded out as the No. 33 overall prospect in the class and would be a major pickup for Holtmannn and the Buckeyes with the ties that the program already has to his father. Not to be forgotten, the 6-foot-3, 190-pounder is also a highly-coveted prospect and a top-10 player at his position and in the state of California.
A pickup of Bronny would be a welcome addition to a 2023 recruiting class that already features three blue-chip prospects led by four-star combo guard Taison Chatman. The entire four-man haul, which could see another addition soon, currently slots in as the sixth-best class in the country.
Buckeyes hand out three new offers
Aside from the hoops news, Ohio State was very active in the pursuit of more talent on the gridiron. Ryan Day and the coaching staff dished out three new offers this weekend as 2024 four-star linebacker Payton Pierce of Lovejoy (TX), 2025 athlete Quincy Porter of Bergen Catholic (NJ), and 2025 athlete Jahmir Joseph of St. Joseph Regional (NJ).
The Buckeyes are a little late in their pursuit of Pierce, a top fifteen linebacker in the class, but there still is more than enough time to make a move. Ohio State will need to show some urgency in this recruitment if they want to be a viable option for the Lucas native. Pierce named a top ten of Arkansas, Baylor, Michigan, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, TCU, Tennessee, Texas, and Texas A&M in December.
As for Porter and Joseph, you have a pair of prospects from the garden state that have caught their attention. Both are well on their way to being highly-coveted, national recruits. Porter already holds offers from Georgia, Michigan, Oregon, Penn State, and more. As for Joseph, he has yet to eclipse the double-digit offer mark but he also has an offer from the Bulldogs and Nittany Lions to go with his latest scholarship opportunity from Ohio State.
Quick Hits
Just 10 days ago, Ohio State rewarded 2024 three-star offensive tackles Deontae and Devontae Armstrong of St. Edward (OH) and Deontae didn’t hold back on Sunday when discussing the offer with Eleven Warriors. “I’d say definitely top three among Michigan and Penn State for sure,” Devontae revealed to Garrick Hodge.
According to Bill Kurelic of 247Sports, the Buckeyes sent head coach Ryan Day and quarterback coach Corey Dennis to North Carolina on Friday to check on five-star quarterback Jadyn Davis and five-star offensive tackle David Sanders of Providence Day School (NC). Sanders is the consensus top recruit in the cycle while the continued effort for Davis likely is an indicator of Ohio State still trying to find their signal-caller in the class after the departure of five-star quarterback Dylan Raiola of Chandler (AZ).
On Sunday morning, On3’s Chad Simmons reported that despite being committed to the Buckeyes, a trio of schools in specific are still in pursuit of five-star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith of Chaminade-Madonna Prep (FL). Simmons mentioned Florida, Georgia, and Miami (FL) as the three still with their sights set on Smith, who has been committed to Ohio State for over a month.
Continue reading...
LGHL Why is this News? All the articles and tweets Buckeye fans need for January 23, 2023
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- 0 Replies
Why is this News? All the articles and tweets Buckeye fans need for January 23, 2023
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Joseph Scheller/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK
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!
Subscribe: RSS | Apple | Spotify | Stitcher | Google Podcasts | iHeart Radio
Love to see this! I know some of the sections were blocked out, but still great to see.
Four Storylines: No. 2 Ohio State women vs. No. 10 Iowa Hawkeyes
Thomas Costello, Land-Grant Holy Land
Ohio State’s 19-game win streak faces tough test against No. 10 Iowa
Bailey Johnson, The Columbus Dispatch
Visiting Locker Room: Catching up on Iowa women’s basketball before Monday’s clash
Thomas Costello, Land-Grant Holy Land
Rejoice! The Ohio State men finally win a basketball game, toppling Iowa 93-77
Connor Lemons, Land-Grant Holy Land
Prolific and efficient against Iowa, Brice Sensabaugh leads Buckeyes
Adam Jardy, The Columbus Dispatch
Isaac Likekele demonstrates why he came to Ohio State in Buckeyes’ win vs. Iowa
Patrick Murphy, Bucknuts
Three Points as Buckeyes snap losing skid with convincing win vs. Iowa (paywall)
Bill Landis, Dotting the Eyes
Zed Key’s late-game knee injury not believed to be long term
Andy Backstrom, Lettermen Row
That clearly felt really good.
Analyzing impact of Josh Proctor returning to Buckeyes for final season (paywall)
Spencer Holbrook, Lettermen Row
Josh Proctor’s return, elite talent on the edge: Ten thoughts on the Buckeyes defense (paywall)
Cameron Teague Robinson, The Athletic
Mark my words, he’s still going to be very important this fall, whether he’s a starter or not.
Ohio State’s Offense Seeks Reliability from Tailbacks TreVeyon Henderson and Miyan Williams
Chris Lauderback, Eleven Warriors
Ohio State football’s Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka have already made Big Ten history for 2023
Nathan Baird, cleveland.com
I’m not saying that the answer is no...
Seven former Buckeyes players advance to NFL conference championships
Andy Backstrom, Lettermen Row
B1G Thoughts: Five offseason questions for Michigan
Jordan Williams, Land-Grant Holy Land
Everything you need to know about 2023 Ohio State tennis
Megan Husslein, Land-Grant Holy Land
Men’s Tennis: Buckeyes Blast Illini 6-1, Move to 5-0
Ohio State Athletics
Women’s Gymnastics: No. 10 Buckeyes Score 197.225 to Defeat No. 15 Iowa
Ohio State Athletics
Women’s Tennis: No. 17 Buckeyes Open Year with Victory over No. 4 Oklahoma, 5-2
Ohio State Athletics
Between this and Skip’s tweet, it’s a really bad time to be on Shannon’s bad side.
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
Joseph Scheller/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK
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: RSS | Apple | Spotify | Stitcher | Google Podcasts | iHeart Radio
On the Hardwood
Love to see this! I know some of the sections were blocked out, but still great to see.
Four Storylines: No. 2 Ohio State women vs. No. 10 Iowa Hawkeyes
Thomas Costello, Land-Grant Holy Land
Ohio State’s 19-game win streak faces tough test against No. 10 Iowa
Bailey Johnson, The Columbus Dispatch
Visiting Locker Room: Catching up on Iowa women’s basketball before Monday’s clash
Thomas Costello, Land-Grant Holy Land
Rejoice! The Ohio State men finally win a basketball game, toppling Iowa 93-77
Connor Lemons, Land-Grant Holy Land
Prolific and efficient against Iowa, Brice Sensabaugh leads Buckeyes
Adam Jardy, The Columbus Dispatch
Isaac Likekele demonstrates why he came to Ohio State in Buckeyes’ win vs. Iowa
Patrick Murphy, Bucknuts
Three Points as Buckeyes snap losing skid with convincing win vs. Iowa (paywall)
Bill Landis, Dotting the Eyes
Zed Key’s late-game knee injury not believed to be long term
Andy Backstrom, Lettermen Row
That clearly felt really good.
On the Gridiron
Analyzing impact of Josh Proctor returning to Buckeyes for final season (paywall)
Spencer Holbrook, Lettermen Row
Josh Proctor’s return, elite talent on the edge: Ten thoughts on the Buckeyes defense (paywall)
Cameron Teague Robinson, The Athletic
Mark my words, he’s still going to be very important this fall, whether he’s a starter or not.
Ohio State’s Offense Seeks Reliability from Tailbacks TreVeyon Henderson and Miyan Williams
Chris Lauderback, Eleven Warriors
Ohio State football’s Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka have already made Big Ten history for 2023
Nathan Baird, cleveland.com
I’m not saying that the answer is no...
Seven former Buckeyes players advance to NFL conference championships
Andy Backstrom, Lettermen Row
B1G Thoughts: Five offseason questions for Michigan
Jordan Williams, Land-Grant Holy Land
Outside the Shoe and Schott
Everything you need to know about 2023 Ohio State tennis
Megan Husslein, Land-Grant Holy Land
Men’s Tennis: Buckeyes Blast Illini 6-1, Move to 5-0
Ohio State Athletics
Women’s Gymnastics: No. 10 Buckeyes Score 197.225 to Defeat No. 15 Iowa
Ohio State Athletics
Women’s Tennis: No. 17 Buckeyes Open Year with Victory over No. 4 Oklahoma, 5-2
Ohio State Athletics
And now for something completely different...
Between this and Skip’s tweet, it’s a really bad time to be on Shannon’s bad side.
Continue reading...
LGHL Game Preview: No. 2 Ohio State women vs. No. 10 Iowa
- News
- 0 Replies
Game Preview: No. 2 Ohio State women vs. No. 10 Iowa
1ThomasCostello via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Joseph Cress/Iowa City Press-Citizen / USA TODAY NETWORK
The first ranked conference game of the 2023 calendar doesn’t get much bigger than the Iowa Hawkeyes
Monday begins what feels like a March Madness week for the Ohio State women’s basketball team. In a stretch of four days, head coach Kevin McGuff’s squad takes on both the Iowa Hawkeyes and Indiana Hoosiers. Both teams are dangerous, and both games give different dangers for the Buckeyes.
Ohio State can’t look past the first game, with the Hawkeyes entering the game as the No. 10 ranked team in the nation. There’s a lot of hype around this game — for good reason.
The only downside of Ohio State versus Iowa is that it doesn’t happen twice this regular season. Last season, these two teams scored 180 combined points, with the Buckeyes earning only their second win against a ranked opponent the entire regular season.
This game has all the makings of being even better than the first. Last year, it was guard Caitlin Clark and center Monika Czinano hurting the Buckeyes. Combined the two scored 66 of the Hawkeyes’ 88 points. On most nights, that’s more than enough to beat an opponent, but it was the rest of the Iowa roster who struggled.
Buckeyes guards Taylor Mikesell and Jacy Sheldon led Ohio State with 24 and 20 points respectively, but all seven members of the Scarlet & Gray who made it onto the court contributed. Forward Rebeka Mikulášiková shot 5-of-6 from three. Guard Rikki Harris had six rebounds, four assists and three steals.
The visiting Buckeyes stole a 92-88 win over the then No. 21 team in the country. That win eventually became what secured Ohio State their regular season co-championship with the Hawkeyes.
Now in 2023, both teams return most of the same players who are now a year older, a year wiser and a year improved.
The Hawkeyes bring back all five starters from last year’s matchup, led by likely Naismith National Player of the Year finalist Clark. The Iowa native scored 43 on the Buckeyes last season, and has the ability to do it again this season.
For anyone joining the college basketball train as it rages down the tracks of the sports narrative, there’s no one else like Clark in the Big Ten, or maybe the country. Clark almost averages a triple-double in the 2022-23 season. In 19 games, the guard averages 26.7 points, 7.6 rebounds and 7.5 assists per game.
These numbers slightly down in all three categories from last season. Even so, Clark doesn’t only hurt opponents through scoring. What makes her dangerous is the ability to grab defensive rebounds, get down the floor quickly and either find the open outlet or take the shot herself.
This play is the perfect example. While it wasn’t Clark getting the rebound, the first person to get it after the change in possession was the guard.
That was Wednesday against the Michigan State Spartans, but similar plays like this can be found anytime Clark is on the court. The Buckeyes will need to either make shots more efficiently, grab more offensive rebounds or make it hard for Clark to get the ball or move once she has it.
Of those three choices, the third is the most likely scenario. The Buckeyes are third in the conference with 48.5% shooting from the floor, but that means over half the shots Ohio State takes likely lands in the hands of the opponent. This season, Ohio State’s rebounding margin is at 0.1, improving it from in the negatives for most of the 2022-23 campaign.
There are players who can make rebounding and guarding Clark easier. Guard/forward Taylor Thierry is a good candidate for the job. The 6-foot playmaker is athletic, quick and has long arms. Thierry leads the Scarlet & Gray in rebounding with 56 of her 124 rebounds on the season coming on the offensive glass.
Needing that one-on-one attention, and possibly some double teams, is contingent on how well the full court press works. If Ohio State hits shots and can run their press to the level of competitive character called upon by coach McGuff, Clark could be slightly less effective.
When Clark does eventually find space, the guard has teammates who make her job easier. Mainly center Monika Czinano.
Below Clark in all team statistical categories is Czinano. The center is powerful inside the paint, grabbing 6.6 rebounds per game. Also, Czinano can score at a high level. This season, the center is shooting 65% from the floor with 17.9 points per game. Against those same Spartans, Czinano went a perfect 11-for-11 from the floor for 22 points.
Ohio State can partially neutralize Czinano with a strong defensive and shooting game from forward Mikulášiková. In the last two games, the Slovakian’s fared well against Nebraska Cornhuskers forward Alexis Markowski and Northwestern Wildcats’ Caileigh Walsh, holding them both below average rebounding and didn’t allow either to take over the game offensively.
Also, Czinano isn’t a deep threat like Mikulášiková. If the Buckeyes’ five hits her shots, especially from deep, it can pull Czinano out of the paint enough for someone like Mikesell, Thierry or forward Cotie McMahon to take over the open space.
Those two only scratch the surface for Iowa. Guards Kate Martin, Gabbie Williams and forward McKenna Warnock are all upperclassmen, with Martin a redshirt senior alongside the other two fourth year seniors. If any of the three can turn on a big game, it makes an already tough opponent for Ohio State that much more difficult.
For Ohio State, there’s a question hovering over the entire game plan: Is Sheldon going to play? The guard’s missed 14 of the Buckeyes 19 games this season with a foot injury. It began with Sheldon on a boot, then a boot with crutches, but against Northwestern she was free from both.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24378928/Carmen_Ohio__3_.jpg)
Ohio State University athletic department
Jacy Sheldon (center in a red shirt) without any medical equipment on her injured foot. Does that mean some minutes on the court could happen Monday?
Does that mean the guard can play even a few minutes, or is Sheldon’s return further away than expected? If Sheldon does play, how will she fit into the team initially after not playing a game since Nov. 30 in Louisville, Kentucky?
Sheldon or no Sheldon, Ohio State’s saying the right things about being ready and focusing on just the next game.
With the anticipated crowd — more on that later — and the talent level of both of these teams, no ending would be surprising. The Buckeyes can score at will and the Hawkeyes’ defense is outscoring the opponent.
With that said, the Hawkeyes are a veteran team, just like the Buckeyes, but the same full court press might not be as effective against Iowa like other teams. They aren’t like the Tennessee Volunteers who started two transfers to tip off the season or the Illinois Fighting Illini who went through a total offseason revamp.
The Hawkeyes are one of a few teams who might be able to take the punches the Buckeyes throw their way.
This game is going to be close. Both teams will hit their shots, but its about limiting Clark as much as possible and not letting her teammates hurt you too. Ohio State will keep some shooters at bay but Czinano will have a strong night.
Maybe a close to sold out Schottenstein Center can tip the scales?
Date: Monday, Jan. 23, 2023
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Where: Schottenstein Center, Columbus, Ohio
Television: ESPN2
Stream: ESPN app
Monday’s game looks like it’ll give the Buckeyes a deservedly large home crowd. As of Sunday night, 24 hours before the game tips, there aren’t many tickets left at all.
All season the program’s invested more into marketing for the team and it’s been paying dividends. After a McGuff tenure-low 3,274 per game last year, this season that average is 5,012 before Monday’s game and future home games against ranked Maryland Terrapins and Indiana Hoosiers.
Part of that is of course having a top team in the nation, but they’ve also been inventive with some of their giveaways. The Buckeyes gave away championship shirts honoring last season’s Big Ten regular season co-championship against Purdue. On Jan. 29, they’re giving away socks, and Monday the first 2,000 get dub chain shirts, an honor bestowed upon a player after each Ohio State win.
The Buckeyes and the packed Schottenstein Center are hoping a player gets a dub chain too and not just the fans.
Continue reading...
1ThomasCostello via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Joseph Cress/Iowa City Press-Citizen / USA TODAY NETWORK
The first ranked conference game of the 2023 calendar doesn’t get much bigger than the Iowa Hawkeyes
Monday begins what feels like a March Madness week for the Ohio State women’s basketball team. In a stretch of four days, head coach Kevin McGuff’s squad takes on both the Iowa Hawkeyes and Indiana Hoosiers. Both teams are dangerous, and both games give different dangers for the Buckeyes.
Ohio State can’t look past the first game, with the Hawkeyes entering the game as the No. 10 ranked team in the nation. There’s a lot of hype around this game — for good reason.
Preview
The only downside of Ohio State versus Iowa is that it doesn’t happen twice this regular season. Last season, these two teams scored 180 combined points, with the Buckeyes earning only their second win against a ranked opponent the entire regular season.
This game has all the makings of being even better than the first. Last year, it was guard Caitlin Clark and center Monika Czinano hurting the Buckeyes. Combined the two scored 66 of the Hawkeyes’ 88 points. On most nights, that’s more than enough to beat an opponent, but it was the rest of the Iowa roster who struggled.
Buckeyes guards Taylor Mikesell and Jacy Sheldon led Ohio State with 24 and 20 points respectively, but all seven members of the Scarlet & Gray who made it onto the court contributed. Forward Rebeka Mikulášiková shot 5-of-6 from three. Guard Rikki Harris had six rebounds, four assists and three steals.
The visiting Buckeyes stole a 92-88 win over the then No. 21 team in the country. That win eventually became what secured Ohio State their regular season co-championship with the Hawkeyes.
Now in 2023, both teams return most of the same players who are now a year older, a year wiser and a year improved.
The Hawkeyes bring back all five starters from last year’s matchup, led by likely Naismith National Player of the Year finalist Clark. The Iowa native scored 43 on the Buckeyes last season, and has the ability to do it again this season.
For anyone joining the college basketball train as it rages down the tracks of the sports narrative, there’s no one else like Clark in the Big Ten, or maybe the country. Clark almost averages a triple-double in the 2022-23 season. In 19 games, the guard averages 26.7 points, 7.6 rebounds and 7.5 assists per game.
These numbers slightly down in all three categories from last season. Even so, Clark doesn’t only hurt opponents through scoring. What makes her dangerous is the ability to grab defensive rebounds, get down the floor quickly and either find the open outlet or take the shot herself.
This play is the perfect example. While it wasn’t Clark getting the rebound, the first person to get it after the change in possession was the guard.
.@CaitlinClark22@sydneyaffolter1 pic.twitter.com/mTE1nfzV2X
— Iowa Women's Basketball (@IowaWBB) January 19, 2023
That was Wednesday against the Michigan State Spartans, but similar plays like this can be found anytime Clark is on the court. The Buckeyes will need to either make shots more efficiently, grab more offensive rebounds or make it hard for Clark to get the ball or move once she has it.
Of those three choices, the third is the most likely scenario. The Buckeyes are third in the conference with 48.5% shooting from the floor, but that means over half the shots Ohio State takes likely lands in the hands of the opponent. This season, Ohio State’s rebounding margin is at 0.1, improving it from in the negatives for most of the 2022-23 campaign.
There are players who can make rebounding and guarding Clark easier. Guard/forward Taylor Thierry is a good candidate for the job. The 6-foot playmaker is athletic, quick and has long arms. Thierry leads the Scarlet & Gray in rebounding with 56 of her 124 rebounds on the season coming on the offensive glass.
Needing that one-on-one attention, and possibly some double teams, is contingent on how well the full court press works. If Ohio State hits shots and can run their press to the level of competitive character called upon by coach McGuff, Clark could be slightly less effective.
When Clark does eventually find space, the guard has teammates who make her job easier. Mainly center Monika Czinano.
Below Clark in all team statistical categories is Czinano. The center is powerful inside the paint, grabbing 6.6 rebounds per game. Also, Czinano can score at a high level. This season, the center is shooting 65% from the floor with 17.9 points per game. Against those same Spartans, Czinano went a perfect 11-for-11 from the floor for 22 points.
Ohio State can partially neutralize Czinano with a strong defensive and shooting game from forward Mikulášiková. In the last two games, the Slovakian’s fared well against Nebraska Cornhuskers forward Alexis Markowski and Northwestern Wildcats’ Caileigh Walsh, holding them both below average rebounding and didn’t allow either to take over the game offensively.
Also, Czinano isn’t a deep threat like Mikulášiková. If the Buckeyes’ five hits her shots, especially from deep, it can pull Czinano out of the paint enough for someone like Mikesell, Thierry or forward Cotie McMahon to take over the open space.
Those two only scratch the surface for Iowa. Guards Kate Martin, Gabbie Williams and forward McKenna Warnock are all upperclassmen, with Martin a redshirt senior alongside the other two fourth year seniors. If any of the three can turn on a big game, it makes an already tough opponent for Ohio State that much more difficult.
For Ohio State, there’s a question hovering over the entire game plan: Is Sheldon going to play? The guard’s missed 14 of the Buckeyes 19 games this season with a foot injury. It began with Sheldon on a boot, then a boot with crutches, but against Northwestern she was free from both.
Jacy Sheldon (center in a red shirt) without any medical equipment on her injured foot. Does that mean some minutes on the court could happen Monday?
Does that mean the guard can play even a few minutes, or is Sheldon’s return further away than expected? If Sheldon does play, how will she fit into the team initially after not playing a game since Nov. 30 in Louisville, Kentucky?
Sheldon or no Sheldon, Ohio State’s saying the right things about being ready and focusing on just the next game.
Projected Lineups
Lineup Notes
- Guard Rikki Harris has 5.2 assists per game since taking up the starting role on Dec. 21.
- Guard Taylor Mikesell is 14 points away from scoring 2,000 in her NCAA career.
- Ohio State’s defense allows the fourth fewest points in the conference at 62.9 points per game.
Lineup Notes
- This group has started all 19 games for the Hawkeyes this season.
- Guard Caitlin Clark’s 26.7 points per game is the highest in the conference by five points.
- Iowa makes the most three-point shots in the conference with 8.7 per game.
Prediction
With the anticipated crowd — more on that later — and the talent level of both of these teams, no ending would be surprising. The Buckeyes can score at will and the Hawkeyes’ defense is outscoring the opponent.
With that said, the Hawkeyes are a veteran team, just like the Buckeyes, but the same full court press might not be as effective against Iowa like other teams. They aren’t like the Tennessee Volunteers who started two transfers to tip off the season or the Illinois Fighting Illini who went through a total offseason revamp.
The Hawkeyes are one of a few teams who might be able to take the punches the Buckeyes throw their way.
This game is going to be close. Both teams will hit their shots, but its about limiting Clark as much as possible and not letting her teammates hurt you too. Ohio State will keep some shooters at bay but Czinano will have a strong night.
Maybe a close to sold out Schottenstein Center can tip the scales?
How to Watch
Date: Monday, Jan. 23, 2023
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Where: Schottenstein Center, Columbus, Ohio
Television: ESPN2
Stream: ESPN app
LGHL Prediction: 85-80 Iowa Hawkeyes
Big Crowd Anticipated
Monday’s game looks like it’ll give the Buckeyes a deservedly large home crowd. As of Sunday night, 24 hours before the game tips, there aren’t many tickets left at all.
All season the program’s invested more into marketing for the team and it’s been paying dividends. After a McGuff tenure-low 3,274 per game last year, this season that average is 5,012 before Monday’s game and future home games against ranked Maryland Terrapins and Indiana Hoosiers.
Part of that is of course having a top team in the nation, but they’ve also been inventive with some of their giveaways. The Buckeyes gave away championship shirts honoring last season’s Big Ten regular season co-championship against Purdue. On Jan. 29, they’re giving away socks, and Monday the first 2,000 get dub chain shirts, an honor bestowed upon a player after each Ohio State win.
The first 2,000 fans in attendance for tomorrow’s match up vs #10 Iowa will receive their very own Dub-Chain TeeSee you there! #GoBucks pic.twitter.com/0BsMW5uQlr
— Ohio State WBB (@OhioStateWBB) January 22, 2023
The Buckeyes and the packed Schottenstein Center are hoping a player gets a dub chain too and not just the fans.
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2027 OH RB Isaiah "Zeek" Garrett
- By pnuts34
- Football Recruiting
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Class: 2027
School: Cincinnati (OH) Winton Woods
Position: Running Back
Height: 5-foot-10
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Class: 2027
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LGHL LGHL Uncut Podcast: Fran McCaffery, Chris Holtmann, Ohio State players discuss Buckeyes’ win over Iowa
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LGHL Uncut Podcast: Fran McCaffery, Chris Holtmann, Ohio State players discuss Buckeyes’ win over Iowa
Connor Lemons via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Joseph Scheller/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK
Ohio State is back in the win column, but there’s a long way to go.
Throughout the season, Land-Grant Holy Land will be bringing you uncut audio primarily from Ohio State press conferences, but also from individual interview sessions.
Following Ohio State’s 93-77 romp over Iowa on Saturday, we spoke to Iowa head coach Fran McCaffery, Ohio State head coach Chris Holtmann, man of the hour Isaac Likekele, and leading scorer Brice Sensabaugh in the post-game press conference.
McCafferey was short with his answers, mostly saying that his team was too careless with the ball and allowed themselves to get beat on the glass in the second half. He wouldn’t say how much his team did — or didn’t — prepare for Likekele, who entered the game averaging three points per contest.
Likekele was the target of most questions, asking about his production that day and his thoughts on where his team stands at 3-5. He said that, although he wasn’t scoring much this season, scoring 18 points is not something that he’s never done.
Finally, Holtmann spoke and talked highly of Likekele, saying he didn’t ask for more offense, he just told Isaac to be himself. He also praised the OSU student section, and said it was nice to have a fun moment in the locker room with the team after losing for over two weeks straight.
Connect with Connor:
Twitter: @lemons_connor
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Connor Lemons via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Joseph Scheller/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK
Ohio State is back in the win column, but there’s a long way to go.
Throughout the season, Land-Grant Holy Land 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 | Stitcher | Google Podcasts | iHeart Radio
Following Ohio State’s 93-77 romp over Iowa on Saturday, we spoke to Iowa head coach Fran McCaffery, Ohio State head coach Chris Holtmann, man of the hour Isaac Likekele, and leading scorer Brice Sensabaugh in the post-game press conference.
McCafferey was short with his answers, mostly saying that his team was too careless with the ball and allowed themselves to get beat on the glass in the second half. He wouldn’t say how much his team did — or didn’t — prepare for Likekele, who entered the game averaging three points per contest.
Likekele was the target of most questions, asking about his production that day and his thoughts on where his team stands at 3-5. He said that, although he wasn’t scoring much this season, scoring 18 points is not something that he’s never done.
Finally, Holtmann spoke and talked highly of Likekele, saying he didn’t ask for more offense, he just told Isaac to be himself. He also praised the OSU student section, and said it was nice to have a fun moment in the locker room with the team after losing for over two weeks straight.
Connect with Connor:
Twitter: @lemons_connor
Theme music provided by www.bensound.com
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2024 FL (TX) DB Jordon Johnson-Rubell (Texas Verbal)
- By MD Buckeye
- Football Recruiting
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2024 GA OL Jameson Riggs (Georgia Tech Verbal)
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2026 PA RB Messiah Mickens (Penn St. Verbal)
- By pnuts34
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LGHL B1G Thoughts: Five offseason questions for Michigan
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B1G Thoughts: Five offseason questions for Michigan
JordanW330 via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Michigan enters 2023 as the Big Ten favorites after back-to-back conference championships. What must happen for a three-peat?
The 2022 season has come to an end. It was a great season that leaves many questions to be answered as we enter the 2023 offseason.
Michigan won the Big Ten for the second year in a row, taking the crown from Ohio State. Ohio State enters 2023 a field goal away from a national championship appearance, but now has to replace C.J. Stroud. Will this be the first time in almost a decade that the best quarterback in the conference doesn’t wear scarlet and grey?
Nebraska, Purdue, and Wisconsin enter 2023 with new coaches, while Northwestern’s Pat Fitzgerald and Indiana’s Tom Allen enter on the hot seat. Penn State has high expectations, Illinois will try to rebound from a late-season collapse, while Minnesota is trying to replace four of the best players in program history.
This is the final offseason before USC and UCLA enter the conference and the new TV deal starts. Teams must build a foundation that will last in the ever-changing landscape of college football. The 2023 offseason is essential for every program, so let’s dive in and see which five questions each team must answer before the actual season begins.
McCarthy enters 2023 as the unquestioned leader of the Michigan Wolverines. He also enters the offseason as one of the most experienced and most talented quarterbacks in the Big Ten. Draftniks are already talking about him entering the 2024 NFL Draft, and in theory he should be the best quarterback in the Big Ten.
Ohio State and Penn State will be rolling out first-year starters. Taulia Tagoiloa is maybe the most experienced quarterback, but if he was a great quarterback he would be in the NFL and not returning for a fourth season.
Again, in theory, J.J. should enter 2023 with the expectation to lead Michigan to a third-straight Big Ten Championship, plus another trip to the College Football Playoff after a trip to New York City for the Heisman ceremony.
For all of this to become true, McCarthy will have to make some marked improvements during the offseason. After throwing for 2,719 yards, 22 touchdowns and five interceptions with a 65% completion percentage in 2022, McCarthy will need to be better this time around.
Under Harbaugh, Michigan will always be a run-first offense, but McCarthey has to be able to make the throws when they count. He is very inconsistent in throwing from the pocket, and tends to airmail deep passes. The goal for McCarthy should be to perform like he did against Ohio State — but consistently.
Against Ohio State, he showed patience and poise. At the beginning of the game he ran early, which set up the passing game and he connected on a big time throw until the running game got in sync. Immediately following that game, he turned back into a pumpkin missing wide open receivers against Purdue and TCU.
For much of the season, McCarthy will not have to be special, and Michigan will win games. But for Michigan to three-peat or win a game in the CFP, he will need to be a bigger weapon passing the ball and possessing the ability to take over a game through the air. Most college quarterbacks take a jump their second year as a starter. J.J. will need to improve as a passer for Michigan to reach the mountaintop for a third consecutive time.
Once again the Wolverines start the offseason with drama. Last year it did not affect the team, but can they show the same resolve?
We’re not even a full month into the 2023 calendar year, and Jim Harbaugh has flirted with the NFL — again — before deciding to come back. There is pretty obvious discord between the coach, the athletic director, and the school president. On top of that, Michigan has been hit with NCAA violations that could lead to sanctions after Harbaugh was accused of lying to the NCAA during their investigation.
All of that would be tough to ignore, but it wouldn’t be Michigan if we stopped there. To add insult to injury, co-offense coordinator Matt Weiss has been fired after being accused of computer-access crimes — whatever that means.
Michigan has all the goods to three-peat as a champion, but after three years of drama, multiple dalliances with the NFL, and consistent changes on the staff, will they be able to continue to win the battle of attrition?
Michigan has been a team led by older players who could lead the team through the noise and set a culture despite the nonsense. With many of those players running out of eligibility or heading to the NFL, it’s up to newly minted upperclassmen like J.J. McCarthy, Donovan Edwards, and Will Johnson to be able to lead the Wolverines past the BS and into the 2023 season.
Since 2020, the Michigan front seven has lost defensive linemen and linebackers, Josh Uche, Kwity Paye, David Ojabo, and Aidan Hutchinson. All four players were top-60 picks in their respective NFL Drafts, and without Ojabo suffering a late injury causing him to slide to the second round, three of them would have been first-round picks. You can now add reigning Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year Mike Morris and stud Mazi Smith to this list.
Going into the offseason, it will be imperative for Michigan to replace Morris and Smith. It’s impossible to be successful in the Big Ten without a stout defensive line. The Wolverines enter spring ball without a surefire answer to who fills the big shoes left by those two players. It’s easy to say that at a program of Michigan’s caliber, they should be able to slide another stud into their place and not miss a beat, and they’ve done that the past three seasons.
For them to reach their goals, they need to find a stud — preferably two on their defensive line — or risk a serious regression that could come back to bite them against top competition.
Name Michigan’s best wide receiver from last season. Matter of fact, name their best wide receiver from any of the past three seasons.
Unless you’re a Michigan fan, you probably can’t. The Wolverines have been in a perpetual state of waiting for a star wide receiver. They convinced themselves for the past few seasons that it was going to be Ronnie Bell. They drooled over Andrel Anthony after he had one solid performance against Michigan State in 2021, but overall there has not been much to write home about.
Michigans run game clearly works, and they can win the Big Ten with it, but after back-to-back losses in the playoffs, it’s time for them to find and develop wide receiver talent or there will always be a ceiling on this program. Whether it be developing young players or getting someone from the transfer portal Michigan, needs to enter the 2023 season with a legit No. 1 wide receiver.
That process starts with being honest about the talent on the roster, the wide receiver coach’s ability to develop them, and an in-depth look at the transfer portal. Harbaugh has used the portal in the back-to-back season to shore up their offensive line. Maybe it’s time to turn that attention to the wide receiver corp. This becomes even more important after losing Andrel Anthony and Erick All to Oklahoma and Iowa, respectively.
Blake Corum was one of the best running backs in the country for 90% of the season before suffering a knee injury that essentially ended his 2022 campaign. Former five-star running back Donovan Edwards played well with him on the sidelines, and was probably expected to be the No. 1 back finally after sitting behind Hasan Haskins and Blake Corum for the past two years.
Instead, Corum decided to put off the NFL and return to college — a decision that seldom works out for the returning player. I’m sure the Michigan coaches and fans are happy about Corum’s return, but you have to wonder what the rotation looks like. Will Edwards be okay with spending his last season before draft eligibility as a backup? Can Corum return to his 2022 form? How do they keep Edwards happy so he doesn’t enter the portal in May to become a No. 1 back for someone else?
There are a lot of teams in the country who would make him the no. one back immediately, no questions asked. The return of a star player can be a good thing, but it will require Corum and Edwards to be on the same page with running backs coach Mike Hart or else discontent could come into the room. If they can find a way to keep both players happy, they’ll enter 2023 with one of the best two-back rotations in the country.
Continue reading...
JordanW330 via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Michigan enters 2023 as the Big Ten favorites after back-to-back conference championships. What must happen for a three-peat?
The 2022 season has come to an end. It was a great season that leaves many questions to be answered as we enter the 2023 offseason.
Michigan won the Big Ten for the second year in a row, taking the crown from Ohio State. Ohio State enters 2023 a field goal away from a national championship appearance, but now has to replace C.J. Stroud. Will this be the first time in almost a decade that the best quarterback in the conference doesn’t wear scarlet and grey?
Nebraska, Purdue, and Wisconsin enter 2023 with new coaches, while Northwestern’s Pat Fitzgerald and Indiana’s Tom Allen enter on the hot seat. Penn State has high expectations, Illinois will try to rebound from a late-season collapse, while Minnesota is trying to replace four of the best players in program history.
This is the final offseason before USC and UCLA enter the conference and the new TV deal starts. Teams must build a foundation that will last in the ever-changing landscape of college football. The 2023 offseason is essential for every program, so let’s dive in and see which five questions each team must answer before the actual season begins.
How does J.J. McCarthy improve going into his second season as the starter?
McCarthy enters 2023 as the unquestioned leader of the Michigan Wolverines. He also enters the offseason as one of the most experienced and most talented quarterbacks in the Big Ten. Draftniks are already talking about him entering the 2024 NFL Draft, and in theory he should be the best quarterback in the Big Ten.
Ohio State and Penn State will be rolling out first-year starters. Taulia Tagoiloa is maybe the most experienced quarterback, but if he was a great quarterback he would be in the NFL and not returning for a fourth season.
Again, in theory, J.J. should enter 2023 with the expectation to lead Michigan to a third-straight Big Ten Championship, plus another trip to the College Football Playoff after a trip to New York City for the Heisman ceremony.
For all of this to become true, McCarthy will have to make some marked improvements during the offseason. After throwing for 2,719 yards, 22 touchdowns and five interceptions with a 65% completion percentage in 2022, McCarthy will need to be better this time around.
Under Harbaugh, Michigan will always be a run-first offense, but McCarthey has to be able to make the throws when they count. He is very inconsistent in throwing from the pocket, and tends to airmail deep passes. The goal for McCarthy should be to perform like he did against Ohio State — but consistently.
Against Ohio State, he showed patience and poise. At the beginning of the game he ran early, which set up the passing game and he connected on a big time throw until the running game got in sync. Immediately following that game, he turned back into a pumpkin missing wide open receivers against Purdue and TCU.
For much of the season, McCarthy will not have to be special, and Michigan will win games. But for Michigan to three-peat or win a game in the CFP, he will need to be a bigger weapon passing the ball and possessing the ability to take over a game through the air. Most college quarterbacks take a jump their second year as a starter. J.J. will need to improve as a passer for Michigan to reach the mountaintop for a third consecutive time.
Will the team be able to drown out the off-field drama?
Once again the Wolverines start the offseason with drama. Last year it did not affect the team, but can they show the same resolve?
We’re not even a full month into the 2023 calendar year, and Jim Harbaugh has flirted with the NFL — again — before deciding to come back. There is pretty obvious discord between the coach, the athletic director, and the school president. On top of that, Michigan has been hit with NCAA violations that could lead to sanctions after Harbaugh was accused of lying to the NCAA during their investigation.
All of that would be tough to ignore, but it wouldn’t be Michigan if we stopped there. To add insult to injury, co-offense coordinator Matt Weiss has been fired after being accused of computer-access crimes — whatever that means.
Michigan has all the goods to three-peat as a champion, but after three years of drama, multiple dalliances with the NFL, and consistent changes on the staff, will they be able to continue to win the battle of attrition?
Michigan has been a team led by older players who could lead the team through the noise and set a culture despite the nonsense. With many of those players running out of eligibility or heading to the NFL, it’s up to newly minted upperclassmen like J.J. McCarthy, Donovan Edwards, and Will Johnson to be able to lead the Wolverines past the BS and into the 2023 season.
Who steps up on the defensive line?
Since 2020, the Michigan front seven has lost defensive linemen and linebackers, Josh Uche, Kwity Paye, David Ojabo, and Aidan Hutchinson. All four players were top-60 picks in their respective NFL Drafts, and without Ojabo suffering a late injury causing him to slide to the second round, three of them would have been first-round picks. You can now add reigning Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year Mike Morris and stud Mazi Smith to this list.
Going into the offseason, it will be imperative for Michigan to replace Morris and Smith. It’s impossible to be successful in the Big Ten without a stout defensive line. The Wolverines enter spring ball without a surefire answer to who fills the big shoes left by those two players. It’s easy to say that at a program of Michigan’s caliber, they should be able to slide another stud into their place and not miss a beat, and they’ve done that the past three seasons.
For them to reach their goals, they need to find a stud — preferably two on their defensive line — or risk a serious regression that could come back to bite them against top competition.
Can they get consistent and impactful play from the wide receivers?
Name Michigan’s best wide receiver from last season. Matter of fact, name their best wide receiver from any of the past three seasons.
Unless you’re a Michigan fan, you probably can’t. The Wolverines have been in a perpetual state of waiting for a star wide receiver. They convinced themselves for the past few seasons that it was going to be Ronnie Bell. They drooled over Andrel Anthony after he had one solid performance against Michigan State in 2021, but overall there has not been much to write home about.
Michigans run game clearly works, and they can win the Big Ten with it, but after back-to-back losses in the playoffs, it’s time for them to find and develop wide receiver talent or there will always be a ceiling on this program. Whether it be developing young players or getting someone from the transfer portal Michigan, needs to enter the 2023 season with a legit No. 1 wide receiver.
That process starts with being honest about the talent on the roster, the wide receiver coach’s ability to develop them, and an in-depth look at the transfer portal. Harbaugh has used the portal in the back-to-back season to shore up their offensive line. Maybe it’s time to turn that attention to the wide receiver corp. This becomes even more important after losing Andrel Anthony and Erick All to Oklahoma and Iowa, respectively.
What does the running back rotation look like?
Blake Corum was one of the best running backs in the country for 90% of the season before suffering a knee injury that essentially ended his 2022 campaign. Former five-star running back Donovan Edwards played well with him on the sidelines, and was probably expected to be the No. 1 back finally after sitting behind Hasan Haskins and Blake Corum for the past two years.
Instead, Corum decided to put off the NFL and return to college — a decision that seldom works out for the returning player. I’m sure the Michigan coaches and fans are happy about Corum’s return, but you have to wonder what the rotation looks like. Will Edwards be okay with spending his last season before draft eligibility as a backup? Can Corum return to his 2022 form? How do they keep Edwards happy so he doesn’t enter the portal in May to become a No. 1 back for someone else?
There are a lot of teams in the country who would make him the no. one back immediately, no questions asked. The return of a star player can be a good thing, but it will require Corum and Edwards to be on the same page with running backs coach Mike Hart or else discontent could come into the room. If they can find a way to keep both players happy, they’ll enter 2023 with one of the best two-back rotations in the country.
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LGHL Four Storylines: No. 2 Ohio State women vs. No. 10 Iowa Hawkeyes
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Four Storylines: No. 2 Ohio State women vs. No. 10 Iowa Hawkeyes
1ThomasCostello via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Joseph Cress/Iowa City Press-Citizen / USA TODAY NETWORK
Some intriguing pieces to watch in a top Big Ten event
In Big Ten women’s basketball, there are a few games to circle on schedule release day. It’s a conference with multiple college basketball powers, especially so far in the 2022-23 season. A game that might get an extra circle or two for Ohio State women’s basketball players and fans is a visit from National Player of the Year candidate Caitlin Clark and the Iowa Hawkeyes.
While Clark is an obvious focus, there are other storylines to watch Monday night as both teams face off on ESPN2. Here’s what to watch.
Anytime the Buckeyes come up in conversation, it doesn’t take too long before guard Jacy Sheldon enters the narrative.
The 2021-22 unanimous First Team All-B1G guard started this season off on a historic clip. In five games, the Dublin, Ohio native amassed 30 steals, including a game against the Boston College Eagles where Sheldon’s 11 steals tied a single-game program record.
Sheldon hasn’t played since a Nov. 30 trip to then No. 16 Louisville Cardinals, due to a foot injury that started as day-to-day and got downgraded to week-to-week, but the Buckeyes kept winning.
Thursday, there was a visual update to the status of Sheldon on the court before the Scarlet & Gray’s 84-54 win over the Northwestern Wildcats. Sheldon was out of the boot on her right foot for the first time since the end of Nov. and off crutches. Does that mean she plays? Not necessarily.
Head coach Kevin McGuff’s been clear that Ohio State is playing the long game on Sheldon’s injury. Having her available against a top team like Iowa is great, but agitating the injury again and potentially missing postseason basketball is worse than playing without the guard.
Also, if she does manage to play against Iowa, is it in a starting role? Does it make sense to play her a few minutes or trust the team that’s won 14 games without the guard? A lot of eyes will be on pregame warm-ups to see if Sheldon is standing off to the side or throwing up practice shots.
Over the past two games, Slovakian forward Rebeka Mikulášiková is back to playing the way she did to start the season. Mikulášiková is more selective and efficient from deep. hitting five of her eight attempts from deep against the Nebraska Cornhuskers and Northwestern Wildcats.
Also, Mikulášiková is scoring inside, scoring 43 points in the past two games and missing only one of her seven free throws.
When Mikulášiková is on, defenses can’t leave her open on the perimeter and can’t give her space to run inside the paint, because she’s been working on that ability to attack the rim. After the first eight games of the season where she averaged almost 20 points per game for the Scarlet & Gray, Mikulášiková cooled down and had problems with turning the ball over, mostly on travels.
Now, she’s worked through it in practice and hasn’t been giving the ball up on those moves. Against Northwestern, if the 6-foot-3 forward didn’t have a three open, and had one-on-one coverage, Mikulášiková started running. Plus, when Mikulášiková is playing well, other players like guard Taylor Mikesell are open.
Last year, Iowa couldn’t stop Mikulášiková, who scored 17 points on 5-for-6 shooting from beyond the arc. Her impact isn’t just offensively either.
Against the Cornhuskers and Wildcats, Mikulášiková’s defense was also on display. Nebraska forward Alexis Markowski was held below her 9.4 rebounds per game average. Then, on Thursday, Northwestern’s leading scorer, forward Caileigh Walsh, scored three points and had three rebounds. Walsh entered the game averaging 12.5 points and 5.6 rebounds.
Ohio State will need that play from Mikulášiková again because Iowa features the present and future of dominant conference bigs.
The Buckeyes can’t afford to have a game as they did against the USF Bulls or Illinois Fighting Illini. Ohio State was outrebounded in each of those games and allowed Dulcy Fankam Mendjiadeu of USF to score 34 points and 17 rebounds and Illinois’ Kendall Bostic to score 27 points and 15 rebounds.
Now, coach McGuff’s side isn’t known for winning the rebounding. The Buckeyes just recently recovered from a negative rebounding margin to now sit at +.1 rebounds better than their opponents. Iowa doesn’t have that problem.
Iowa features center Monika Czinano and freshman substitute Hannah Stuelke. This season, Czinano’s scoring is down slightly, averaging 17.9 points per game instead of her 21.2 points per game last season. However, what she’s lost in scoring was picked up on the boards. Czinano has her best year of rebounding yet, grabbing 6.6 per game.
When Czinano goes to the bench, it doesn’t get any easier. Stuelke averages 4.8 rebounds in her first year in the conference, an impressive feat. She can also make moves around the basket and make things difficult for opponents.
Ohio State will have to stay close in rebounding, making it a busy night ahead for Mikulášiková, forward/guard Taylor Thierry, and forward Cotie McMahon. Someone to help in that department is substitute guard Hevynne Bristow.
With a long wingspan and ability to jump up for loose balls, Bristow’s grabbed 22 in the last three games, including eight against the Fighting Illini in the comeback win.
Limiting second-chance points for Iowa is crucial. Especially since those two post players don’t even lead the Hawkeyes in the category.
Clark leads Iowa with 7.8 rebounds per game, mostly on the defensive end of the floor. Those rebounds are the most dangerous of all. When Clark gets the ball, the Iowa offense gets to work and moves down the floor quickly.
That means Clark gets into spots to shoot or find teammates to shoot. Teammates like McKenna Warnock and Kate Martin. This year, Clark started the year with her most efficient shooting of her NCAA career, but it’s dipped in recent games, and Thursday against Michigan State might have shown the secret to slowing her down.
In the overtime win for the Hawkeyes, Clark scored 26 points overall but only 19 in regulation. That’s because Sparty was agitating the guard all game. Small tugs on her jersey and physical play limited Clark’s effectiveness, going 6-for-19, far below her over 46% field goal percentage entering the game.
Last season, Clark scored 43 points against the Buckeyes, but this is a new season. On Since 1899: An OSU WBB Podcast, Big Ten lead commentator Sloane Martin discussed another way to limit Clark: Putting a tall athletic player on her. Could Thierry help in limiting Clark’s effectiveness?
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Some intriguing pieces to watch in a top Big Ten event
In Big Ten women’s basketball, there are a few games to circle on schedule release day. It’s a conference with multiple college basketball powers, especially so far in the 2022-23 season. A game that might get an extra circle or two for Ohio State women’s basketball players and fans is a visit from National Player of the Year candidate Caitlin Clark and the Iowa Hawkeyes.
While Clark is an obvious focus, there are other storylines to watch Monday night as both teams face off on ESPN2. Here’s what to watch.
Does Jacy Sheldon Play?
Anytime the Buckeyes come up in conversation, it doesn’t take too long before guard Jacy Sheldon enters the narrative.
The 2021-22 unanimous First Team All-B1G guard started this season off on a historic clip. In five games, the Dublin, Ohio native amassed 30 steals, including a game against the Boston College Eagles where Sheldon’s 11 steals tied a single-game program record.
Sheldon hasn’t played since a Nov. 30 trip to then No. 16 Louisville Cardinals, due to a foot injury that started as day-to-day and got downgraded to week-to-week, but the Buckeyes kept winning.
Thursday, there was a visual update to the status of Sheldon on the court before the Scarlet & Gray’s 84-54 win over the Northwestern Wildcats. Sheldon was out of the boot on her right foot for the first time since the end of Nov. and off crutches. Does that mean she plays? Not necessarily.
Head coach Kevin McGuff’s been clear that Ohio State is playing the long game on Sheldon’s injury. Having her available against a top team like Iowa is great, but agitating the injury again and potentially missing postseason basketball is worse than playing without the guard.
Also, if she does manage to play against Iowa, is it in a starting role? Does it make sense to play her a few minutes or trust the team that’s won 14 games without the guard? A lot of eyes will be on pregame warm-ups to see if Sheldon is standing off to the side or throwing up practice shots.
Does Rebeka Mikulášiková Continue Return to Form?
Over the past two games, Slovakian forward Rebeka Mikulášiková is back to playing the way she did to start the season. Mikulášiková is more selective and efficient from deep. hitting five of her eight attempts from deep against the Nebraska Cornhuskers and Northwestern Wildcats.
Also, Mikulášiková is scoring inside, scoring 43 points in the past two games and missing only one of her seven free throws.
When Mikulášiková is on, defenses can’t leave her open on the perimeter and can’t give her space to run inside the paint, because she’s been working on that ability to attack the rim. After the first eight games of the season where she averaged almost 20 points per game for the Scarlet & Gray, Mikulášiková cooled down and had problems with turning the ball over, mostly on travels.
Now, she’s worked through it in practice and hasn’t been giving the ball up on those moves. Against Northwestern, if the 6-foot-3 forward didn’t have a three open, and had one-on-one coverage, Mikulášiková started running. Plus, when Mikulášiková is playing well, other players like guard Taylor Mikesell are open.
Last year, Iowa couldn’t stop Mikulášiková, who scored 17 points on 5-for-6 shooting from beyond the arc. Her impact isn’t just offensively either.
Against the Cornhuskers and Wildcats, Mikulášiková’s defense was also on display. Nebraska forward Alexis Markowski was held below her 9.4 rebounds per game average. Then, on Thursday, Northwestern’s leading scorer, forward Caileigh Walsh, scored three points and had three rebounds. Walsh entered the game averaging 12.5 points and 5.6 rebounds.
Ohio State will need that play from Mikulášiková again because Iowa features the present and future of dominant conference bigs.
Managing Rebounds
The Buckeyes can’t afford to have a game as they did against the USF Bulls or Illinois Fighting Illini. Ohio State was outrebounded in each of those games and allowed Dulcy Fankam Mendjiadeu of USF to score 34 points and 17 rebounds and Illinois’ Kendall Bostic to score 27 points and 15 rebounds.
Now, coach McGuff’s side isn’t known for winning the rebounding. The Buckeyes just recently recovered from a negative rebounding margin to now sit at +.1 rebounds better than their opponents. Iowa doesn’t have that problem.
Iowa features center Monika Czinano and freshman substitute Hannah Stuelke. This season, Czinano’s scoring is down slightly, averaging 17.9 points per game instead of her 21.2 points per game last season. However, what she’s lost in scoring was picked up on the boards. Czinano has her best year of rebounding yet, grabbing 6.6 per game.
When Czinano goes to the bench, it doesn’t get any easier. Stuelke averages 4.8 rebounds in her first year in the conference, an impressive feat. She can also make moves around the basket and make things difficult for opponents.
Ohio State will have to stay close in rebounding, making it a busy night ahead for Mikulášiková, forward/guard Taylor Thierry, and forward Cotie McMahon. Someone to help in that department is substitute guard Hevynne Bristow.
With a long wingspan and ability to jump up for loose balls, Bristow’s grabbed 22 in the last three games, including eight against the Fighting Illini in the comeback win.
Limiting second-chance points for Iowa is crucial. Especially since those two post players don’t even lead the Hawkeyes in the category.
Can Caitlin Clark be Stopped?
Clark leads Iowa with 7.8 rebounds per game, mostly on the defensive end of the floor. Those rebounds are the most dangerous of all. When Clark gets the ball, the Iowa offense gets to work and moves down the floor quickly.
That means Clark gets into spots to shoot or find teammates to shoot. Teammates like McKenna Warnock and Kate Martin. This year, Clark started the year with her most efficient shooting of her NCAA career, but it’s dipped in recent games, and Thursday against Michigan State might have shown the secret to slowing her down.
In the overtime win for the Hawkeyes, Clark scored 26 points overall but only 19 in regulation. That’s because Sparty was agitating the guard all game. Small tugs on her jersey and physical play limited Clark’s effectiveness, going 6-for-19, far below her over 46% field goal percentage entering the game.
Last season, Clark scored 43 points against the Buckeyes, but this is a new season. On Since 1899: An OSU WBB Podcast, Big Ten lead commentator Sloane Martin discussed another way to limit Clark: Putting a tall athletic player on her. Could Thierry help in limiting Clark’s effectiveness?
Continue reading...
