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LGHL Top 10 games of upcoming Ohio State women’s basketball season

Top 10 games of upcoming Ohio State women’s basketball season
ThomasCostello
via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Ohio State v Maryland

Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images

Picking 10 of the Buckeyes’ 29 games that you can’t miss

College basketball season is fast approaching and Land-Grant Holy Land is here to get you ready. Before the season starts this fall, check back regularly for player previews, schedule news, features, and more heading into the 2024-25 Ohio State women’s basketball season.



With another month almost in the books on the 2024 calendar, college basketball creeps closer and closer. Soon, Halloween costumes are traded for comfy spots on the couch to watch a full slate of college basketball that stretches from November to April.

To help prioritize your time, here are the top 10 games you can’t miss in the upcoming Ohio State women’s basketball schedule. Disagree with the order? Did we miss a game against your alma mater? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter.


No. 10: Jan. 8, 2025 at Michigan (B1G+)


While the conference might not be high on this game, foregoing any television audience and opting to put it behind the conference streaming paywall, it deserves to be in the top 10. Not only because its another edition of The Rivalry, but it does help.

When Michigan and Ohio State play, you can tell the teams don’t like each other, more than most Big Ten games. Last season, the Buckeyes lost to the Wolverines in Ann Arbor, a loss that was the catalyst for a 15-game winning streak.

In the final game of that streak, it was the Wolverines who lost on Ohio State’s home court and had to be in the building as the Buckeyes celebrated another Big Ten regular season title.

This year’s edition won’t include arguably Michigan’s best player in Laila Phelia, who transferred to the Texas Longhorns in the offseason. However, the lone game between the two teams this year includes a blockbuster freshman showdown.

For Ohio State, it’s Jaloni Cambridge, the No. 2 prospect in the 2024 class. For Michigan, it’s Syla Swords, the 18-year-old who made the Canadian 2024 Paris Olympic team and the No. 4 overall prospect in the class.

Seeing the two battle in the backcourt for the first time is a sign of things to come in the storied rivalry between the two schools.


No. 9: Jan. 26, 2025 at Nebraska (B1G+)


B1G+ strikes again. This game, like No. 10, should get a lot more respect. This game has it all, from the strong in the paint duos to another young guard battle.

Near the basket for the Cornhuskers are Alexis Markowski and Natalie Potts. While the latter didn’t do too much damage against the Buckeyes last year (six points and two rebounds in an 80-47 clobbering Nebraska), she was voted Freshman of the Year by the coaches for a reason.

Potts averaged 10.2 points and 5.5 rebounds and was top 10 in the conference in grabbing offensive boards. Which helps her senior center/forward teammate, Markowski.

Unlike Potts, Markowski has made the Buckeyes’ life difficult averaging 15.6 points and 13.0 rebounds in three previous games against Ohio State (all losses).

Syndication: The Columbus Dispatch
Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK
Alexis Markowski (right) and Cotie McMahon (left) battling for the ball on Feb. 14, 2024

People are high on Nebraska this year partly because of that duo. It’s set up to be a great game between the Big Red duo and the Ohio State interior of Ajae Petty, Cotie McMahon, and Taylor Thierry. This game comes at a time when teams should be ramping up to hit their peak entering tournament time. This provides a great test for head coach Kevin McGuff’s side.

Plus another pair of future Big Ten star guards with Cambridge and Nebraska’s Britt Prince. Prince is the No. 25 prospect of the 2024 class and another candidate to fight for a spot on the Big Ten All-Freshman team at season’s end.


No. 8: Jan. 23, 2025 vs. Maryland (Big Ten Network)


Revenge is a dish best served cold, and it should be chilly in late January when the Terrapins head to Columbus, at least in the forecast.

The last time these two times met was in the Big Ten Tournament. Ohio State entered as the No. 1 seed, with McGuff not losing a first game of the tournament in any previous season where his team entered as a top-four side. That streak ended, and it ended badly.

Ohio State lost by 21, with Maryland outrebounding the Buckeyes 55-31. It was the first of two losses in the three Scarlet and Gray tournament games, losing two games later in the Second Round of the NCAA Tournament against the Duke Blue Devils.

January is the first of two times McGuff and Maryland coach Brenda Frese will face each other this season, with the conference pairing every team up with one side they’ll meet in a home-and-home.

The first edition takes place in Columbus, where the Buckeyes defeated the Terrapins last year. However, Maryland is on a different side this year, bolstering their lineup with former Rutgers freshman standout Kaylene Smikle and Atlantic 10 Player of the Year Sarah Te-Biasu from VCU. Not to mention the return of senior Shyanne Sellers.

Will the Ohio State offense play like the tournament side or the one that beat the Terrapins twice in the 23-24 regular season? Tune in on Big Ten Network in late January to find out.


No. 7: Feb. 17, 2025 vs. Iowa (FOX)


For the second season in a row, Ohio State faces the Iowa Hawkeyes on national television. The big difference is the absence of a certain alliteratively named star guard.

Even so, the Buckeyes and Hawkeyes have been part of a small group of teams sitting near the top of the conference over the last few seasons. Also, the Iowa and Ohio State rivalry dates back decades with both sides investing in women’s basketball earlier than most in the conference.

This time around, Iowa has guard Lucy Olsen. The Villanova transfer steps into the shadow of Caitlin Clark, who had three triple-doubles against the Buckeyes in her career. Now, Olsen won’t be as strong of a triple-double threat but can score in bunches, sitting third in the nation last season with 23.3 points.

What makes the matchup intriguing is Hannah Stuelke. The junior forward thrived under Clark, but will that continue with the Hawkeyes playing under a new head coach and without the linchpin of the offense for the past four seasons?

The fact that this game is on FOX is kind of surprising, but after last year’s overtime thriller in Columbus, it’s a matchup worth taking a gamble.


No. 6: Feb. 20, 2025 at Indiana (Peacock)


This game is higher than the national game against Iowa for a couple of reasons. First, Indiana is going to be a good team. Despite losing program-shifting forward Mackenzie Holmes, head coach Teri Moren brings back an experienced side, led by Sydney Parrish and Chloe Moore-McNeil.

In Holmes’ vacated spot are a few options for Moren. Third-year Hoosier Lilly Meister played behind Holmes throughout her career, but Tennessee transfer Karoline Striplin has more experience starting and Faith Wiseman enters as a high-ranked forward recruit out of Marysville, Indiana.

Even so, there’s enough experience on this team to give Ohio State troubles, something the Buckeyes have had against Indiana in recent history.

Before the 2023 Big Ten Tournament, the Buckeyes lost five straight against the Hoosiers. Ohio State is now on a two-game winning streak after that 2023 conference tournament win featuring a historic second-half comeback, but Assembly Hall is the second reason this game stands out.

Syndication: The Herald-Times
Rich Janzaruk/Herald-Times / USA TODAY NETWORK
Mackenzie Holmes (right) celebrates with Sydney Parrish (left) the last time the two teams played each other in Assembly Hall, on Jan. 26, 2023

By the time these two sides play in February, it’ll be four years since Ohio State won a game in Assembly Hall. With seats basically on top of the action, it’s a formidable gym to play in, with a group of fans who live and breathe basketball yelling at every perceived slight against their crimson-clad basketball team.

The challenge of winning in a rowdy Assembly Hall could mean good things for Ohio State as it heads into the final weeks of the season.


No. 5: Dec. 20, 2024 at Stanford (FS1) - Neutral site game


Putting the game against Stanford at five feels like a bit of a reach. After all, the Cardinals weren’t thought too highly overall entering this year with Associated Press voters leaving them out of the preseason top 25.

After all, Stanford lost their two best players Cameron Brink and Kiki Iriafen to the WNBA and USC Trojans respectively. It also lost legendary head coach, and former Ohio State coach, Tara Vanderveer.

There are reasons why Stanford is so high on this list. Part of it is the name. Regardless of ranking, Stanford is a women’s basketball school and even if they’re starting down there’s a strong chance it doesn’t last for long.

The loss of Vanderveer is tough, but Kate Paye slides into the role similarly to the changing of the guard in Iowa with the loss of Lisa Bluder. Paye isn’t new to Stanford by any means. The former pro and Stanford grad not only played for Vanderveer for four seasons but has been on the staff since 2007.

On the staff is another 23-24 Big Ten Freshman of the Year, this time on the media side. Former Purdue Boilermaker forward Mary Ashley Stevenson, who played once against the Buckeyes with 12 points and seven rebounds, is the one familiar face on the court between the two sides.

Even so, Stanford is likely to be ranked by the time the teams meet in San Francisco at the Bay Area Women’s Classic. That is unless AP voters were right and Stanford is in for a rebuild.


No. 4: Feb. 5, 2025 at UCLA (Peacock)


Ohio State was one of the few conference teams who scheduled the Bruins last year, in expansion preparation. The Bruins marched into the Schottenstein Center and walked away with a 77-71 win over the Buckeyes, with a scoreline that is deceptive.

The Scarlet and Gray were down 22 points with 8:49 remaining in the fourth quarter and made it a game. A patented McGuff comeback, this time without getting across the finish line. A game that could’ve gone another way if it was five quarters, but that’s not how basketball works.

Center Lauren Betts had a double-double in the win, with 11 rebounds as no Buckeye could handle the 6-foot-7 star.

Syndication: The Columbus Dispatch
Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK
Cotie McMahon (left) going up against Lauren Betts (right)

This season, Ohio State boasts an improved post-game, with Petty and 6-foot-6 freshman center Elsa Lemmilä. Will that make the game within reach? Will travel be an issue? How will the young Buckeyes backcourt do against Preseason All-B1G guard Kiki Rice?

By the time February rolls around, the identity of the Buckeyes should be known, for better or worse. The more the identity is established, and the team is clicking, the higher chance Ohio State has to beat their new conference foes. Then, three days later, it doesn’t get any easier.


No. 3: Feb. 8 at USC (FOX)


Like the loss against UCLA last campaign, the Buckeyes tried to get an edge in scouting and played the Trojans to start the season. In the first game of the year, JuJu Watkins introduced herself to the nation with a 32-point performance in an 83-74 victory.

It’s tough to be the first team to face a phenom like Watkins, with the Buckeyes relying on AAU scouting to try and get an edge, but as the season went on nobody had much better luck against who could be a three-time B1G Player of the Year when it's all said and done.

Ohio State gets another shot this year, in Los Angeles on the Trojans’ home court. It’s not much easier than last year, with Stanford standout Iriafen joining Watkins at USC in the transfer portal.

It might be a tall task for coach McGuff’s side, but this Saturday night matchup in California is the first time the Buckeyes can show what they’ve learned about Watkins and the Trojans. It’s also a good test for how Ohio State could do in the NCAA Tournament, with USC already predicted as a top-four seed in the nation.


No. 2: March 2, 2025 at Maryland (FOX)


Credit to the Big Ten schedule makers for their last regular season games of the season. UCLA faces USC on FOX, on March 1. The next night, the Buckeyes and Terrapins are the main event with 14 league teams facing off.

Where will Ohio State be at this point in the season? If things go well, this game deserves a top ranking on this list.

Two seasons ago, these two teams faced off to end the year and Ohio State almost forced overtime if not for a McMahon layup that was a fraction of a second too late to count. When both of these teams are good, they play exciting basketball games.

Will the Buckeyes be playing for a top-four spot in the tournament, maybe challenging for a conference title or will this game be meaningless? Odds are it’ll be a game where two teams are playing for momentum heading into the Big Ten tournament a week later.


No. 1: Dec. 8, 2024 vs. Illinois (BTN)


It might seem crazy to see Illinois at No. 1 on this list. With games against the Watkins, Betts, and Stuelkes of the world, the first conference game of the season doesn’t seem like it carries much weight, but this game carries a ton.

There’s no argument that the Buckeyes’ non-conference schedule isn’t full of the best of college basketball. While there are strong mid-major sides on the calendar, like Ball State and Cleveland State, the only way they’re losing is if things go wrong for Ohio State.

This game against Illinois will start to build the story of the Buckeyes’ season.

Illinois fields a strong, experienced, team. Although they had a tough conference season, going 8-10, the Illini bounced back to show their class in the postseason. Illinois ended the season with a five-game winning streak, winning the Women’s Basketball Invitational Tournament.

They also return three fifth-year stars in forward Kendall Bostic and guards Genesis Bryant and Makira Cook; all players who have given Ohio State issues in the past two seasons, despite the Buckeyes always coming out on top against head coach Shauna Green’s side.

COLLEGE BASKETBALL: JAN 25 Women’s - Ohio State at Illinois
Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Genesis Bryant (right) against Ohio State

If Ohio State wins the game, it starts to prove to folks that losing players like Jacy Sheldon and Celeste Taylor isn’t debilitating. Lose it, and it could show the Buckeyes what it has to do as games are more difficult from December through the end of March.

Now, it’s early enough in the season that it won’t end any conference chances, but it’ll show if McGuff’s retooled his side to stay contenders.

Continue reading...

LGHL Wrapping up the reactions to Ohio State-Nebraska as we turn the page to Penn State

Wrapping up the reactions to Ohio State-Nebraska as we turn the page to Penn State
Matt Tamanini
via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


COLLEGE FOOTBALL: OCT 26 Nebraska at Ohio State

Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

All the Buckeye news thats fit to re-print.

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

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

You’re welcome!


For your Earholes...


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


Subscribe: RSS | Apple | Spotify | iHeart Radio


On the Gridiron


Ohio State is a 3.5-point favorite over Penn State
Gene Ross, Land-Grant Holy Land

Ohio State stays at No. 4 in Week 10 Coaches, AP Polls
Patrick Murphy, Bucknuts

Snap counts, PFF grades and analysis from Buckeyes win over Nebraska
Spencer Holbrook, Lettermen Row

ESPN’s College GameDay to Be in State College for Showdown Between Ohio State and Penn State
Chase Brown, Eleven Warriors


: @Cody_Simon30 pic.twitter.com/BZnPGBZqE3

— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) October 27, 2024

Carnell Tate, Cody Simon lead Ohio State to ugly, but important, home win
Jeremy Birmingham, Dotting The Eyes

Lack of running game a major problem for Buckeyes
Rob Oller, The Columbus Dispatch

Defensive notebook: Was Ohio State pass rush successful against Nebraska?
Spencer Holbrook, Lettermen Row

Five Thoughts: Ohio State puts forth flat effort vs. Nebraska
Bill Landis, Dotting The Eyes

OSU win didn’t feel like much of one, as OL issues loom
Bill Rabinowitz, The Columbus Dispatch

#developedhere


A;FK;JD;KJF;LAKEJFLKJVAL;KEJL;JF;EFJ;LFAKJ

JAYDEN DANIELS HAIL MARY! @COMMANDERS WIN! pic.twitter.com/BsQ0Z84Rko

— NFL (@NFL) October 27, 2024

Using Warren Buffett’s portfolio to recap Ohio State’s 21-17 win over Nebraska
Brett Ludwiczak, Land-Grant Holy Land

If This Were a Movie: Buckeyes’ performance felt like a ‘Nightmare on Woody Hayes Drive’
Jami Jurich, Land-Grant Holy Land


On the Hardwood


You’re Nuts: Will Ohio State men’s basketball land any of these four big 2025 targets?
Connor Lemons and Justin Golba, Land-Grant Holy Land

Ajae Petty joins Ohio State’s roster to improve the Big Ten’s worst rebounding team
Thomas Costello, Land-Grant Holy Land

No. 25 player in the country teasing Buckeye Nation:


Outside the Shoe and Schott


Women’s Soccer: No. 21 Ohio State Blasts No. 15 Penn State 4-1 in Regular Season Finale
Ohio State Athletics

Women’s Ice Hockey: Ohio State Wins 2024 Women’s Ice Breaker Tournament
Ohio State Athletics

Men’s Ice Hockey: No. 19/17t Ohio State Shuts Out BG Falcons, 2-0
Ohio State Athletics


And now for something completely different...


Hilarious, and good for Timothée!


Timothée Chalamet has made an appearance at the Timothée Chalamet look-alike contest in NYC.

( : @itweetabttv) pic.twitter.com/YspIp0Y66p

— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) October 27, 2024

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LGHL Power Two Podcast: Ohio State should fire Ryan Day, College Football Playoff predictions

Power Two Podcast: Ohio State should fire Ryan Day, College Football Playoff predictions
JordanW330
via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Nebraska v Ohio State

Photo by Jason Mowry/Getty Images

As more games of consequence approach, it is time to start making playoff predictions.

Welcome to a new episode of Land-Grant Podcast Network’s Power Two Podcast. On this show, we talk about Big Ten and SEC football… and everyone else. This show is for the die-hard fans and the casual college football fans.

After every week of action, we will catch you up on all the major matchups of the previous weekend and look ahead at the games, storylines, and players you should be paying attention to for the next week.

My name is Jordan Williams, and I am joined by my co-host DaNaysia Jones. Lock in as we run a power sweep through the college football landscape.



This week, DJ and Jordan catch up on adulting and how hard it can be sometimes.

In the two-minute drill, DJ and Jordan briefly discuss the big games of the week. DJ has declared Ashton Jeanty as the Heisman Trophy winner after willing his team to victory over UNLV. Jordan shares some very strong thoughts about the state of the Ohio State program and its future. There were many ideas about what needs to be improved and who should be fired. DJ and Jordan also shouts out Vanderbilt for having such a great season despite the losses, proving to be a threat — which is great for them.

DJ and Jordan don’t seem too frustrated with the Power Rankings this week. DJ is overjoyed that Michigan has stayed out of it, and is confused about the placement of certain undefeated teams.

In this episode, Jordan and DJ introduced their midseason playoff Power Sweep where they shared their potential CFP contenders. There was some disagreement about the ranking of teams and which teams would make it in.

For the Pregame Power Seep, we suggested:

  • Friday: Boise State- San Diego State
  • Saturday, Noon: OSU - Penn State
  • Saturday, Mid-Day: Georgia - Florida, Oregon - Michigan
  • Saturday, Primetime: Pitt - SMU, Louisville - Clemson, Kentucky - Tennessee, A&M - South Carolina
  • Honorable Mention: Texas Tech - Iowa State.

Grab your popcorn because many of our playoff predictions could be legitimized or delegitimized during the evening slot.

In the two-minute warning, Jordan speaks about Lil Durk’s charges, his application for his doctoral program and his disappointment in the Yankees. DJ shared her Dwayne Wade statue reaction, her love for the Bam Adebayo and A’ja Wilson’s relationship, the WNBA coaches firings and the Commanders’ game-winning touchdown.



If you like the show, please share it with friends and family and leave a five-star review. If you want to keep up with the show, subscribe to the Land-Grant Podcast Network Feed where new episodes drop every Monday.

You can also find Jordan’s article ‘B1G Thoughts’ on Land-Grant Holy Land.

Follow the show on YouTube: @JordanW330

Follow the podcast on Instagram: @PowerTwoPodcast

Connect with us on Twitter: Jordan: @JordanW330 and DJ:@dj_danaysia

Continue reading...

LGHL Ohio State hosts several big recruiting targets and current commits during win over Nebraska

Ohio State hosts several big recruiting targets and current commits during win over Nebraska
Gene Ross
via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Syndication: The Columbus Dispatch

Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Buckeyes made the most of their first home game in two weeks.

Another home game for Ohio State on Saturday meant another chance to host a large handful of top prospects. The Buckeyes only have a few games left at Ohio Stadium on the schedule the rest of the season, and the coaching staff must make the most of them in terms of recruiting visits. This past weekend was no different, as a bunch of big names were in attendance to witness Ohio State’s win over Nebraska.

Of the many talented players who flocked to Columbus over the last few days, the name everyone had their eyes on was none other than five-star defensive lineman Jahkeem Stewart. The Louisiana native, who has reclassified from the 2026 class to 2025, is the No. 3 DL and No. 14 player nationally per the 247Sports Composite in the current cycle.


Five-star QB commit Tavien St. Clair at Ohio State today with five-star DE Jahkeem Stewart@Birm / @Rivals pic.twitter.com/yGZQ97AvAK

— Adam Gorney (@adamgorney) October 26, 2024

Ohio State is among the top four schools for Stewart, who is also considering LSU, Oregon and USC. It is the second time in as many games for the Buckeyes that Stewart has been on hand, as the lineman was also present in Eugene to witness the Ducks’ one-point victory over OSU at Autzen Stadium. The Edna Karr product plans to see Ohio State once more this season, notably for the Nov. 30 clash with rival Michigan.

In addition to one of Ohio State’s top remaining targets being on campus, so too was one of the Buckeyes’ toughest battles among its current commits in four-star defensive end Zahir Mathis. The Philly native has been committed to Ohio State since January, but the nation’s No. 5 EDGE and No. 67 overall player in the 2025 class has also been rumored as a potential flip candidate for quite some time.


Columbus

— Zahir Mathis (@ZahirMathis5) October 25, 2024

Penn State has been unrelenting in its pursuit of Mathis, and the in-state program appears to be putting the pressure on Ohio State in its quest to retain the talented edge rusher’s pledge. The 6-foot-6 lineman has visited Happy Valley a handful of times already, so the coaching staff is hoping this trip to Columbus for his official visit will go a long way in securing his spot in the Buckeyes’ class ahead of signing day.

That being said, there were a number of other highly regarded prospects across various recruiting cycles also in attendance this weekend.

Maxwell Hiller, a five-star offensive tackle in the 2027 class, is of course an incredibly important target for Ohio State even with him being just a high school sophomore. The 6-foot-5 Pennsylvania native ranks as the No. 4 OT and No. 29 player nationally per the 247Sports Composite, and it is clear the Buckeyes are making him a priority super early on in the process — and rightfully so, given their prior recruiting failures at the position.


Columbus was a blast this weekend @ryandaytime @CoachJFrye pic.twitter.com/VcIvioDvm4

— Maxwell Hiller 5 OT (@HillerMaxwell) October 27, 2024

Here are a few of the other notable names that were in attendance on Saturday:

  • 2026 four-star RB Ja’Michael Jones (Pike Road / Montgomery, AL)
  • 2026 running back Favour Akih (Rutherford B Hayes / Delaware, OH)

Had an amazing time at The Ohio State University today! Thank you to all the amazing coaches and staff for the conversations and advice!@Montgomery_DHHS @FMlck37 pic.twitter.com/U8G6hNJnJG

— Favour Akih (@FavourAkih) October 26, 2024
  • 2027 athlete Max Brown (Jefferson / Jefferson, GA)

Excited to be back at THE Ohio State University this weekend for a gameday visit!@3YearLetterman @jchorba16 @JLaurinaitis55 @Birm @Bill_Kurelic pic.twitter.com/RH39iURqBe

— Max Brown 2027 (@maxbrown4_) October 24, 2024
  • 2025 three-star CB Jordyn Woods (Cartersville / Cartersville, GA)

Had a good visit to ⭕️hio state this weekend against Nebraska @OGWalt_ @CoachDuHart @CoachQKent @coachemupchat @Coachkingruss @Birm pic.twitter.com/iZk1QSFlQJ

— Jordyn woods 3⭐️db 2025 (@JW7_2025) October 27, 2024
  • 2026 three-star DL Blake Smythe (Franklin Community / Franklin, IN)
  • 2026 wide receiver Justen Hodge (Mentor / Mentor, OH)

Blessed to be back in Shoe Saturday! @OhioStateFB @brianhartline @CoachJordan82 #GoBucks pic.twitter.com/Y1z7LOI6r3

— Justen Hodge (@JustenHodge) October 25, 2024
  • 2027 linebacker Jake Godfree (North Gwinnett / Suwanee, GA)

Excited to be at THE Ohio State this weekend for a visit! @JLaurinaitis55 @Birm @Bill_Kurelic @jchorba16 pic.twitter.com/SwcKWdv64y

— Jake Godfree (@JakeGodfree) October 25, 2024

Quick Hits

  • As we prepare to flip the calendar to November, weekends in Columbus aren’t just for football anymore. The Ohio State mens basketball team did some work on the recruiting front over the weekend as well, offering 2026 power forward Tristan Reed. A native of St. Louis, MO, Reed is the No. 13 PF and No. 82 player nationally per the 247Sports Composite. Reed’s older brother, Tarris Reed Jr., spent two years at Michigan before transferring to UConn this offseason.

After a great conversation with Coach Diebler, I am blessed to announce that I have received a D1 offer from THE Ohio State University! #gobucks @MokanBasketball @JBSAthletics pic.twitter.com/jk4lyAqjT1

— Tristan Reed (@2026TristanReed) October 26, 2024

Continue reading...

LGHL If This Were a Movie: Buckeyes’ performance felt like a ‘Nightmare on Woody Hayes Drive’

If This Were a Movie: Buckeyes’ performance felt like a ‘Nightmare on Woody Hayes Drive’
Jami Jurich
via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Fans Attend The Second Day Of Scarborough Sci-Fi Weekend

Photo by Ian Forsyth/Getty Images

One, Two, Dowdell’s coming for you. Three, four, better lock your door

When Ohio State took the field against Nebraska this weekend, the Buckeyes were returning home after a one-point road loss to the current No. 1 team in the country. Nebraska was hitting the road again after a disastrous performance in Bloomington, which led to Indiana’s 56-7 routing of the Huskers.

Maybe the Huskers just felt like getting in the Halloween spirit, or maybe the cracks in the Buckeyes’ foundation are just becoming easier for opponents to exploit. Either way, in theory, this game should never have been close, and yet, Ohio State just could not shake the Huskers.

In fact, for the better part of the game, the Buckeyes seemed half asleep out there. And unfortunately for Ohio State, bedtime is when Freddy Krueger does his best (worst?) work.

In the 1984 Wes Craven horror classic “A Nightmare on Elm Street,” Krueger is the stuff of nightmares — literally. He targets a group of teenagers in their dreams, except that when Krueger kills you in dreamland, your death translates to reality too. We learn the rules of Krueger’s game early, when Tina Gray is chased by him in her nightmares only to realize upon waking up that her nightgown has been slashed.

But Krueger isn’t just haunting Gray’s nightmares. He’s also wrecking the sleepy time of Tina’s best friend—our protagonist Nancy Thompson—and Nancy’s boyfriend Glen.

So how do you shake something that only comes to life when you’re sleeping? You stay awake.

It’s advice the Buckeyes would do well to heed moving forward, though they failed to do so this weekend against the Huskers. Nebraska stayed right on the Buckeyes’ tails the entire game, outpacing Ohio State in time of possession, first downs, third-down conversions (the Buckeyes converted a mere one out of 10 third-down opportunities), and total rushing yards.

The Buckeyes struggled to establish their run game, in large part due to offensive line struggles. With talent like Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson at running back, coupled with Chip Kelly’s offensive schemas, it’s hard to blame anything but the offensive line’s ability to create room (which is also a credit to the job Nebraska did defensively).

Over the course of four quarters, they punted five times and missed a field goal they should have made. They should count their lucky stars that the defense managed to stop the Huskers from scoring after Will Howard threw an interception that put the Huskers on the two-yard line.

If they made any progress, the Huskers had an answer. Those answers came in the form of three field goals (long and impressive ones, at that), a touchdown run from Dante Dowdell to give the Huskers a 17-14 lead in the fourth quarter, and a two-point conversion on that touchdown, all of which slashed the Buckeyes’ lead like Freddy Krueger chopping up humans in their sleep.

In fact, Krueger seems to stay on the heels of Nancy and her friends too. Any time they make headway on figuring out exactly what this freak’s deal is, they doze off and he’s back to swinging his little sword claws around.

“Seven, eight, gonna stay up late.

Nine, ten, never sleep again.”


Nancy does finally find a way to fight back that doesn’t involve a caffeine IV drip, and in that same vein, the Buckeyes got scrappy at the end to pull out the win—this week—thanks to a game-saving interception from Jordan Hancock. But, without spoiling it, at the end of the film, the door is still cracked open for more trouble from Freddy in the future, and if the Buckeyes don’t correct major issues fast, their nightmares might continue into the rest of the season.

Ohio State hits the road to face the currently undefeated Penn State next weekend in a matchup Penn State tends to keep close even when they’re at their weakest.

Suffice it to say, the Buckeyes need to show up, play their best game, and stay alert or their bad dreams will probably continue. I know mine certainly will if things don’t change soon.

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Week 10 Games Discussion

Buckeyes at Pedsters at noon, Ducks at tCun and WLOCP at 3:30, and 4 road tests for playoff contenders in the evening time slots.

Week 10​

Tuesday, Oct. 29

Florida International vs. New Mexico State, 7 p.m. | CBSSN
Texas State vs. Louisiana, 7:30 p.m. | ESPN2
Sam Houston vs. Louisiana Tech, 8 p.m. | ESPNU

Wednesday, Oct. 30

Jacksonville State vs. Liberty, 7 p.m. | CBSSN
Western Kentucky vs. Kennesaw State, 7:30 p.m. | ESPN2

Thursday, Oct. 31

Charlotte vs. Tulane, 7:30 p.m. | ESPN
South Carolina State vs. North Carolina Central, 7:30 p.m. | ESPN2

Friday, Nov. 1

UConn vs. Georgia State, 7 p.m. | CBSSN
Columbia vs. Yale, 7 p.m. | ESPNU
Florida Atlantic vs. South Florida, 7:30 p.m. | ESPN2
No. 15 Boise State vs. San Diego State, 8 p.m. | FS1

Saturday, Nov. 2

No. 3 Penn State vs. No. 4 Ohio State, 12 p.m. | FOX
No. 5 Miami (Fla.) vs. Duke, 12 p.m. | ABC/ESPN+
No. 19 Ole Miss vs. Arkansas, 12 p.m. | ESPN
No. 24 Illinois vs. Minnesota, 12 p.m. | FS1
No. 21 Army vs. Air Force, 12 p.m. | CBS/Paramount+
Purdue vs. Northwestern, 12 p.m. | BTN
NC State vs. Stanford, 12 p.m. | ACCN
Syracuse vs. Virginia Tech, 12 p.m. | The CW Network
Akron vs. Buffalo, 12 p.m. | CBSSN
Eastern Michigan vs. Toledo, 12 p.m. | ESPN U
Memphis vs. UTSA, 12 p.m. | ESPN2
Brown vs. Pennsylvania, 12 p.m. | ESPN+
Central Connecticut vs. Wagner, 12 p.m. | TBA
Duquesne vs. Mercyhurst, 12 p.m. | TBA
Robert Morris vs. Merrimack, 12 p.m. | TBA

Georgetown vs. Lehigh, 12:30 p.m | ESPN+
Vanderbilt vs. Auburn, 12:45 p.m. | SEC Network
North Carolina A&T vs. William & Mary, 1 p.m. | FloSports
Hampton vs. Villanova, 1 p.m. | FloSports
Bryant vs. Stony Brook, 1 p.m. | FloSports
Rhode Island vs. Monmouth, 1 p.m. | TBA
UAlbany vs. New Hampshire, 1 p.m. | FloSports
Indiana State vs. North Dakota, 1 p.m. | ESPN+
Presbyterian vs. Dayton, 1 p.m. | ESPN+
Butler vs. Stetson, 1 p.m. | FloSports
Morehead State vs. St. Thomas-Minnesota, 1 p.m. | ESPN+
Princeton vs. Cornell, 1 p.m. | ESPN+
Howard vs. Delaware State, 1 p.m. | ESPN+
Morgan State vs. Norfolk State, 1 p.m. | ESPN+
Bucknell vs. Lafayette, 1 p.m. | ESPN+
St. Francis (PA) vs. Stonehill, 1 p.m. | TBA
Fordham vs. Colgate, 1 p.m. | ESPN+

VMI vs. Furman, 1:30 p.m. | ESPN+
Dartmouth vs. Harvard, 1:30 p.m. | ESPN+
Richmond vs. Towson, 2 p.m. | FloSports
Elon vs. Campbell, 2 p.m. | FloSports
Charleston Southern vs. Gardner-Webb, 2 p.m. | ESPN+
Marist vs. Drake, 2 p.m. | ESPN+
West Georgia vs. Lincoln (CA), 2 p.m. | ESPN+
Oklahoma vs. Maine, 2:30 p.m. | ESPN+/SEC Network
App State vs. Old Dominion, 2:30 p.m. | ESPN+
UAB vs. Tulsa, 2:30 p.m. | ESPN+
Western Carolina vs. Chattanooga, 2:30 p.m. | ESPN+
Tennessee Tech vs. Lindenwood, 2:30 p.m. | ESPN+

Eastern Illinois vs. Western Illinois, 3 p.m. | ESPN+
Incarnate Wood vs. Houston Christian, 3 p.m. | ESPN+
Mercer vs. East Tennessee State, 3 p.m. | ESPN+
Samford vs. Wofford, 3 p.m. | ESPN+
Illinois State vs. Youngstown State, 3 p.m. | ESPN+
Missouri State vs. Southern Illinois, 3 p.m. | ESPN+
South Dakota State vs. Murray State, 3 p.m. | ESPN+
Alabama A&M vs. Southern, 3 p.m. | TBA
Jackson State vs. Arkansas Pine-Bluff, 3 p.m. | ESPN+
Bethune Cookman vs. Grambling, 3 p.m. | TBA
Mississippi Valley State vs. Prairie View A&M, 3 p.m. | TBA

No. 1 Oregon vs. Michigan, 3:30 p.m. | CBS
No. 2 Georgia vs. Florida, 3:30 p.m. | ABC
No. T11 Iowa State vs. Texas Tech, 3:30 p.m. | ESPN
No. 13 Indiana vs. Michigan State, 3:30 p.m. | Peacock
No. 17 Kansas State vs. Houston, 3:30 p.m. | FOX
Nebraska vs. UCLA, 3:30 p.m. | BTN
Florida State vs. North Carolina, 3:30 p.m. | ACCN
UCF vs. Arizona, 3:30 p.m. | FS1
UTEP vs. Middle Tennessee, 3:30 p.m | CBSSN
Marshall vs. UL Monroe, 3:30 p.m. | ESPN+
North Dakota State vs. Northern Iowa, 3:30 p.m. | ESPN+

Navy vs. Rice, 4 p.m. | ESPN2
New Mexico vs. Wyoming, 4 p.m. | truTV/Max
Troy vs. Coastal Carolina, 4 p.m. | ESPN+
Utah Tech vs. Central Arkansas, 4 p.m | ESPN+
Abilene Christian vs. Southern Utah, 4 p.m. | ESPN+
Lamar vs. SE Louisiana, 4 p.m. | ESPN+
Eastern Washington vs. Montana State, 4 p.m. | ESPN+
Northern Arizona vs. Weber State, 4 p.m | ESPN+
UC Davis vs. Northern Colorado, 4 p.m. | ESPN+
Florida A&M vs. Texas Southern, 4 p.m. | ESPN+
San Diego vs. Davidson, 4 p.m. | ESPN+
Nicholls vs. Stephen F. Austin, 4 p.m. | ESPN+
Mississippi State vs. Massachusetts, 4:15 p.m. | SEC Network
North Alabama vs. Austin Peay, 5 p.m. | ESPN+
Cal Poly vs. Montana, 5 p.m. | ESPN+
Alcorn State vs. Alabama State, 5 p.m. | ESPN+
Tennessee State vs. UT Martin, 6 p.m. | ESPN+

Oklahoma State vs. Arizona State, 7 p.m. | FS1
Fresno State vs. Hawai'i, 7 p.m. | TBA
Tarleton State vs. Eastern Kentucky, 7 p.m. | ESPN+
No. T11 Clemson vs. Louisville, 7:30 p.m. | ESPN
No. 10 Texas A&M vs. South Carolina, 7:30 p.m. | ABC/ESPN+
Iowa vs. Wisconsin, 7:30 p.m. | NBC
Washington vs. Southern California, 7:30 p.m. | BTN
South Alabama vs. Georgia Southern, 7:30 p.m. | ESPN U
No. 7 Tennessee vs. Kentucky, 7:45 p.m. | SEC Network

No. 18 Pitt vs. No. 20 SMU, 8 p.m. | ACCN
Baylor vs. TCU, 8 p.m | ESPN2
Nevada vs. Colorado State, 8 p.m. | CBSSN
McNeese vs. Texas A&M-Commerce, 8 p.m. | ESPN+
Sacramento State vs. Portland State, 9 p.m. | ESPN+

LGHL Using Warren Buffett’s portfolio to recap Ohio State’s 21-17 win over Nebraska

Using Warren Buffett’s portfolio to recap Ohio State’s 21-17 win over Nebraska
Brett Ludwiczak
via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Syndication: The Columbus Dispatch

Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The head of Berkshire Hathaway was a graduate of Nebraska back in 1950.

Ohio State wrapped up the month of October by hosting the Nebraska Cornhuskers on the final Saturday of the month. Entering the game as 25.5-point favorites, the Buckeyes had their hands full with Matt Rhule’s team, needing an interception late in the fourth quarter by Jordan Hancock to seal the 21-17 victory, extending their winning streak over Nebraska to eight games. Now Ohio State can fully turn their attention to Penn State, who they’ll face next Saturday in State College.

Before we turn the page on Nebraska here at LGHL, we are going to take another look at what we saw in Saturday’s game but put a different spin on it. Since one of Nebraska’s most famous alums is Warren Buffett, an interesting way to recap the game is to use some of the assets owned by Berkshire Hathaway to describe some of the key points from the nail-biter at Ohio Stadium. Buffett graduated from Nebraska in 1950 with a degree in business administration, and a little more than a decade later he took control of Berkshire Hathaway, which at the time was a textile company.


Pilot Flying J


Jeremiah Smith continues to impress, scoring another long touchdown where he left the opposing defense in the dust. Midway through the second quarter Smith found his way behind the Nebraska secondary and Will Howard found the wide receiver for a 60-yard touchdown to push Ohio State’s lead to 14-3. Smith finished with three catches for 70 yards in the victory, recording at least 70 yards receiving and a touchdown in each of his first seven collegiate games.

Syndication: The Columbus Dispatch
Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

It’s only a matter of time before Smith stands alone at the top of Ohio State’s freshman receiving lists. With his touchdown on Saturday, Smith now has eight receiving touchdowns, tying Cris Carter’s school record, which he set back in 1984. Along with his scoring prowess, Smith sits second on the freshman receptions list. After catching three passes against Nebraska, Smith has 35 receptions, moving past the 33 catches David Boston hauled in during his freshman season. Standing between Smith and the top spot is Cris Carter, who caught 41 balls in 1984. Soon “Flying J” Smith will be the captain when it comes to output for Buckeye freshman receivers.


Duracell


Cody Simon keeps going and going and going. Wait, maybe that’s the Energizer slogan but you catch my drift. Since missing the season opener against Akron, Simon has been all over the field for Ohio State. The linebacker led the team on Saturday, registering eight stops against the Cornhuskers, marking the second straight week that Simon has been the team’s top tackler.

Even more will be needed for one of the team captains next week since Ohio State will be short-handed at linebacker for the first half against Penn State. In the fourth quarter against Nebraska, Arvell Reese was ejected on a very questionable targeting call that resulted in head coach Ryan Day coming unglued. Simon now has 33 tackles in the six games he has played in this year, putting him 25 away from moving past his career-high of 57 tackles, which he recorded in 2023. With 20 more stops Simon will hit 200 tackles during his time in the scarlet and gray.


Acme Brick Company


Following the Oregon game there was a lot of criticism of Jim Knowles and his defense. Credit to the defensive coordinator for having his unit ready to play on Saturday. Had it not been for the efforts of the Silver Bullets Ohio State would have likely been riding a two-game losing streak right now. There are still some issues to iron out with the defense but it was a nice bounce-back performance to restore some of their confidence ahead of next week’s showdown at Penn State.

It was obvious early that Nebraska wanted to use some screen passes to try and crack the Ohio State defense. The Buckeyes were ready for what the Cornhuskers were trying to do, stopping a number of those plays behind the line of scrimmage. Ohio State finished the game with 13 tackles behind the line of scrimmage. The biggest stop of the game for the Buckeyes wasn’t actually a TFL, as they stuffed Nebraska running back Dante Dowdell at the one-yard line on 4th and goal in the third quarter to keep the score 14-9. The stop was crucial because it came after a Will Howard interception that the Cornhuskers returned inside the 10 of Ohio State. Jordan Hancock would seal the victory for the Buckeyes late in the fourth quarter with an interception of a Dylan Raiola pass.


General Motors


The automobile maker only makes up a small portion of Berkshire Hathaway’s portfolio, as Buffett’s company owns a four percent share of GM. Yesterday the Ohio State rushing attack didn’t look anything like a high-performance machine, only rushing for 64 yards against a game Nebraska defense. Both TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins failed to rush for more than 30 yards in their most frustrating performance of the season.

A major reason for the struggles was that it was obvious Zen Michalski wasn’t ready to replace the injured Josh Simmons at tackle. Michalski routinely looked lost before he was injured in the second half. It is unknown if Michalski will be available against Penn State on Saturday. No matter if Michalski is to play against the Nittany Lions, Ohio State needs to quickly find an answer at the position because it is hard to see the Buckeyes being a serious title contender if what we saw against Nebraska in trying to replace Simmons is the best they can do. It might be time to see if Justin Frye still qualifies for the Lemon Law since what he has done since arriving in Columbus as the offensive line coach has been underwhelming.


Kroger


Much like General Motors, Berkshire Hathaway only owns a small portion of the grocery giant, as they are responsible for eight percent of the company. Last year Ohio State Ryan Day said he was heckled in the produce section at Kroger. If Day isn’t careful, he might soon be working in the produce section. Of course, I’m being dramatic but patience in Buckeye Nation with Day continues to wear thin.

What exactly have Day and the coaching staff been doing since the loss to Oregon? It’s understandable how teams might have some rust to knock off after a bye week but what they showed on Saturday was inexcusable. Nebraska came into the game coming off a 56-7 loss at Indiana, which makes what Ohio State showed against the Cornhuskers even more puzzling. Matt Rhule thoroughly outcoached Day and put Day’s streak of not yet losing to an unranked team in serious jeopardy.

Syndication: The Columbus Dispatch
Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Ohio State fans might sound spoiled calling for the job of a head coach who is 62-9. This Buckeye has the chance to be special but they almost saw their national title hopes take a major hit against a team they were 25-point favorites over entering the game. The loss to Oregon was tough to stomach but that’s just because it was so close and there is a path for revenge later in the year. A loss to Nebraska would have been catastrophic. Then there was Day’s meltdown after the targeting call on Arvell Reese. It feels like Day is falling into some of his old habits and coaching scared. If Day can’t regroup and make some noise in the playoff he’ll just be new-age John Cooper.

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LGHL All the news, analysis from Ohio State’s 21-17 win over Nebraska

All the news, analysis from Ohio State’s 21-17 win over Nebraska
Matt Tamanini
via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Syndication: The Columbus Dispatch

Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

All the Buckeye news thats fit to re-print.

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

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

You’re welcome!


For your Earholes...


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


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Recapping Ohio State’s 21-17 win over Nebraska


No. 4 Ohio State Stages Late Comeback, Defeats Nebraska 21-17
Ohio State Athletics

Ohio State Survives Near-Upset with 21-17 Win over Nebraska
Dan Hope, Eleven Warriors

Ohio State football survives scare, overcomes 4th-quarter deficit to top Nebraska
Bill Rabinowitz, The Columbus Dispatch

Ohio State rallies late to turn back upset-minded Nebraska with 21-17 win
Steve Helwagen, Bucknuts

No. 4 Buckeyes avoid disaster against Nebraska, deliver worst offensive performance of 2024
Noah Weiskopf, The Lantern


News From Ohio State’s 21-17 win over Nebraska


Ohio State suffers another blow at left tackle in win over Nebraska
Joey Kaufman, The Columbus Dispatch

Ohio State vs. Nebraska Notebook: Jordan Hancock and Jaylen McClain Fill in at Safety, Carnell Tate Has His First 100-Yard Game and Jeremiah Smith Ties Freshman Touchdown Record
Dan Hope, Eleven Warriors

Ryan Day brushes off targeting penalty, credits Ohio State defense for ‘leaving no doubt’ in win over Nebraska
Carter Bahns, 247Sports

Ohio State QB Will Howard eager to face Penn State: ‘They didn’t think I was good enough’
Brad Crawford, 247Sports

What Nebraska coach Matt Rhule said postgame about Buckeyes
Spencer Holbrook, Lettermen Row


Analyzing Ohio State’s 21-17 win over Nebraska



Ohio State ran twice as much as they threw against Nebraska. Chip, what are we doing?
Matt Tamanini, Land-Grant Holy Land

Ohio State: Snap Judgments as Buckeyes grind to ugly win over Nebraska
Austin Ward, Dotting The Eyes

Ohio State football’s run game struggles, but deep passes arrive
Rob Oller, The Columbus Dispatch

Three Key Stats: Ohio State’s Defense Racks Up 13 Tackles For Loss, Carnell Tate Has a Career Day and the Buckeyes Convert Just One of Their 10 Third-Down Attempts
Josh Poloha, Eleven Warriors

Quick Takes: Ohio State’s defense bounces back, offense sputters against Nebraska
Patrick Murphy, Bucknuts

Ohio State defense not perfect vs Nebraska, but made stops when it had to
Bill Rabinowitz, The Columbus Dispatch


Looking at the Performances From Ohio State’s


Moment of the Game: Jordan Hancock sealed Ohio State’s win with game-saving interception
Matt Tamanini, Land-Grant Holy Land

Ohio State Offensive Line Struggles Without Josh Simmons, Creating Major Concern for Penn State Showdown
Andy Anders, Eleven Warriors

Buckeye Leaves: Five Ohio State players who stood out against Nebraska
Andy Backstrom, Lettermen Row

Ryan Day reaffirms confidence in Jayden Fielding despite missed field goal
Spencer Holbrook, Lettermen Row

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LGHL Ohio State is a 3.5-point favorite over Penn State

Ohio State is a 3.5-point favorite over Penn State
Gene Ross
via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Nebraska v Ohio State

Photo by Jason Mowry/Getty Images

The Buckeyes head to Happy Valley to take on the No. 3 Nittany Lions.

Ohio State managed to get back in the win column on Saturday against Nebraska to move to 6-1 on the year, though it was anything but pretty. Despite having two weeks to learn from the loss to Oregon and make improvements ahead of the matchup against the Cornhuskers, the Buckeyes looked tremendously unprepared as Ryan Day and his staff continue to raise more questions than they are answering.

Things will only get significantly harder from here, as Ohio State now must travel to Happy Valley for a battle with No. 4 Penn State.

Betting Odds: Ohio State -3.5 | O/U 47.5 (per FanDuel Sportsbook)



Ohio State needed a bounce back performance after its loss to Oregon two weeks ago, and while the Buckeyes emerged victorious against Nebraska on Saturday, the performance did not inspire any confidence. Ohio State defeated the Cornhuskers 21-17 in a game they were favored by more than three scores, trailing 17-14 in the fourth quarter before a Quinshon Judkins touchdown with six minutes remaining put the Buckeyes back on top for good.

It’s clear that the injury to Josh Simmons is going to hamstring Ohio State’s offensive line the rest of the way, and the unit as a whole looked completely out of sorts without its starting left tackle. The Buckeyes mustered only 64 yards rushing against Nebraska, with neither Judkins nor TreVeyon Henderson managing more than 30 yards despite taking 10 carries each. After totaling at least 400 yards of offense as a team in each of the first six games of the season, Ohio State tallied only 285 yards against the Huskers.

Things were a little better for the Buckeyes’ defense, who after struggling to do much of anything against Oregon did make some plays against Nebraska. The Silver Bullets finished with 13 tackles for loss and three sacks as a unit, led by Cody Simon’s three tackles for loss in addition to his team-high eight total tackles. Ohio State forced one turnover in the game, a game-sealing interception by Jordan Hancock in the final two minutes, and made a fourth down stop on the goal line in the third quarter.

Penn State, meanwhile, hit the road for a battle with Wisconsin at Camp Randall. The Nittany Lions knocked off the Badgers 28-13, but the big story of the game was the injury to quarterback Drew Allar. The junior missed the entire second half, and was seen wearing a brace on his left knee on the sideline. It is unclear whether or not Allar will be able to return for the Ohio State game next weekend, but that is obviously a storyline to keep an eye on.

Even without Allar, Penn State was able to overcome a 10-7 deficit at the half thanks to some strong defense and an impressive showing from backup QB Beau Pribula. The Nittany Lions regained the lead in the third quarter on a 19-yard pick-six by safety Jaylen Reed, and added a pair of touchdowns in the fourth on a 1-yard pass by Primula and a 24-yard run by Kaytron Allen to stave off Wisconsin’s upset attempt and move to 7-0 on the year.

This defensive unit is legit, led by guys like Abdul Carter and Dani Denis-Sutton up front, the duo having combined for 13.5 tackles for loss and six sacks on the season. It is a less than ideal matchup for an Ohio State team that was already missing its starting left tackle, and may now have lost its backup for an extended period of time after Zen Michalski was carted to the locker room on Saturday against Nebraska.

Ohio State will have to find a way to recapture its early-season success if it wants to escape Happy Valley with a victory. The RPO-heavy offense that once looked unstoppable and led to immense production both through the air and on the ground has seemingly disappeared from the playbook, and the defense that at one time looked impenetrable has since sprung several leaks and now appears mediocre at best.

The Buckeyes are in desperate need of a big win, and will have to play their best game of the season thus far to earn in next weekend.

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