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Week 4 Games Discussion

BB73
Next week is highlighted by FSU-Clemson at noon and the Buckeyes battle in South Bend at 7:30.

Week 4​

Thursday, Sept. 21

Georgia State at Coastal Carolina | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN
Arkansas-Pine Bluff at Alabama A&M | 7:30 p.m. | ESPNU

Friday, Sept. 22

Wisconsin at Purdue | 7 p.m. | FS1
Brown at Harvard | 7 p.m. | ESPN+
NC State at Virginia | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN
Boise State at San Diego State | 10:30 p.m. | CBSSN
Air Force at San Jose State | 10:30 p.m. | FS1

Saturday, Sept. 23

Rutgers at No. 2 Michigan | 12 p.m. | Big Ten Network
No. 4 Florida State at Clemson | 12 p.m. | ABC
No. 16 Oklahoma at Cincinnati | 12 p.m. | FOX
Army at Syracuse | 12 p.m. | ACC Network
Auburn at Texas A&M | 12 p.m. | ESPN
Western Kentucky at Troy | 12 p.m. | ESPNU
Kentucky at Vanderbilt | 12 p.m. | SEC Network
Virginia Tech at Marshall | 12 p.m. | ESPN2
SMU at TCU | 12 p.m. | FS1
Cornell at Yale | 12 p.m. | ESPN+
Butler at Stetson | 12 p.m. | ESPN+
Tulsa at Northern Illinois | 12 p.m. | CBSSN

Stonehill at Fordham | 1 p.m. | ESPN+
Lindenwood at Illinois State | 1 p.m. | ESPN+
Marist at Valparaiso | 1 p.m. | ESPN+
Mercer at Furman | 1 p.m. | ESPN+
Western Michigan at Toledo | 1:30 p.m. | ESPN+
Lehigh at Dartmouth | 1:30 p.m. | ESPN+
Wofford at VMI | 1:30 p.m. | ESPN+
Georgia Southern at Ball State | 2 p.m. | ESPN+
Colgate at Holy Cross | 2 p.m. | ESPN+
Charleston Southern at Western Carolina | 2:30 p.m. | ESPN+
Utah Tech at Missouri State | 3 p.m. | ESPN+
McNeese at Eastern Illinois | 3 p.m. | ESPN+
Bryant at Princeton | 3 p.m. | ESPN+
Virginia Lynchburg at Robert Morris | 3 p.m. | ESPN+
Chattanooga at Samford | 3 p.m. | ESPN+

No. 15 Ole Miss at No. 13 Alabama | 3:30 p.m. | CBS
No. 19 Colorado at No. 10 Oregon | 3:30 p.m. | ABC
No. 22 UCLA at No. 11 Utah | 3:30 p.m. | FOX
No. 18 Duke at UConn | 3:30 p.m. | CBSSN
No. 20 Miami (Fla.) at Temple | 3:30 p.m. | ESPN2
Maryland at Michigan State | 3:30 p.m. | NBC
Boston College at Louisville | 3:30 p.m. | ACC Network
BYU at Kansas | 3:30 p.m. | ESPN
Texas Tech at West Virginia | 3:30 p.m. | ESPN+
New Mexico at UMass | 3:30 p.m. | ESPN+
Texas A&M-Commerce at Old Dominion | 3:30 p.m. | ESPN+
Ohio at Bowling Green | 3:30 p.m. | ESPN+
Delaware State at Miami (Ohio) | 3:30 p.m. | ESPN+
Florida Atlantic at Illinois | 3:30 p.m. | Big Ten Network
Louisiana Tech at Nebraska | 3:30 p.m. | Big Ten Network
Penn at Bucknell | 3:30 p.m. | ESPN+
Monmouth at Lafayette | 3:30 p.m. | ESPN+

UTSA at No. 23 Tennessee | 4 p.m. | SEC Network
Rice at South Florida | 4 p.m. | ESPNU
Oklahoma State at Iowa State | 4 p.m. | FS1
Cal Poly at Portland State | 4 p.m. | ESPN+
Sacramento State at Idaho | 4 p.m. | ESPN+
Montana at Northern Arizona | 4 p.m. | ESPN+
Eastern Michigan at Jacksonville State | 5 p.m. | ESPN+
Central Michigan at South Alabama | 5 p.m. | ESPN+
Dayton at San Diego | 5 p.m. | ESPN+
Gardner-Webb at East Carolina | 6 p.m. | ESPN+
Albany at Morgan State | 6 p.m. | ESPN+
The Citadel at South Carolina State | 6 p.m. | ESPN+
Alabama State at Florida A&M | 6 p.m. | ESPN+
SE Missouri State at Eastern Kentucky | 6 p.m. | ESPN+
Northern Colorado at Idaho State | 6 p.m. | ESPN+
Liberty at Florida International | 6:30 p.m. | ESPN+
Georgia Tech at Wake Forest | 6:30 p.m. | CW Network

Arkansas at No. 12 LSU | 7 p.m. | ESPN
No. 14 Oregon State at No. 21 Washington State | 7 p.m. | FOX
Charlotte at No. 25 Florida | 7 p.m. | ESPN+/SECN+
Sam Houston at Houston | 7 p.m. | ESPN+
Colorado State at Middle Tennessee | 7 p.m. | ESPN+
Nicholls at Tulane | 7 p.m. | ESPN+
Appalachian State at Wyoming | 7 p.m. | CBSSN
Southern Miss at Arkansas State | 7 p.m. | ESPN+
Nevada at Texas State | 7 p.m. | ESPN+
Arizona at Stanford | 7 p.m. | Pac-12 Network
Austin Peay at Stephen F. Austin | 7 p.m. | ESPN+
Abilene Christian at Central Arkansas | 7 p.m. | ESPN+
UT Martin at North Alabama | 7 p.m. | ESPN+
Southwest Baptist at Tarleton State | 7 p.m. | ESPN+
Lincoln (CA) at Lamar | 7 p.m. | ESPN+
Kennesaw State at Tennessee Tech | 7 p.m. | ESPN+
North American University at UIW | 7 p.m. | ESPN+
Bethune-Cookman at Jackson State | 7 p.m. | ESPN+

UAB at No. 1 Georgia | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN2
No. 3 Texas at Baylor | 7:30 p.m. | ABC
No. 6 Ohio State at No. 9 Notre Dame | 7:30 p.m. | NBC
No. 24 Iowa at No. 7 Penn State | 7:30 p.m. | CBS
Akron at Indiana | 7:30 p.m. | Big Ten Network
Memphis vs. Missouri (in St. Louis) | 7:30 p.m. | ESPNU
Mississippi State at South Carolina | 7:30 p.m. | SEC Network
Buffalo at Louisiana | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN+
Minnesota at Northwestern | 7:30 p.m. | Big Ten Network
UCF at Kansas State | 8 p.m. | FS1
No. 17 North Carolina at Pitt | 8 p.m. | ACC Network
Western Illinois at Southern Utah | 8 p.m. | ESPN+
Montana State at Weber State | 8 p.m. | ESPN+

UNLV at UTEP | 9 p.m. | ESPN+
Eastern Washington at UC Davis | 10 p.m. | ESPN+
No. 5 USC at Arizona State | 10:30 p.m. | FOX
Cal at No. 8 Washington | 10:30 p.m. | ESPN
Kent State at Fresno State | 10:30 p.m. | CBSSN
New Mexico State at Hawai'i | 12 a.m. | Spectrum Sports PPV
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LGHL The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: Ohio State’s 63-10 win over Western Kentucky

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: Ohio State’s 63-10 win over Western Kentucky
Gene Ross via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here

COLLEGE FOOTBALL: SEP 16 WKU at Ohio State

Photo by Jason Mowry/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The Buckeyes played their best game of the young season on Saturday against the Hilltoppers.

After two weeks of less than stellar performances, Ohio State came out and looked dominant in a 63-10 win over Western Kentucky in Week 3.

The Buckeyes’ defense was up to the challenge of stopping the Hilltoppers’ prolific passing attack, holding WKU to 207 yards passing while forcing four turnovers — two forced fumbles and two interceptions, including a pick-six. It was an extremely encouraging showing against a legit offense, as Western Kentucky finished the game just 3-of-16 on third down and 3-of-6 on fourth down. The Buckeyes recorded eight tackles for loss on the afternoon, while adding six pass breakups and a pair of sacks. It would be tough not to come away impressed by Jim Knowles’ group.

Offensively, things looked to go a lot smoother now that the quarterback battle is over. Kyle McCord was comfortable and confident as he moved the Buckeyes down the field, and Ryan Day did a really great job of putting together a balanced attack that saw both the passing and rushing attack flourish. Eight different players caught passes against Western Kentucky, led by Marvin Harrison Jr.’s five catches for 126 yards and a TD as well as Emeka Egbuka’s two-TD game. On the ground, six different non-QBs carried the ball on Saturday, including the collegiate debut of Evan Pryor, who tallied 12 yards on three touches.

Here is the good, the bad and the ugly from Ohio State’s victory over Western Kentucky.

The Good​


A Confident Kyle McCord

It seems as though being officially named Ohio State’s starting quarterback and getting a full week of uninterrupted reps with the ones in practice has been good for Kyle McCord. QB1 was fantastic on Saturday, completing 19 of his 23 pass attempts for 318 yards and three touchdowns with zero picks. After an early overthrow and losing the ball on a sack fumble, McCord locked in the rest of the way. He made some really nice throws, including some accurate deep balls, and overall looked comfortable leading the offense. With the position battle in the rearview, McCord can now play with a weight off his shoulders and just focus on making plays.

A Healthy TreVeyon Henderson

It wasn’t entire clear last season who the Buckeyes’ top running back on any given weekend would be, as all of them spent some time rehabbing injuries. Now healthy, TreVeyon Henderson is showing off the speed and athleticism that made him a five-star prospect coming out of high school. The junior put together a strong performance against the Hilltoppers, leading Ohio State with 13 carries for 88 yards and a pair of touchdowns. He also hauled in one catch for 27 yards. While Chip Trayanum (who also had a nice day with five carries for 56 yards and a TD) and Miyan Williams are here to give him a breather, Henderson has looked like a man on a mission to start the 2023 campaign.

The Silver Bullets

Against one of the nation’s best passing offenses two years running, I was expecting Ohio State’s secondary to struggle a bit in this game. Western Kentucky knows how to air out the football, and I wouldn’t have been shocked if they were able to put up somewhere in the neighborhood of 24-30 points against the Buckeyes. Instead, the OSU secondary was outstanding, holding WKU QB Austin Reed to 207 yards passing — only the second time he’s thrown for less than 250 yards in his 17 games as a starter. Denzel Burke was phenomenal, and other guys all over the defensive backfield made plays when called upon. I was really impressed with the Ohio State secondary against probably the best passing attack they will face this year.

The Freshmen

We couldn’t talk about some of the positives from this game without mentioning the freshmen, as a handful of first-year players got to play a decent amount a snaps in a blowout. On offense it was wide receiver Carnell Tate, who tallied two catches for 40 yards including his first career touchdown. Defensively, corner Jermaine Matthews Jr. stole the show, jumping a route and taking an interception 58 yards to the house. While not freshmen, another handful of young guys made some impressive plays, including QB Devin Brown’s first career TD pass (on the ball to Tate) and DE Omari Abor making a nice play to record a tackle for loss late in the contest.

The Bad​


The Defensive Ends

I will start this section off by saying that I am nitpicking here. The defense, as mentioned, played extremely well as a whole. While the counting stats still aren’t there, I do think the defensive line played better in this game than they did in the first few weeks. They continued to be strong against the run, and even though there was only two sacks recorded for Ohio State against the Hilltoppers — by Tyliek Williams and Mitchell Melton — they got enough of a pass rush that they were able to affect several throws.

That being said, I’m still waiting to see either J.T. Tuimoloau or Jack Sawyer make an impact on a football game. Outside of Tuimoloau’s big game against Penn State, neither of these two former five-stars have done much of anything in Columbus. Through three games this season, the duo has combined for one TFL and zero sacks. Tuimoloau was in the backfield a handful of times against Western Kentucky and did officially record a QB hurry, but for neither of these guys to even have one sack against overmatched competition is troubling. It’s not going to get any easier next week against Notre Dame.

The Ugly​


Ohio State’s Use of Cade Stover

This is less about Cade Stover the player and more about what Ohio State’s coaches ask him to do. It is very clear at this point that the Buckeyes’ starting tight end is incapable of blocking. I don’t know whether its an effort thing or an ability issue, but either way we have enough of a sample size throughout his career to see that Stover is a well below-average blocker. Against Western Kentucky, he completely whiffed on a key block on one play, then followed that up with a fumble on his next touch, and still the Buckeyes went right back to him on the next play.

Stover is okay as a pass-catching option, but nothing more. Having a tight end on the field that cannot block seems like a pretty significant issue, and could come into play against better teams when you are trying to set the edge on all these stretch runs Ryan Day loves to call. You cannot keep attempting stretch runs, screens and tosses to the side of the field that requires Stover to block, because we’ve seen time and time again that it won’t work.

While I dont think he’s objectively a bad player necessarily, it seems like a bit of a waste to have a one-dimensional non-blocking tight end on the field when you can instead have a guy like Gee Scott Jr. (a converted WR that can actually block a little) or a true fourth wide receiver out there (who’s probably also a better blocker anyway).

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Google 'Pushed To Do Better!' Buckeyes Offense Ready For Hilltoppers? - Sports Illustrated

'Pushed To Do Better!' Buckeyes Offense Ready For Hilltoppers? - Sports Illustrated
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".

  1. 'Pushed To Do Better!' Buckeyes Offense Ready For Hilltoppers? Sports Illustrated
  2. Josh Proctor returns, to start for Ohio State vs. Western Kentucky; Buckeyes continue to rotate at adjuster 247Sports
  3. Betting the Buckeyes: Western Kentucky 247Sports

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LGHL Instant Recap Podcast: Buckeyes put it all together to blow out Western Kentucky

Instant Recap Podcast: Buckeyes put it all together to blow out Western Kentucky
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here

Western Kentucky v Ohio State

Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images

The secondary looks legit and the offense finally utilizes all of its weapons.

Ohio State hosted the Youngstown State Penguins in their home opener on Saturday and despite facing off against an FCS squad, the Buckeyes did little to inspire much confidence amongst the fans. Matt Tamanini is joined by Justin Golba to bring you the Land-Grant Holy Land “Instant Recap Podcast.”


Listen to the episode and subscribe:


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

After a somewhat shaky start to the game on Saturday, the No. 6 Ohio State Buckeyes absolutely blew the doors off of the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers to the tune of a 63-10 victory. Kyle McCord looked every part of a Buckeye starting quarterback going for 318 yards on 19-of-23 passing. Marvin Harrison Jr. was — unsurprisingly — the biggest recipient of those passes, wracking up 126 yards and a touchdown, but Emeka Egbuka was also instrumental in the victory as he accounted for two Buckeye TDs.

On the ground, TreVeyon Henderson also had a big day rushing for a pair of scores and Chip Trayanum also had one as well. The offense felt like it finally figured out the best way to operate with someone who wasn’t C.J. Stroud at the helm. After an early fumble, McCord looked confident and in control of the offense and had an impressive day before giving way to Devin Brown in the fourth quarter.

The defense also came to play, holding one of the most prolific passing offenses in college football to just 204 yards through the air and 284 overall. They also delivered WKU quarterback Austin Reed his first sack and interception of the year. In total, the Buckeye had four takeaways, including a pair that went for scores.

Overall, it was about as good of a final tuneup game as you could get before heading to South Bend next weekend.


Contact Matt Tamanini
Twitter: @BWWMatt

Connect with Gene Ross:
Twitter: @Gene_Ross23

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Google Ohio State Buckeyes Miss On Top-10 2025 DL Armondo Blount | 2024 Ohio State Football Recruiting Tracker - Sports Illustrated

Ohio State Buckeyes Miss On Top-10 2025 DL Armondo Blount | 2024 Ohio State Football Recruiting Tracker - Sports Illustrated
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".

Ohio State Buckeyes Miss On Top-10 2025 DL Armondo Blount | 2024 Ohio State Football Recruiting Tracker Sports Illustrated

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LGHL Know the Reason Why Podcast: Western Kentucky is perfect prep game for Ohio State

Know the Reason Why Podcast: Western Kentucky is perfect prep game for Ohio 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

Syndication: The Columbus Dispatch

Barbara J. Perenic/The Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK

With Notre Dame on the horizon, the Hilltoppers serve as a great way for OSU to see where they are at.

On the Land-Grant Podcast Network’s “Know the Reason Why,” Matt Tamanini and Justin Golba break down Ohio State’s upcoming game so that no matter whether the Buckeyes win or lose, you will be sure to know the reason why.

Listen to the episode and subscribe:


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


Ohio State has a big game coming up in Week 4 as they travel to South Bend to take on Notre Dame, but before they turn to the Domers, the Buckeyes will face the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers on Saturday in Ohio Stadium. One of the most prolific passing teams in college football WKU appears to be a great test to see just how good the Buckeye secondary is.

On this episode of “Know the Reason Why,” Matt Tamanini and Justin Golba preview Ohio State’s Week 3 matchup and make predictions for the game.


Contact Matt Tamanini
Twitter: @BWWMatt

Connect with Justin:
Twitter: @justin_golba

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LGHL Land-Grant Tailgate Podcast: Everything you need to know to watch today’s Ohio State vs. Western Kentucky game

Land-Grant Tailgate Podcast: Everything you need to know to watch today’s Ohio State vs. Western Kentucky game
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here

Syndication: The Columbus Dispatch

Joshua A. Bickel/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK

The only Ohio State game day podcast you need.

Before every Ohio State football game, Matt Tamanini will get you ready with all of the information that you need for that day’s game on the “LGHL Tailgate” podcast.

Listen to the episode and subscribe:

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

No. 6 Ohio State Buckeyes (-29.5) vs. Western Kentucky Hilltoppers | over/under 65​


Game Date/Time: Saturday, Sept. 16 at 4 p.m. ET
Location: Ohio Stadium | 411 Woody Hayes Dr, Columbus, OH 43210
TV: FOX
Streaming: DIRECTV STREAM, Sling TV, Fubo
Radio: 97.1 FM | 1460 AM

I have been burnt a little bit through the first two weeks of the season expecting that eventually the OSU offense will get back to its high-flying ways. They have yet to do that this season, but I am maintaining hope that with a couple of games under their belts and a full week of Kyle McCord being the full-time starting quarterback, that we will see the offense start to get back into the groove.

On the other side of the ball, I think this OSU defense is for real, and while I think they will give up more points today than they did in the first two weeks combined, I do believe that this game will show us that the squad is ready for the challenge against Sam Hartman and Notre Dame next week.

Matt’s Game Prediction: Ohio State 53, Youngstown State 0​


Kyle McCord: 295 yards passing
TreVeyon Henderson: 130 yards rushing
Ohio State defense: 3 interceptions


Contact Matt Tamanini
Twitter: @BWWMatt

Music by: epidemicsound.com​

Odds/lines subject to change. T&Cs apply. See draftkings.com/sportsbook for details.​


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Google Skull Session: Ohio State Has the Largest Fanbase in College Football, Buckeye Receivers Improve With the Mona - Eleven Warriors

Skull Session: Ohio State Has the Largest Fanbase in College Football, Buckeye Receivers Improve With the Mona - Eleven Warriors
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".

Skull Session: Ohio State Has the Largest Fanbase in College Football, Buckeye Receivers Improve With the Mona Eleven Warriors

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LGHL MC&J: Ohio State as a 29.5-point favorite over Western Kentucky feels a tad high

MC&J: Ohio State as a 29.5-point favorite over Western Kentucky feels a tad high
Brett Ludwiczak via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here

Youngstown State v Ohio State

Photo by Lauren Leigh Bacho/Getty Images

Plus picks for the rest of the lined games involving Big Ten teams this weekend.

Last week ATS: 10-9 (3-5 National, 7-4 B1G)​

Season ATS: 22-22 (9-14 National, 13-8 B1G)​


Big Ten action not enough for you? I made some picks for a few national games on Saturday, which can be found here.

B1G games:​


Virginia v. Maryland (-15.5) - Friday 7:00 p.m. ET - FS1

Even though Maryland hasn’t blown away their competition so far this year, the Terrapins have handled their business. Maryland is averaging nearly 500 yards per game, and has scored 38 points in each of their first two games. Taulia Tagovailoa will get most of the headlines for the Maryland offense, but don’t sleep on Roman Hemby, who has 220 yards rushing and two scores through the first two games.

It has been a real tough year for Virginia after having to deal with tragedy near the end of last season. Last week, the Cavaliers fell 36-35 to James Madison, giving up nearly 400 yards to the Dukes. A big problem for Virginia is they can’t run the football, averaging just 56 yards per game through the first two games.

While it can be hard to trust Maryland with a big spread like this, they should roll the Cavaliers. Hemby should have a big game against a Virginia defense that is giving up 220 yards per game on the groud. If the Cavaliers are somehow able to corral Hemby, then they have to deal with Tagovailoa. I just don’t see how Virginia keeps this one close.

Maryland 42, Virginia 20


No. 7 Penn State (-14.5) v. Illinois - 12:00 p.m. ET - FOX

I knew Illinois was going to take a step back this season after losing a bunch of key players from last year’s team on both sides of the football. I just didn’t think things would be this tough for Bret Bielema’s team. Last season Illinois was able to use Chase Brown on the ground to control the clock and tire out opposing defenses. This year the Fighting Illini can’t get much going on the ground, as quarterback Luke Altmyer is their leading rusher with 139 yards and two touchdowns in the first two games.

If Toledo and Kansas didn’t have much trouble moving the football against Illinois, I can’t see the Fighting Illini slowing down Drew Allar and the Penn State offense. I know some weird things happen in Champaign, but that usually happens as the season goes on and the weather gets worse in Illinois. There isn’t any of those concerns for Saturday. The Nittany Lions keep rolling to start the year.

Penn State 38, Illinois 17


Louisville (-10.5) v. Indiana - 12:00 p.m. ET - Big Ten Network

After watching Indiana against Ohio State, it feels like it’d be easy to say the Hoosiers should get rolled in this game. I feel like Indiana is somewhat close to at least being a little competent, though. Tom Allen has decided that Tayven Jackson is the starting quarterback for the Hoosiers. The former Tennessee recruit was 18-of-21 for 236 yards last week against Indiana State.

Jeff Brohm should know what Allen and Indiana will try and do since Brohm faced the Hoosiers annually during his time as Purdue head coach. Louisville still feels like a bit of an odd team to me. The Cardinals needed a comeback to beat Georgia Tech in the opener, and we didn’t learn much of anything about them as they steamrolled Austin Peay last week. I’ll roll with Aaron Casey and Indiana to play some tough defense, while Jaylin Lucas breaks a couple big plays to keep the Hoosiers within shouting distance of Louisville.

Louisville 31, Indiana 24


Georgia Southern v. Wisconsin (-19.5) - 12:00 p.m. ET - Big Ten Network

I figured the Badgers would face a tough battle in Pullman last week against Washington State. I just thought they would find a way to head back to Madison with a close victory. What happened to the running game of Wisconsin? The Badgers ran for just 91 yards in the 31-22 loss to Wazzu. We knew Luke Fickell was going to bring more of a passing attack to Wisconsin, I just had no idea the running game would suffer so much.

Georgia Southern has an experienced transfer quarterback of their own in Davis Brin. The former Tulsa quarterback threw for 318 yards and two scores in a 49-35 win over UAB last week. The Eagles certainly have more confidence than the Badgers right now, as they are heading into this matchup with a 2-0 record. Maybe Wisconsin sees things click this week on offense, but I’m leery of laying nearly three touchdowns against a team that can move the football a bit.

Wisconsin 34, Georgia Southern 17


Minnesota v. No. 20 North Carolina (-7.5) - 3:30 p.m. ET - ESPN

Minnesota will face a serious step up in competition on Saturday when they head to Chapel Hill to take on North Carolina. The Golden Gophers squeaked by Nebraska in the opener and then beat Eastern Michigan 25-6 last week in Minneapolis. Darius Taylor exploded for 193 yards and a touchdown on 33 carries last week.

Now Minnesota has to take on a team that has a real offense. Drake Maye is considered one of the best quarterback in the country, while Omarion Hampton was a monster against Appalachian State, rolling up 234 yards and three scores in the 40-34 double overtime win. Even if the Golden Gophers are able to slow down the offense of the Tar Heels, I’m not convinced they have enough offense to keep on the scoreboard.

North Carolina 31, Minnesota 21


Northwestern v. No. 21 Duke (-18.5) - 3:30 p.m. ET - ACC Network

Northwestern finally won a game in the United States! Before their 38-7 victory last week against UTEP, the last win for the Wildcats in the land of the free came back in 2021. Ben Bryant was serviceable at quarterback for Northwestern, while Cam Porter neared 100 yards on the ground, finishing with 90 yards rushing against the Miners.

Duke followed up a 28-7 win against Clemson with a 42-7 triumph over Lafayette last week. The Blue Devils have a great shot at heading into the Notre Dame game with a 4-0 record, as they take on UConn after Saturday’s game against Northwestern. Riley Leonard has done a little bit of everything for the Blue Devils, while getting help from running back Jordan Waters, who has 175 yards rushing and three touchdowns.

Northwestern isn’t as bad as they showed against Rutgers, and will get a little better each week as the firing of Pat Fitzgerald continues to fade away. Duke wins the Nerd Bowl, but Northwestern keeps things respectable.

Duke 27, Northwestern 14


Western Michigan v. No. 25 Iowa (-28.5) - 3:30 p.m. ET - Big Ten Network

Every week when Iowa is favored by more than double-digits we have to ask if they are even capable of scoring that many points. This week is no different. The Hawkeyes enter this game coming off an emotional win over rival Iowa State in Ames last week. As if that wasn’t enough, next week they take on Penn State under the lights in State College. This feels like a sandwich game that the Hawkeyes will control but not run away with.

Iowa 28, Western Michigan 7


Virginia Tech v. Rutgers (-6.5) - 3:30 p.m. ET - Big Ten Network

Rutgers had little trouble with Temple last week, pushing their record to 2-0 on the season. I know the Scarlet Knights have been dominant so far this year, but lets not put the cart in front of the horse. The defense is good, I’m just not convinced the offense can consistently be productive. It probably sounds crazy to say this after Rutgers put up 452 yards last week, we just have to remember it was against Temple.

Virginia Tech certainly isn’t the team they were a decade ago. Having said that, are they really so bad that they are nearly a touchdown underdog against Rutgers? Losing to Purdue was tough, it just doesn’t mean the world is falling. I definitely trust Virginia Tech getting points here more than I trust Rutgers laying points against a Power 5 team.

Rutgers 24, Virginia Tech 20


No. 8 Washington (-16.5) v. Michigan State - 5:00 p.m. ET - Peacock

While some teams rally after a coach is suspended or fired, it’s so hard to believe that Michigan State is going to be ready to play on Saturday after the disgusting sexual harassment allegations were levied against Mel Tucker. The Spartans aren’t playing some directional Michigan MAC school here, they are playing Michael Penix and Washington, who are a serious College Football Playoff contender. I just don’t see how the Huskies don’t win this game by at least three touchdowns.

Washington 45, Michigan State 21


Northern Illinois v. Nebraska (-10.5) - 7:00 p.m. ET - FS1

Nebraska is still looking for their first win over new head coach Matt Rhule. The Cornhuskers were throttled by Colorado last week in Boulder 36-14. It’s obvious Georgia Tech transfer Jeff Sims isn’t the answer at quarterback. The issue is there isn’t anyone else worth starting for Nebraska.

As bad as the Cornhuskers have been, they have a couple things on their side this week. They’ll be playing in the friendly confines of Lincoln, and they’ll be hosting a Northern Illinois team that just lost to Southern Illinois. If Nebraska can’t handily win this game, then they are in even bigger trouble than we thought.

Nebraska 30, Northern Illinois 13


Bowling Green v. No. 2 Michigan (-40.5) - 7:30 p.m. ET - Big Ten Network

The game plan for Michigan while Jim Harbaugh is on suspension is quite obvious. Build a 28-35 point lead and then just sit on it. Even though there’s nothing wrong with how they are winning, they could be winning by a lot more if they really wanted to. It just feels like they are going to keep things pretty vanilla while Harbaugh is at home against these lesser opponents.

Michigan 44, Bowling Green 10


Syracuse (-2.5) v. Purdue - 7:30 p.m. ET - NBC

After a couple clunkers to start the season, you know NBC is hoping this game plays out like last year’s contest between these teams in Syracuse, which was absolutely bonkers. The Orange are rolling to start the year, averaging 586 yards of offense in their two wins. Garrett Shrader already has 543 yards passing and five touchdowns in wins over Colgate and Western Michigan.

Does Vegas know you don’t waltz into West Lafayette at night and leave with a win? As an Ohio State fan I certainly know this. Things haven’t been perfect for the Boilers to start the year, but they did outlast the storms and Hokies in Blacksburg last week. Hudson Card continues to gain confidence in the Purdue offense as they upend Syracuse in an entertaining game.

Purdue 35, Syracuse 31


Western Kentucky v. No. 6 Ohio State (-29.5) - 4:00 p.m. ET - FOX

Last week we saw signs of improved play from Kyle McCord, as he was impressive enough to be named the starting quarterback for Ohio State going forward. McCord figured out good things happen if you get the football to Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka, as the duo combined for three scores last week.

The Buckeyes still have some things to work on, though. Both the offensive and defensive lines aren’t playing up to their expectations. Also, the secondary has looked good, they just haven’t been tested by a team that wasn’t to throw the football. That certainly won’t be the case on Saturday. Western Kentucky quarterback Austin Reed led the nation in passing last year, and been outstanding in two wins this year.

At least Ryan Day won’t be crying about the new clock rules this year since Western Kentucky will try and play quicker than Indiana and Youngstown State. We could see some lapses on defense as they try and keep Reed and the passing attack of the Hilltoppers contained. The Buckeyes give up a few touchdowns which keep this game inside the spread, while also trying to prepare and keep everyone healthy for Notre Dame next week.

Ohio State 49, Western Kentucky 24

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LGHL Big Ten Men’s Basketball Team Previews: Illinois Fighting Illini

Big Ten Men’s Basketball Team Previews: Illinois Fighting Illini
justingolba via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here

Syndication: The Des Moines Register

Kelsey Kremer/The Register / USA TODAY NETWORK

Can the Illini take advantage of getting some key players back this season?

As we enter the fall season and college football gets underway, college basketball is right around the corner. As always, to prepare you for the season, Land-Grant Holy Land will be publishing Big Ten Team Previews and Ohio State Basketball Player Previews, starting now with the Team Previews. First up, we have the Illinois Fighting Illini.


Team: Illinois Fighting Illini
Head coach: Brad Underwood, Seventh Season, 114-79 (66-52)
2022-23 record: 20-13 (11-9)
All-time record against Ohio State: 71-63

Returners: Coleman Hawkins, Terrence Shannon Jr., Dain Dainja, Ty Rodgers, Sencire Harris, Luke Goode, Niccolo Moretti

Departures: Skyy Clark to Louisville, Jayden Epps to Georgetown, Brandon Lieb to Illinois State, RJ Melendez to Georgia, Matthew Mayer

Newcomers: Amani Hansberry, Dra-Gibbs Lawhorn, Marcus Domask, Justin Harmon, Quincy Guerrier, Jeremiah Williams

Outlook​


No team in the Big Ten had better luck when it came to NBA Draft decisions than Illinois. With Coleman Hawkins and Terrance Shannon Jr. returning, the Fighting Illini have a chance to have a successful season. If they had headed to the NBA, the Illini would be replacing two of its best players and, more importantly, two experienced and versatile guys.

The Illini have a good recruiting class, ranked 37th in the country and fifth in the Big Ten behind Michigan State, Ohio State, Indiana, and Maryland. But they likely do not have a top guy who will come in and contribute immediately like they have had in some years past.

Shannon Jr. will be a favorite for All-Big Ten First Team in the preseason, and if Zach Edey does not repeat as Big Ten Player of the Year, Shannon will be a popular pick to dethrone him. He also helps answer the question the Illini have at the point guard position, because he will have the ball in his hands early and often.

Another person who needs to take a jump for the Fighting Illini is Dain Dainja. Dainja took a solid step forward last season, and now he will be looking to become one of the top big men in the conference.

Prediction ​


Illinois has a solid roster, and they looked good in their overseas games, but the point guard position is going to be the question mark. Skyy Clark came into the program as the highly touted recruit who was going to run the position until he left for the NBA, with Jayden Epps ready to go right behind him. However, in the current state of college basketball, Clark is now at Louisville, Epps is at Georgetown, and the Fighting Illini are thin at the most important position on the court.

Ty Rodgers is a good player, but he is not a natural point guard, and while Sencire Harris can play good minutes, he is likely not ready to run the offense. Terrance Shannon Jr. will have the ball in his hands a lot, and he will run the point at times. Dra-Gibbs Lawhorn has solid potential, but it is a lot to ask a true freshman to immediately step in and play the point guard position at a high level.

Coleman Hawkins has always been an above-average defender who can be switchable, can guard the perimeter, and can guard multiple positions. However, he needs to take the next step on offense, particularly in efficiency, and become the true second option on the team to help Shannon Jr. on that end of the basket.

Illinois is talented, and there is no question they are well-coached, but it feels like they are missing one piece, especially on offense. If one of the freshmen or transfers like Quincy Guerrier or Jeremiah Williams can step in and take on more of an offensive role than they are expected, that could vault them into the top five in the conference. If not, they could struggle with consistency throughout the season.

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LGHL Denzel Burke has impressed Ohio State fans through two games of 2023 season

Denzel Burke has impressed Ohio State fans through two games of 2023 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

COLLEGE FOOTBALL: SEP 09 Youngstown State at Ohio State

Photo by Jason Mowry/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

And with Notre Dame looming, fans would like to see improvement from the offensive line.

Throughout the Ohio State football season, we will be asking and answering questions about the team, college football, and anything else on our collective minds of varying degrees of importance. If you have a question that you would like to ask, you can tweet us @LandGrant33 or if you need more than 280 characters, send an email HERE.

Buckeye Nation has been a bit split on how the first two games have gone for the Ohio State football team. While the results have been wins, which is positive, neither victory has looked exactly how anyone expected. However, whether that is enough to sound the alarm or not, depends on the person.


So, we wanted to check in with Ohio State fans and play both sides of the fence. In our weekly fan survey, we asked fans what player has been a bright spot for them this season and what area of concern they would like to see addressed against Western Kentucky today with an eye on Notre Dame next weekend.

Check out DraftKings Sportsbook, the official sportsbook partner of SB Nation.

Question 1: What player has most impressed you through two games?​



I truly love to see this. After an All-American campaign as a freshman in 2021, Denzel Burke had a tough sophomore season and a lot of Buckeye fans were less than pleased with his play. So, it has been really wonderful to see him bounce back and finally look like the BIA corner that we all thought he could be following his rookie campaign.


Coming into the season, I might have guessed that Sonny Styles might be the one to earn this honor — and he still might be by year’s end — but coming in a respectable second is pretty strong for the 18-year-old first-time starter.

But, I do think that the fact that the top two vote-getters play in the secondary goes a long way to explain why the OSU defense has looked so much better this year against the pass. The unit comes into Week 3 as the fifth-best pass defense allowing only 108.5 yards per game through the air.

Question 2: What is the one thing you want to see most against Western Kentucky?​



The offensive line continues to be the top concern for Ohio State fans in our weekly survey, but it does make sense given how much better many of the other position groups have looked through two games.

I don’t think that Day is ever going to turn his team into a pure run-first team, but if he did want to try and work some things out on the ground, this week would be a good opportunity. In WKU’s season opener against South Florida, the Bulls ran the ball 61 times for a total of 374 yards (6.13 yards per carry) and 2 touchdowns. USF had a pair of backs go for over 100 yards. Even last week against FCS Houston Christian University, the Hilltoppers allowed 155 rushing yards on 35 carries for a 4.42 ypc average.


The Buckeyes are only going for 4.6 ypc themselves, much of that attributable to an offensive line that is still getting things figured out. However, offensive line coach and run game coordinator Justin Frye thinks that his position group is fixing the communication and scheme issues seen in the first two weeks and that the next step would be for them to play “violently.”

Will they do that against Western Kentucky today? Only time will tell, but I think Buckeye Nation would be quite happy if they did.

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LGHL OHIO STATE GAMEDAY: It’s a bad day to be a Western Kentucky Hilltopper

OHIO STATE GAMEDAY: It’s a bad day to be a Western Kentucky Hilltopper
Gene Ross via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here

COLLEGE FOOTBALL: SEP 09 Youngstown State at Ohio State

Photo by Jason Mowry/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The Buckeyes have one final game to get ready for a road trip to Notre Dame in Week 4.

Wake up, everyone. It’s Ohio State game day!

The Buckeyes have one final contest to prepare themselves for a marquee matchup against Notre Dame next weekend, but this week’s opponent will provide a unique challenge. Western Kentucky brings to Columbus one of the nation’s best passing attacks, led by quarterback Austin Reed and wide receiver Malachi Corley. Ohio State’s defense has looked good to start the season, but the Hilltoppers will look different than anything Jim Knowles’ unit has seen thus far. On the other side, Ryan Day will be looking to get newly established QB1 Kyle McCord ready to go for a road trip to South Bend in Week 4.

Over the past week, our talented group of writers and podcasters have put together preview pieces, analytical breakdowns, and everything in-between.

If you missed out on any of the coverage, we have you... well, covered. Below, each type of story is categorized. If you’re looking for podcasts and previews we’ve done, you can find them; if you’re looking for the betting lines and non-football topics, they are there, too.

Enjoy the day everyone. As always, Go Bucks!

Football Podcasts​

Previews​

Sports Betting​

Basketball​

Recruiting​

Ask LGHL​

Other Podcasts​

Other Columns​


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