Why is this News? All the articles and tweets Buckeye fans need for January 26, 2023
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports

All the Buckeye news thats fit to re-print.

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

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

You’re welcome!

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For your Earholes...​

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

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On the Gridiron​

Ohio State 2023 offensive depth chart projection: Version 1.0 (paywall)
Bill Landis, Dotting the Eyes

Ohio State’s secondary faces important offseason of questions, development
Patrick Murphy, Bucknuts

Mel Kiper Jr. puts three OSU players in first 13 picks of latest mock draft
Colin Gay, The Columbus Dispatch

Correct:

Yes. Next Question https://t.co/as9TFoeFXM

— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) January 25, 2023

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Joe Royer Looks to Earn More Playing Time at Tight End for Ohio State in 2023 After Suffering Injury, Personal Tragedy in 2022
Dan Hope, Eleven Warriors

J.T. Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer could give Ohio State football something not seen since Chase Young
Nathan Baird, cleveland.com

How Xavier Johnson returning opens up options for Buckeyes (paywall)
Austin Ward, Dotting the Eyes

He’s a magic man.

"GARRRRRRRETT WILSON!" - @espnbob

: @GarrettWilson_V completes a miracle pic.twitter.com/NU2uSMXvUR

— New York Jets (@nyjets) January 26, 2023

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Nick Bosa Named Finalist for Associated Press’ NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award, Garrett Wilson a Finalist for Offensive Rookie of the Year
Griffin Strom, Eleven Warriors

Don’t call it a comeback: How some former Ohio State players are getting their second wind in the NFL playoffs
Meredith Hein, Land-Grant Holy Land

You’re Nuts: Which Best Picture nominee is most like the Ohio State football team?
Matt Tamanini and Jami Jurich, Land-Grant Holy Land

Todd McShay’s an asshat:

ESPN's @McShay13 says #OhioState wide receiver @jaxon_smith1 is not a first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft (FREE)https://t.co/5W3UCHHmvT pic.twitter.com/9rwa4bgHrL

— Bucknuts (@Bucknuts247) January 26, 2023

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On the Hardwood​

Four Storylines: No. 2 Ohio State women travel to No. 6 Indiana Hoosiers on Thursday
Thomas Costello, Land-Grant Holy Land

OSU women’s basketball team looks to rebound at IU after first loss
Bill Rabinowitz, The Columbus Dispatch

Coach McGuff updates on Jacy Sheldon return for Ohio State women’s basketball
Thomas Costello, Land-Grant Holy Land

Holtmann: Buckeyes ‘just need more’ from captains Key, Sueing
Adam Jardy, The Columbus Dispatch

Holtmann seems to be trying to shake things up, which is good, but the team definitely needs more fire.

Just remembering Gene Brown's drive and finish from the top of the circle during the second half against Illinois last night. Feels like the #Buckeyes need more plays like that.

— Adam Jardy (@AdamJardy) January 26, 2023

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Buckeyes say poor practices paved way for decisive loss at Illinois
Adam Jardy, The Columbus Dispatch

‘I’m just so thankful’: Former Ohio State walk-on Owen Spencer appreciative of surprise scholarship (paywall)
Andy Backstrom, Lettermen Row

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Outside the Shoe and Schott​

Ohio State wrestling gears up to face Michigan on Friday
Josh Dooley, Land-Grant Holy Land

Partially Blind Women’s Rugby Club Player Aims to Bring Awareness to Students with Disabilities Through Sports
Jayla Vanhorn, The Lantern

Buckeye squads ranked in the Top 25 this week !

: @OhioStateWHKY takes on Minnesota State Friday at 6:00 PM and Saturday at 3:00 PM

: https://t.co/He7w8aRjdw #GoBucks | @HondaInOhio pic.twitter.com/2XjgfEND0X

— Ohio State Buckeyes (@OhioStAthletics) January 25, 2023

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Women’s Tennis: Ratliff Named B1G Athlete of the Week
Ohio State Athletics

Women’s Swimming & Diving: Zenick and Hentschel Earn Big Ten Weekly Honors
Ohio State Athletics

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And now for something completely different...​

Even the ref couldn’t help but jump up and down on this one.

View this post on Instagram​

A post shared by House of Highlights (@houseofhighlights)​

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No. 2 Ohio State women’s basketball vs. No. 6 Indiana: Game preview and prediction
1ThomasCostello via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Photo by Jeremy Hogan/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

The Buckeyes face another tough test, this time on the road in Bloomington.

It’s been almost two years since the Ohio State women’s basketball team beat the Indiana Hoosiers. In the three games that followed, the Buckeyes didn’t have an answer for head coach Teri Moren and the Hoosiers, but this year is different for the Scarlet & Gray on many fronts.

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Preview​

Thursday had the potential to be the Buckeyes’ record breaker. A win against the Iowa Hawkeyes on Monday and Indiana on Thursday would’ve been a 21-game winning streak, the longest in program history.

But that isn’t happening, after Ohio State’s 83-72 defeat at the hands of Iowa. Instead, it’s now a night where the Buckeyes hope to redeem themselves following a tough showing at home.

Monday and Thursday have a lot of parallels, game-wise, for the Buckeyes. The Hoosiers are a talented top-10 team who feature stars and key role-players. While the stars for Indiana don’t shine as bright as Hawkeyes guard Caitlin Clark — there’s only one other player on that level in South Carolina center Aaliyah Boston — the Hoosiers still have a pair of impressive upperclassmen.

They come in the form of center Mackenzie Holmes and point guard Grace Berger.

Holmes is a 6-foot-3 junior center who plays similar to Boston. She’s dominant in the paint and still has the agility to make moves around defenders and score at a high level. Before suffering a knee injury in Jan. 2022, Holmes made the Buckeyes suffer. Holmes scored 30 points in Columbus, on top of seven rebounds. There was no answer for her within the Ohio State lineup.

This year, Holmes is back to pre-injury levels and then some. Homes averages 21.9 points, 8.3 rebounds and shoots 67.3% from the floor. The center from Maine also led the team this year on the court when Berger was out with a knee injury of her own. In the stretch of nine games, Indiana went 8-1 with Holmes grabbing four double-doubles.

That lone defeat for the 19-1 Hoosiers was against the Michigan State Spartans, a loss that gives hope to the Buckeyes.

In that game, Holmes had 32 points and 12 rebounds, but the Spartans were able to force mistakes from the rest of the team. Indiana gave away 21 turnovers in the game, and lost 83-78, although that was in East Lansing, Michigan away from the crimson-clad Hoosier fans.

Also, Indiana was without Berger.

Entering this season in Indiana, the Hoosiers were without Nicole Cardaño-Hillary, a fantastic point guard from Spain who played outstanding defense and earned a spot on the Second Team All-B1G. After Cardaño-Hillary ended her NCAA career, Berger slid over to the point guard role.

Running the Indiana offense this season, Berger’s scoring is down but her assists are up, with 5.1 per game. Berger is also hitting 52% of her shots this season, leading the only team in the Big Ten that’s shooting over 50% as a team at 50.3%.

Against Iowa, the Buckeyes suffered because on defense they left center Monika Czinano open with space to move. Berger is someone like Clark who can find those players charging into open space and send in pinpoint passes. She can also score.

it might not get more signature than that. @grace_berger34 pic.twitter.com/5af0rwoQ4V

— Indiana Women’s Basketball (@IndianaWBB) January 24, 2023

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The combination of Holmes and Berger is the second straight game that will cause headaches for the Scarlet & Gray if their defense isn’t on their toes.

Monday wasn’t all bad though on the defensive front. The Buckeyes held Iowa to no points for almost six minutes in the third quarter, using outstanding defense against the Hawkeyes’ bigs.

Also, this year’s Ohio State team isn’t the same one who lost to Indiana by 20 last year. This edition is more athletic. Inside the paint this time will be a stronger group of forward Rebeka Mikulášiková, sophomore guard/forward Taylor Thierry and freshman Cotie McMahon who doesn’t seem phased by any opponent.

Last season, Thierry hadn’t established herself yet in the Nov. meeting between these two teams, and had minimal impact in the conference tournament, picking up early fouls. Thursday is the first time Indiana will face Thierry at the new level she’s reached this season.

Offensively, Thierry and McMahon were outstanding for the Buckeyes on Monday. If that continues, and guard Taylor Mikesell hits closer to her average, or rises to levels she’s shown frequently over the past almost two years, Ohio State can go toe-to-toe.

Like Monday too, if Mikulášiková has trouble against Holmes like she did against Czinano, there’s substitute Eboni Walker. The Syracuse University transfer was key in that over half a quarter pointless stretch for Iowa.

No matter who’s on the court, the forwards in the paint need to have one eye on Holmes at all times. The guards will have their hands full too. The other three likely starters can all be dangerous on any given night too.

The potential ace up head coach Kevin McGuff’s sleeve is guard Jacy Sheldon. On Tuesday, McGuff shared a positive outlook for the guard on Locked On WBB Podcast, saying he thinks Sheldon will return “very soon.” Also, when she does return, it’ll be because she’s 100%.

If, and it’s a big if, Sheldon does return Thursday, it makes life difficult for the Hoosiers. A Sheldon-led press has taken down the Tennessee Volunteers and Louisville Cardinals this season.

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Projected Lineups​

Lineup Notes​

• Forward Eboni Walker’s five steals led the Buckeyes on Monday vs. Iowa.
• Forwards Taylor Thierry and Cotie McMahon were one and two rebounds away, respectively, from securing double-doubles on Monday.
• Two more points for guard Taylor Mikesell gives her 2,000 in her NCAA career.

Lineup Notes​

• Indiana only averages 0.5 more rebounds than Ohio State per game.
• Two Hoosiers average more than five rebounds per game with Mackenzie Holmes (8.3) and Sydney Parrish (5.7).
• Indiana is the only Big Ten team to hold opponents to less than 60 points per game (59.8).

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Prediction​

The Buckeyes and Hoosiers are near the top of the conference standings for good reason. Although Ohio State slipped against Iowa, Thursday’s game is going to be closer than Monday’s.

Ohio State starts off strong and doesn’t have a quarter where the Hoosiers completely outplay the Buckeyes. Guard Taylor Mikesell will make up for a quiet game against the Hawkeyes and have a standout performance, scoring at least 25 points in the process.

It’ll still be tough to stop the Hoosiers for McGuff’s side. Holmes will have a double-double, but defense on the perimeter will limit shooters for spells of the game.

Thursday’s game will come down to a possession, but the Buckeyes edge the Hoosiers in Indiana. The result is a toss-up, but Ohio State has added motivation of tough showings against the Hoosiers in the past few years, like the Buckeyes win on New Year’s Eve to break a similar spell against the Michigan Wolverines.

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How to Watch​

Date: Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023
Time: 8:30 p.m. ET
Where: Assembly Hall, Bloomington, Indiana
Television: Big Ten Network
Stream: Fox Sports app with Big Ten Network subscription

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LGHL Prediction: 87-84 Ohio State Buckeyes​

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Jacy Sheldon Watch​

There are only a select few people on Earth who know the status of Sheldon for Thursday. Since Land-Grant Holy Land consists of no parts Sheldon, McGuff or team doctors and trainers, the speculation continues.

Starting Sheldon after this long injury, against a team like Indiana, would seem like a knee jerk reaction unless she’s truly 100%. It’s hard to imagine that she is after wearing the boot up until Jan. 14 in Nebraska.

While it would be a huge boost for the Buckeyes’ confidence, a healthy Sheldon is more important in March than January.

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Bucketheads Podcast: Ohio State’s living life in basketball purgatory
Connor Lemons via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

At 3-6 in conference play, the Buckeyes’ next few games will either get them on the right side of the NCAA Tournament bubble or send them straight to the basement.

‘Bucketheads’ is LGHL’s men’s basketball podcast, hosted by Connor Lemons and Justin Golba. Every episode they give you the latest scoop on the Ohio State Buckeyes and everything else happening in the college hoops world.

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

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During episode 63, Connor and Justin break down Ohio State’s precarious position in both the Big Ten and the NCAA Tournament picture. At 3-6, a Big Ten title is clearly out of reach. But with only three games separating the second-place team and the 12th-place team, everything else is a crapshoot. Relatively speaking, any team can slide up or down the standings over the next six weeks and it would not be a surprise.

Similarly, the Buckeyes currently sit on the right side of the NCAA Tournament bubble as a projected 11-seed, likely playing at the University of Dayton in the first four. A few wins could slide them into a better position and avoid that situation. A few more losses could drop them off the bubble completely.

The guys close with an “Around the Horn” style whip-around, with Justin discussing every B1G team for exactly 20 seconds.

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Connect with the Podcast:
Twitter: @BucketheadsLGHL

Connect with Connor:
Twitter: @lemons_connor

Connect with Justin:
Twitter: @justin_golba

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Buckeyes offers new pair of prospects, five-star target updates his recruitment
Caleb Houser via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Joshua A. Bickel/Columbus Dispatch via Imagn Content Services, LLC

The staff stays hot on the trail offering new prospects in the 2024 class.

Cornerback recruiting in 2024 is going to be a major priority for this staff. Not satisfied the last couple of years with the on-field results, the Buckeyes know they have to get better in the back end, and get back to being the program that churns out NFL Draft picks at the position more than anyone else. Help is on the way in 2023, and the trend needs to continue beyond that.

Ohio has two top in-state cornerbacks in the 2024 class with Bryce West and Aaron Scott both being among the best in the country at the position. Not a guarantee for either at this point however, Jim Knowles and his crew still have plenty of work to do in order to win out in the end. Even if the Buckeyes are able to land both guys in 2024, there’s room for additional members of the class at the cornerback spot, and that’s why offers continue to be issued to new names that impress.

On Wednesday, the latest cornerback offer went out when California native Dakoda Fields took to Twitter to share the news. The No. 111 player nationally, Fields is the eighth-best corner in the class and the 14th best player from California for his class per the 247Sports Composite. Over 20 offers to his name from the likes of Alabama, LSU, Oregon, Notre Dame, Tennessee, USC and more, it’s not hard to see why the Buckeyes were next in line to enter his recruitment.

Position coach Tim Walton will have to make up for some lost time, but knowing how important corner recruiting is to the success of Ohio State’s 2024 class and the future of their defensive secondary, effort shouldn’t be an issue here.

Truly blessed to say I have received and offer from Ohio State University #GoBucks #GoBuckeyes @OhioStateFB @CoachTimWalton @ryandaytime @GregBiggins @BrandonHuffman @RWrightRivals @adamgorney @ChadSimmons_ pic.twitter.com/OtbdIBGkR3

— Dakoda Fields (@dkthegreat__) January 26, 2023

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Four-star running back hears from the Buckeyes ​

Much like the aforementioned cornerback position, the running back spot will be a big need in the 2024 cycle. After what looks to be a class without a commit at the position in 2023, Tony Alford’s job in the next year is to land one and probably two at the spot to be safe.

Where Ohio State is fortunate though is having quite the impressive room in Columbus right now after not losing a single player in the loaded with talent group. The names already on the Buckeyes’ roster have set them up very well for the 2023 campaign, but looking ahead the recruiting efforts need to pay off.

On Wednesday of this week, the Buckeyes offered their latest running back in the class with Maryland native, DeJuan Williams. A 5-foot-11, 195 pound out of St. Frances Academy, Williams already holds nearly 20 offers to his name, but is very happy to add Ohio State to his list. With Michigan, Penn State, California, Georgia Tech, Duke, Pitt, Maryland, and a host of others already in the mix, it’s likely only a matter of time before other top suitors come knocking at his door.

The No. 299 player nationally, Williams checks out as the 25th best running back in the class and the ninth best player from Maryland all according to the 247Sports Composite. Ohio State has a couple of in-state players at the spot, but again, seeing the Buckeyes take two at the position in this 2024 class wouldn’t be a surprise at all considering who could be leaving after this next season.

This likely won’t be the last running back to receive an offer, but it’s another name for now worth paying attention to.

After a Great Conversation with @CoachTonyAlford I am Extremely Blessed to receive an Offer from THEE University of Ohio State!! #GoBucks @CoachMessay @CoachJdubSFA @CoachCammm pic.twitter.com/CcA2CoYuBz

— DeJuan Williams (@D1Juan2) January 25, 2023

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Quick Hits​

• Wednesday evening, five-star defensive lineman Justin Scott announced that he would be delaying his commitment and doing so until further notice. The Chicago, Illinois native was scheduled to announce his pledge next Tuesday, but has clearly had a change of plans as Jan. 31 is currently off the table.

The No. 18 player nationally, Scott is the fourth best defensive lineman in the class and the top player in Illinois for the 2024 cycle according to the 247Sports Composite. Pegged by insiders to end up at Notre Dame, the Irish cannot be feeling great about this development, but surely other programs are going to try and swoop in and steal some momentum.

Ohio State offered back in September, and if they want to be a key threat moving forward, it looks like now is the time to strike.

I’m postponing my commitment until further notice. @IgnatiusFB @CoachMmiller15

— Justin Scott (@juustinscott) January 24, 2023

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Defensive-minded Hawkins fuels Illini to win over Buckeyes: “I feel like we’re unbeatable when Coleman plays like that” - wcia.com
via Google News using key phrase "Buckeyes".

Defensive-minded Hawkins fuels Illini to win over Buckeyes: “I feel like we’re unbeatable when Coleman plays like that” wcia.com

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Police identify human remains found near Buckeye - The Arizona Republic
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Police identify human remains found near Buckeye The Arizona Republic

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Buckeye Insider: Romero Hopes Comeback Pays Off - FloWrestling
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Buckeye Insider: Romero Hopes Comeback Pays Off FloWrestling

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Former Buckeyes Host Camp - WHIZ
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Former Buckeyes Host Camp WHIZ

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Buckeyes continue to dish out offers left and right on the recruiting trail - Land Grant Holy Land
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Buckeyes continue to dish out offers left and right on the recruiting trail Land Grant Holy Land

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Notebook: Defense dominates against Buckeyes; Epps returns to starting lineup - 247Sports
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Notebook: Defense dominates against Buckeyes; Epps returns to starting lineup 247Sports

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Poor preparation helped send Ohio State to loss at Illinois - The Columbus Dispatch
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Poor preparation helped send Ohio State to loss at Illinois The Columbus Dispatch

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Top three cornerbacks left in the transfer portal - Buckeyes Wire
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Top three cornerbacks left in the transfer portal Buckeyes Wire

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Buckeyes newest offer in Tennessee says Ohio State has been a dream for a long time - 247Sports
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Buckeyes newest offer in Tennessee says Ohio State has been a dream for a long time 247Sports

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Ohio State recruiting: All 5-star 2024 prospects Buckeyes have offered - Buckeyes Wire
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Ohio State recruiting: All 5-star 2024 prospects Buckeyes have offered Buckeyes Wire

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Buckeyes Place Four on IL Preseason All-American List - Ohio State University
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Buckeyes Place Four on IL Preseason All-American List Ohio State University

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Illini bounce back to beat Buckeyes after five-day stretch between games - wcia.com
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Illini bounce back to beat Buckeyes after five-day stretch between games wcia.com

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Illini 69, Buckeyes 60: Defense leads the way for a team that really ... - Chicago Sun-Times
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Illini 69, Buckeyes 60: Defense leads the way for a team that really ... Chicago Sun-Times

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Buckeyes Face Off Against Minnesota State This Weekend - Ohio State University
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Buckeyes Face Off Against Minnesota State This Weekend Ohio State University

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No. 2 Buckeyes Host ITA Kickoff Weekend – Ohio State Buckeyes - Ohio State University
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No. 2 Buckeyes Host ITA Kickoff Weekend – Ohio State Buckeyes Ohio State University

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Ratliff Named B1G Athlete of the Week – Ohio State Buckeyes - Ohio State University
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Ratliff Named B1G Athlete of the Week – Ohio State Buckeyes Ohio State University

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Zenick and Hentschel Earn Big Ten Weekly Honors - Ohio State University
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Zenick and Hentschel Earn Big Ten Weekly Honors Ohio State University

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ESPN's Mel Kiper projects three Buckeyes in top half of 2023 NFL Draft's first round - 247Sports
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ESPN's Mel Kiper projects three Buckeyes in top half of 2023 NFL Draft's first round 247Sports

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IU women's basketball: Hoosiers prepare for No. 2 Ohio State ... - IndyStar
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IU women's basketball: Hoosiers prepare for No. 2 Ohio State ... IndyStar

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Ohio State: Justin Scott delays commitment, Air Noland to throw for ... - rivals.com
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Ohio State: Justin Scott delays commitment, Air Noland to throw for ... rivals.com

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Former Ohio State Head Coach Jim Tressel Provides Thoughts on Ryan Day’s Performance As Leader of the Buckey - Eleven Warriors
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Former Ohio State Head Coach Jim Tressel Provides Thoughts on Ryan Day’s Performance As Leader of the Buckey Eleven Warriors

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