Game Preview: No. 3 Ohio State women’s basketball vs. No 16 Oregon
1ThomasCostello via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
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Ben Cole - Land-Grant Holy Land

After a game of highs and lows for the Buckeyes, there’s a quick turnaround to face the Ducks

The Ohio State Buckeyes women’s basketball team felt the highs and lows of competition on Tuesday. In a game where the Scarlet & Gray were down six with 1:12 left in overtime, Ohio State came back when nobody but themselves thought it possible. It’s also a game that might spell the end of seeing guard Madison Greene on the court for a while.

When the ride car came to a stop at the end of Tuesday’s roller coaster of a game, the Buckeyes were victorious, setting up a much anticipated game against the Oregon Ducks.

Preview


In the fourth quarter, with 3:24 left to play and the Buckeyes coming off a 12-point run, Greene went to the ground, clutching her knee on the court. The emotions of Greene stretched to her teammates on the court and the bench, visibly upset at the redshirt junior’s apparent injury.

Greene is a player who worked hard to recover from knee surgery before the start of last season, down in what looks like another knee injury — although it’s too early to know the extent.

Also without guard Jacy Sheldon, who’s also currently out with a lower leg injury, Ohio State goes up against a marquee Pac-12 side going further into their bench. It’s a game that many on the team are looking forward to and wanted, especially guard Taylor Mikesell.

Mikesell played a season with the Ducks where her minutes were cut, productivity dipped, and caused her to leave after one year. After Tuesday’s game, forward Cotie McMahon reiterated the desire to play the Ducks, for Mikesell. Be careful what you wish for though when it comes to Oregon.

No. 16 Oregon is a tough opponent, as their ranking and recent form suggests. On Tuesday, they faced the No. 17 Arkansas Razorbacks to a back-and-forth 85-78 victory in the first game of the San Diego Invitational.

Leading the way for the Ducks was Toledo, Ohio forward Grace VanSlooten. The freshman who has very non-freshman numbers scored 26 against the SEC side, adding to her 16.6 points per game. VanSlooten also averages 6.6 rebounds per game. Overall, she’s an upperclassmen with full eligibility.

Another name who will give the Buckeyes a similar challenge to Tuesday’s game against the Bulls is 6-foot-8 center Phillipina Kyei. The big grabbed 14 rebounds against Arkansas. That was bested by USF’s Dulcy Fankam Mendjiadeu who grabbed 17 boards and 34 points. It was a game that the Buckeyes’ defense in the paint would like to forget, but could repeat on Wednesday.

Then there’s guard Te-Hina Paopao. The facilitator of the Ducks offense is dangerous not only for her ability to score and dish, averaging 12.5 points and 4.0 assists per game, but the lack of mistakes. Paopao leads the NCAA in assist to turnover ratio, earning 5.71 assists for every turnover.

Chris Pietsch/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK
Te-Hina Paopao (left) and Grace VanSlooten (right) offer two challenges Wednesday night for the Buckeyes

Half of the Ducks 10 games this season feature Paopao not giving up a single turnover, meaning it’ll be hard for the Buckeyes full court press to break her down and cause mistakes like they have to so many others.

The big question for Ohio State themselves is who will be the one taking that role for the Buckeyes with Sheldon and Greene likely out?

Redshirt junior Rikki Harris is the likely choice. Harris is not stranger to starting For Ohio State. Last year, she started 11 games in the stretch run of the season, helping lead the Scarlet & Gray to a regular season co-championship and Sweet Sixteen run in the NCAA Tournament.

On Tuesday, Harris fouled out but not before scoring seven points and grabbing five rebounds, four on the offensive boards. Harris might not score in bunches like Sheldon or assist like Greene, but the guard’s tenacity and energy on the court can’t be beat. The Indiana native also made a big block in the fourth quarter, swatting away a layup by USF’s Caitlin Mcgee. To beat Oregon, Harris will need to bring that same energy,

Projected Lineups

Lineup Notes

• If Harris starts, it’ll be the third to do so as point guard for the Buckeyes this season.
• Cotie McMahon hit a new career high again with 30 points against USF.
• Like McMahon, Taylor Thierry also broke her career high, scoring 23 points Tuesday on top of six rebounds (three on the offensive boards).

Lineup Notes

• Oregon’s +29.80 is third highest in the Pac-12, behind just No. 12 Utah and No. 2 Stanford.
• Kyei’s 11.2 rebounds per game is tops in the Pac-12.
• The Ducks commit the fewest turnovers in their conference.

Prediction


Wednesday’s game is hard to call. Greene and Sheldon being out makes this game look like it could be hard to choose the Buckeyes to win, but there is some solace from recent close games.

Ohio State won with insurmountable odds on Tuesday, with ESPN result predictions putting USF at near 100% chance to win in the final minute of overtime. That doesn’t sound great, but considering Mikesell only scored eight points — six in overtime — paints a different picture.

For the Buckeyes to win, their shooters need to hit their shots. That means Mikesell and forward Rebeka Mikulášiková (who scored only two points against USF). Ohio State will need to score closer to their average against Oregon.

The motivation, and even more with losing a teammate to injury, should have the Scarlet & Gray come out firing. If not, a comeback against these Ducks will be a steeper hill to climb than Tuesday.

How to Watch


Date: Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2022
Time: 6:30 p.m. ET
Where: Pechanga Arena - San Diego, California
Stream: Flohoops

LGHL Prediction: 85-80 Oregon Ducks

Team Dub Chain


After wins, the Buckeye coaches hand out a dub chain to the best performer on the evening. There wasn’t one winner on Tuesday, because the entire team received the honor.


Bench players like Eboni Walker and Hevynne Bristow stepped up when starters fouled out. Ohio State responded to come back and tie the game after Greene’s injury. Mikesell hit the three when the team needed it the most. The youngest two Buckeyes led the team offensively.

If not for everyone playing down the stretch, Ohio State wouldn’t still be an undefeated No. 3 team in the country.

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Bucketheads Podcast: Going deep on Buckeyes after UNC Loss, as non-conference winds down
justingolba via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images

The boys break down the Buckeyes' tough overtime loss to North Carolina and the 7-3 start in general.

‘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


On the 58th episode of “Bucketheads,” Justin and Connor break down the North Carolina game in full and give their thoughts on what went wrong and what went right. The boys also talk about the “controversial” coaching calls at the end of the game and why the decisions made aren’t really that controversial at all.

They also discuss the Buckeyes' 7-3 start to the season as they wrap up non-conference play with two more games. What has been most impressive, what has the team struggled with, and maybe most importantly, how have the freshman looked?

Makes sure to like and subscribe to the podcast and let us know what you think!


Connect with the Podcast:
Twitter: @BucketheadsLGHL

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Twitter: @lemons_connor

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Ohio State, Ryan Day hope for a smooth day one of the Early Signing Period
Bret Favachio via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Jelani Thurman | 247Sports

The Buckeyes are aiming for a relatively calm Wednesday for the start of the early signing period.

The early signing period has arrived, and today marks the first day that Ohio State can officially welcome their 2023 recruiting class into the brotherhood. The Buckeyes are aiming to ink all 20 current pledges, but there is a pair of prospects worth monitoring today as an SEC program is still in pursuit.

Plus, the latest on two defensive end prospects that head coach Ryan Day and defensive line coach Larry Johnson are crossing their fingers in hopes of landing.

Can the Buckeyes outlast Auburn for Lee, Thurman?


After over a handful of trips to Auburn during the season for Ohio State four-star tight end commit Jelani Thurman of Langston Hughes (GA) and a late-hour pursuit of Buckeyes four-star cornerback pledge Kayin Lee of Cedar Grove (GA), the Tigers are a team that could spoil a perfect day for the scarlet and gray. There has been a lot of buzz in recent months suggesting that Ohio State has reason to be concerned with the two.

Thurman has had an opportunity to get familiar with the Tigers campus throughout the season despite being pledged to the Buckeyes. The 6-foot-5, 230-pounder also saw his primary recruiter and position coach Kevin Wilson head to Tulane, which certainly didn’t help things. However, Thurman is the more likely of the two to stick with Ohio State as the Buckeyes seem to have weathered the storm.

As for Lee, Auburn has made a massive attempt to pry him from the hands of Ohio State. It even got to the point of Lee sporting Tiger gear prior to his state championship game and a couple of predictions for him to ultimately flip in favor of newly hired Hugh Freeze. This one seems to be the one of the two that is more likely to get away from the Buckeyes.

The latest on Mickens, Uiagalelei


Aside from keeping Lee and Thurman in the fold, Ohio State is also hoping to reel in Joshua Mickens and Matayo Uiagalelei — both of who will announce their decisions later today.

Mickens, a four-star defensive end, was formerly committed to LSU before backing off of his pledge once Ohio State jumped into the picture and offered. The Indianapolis native has yet to reveal any sort of finalists for his pending pledge, and all signs point to the Buckeyes being the beneficiary.


In regards to Uiagalelei, things get a little more difficult to read. The five-star defensive end will pick from Ohio State, Oregon, and USC and there is no tea leaves to read in a recruitment that has been played close to the vest by the Uiagalelei family.

Will the California standout chose the path to Columbus or will he stay closer to home and suit up for the Ducks or Trojans? The 247Sports Crystal Ball entering today favors Oregon, with just one single prediction made at the time of this writing.

Quick Hits

• Former Rhode Island offensive tackle Ajani Cornelius is set to make his decision later today between Nebraska, Ohio State, Oregon, and Tennessee. Cornelius was in Columbus this past weekend for a visit with the Buckeyes.
• After entering the transfer portal on Monday, Ohio State wasted no time getting out an offer to now former Washington State offensive tackle Jarrett Kingston. The Buckeyes sent an offer to Kingston on Tuesday as they remain active in the portal along the offensive front.

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No. 3 Ohio State women’s basketball team stun USF Bulls in thrilling 88-86 OT comeback win
1ThomasCostello via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Ohio State University athletic department

It was a close game to start the San Diego Invitational, with a tough injury for the Buckeyes.

The Ohio State Buckeyes women’s basketball team spent all of the early 22/23 season near the East Coast. On Tuesday, the timezone changed along with the challenge ahead of themselves, playing two games in two days against a slate of tough opponents. Up first in the San Diego Invitational was the USF Bulls. Although unranked, the Buckeyes fought a tough Bulls side and picked up the 88-86 overtime win on a big three by guard Taylor Mikesell.

Ohio State began the game like recent starts of late. That meant slow scoring and this time it came back to hurt the Buckeyes quickly. The Buckeyes opened the game shooting 3-for-15 from the floor, missing all five three-point attempts.

On the other side, the Bulls came to play. Hurting the Buckeyes the most was forward Dulcy Fankam Mendjiadeu. The Buckeyes couldn’t stop the 6-foot-4 Cameroonian from rebounding and scoring inside the paint. Fankam Mandjiadeu hit a double-double in the first half, scoring 14 points and grabbing 11 rebounds, showing that Ohio State had no answer for the big.

The only response the Scarlet & Gray had in the first quarter was forward Cotie McMahon. Like the last two games, the freshman led early Buckeyes scoring. Tuesday it was seven of Ohio State’s 11 first-quarter points.

Going Into the second half down 10, things got worse for head coach Kevin McGuff’s side. After guard Taylor Mikesell missed her first two free throws of the quarter, the Bulls pushed the lead further.

Mainly through shooting from guard Sammie Puisis. The Mason, Ohio junior found space to shoot on the right wing and kept making her chances. USF ballooned their lead up to 18 points, while Ohio State’s shooting continued to struggle.

Even so, the Buckeyes showed flashes; late into the second quarter, after not scoring in the first 4:34 of the quarter. Substitute guard Rikki Harris helped provide a spark, hitting a three and a layup in the paint. For McMahon, she continued her scoring on the night hitting double-digit scoring, scoring 13 in the first half and adding two steals for good measure.

Slowly, Ohio State began to chip away at the lead. With a minute remaining in the first half, the Buckeyes chipped it down to less than 10. The reason was flexing forward/guard Taylor Thierry. The Cleveland, Ohio native scored six consecutive points, including timely rebounding on the offensive boards, and beginning to force turnovers in the press.

The Buckeyes ended up outscoring the Bulls by one in the second quarter, cutting a 10-point deficit down to nine with one half of basketball remaining.

Which Ohio State would come out of the locker room for the second half? The version that makes people forget about the first half, on their way to a big win or a repeat of the first half?

Unfortunately for the Buckeyes, it was the latter. Halfway through the third quarter, Ohio State’s shooting sat at 33.3%, allowing the Bulls put the lead back up to 13. McMahon and Thierry were the only players in scarlet scoring points, but they are also missing opportunities.

Thierry had three with five minutes remaining in the quarter, but also shot 3-for-6 from the free throw line. Three points that could have put the Buckeyes within three possessions.

At that point, the Bulls didn’t have to do anything but slow the clock down and continue to make shots. They did the first part, holding the ball long into their possessions but the defense of Ohio State began to make an impact.

Ohio State held the Bulls to 35.3% shooting in the third, and Greene and McMahon added seven and six points respectively. At one point, the Scarlet and Gray cut the lead to five points, but USF pushed it back out.

USF guard Daniela Gonzalez hit a layup and bonus shot from the free throw line and Puisis hit a tough three from the corner, right in front of a fired-up Bulls’ bench. Ohio State entered the fourth quarter down nine and needing big help to put themselves into any position to win.

Instead, USF came out continuing to play their game, namely through continued strong scoring by Puisis and Fankam Mendjiadeu. The forward scored five points in the paint, two layups, and a free throw, while Puisis again hurt McGuff’s side from deep. Within the first two minutes of the last quarter, the Buckeyes were down 13 points.

Looking like they were down and close to out, Ohio State came to life, going on a 10-point run to cut the Bulls’ lead to three. Adding an exclamation point to the run was Harris. With USF attacking inside the paint, Harris timed a block perfectly, sending the ball into an Ohio State offensive possession that put the game within one possession.

Still without points on the night, Mikesell forced a turnover, and Ohio State went running again. This time, Mikesell took the ball herself into the paint but was fouled in the process. Mikesell hit her first two points of the night, free throws, and got the Scarlet & Gray within one.

All USF could get, scoring-wise, was attempts at the free throw line and one layup. For Ohio State, they forced turnovers and Thierry and Greene put the offensive pressure on their shoulders.

Thierry hit 10 points and Greene gave Ohio State their first lead with three of her five points in the quarter with under three minutes remaining in the final 10 minutes. Then, with 3:24 left in the game, the Buckeyes were dealt a blow.

Greene went to the ground hard, immediately clutching her knee and needing treatment. The Buckeyes bench was visibly shaken by the injury, with her long-time teammates in tears on the court.

The guard left being helped off the court, and the game continued. Ohio State and USF traded layups initially but the Bulls went ahead four on a tough giveaway by the Buckeyes after forcing a turnover, down two at the time.

Ohio State kept battling back, and it turned into a free throw competition in the final minute. First, it was USF’s Fankam Mendjiadeu hitting two, then McMahon to tie it.

With 16 seconds remaining, the game was tied after Thierry knocked the ball out of bounds. USF had the final possession, but couldn’t make anything of it, putting Ohio State into their first overtime game of the season, ending regulation knotted at 75-75.

It took 2:27 into overtime, but Mikesell hit her first points in the run of play in the period. It came on a jumper in the paint, following hitting a free throw. What continued to hurt Ohio State though was putting players on the free throw line.

USF made nine free throws with a minute left into the final period. Ohio State went down six, but they didn’t stop.

McMahon hit a three to cut it to five, Mikesell waited till the final 20 seconds of the game to hit her first shot from deep and a turnover by USF and a layup by Thierry put Ohio State up 88-86 to win a game it never looked like they’d win.

Madison Greene’s Tough Injury


Regardless of Tuesday’s outcome, a story from the game is the injury of Greene. The guard spent all of the 21/22 season on the bench after needing knee surgery, missing the Big Ten season featuring a co-championship in the regular season.

Greene’s filled in for guard Jacy Sheldon, who’s suffering from a lower leg injury. Sheldon’s status of week-to-week — coupled with the unknown of Greene’s recent injury — puts the Buckeyes in a hole for the foreseeable future.

What’s most important is that Greene can return from this injury like she did entering this season, providing leadership and consistent play on the court.

Tough First Half Shooting


Hurting the Buckeyes, especially badly on Tuesday was shooting. Ohio State hit 31.3% in the first half, compared to 60% for the Bulls.

Part of that tough Buckeyes performance was Mikesell who went 0-for-6 in the first half, three of those from beyond the arc. It wasn’t all her though, with guard Madison Greene shooting 1-for-6 and forward Rebeka Mikulášiková going 1-for-4.

It ultimately didn’t matter, with Mikesell hitting the one that counted.

A by-product of that was Ohio State registering just one assist in the first 20 minutes after leading the Big Ten averaging 19.9 per game.

What’s Next


With the Buckeye win, they move on to face the No. 16 Oregon Ducks. For some on the team, it’s the preferred match-up because of Mikesell. The guard played a season with the Ducks before transferring to Ohio State before the 2021-22 season.

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It’s A Big Ten Christmas Carol: Who each B1G team would be in ‘The Muppet Christmas Carol’
JamiJurich via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here



Running through who each Big Ten football team would play in “The Muppet Christmas Carol.”

“Life is made up of meetings and partings.” -Kermit the Frog, “The Muppet Christmas Carol”

As life is made up of meetings and partings, so too is football season. Not all meetings and partings are equal, though. I can’t quite top last year’s “Home Alone” breakdown, but in honor of this week’s holiday festivities/the upcoming playoffs, I’ve decided to do a highly scientific breakdown of which character each Big Ten football team would play in the great holiday classic “The Muppet Christmas Carol.”

Narrators Charles Dickens (Gonzo) and Rizzo the Rat: Rutgers and Maryland



I mean no disrespect to the Great Gonzo or Rizzo, my little rat king, but in this particular film, you would quite literally forget they were there if they didn’t announce themselves on occasion. Rutgers and Maryland occasionally do something memorable (like when Rutgers put up a fight against OSU this year), but mostly they show up, and everyone is kind of like, “Oh yeah! Forgot about those guys!”

Ebenezer Scrooge: Ohio State


“Christmas is a very busy time for us, Mr. Cratchit. People preparing feasts, giving parties, spending the mortgage money on Playoff Tickets.” -The Ohio State Christmas Carol



The main characters in both “A Christmas Carol” and the Big Ten (and I’m not saying that as a homer — I’m saying that based on numbers) both tend to be quite greedy when it comes to sharing wealth. This can be a real thorn in others’ sides, especially because they are good at what they do. This year, in particular, Ohio State — much like Scrooge — needs to have a Come-to-Jesus moment if they’re going to get anywhere in the playoffs.

Kermit the Frog as Bob Cratchit: Northwestern


From very early in the movie, it is obvious that sweet Kermie is just getting kicked around by Scrooge. He tries to stand up for himself by getting Scrooge to close the office on Christmas Day, and though Scrooge relents, it’s for entirely selfish Bah Humbug reasons (all the other businesses are closed, so he won’t be able to get anything done, and doesn’t need to pay Bob to do nothing).

As the movie progresses, it’s clear poor Kermie-Bob needs some help. But you know what? That doesn’t stop him from working hard and giving it his all. Northwestern seems to try so hard – and sometimes they come pretty close to being successful (like the OSU game this year, with a little help from the wind), but at the end of the day, their fate is in the hands of their enemies.

Maybe one day this will pay off for them like it does for Kermit.

Fred Scrooge: Indiana


Indiana is made up of a bunch of very nice people who always seem to be inviting you to a party you don’t want to go to. I do hear they throw a good party. I’m never gonna find out though!

Dr. Bunsen Honeydew and Beaker: Nebraska



My guys are out here collecting money for charity and Scrooge poo-poos them. He wants nothing to do with what they’re selling. In the movie, this is a Bad Thing, but in football, this is a Good Thing. OSU doesn’t feel bad for resident Big Ten charity case Nebraska. We’re here to turn them out and kick them to the curb as Scrooge does to these two.

Statler and Waldorf as Jacob and Robert Marley: Iowa and Michigan State



A cautionary tale of what happens when you don’t get your ducks in a row. Iowa’s really messed things up for the Buckeyes in the past – remember 2017? Anyone old enough to remember the time when Michigan State and OSU used to flip-flop on wins, or when MSU beat OSU in the 2013 Conference Championship? How the mighty have fallen. They’re cranky, and they’re here to warn us about what happens when you get sloppy between seasons.

Ghost of Christmas Past: Penn State


Now it’s getting good. The ghosties are starting to show up. The skeletons are coming out of the closet. For the first seven years that Penn State was in the Big Ten, this matchup was a Top 25-team game, with at least one of the two in the Top 5. Then we had the Tressel years. There were some ROUGH games in there – I don’t need a ghostie bringing me back to these painful games because they seem so far in the past now that I have been able to repress those memories. They’re but a faint and fleeting thought, but when they come to mind, they’ll make you uneasy.

Ghost of Christmas Present: Michigan



Low-key, getting to be a ghost on the wall in their locker room/practices would be a great help in the Buckeyes having their needed Come-to-Jesus moment. But mostly, this is a storyline with present-day potential to make us sad. We already lost to them this season, and the potential for a rematch is just lurking there, much like the visions of Bob Cratchit’s family haunt Scrooge in this movie. We’ll have to fix some things on our end if this Christmas is going to be a success.

Miss Piggy as Mrs. Cratchit: Illinois


As it is Miss Piggy, she’s not gonna pass up a chance for the spotlight. She will find ways to be a diva with flashy moments. But her main storyline is that she’s strugglin’. She’s stuck at home caring for the family with barely enough money to make ends meet. Illinois similarly has flashy moments, small glimpses that make them seem like the real deal. Mostly they just need help though.

Robin the Frog as Tiny Tim: Minnesota



Poor Tiny Tim is having a really rough go, what with being sick and all. It’s really throwing a wrench in his plans for the future. Minnesota, similarly, had their hopes and dreams derailed by star running back Mohamed Ibrihim’s injury in October. Ibrahim missed only one game this year – a mid-season matchup against Purdue.

Yet without him, Minnesota lost 20-10, a game that ultimately cost the Golden Gophers a Big Ten Championship berth. Much like Minnesota’s hopes and dreams died that day, the Cratchit Family’s hopes and dreams have died in Scrooge’s trip to Christmas Future, where poor Tiny Tim is no longer with us.

Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come: Wisconsin



We gotta keep our eye on this one. Full of bad omens and scary things, Christmas Yet to Come tells us that Tiny Tim has died and things are sad. Could this be the tale of Wisconsin and Minnesota in the Big Ten West as Wisconsin looks to keep improving? I’m not saying next season – but in the near future, we could see them upending their division and putting the nail in Tiny Tim/Minnesota’s coffin. Bleak, man. Bleak.

Old Joe: Purdue


Old Joe is a gigantic spider who creates a fence, a barrier through which it is hard to pass. Purdue is often that. We all write them off, and yet, they were in the Conference Championship this year, and even in their off-years, they are ready to stand in the way for at least ONE team. Nothing more than an inconvenient fence.


Happy Holidays from everyone here at LGHL. Wishing you and yours a safe, Buckeye-victory-filled break!

*Author’s Note: I did not forget about Fozziwig/Mr. Fezziwig. Literally no one in the Big Ten is cool enough to be Fozzi Bear. No one.

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LGHL Uncut Podcast: Holtmann on pros and cons from UNC game, preview Maine
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here



The coach also gives an update on the returns of Brown and Likekele.

Throughout the year, Land-Grant Holy Land will be bringing you uncut audio primarily from Ohio State press conferences, but also from individual interview sessions.

Listen to the episode and subscribe:

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


On this new episode of “Land-Grant Holy Land: Uncut,” we have press conference audio from Ohio State men’s basketball coach Chris Holtmann as he talks about his team’s overtime loss this past Saturday to the North Carolina Tar Heels. He talks about the positives that he took from the game against one of the sport’s most storied programs, but also the things that certainly need improvement as his squad readies for Big Ten play.

Holtmann also provides updates on the eventual returns of Eugene Brown III from concussion protocol and Isaac Likekele following a personal family matter. He also provides a preview of Wednesday night’s game against the Maine Black Bears.

You can watch the full press conference on the official Ohio State athletics website.


Contact Matt Tamanini
Twitter: @BWWMatt

Music by: www.bensound.com

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Column: The best gifts Ohio State gave me this year
meganhusslein via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images

I’m still hoping to receive one or two more gifts, however...

What a year it’s been for Ohio State athletics!

There’s been national championships won, deep postseason runs made and unbelievable stars emerged in 2022. Let me give you a list of the best gifts Ohio State sports gave me this year.

1. Marvin Harrison Jr.

Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images

I think we are all in agreement when we say that Marv has been one of the best gifts the football team received this year. It has been an absolute joy to watch him make mind-blowing catches week after week. And, Buckeye nation still gets another year of him!

The impact he has made on this team is undeniable. He stepped into the WR1 role seamlessly after Jaxon Smith-Njigba went down in the first game. He is C.J. Stroud’s go-to guy and is Mr. Reliable. While he was snubbed from winning the Biletnikoff, he was named an unanimous All-American, which further proves his worth.

The best gift from him, perhaps, could be yet to come. I see him showing up big in the playoff game against Georgia, and he’ll need to if the Buckeyes want to advance to the National Championship. Either way, it has been so fun to watch him in his first season as a starter— it’s hard to believe he’s only a sophomore.

2. Women’s basketball last season AND this season!

Photo by Erica Denhoff/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

This women’s basketball program has truly become something special. Starting off with last season, the Bucks finished as Big Ten champions AND made it to the Sweet Sixteen. They also upset No. 3 LSU in the second round of the NCAA Tournament, which was AWESOME!! Last season was so fun to watch and follow along with.

However, the train didn’t stop in March. Ohio State has been on fire to start the season, building an 11-0 record! They started the season off with a bang with a win against No. 5 Tennessee and followed it up with another dub against No. 18 Louisville.

The women’s basketball team has been a gift. They are a special group of women who are supremely talented, yet have fun while playing. They are currently the No. 3 ranked team in the nation are poised to make a deep tournament run. They really could grant me the best gift of all at the end of the season.

3. Healthy Justice Sueing

Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK

The men’s basketball team is unique this year. With only three returning starters, it is filled with a bunch of new faces. However, one of the veterans that I have been super happy to watch has been Justice Sueing. After struggling to stay healthy the past two seasons, it is so awesome to finally get to watch him perform on the court.

He is averaging 13 points and five rebounds per game as he is working his way back to his true form. In just the sixth game into the season. he had 33 points against Texas Tech, reminding Buckeye nation of what he is capable of. It has really been a gift to watch him play.

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You’re Nuts: What Ohio State-themed gift are you hoping to receive this Christmas?
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 Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

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

We’re just days away from Christmas. Have you finished your shopping? And what are you planning to get for the Ohio State fan in your life — or are hoping to receive?

Today, we want to know what Ohio State-related gift you’ve written to Santa for this year. From new apparel to replace that jersey you wore during the Buckeyes’ loss to Michigan to serving dishes for the consummate host to some new outerwear for those late November matchups, there are plenty of options to choose from.

Today’s question: What Ohio State-theme gift are you hoping to see under the tree this Christmas?

We’d love to hear your choices. Either respond to us on Twitter at @Landgrant33 or leave your choice in the comments.

Brett’s answer: Ohio State dartboard cabinet


During the pandemic we all had a lot more free time on our hands. To occupy some of my time, I started playing more darts. My next door neighbor has a couple dartboards, and usually on Thursdays around happy hour there were four to six of us that would play for a few hours.

While I would play drunkenly play some darts at bars around campus when I would go out with some friends 10-15 years ago, this was the first time I got a little more serious about it. Now I’m not claiming that I should be playing darts professionally, but I have seen improvement over the last few years. Once the pandemic settled down, I started playing in a Thursday dart league at Ledo’s.

Also, in June I purchased a house. There is a pretty big basement in the house which would be perfect for a little “B-Leez bunker”. So far I have been working on other parts of the house, so I haven’t really made any improvements or additions to the basement, but an Ohio State dartboard cabinet would be a great addition.

I know that I could say a great Ohio State Christmas gift would be something like a jersey, hoodie, or some other type of apparel. Then again, I have enough of those items when it comes to not only Ohio State gear, as well as apparel from the Columbus Blue Jackets, Buffalo Bills, and numerous other teams. This dartboard cabinet is something I could get years of use of while I play a game I love.

No matter what your perfect Ohio State gift would be this year, I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas, and we all get to see the Buckeyes beat Georgia just before we kick off 2023.

Meredith’s answer: A Lego seat in the Lego Horseshoe


At this point, there’s not much I need when it comes to Ohio State paraphernalia, but one thing that would be extremely cool would be a ticket for a seat in the Lego Ohio Stadium. The model of the Horseshoe, built by Ohio State researcher Paul Janssen, PhD, has more than a million pieces and is massive as far as Lego structures go.

Doral Chenoweth/The Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK

However, what makes this ticket cool is that the “ticket” involves adding a Lego minifigure (a Lego-you, if you will) to sit in the Horseshoe model. Even cooler is that the $25 to purchase a seat goes toward the Heart and Vascular Center at Ohio State to support life-saving research. .

We all have our own fond memories of Ohio Stadium that might be bubbling to the surface this 100th anniversary season, and this gift is one neat way to celebrate those memories while making a positive impact.

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Oregon or Arkansas? Ohio State women’s basketball clear on their pick
1ThomasCostello via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The San Diego Invitational means one of two games this week are undecided on the opponent front, but the team is sure on who they want.

Tuesday, the Ohio State Buckeyes women’s basketball team faces the USF Bulls in the first of two-straight games in the San Diego Invitational. Win or lose, the Scarlet & Gray have two possible options for their Wednesday opponent, and both bring a challenge: the No. 16 Oregon Ducks or No. 17 Arkansas Razorbacks.

That begs the question of who will the Buckeyes play? By the time Ohio State and USF tip at 6:30 p.m. ET, the Buckeye opponent game outcomes become clearer. Oregon and Arkansas, a marquee match-up this late in the non-conference schedule, tips at 1:00 p.m. ET. A win by Oregon and same result by the Buckeyes means a reunion between Ohio State guard Taylor Mikesell and a Ducks team she played with for one season.

After breaking out at the University of Maryland, Mikesell swapped the East Coast for the Pacific Northwest. Following two years in the Big Ten of playing over 2,000 combined minutes, Mikesell played a career low 594 minutes, averaging 9.3 points per game and shooting a career worst 33.3% from deep.

Following a 2021-22 debut season with Ohio State where Mikesell was named to the First Team All-B1G, the guard decided to return to Columbus for her final season of eligibility. After announcing it, Mikesell might have hinted to that time in Oregon, when giving advice to players who are looking to transfer schools.

“My advice to someone is to go where they feel appreciated,” said Mikesell. “Go where they’re going to have the chance to showcase themselves as a person and as a player.”

From the sounds of it behind the scenes, the Buckeyes are hoping to show the Ducks their appreciation for Mikesell’s move back to the Big Ten.

“I just want to play Oregon,” said freshman forward Cotie McMahon.

Those were the first words out of the back-to-back Big Ten Freshman of the Week winner, when asked about her thoughts on the San Diego Invitational in general.

Head coach Kevin McGuff’s team wants this matchup, but it’s fair to say the Buckeyes would like to face Oregon after both teams win on Tuesday. Neither the Buckeyes or the Ducks have an easy road to San Diego Invitational glory.

Arkansas is a surprise team this season. After ending the 21/22 season 18-14, the Razorbacks are 13-0, including wins against ranked Kansas State Wildcats and Creighton Bluejays. For Oregon, their lone game against a ranked opponent ended in an 85-79 defeat.

Either team will provide a test for the Scarlet & Gray on Wednesday. Plus, Ohio State can still leave California with a third-straight win against a ranked opponent this season, even if they stumble against a tough USF team.

The Bulls have the Buckeyes number in recent history. Since 2018, their two games against each other ended in big double-digit Ohio State defeats. Even though both teams now feature different lineups, the Bulls feature a conference talent in guard Elena Tsineke and forward Dulcy Fankam Mendjiadeu. Also, the Bulls don’t care about Mikesell of the Buckeyes wants for the second game.

No matter which way the games fall, Ohio State has the opportunity to help reinforce their No. 3 ranking in the country. Look too far into the future though, and past USF, the ranking might not be there for long.

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Why is this News? All the articles and tweets Buckeye fans need for December 20, 2022
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Brad Penner-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!

For your Earholes...


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

On the Gridiron


Ohio State OL Avery Henry announces cancer diagnosis
Sam Marsdale, 247Sports

Sending the absolute best to Avery. All of Buckeye Nation is rooting for you.


Column: Last week was crazy for Ohio State, let’s look back
Chris Renne, Land-Grant Holy Land

You’re Nuts: Raiola’s gone and the sky is falling
Josh Dooley and Gene Ross, Land-Grant Holy Land

Ire at Ryan Day over Dylan Raiola’s de-commitment is misplaced
Mke Citro, Land-Grant Holy Land

hahaha, good to remember for tomorrow:


Five Questions as Buckeyes game-plan for Georgia (paywall)
Austin Ward, Dotting the Eyes

Jalen Carter, Georgia defensive front already have Buckeyes full attention (paywall)
Spencer Holbrook, Lettermen Row

Can Ohio State football’s Jordan Hancock regain his spring form by New Year’s Eve against Georgia?
Nathan Baird, cleveland.com

Ohio State’s offensive line must maximize potential in test vs. Georgia (paywall)
Bill Landis, Dotting the Eyes

Marvin Harrison Jr. believes he should have won Biletnikoff Award but won’t use snub as motivation
Patrick Murphy, Bucknuts

Just reminding y’all about this.


Column: What is going to happen with Justin Fields’ career?
Megan Hesslein, Land-Grant Holy Land

We’ll talk about this later: An ode to bowl sponsorships
Meredith Hein, Land-Grant Holy Land

On the Hardwood


Ohio State’s Cotie McMahon wins second consecutive women’s basketball Big Ten Freshman of the Week
Thomas Costello, Land-Grant Holy Land

Ohio State’s Brice Sensabaugh named Big Ten Freshman of the Week
Patrick Murphy, Bucknuts


Ohio State’s Gene Brown III could make season debut against Maine
Adam Jardy, The Columbus Dispatch

Outside the Shoe and Schott


Men’s Swimming & Diving: Ohio State Divers Earn Four Medals at Winter Nationals
Ohio State Athletics

Wrestling: No. 3 Buckeyes Split Dual Matches Monday in New Orleans
Ohio State Athletics

Women’s Ice Hockey: Kirk Earns WCHA Goaltender of the Week Nod
Ohio State Athletics

And now for something completely different...


I loled...


Continue reading...

Game Preview: No. 3 Ohio State women’s basketball vs. USF Bulls
1ThomasCostello 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

Buckeyes face a familiar non-conference foe in the first game of the San Diego Invitational

A major critique for the 2021-22 Ohio State Buckeyes women’s basketball team was their lackluster non-conference schedule. After losing multiple starters to the transfer portal, their return to playoff basketball after self-imposed sanctions started with a slate of games that could help a relatively inexperienced team gel. Well, that team won the Big Ten regular season co-championship and made it to the Sweet Sixteen.

Now, a little over a year after their last campaign began, the Scarlet & Gray face their stiffest non-conference test in a season with a couple non-conference tests already passed. Tuesday, the Buckeyes face the USF Bulls, with a match-up within 24 hours against either the No. 16 Oregon Ducks or No. 17 Arkansas Razorbacks.

It begins with the Bulls, a team the Buckeyes haven’t had much luck with in recent years.

Preview


The USF Bulls, out of the American Athletic Conference, have faced the Buckeyes twice in the head coach Kevin McGuff years. In both contests, not only did the University of South Florida win, but win big.

On Feb. 11, 2018, the Bulls invited the Buckeyes to Tampa, Florida and Ohio State left with an 84-65 victory. Less than a year later, in an early season Nov. matchup, the Bulls came to Columbus, beating the Scarlet & Gray by 24 points.

A lot’s changed since 2018 for Ohio State. None of the current team was part of those two losses and the only consistent piece for both teams are their leaders.

McGuff leads the No. 3 ranked team in the nation, likely without his starting point guard, and Bulls head coach Jose Fernandez leads a Bulls team who’s made the NCAA Tournament in six of the past eight seasons where the tournament was played.

There are similarities between the two teams this year. The first is that both aren’t afraid to shoot from deep.

USF leads the American Athletic Conference, making 36.4% of their 239 threes attempted this season. Ohio State’s 36.3% of their 245 shots (in two less games) means that the ball will be flying at the neutral site San Diego Invitational.

Leading the way for the Bulls is guard Sammie Puisis. The Mason, Ohio native’s shot 100 on the season, sinking 40 attempts. Alongside Puisis is one of four starters hailing from outside of the United States, guard Elena Tsineke.

The guard from Thessaloniki, Greece enters the season as a preseason All-AAC First Team player after securing a spot on the 2021-22 first team. When the opponents get bigger, so do the performances for Tsineke. Against Georgia Tech of the ACC, and the Big 12’s Texas Longhorns, Tsineke’s scored 24 and 22 points, respectively.

Chris Jones-USA TODAY Sports
Elena Tsineke (left) showing her ability to attack the basket

What makes her more dangerous is that defenses don’t know how she'll beat you each time up the court. Tsineke possesses impressive ball handling skills and attacks the basket, breaks away from defenders to shoot midrange and hits shots from deep. There’s a reason Tsineke was the conference voter’s pick for Preseason Player of the Year this season.

Tsineke is only one of the Bulls weapons too. The other is in the paint with Cameroonian Dulcy Fankam Mendjiadeu. Fankam Medndjiadeu joined the Bulls last season, after transferring from their fellow AAC side, the Memphis Tigers. This season, the 6-foot-4 big averages a double-double with 15.6 points and 11.5 rebounds per game.

Ohio State’s played tough centers this season, like Tennessee Volunteers’ Tamari Key, and neutralized them. Tuesday’s test ranks up there, making the play of forward Rebeka Mikulášiková and guard Taylor Thierry more important than usual.

Fankam Medndjiadeu averages over three personal fouls per game this season, leading the Bulls with 42. Getting her into trouble early will benefit Ohio State like it did to start the season against the Volunteers.

Projected Lineups

Lineup Notes

• With Cotie McMahon’s recent surge, there are six Ohio State players averaging double-digit points, showing the team’s diversity of scoring.
• Thierry leads NCAA with a field goal percentage of 73.4% — over three percentage points higher than the next player.
• After eight games of double-digit scoring, Mikulášiková’s gone on a little cold spell, scoring 18 points total in the last three games.

Lineup Notes

• Although guard Aeriel Powers doesn’t score in bunches, the point guard averages 4.2 assists per game for the Bulls.
• Four of USF’s normal starters this season hail from outside of the USA, representing Greece, Cameroon, Spain, and Canada
• Half of the Bulls are underclassmen this year.

Prediction


Something the Bulls of USF don’t do particularly well compared to the Buckeyes is cause turnovers. Although USF is predicted to win the AAC this season, they force the second lowest turnovers against their opponents, causing 13.7 per game. That bodes well for likely starting guard Madison Greene, playing for an injured Jacy Sheldon who now dons crutches.

Greene’s protected the ball well and facilitated for the Buckeyes this season. Defensively, she’ll have a tall task with Tsineke on the court but Greene’s solid, confident, ability on the defensive half of the court will benefit the Scarlet & Gray. In the past two games, Greene’s picked up her play in the full court press of the Buckeyes, grabbing 11 steals.

Overall, it’ll be a close game, like the Michigan State Spartans matchup. Ohio State will get better shooting performances from guard Taylor Mikesell and Mikulášiková, after a tough game against the Great Danes.

Their combined 17 points against UAlbany, compared to their over 36.1 points combined average, featured shots they usually hit. Shoot closer to their averages and that takes pressure off their teammates.

How to Watch


Date: Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2022
Time: 6:30 p.m. ET
Where: Pechanga Arena - San Diego, California
Stream: Flohoops

LGHL Prediction: 82-78 Ohio State Buckeyes

Graduating Buckeyes


For some fans, it’s hard to remember that the athletes representing Ohio State are also students. On Sunday, there was a nice reminder.


Guards Mikesell and Harris received their diplomas, part of the fall 2022 commencement. Mikesell earned a Bachelor of Arts degree and Harris earned a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Science degree.

Mikesell might get a fun graduation present, depending on the scoreline of Arkansas vs. Oregon. A game against the Ducks gives Mikesell a chance to play against her former team, a one-year stint, with even Mikesell’s teammates wanting to make a statement against the Pac-12 side.

Ducks or no Ducks, if playing basketball at the college level is tough, doing it while earning a degree is even tougher. That should be celebrated.

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Hangout in the Holy Land Podcast: Ohio State recruiting update, transfer portal talk
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

Ahead of game week, there is lots to talk about involving the Buckeyes.

The latest episode of Land-Grant Holy Land’s flagship podcast ‘Hangout in the Holy Land’ is here! Join LGHL’s co-managing editor Gene Ross alongside his co-host Josh Dooley as they cover everything from football to basketball to recruiting and more!

Listen to the episode and subscribe:

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


While the guys weren’t planning to hop on the podcast until it was time for the Georgia game preview, there was a lot to discuss in the interim. Ohio State lost its five-star QB commitment in 2024, but gained the No. 1 WR in the class as well since the last episode. Plus, with the topic of the transfer portal hot in the streets, Gene and Josh talk about the Buckeyes’ involvement, including who is coming and going and what other names to be on the lookout for this offseason.

“Hangout in the Holy Land” will be posting two episodes per week during the regular season, with an episode before and after each Ohio State game to give you all the preview and recap content you may need. Be sure to download and listen in wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple to let us know your thoughts and how we can make things even better!

You can also follow us on Twitter @HolyLandPod, where we will want to hear from you guys even more! If there’s anything you’d like us to talk about on the show, @ us and let us know!

As always, Go Bucks.


Connect with the Podcast:
Twitter: @HolyLandPod

Connect with Gene:
Twitter: @Gene_Ross23

Connect with Josh
Twitter: @jdooleybuckeye

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50%
FREE THROW PERCENTAGE BUCKEYES RECORDED

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POINTS RECORDED BY OHIO STATE’S BRICE SENSABAUGH

Ohio State’s big targets heading into Signing Day
Dan Hessler via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


2023 five-star defensive end Matayo Uiagaleleivia 247Sports

National Signing Day begins Wednesday, and the Buckeyes are still targeting multiple recruits to close out the 2023 class.

This is a busy week for college football recruiting, as the early signing period begins tomorrow. Ohio State head coach Ryan Day and his staff are busy with all things recruiting, and in this new recruiting atmosphere, the staff is likely the busiest it has ever been this time of year. The Buckeyes are still targeting multiple recruits and athletes in the transfer portal as well, and below is just a few of the team’s priority recruits heading into the big day.

Closing out the 2023 class


Ohio State’s 2023 recruiting class is already one of the best in the nation. Currently, the class sits at No. 7 in the 247Sports Class Rankings and sits atop the Big Ten. While this is already quite the accomplishment, the Buckeyes are far from finished in this class. With just one more day left before recruits are able to sign their National Letter of Intent with their school of choice, the Buckeyes will be looking to bolster their class.

Heading into tomorrow, three names sit atop the list for recruits to watch for the Buckeyes. 2023 five-star defensive end targets Matayo Uiagalelei and Damon Wilson both have Ohio State listed among their final schools, and both are expected to announce their decisions tomorrow. Additionally, the top offensive tackle in the transfer portal, Ajani Cornelius, is also scheduled to make his announcement tomorrow as well.

Ohio State has long been recruiting both Uiagalelei and Wilson, and has appeared as the favorites for both at different times. Georgia seems to be the last remaining competition for the Buckeyes when it comes to Wilson, and the Bulldogs seem to hold a slight advantage over the Buckeyes before his recruitment comes to an end. The Buckeyes are far from out of it, and they have done all they can to make a finishing blow, but Georgia remains the favorite to land Wilson tomorrow.

The Buckeyes also sit well with Uiagalelei, who the team has also long been associated with. Ohio State has been viewed as the favorites in this one since the summer, but Uiagalelei has seen a strong uptick in contact with both Oregon and USC since then, and have established themselves as true contenders in this one. Ohio State still holds the advantage in the 247Sports Crystal Ball predictions, but this is far from a guarantee. The Buckeyes chances appear to be stronger with Uiagalelei than the aforementioned Wilson, but either USC or Oregon could easily steal him from Ohio State and keep him out west.

The final name to keep an eye on for tomorrow is the top-viewed offensive lineman in the transfer portal, Cornelius. A rather new aspect related to signing day, and definitely added pressure on the coaching staff, the transfer portal has taken on a new life this year. Ryan Day and the Ohio State coaching staff are having to exert effort in not only keeping kids committed to the program that are already enrolled, but the staff is also recruiting kids who have decided to move on from their original school of choice.

The team has identified multiple targets, but none is bigger than Cornelius, who impressed at Rhode Island this past season. Tennessee is Ohio State’s biggest competition in this one, as he has officially visited with both schools since entering the portal on Dec. 1.

It is incredibly unlikely Ohio State lands all three of the above mentioned recruits, but it looks to be just as unlikely that they miss on all three. Even landing a commitment from just one of them would be a win for the program, as the class is already ranked in the top 10.

Make sure to follow Land-Grant Holy Land as we will keep you up to date on how the above recruitments play out.

Quick Hits

• Ryan Day and the Ohio State football team are not the only coaching staff actively recruiting this time of year. Chris Holtmann and the Ohio State men’s basketball team are constantly hitting the recruiting trail as well. Holtmann has brought in multiple stellar recruiting classes in his six-year tenure at Ohio State and he is looking to build on the momentum.

On Monday, it was reported by Jake Weingarten of stockrisers.com that Ohio State was one of two programs to reach out to four-star shooting guard, and top-50 overall prospect Rakease Passmore. The other program to make contact with him was Oklahoma. Passmore (who has an incredible name for a guard) currently holds scholarship offers from the likes of Indiana, Kansas, Memphis, Oregon, NC State, etc. and will hope to add Ohio State to that list after speaking with the Ohio State coaching staff.


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Down to Auburn and USC.

Committed to FSU.

Ohio State’s Cotie McMahon wins second consecutive women’s basketball Big Ten Freshman of the Week
1ThomasCostello 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

It was a one-game week for Ohio State, but one game was all the Ohioan needed.

Last week, Ohio State women’s basketball freshman Cotie McMahon secured her first Big Ten Player of the Week award. It’s an award an Ohio State player hasn’t received since current redshirt junior Madison Greene received the honor on Feb. 17, 2020. There wasn’t an almost three-year wait this time around, with McMahon doubling up the honor in consecutive weeks.

The Buckeyes faced only one team this week, after narrowly defeating the Michigan State Spartans on Dec. 11. That team wasn’t up there with the Tennessee Volunteers and Louisville Cardinals of the basketball world, but the UAlbany Great Danes still gave Ohio State a rough first half of basketball before the Scarlet & Gray pulled away.

A big piece of Ohio State’s 82-57 win was McMahon. The forward started the game strong, scoring the first nine points for the Buckeyes. McMahon continued her tear, adding another 13 before the final buzzer sounded, making 24 points her new scoring high in her first season of NCAA basketball.

Scoring 20-plus points made Friday night’s win her third game reaching at least 20 points, starting all 11 for the Buckeyes. Of those three high-scoring games, two came in Ohio State’s last three games.

McMahon’s shown a growing maturity after early tests on the season calendar saw the Centerville, Ohioan playing with energy, and attacking the basket, but into crowded spaces and making easy work for college defenses. Since then, and games against Boston College and Louisville where minutes were diminished in place of veterans on the team, McMahon’s shined.

In the last four Ohio State games, McMahon’s scored 14.2 points, grabbed 6.3 rebounds, and dished 3.8 assists per game. That came after averaging 8.1 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1 assist per game in the first seven.

Head coach Kevin McGuff and teammates applauded McMahon’s work over the past few games, referencing how the game is slowing down for the freshman, and instead of rushing to the basket, she’s taking a second to find open teammates and draw attention away.

That doesn’t mean she still isn’t fast. McMahon’s aggressive defense and her movement down the court off turnovers led McGuff to call McMahon “the most exciting 10 seconds in women’s basketball.”

The forward wasn’t alone in receiving the award this week. Rutgers guard Kaylene Smikle averaged 22.5 points and 5.5 rebounds in two games for the Scarlet Knights last week, including a 26-point, eight-rebound, game against the Princeton Tigers.

Currently, McMahon and the Buckeyes are in San Diego, California. On Tuesday, the Scarlet & Gray face the USF Bulls. On Wednesday, they follow that game up against either the Arkansas Razorbacks or Oregon Ducks, depending on the results from either game.

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Captain Buckeye said:

Which is horse crap. If these kids are basically semi pro then they should be forced to honor their agreements or forfeit their earnings. No way anyone should be able to get paid and then just leave like that.

Click to expand...

The point is there is never supposed to be agreements to “keep these kids” anywhere. The pay to play is the issue. Stay and we will pay but if not you aren’t required to accept? How is this different than Anthony Davis signing a max contract and then demanding a trade without playing? This is supposed to be a loss for the investor. Which is why it’s going to drop drastically in $$$$ sooner than most people realize. That being said. Kids should be able to sign a commitment any time they want and be held accountable to that commitment. If they aren’t signed, then they can be recruited against until they get somebody to sign a letter of intent. Kids have all of the power right now. That needs to change. Once signed LOI they should be able to begin collecting NIL and if the business gets screwed then, that’s on them

Column: Last week was crazy for Ohio State, let’s look back
Chris Renne via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Photo by Ben Jackson/Getty Images

There was a lot of news, good and bad. Now the Buckeyes aren’t dead, but damn did it take some perseverance from fans to get through this one.

There are not a lot of teams in the country – college or professional – who share the chaotic nature of the Ohio State news cycle. Since Ohio State’s loss to Michigan, the Buckeye faithful have been put through the wringer, and to be honest, it’s been pretty hard to keep up with.

The up and down rollercoaster of being a college football fan has been amplified. This pastime is a year round job now. Missing a day, or two, is missing a lifetime in college football time with how rumors move, dissolve, or become concrete. This past week was the most evident experience of that in recent memory.

Ohio State fans lived through every single aspect of the current landscape of college football. From recruiting and transfer decisions to NIL deficiencies, and the craziest part is the Buckeyes have a playoff game in less than two weeks. Chaos might be an understatement, but looking back at this week, the Buckeyes are far from dead.

This week started off hot — not in the way a fan would want, but hot nonetheless. Rumors began swirling that Ohio State was far behind in the NIL landscape. The fact of the matter is these rumors were substantiated this week. The significance of NIL money might be overblown, but there is real substance to wonder why Ohio State is so far behind.

The man, the myth, the legend Cardale Jones did his best to rid fans of the misnomers surrounding the NIL collective business, and his partner with The Foundation, Brian Schottenstein, announced that there will be a monthly payment option. Many NIL collectives across the country have already had this going, which shouldn’t raise any confidence that the Buckeyes will now start dominating in the NIL landscape.


Columbus is a big city. There are a lot of places to spend and donate money. Hospitals, schools, education buildings, and other places rich donors plan to give their money away to. The recurring donations should help, but the more worrying sign to me is the fact Ohio State Athletics has needed to send out an email from Athletic Director Gene Smith, and Ryan Day has mixed feelings about the dynamic NIL has across the country.

Both men think there’s a great opportunity though with Day saying, “The great news is we’re positioned really, really well in Columbus and with our fan base to do just that. And our team has done very, very well here on campus and over the last year, they’ve done great.”

Now fans can put their money where their mouth is — I say that in jest – and that was just the beginning of the week.

On Tuesday, the Buckeyes ran into some somber news regarding one of their most talented players. TreVeyon Henderson announced he is out for the playoff run with a foot injury, the same foot injury that has been bothering him since the early parts of the season. Henderson’s last notable game was his short lived appearance against Maryland.

There were questions about the severity of the injury, which Henderson responded to in a now deleted tweet. A week later Ryan Day was asked about the injury situation, and stated that there would be more info coming about Henderson in the coming days. The more information was Ohio State’s star running back announcing he would be unavailable for the matchup against Georgia in the Peach Bowl.

This was not the news the Buckeyes needed, and this added fuel to an already hot fire burning in the fan base. This was Tuesday, but this was not the only significant news from Tuesday.

As the Buckeyes continued to gear up for the playoffs, the transfer portal opened up on Monday. Talk about planning from the NCAA. But there are some benefits for players entering the portal in this window. They have time to enter, announce a decision, and enroll in classes in the Spring. A lot of positives, but for fans and coaches this puts the transfer decisions.

Ohio State has announced quite a few offers throughout, but the raised senses around the fan base made it really challenging to cipher through what was fact or fiction. Now imagine hearing Treveyon Henderson has an announcement to make, the running back room is deep, and looking at the landscape of news I can understand why fans expected the worst.

But the news ended up being unrelated. Ohio State has offers out, they’re hosting their share of prospects, and we wait until this week’s crazy news cycle to find out how the buckeyes did.

This week was chaotic like a rollercoaster, the thing about rollercoaster is when they go down they usually go back up – which is why they’re fun. The Buckeyes landed a commitment from a five-star recruit. A few reasons this news was not more noteworthy, the five-star recruit was Jeremiah Smith, a receiver, and he’s in the 2024 class.

This is still exciting news, and there is by no means any reason to not be excited about it. Not everything in the recent news would give anyone reason to not be excited about the 2024 class. Smith is awesome and I’m excited to see what he brings to Columbus, but Hartline landing a five star is not as newsworthy as it once was.

What is newsworthy though is the potential scenario of Ohio State going 0-for-3 on blue chip edge prospects to close out the class. As of writing this article, Matayo Uiageleilei recently gained a USC prediction on On3, Damon Wilson has become a Georgia lean and Keon Keeley committed to Alabama. Recruiting has always been a marathon, not a sprint, but the final stretch has been rough in 2023, highlighted by news this week.

And now to the biggest news of yesterweek. Dylan Raiola – No. 1 overall player and quarterback in the 2024 class - decommitted from Ohio State. A significant reason in why many believed Smith committed. Then Raiola didn’t tweet about Smith’s commitment like he had every other 2024 commitment up to this point.

Once again the rumor mill began swirling. Raiola is closely linked to Nebraska now. There are family connections, his father played there and his uncle is a coach on Nebraska’s staff. Two other rumors include Raiola not appreciating the Buckeyes taking a 2023 commit — which also happened last week — at quarterback, and the other gossip is about a significant NIL deal.

Throwing in some opinion here, if either of those rumors are true, is Raiola the quarterback you want at Ohio State? The two on the roster in Kyle McCord and Devin Brown went headstrong into rooms with multiple top-50 quarterbacks. The 2023 commit, I forgot to mention in Lincoln Kienholz, flipped from a surefire opportunity to light up the world in Kalen DeBoer’s quarterback friendly offense up in Washington.

Instead he chose to step into a fiery competition knowing that there was also an all-world recruit already committed in the class of 2024. Talk about having dog in him. That is the type of player Ohio State fans have talked about missing in recent years. The 2023 class might not close as strong as fans might have hoped, but the transfer portal has the potential to fix that. But we already talked about that.

Going back again, Ohio State fans couldn’t even catch their breath by enjoying a nice, early set of December college basketball games. Earlier in the week, Tanner Holden saved Ohio State from shame at home by hitting a deep three to send Rutgers back to Piscataway sad.

An incredible shot that was, and here it is to enjoy:


The Basket-Bucks weren’t done with the week yet. They had a noteworthy game on Saturday at the Mecca, Madison Square Garden. Ohio State’s trip to New York CIty started off well against the North Carolina Tar Heels; They went into halftime with a lead. A championship level team was here for the Buckeyes, until they had to close out a game.

The Buckeyes blew a lead late allowing the Tar Heels to send the game to overtime, and then went on to lose the game to UNC.

Finally, Ohio State fans, I have seen the new internet rumor. No, I don’t think Marvin Harrison Jr. is interested in transferring to USC. With that being said, it is time to take a collective breath here before we start this week.

Being a college sports fan is not easy, and it is an everyday job on top of all the responsibilities you take on in your life. This week really challenged the reasonable approach, and as always the next week will bring it’s fair share of crazy.

That being said, Ohio State is far from dead, and there is plenty to be excited about.

The Buckeyes have six All-Americans voted on by various outlets. Marvin Harrison Jr. is Ohio State’s first unanimous All-American at receiver, and he joins an exclusive club including 36 other Buckeyes. Paris Johnson Jr. was a consensus All-American, and this is a milestone that is hopefully just a prelude to the his final legacy for the Buckeyes. Four others joined them with C.J. Stroud, Tommy Eichenberg, Dawand Jones, and Ronnie Hickman all being named All-Americans.

The other news keeps you busy. The games are really what being a fan is all about. Ohio State is in the College Football Playoff. They’re taking on Georgia in less than two weeks and the world has ruled the Buckeyes out. This is the time to rise, and remember the fact that Ohio State should never be counted out of anything.

Ohio State still has a top-7 recruiting class, they’re playing for a championship, and people are beginning to rally behind a cause. The Buckeyes are alive, and winning in two weeks will reinvigorate an entire nation of people.

I can’t even begin to predict how these next two weeks will go, but man it’s crazy being a fan of a college football team right now. With all the news, the rumors and all the stories out there, sometimes the joy can get lost in the mess.

That being said, there is still a lot to look forward to in the wild world of college football, especially as an Ohio State fan.

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Such an exciting World Cup. I think Qatar should host ever[mic cuts off]

You’re Nuts: Raiola’s gone and the sky is falling
Josh Dooley via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Five-star 2024 QB Dylan Raiola | Blair Angulo, 247Sports

Where is our concern level after the latest Ohio State de-commitment?

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

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

This week’s topic: Level of concern after Dylan Raiola’s de-commitment.

Josh’s Take


This past weekend, Ohio State lost the commitment of highly coveted 2024 quarterback, Dylan Raiola. The Arizona high schooler had been committed to OSU since May, but will now (further) explore all of his options. Raiola has quickly been linked to Nebraska, where his father played — and also where his uncle was the only assistant retained by new Huskers’ head coach Matt Ruhle.

But his future destination is neither here nor there, as Buckeye fans are only concerned with the impending collapse of a once great and powerful empire.

Fans and certain media types had a mini-meltdown upon hearing the Raiola news, forcing Gene and I to immediately jump on Reddit and/or completely reasonable message boards to assess the damage. And boy, are there some takes out there in the atmosphere. One Reddit user accused Ryan Day of intentionally letting Raiola walk because he (Day) is a covert TTUN mole, while another message board user said that losing the 2024 talent is a good thing, because he is actually a 29-year-old insurance salesman merely parading as a high school football player.

With debate and conspiracy afoot, my co-host and I felt obligated to weigh in with our respective, current level(s) of concern.

If we are using a numerical scale here, my overall level of concern – focusing solely on the Raiola/2024 piece – is one (1). And that is only because Railoa appears to be a heck of a football player. Otherwise, you could mark me down for a big, fat zero. Allow me to present my case...

Throw out your (any rational Ohio State fan) feelings about the general health and wellbeing of the team/program – which is about to play in another CFP, BTW – and ask yourself this: What is the one thing you absolutely trust Ryan Day to accomplish? With your life on the line, what is the one thing you would ask him to do, to save your scarlet and gray soul? Sort of a trick question here, because the correct answer is actually two-fold.

And here it is: You (again speaking to rational fans) would trust Day to both identify and develop a high-end QB. If you believed in him for no other reason, you at least have to believe in his ability to produce the next Dwayne Haskins, Justin Fields, or C.J. Stroud. The track record exists, and it is beyond reproach. So why are we collectively freaking out over the lost commitment of a kid who would not start in Columbus until 2025 at the earliest!?

Beyond the trust I have in Day’s ability as a QB whisperer, I would also point out that OSU has time on its side. Like, a lot of it. Because we are still days away from members of the 2023 recruiting class even having the ability to make their early commitments official — emphasis on 2-0-2-THREE. Not the 2024 class, to which Raiola belongs.

By decommitting now, he actually did the Ohio State staff a huge favor. Day, Dennis, and Co. can go back to the drawing board and take an entire year, if needed, to identify and sign their next Heisman candidate QB. And if the whole process take a while? So be it. Because remember: Haskins was a late flip and C.J. Stroud did not even received an offer (from OSU) until three months before he enrolled!

Lastly, Gene, I must bring up the transfer portal. In today’s world of college football, every single player is seemingly available at any time. Quarterbacks have been especially willing to take advantage of this newfound free agency system, and we have seen it work out for the Buckeye as recently as 2019 — albeit under unique circumstances.

There is no doubt in my mind, that if Ohio State is unable to find their desired prospect in an upcoming class, they will just look within the NCAA ranks. Snatching transfers is the new roster construction, and I believe that OSU coaches will be active when they see both a need and a potential fit. There will always be a proven QB looking for better coaching, a better situation, and/or better weapons, and all of those things are consistently offered in Columbus.

At the end of the day, there is no way to frame Raiola’s loss as a net positive. He is the No. 1 overall prospect in the 2024 class. But we don’t know what the future holds. Maybe he has a change of heart. Maybe he turns out to be a bust (not wishing for it). Or maybe – just maybe – Ohio State finds another QB elsewhere, and turns them into an absolute stud... Ryan Day has only shown us his ability to do so over and over again, so why doubt the process now?

Gene’s Take


While it isn’t the end of the world, I don't want to sugar coat it — losing Dylan Raiola is bad. I’ve seen a lot of talking on social media that sounds a lot like someone rationalizing their ex after a breakup. A bunch of ‘Well, he isn’t THAT good anyway’ or ‘Ohio State will wind up with somebody better’ going on online. I’m here to say that while the Buckeyes will likely land on their feet and wind up in a new relationship with someone who loves them very much, Raiola was a catch, and could be the one that got away down the line.

As far as recruiting rankings go, there is no quarterback better in the 2024 class than Raiola. Not only is he the No. 1 QB in the cycle, but he is the No. 1 recruit overall regardless of position. It seemed almost too good to be true for Ohio State to have the top quarterback in the class committed to go along with the latest commitment of Jeremiah Smith — the No. 1 wide receiver and No. 2 overall player in 2024 — and as it turns out, it was too good to be true.

The reasons for Raiola’s de-commitment aren’t entirely clear, but most of it seems simply out of the Buckeyes’ control. Far be it from me to defend Ryan Day in any matter, as I would pack his bags for him if Mike Vrabel came calling, but my podcast co-host does have a point. Quarterback recruiting and development is far and away what Day does best. If that, mixed with playing at one of college football’s premier destinations with one of the biggest brands on the biggest stage wasn’t good enough, then I'm not sure what Day and his staff could have done to convince him to stay. If family ties at Nebraska and/or NIL were the reason for his departure, Ohio State is shit out of luck.

As far as my concern level goes, I would say I’m at about a four. Most of my concern stems not from Raiola’s de-commitment specifically, but the way things have been trending for this Ohio State staff as a whole, especially in the 2023 recruiting cycle.

We know the shortcomings on the field in recent years, but the recruiting from this staff for everyone not named Brian Hartline has seemingly dipped. Larry Johnson is a legend of the game, but Ohio State is about to whiff on all three five-star edge rushers they seemingly had a good shot with. Tony Alford has landed one premier running back since J.K. Dobbins in 2016, and the Buckeyes are without a RB commitment in 2023. Cornerback recruiting has been a whirlwind as programs try to poach OSU’s top commits before signing day. As things stand, Ohio State has the No. 7 class in the country, and it doesn’t look like its going to get much better before signing day. ‘

Obviously Raiola is a 2024 guy and is unrelated to this cycle, but it is a concerning trend nonetheless. In my opinion, it is time to purge the last of the Urban Meyer holdovers from the program if they aren’t getting the job done anymore. This is probably a topic for another day, as Day is the one mainly in charge of recruiting the quarterbacks and this doesn’t apply to him, but this is more at play for my concern level of Ohio State recruiting than anything else. Raiola’s de-commitment is bad, I just think there are other issues at play that feel more pressing at the moment.

The Buckeyes will find another QB in 2024 and be fine, but there is a lot at stake this offseason in Columbus, and I'm not sure I trust a handful of the current guys in charge to figure it out.

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Column: What is going to happen with Justin Fields’ career?
meganhusslein via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images

Getting drafted by the Bears really wasn’t ideal.

Each week, Justin Fields continues to show why he is a great quarterback in this league. Whether it be an amazing 60-yard run or him escaping tackle after tackle, he reminds us of his talent. However, with the team that he is surrounded with, how much longer can he perform at this level?

Getting drafted by the Chicago Bears was certainly unfortunate for Fields. He came off of two phenomenal seasons at Ohio State, yet three other QBs were taken ahead of him. Trevor Lawrence, who, based off what we all saw in college, was the obvious No. 1 choice. Zach Wilson. Don’t even get me started — as a Jets fan, I would take Fields 10 times out of 10 ahead of Wilson. Trey Lance remains to be seen, but Fields has proven his talent.

So, unfortunately, Fields dropped down to No. 11 to Chicago. After a rough rookie season under Matt Nagy, many thought that this would be Fields’ breakout year. New GM, new head coach, new receivers and some offensive line additions sounded like a recipe for success.

However, this season hasn’t exactly equaled that.

Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images

Fields is the third-most sacked QB in the league, being taken down 40 times. He’s thrown 13 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Receiver Darnell Mooney is out for the season, and Chase Claypool and N’Keal Harry were both inactive Sunday. Right guard Tevin Jenkins was injured during the game as well. So, Fields’ main targets and some of his protection are unavailable.

Therefore, a lot of the load falls on his shoulders. He has to take it upon himself to give this team a chance to win. That means he has to run — a lot. He became just the third quarterback to rush for 1,000 yards in a single season Sunday. So, he’s on the move a lot and he gets hit a lot. What can that mean for his long-term durability?

If he keeps going at the rate he is going, with the little protection he has, I fear that he won’t be able to play for a long time in this league. Just like running backs are only solid for five to seven years, Fields may be on that pace as well if his body keeps taking hits like it is now.

Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images

However, let’s say the Bears do improve in the next two years and he gets some help on offense. I’m sure Chicago will want to extend him for a fifth season, too. So, after three years, Fields has the option to go somewhere else.

Obviously, it’s too soon to predict what will happen following this season. But, I am saying it’s possible that his team could screw him over as a result of the lack of help he has. His body could also get worn down if he keeps rushing at this amount and taking so many hits. If Chicago doesn’t ruin him, he could get out and go to a better team.

Fields is one of the best Ohio State quarterbacks who has the potential to be successful in the NFL in decades. Let’s hope he isn’t failed by factors he cannot control.

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Why is this News? All the articles and tweets Buckeye fans need for December 19, 2022
Matt Tamanini 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

All the Buckeye news thats fit to re-print.

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

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

You’re welcome!

For your Earholes...


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

On the Gridiron


Seven From Football Program Graduate Sunday
Ohio State Athletics


Ohio State adds Arizona State transfer long snapper John Ferlmann
Colin Gay, The Columbus Dispatch

Ohio State fans share what worries them most about UGA, which Buckeyes need to step up most
Matt Tamanini, Land-Grant Holy Land

Bennett Christian officially became a Buckeye over the weekend!


Ohio State football’s Mike Hall Jr. is healing, but can he unleash his early season form on Georgia?
Nathan Baird, cleveland.com

How nonstop-grinder Keenan Bailey won over Buckeyes (paywall)
Austin Ward, Dotting the Eyes

Jami and Meredith Get Into All Sorts of Fun Topics on a Special Farewell Episode:


Document discovered: Ryan Day’s letter to Santa
David M. Wheeler, Land-Grant Holy Land

On the Hardwood


Ohio State falters in overtime as North Carolina wins thriller
Adam Jardy, The Columbus Dispatch

Reasons for optimism remain after excruciating loss to North Carolina
Steve Helwagen, Bucknuts

UNC’s on-ball pressure proved too much for Buckeyes in MSG
Andy Backstrom, Lettermen Row

Would not have guessed this:


Why didn’t Ohio State guard the inbounds pass against North Carolina?
Adam Jardy, The Columbus Dispatch

Game Notes: No. 3 Ohio State women’s basketball’s second half vs. UAlbany
Thomas Costello, Land-Grant Holy Land

Forgotten Buckeyes, Special Edition: Jamaal Brown
Josh Dooley, Land-Grant Holy Land

Outside the Shoe and Schott


Student-Athletes to Receive Degrees at Autumn Commencement
Ohio State Athletics

Women’s Hockey: Buckeye Sweep Cornell with 4-0 Shutout Victory
Ohio State Athletics

Men’s Hockey: No. 14 Buckeyes Finish Sweep with 9-4 Win over BGSU
Ohio State Athletics

And now for something completely different...


Come on, you knew I was going to go with this today!


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We’ll talk about this later: An ode to bowl sponsorships
Meredith Hein via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images

Your dose of lighthearted takes from this week’s happenings.

Each week, we’ll break down something that happened during the Ohio State game (and occasionally other games and events) that we’ll be talking about for a while—you know, the silly sideline interactions, the awful announcing and the weird storylines that stick with us for years to come. We’ll also compare each of these happenings to memorable moments in pop culture, because who doesn’t love a good Office reference?

There’s a lot to love about this week in sports: the finals of the World Cup, Justin Tucker missing two field goals so the Cleveland Browns could finally beat the Baltimore Ravens, the start of the college football bowl season.


The downside is that (if we can call it a downside), at the start of the bowl season, there’s a lot of eyebrow-raising bowl names featuring teams you probably know nothing about this season. Sponsorships rotate, of course, but it’s hard to keep up with who’s effectively financing the Fenway Bowl year in and year out (this year, it’s cloud storage company Wasabi. More on that below). It brings just enough of a level of absurdity to keep things interesting for the first quarter.


Not everyone can be as classy as the Rose Bowl, which is so iconic that sponsors come after the name of the game (no matter how much they pay!). A few of my favorite names from this year have been:

• Jimmy Kimmel LA Bowl Presented by Stifel: Fresno State beat Washington State Saturday in a blowout, but I’m still confused if Jimmy Kimmel is sponsoring this game, if this game is named in honor of Jimmy Kimmel or if Stifel (a wealth management/investment banking firm) just really likes Jimmy Kimmel.
• Famous Idaho Potato Bowl: There’s actually no sarcasm here: I love this bowl. The first thing I think of when someone mentions Idaho is “potato” so this feels like a sponsorship match made in heaven. Further, the second thing I think of is “Boise State football/Smurf turf.” *chef’s kiss.”
• Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl: Not Frosted Flakes. Not Kellogg’s. Just Tony the Tiger in all his orange and black striped glory. It’s grrrreeat.

It’s also interesting how many business-to-business companies (like Wasabi) are sponsoring bowl games. None of us are purchasing an aircraft, Lockheed Martin, but by all means, sponsoring the Armed Forces Bowl makes perfect sense.


Bowl season also brings us back to some of the more head scratching sponsors. Remember the Battlefrog Fiesta Bowl? Tostitos sponsored the Buckeyes’ favorite desert postseason matchup for nearly two decades before, in a confusing twist, a nearly unknown outdoor fitness company jumped in with a single season sponsorship in 2016.


Having previously managed events and sponsorships, I can only imagine what this one year stunt cost Battlefrog. Sure, it did the company a lot of good in raising awareness, but it was a bizarre interloper between the legacy tortilla chips we know and love and PlayStation, which sponsored the game for seven years after that. Coincidentally, Battlefrog closed its doors in August 2016.

Perhaps the sponsorship was not the right move, after all.

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