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LGHL Five Storylines: No. 12 Ohio State women’s basketball visits Illinois Fighting Illini
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Five Storylines: No. 12 Ohio State women’s basketball visits Illinois Fighting Illini
ThomasCostello 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
Illinois is down, but certainly not out. That should put the Buckeyes on the defensive, and more storylines for Thursday.
On Jan. 8, 2023, the Ohio State women’s basketball team sat undefeated, rising up to No. 3 in the national AP poll. That’s when the Illinois Fighting Illini came to Columbus and gave the Buckeyes almost more than they could handle. Thanks to 22 points by then-freshman Cotie McMahon and 31 from former shooting guard Taylor Mikesell, the scarlet and gray erased a 17-point deficit in one quarter.
Now, the Illini are no longer the surprise team of the Big Ten, and welcome Ohio State on the back of an 8-9 record, struggling in head coach Shauna Green’s sophomore season. That and more in five quick storylines to prepare you for Thursday night’s game in Champaign.
Sunday’s win over the Iowa Hawkeyes was big for Ohio State. 3.9 million people big. That’s the top number of people who tuned into the Buckeyes’ 100-92 win over guard Caitlin Clark and then No. 2 Iowa. That’s the highest viewership for a regular-season women’s college basketball game since 2010.
Tack on playing in front of a program record 18,660 people and the hype and energy from Sunday’s game makes Thursday look like Ohio State is playing on a completely different planet. That gives the matchup against Illinois all the makings of a letdown game.
After fans and pundits rained praise on the scarlet and gray this week, they have to go to Champaign and face a team that, despite the record, is tough to beat. Of the Illini’s nine losses this season, five put Illinois within two possessions at the final buzzer. Also, while Illinois enters Thursday following a road defeat in a tough Xfinity Arena in Maryland, the Illini beat the Rutgers Scarlet Knights and Northwestern Wildcats 28 and 46 respectively before that defeat to the Terrapins. Showing a side growing stronger as the season progresses.
Plus, Illinois has someone the Buckeyes haven’t faired too well against in the last few seasons in forward Kendall Bostic.
To put it simply, Bostic shows up when the Buckeyes are her opponent. The 6-foot-2 forward menaces Ohio State inside the paint, averaging 16.6 rebounds in three previous matchups. That’s more than her 15.6 points per game. Last year, Bostic had a career-high 27 points against the smaller Buckeyes interior presence, plus 12 rebounds.
It isn’t only a traditional center-like role for Bostic, but the forward also works from beyond the arc.
So, how can Ohio State start a player who averages a strong double-double each time she’s faced? It’s a game with forward Taiyier Parks written all over it.
While the forward isn’t likely to start, she’ll see minutes against her former Michigan State Spartans teammate. Expect head coach Kevin McGuff to use Parks, and if she’s effective it could be her time to shine. Especially following strong production in a few minutes against the Hawkeyes on Sunday.
Playing alongside Bostic, and not making game planning any easier for Coach McGuff, is graduate senior Camille Hobby. Joining Illinois following four seasons with the NC State Wolfpack, Hobby’s come on strong lately for the Fighting Illini.
In the last three games, Hobby averages 16.3 points and 7.3 rebounds per game, complimenting Bostic well. Ohio State has struggled with strong rebounders, and the addition of a second for Coach Green and the Illini means more work to do for the Buckeyes.
The likely matchup for Hobby is forward Taylor Thierry. A strong rebounder in her own right, Thierry will have her work cut out for her playing a tall and agile Hobby on defense and fighting for loose balls off missed shots.
How the Buckeyes play against those Illinois players with dominant paint presence might dictate who comes away with the victory.
For the last two games, Ohio State’s gotten into heavy foul trouble. Against the Maryland Terrapins, it was guard Celeste Taylor grabbing two fouls in the first quarter, at a time when the Buckeyes couldn’t afford to lose her defense and rebounding. McGuff kept the graduate senior in the game though, risking a potential fouling out and it paid off.
Against Iowa, the same thing happened and then some. Except this time, Taylor went to the bench alongside Thierry who also picked up whistles against her early in the contest.
With the aforementioned rebounding might of Bostic and Hobby, Ohio State needs all the rebounders it can get. Thierry and Taylor are a strong part of that, but also forward Cotie McMahon. The 33-point-scoring sophomore against Iowa also grabbed 12 rebounds in the win. That same kind of work on the boards is needed against Illinois Thursday.
All three Buckeyes either had four fouls, or Thierry’s five to foul out, against Iowa. Can the fouls be avoided on Thursday? It’ll be difficult against not only the bigs in the paint but guards Makira Cook and Genesis Bryant.
Following the win Sunday, Coach McGuff surveyed the Buckeyes’ season, saying that the team is slowly reaching its competitive peak. He compared that to last season when Ohio State peaked early in the season and again in the postseason.
The 23-24 campaign didn’t start the way the Buckeyes wanted, losing three and falling against top opponents, but the calendar flip to 2024 shows a team on the rise. Thursday is an opportunity for Ohio State to keep climbing.
What does that look like? Is it increased full-court pressure following three games where half-court defense reigned? Continuing the high-efficiency three-point shooting?
Find out Thursday when the two Big Ten sides tip off at 7 p.m. ET on Peacock.
Continue reading...
ThomasCostello via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Joseph Scheller/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK
Illinois is down, but certainly not out. That should put the Buckeyes on the defensive, and more storylines for Thursday.
On Jan. 8, 2023, the Ohio State women’s basketball team sat undefeated, rising up to No. 3 in the national AP poll. That’s when the Illinois Fighting Illini came to Columbus and gave the Buckeyes almost more than they could handle. Thanks to 22 points by then-freshman Cotie McMahon and 31 from former shooting guard Taylor Mikesell, the scarlet and gray erased a 17-point deficit in one quarter.
Now, the Illini are no longer the surprise team of the Big Ten, and welcome Ohio State on the back of an 8-9 record, struggling in head coach Shauna Green’s sophomore season. That and more in five quick storylines to prepare you for Thursday night’s game in Champaign.
Avoiding the Letdown Game
Sunday’s win over the Iowa Hawkeyes was big for Ohio State. 3.9 million people big. That’s the top number of people who tuned into the Buckeyes’ 100-92 win over guard Caitlin Clark and then No. 2 Iowa. That’s the highest viewership for a regular-season women’s college basketball game since 2010.
Tack on playing in front of a program record 18,660 people and the hype and energy from Sunday’s game makes Thursday look like Ohio State is playing on a completely different planet. That gives the matchup against Illinois all the makings of a letdown game.
After fans and pundits rained praise on the scarlet and gray this week, they have to go to Champaign and face a team that, despite the record, is tough to beat. Of the Illini’s nine losses this season, five put Illinois within two possessions at the final buzzer. Also, while Illinois enters Thursday following a road defeat in a tough Xfinity Arena in Maryland, the Illini beat the Rutgers Scarlet Knights and Northwestern Wildcats 28 and 46 respectively before that defeat to the Terrapins. Showing a side growing stronger as the season progresses.
Plus, Illinois has someone the Buckeyes haven’t faired too well against in the last few seasons in forward Kendall Bostic.
Containing Kendall
To put it simply, Bostic shows up when the Buckeyes are her opponent. The 6-foot-2 forward menaces Ohio State inside the paint, averaging 16.6 rebounds in three previous matchups. That’s more than her 15.6 points per game. Last year, Bostic had a career-high 27 points against the smaller Buckeyes interior presence, plus 12 rebounds.
It isn’t only a traditional center-like role for Bostic, but the forward also works from beyond the arc.
.@Kendallbostic22 FOR THREE
4:49 3Q | #Illini 60, Rutgers 42 pic.twitter.com/h9OgP6X5Se
— Illinois Women's Basketball (@IlliniWBB) January 18, 2024
So, how can Ohio State start a player who averages a strong double-double each time she’s faced? It’s a game with forward Taiyier Parks written all over it.
While the forward isn’t likely to start, she’ll see minutes against her former Michigan State Spartans teammate. Expect head coach Kevin McGuff to use Parks, and if she’s effective it could be her time to shine. Especially following strong production in a few minutes against the Hawkeyes on Sunday.
Standout Transfer
Playing alongside Bostic, and not making game planning any easier for Coach McGuff, is graduate senior Camille Hobby. Joining Illinois following four seasons with the NC State Wolfpack, Hobby’s come on strong lately for the Fighting Illini.
In the last three games, Hobby averages 16.3 points and 7.3 rebounds per game, complimenting Bostic well. Ohio State has struggled with strong rebounders, and the addition of a second for Coach Green and the Illini means more work to do for the Buckeyes.
The likely matchup for Hobby is forward Taylor Thierry. A strong rebounder in her own right, Thierry will have her work cut out for her playing a tall and agile Hobby on defense and fighting for loose balls off missed shots.
How the Buckeyes play against those Illinois players with dominant paint presence might dictate who comes away with the victory.
Stay Out of Trouble
For the last two games, Ohio State’s gotten into heavy foul trouble. Against the Maryland Terrapins, it was guard Celeste Taylor grabbing two fouls in the first quarter, at a time when the Buckeyes couldn’t afford to lose her defense and rebounding. McGuff kept the graduate senior in the game though, risking a potential fouling out and it paid off.
Against Iowa, the same thing happened and then some. Except this time, Taylor went to the bench alongside Thierry who also picked up whistles against her early in the contest.
With the aforementioned rebounding might of Bostic and Hobby, Ohio State needs all the rebounders it can get. Thierry and Taylor are a strong part of that, but also forward Cotie McMahon. The 33-point-scoring sophomore against Iowa also grabbed 12 rebounds in the win. That same kind of work on the boards is needed against Illinois Thursday.
All three Buckeyes either had four fouls, or Thierry’s five to foul out, against Iowa. Can the fouls be avoided on Thursday? It’ll be difficult against not only the bigs in the paint but guards Makira Cook and Genesis Bryant.
Keeping it Rolling
Following the win Sunday, Coach McGuff surveyed the Buckeyes’ season, saying that the team is slowly reaching its competitive peak. He compared that to last season when Ohio State peaked early in the season and again in the postseason.
The 23-24 campaign didn’t start the way the Buckeyes wanted, losing three and falling against top opponents, but the calendar flip to 2024 shows a team on the rise. Thursday is an opportunity for Ohio State to keep climbing.
What does that look like? Is it increased full-court pressure following three games where half-court defense reigned? Continuing the high-efficiency three-point shooting?
Find out Thursday when the two Big Ten sides tip off at 7 p.m. ET on Peacock.
Continue reading...
LGHL You’re Nuts: Which Ohio State basketball player has been most impressive this season?
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You’re Nuts: Which Ohio State basketball player has been most impressive this season?
Brett Ludwiczak via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
Your (almost) daily dose of good-natured, Ohio State banter.
Now that the deadline for players to announce for the NFL Draft has finally passed, it feels like now is a good time for our attention to turn away from the football program and towards the hardwood. When it comes to the men’s basketball team, even though the year has changed, the team still can’t find a way to win an important game in January. The latest setback came on Monday afternoon when the Buckeyes blew another second half lead to fall to Michigan in Ann Arbor.
At least things are a little more positive when it comes to Ohio State’s women’s basketball team. On Sunday the Buckeyes beat Michigan State 70-65 to extend their winning streak to three games. With the victory over the Spartans, Ohio State is now 13-3 on the season, sitting 18th in the rankings, Next up for the Buckeyes is a trip to Maryland to take on the Terrapins before returning home on Sunday afternoon for a massive showdown with Caitlin Clark and Iowa.
Since both teams are a little more than halfway through their regular season schedules, now feels like a good time to look at who has been most impressive on the court this year for the Buckeyes. Your choice could be a player from either the men’s or the women’s team. Maybe there has been a player that has shown improvement from last year or even the start of this season, or it could be a player that was expected to lead their team and they have lived up to the hype so far this year.
Even though basketball has become more of a perimeter game, there’s nothing quite like having a dominant force in the paint on defense. The Buckeyes haven’t really had a big man that opponents feared since Greg Oden. While I’m not saying Felix Okpara is the next Oden, the sophomore is making opponents think twice before taking the basketball to the rim. Okpara had two blocks in last night’s loss to the Huskers, pushing his season total to 47 swats, which ranks second in the Big Ten behind Cliff Omoruyi of Rutgers who has 59. Following the loss to Nebraska, Okpara has now blocked at least one shot in 25 consecutive games.
There’s no doubt guys like Jamison Battle, Bruce Thornton, and Roddy Gayle Jr. have all had some great moments so far this season, what makes Okpara so impressive is his potential. Already Okpara is one of the toughest defenders in college basketball, the sophomore just has to work on his offensive game and he’ll be in the conversation as one of the best big men in the country by the time he is a senior.
I just hope Okpara is still in Columbus in two years. If the Buckeyes don’t shake off their recent funk associated with a 13-game road losing streak, it’s highly unlikely that Chris Holtmann will be the head coach of Ohio State next year, and you could see Okpara either hit the transfer portal or declare for the NBA Draft. Hopefully, it doesn’t come to that since Holtmann seems like a great person, and it has been fun to watch the growth of Okpara. In a perfect world, the Buckeyes will catch fire in February and March, with Okpara’s presence in the paint being a major reason why Ohio State is able to go on a run and make it to at least the Sweet Sixteen.
Coming off of last season’s Elite 8 run, Ohio State fans knew that players like Jacy Sheldon and Taylor Thierry would be at the center of the Buckeyes’ success in 2023-24. However, it would have been understandable if some fans had questioned whether or not last year’s Big Ten Freshman of the Year Cotie McMahon would suffer from the proverbial sophomore slump.
So far, she hasn’t — at least not to any substantive degree.
During her freshman campaign, the 6-foot forward averaged 15.1 points and 5.5 rebounds per game. Through the first 18 games of the season — half of what she played in last year — McMahon is on a 13.9 point and 5.5 board clip. While her points are down slightly, she is also playing fewer minutes and taking fewer shots, thanks to a deeper and more experienced roster, but also in an effort to keep her fresh for the stretch run.
If you were one of the millions of people who tuned into Sunday’s record-breaking game against Iowa, you know that McMahon is very much capable of producing in the highest-pressure situations. Against the then-No. 2 Hawkeyes, the Buckeye went for a career-high 33 points and a near-career-high 12 boards propelling OSU to a 100-92 win in overtime.
For McMahon, the game was personal, and her efforts earned her the Naismith National Player of the Week honor. As her sophomore season progresses, there’s little doubt that head coach Kevin McGuff will be looking to rely on her more and more. And if she can stay fresh for the postseason, another deep trip in the Big Dance could be in the cards.
Continue reading...
Brett Ludwiczak via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
Your (almost) daily dose of good-natured, Ohio State banter.
Now that the deadline for players to announce for the NFL Draft has finally passed, it feels like now is a good time for our attention to turn away from the football program and towards the hardwood. When it comes to the men’s basketball team, even though the year has changed, the team still can’t find a way to win an important game in January. The latest setback came on Monday afternoon when the Buckeyes blew another second half lead to fall to Michigan in Ann Arbor.
At least things are a little more positive when it comes to Ohio State’s women’s basketball team. On Sunday the Buckeyes beat Michigan State 70-65 to extend their winning streak to three games. With the victory over the Spartans, Ohio State is now 13-3 on the season, sitting 18th in the rankings, Next up for the Buckeyes is a trip to Maryland to take on the Terrapins before returning home on Sunday afternoon for a massive showdown with Caitlin Clark and Iowa.
Since both teams are a little more than halfway through their regular season schedules, now feels like a good time to look at who has been most impressive on the court this year for the Buckeyes. Your choice could be a player from either the men’s or the women’s team. Maybe there has been a player that has shown improvement from last year or even the start of this season, or it could be a player that was expected to lead their team and they have lived up to the hype so far this year.
Today’s question: Which Ohio State basketball player has been most impressive so far this season?
We’d love to hear your choices. Either respond to us on Twitter at @Landgrant33 or leave your choice in the comments.
Brett’s answer: Felix Okpara
Even though basketball has become more of a perimeter game, there’s nothing quite like having a dominant force in the paint on defense. The Buckeyes haven’t really had a big man that opponents feared since Greg Oden. While I’m not saying Felix Okpara is the next Oden, the sophomore is making opponents think twice before taking the basketball to the rim. Okpara had two blocks in last night’s loss to the Huskers, pushing his season total to 47 swats, which ranks second in the Big Ten behind Cliff Omoruyi of Rutgers who has 59. Following the loss to Nebraska, Okpara has now blocked at least one shot in 25 consecutive games.
There’s no doubt guys like Jamison Battle, Bruce Thornton, and Roddy Gayle Jr. have all had some great moments so far this season, what makes Okpara so impressive is his potential. Already Okpara is one of the toughest defenders in college basketball, the sophomore just has to work on his offensive game and he’ll be in the conversation as one of the best big men in the country by the time he is a senior.
I just hope Okpara is still in Columbus in two years. If the Buckeyes don’t shake off their recent funk associated with a 13-game road losing streak, it’s highly unlikely that Chris Holtmann will be the head coach of Ohio State next year, and you could see Okpara either hit the transfer portal or declare for the NBA Draft. Hopefully, it doesn’t come to that since Holtmann seems like a great person, and it has been fun to watch the growth of Okpara. In a perfect world, the Buckeyes will catch fire in February and March, with Okpara’s presence in the paint being a major reason why Ohio State is able to go on a run and make it to at least the Sweet Sixteen.
Matt’s answer: Cotie McMahon
Coming off of last season’s Elite 8 run, Ohio State fans knew that players like Jacy Sheldon and Taylor Thierry would be at the center of the Buckeyes’ success in 2023-24. However, it would have been understandable if some fans had questioned whether or not last year’s Big Ten Freshman of the Year Cotie McMahon would suffer from the proverbial sophomore slump.
So far, she hasn’t — at least not to any substantive degree.
During her freshman campaign, the 6-foot forward averaged 15.1 points and 5.5 rebounds per game. Through the first 18 games of the season — half of what she played in last year — McMahon is on a 13.9 point and 5.5 board clip. While her points are down slightly, she is also playing fewer minutes and taking fewer shots, thanks to a deeper and more experienced roster, but also in an effort to keep her fresh for the stretch run.
If you were one of the millions of people who tuned into Sunday’s record-breaking game against Iowa, you know that McMahon is very much capable of producing in the highest-pressure situations. Against the then-No. 2 Hawkeyes, the Buckeye went for a career-high 33 points and a near-career-high 12 boards propelling OSU to a 100-92 win in overtime.
For McMahon, the game was personal, and her efforts earned her the Naismith National Player of the Week honor. As her sophomore season progresses, there’s little doubt that head coach Kevin McGuff will be looking to rely on her more and more. And if she can stay fresh for the postseason, another deep trip in the Big Dance could be in the cards.
Continue reading...
LGHL Visiting Locker Room: Talking Illinois Fighting Illini with Champaign Room with Ohio State looming
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Visiting Locker Room: Talking Illinois Fighting Illini with Champaign Room with Ohio State looming
ThomasCostello via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
An Illinois side in a tough stretch welcomes Ohio State on Thursday, hoping for a top win to turn the season around
Last season, the Illinois Fighting Illini held a 17-point lead over the Ohio State women’s basketball team in the third quarter. What happened next was indicative of what happened in a lot of games for the Buckeyes, with the scarlet and gray roaring back to take the victory. Thursday is the first time the two teams face off since that fateful day.
Since then, Illinois went from the surprise team of the conference to a side fighting to hit .500 on the season. Even though the Illini are playing close to the same basketball, statistically. To learn more, Land-Grant Holy Land reached out to our SBNation friends at The Champaign Room. Writer Zeno Jo took on the assignment, looking into why this season hasn’t gone the Illini’s way, the play of forward Kendall Bostic and NC State transfer guard Camille Hobby.
Land-Grant Holy Land: Last season, the Fighting Illini were the surprise team of the conference under then first-year Illinois head coach Shauna Green. Now, this season, with most of the team still intact, the results aren’t coming up in Illinois’ favor. What’s hurt the Illini this season?
LGHL: Over the last three games, NC State guard Camille Hobby’s been averaging 16.3 points and 7.3 rebounds. Is this a sign of Hobby adjusting to the Illini offense? How can she help Illinois in the final stretch of the season?
LGHL: Someone who’s hurt the Buckeyes in the past is forward Kendall Bostic. The forward averages at least 15 rebounds in the three games she’s played against the scarlet and gray, going off for 27 points and 16 rebounds in Columbus last season. In games where Bostic is less effective, what have teams done to limit the big?
Continue reading...
ThomasCostello via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
An Illinois side in a tough stretch welcomes Ohio State on Thursday, hoping for a top win to turn the season around
Last season, the Illinois Fighting Illini held a 17-point lead over the Ohio State women’s basketball team in the third quarter. What happened next was indicative of what happened in a lot of games for the Buckeyes, with the scarlet and gray roaring back to take the victory. Thursday is the first time the two teams face off since that fateful day.
Since then, Illinois went from the surprise team of the conference to a side fighting to hit .500 on the season. Even though the Illini are playing close to the same basketball, statistically. To learn more, Land-Grant Holy Land reached out to our SBNation friends at The Champaign Room. Writer Zeno Jo took on the assignment, looking into why this season hasn’t gone the Illini’s way, the play of forward Kendall Bostic and NC State transfer guard Camille Hobby.
Land-Grant Holy Land: Last season, the Fighting Illini were the surprise team of the conference under then first-year Illinois head coach Shauna Green. Now, this season, with most of the team still intact, the results aren’t coming up in Illinois’ favor. What’s hurt the Illini this season?
LGHL: Over the last three games, NC State guard Camille Hobby’s been averaging 16.3 points and 7.3 rebounds. Is this a sign of Hobby adjusting to the Illini offense? How can she help Illinois in the final stretch of the season?
LGHL: Someone who’s hurt the Buckeyes in the past is forward Kendall Bostic. The forward averages at least 15 rebounds in the three games she’s played against the scarlet and gray, going off for 27 points and 16 rebounds in Columbus last season. In games where Bostic is less effective, what have teams done to limit the big?
Continue reading...
LGHL Ohio State’s athletic revenue leads country at $280M; Men’s basketball drops 13th-straight road game
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Ohio State’s athletic revenue leads country at $280M; Men’s basketball drops 13th-straight road game
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
FRED SQUILLANTE / 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 | Google Podcasts | iHeart Radio
Ohio State football: C.J. Stroud earns Rookie of the Year, Browns OL Dawand Jones named to all-rookie team
Raymond Lucas Jr., 247Sports
We new C.J. was a lock, but I love seeing this one too:
Four Buckeyes Land on ESPN’s Way-Too-Early 2024 College Football All-America Team, Most of Any School
Andy Anders, Eleven Warriors
You’re Nuts: Which college football player would be your dream transfer portal target for Ohio State?
Brett Ludwiczak and Matt Tamanini, Land-Grant Holy Land
Ohio State’s road struggles continue, falling to Nebraska 83-69
Justin Golba, Land-Grant Holy Land
Ohio State has no answers for Nebraska’s Rienk Mast: 5 takeaways
Adam Jardy, The Columbus Dispatch
Quick Takes: Buckeyes do themselves no favors in latest road loss at Nebraska (paywall)
Patrick Murphy, Bucknuts
For Ohio State men’s basketball, it’s time to conquer road woes or watch this season slip away
Connor Lemons, Land-Grant Holy Land
Ohio State women’s overtime upset over Iowa draws a record breaking number of viewers
Brianna Mac Kay, The Columbus Dispatch
Ohio State women’s basketball commit Jaloni Cambridge selected to McDonald’s All-American Team
Thomas Costello, Land-Grant Holy Land
OSU athletics tops nation with $280 million revenue in ‘23 fiscal year
Bill Rabinowitz, The Columbus Dispatch
Men’s Volleyball: Pasteur Earns MIVA, AVCA POW Honors
Ohio State Athletics
Women’s Gymnastics: Harris and Hodges Earn B1G Weekly Awards
Ohio State Athletics
Here’s me on a local Minnesota TV station talking about sports broadcasting rights.
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
FRED SQUILLANTE / 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 | Google Podcasts | iHeart Radio
On the Gridiron
Ohio State football: C.J. Stroud earns Rookie of the Year, Browns OL Dawand Jones named to all-rookie team
Raymond Lucas Jr., 247Sports
We new C.J. was a lock, but I love seeing this one too:
Four Buckeyes Land on ESPN’s Way-Too-Early 2024 College Football All-America Team, Most of Any School
Andy Anders, Eleven Warriors
You’re Nuts: Which college football player would be your dream transfer portal target for Ohio State?
Brett Ludwiczak and Matt Tamanini, Land-Grant Holy Land
On the Hardwood
Ohio State’s road struggles continue, falling to Nebraska 83-69
Justin Golba, Land-Grant Holy Land
Ohio State has no answers for Nebraska’s Rienk Mast: 5 takeaways
Adam Jardy, The Columbus Dispatch
Quick Takes: Buckeyes do themselves no favors in latest road loss at Nebraska (paywall)
Patrick Murphy, Bucknuts
For Ohio State men’s basketball, it’s time to conquer road woes or watch this season slip away
Connor Lemons, Land-Grant Holy Land
Ohio State women’s overtime upset over Iowa draws a record breaking number of viewers
Brianna Mac Kay, The Columbus Dispatch
Ohio State women’s basketball commit Jaloni Cambridge selected to McDonald’s All-American Team
Thomas Costello, Land-Grant Holy Land
Outside the Shoe and Schott
OSU athletics tops nation with $280 million revenue in ‘23 fiscal year
Bill Rabinowitz, The Columbus Dispatch
Men’s Volleyball: Pasteur Earns MIVA, AVCA POW Honors
Ohio State Athletics
Women’s Gymnastics: Harris and Hodges Earn B1G Weekly Awards
Ohio State Athletics
And now for something completely different...
Here’s me on a local Minnesota TV station talking about sports broadcasting rights.
Continue reading...
2025 GA DL Isaiah Gibson (Georgia Signee)
- By brodybuck21
- Football Recruiting
- 11 Replies
247
Rivals
HUDL
ON3
Class: 2025 (high school)
Position: Defensive Line
School: Warner Robins (GA) Warner Robins
Height: 6-foot-5
Weight: 250 lbs
Login to view embedded media
Rivals
HUDL
ON3
Class: 2025 (high school)
Position: Defensive Line
School: Warner Robins (GA) Warner Robins
Height: 6-foot-5
Weight: 250 lbs
Login to view embedded media
LGHL Ohio State’s road struggles continue, falling to Nebraska 83-69
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Ohio State’s road struggles continue, falling to Nebraska 83-69
justingolba via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Dylan Widger-USA TODAY Sports
The Buckeyes started strong, but struggled to knock down shots and could not overcome a career game from Rienk Mast
On Tuesday night, the Ohio State Men’s Basketball (13-6, 3-5) team fell to the Nebraska Cornhuskers (15-5, 5-4) 83-69 in Lincoln. Rienk Mast recorded 34 points and nine rebounds as the Huskers went ahead late in the first half and never looked back. This is the best 20-game start for the Huskers since 1990-91.
Ohio State got off to a hot start, knocking down its first four field goals and taking a 9-7 lead into the first media timeout. The Buckeyes started hot from the field, going 8-for-14, 2-for-3. However, they missed eight of its next nine shots but still led 26-23 with six minutes left in the half.
Nebraska started connecting from behind the arc, with Rienk Mast knocking down 3-of-4 three-pointers and recording 13 first-half points. He was averaging 12.5 points per game.
At the half, Nebraska led Ohio State 43-35 after a Bruce Thornton jumper was followed up by a Brice Williams tip-in. Mast led Nebraska with 13 points, and Brice Williams added nine points for the Huskers.
For Ohio State, Bruce Thornton led the way with 11 points, and Evan Mahaffey had six points. Jamison Battle recorded five points and five rebounds.
Nebraska scored to start the second half to give them a 10-point lead, but back-to-back three-pointers from Bruce Thornton and Jamison Battle cut the Husker lead to four.
After some back-and-forth basketball, the Buckeyes and Huskers got back-to-back three-pointers from C.J. Wilcher and Mast, and Nebraska led 57-47 with 12 minutes remaining.
After two free throws from Eli Rice, the Huskers took a 59-47 lead. Mast knocked down two more three-pointers, and the Huskers started to pull away, leading 65-49. The two three-pointers gave Mast six on the night, his previous high being four. He was 6-for-7 from three.
The Buckeye's struggles continued from the field, as they brought in Bowen Hardman, who has only played 12 minutes this season, to try and provide some spark off the bench. He did knock down two three-pointers on five attempts.
The Buckeyes fell 83-69 as they could never close the gap.
The difficulty the Buckeyes have had winning away from Columbus has been well-documented. The Buckeyes lost 12 straight road games entering this contest in Lincoln, and their last road win came on Jan. 1, 2023, at Northwestern, a game they won easily.
On the other hand, Nebraska has played its best basketball at home, earning wins over Purdue, Michigan State, Indiana, and Northwestern in conference play.
Evan Mahaffey, a sophomore transfer from Penn State, has been a starter all season for the Buckeyes, and while he has been great on defense, he has yet to really make an impact on the offense end. That changed Saturday against his former school on Saturday when he recorded 16 points and five rebounds and was the leading scorer in’ the Buckeyes' 79-67 win.
If Mahaffey can turn into an eight to ten-point scorer a game, that could be the scoring help they need from a fourth option.
The Buckeye's top freshman, Scotty Middleton, missed the Buckeye's win over Penn State due to a suspension for a violation of team rules. The suspension’s length was unknown at the time, but it ended up being just one game. Middleton is averaging 4.7 points per game and 1.8 rebounds per game in 16.8 minutes per game.
Nebraska has shot the three-ball well all season, and this one was no different. The Huskers shot 5-for-9 from three during its 30-13 run in the first half. Through the first 30 minutes of the game, the Huskers shot 10-for-22 from three, while the Buckeyes were 4-for-13 from three-point range through the same time period.
Rienk Mast, a graduate senior transfer from Bradley, has had a great season for the Huskers, averaging 12.5 points per game and 8.4 rebounds per game. However, he had a career game against Ohio State, knocking down six three-pointers and scoring 28 points through the first 31 minutes of the game.
Sophomore guard Bowen Hardman, who has only played in six games this season for 12 minutes, entered the game with six minutes left and the Buckeyes down by 16. Hardman immediately shot five three-pointers, going 3-for-6 from the field and recording eight points.
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justingolba via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Dylan Widger-USA TODAY Sports
The Buckeyes started strong, but struggled to knock down shots and could not overcome a career game from Rienk Mast
On Tuesday night, the Ohio State Men’s Basketball (13-6, 3-5) team fell to the Nebraska Cornhuskers (15-5, 5-4) 83-69 in Lincoln. Rienk Mast recorded 34 points and nine rebounds as the Huskers went ahead late in the first half and never looked back. This is the best 20-game start for the Huskers since 1990-91.
Ohio State got off to a hot start, knocking down its first four field goals and taking a 9-7 lead into the first media timeout. The Buckeyes started hot from the field, going 8-for-14, 2-for-3. However, they missed eight of its next nine shots but still led 26-23 with six minutes left in the half.
Nebraska started connecting from behind the arc, with Rienk Mast knocking down 3-of-4 three-pointers and recording 13 first-half points. He was averaging 12.5 points per game.
At the half, Nebraska led Ohio State 43-35 after a Bruce Thornton jumper was followed up by a Brice Williams tip-in. Mast led Nebraska with 13 points, and Brice Williams added nine points for the Huskers.
For Ohio State, Bruce Thornton led the way with 11 points, and Evan Mahaffey had six points. Jamison Battle recorded five points and five rebounds.
Nebraska scored to start the second half to give them a 10-point lead, but back-to-back three-pointers from Bruce Thornton and Jamison Battle cut the Husker lead to four.
After some back-and-forth basketball, the Buckeyes and Huskers got back-to-back three-pointers from C.J. Wilcher and Mast, and Nebraska led 57-47 with 12 minutes remaining.
After two free throws from Eli Rice, the Huskers took a 59-47 lead. Mast knocked down two more three-pointers, and the Huskers started to pull away, leading 65-49. The two three-pointers gave Mast six on the night, his previous high being four. He was 6-for-7 from three.
The Buckeye's struggles continued from the field, as they brought in Bowen Hardman, who has only played 12 minutes this season, to try and provide some spark off the bench. He did knock down two three-pointers on five attempts.
The Buckeyes fell 83-69 as they could never close the gap.
Road Woes
The difficulty the Buckeyes have had winning away from Columbus has been well-documented. The Buckeyes lost 12 straight road games entering this contest in Lincoln, and their last road win came on Jan. 1, 2023, at Northwestern, a game they won easily.
On the other hand, Nebraska has played its best basketball at home, earning wins over Purdue, Michigan State, Indiana, and Northwestern in conference play.
Evan Mahaffey gets comfortable
Evan Mahaffey, a sophomore transfer from Penn State, has been a starter all season for the Buckeyes, and while he has been great on defense, he has yet to really make an impact on the offense end. That changed Saturday against his former school on Saturday when he recorded 16 points and five rebounds and was the leading scorer in’ the Buckeyes' 79-67 win.
If Mahaffey can turn into an eight to ten-point scorer a game, that could be the scoring help they need from a fourth option.
Scotty Middleton returns
The Buckeye's top freshman, Scotty Middleton, missed the Buckeye's win over Penn State due to a suspension for a violation of team rules. The suspension’s length was unknown at the time, but it ended up being just one game. Middleton is averaging 4.7 points per game and 1.8 rebounds per game in 16.8 minutes per game.
Hot shooting Huskers
Nebraska has shot the three-ball well all season, and this one was no different. The Huskers shot 5-for-9 from three during its 30-13 run in the first half. Through the first 30 minutes of the game, the Huskers shot 10-for-22 from three, while the Buckeyes were 4-for-13 from three-point range through the same time period.
Career game from Rienk Mast
Rienk Mast, a graduate senior transfer from Bradley, has had a great season for the Huskers, averaging 12.5 points per game and 8.4 rebounds per game. However, he had a career game against Ohio State, knocking down six three-pointers and scoring 28 points through the first 31 minutes of the game.
Bowen Hardman sees the floor
Sophomore guard Bowen Hardman, who has only played in six games this season for 12 minutes, entered the game with six minutes left and the Buckeyes down by 16. Hardman immediately shot five three-pointers, going 3-for-6 from the field and recording eight points.
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LGHL How Julian Sayin’s commitment could impact the future of Ohio State’s quarterbacks room
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How Julian Sayin’s commitment could impact the future of Ohio State’s quarterbacks room
Michael Citro via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK
The commitment of the top-rated quarterback in the 2024 class is sure to have some ripple effects.
The Buckeyes landed a huge commitment over the weekend with the transfer of quarterback Julian Sayin, who had originally signed to play at Alabama. With Nick Saban’s retirement, Sayin entered the transfer portal and will be a Buckeye.
The top-rated quarterback in the 2024 class, Sayin arrives to find his position group full of talent. He joins fourth-rated 2024 quarterback Air Noland, returners Devin Brown and Lincoln Kienholz, and Kansas State transfer Will Howard.
Ryan Day obviously wants to find the best quarterback to run his offense, and adding Sayin is sure to have at least a few ripple effects.
Howard seems likely to be the starter in 2024. He had options and chose to transfer to Ohio State, so that would indicate he’s the man to beat for the job, especially with his experience advantage.
Howard posted similar numbers at Kansas State to what Kyle McCord produced at Ohio State last year, but the transfer will now have a much better supporting cast. Because Howard only has one year of eligibility, his arrival alone was not likely to send anyone into the transfer portal.
But Sayin’s arrival changes the future landscape of Day’s quarterback room. That’s not a reason not to gladly accept his commitment. After all, a great quarterback can elevate a team and help it reach greater heights. But with five quarterbacks now in the group, snaps for some of them will be hard to come by for a while.
The most obvious future ramification comes down to Sayin vs. Noland in terms of who can gain an advantage over the other incoming freshman. It’s unlikely both Sayin and Noland finish their careers at Ohio State. One of them will likely depart to become the leader somewhere else — assuming, of course, that both young signal callers adapt to the college game and excel.
That probably won’t happen this spring, and both will likely redshirt while Howard leads the Buckeyes in 2024.
Brown seems the likely candidate to become the primary backup in 2024, and the favorite to become QB1 in 2025, but there are no guarantees there. With the pedigrees that Sayin and Noland arrive with, it wouldn’t be the biggest shock if both quickly rose up the depth chart and started pressing Brown and Kienholz.
While that may not happen during the upcoming spring, it will be interesting to see if both Brown and Kienholz stay in Columbus when the transfer portal opens again.
Day would no doubt like them both to return, giving him some coverage in case something happens to Howard (again, assuming he wins the starting job over Brown). Neither has much experience, but they’ve both been in the program and have a leg up on the freshmen. Both are likely to play in the second halves of blowout games, earning more experience in 2024 and getting chances to make their case for a post-Howard world.
But there is a possibility that Brown or Kienholz (or even both) will transfer out after the spring. The latter scenario would be less than ideal, leaving Ohio State with a pair of true freshmen backing up Howard. If Brown does transfer out, Howard had better stay healthy and Day must accelerate the learning curve of his freshmen. If Kienholz leaves, things look a little less bleak if something happens to the winner of the Howard/Brown battle.
Looking ahead a couple of years, after Howard has left the program, it seems unlikely that both Brown and Kienholz will be here, and even less likely that both Sayin and Noland will still be Buckeyes. This is the age of the portal, and the landscape can change quickly. That will require Ohio State to continue recruiting the position well, and perhaps Day will have to revisit the portal for depth.
Any way you look at it, it’s a great “problem” to have. Too much talent? There’s no such thing.
Continue reading...
Michael Citro via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK
The commitment of the top-rated quarterback in the 2024 class is sure to have some ripple effects.
The Buckeyes landed a huge commitment over the weekend with the transfer of quarterback Julian Sayin, who had originally signed to play at Alabama. With Nick Saban’s retirement, Sayin entered the transfer portal and will be a Buckeye.
The top-rated quarterback in the 2024 class, Sayin arrives to find his position group full of talent. He joins fourth-rated 2024 quarterback Air Noland, returners Devin Brown and Lincoln Kienholz, and Kansas State transfer Will Howard.
Ryan Day obviously wants to find the best quarterback to run his offense, and adding Sayin is sure to have at least a few ripple effects.
Howard seems likely to be the starter in 2024. He had options and chose to transfer to Ohio State, so that would indicate he’s the man to beat for the job, especially with his experience advantage.
Howard posted similar numbers at Kansas State to what Kyle McCord produced at Ohio State last year, but the transfer will now have a much better supporting cast. Because Howard only has one year of eligibility, his arrival alone was not likely to send anyone into the transfer portal.
But Sayin’s arrival changes the future landscape of Day’s quarterback room. That’s not a reason not to gladly accept his commitment. After all, a great quarterback can elevate a team and help it reach greater heights. But with five quarterbacks now in the group, snaps for some of them will be hard to come by for a while.
The most obvious future ramification comes down to Sayin vs. Noland in terms of who can gain an advantage over the other incoming freshman. It’s unlikely both Sayin and Noland finish their careers at Ohio State. One of them will likely depart to become the leader somewhere else — assuming, of course, that both young signal callers adapt to the college game and excel.
That probably won’t happen this spring, and both will likely redshirt while Howard leads the Buckeyes in 2024.
Brown seems the likely candidate to become the primary backup in 2024, and the favorite to become QB1 in 2025, but there are no guarantees there. With the pedigrees that Sayin and Noland arrive with, it wouldn’t be the biggest shock if both quickly rose up the depth chart and started pressing Brown and Kienholz.
While that may not happen during the upcoming spring, it will be interesting to see if both Brown and Kienholz stay in Columbus when the transfer portal opens again.
Day would no doubt like them both to return, giving him some coverage in case something happens to Howard (again, assuming he wins the starting job over Brown). Neither has much experience, but they’ve both been in the program and have a leg up on the freshmen. Both are likely to play in the second halves of blowout games, earning more experience in 2024 and getting chances to make their case for a post-Howard world.
But there is a possibility that Brown or Kienholz (or even both) will transfer out after the spring. The latter scenario would be less than ideal, leaving Ohio State with a pair of true freshmen backing up Howard. If Brown does transfer out, Howard had better stay healthy and Day must accelerate the learning curve of his freshmen. If Kienholz leaves, things look a little less bleak if something happens to the winner of the Howard/Brown battle.
Looking ahead a couple of years, after Howard has left the program, it seems unlikely that both Brown and Kienholz will be here, and even less likely that both Sayin and Noland will still be Buckeyes. This is the age of the portal, and the landscape can change quickly. That will require Ohio State to continue recruiting the position well, and perhaps Day will have to revisit the portal for depth.
Any way you look at it, it’s a great “problem” to have. Too much talent? There’s no such thing.
Continue reading...
