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LGHL Ohio State women’s basketball takes big leap in Brazil
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Ohio State women’s basketball takes big leap in Brazil
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 women’s basketball on Twitter | @OhioStateWBB
The Buckeyes took 10 days of August to do it all, and even a little basketball.
Until the Ohio State women’s basketball season tips off in Las Vegas, Nevada on Nov. 6, Land-Grant Holy Land has coverage from all angles. Follow along for player previews, schedule release information and stories from the coaches and players themselves — all getting you ready for the start of the season when the Buckeyes take on the USC Trojans in Sin City.
A summer trip for the Ohio State women’s basketball team included a secret. A secret known by a select few. The coaching staff, school administrators, a post office worker and a transfer sophomore.
“I knew before all of them actually,” said sophomore Kentucky transfer guard Kennedy Cambridge about knowing the location of Ohio State’s summer trip: Brazil. “I found out on my team visit in May.”
“Oh, must be nice!” responded senior guard Rikki Harris, a leader on and off the court for the Buckeyes.
Harris knew that they were destined to leave Central Ohio this summer to bond as a team overseas. Being part of team leadership meant Harris and fellow tenured Buckeyes had inside knowledge of the team’s plans. At first though, Brazil wasn’t the desired landing spot.
Although still a nice consolation prize, when Harris first learned of the Brazilian destination in July, it was a vastly shorter trip to get mail that caught her off-guard.
“We chose Greece but that didn’t work,” said Harris. “I found out from the post office. He knows JP (assistant coach Jalen Powell) and I guess she goes there too. He was like ‘yeah, you’re supposed to come in and do your passports for Brazil,’ and I was like ‘no, we’re not going to Brazil, we’re going to Greece!’ ‘No, I’m pretty sure she said Brazil.’”
The Buckeyes’ leader let everyone on the team know a trip to South America was imminent. The coaching staff denied it until they didn’t, and on Aug. 5, Ohio State was on its way south.
It was a trip that didn’t include much in terms of basketball. Ohio State practiced only once of the 10 days in South America. That light 45-minute practice was followed by a heavily rotated Buckeyes team facing Sodiê Mesquita, a Brazilian professional side, in a 61-41 Ohio State exhibition victory.
There wasn’t much to the game, seen more as a chance to get players on the same side against real opponents, although sophomore guard Kaia Henderson impressed with 21 points. After all, the Buckeyes brought in three transfers and two freshmen into the squad this offseason.
The journey was an opportunity to acclimate those new players, build relationships and possibly even a reward for an outstanding Elite Eight run in the 2023 NCAA March Madness tournament. On the ground in Brazil though, there weren’t discussions about going for a national championship or about squad rotation during the Big Ten schedule. Instead, the trip featured the players focusing on life outside of basketball.
“Some of us got to go surfing, a lot of hiking, bike rides. A lot of walking, exploring,” said new Buckeyes guard Celeste Taylor. “Learning about a whole nother country and their culture.”
For Taylor especially, after missing part of summer practice with the Buckeyes with a trip to France with Team USA 3x3, the lengthy time with new teammates was invaluable. Even though Taylor is new to the team, the 2022-23 ACC Defensive Player of the Year with Duke isn’t new to being a team leader.
“My favorite part, or the best part about it, was how close and how much I got to learn about my teammates,” said Taylor. “Just from everyone, what they like, what they don’t like, what they’re good at. Everybody is their own person, so going on the trip and learning a lot about them, being there for them when its needed.”
The team took biking trips, visited the famous Christ the Redeemer statue overlooking Rio de Janeiro and even putting together a makeshift graduation ceremony for teammates. Senior Madison Greene and graduate senior Eboni Walker each received a paper “diploma” on the bus in Brazil with teammates and coaches cheering on their accomplishments.
They also tried things like Brazilian Gatorade, which didn’t feel anywhere near the same to the people who have had their fair share in years of playing competitive basketball. There’s also coconut water, a popular drink in the coastal country; A refreshing drink in an area of the country known for producing its own fair share of the fruit.
“It was worth the experience, but I wouldn’t say it was good,” said Cambridge.
However, it wasn’t all electrolyte drinks and supervised team activities. The trip to Brazil allowed players the opportunity to loosen up and take a break from the year-round job of a student-athlete.
“As long as we were safe and kept out of trouble, we could do what we wanted to do,” said Harris. “That part was nice.”
When players were on their own, they could explore the culture and have fun of their own variety. That’s also when relationships can build the most: When players are one-on-one with each other or in groups away from those in charge of the team.
It was time when players could be more open with each other, not under the eyes of the coaching staff. For the new names who are still learning their coaches and what they can and cannot do, it allowed for guards to go down and the real person to show. Those small group trips to the beach or around town go a long way in building a team that was three wins away from the first NCAA tournament win in program history.
Throughout the journey, members of the Buckeyes, led by sophomore star forward Cotie McMahon, shared their own travel vlog of their journey. Including a coach Kevin McGuff fit check, standing at the foot of Christ the Redeemer and a team boat trip, with a challenging twist.
While some players were taking a nap away from the team or catching the sun’s rays on the boat, a select few, including Harris and McGuff made the leap into the water.
“I can swim. I’m not going to say I can’t, because I can but I don’t like to be in the ocean where I can’t touch the ground, because that terrifies me,” said Harris. “From the boat it looked closer, it looked really close. I thought it would be a 2-minute swim but it took 10 minutes to get there. It was far and tiring. It was worth it but I would not do it again.”
It wasn’t only far, but the return swim from the shore back to the boat had an added bonus, making the challengers swim against the current.
The only thing left of the trip now are the videos, pictures and memories. On the surface, its games of silent Marco Polo, beach volleyball and team excursions. Below that are relationship-building moments that won’t only be evident on the court but build friendships that transcend the couple of hours fans and media see the students.
“It was a really good experience to be able to bond with our teammates, especially with how many new kids we have,” said Taylor. “Form that relationship that will last a lifetime.”
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
Ohio State women’s basketball on Twitter | @OhioStateWBB
The Buckeyes took 10 days of August to do it all, and even a little basketball.
Until the Ohio State women’s basketball season tips off in Las Vegas, Nevada on Nov. 6, Land-Grant Holy Land has coverage from all angles. Follow along for player previews, schedule release information and stories from the coaches and players themselves — all getting you ready for the start of the season when the Buckeyes take on the USC Trojans in Sin City.
A summer trip for the Ohio State women’s basketball team included a secret. A secret known by a select few. The coaching staff, school administrators, a post office worker and a transfer sophomore.
“I knew before all of them actually,” said sophomore Kentucky transfer guard Kennedy Cambridge about knowing the location of Ohio State’s summer trip: Brazil. “I found out on my team visit in May.”
“Oh, must be nice!” responded senior guard Rikki Harris, a leader on and off the court for the Buckeyes.
Harris knew that they were destined to leave Central Ohio this summer to bond as a team overseas. Being part of team leadership meant Harris and fellow tenured Buckeyes had inside knowledge of the team’s plans. At first though, Brazil wasn’t the desired landing spot.
Although still a nice consolation prize, when Harris first learned of the Brazilian destination in July, it was a vastly shorter trip to get mail that caught her off-guard.
“We chose Greece but that didn’t work,” said Harris. “I found out from the post office. He knows JP (assistant coach Jalen Powell) and I guess she goes there too. He was like ‘yeah, you’re supposed to come in and do your passports for Brazil,’ and I was like ‘no, we’re not going to Brazil, we’re going to Greece!’ ‘No, I’m pretty sure she said Brazil.’”
The Buckeyes’ leader let everyone on the team know a trip to South America was imminent. The coaching staff denied it until they didn’t, and on Aug. 5, Ohio State was on its way south.
It was a trip that didn’t include much in terms of basketball. Ohio State practiced only once of the 10 days in South America. That light 45-minute practice was followed by a heavily rotated Buckeyes team facing Sodiê Mesquita, a Brazilian professional side, in a 61-41 Ohio State exhibition victory.
There wasn’t much to the game, seen more as a chance to get players on the same side against real opponents, although sophomore guard Kaia Henderson impressed with 21 points. After all, the Buckeyes brought in three transfers and two freshmen into the squad this offseason.
The journey was an opportunity to acclimate those new players, build relationships and possibly even a reward for an outstanding Elite Eight run in the 2023 NCAA March Madness tournament. On the ground in Brazil though, there weren’t discussions about going for a national championship or about squad rotation during the Big Ten schedule. Instead, the trip featured the players focusing on life outside of basketball.
“Some of us got to go surfing, a lot of hiking, bike rides. A lot of walking, exploring,” said new Buckeyes guard Celeste Taylor. “Learning about a whole nother country and their culture.”
For Taylor especially, after missing part of summer practice with the Buckeyes with a trip to France with Team USA 3x3, the lengthy time with new teammates was invaluable. Even though Taylor is new to the team, the 2022-23 ACC Defensive Player of the Year with Duke isn’t new to being a team leader.
“My favorite part, or the best part about it, was how close and how much I got to learn about my teammates,” said Taylor. “Just from everyone, what they like, what they don’t like, what they’re good at. Everybody is their own person, so going on the trip and learning a lot about them, being there for them when its needed.”
The team took biking trips, visited the famous Christ the Redeemer statue overlooking Rio de Janeiro and even putting together a makeshift graduation ceremony for teammates. Senior Madison Greene and graduate senior Eboni Walker each received a paper “diploma” on the bus in Brazil with teammates and coaches cheering on their accomplishments.
They also tried things like Brazilian Gatorade, which didn’t feel anywhere near the same to the people who have had their fair share in years of playing competitive basketball. There’s also coconut water, a popular drink in the coastal country; A refreshing drink in an area of the country known for producing its own fair share of the fruit.
“It was worth the experience, but I wouldn’t say it was good,” said Cambridge.
However, it wasn’t all electrolyte drinks and supervised team activities. The trip to Brazil allowed players the opportunity to loosen up and take a break from the year-round job of a student-athlete.
“As long as we were safe and kept out of trouble, we could do what we wanted to do,” said Harris. “That part was nice.”
When players were on their own, they could explore the culture and have fun of their own variety. That’s also when relationships can build the most: When players are one-on-one with each other or in groups away from those in charge of the team.
It was time when players could be more open with each other, not under the eyes of the coaching staff. For the new names who are still learning their coaches and what they can and cannot do, it allowed for guards to go down and the real person to show. Those small group trips to the beach or around town go a long way in building a team that was three wins away from the first NCAA tournament win in program history.
Throughout the journey, members of the Buckeyes, led by sophomore star forward Cotie McMahon, shared their own travel vlog of their journey. Including a coach Kevin McGuff fit check, standing at the foot of Christ the Redeemer and a team boat trip, with a challenging twist.
While some players were taking a nap away from the team or catching the sun’s rays on the boat, a select few, including Harris and McGuff made the leap into the water.
“I can swim. I’m not going to say I can’t, because I can but I don’t like to be in the ocean where I can’t touch the ground, because that terrifies me,” said Harris. “From the boat it looked closer, it looked really close. I thought it would be a 2-minute swim but it took 10 minutes to get there. It was far and tiring. It was worth it but I would not do it again.”
It wasn’t only far, but the return swim from the shore back to the boat had an added bonus, making the challengers swim against the current.
The only thing left of the trip now are the videos, pictures and memories. On the surface, its games of silent Marco Polo, beach volleyball and team excursions. Below that are relationship-building moments that won’t only be evident on the court but build friendships that transcend the couple of hours fans and media see the students.
“It was a really good experience to be able to bond with our teammates, especially with how many new kids we have,” said Taylor. “Form that relationship that will last a lifetime.”
Continue reading...
LGHL Ohio State hosts No. 2 TE in 2025 class, four-star RB puts Buckeyes in top 10
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Ohio State hosts No. 2 TE in 2025 class, four-star RB puts Buckeyes in top 10
Gene Ross via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
2025 TE Nate Roberts | James D. Jackson, 247Sports
While Ohio State was winning big on the field, they were also putting in work on the recruiting trail.
There was lots of positivity coming out of Columbus on Saturday afternoon following Ohio State’s 63-10 win over Western Kentucky. While the product on the field was generating a lot of buzz, the coaching staff was making sure to use the impressive showing to their advantage on the recruiting trail as well, with a handful of key prospects on hand to watch the Buckeyes beat up on the Hilltoppers.
Perhaps the biggest name in attendance this weekend was 2025 four-star tight end Nate Roberts. Making the trip from Washington, Oklahoma on his own dime, the nation’s No. 2 TE and the No. 61 overall prospect in the 2025 class arrived in Columbus with his family on Friday morning, and he got a chance to connect with Cade Stover and the rest of the Ohio State tight ends room.
“It was great to be able to hang out and see how the guys were the night before the game,” Roberts told Rivals. “I felt like I fit in perfectly with that tight end room. Me and the players have very similar personalities. The same goes for me and Coach [Keenan] Bailey.”
Roberts went on to say that he was happy with the way the Buckeyes utilized the tight end position in the game against Western Kentucky, which makes sense given that Stover finished the afternoon as Ohio State’s second-leading receiver with five catches for 90 yards.
“The trip went great,” Roberts finished. “I saw everything we wanted to see. My biggest thing that stood out for me to Ohio State was that I got the opportunity to be a Buckeye for the weekend.”
Having de-commit from Notre Dame this past summer, Roberts is in no rush to make a decision, but Bailey and the rest of the Buckeyes’ staff have to feel good about how this weekend went in their pursuit of the blue chip tight end.
One of the most intriguing guys on campus over the weekend was Miami wide receiver commit Chance Robinson. Ohio State has not been exactly hiding the fact that they are looking to flip the St. Thomas Aquinas pass-catcher from the Hurricanes, and if there is anyone capable of stealing a talented wideout from another program, it would be position coach Brian Hartline.
The Buckeyes got into the game late for Robinson, only offering the 6-foot-2 Florida product this past July, but Hartline has been going hard after the No. 25 WR and No. 140 player nationally in the 2024 class. This unofficial visit was a big step in the right direction, and reports are that all went well, but there is still a lot of work to be done here. The next step will be getting Robinson back on campus for an official visit.
In addition to Roberts and Robinson, Ohio State had a handful of other targets in the building for the matchup against the Hilltoppers, including a trio of 2026 prospects in Florida athlete Devon St. Clair, Lakota West athlete Cam Thomas, and the Buckeyes’ lone commit in the class in five-star wide receiver Chris Henry Jr., to name a few.
Continue reading...
Gene Ross via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
2025 TE Nate Roberts | James D. Jackson, 247Sports
While Ohio State was winning big on the field, they were also putting in work on the recruiting trail.
There was lots of positivity coming out of Columbus on Saturday afternoon following Ohio State’s 63-10 win over Western Kentucky. While the product on the field was generating a lot of buzz, the coaching staff was making sure to use the impressive showing to their advantage on the recruiting trail as well, with a handful of key prospects on hand to watch the Buckeyes beat up on the Hilltoppers.
Perhaps the biggest name in attendance this weekend was 2025 four-star tight end Nate Roberts. Making the trip from Washington, Oklahoma on his own dime, the nation’s No. 2 TE and the No. 61 overall prospect in the 2025 class arrived in Columbus with his family on Friday morning, and he got a chance to connect with Cade Stover and the rest of the Ohio State tight ends room.
“It was great to be able to hang out and see how the guys were the night before the game,” Roberts told Rivals. “I felt like I fit in perfectly with that tight end room. Me and the players have very similar personalities. The same goes for me and Coach [Keenan] Bailey.”
Roberts went on to say that he was happy with the way the Buckeyes utilized the tight end position in the game against Western Kentucky, which makes sense given that Stover finished the afternoon as Ohio State’s second-leading receiver with five catches for 90 yards.
“The trip went great,” Roberts finished. “I saw everything we wanted to see. My biggest thing that stood out for me to Ohio State was that I got the opportunity to be a Buckeye for the weekend.”
Having de-commit from Notre Dame this past summer, Roberts is in no rush to make a decision, but Bailey and the rest of the Buckeyes’ staff have to feel good about how this weekend went in their pursuit of the blue chip tight end.
One of the most intriguing guys on campus over the weekend was Miami wide receiver commit Chance Robinson. Ohio State has not been exactly hiding the fact that they are looking to flip the St. Thomas Aquinas pass-catcher from the Hurricanes, and if there is anyone capable of stealing a talented wideout from another program, it would be position coach Brian Hartline.
The Buckeyes got into the game late for Robinson, only offering the 6-foot-2 Florida product this past July, but Hartline has been going hard after the No. 25 WR and No. 140 player nationally in the 2024 class. This unofficial visit was a big step in the right direction, and reports are that all went well, but there is still a lot of work to be done here. The next step will be getting Robinson back on campus for an official visit.
In addition to Roberts and Robinson, Ohio State had a handful of other targets in the building for the matchup against the Hilltoppers, including a trio of 2026 prospects in Florida athlete Devon St. Clair, Lakota West athlete Cam Thomas, and the Buckeyes’ lone commit in the class in five-star wide receiver Chris Henry Jr., to name a few.
Quick Hits
- Ohio State made the short list for a 2025 four-star running back on Sunday, as Florida native Byron Louis dropped his top 10 schools. A 5-foot-10 ballcarrier out of American Heritage, Louis holds over two dozen offers as the No. 16 RB in the class and a top-200 prospect overall. Joining the Buckeyes on his list are Alabama, Georgia, Penn State, USC and others.
Continue reading...
LGHL Three Things To Watch from Western Kentucky
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Three Things To Watch from Western Kentucky
Chip.Minnich via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
The Ohio State secondary will be tested by the Hilltoppers
Two weeks into the 2023 season, and Ohio State fans are feeling frustrated. In Week 1, Ohio State did not throw the ball downfield enough. In Week 2, Ohio State won unimpressively over a FCS opponent.
Now we are into Week 3, and here come the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers, a team most preseason prognosticators have predicted to win the Conference USA in 2023. This will mark the first ever meeting between the Buckeyes and the Hilltoppers. Western Kentucky WR Blue Smith, a former Ohio State player, will be making his return to Ohio Stadium, trying to show up his former team.
Here is where Ohio State fans need to take a deep breath, before they read the next part: be prepared for frustration with the Ohio State defense, specifically the secondary, during this game. It is not a question of whether Western Kentucky will pass, it is more a question of how effective they will be against the Ohio State secondary.
In case you are wondering where I am coming from, here are some statistics to back up my point. After the first two games, Western Kentucky quarterback Austin Reed has completed 56-of-83 passes for 589 yards, six touchdowns, and zero interceptions. In 2022, Austin Reed led the nation with 4,746 yards passing. Western Kentucky WR Malachi Corley had 101 receptions for 1,295 yards and 11 touchdowns, and led the nation in yards after the catch in 2022 with 975 yards, and Corley also led the nation in missed tackles forced with 40.
Western Kentucky offensive coordinator Drew Hollingshead formerly coached under the late Mike Leach at Washington State and Mississippi State, and anyone who remembers a Mike Leach coached team will agree that those teams were always heavily focused upon the pass.
Now that I have given you some background, below are Three Things To Watch From Western Kentucky when this game kicks off on FOX at 4pm ET...
I usually begin with the Ohio State offense against their opponent, but I have placed such a strong emphasis upon Western Kentucky’s passing game that I felt I should start with the Ohio State defense. It will be the Ohio State defense that will be heavily scrutinized by their fans in this contest.
In the 2022 season, Ohio State gave up big plays versus Michigan and Georgia that caused Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles to reflect and reevaluate his defensive schemes this offseason. Considering that Western Kentucky will throw continually, here is an opportunity for Knowles to demonstrate that he truly did learn from the mistakes of 2022.
As I wrote up above, it is not a question of ‘if’, but ‘how much’ will Western Kentucky pass against Ohio State. A key defensive strategy that I will be watching for is if Ohio State plays their safeties back, keeping all of the Western Kentucky receivers in front of them. Western Kentucky may be able to keep completing passes, but those yards will be more difficult to gain as the field gets smaller and smaller, especially in the red zone.
2. How effective will Ohio State’s offense be against Western Kentucky?
Western Kentucky has given up 24 points to South Florida and 22 to Houston Christian in their first two games of the season. No disrespect to either of those teams, but neither of those teams have the type of offensive firepower that the Buckeyes have on their roster.
Ohio State quarterback Kyle McCord was named as the starter by Ohio State head coach Ryan Day, and McCord should be able to flourish in a home game, knowing that he is “the guy” and will be playing the entire game. McCord has a strong rapport with his high school teammate Marvin Harrison Jr., and it will not be surprising if McCord continues to target Harrison in the passing game, as he did last week versus Youngstown State.
3. Western Kentucky’s Kendrick Simpkins
Western Kentucky’s leading sacker is defensive back Kendrick Simpkins. That should give you an idea about the prowess of the Western Kentucky defense. Considering the challenges the Ohio State offensive line has had in the first two games of the season, and how Western Kentucky’s defense has not demonstrated an ability to shut down their opponents, it will not be surprising if Simpkins is sent on blitzes to try and disrupt the Ohio State offense.
Keep an eye on if Ohio State can make Western Kentucky pay dearly if they blitz Simpkins and someone is left completely wide open for a big play by the Buckeyes.
As I wrote up above, be prepared for frustration on the Ohio State defensive side of the ball. Nothing would make me happier than to be proven wrong, but Western Kentucky has been able to put points on the board in 2022 versus Indiana (33-30 OT loss) and Auburn (41-17 loss), and the Ohio State secondary has not yet truly been tested this season. Look for Ohio State to put up points, but the Hilltoppers are going to cause some angst.
I have it Ohio State 42, Western Kentucky 20.
Continue reading...
Chip.Minnich via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
The Ohio State secondary will be tested by the Hilltoppers
Two weeks into the 2023 season, and Ohio State fans are feeling frustrated. In Week 1, Ohio State did not throw the ball downfield enough. In Week 2, Ohio State won unimpressively over a FCS opponent.
Now we are into Week 3, and here come the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers, a team most preseason prognosticators have predicted to win the Conference USA in 2023. This will mark the first ever meeting between the Buckeyes and the Hilltoppers. Western Kentucky WR Blue Smith, a former Ohio State player, will be making his return to Ohio Stadium, trying to show up his former team.
Here is where Ohio State fans need to take a deep breath, before they read the next part: be prepared for frustration with the Ohio State defense, specifically the secondary, during this game. It is not a question of whether Western Kentucky will pass, it is more a question of how effective they will be against the Ohio State secondary.
In case you are wondering where I am coming from, here are some statistics to back up my point. After the first two games, Western Kentucky quarterback Austin Reed has completed 56-of-83 passes for 589 yards, six touchdowns, and zero interceptions. In 2022, Austin Reed led the nation with 4,746 yards passing. Western Kentucky WR Malachi Corley had 101 receptions for 1,295 yards and 11 touchdowns, and led the nation in yards after the catch in 2022 with 975 yards, and Corley also led the nation in missed tackles forced with 40.
Western Kentucky offensive coordinator Drew Hollingshead formerly coached under the late Mike Leach at Washington State and Mississippi State, and anyone who remembers a Mike Leach coached team will agree that those teams were always heavily focused upon the pass.
Now that I have given you some background, below are Three Things To Watch From Western Kentucky when this game kicks off on FOX at 4pm ET...
- Will Jim Knowles adjust his scheme for Western Kentucky?
I usually begin with the Ohio State offense against their opponent, but I have placed such a strong emphasis upon Western Kentucky’s passing game that I felt I should start with the Ohio State defense. It will be the Ohio State defense that will be heavily scrutinized by their fans in this contest.
In the 2022 season, Ohio State gave up big plays versus Michigan and Georgia that caused Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles to reflect and reevaluate his defensive schemes this offseason. Considering that Western Kentucky will throw continually, here is an opportunity for Knowles to demonstrate that he truly did learn from the mistakes of 2022.
As I wrote up above, it is not a question of ‘if’, but ‘how much’ will Western Kentucky pass against Ohio State. A key defensive strategy that I will be watching for is if Ohio State plays their safeties back, keeping all of the Western Kentucky receivers in front of them. Western Kentucky may be able to keep completing passes, but those yards will be more difficult to gain as the field gets smaller and smaller, especially in the red zone.
2. How effective will Ohio State’s offense be against Western Kentucky?
Western Kentucky has given up 24 points to South Florida and 22 to Houston Christian in their first two games of the season. No disrespect to either of those teams, but neither of those teams have the type of offensive firepower that the Buckeyes have on their roster.
Ohio State quarterback Kyle McCord was named as the starter by Ohio State head coach Ryan Day, and McCord should be able to flourish in a home game, knowing that he is “the guy” and will be playing the entire game. McCord has a strong rapport with his high school teammate Marvin Harrison Jr., and it will not be surprising if McCord continues to target Harrison in the passing game, as he did last week versus Youngstown State.
3. Western Kentucky’s Kendrick Simpkins
Western Kentucky’s leading sacker is defensive back Kendrick Simpkins. That should give you an idea about the prowess of the Western Kentucky defense. Considering the challenges the Ohio State offensive line has had in the first two games of the season, and how Western Kentucky’s defense has not demonstrated an ability to shut down their opponents, it will not be surprising if Simpkins is sent on blitzes to try and disrupt the Ohio State offense.
Keep an eye on if Ohio State can make Western Kentucky pay dearly if they blitz Simpkins and someone is left completely wide open for a big play by the Buckeyes.
As I wrote up above, be prepared for frustration on the Ohio State defensive side of the ball. Nothing would make me happier than to be proven wrong, but Western Kentucky has been able to put points on the board in 2022 versus Indiana (33-30 OT loss) and Auburn (41-17 loss), and the Ohio State secondary has not yet truly been tested this season. Look for Ohio State to put up points, but the Hilltoppers are going to cause some angst.
I have it Ohio State 42, Western Kentucky 20.
Continue reading...
LGHL Using Tyler Childers’ music to wrap up Ohio State’s 63-10 win over Western Kentucky
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Using Tyler Childers’ music to wrap up Ohio State’s 63-10 win over Western Kentucky
Brett Ludwiczak via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Jason Mowry/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The country music star was a student at Western Kentucky for a semester.
When your team wins a game 63-10, you try and have some fun summing up what you saw on the field in the victory. At first, I was thinking of writing about Big Red, and while that giant red creature is glorious, I didn’t think I could tie in enough about the game with the furry mascot. So I started to look at the notable people who went to Western Kentucky.
As I scrolled through the list, there it was: Tyler Childers did attend Western Kentucky. Now I’m not going to sit here and try and pretend he graduated from the university, as he only studied for a semester in Bowling Green. Even that short amount of time is good enough for me to use some of his works to describe what we saw on Saturday afternoon in Columbus.
I’ll be honest, I’m not a huge country music fan. For a long time, really the only country music I listened to was by Garth Brooks. If you made me listen to Kenny Chesney, Jason Aldean, or some of the other country singers along those lines I’d want to punch you in the face. Then I heard some of Childers’ music, along with Sturgill Simpson and Colter Wall, and I realized there was a segment of country music I could stomach. Real country music with a mix of outlaw and bluegrass.
So to put a bow on the blowout win over the Hilltoppers, here are a few song titles from Childers’ albums that I think tie in well with the performance of the Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium on Saturday.
This title is from Childers’ recently released album, Rustlin’ in the Rain. Ohio State’s offensive line had a performance they can build on yesterday. The big uglies not only gave Kyle McCord time, but they also opened up holes for the Buckeye running backs to hit. The result was over 560 yards of offense in the win. By far this was the best offensive performance of the year for the Buckeyes, giving them some much-needed confidence heading into South Bend on Saturday night.
Not that Western Kentucky is going to be mistaken for some defensive juggernaut, but coaches have to be thrilled when their quarterbacks are kept pretty clean for most of the game. The Hilltoppers were only able to muster one sack and two tackles for loss. Obviously, things are going to be a lot tougher against what Notre Dame will throw at them this week, but the line can at least feel good about themselves for a bit after some spotty play to start the year.
The track from Can I Take My Hounds To Heaven? perfectly describes the feeling of watching Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka operate on the field. For the second straight week, Harrison notched a touchdown that went at least 70 yards. Last week Harrison took a pass 71 yards to the house early against Youngstown State, and he topped that career-high yesterday when he scored a 75-yard touchdown in the middle of the second quarter to help the Buckeyes respond after Western Kentucky closed the deficit to 14-10. Harrison finished the game with five grabs for 126 yards and a score. With his output on Saturday, Harrison now has eclipsed 100 career catches in his Buckeye career.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24909424/usa_today_21381435.jpg "NCAA Football: Youngstown State at Ohio State")
Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
Later on in the second quarter, Egbuka left his mark on the game, scoring two touchdowns in the final two minutes of the half. The first score came from 15 yards out, and he followed it up with a 14-yard score with eight seconds left on the clock. Even though Egbuka hasn’t topped 100 yards in a game this season, he is the perfect compliment to Harrison on the field. While so much attention will be paid to Harrison in South Bend, it could shape up to be a real breakout game for Egbuka under the lights on a national stage.
From the OurVinyl Sessions, this perfectly describes what we saw from the Ohio State running backs against Western Kentucky. The Buckeyes toted the rock 33 times for 204 yards on the ground, averaging 6.2 yards per carry. There were a couple of lengthy runs, most notably Chip Trayanum’s 40-yard touchdown scamper, but for the most part, it was hard running from a number of Buckeye backs.
TreVeyon Henderson tightened his grip on the starting running back role, putting together his best game of the young season, leading Ohio State with 88 yards on 13 carries, finding the end zone on two of those carries. We even got to see Evan Pryor for the first time since the 2021 season, as Pryor got three carries. The backs will face a tough challenge trying to find running room against Notre Dame, but they are certainly trending in the right direction.
I would imagine the title of the track from Bottles and Bibles is what the Ohio State defense was saying to each other after the game. In full disclosure, I thought the defense might struggle a little against a high-octane passing attack after two games of boring offense from Indiana and Youngstown State. It’s not the first time I’ve been wrong, and it certainly won’t be the last.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24928937/usa_today_21441239.jpg "Syndication: The Columbus Dispatch")
Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK
Two sacks, four turnovers, eight tackles for loss, and two defensive touchdowns. It’s hard to play much better than that. We got Tyleik Williams falling on a fumbled football in the end zone for a LARGE MAN TOUCHDOWN. Denzel Burke and Josh Proctor made numerous plays to break up passes, Tommy Eichenberg registered 10 tackles. The Buckeyes held the top passer in the FBS last year to just 207 yards passing, with Austin Reed doing pretty much nothing throwing the football after the midway point of the second quarter.
The title track from Childers’ 2017 feels like it perfectly encapsulates what the defensive line is in right now. There were a few good plays from the d-line, yet they should be playing a lot better. While efforts like we saw Saturday might fly against the Western Kentuckys of the college football world, it certainly won’t against Notre Dame. The Buckeyes only recorded two sacks, with one of those coming late in the game from linebacker Mitchell Melton.
The play of the defensive line has to be better against Notre Dame since if it’s not Fighting Irish quarterback Sam Hartman will pick the defense apart if he has time to throw. Saturday night’s game is one where we’ll need another performance from J.T. Tuimoloau like we saw last year against Penn State. If Ohio State's defensive line can’t create some noise in one of the biggest games of the season, they might not be quite the title contender we thought they were.
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Brett Ludwiczak via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Jason Mowry/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The country music star was a student at Western Kentucky for a semester.
When your team wins a game 63-10, you try and have some fun summing up what you saw on the field in the victory. At first, I was thinking of writing about Big Red, and while that giant red creature is glorious, I didn’t think I could tie in enough about the game with the furry mascot. So I started to look at the notable people who went to Western Kentucky.
As I scrolled through the list, there it was: Tyler Childers did attend Western Kentucky. Now I’m not going to sit here and try and pretend he graduated from the university, as he only studied for a semester in Bowling Green. Even that short amount of time is good enough for me to use some of his works to describe what we saw on Saturday afternoon in Columbus.
I’ll be honest, I’m not a huge country music fan. For a long time, really the only country music I listened to was by Garth Brooks. If you made me listen to Kenny Chesney, Jason Aldean, or some of the other country singers along those lines I’d want to punch you in the face. Then I heard some of Childers’ music, along with Sturgill Simpson and Colter Wall, and I realized there was a segment of country music I could stomach. Real country music with a mix of outlaw and bluegrass.
So to put a bow on the blowout win over the Hilltoppers, here are a few song titles from Childers’ albums that I think tie in well with the performance of the Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium on Saturday.
“Space and Time”
This title is from Childers’ recently released album, Rustlin’ in the Rain. Ohio State’s offensive line had a performance they can build on yesterday. The big uglies not only gave Kyle McCord time, but they also opened up holes for the Buckeye running backs to hit. The result was over 560 yards of offense in the win. By far this was the best offensive performance of the year for the Buckeyes, giving them some much-needed confidence heading into South Bend on Saturday night.
Not that Western Kentucky is going to be mistaken for some defensive juggernaut, but coaches have to be thrilled when their quarterbacks are kept pretty clean for most of the game. The Hilltoppers were only able to muster one sack and two tackles for loss. Obviously, things are going to be a lot tougher against what Notre Dame will throw at them this week, but the line can at least feel good about themselves for a bit after some spotty play to start the year.
“Jubilee”
The track from Can I Take My Hounds To Heaven? perfectly describes the feeling of watching Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka operate on the field. For the second straight week, Harrison notched a touchdown that went at least 70 yards. Last week Harrison took a pass 71 yards to the house early against Youngstown State, and he topped that career-high yesterday when he scored a 75-yard touchdown in the middle of the second quarter to help the Buckeyes respond after Western Kentucky closed the deficit to 14-10. Harrison finished the game with five grabs for 126 yards and a score. With his output on Saturday, Harrison now has eclipsed 100 career catches in his Buckeye career.
Later on in the second quarter, Egbuka left his mark on the game, scoring two touchdowns in the final two minutes of the half. The first score came from 15 yards out, and he followed it up with a 14-yard score with eight seconds left on the clock. Even though Egbuka hasn’t topped 100 yards in a game this season, he is the perfect compliment to Harrison on the field. While so much attention will be paid to Harrison in South Bend, it could shape up to be a real breakout game for Egbuka under the lights on a national stage.
“Nose on the Grindstone”
From the OurVinyl Sessions, this perfectly describes what we saw from the Ohio State running backs against Western Kentucky. The Buckeyes toted the rock 33 times for 204 yards on the ground, averaging 6.2 yards per carry. There were a couple of lengthy runs, most notably Chip Trayanum’s 40-yard touchdown scamper, but for the most part, it was hard running from a number of Buckeye backs.
TreVeyon Henderson tightened his grip on the starting running back role, putting together his best game of the young season, leading Ohio State with 88 yards on 13 carries, finding the end zone on two of those carries. We even got to see Evan Pryor for the first time since the 2021 season, as Pryor got three carries. The backs will face a tough challenge trying to find running room against Notre Dame, but they are certainly trending in the right direction.
“We’ve Had Our Fun”
I would imagine the title of the track from Bottles and Bibles is what the Ohio State defense was saying to each other after the game. In full disclosure, I thought the defense might struggle a little against a high-octane passing attack after two games of boring offense from Indiana and Youngstown State. It’s not the first time I’ve been wrong, and it certainly won’t be the last.
Two sacks, four turnovers, eight tackles for loss, and two defensive touchdowns. It’s hard to play much better than that. We got Tyleik Williams falling on a fumbled football in the end zone for a LARGE MAN TOUCHDOWN. Denzel Burke and Josh Proctor made numerous plays to break up passes, Tommy Eichenberg registered 10 tackles. The Buckeyes held the top passer in the FBS last year to just 207 yards passing, with Austin Reed doing pretty much nothing throwing the football after the midway point of the second quarter.
“Purgatory”
The title track from Childers’ 2017 feels like it perfectly encapsulates what the defensive line is in right now. There were a few good plays from the d-line, yet they should be playing a lot better. While efforts like we saw Saturday might fly against the Western Kentuckys of the college football world, it certainly won’t against Notre Dame. The Buckeyes only recorded two sacks, with one of those coming late in the game from linebacker Mitchell Melton.
The play of the defensive line has to be better against Notre Dame since if it’s not Fighting Irish quarterback Sam Hartman will pick the defense apart if he has time to throw. Saturday night’s game is one where we’ll need another performance from J.T. Tuimoloau like we saw last year against Penn State. If Ohio State's defensive line can’t create some noise in one of the biggest games of the season, they might not be quite the title contender we thought they were.
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LGHL Ohio State opens as 3-point favorites over Notre Dame
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Ohio State opens as 3-point favorites over Notre Dame
Gene Ross 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 Buckeyes’ first marquee matchup of the season is upon us.
After three weeks of tune-up games, No. 6 Ohio State will now hit the road for its toughest test of the young season as the Buckeyes head to South Bend to take on No. 9 Notre Dame. Both teams come into the game undefeated, as would be expected with what has been on the schedule for both squads to begin the year. The Fighting Irish are 4-0 thus far having played in Week 0, and are coming off a 41-17 win over Central Michigan in their last time out. Ohio State, meanwhile, is 3-0 after an impressive 63-10 win over Western Kentucky.
All lines courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.
We had been anxiously awaiting Ohio State’s offense to break out, and they did that on Saturday with strong performances both on the ground and through the air. Now officially the starting quarterback, Kyle McCord completed 19-of-23 passes for 318 yards and three touchdowns in his best outing to date. Marvin Harrison Jr. was his top target on the day, hauling in five catches for 126 yards and a touchdown, but eight different players caught passes in the game overall. On the ground, TreVeyon Henderson showed his elusiveness and quick burst with 13 carries for 88 yards and two scores.
Defensively, Jim Knowles group did a fantastic job of limiting the explosive Western Kentucky passing attack, as the Hilltoppers’ 10 points and 284 total yards were their fewest in any game since the start of the 2021 season. The Denzel Burke-led secondary was making plays, the linebackers were flying all over the field, and the defensive line got enough pressure on Austin Reed to force some errant throws. Ohio State took the ball away four times on two fumbles and two interceptions, one of which was a pick-six by freshman Jermaine Matthews Jr. to put the final icing on the cake.
Notre Dame continued its strong start to the season in its 41-17 win over Central Michigan. Wake Forest transfer Sam Hartman has been a huge upgrade at QB for the Irish, throwing for 330 yards and three TDs against the Chippewas. Hartman couldn’t have asked for a much better start in South Bend, tossing 13 touchdowns without an interception to begin the season. On the ground, Notre Dame has been led by Audric Estime, as the 6-foot-1, 215-pound bruiser has rushed for 521 yards and five touchdowns on 8.3 yards per carry through four games. Estime is coming off a career-high 176 yards against Central Michigan.
On the other side of the ball, the Irish have been led by linebacker Jack Kiser. The senior has a team-high 26 tackles with a sack, a tackle for loss and a forced fumble. Converted wide receiver Xavier Watts has led the way in the secondary from his safety spot, totaling 14 tackles with a pick and three pass break ups. Five different players in the Notre Dame secondary have recorded an interception, and seven different guys have been credited with a forced fumble. Like Ohio State, ND hasn't been dominant in the sack department, with six total sacks on the year from six different players. As a team, the Irish rank 14th in the nation allowing 11.8 points per game.
This will be the first real test for both teams. Notre Dame has the added bonus of playing one extra game to help prepare for this contest, but the Irish haven’t seen anyone quite like what Ohio State is capable of at its best. The Buckeyes have played one really good offense in WKU and performed well, but the Irish are far more talented than the Hilltoppers even if they aren’t as explosive. Ryan Day’s side won this matchup 21-10 in Columbus last season, and now Marcus Freeman will be looking to return the favor in South Bend.
Odds/lines subject to change. T&Cs apply. See draftkings.com/sportsbook for details.
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Gene Ross 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 Buckeyes’ first marquee matchup of the season is upon us.
After three weeks of tune-up games, No. 6 Ohio State will now hit the road for its toughest test of the young season as the Buckeyes head to South Bend to take on No. 9 Notre Dame. Both teams come into the game undefeated, as would be expected with what has been on the schedule for both squads to begin the year. The Fighting Irish are 4-0 thus far having played in Week 0, and are coming off a 41-17 win over Central Michigan in their last time out. Ohio State, meanwhile, is 3-0 after an impressive 63-10 win over Western Kentucky.
All lines courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.
Spread: Ohio State -3
We had been anxiously awaiting Ohio State’s offense to break out, and they did that on Saturday with strong performances both on the ground and through the air. Now officially the starting quarterback, Kyle McCord completed 19-of-23 passes for 318 yards and three touchdowns in his best outing to date. Marvin Harrison Jr. was his top target on the day, hauling in five catches for 126 yards and a touchdown, but eight different players caught passes in the game overall. On the ground, TreVeyon Henderson showed his elusiveness and quick burst with 13 carries for 88 yards and two scores.
Defensively, Jim Knowles group did a fantastic job of limiting the explosive Western Kentucky passing attack, as the Hilltoppers’ 10 points and 284 total yards were their fewest in any game since the start of the 2021 season. The Denzel Burke-led secondary was making plays, the linebackers were flying all over the field, and the defensive line got enough pressure on Austin Reed to force some errant throws. Ohio State took the ball away four times on two fumbles and two interceptions, one of which was a pick-six by freshman Jermaine Matthews Jr. to put the final icing on the cake.
Notre Dame continued its strong start to the season in its 41-17 win over Central Michigan. Wake Forest transfer Sam Hartman has been a huge upgrade at QB for the Irish, throwing for 330 yards and three TDs against the Chippewas. Hartman couldn’t have asked for a much better start in South Bend, tossing 13 touchdowns without an interception to begin the season. On the ground, Notre Dame has been led by Audric Estime, as the 6-foot-1, 215-pound bruiser has rushed for 521 yards and five touchdowns on 8.3 yards per carry through four games. Estime is coming off a career-high 176 yards against Central Michigan.
On the other side of the ball, the Irish have been led by linebacker Jack Kiser. The senior has a team-high 26 tackles with a sack, a tackle for loss and a forced fumble. Converted wide receiver Xavier Watts has led the way in the secondary from his safety spot, totaling 14 tackles with a pick and three pass break ups. Five different players in the Notre Dame secondary have recorded an interception, and seven different guys have been credited with a forced fumble. Like Ohio State, ND hasn't been dominant in the sack department, with six total sacks on the year from six different players. As a team, the Irish rank 14th in the nation allowing 11.8 points per game.
This will be the first real test for both teams. Notre Dame has the added bonus of playing one extra game to help prepare for this contest, but the Irish haven’t seen anyone quite like what Ohio State is capable of at its best. The Buckeyes have played one really good offense in WKU and performed well, but the Irish are far more talented than the Hilltoppers even if they aren’t as explosive. Ryan Day’s side won this matchup 21-10 in Columbus last season, and now Marcus Freeman will be looking to return the favor in South Bend.
Odds/lines subject to change. T&Cs apply. See draftkings.com/sportsbook for details.
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LGHL Hangout in the Holy Land Podcast: Ohio State finally looks like Ohio State, and Buckeye fans can breathe
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Hangout in the Holy Land Podcast: Ohio State finally looks like Ohio State, and Buckeye fans can breathe
Josh Dooley 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
Josh and Chuck are finally feeling confident in this OSU team, thanks to their dominant performance against WKU.
The latest episode of Land-Grant Holy Land’s flagship podcast is here! Join LGHL’s Josh Dooley and Chuck Holmes as they discuss Ohio State football, recruiting, and much, much more! Come for the hot takes, stay for the warm ones.
Listen to the episode and subscribe:
On this episode of “Hangout in the Holy Land,” Josh and Chuck discuss Ohio State’s first dominant performance of the season, as well as the Week 3 college football slate which saw several (other) top-10 teams ‘play with their food’ and fail to take care of business in impressive fashion.
The Buckeyes are good again! And so is Kyle McCord, as well as the OSU defense. In reality, Saturday’s game against Western Kentucky is or was what fans of the Scarlet and Gray had been hoping for all season. The hosts are cautiously optimistic that momentum carries over to next weekend and a massive matchup with Notre Dame.
Elsewhere, you know who’s not good again!? Alabama... Maybe. The Hangout Boys saw several lackluster performances outside of Columbus yesterday, and they think it is due to CFB’s growing quarterback problem. Early in the pod, the guys talk QB movement and failure, and why Ryan Day deserves credit for developing players at the most important position on the field.
Josh and Chuck close the episode with Winners, Losers, and Fantasy MVPs, a tradition like no other.
Please make sure to like, rate, review, and subscribe to the podcast! And as always, Go Bucks!
Connect with the pod
Twitter: @HolyLandPod
Connect with Josh Dooley
Twitter: @jdooleybuckeye
Connect with Chuck Holmes
Twitter: @ctholmes3
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Josh Dooley 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
Josh and Chuck are finally feeling confident in this OSU team, thanks to their dominant performance against WKU.
The latest episode of Land-Grant Holy Land’s flagship podcast is here! Join LGHL’s Josh Dooley and Chuck Holmes as they discuss Ohio State football, recruiting, and much, much more! Come for the hot takes, stay for the warm ones.
Listen to the episode and subscribe:
Subscribe: RSS | Apple | Spotify | Google Podcasts | iHeart Radio
On this episode of “Hangout in the Holy Land,” Josh and Chuck discuss Ohio State’s first dominant performance of the season, as well as the Week 3 college football slate which saw several (other) top-10 teams ‘play with their food’ and fail to take care of business in impressive fashion.
The Buckeyes are good again! And so is Kyle McCord, as well as the OSU defense. In reality, Saturday’s game against Western Kentucky is or was what fans of the Scarlet and Gray had been hoping for all season. The hosts are cautiously optimistic that momentum carries over to next weekend and a massive matchup with Notre Dame.
Elsewhere, you know who’s not good again!? Alabama... Maybe. The Hangout Boys saw several lackluster performances outside of Columbus yesterday, and they think it is due to CFB’s growing quarterback problem. Early in the pod, the guys talk QB movement and failure, and why Ryan Day deserves credit for developing players at the most important position on the field.
Josh and Chuck close the episode with Winners, Losers, and Fantasy MVPs, a tradition like no other.
Please make sure to like, rate, review, and subscribe to the podcast! And as always, Go Bucks!
Connect with the pod
Twitter: @HolyLandPod
Connect with Josh Dooley
Twitter: @jdooleybuckeye
Connect with Chuck Holmes
Twitter: @ctholmes3
Continue reading...
LGHL Minnich’s Musings about Ohio State vs. Western Kentucky
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Minnich’s Musings about Ohio State vs. Western Kentucky
Chip.Minnich 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 Hilltoppers were “just what the doctor ordered.”
“Just what the doctor ordered,” an old expression, meaning what is wanted or needed. For example, having a strong cup of coffee first thing in the morning to help wake me up could lead me to say, “That’s just what the doctor ordered.”. In the case of 2023 Ohio State football, the positive results of the dominant 63-10 win over the visiting Western Kentucky Hilltoppers could lead someone to say, “That’s just what the doctor ordered...”.
Looking at these first three games for Ohio State, I have reflected that it was almost like an NFL team’s preseason schedule. The outcomes were not in doubt, but it felt like these were opportunities for the coaching staff to evaluate their personnel and schemes, knowing the first true test would be coming when Ohio State would travel to South Bend to face a talented Notre Dame team.
Ohio State fans, such as myself, were bracing ourselves for a challenging and potentially frustrating game versus the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers. After all, Ohio State did not look especially dominant in the first two games of the season, defeating Indiana 23-3 and Youngstown State 35-7. Add in the fact that Western Kentucky, a pass-oriented offense was coming to Ohio Stadium to face a relatively untested Ohio State secondary, and it was understandable that there was anxiety. Heck, a close friend of mine from high school who is a proud Ohio State alum let our other friends know that he sold the best tickets he has ever had for an Ohio State game, as he was so certain of a loss to Western Kentucky.
We all saw that my friend’s pessimism was not warranted, as the Buckeyes exploded for 35 points in the second quarter. I had predicted a 42-20 win, with frustrating moments by the secondary — Ohio State had 42 points by the end of the first half.
Following the game, Ohio State head coach Ryan Day stated,
Ohio State fans, “preseason football” is now over. It’s time to get ready for Notre Dame. Western Kentucky, thank you for coming - you were “just what the doctor ordered”.
Continue reading...
Chip.Minnich 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 Hilltoppers were “just what the doctor ordered.”
“Just what the doctor ordered,” an old expression, meaning what is wanted or needed. For example, having a strong cup of coffee first thing in the morning to help wake me up could lead me to say, “That’s just what the doctor ordered.”. In the case of 2023 Ohio State football, the positive results of the dominant 63-10 win over the visiting Western Kentucky Hilltoppers could lead someone to say, “That’s just what the doctor ordered...”.
Looking at these first three games for Ohio State, I have reflected that it was almost like an NFL team’s preseason schedule. The outcomes were not in doubt, but it felt like these were opportunities for the coaching staff to evaluate their personnel and schemes, knowing the first true test would be coming when Ohio State would travel to South Bend to face a talented Notre Dame team.
Ohio State fans, such as myself, were bracing ourselves for a challenging and potentially frustrating game versus the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers. After all, Ohio State did not look especially dominant in the first two games of the season, defeating Indiana 23-3 and Youngstown State 35-7. Add in the fact that Western Kentucky, a pass-oriented offense was coming to Ohio Stadium to face a relatively untested Ohio State secondary, and it was understandable that there was anxiety. Heck, a close friend of mine from high school who is a proud Ohio State alum let our other friends know that he sold the best tickets he has ever had for an Ohio State game, as he was so certain of a loss to Western Kentucky.
We all saw that my friend’s pessimism was not warranted, as the Buckeyes exploded for 35 points in the second quarter. I had predicted a 42-20 win, with frustrating moments by the secondary — Ohio State had 42 points by the end of the first half.
- Kyle McCord played well in his first game as the unquestioned starter, completing 19 of 23 passes for 318 yards and 3 touchdowns. Yes, he fumbled after being sacked by Western Kentucky, but that was probably the only blemish on the day, as the Hilltoppers were able to eventually get a field goal after gaining possession.
- The defensive line made things difficult for Western Kentucky quarterback Austin Reed. The Buckeyes were not sacking Reed at first but were putting enough pressure on Reed where passes were being hurried, leading to incompletions.
- In my estimation, the turning point of the game was in the second quarter, when Western Kentucky went for it on fourth down and was not successful. Ohio State was leading 21-10, and the Hilltoppers were in their own 40-yard line, trying to convert on 4th and 6. After the possession went to Ohio State, Chip Trayanum rumbled for a 40-yard touchdown run on the first play, and the game was pretty much done for the Hilltoppers at that point.
- The much-maligned Ohio State defense came up big. The aforementioned 4th down conversion that led to points, plus interceptions and fumble recoveries, were crucial in the decisive victory.
- It was in the second half — after the game was well-decided — but backup quarterback Devin Brown was inserted into the lineup. My thanks to Ohio State head coach Ryan Day for not just having Brown hand the ball off, as Brown was allowed to throw and completed the first touchdown pass of his career, as well as freshman Carnell Tate’s, to put the Buckeyes up 56-10 at the beginning of the fourth quarter. Yes, Brown did throw an interception, but that did not lead to any points by the Hilltoppers.
- Similar to the quarterback position, the running back position has seemingly established a clear depth chart. TreVeyon Henderson is at the top, and the coaches clearly have a role for Chip Trayanum. Perhaps Miyan Williams is not fully healthy, as he was inserted into the game in the second half. And I was happy to see Evan Pryor get into the game late, after missing the entire 2022 season.
- The offensive line, also a source of concern through the first two games of the season, played better. One sack allowed, the subsequent fumble, and some false start penalties, but overall, they played better than they did in the first two games. The upcoming trip to South Bend is going to be the offensive line’s biggest test so far for the 2023 season.
Following the game, Ohio State head coach Ryan Day stated,
Ohio State fans, “preseason football” is now over. It’s time to get ready for Notre Dame. Western Kentucky, thank you for coming - you were “just what the doctor ordered”.
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