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LGHL You’re Nuts: What 2023 Ohio State football game are you most excited for this season?

You’re Nuts: What 2023 Ohio State football game are you most excited for this season?
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

Doral Chenoweth / USA TODAY NETWORK

Your (almost) daily dose of good-natured, Ohio State banter.

Everybody knows that one of the best parts of being a sports fan is debating and dissecting the most (and least) important questions in the sporting world with your friends. So, we’re bringing that to the pages of LGHL with our favorite head-to-head column: You’re Nuts.

In You’re Nuts, two LGHL staff members will take differing sides of one question and argue their opinions passionately. Then, in the end, it’s up to you to determine who’s right and who’s nuts.

Today’s Question: What 2023 Ohio State football game are you most excited for this season?


Jami’s Take: Wisconsin


The Buckeyes have a tough schedule in the back half of their season, with Penn State, Wisconsin on the road, Minnesota, and a trip to Ann Arbor to hopefully keep those pesky Wolverines from three consecutive wins.

Now, I’m not going to choose the Michigan game as the one I’m most looking forward to, partially because it feels like low-hanging fruit, and partially because I can’t say I’m looking forward to it so much as I’m losing sleep over it.

Instead, I’m excited to see the Buckeyes head to Camp Randall to face off against the Badgers.

The Badgers will be midway through their first season under new head coach Luke Fickell, a man who is no stranger to Buckeye Nation. After his six-season run at the University of Cincinnati, he’s returned to the Big Ten at the helm of a team with brand new staff and offseason momentum that included picking up a number of quality transfers from the portal.

Both teams could very realistically be undefeated when they meet at Camp Randall in late October, and Fickell knows how to prepare the Badgers for the Buckeye team. Add to that the fact that Camp Randall is a notoriously tough place to play, and we’ve got ourselves a football game.

I do not take kindly to losing, and I know that this game could very realistically swing in Wisconsin’s favor. But I’m looking forward to it because the Fickell matchup is a great story, the football is sure to be top-notch, the energy at Camp Randall will be nothing short of electric, and this is exactly the kind of challenge the Buckeyes need before heading to Ann Arbor.

This is the game where they see what they’re made of. Have they been able to fill absolutely critical holes in their secondary? How has our starting quarterback settled in, and how will they handle the pressure of a big game like this? Can the team stay composed during a tough road matchup?

This battle against Wisconsin will be tough, and it brings with it opportunities for a critical analysis of this team’s postseason potential.

Am I concerned at all about this game’s potential to be the Alabama-Tennessee matchup of 2023? Yes, absolutely. After struggling with inconsistency on offense for years, this Wisconsin team is fresh.

Tanner Mordecai, the former SMU quarterback who the Badgers nabbed via the portal, is projected to be QB1 (though they have depth at this position, with former Oklahoma QB Nick Evers as the likely backup). Mordecai will be using up his final year of eligibility, and that experience could potentially work against the Buckeyes, whose starter will be a little greener. Fickell has discussed his plan to bring this offense up to date, and Mordecai could certainly be the man for the job.

The Badgers also have an experienced room of running backs, which brings the potential for a monster of a rush game for the Buckeyes to handle (a test for their defense if I ever saw one).

And then there is the question of how our Buckeye offense will hold up to Wisconsin’s defense?

All of this remains to be seen on the playing field, but I’m excited by the possibility of the Buckeyes getting a real test—and hopefully a real, hard-fought victory in Madison. Is it a perfect predictor of how the rest of the season will go? Certainly not. But at the very least, we’ll get exciting football, and at best, we’ll build on momentum heading into Ann Arbor a few weeks later.


Matt’s Take: Indiana


Will the Ohio State matchup against the Indiana Hoosiers be the game I am most excited about throughout the course of the 2023 football season? Almost assuredly not, but as we sit here on Wednesday, March 22 in the Year of Our Lord (Woody Hayes) 2023, the season opener against Tom Allen’s squad set for 164 days from now in Bloomington, Ind. is absolutely the thing that I am most amped for.

With all of the hype surrounding spring football, pro days, and the upcoming NFL Draft, it is getting my football juices flowing now that the disappointing men’s basketball season has concluded. While the dream of a Nine-Windiana seems difficult to imagine this season, just seeing what the new version of the Buckeyes looks like is enough to get me pumped up.

Not only will Ryan Day have to settle on a new starting quarterback, but the game against the Hoosiers will also be the first time that we see the reconfigured offensive line, Jack Sawyer finally playing a true defensive end, and hopefully a markedly improved cornerback room.

There is just something so special about the season opener, it’s the culmination of eight months of anticipation, concern, excitement, anguish, and hype, and at a place like Ohio State, every year, it could be the beginning of a historic run. Is Indiana going to be good this year? Honestly, I have no idea, but they probably won’t be the best team that the Buckeyes face this season. But who cares? It’s the first game of the year, and I am already counting down the days.



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LGHL Baseball: Buckeyes sweep Dayton, extend win streak to seven games

Baseball: Buckeyes sweep Dayton, extend win streak to seven games
Gene Ross
via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


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via @OhioStateBASE on Twitter

Ohio State goes 2-0 in its first two home games of the season.

Friday, March 17: 7-2 Ohio State


Ohio State hosted its first home game of the season on Friday, and what better way to do it than going into an in-state matchup riding a five-game win streak with ace Isaiah Coupet on the mound?

The Buckeyes didn’t miss a beat back at the friendly confines, with Kade Kern launching a two-run home run in the bottom of the 1st inning to make it 2-0 early. Dayton would match it, however, with a two-run homer of their own in the top of the 3rd inning, and the two sides would remain knotted up through the first six innings.

Ohio State would take over in the bottom of the 7th, pushing five runs across in the frame on the strength of a pair of two-run doubles by Kern and Cole Andrews and a run-scoring wild pitch. The 7-2 lead would hold up for the Buckeyes, as Landon Beidelschies came in to toss two scoreless innings to close out another OSU victory.

The lone blemish on Coupet’s resume was the early home run, as he would finish with an impressive stat line featuring 11 strikeouts, one walk and just four total hits allowed over his seven innings of work.

Sunday, March 19: 12-8 Ohio State


The Flyers were supposed to be in Columbus for three games, but Saturday’s contest was cancelled as a result of cold weather, and so the series lasted just two games with the action resuming on Sunday afternoon.

This time around it was Dayton taking an early lead, with an RBI double in the 1st giving the road team a quick 1-0 advantage. The Flyers tacked on two more runs in the top of the 4th to go up 3-0, but Ohio State got it all back in one swing in their half of the frame with a bases-clearing double by Trey Lipsey to tie it up. Kern drove Lipsey home not too long after that with a triple as the Buckeyes were now on top, 4-3.

Dayton fought right back, and after a solo home run in the 5th tied things up yet again, a two-run home run by Carlos Castillo put the Flyers back ahead 6-4. That lead would not last for long, as again the Buckeyes had a powerful answer. Marcus Ernst rocketed a three-run home run in the bottom of the 6th, and just like that Ohio State led once again, 7-6.

The home team continued to pile it on from there with a big five-run 7th inning, highlighted by Lipsey’s three-run home run — his fourth, fifth and sixth (!!) RBIs of the game. Dayton tried to mount a comeback, scoring two runs in the top of the 9th to make it 12-8, but it would be too little too late as Ohio State won its seventh-straight game and secured its second-straight series sweep (three if you count the one-off game against Marshall as a ‘series’).

The Buckeyes used six different pitchers in the game, with five of the six allowing one run or less, led by a scoreless inning from Nolan Clegg. Justin Eckhardt got the start, allowing four runs over 4.1 innings while striking out three. Jonah Jenkins was credited with the win, allowing one run over two innings out of the bullpen.



Isaiah Coupet continues to be every bit the ace he was projected to be, with his season ERA now at 1.08 with 38 strikeouts over 25 innings (four starts). Jonah Jenkins and Landon Beidelschies have been two of the key relievers for Ohio State thus far, with Jenkins sitting at 3-0 while sporting a 2.51 ERA over six appearances (14.1 innings) and Beidelschies with a pair of saves to go along with his 3.09 ERA over eight appearances.

After his scorching hot weekend against Cal State Bakersfield, catcher Cole Andrews continues to lead the Buckeyes in batting average at .436 with his team-high 18 RBIs. Kade Kern and Marcus Ernst remain Ohio State’s two biggest power threats, with three and five home runs, respectively. Kern’s 16 walks also still lead the team.

The freshman Matthew Graveline has gotten off to quite a nice start to his collegiate career, with his .404 average good for second on the team to go along with his two home runs and 13 RBIs. Trey Lipsey went into Sunday’s game with just an .071 average over 14 at-bats, but his impressive performance bumped that all the way up to .211 with a home run and seven RBIs to this point.

Ohio State now sits at 11-6 overall, and they will look to continue the win streak this week with a pair of home games — one each against Wright State on Tuesday and Toledo on Wednesday. The Buckeyes will then open up Big Ten play with a three-game series against Indiana beginning on March 24.

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LGHL Top Ohio running back commits to Michigan; five-star defensive lineman sets visit

Top Ohio running back commits to Michigan; five-star defensive lineman sets visit
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

And OSU welcomed a Tank to campus on Tuesday.


Ohio State loses to Michigan again, but better things are on the horizon


It’s never a good feeling to lose to your rival, and unfortunately, it’s a feeling that Ohio State has had to get used to quite a bit recently, both on and off the field. In addition to the two most recent iterations of The Game, the Buckeyes lost another battle with the Wolverines on Tuesday as the top running back in the state of Ohio committed to play his college football in Ann Arbor.

Archbishop Moeller’s four-star running back Jordan Marshall chose the Maize and Blue over the Scarlet and Gray yesterday. The 5-foot-10, 195-pound running back is the No. 91 player in the country, seventh-rated running back, and third-ranked player in the state of Ohio according to the 247Sports Composite Rankings.

BREAKING: Four-Star RB Jordan Marshall tells me he has Committed to Michigan!

The 6’0 195 RB from Cincinnati, OH chose Michigan over Ohio State.

“Some of my friends are big O-State fans &so is my Papa. But he’s going to start rooting for Michigan.” https://t.co/zSlmTMFDzf pic.twitter.com/mrDS9fGite

— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) March 21, 2023

Along with TTUN, the reigning Ohio Gatorade Player of the Year had narrowed down his list of possible schools to Ohio State, Tennessee, and Wisconsin. With Marshall’s commitment to Michigan, he becomes the third Ohio native in the team’s 2024 class, joining No. 338 offensive lineman from Avon, Ohio Luke Hamilton and No. 390 defensive lineman Ted Hammond from St. Xavier.

While this is a blow to the Buckeyes’ class, it is not necessarily a debilitating one as they are the perceived leader for an even more well-regarded back. The very nice No. 69 player in the country James Peoples now becomes even more of an important piece in the recruiting puzzle for Tony Alford and the Buckeyes.

The four-star back from San Antonio does not currently hold any crystal balls from 247 experts, but does have an 89.2% prediction machine rating according to On3. Oklahoma and Texas are the other teams considered in the running for the back, but according to On3, they are considerably behind in the race currently.

Peoples will be in Columbus next week on March 30 and will make his official visit Friday, June 23 through Sunday, June 25. Monday, the 26th is my birthday, so it would be very nice if he gave me the present of a BOOM!


Quick Hits

  • Larry Johnson and the Buckeyes will have an opportunity to potentially land the next great Ohio State defensive lineman from June 23-25. In addition to Peoples’ being in town that weekend, so will the No. 11 player in the country, Chicago St. Ignatius defensive lineman Justin Scott. The 6-foot-4, 310-pound prospect has set those days from a trip to Columbus according to Rivals’ Clint Cosgrove. He will visit the Georgia Bulldogs earlier in the month from June 2-4.
  • Ohio State is looking to add a Tank to the defensive line. Former Maryland defensive tackle Anthony “Tank” Booker was on campus on Tuesday, presumably for Ohio State’s spring practice. The Cincinnati Winton Woods alum has two years of eligibility remaining. He was not an especially often-used player for the Terps, but flashed this season in limited reps. Fellow Winton Woods players Miyan Williams and Jermaine Mathews are currently on the Buckeyes’ roster.
— Tank Booker (@arbj14_) March 21, 2023
  • While the Ohio State football team is back from spring break, high school players from across the country are taking advantage of their breaks in order to get in some unofficial visits. One of those players is the No. 71 player in the 2025 class Eli Owens who picked up an offer from the Buckeyes on Tuesday. The 6-foot-2 athlete from Alcoa, Tenn. is the No. 4 rated athlete in the country and fourth-rated prospect from the Volunteer State.
After an outstanding visit, I’m beyond blessed to receive an offer from THE Ohio State University!!!!! ⚪@CoachKee @NCEC_Recruiting @NatlPlaymkrsAca @supermax100_ @alcoafootball @scoop1914 @OhioStateFB pic.twitter.com/O9GndS7tg4

— Eli Owens (@Eli_Owens19) March 21, 2023
  • The No. 1 athlete in the 2024 recruiting class Mike Matthews is planning on cutting down his list of finalists to 12 in the relatively near future according to 247Sports’ Brandon Huffman. Currently, the Lilburn, Ga. native says that Alabama, Clemson, Georgia, Michigan, Ohio State, Tennessee, and USC are the schools that stick out. The No. 10 player in the country, Matthews is projected as a wide receiver.

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LGHL Gear up for spring and summer with the best Ohio State gear

Gear up for spring and summer with the best Ohio State gear
Matt Tamanini
via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


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We’ve got the best shirts, shorts, hats, and more to add to your scarlet and gray wardrobe this spring.


Winter is behind us and so are the heavy jackets, mittens, and scarves. If you’re looking for some new gear for the warmer months, then look no further! We got you covered with the best Ohio State gear to get for this Spring and Summer.


Ohio State Buckeyes Floral Straw Hat


On those hot summer days, you can rest assured knowing you’ll look as cool as a cucumber when you’ve got this Ohio State Buckeyes Floral Straw Hat. This is the sizzlin’ summer style you’ve been looking for.



Ohio State Buckeyes Thematic Stadium Print Button Up Shirt


The game. The pool. The tailgate. The vacation spot. These are just a few places where you’ll want to stylishly rep your team on the go in this Ohio State Buckeyes Thematic Stadium Print Button Up Shirt!



Ohio State Buckeyes Reversible Colorblock Hoodeez


Never before has fandom looked so good and felt so relaxing. Lounge like a legend while you cheer your team on to victory by rocking this Ohio State Buckeyes Reversible Colorblock Hoodeez.



Ohio State Buckeyes Colorblock Big Logo Clog


Whether you’re walking around the house, in the park, or to your favorite seat in the stadium ready to cheer your team on to victory, do it in style by rocking these Ohio State Buckeyes Colorblock Big Logo Clogs!



Ohio State Buckeyes Floral Swimming Trunks


The only thing better than taking a dip in the pool on a hot day is doing so while showing off your one-of-a-kind team spirit. That’s why we made these Ohio State Buckeyes Floral Swimming Trunks.



Ohio State Buckeyes Americana Vertical Flag


Stars, stripes, and a whole lot of team spirit. Plant your flag as the best fan around by pledging your allegiance to the Ohio State Buckeyes Americana Vertical Flag.



Ohio State Buckeyes Womens Tie-Breaker Sleeveless Top


Fandom never looked so good. Whether you’re at the game, hitting the beach, or getting your epic workout on at the gym, this Ohio State Buckeyes Women’s Colorblock Tie-Breaker Sleeveless Top is sure to make you the most passionate and best-dressed fan around.



Ohio State Buckeyes 4 Pack Reusable Shopping Bag


You’re a GOAT of grocery shopping. A dynamo of deal-finding. An expert of the express checkout. Prove you’re a phenom of fandom as well by enhancing your shopping experience with these Ohio State Buckeyes 4 Pack Reusable Shopping Bags.



Ohio State Buckeyes Striped Polyester Polo


Your favorite jersey doesn’t adhere to your company’s dress code? Bummer. Try this Ohio State Buckeyes Striped Polyester Polo instead. When someone tells you to dress to impress, THIS is what they’re referring to.



Ohio State Buckeyes Floral Boonie Hat


Warm weather’s got NOTHING on you. That’s because this Ohio State Buckeyes Floral Boonie Hat is here to keep you cool and comfortable when the temperature goes up!



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LGHL Silver Bullets Podcast: Spring practice, coach salaries and the draft

Silver Bullets Podcast: Spring practice, coach salaries and the draft
Michael Citro
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

It’s all about the numbers: jersey, salary, and draft position.

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


Chip Minnich and I are back with our monthly offseason check-in, and Ohio State football is also back — sort of. Spring football practices are underway as the team looks to develop in its offseason approach to the annual Ohio State Spring Game glorified practice. We discuss some of the new numbers that a few of the Buckeyes will be wearing this fall.

Another topic of interest in this episode is the fallout from the NFL Combine, where C.J. Stroud may have helped himself relative to the competition to be the first quarterback selected. Other quarterbacks who elected to throw at the Combine... maybe didn’t help themselves by doing so.

Salary information from the OSU coaching staff was made public, and so we’ve got some thoughts on what some of those pay raises were, who might have been worthy of them, and perhaps others who might be lucky to still be on the staff. It’s painfully clear I need to hire Brian Hartline’s agent.

We wrapped up with some talk about the upcoming NFL Draft and where several prominent former Buckeyes figure to go, which ones might go late, and which ones might not go at all. There could be multiple first-round picks and a multi-year starter might not be selected at all, which could be better than getting chosen in the final round or two anyway.

We’ll be back next month, or possibly sooner if news warrants, as we remain in our offseason broadcast schedule. In the meantime, feel free to reach out with your feedback and questions below in the comments section or send us an email. Be sure to subscribe, rate, review, and share, and follow the show over on Twitter at @SilvrBulletsPod.

Enjoy the run-up to the Spring Game, everyone. And if you go, you might run into 60% of Chip’s family in the stands.

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