MC&J: Picks against the spread for the first 12 games of college football’s bowl season
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 Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Bowl season kicks off on Friday morning with the Bahamas Bowl.

Season ATS: 96-105-5 (48-55-2 National, 48-49-3 B1G)


Unlike last year, this year MC&J is heading into bowl season with a record under .500. Luckily there are over 40 bowl games this year, giving us plenty of opportunities to move to the winning side for the season. This will be the first of four MC&J bowl picks articles over the next couple weeks.

Bowl games 12/16 - 12/21:


(All lines courtesy of Draftkings Sportsbook.)

Bahamas Bowl: Miami (OH) v. UAB (-11) - Friday 12/16 11:30 a.m. - ESPN

Can we go back to the Bahamas Bowl being sponsored by Popeyes? How much fun would it be if any points scored were as random as ordering at Popeyes? Maybe you get a couple extra points on a touchdown. Or instead of field goal points you get safety points. Just chalk it up to Popeyes being Popeyes.

Last year Miami earned their first bowl win since 2010 when they beat North Texas 27-14. It is going to be really tough for the RedHawks to make it two in a row since they are taking on a UAB team that has one of the best running backs in the country. DeWayne McBride ran for 1,713 yards and 19 touchdowns this year. McBride rushed for 200 yards in three games this year, including 272 yards in the 37-27 win over Louisiana Tech to close out the regular season. The Blazers are better on both sides of the football.

UAB 34, Miami (OH) 20


Cure Bowl: No. 25 UTSA v. No. 24 Troy (-2) - Friday 12/16 3:00 p.m. - ESPN

After a warmup with the Bahamas Bowl, we get a really good matchup in the Cure Bowl, with the Conference USA champs taking on the winners of the Sun Belt. UTSA will be looking for their second straight 12-2 season, while Troy is enjoying their first winning season since 2018.

The strategies in this game will be a little different, as UTSA is all gas and no brakes on offense, while Troy has a defense that is only giving up 17.5 points per game. The Trojans have found a bit of rhythm on offense of late, scoring at least 34 points in each of their last three games.

Last year the Roadrunners lost the Frisco Bowl to San Diego State. I think this year Jeff Traylor’s team caps off the year with their first bowl win in school history. Quarterback Frank Harris and favorite traget Zakhari Franklin are just a little too much for Troy in this game.

UTSA 38, Troy 27


Fenway Bowl: Cincinnati v. Louisville (-1) - Saturday 12/17 11:00 p.m. - ESPN

I’m not gonna lie, I hate pretty much everything Boston. As a Yankees fan, I think Fenway Park is a dump. If you can’t have a bowl game without having both sidelines on the same side of the field then you don’t get to have a bowl game. Nobody is going to shed any tears over Boston not getting a bowl game.

This game was already looking spicy when the matchup was announced since this marks the first time since 2013 that the Keg of Nails has been up for grabs. Things got even hotter when it was announced that Cincinnati was hiring Louisville head coach Scott Satterfield to replace Luke Fickell, who was hired as Wisconsin’s new head coach. Former Ohio State assistant Kerry Coombs will be Cincinnati’s interim coach in this game. Louisville will be coached by a man who knows plenty about winning in Boston, former Patriots wide receiver Deion Branch.

Not only will Louisville have an interim head coach, they’ll also be without quarterback Malik Cunningham and leading wide receiver Tyler Hudson, as both have opted out of this game after declaring for the NFL Draft. The Cardinals aren’t quite the same team without the dynamic Cunningham. It feels like the Bearcats care a little more about this game, and will rally around Coombs before Satterfield takes over.

Cincinnati 28, Louisville 20


Las Vegas Bowl: Florida v. No. 14 Oregon State (-10) - Saturday 12/17 2:30 p.m. - ESPN

Florida beat Utah in Gainesville to start the year, then didn’t do much else, finishing the regular season with a 6-6 record. A mediocre Gator squad has gotten even worse heading into this game, as quarterback Anthony Richardson has opted out of playing after declaring for the NFL Draft. Starting for Florida in Las Vegas will be Ohio State transfer Jack Miller III.

Oregon State quietly had a good 9-3 season, with their losses coming to USC, Utah, and Washington. The Beavers closed out the regular season with a dramatic comeback win over Oregon in the Civl War. Running back Damien Martinez is just 30 yards away from 1,000 yards for the season.

The Gators lost to Vanderbilt this year. That should tell you just how much work Billy Napier has to do if he wants to get Florida back to respectability. I can’t see a short-handed Gators team keeping it close against an Oregon State squad looking for their first 10-win season since 2006.

Oregon State 33, Florida 17


LA Bowl: Washington State v. Fresno State (-3.5) - Saturday 12/17 3:30 p.m. - ABC

It’s obvious how different of a team Fresno State is when quarterback Jake Haener is healthy. Haener missed a game at Boise State earlier in the year and the Bulldogs lost 40-20. Fresno State returned to Boise with Haener for the Mountain West Championship Game and beat the Broncos 28-16.

Cameron Ward was really good in his first season in Pullman, passing for over 3,000 yards and 23 touchdowns. Former Wisconsin running back Nakia Watson also made an impact in his first year with the Cougars, rushing for 736 yards and eight touchdowns.

After losing four straight games to fall to 1-4 to start the season, the Bulldogs have won eight straight games. Fresno State has been really good in bowls lately, winning their last three dating back to 2017. Haener and running back Jordan Mims are going to be a little too much for Washington State to handle.

Fresno State 30, Washington State 23


LendingTree Bowl: Rice v. Southern Miss (-6.5) - Saturday 12/17 5:45 p.m. - ESPN

There are always a few bowl games that look awful. This is one of those games. Rice is 5-7 and only here because they get good grades. Southern Miss had to win their final game of the regular season against Louisiana-Monroe to get to six wins.

One thing about Southern Miss, they covered a bunch of games this year, posting 8-9 wins ATS depending on what lines you had. If that wasn’t enough, they also have Frank Gore Jr. at running back. I’m confident the Golden Eagles can find success against a Rice defense that allowed 33 points per game this year.

Southern Miss 37, Rice 21


New Mexico Bowl: SMU (-3.5) v. BYU - Saturday 12/17 7:30 p.m. - ABC

This game feels like the first team to hit 50 points will win. Tanner Mordecai of SMU and BYU quarterback Jaren Hall each threw for over 3,000 yards and 31 touchdowns this year. Mordecai won’t have his full arsenal of weapons though, as Rashee Rice has already declared for the NFL Draft and opted out of this game. Rice was four catches shy of 100 receptions for the season.

Even though there are questions as to whether Hall will be able to play because of injury, I like the Cougars in this game. While SMU is the flashier team, BYU feels like the tougher team. In a game where there will be a ton of points, I’ll gladly take a few with the team that plays at least a little bit of defense.

BYU 45, SMU 38


Frisco Bowl: North Texas v. Boise State (-10.5) - Saturday 12/17 9:15 p.m. - ESPN

I don’t really get North Texas. After making it to the Sun Belt title game, the Mean Green fired head coach Seth Littrell, who was 44-44 in seven seasons in Denton. The Frisco Bowl will be the sixth bowl game North Texas had made in that span. While the Mean Green haven’t won any of those bowl games, who do they think is going to do a better job?

Boise State might have lost to Fresno Stat in the Mountain West Championship Game, but the Broncos still finished the regular season with a 9-4 record. Taylen Green has done a solid job in replacing quarterback Hank Bachmeier. Expect George Holani to have a big game against a Mean Green defense that isn’t very mean. Boise State rolls over a North Texas team that will probably be a little lost without Littrell.

Boise State 41, North Texas 24


Myrtle Beach Bowl: Marshall (-10) v. UConn - Monday 12/19 2:30 p.m. - ESPN

Jim Mora Jr. has done a great job getting UConn to six wins. Prior to this year, the last time the Huskies won at least six games in a season was back in 2015 when Bob Diaco was head coach. That being said, I’m not dumb enough to pick the Huskies here. UConn still has a tough time getting much offense going, so a Marshall defense that allows less than 300 yards per game shouldn’t have much trouble keeping the Huskies off the scoreboard.

The Thundering Herd come to Myrtle Beach having won four straight games, and they had a huge upset early in the year when they beat Notre Dame in South Bend. Not only did Khalan Laborn rush for 1,423 yards and 16 touchdowns this year, Rasheen Ali returned for the last two games of the regular season. Ali ran for 1,400 yards and 23 touchdowns last year. The running game of the Thundering Herd is going to wear out UConn.

Marshall 27, UConn 10


Famous Idaho Potato Bowl: Eastern Michigan v. San Jose State (-3.5) - Tuesday 12/20 3:30 p.m. - ESPN

We are living in a world where Eastern Michigan has won eight games in a season. The last time the Eagles won at least eight games in a season came back in 1986 when they won 10 games and the California Bowl. Eastern Michigan not only won at Arizona State, they won their last three games of the regular season. Samson Evans ran for 1,084 yards and 13 touchdowns this year to power the offense of the Eagles.

After transferring from Hawai’i following last season, Chevan Cordeiro was really good for the Spartans this year, throwing 20 touchdowns and just four interceptions. The issue with San Jose State’s offense is they have a hard time running the football, averaging just 92 yards per game on the ground.

Eastern Michigan just feels like a little more well-rounded team than San Jose State. The Eagles will be eager to snap a four-game bowl losing streak, as they still haven’t won a bowl game since 1986. Plus, Chris Creighton’s team is a little more familiar with playing on funky colored turf like they’ll see in Boise.

Eastern Michigan 24, San Jose State 20


Boca Raton Bowl: Liberty v. Toledo (-5) - Tuesday 12/20 7:30 p.m. - ESPN

Liberty lost head coach Hugh Freeze to Auburn, but is bringing in Coastal Carolina head coach Jamey Chadwell. The Flames must have known Freeze was on the way out since they dropped their final three games of the regular season.

After closing out the regular season with two losses and limping into the MAC Championship Game, Toledo righted the ship a bit by beating Ohio 17-7 in Detroit. Quarterback DeQuan Finn hasn’t quite been as good as we saw when the Rockets took on the Buckeyes because he has been dealing with an ankle injury. Luckily Finn will have some time to rest his ankle before this game, and should be ready to showcase his skills before possibly hitting the transfer portal.

Toledo 37, Liberty 23


New Orleans Bowl: Western Kentucky v. South Alabama (-4.5) - 9:00 p.m. - ESPN

South Alabama lost just two games this year by a combined our points. The offense of the Jaguars had a great mix with quarterback Carter Bradley and 1,000-yard rusher La’Damian Webb. Not only has the South Alabama offense been good, the defense has been stout, giving up just over 300 yards per game.

At first it looked like Western Kentucky quarterback Austin Reed wouldn’t play in this game after entering the transfer portal. Then Reed changed his mind and withdrew his name, deciding to stay with the Hilltoppers. Even though Western Kentucky can put up plenty of points, the offense doesn’t seem quite as potent as they were with Bailey Zappe at quarterback. If you look at the wins by the Hilltoppers, most of their victories came against teams with losing records. South Alabama just feels like the right choice here.

South Alabama 38, Western Kentucky 27

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

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I was a fan when he played and I'm a bigger fan now with his contribution to the community.

Peach Bowl Film Preview: Don’t underestimate Stetson Bennett, Georgia’s passing game
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 Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Stetson Bennett has been underrated his whole life, which has bled over to Georgia’s passing attack. Underestimating this attack would be a grave mistake for the Buckeyes.

The Georgia Bulldogs are a team built on the backs of five-star recruits, making them incredibly hard to underestimate. At one key position though, they have a constantly overlooked star who is the engine of the entire Georgia offense. That player is Stetson Bennett IV, the quarterback whose story has been told time and time again since he became entrenched as a starter.

Bennett’s pathway to get to where he’s at is part of why opposing fans still overlook the undersized signal-caller. Coming in at a generous 5-foot-11 and an even more generous 195 pounds. His size is not ideal. But he makes up for it with a natural ability to extend plays as well as surprising arm strength.

Georgia’s passing offense is not solely reliant on their unheralded quarterback. They have dynamic tight ends and receivers who do their job well. Offensive coordinator Todd Monken has knack for drawing his players open with horizontal crosses and a play-action passing game. Once the group lulls opponents to sleep, they take shots downfield.

For Ohio State to limit the Bulldogs’ offense, containing Bennett to the pocket is the first place to start. If pressure is brought, making sure rush lanes are maintained is key. If the coverage downfield breaks down and the rush doesn’t get home – which has been a problem for the Buckeyes – Bennett has all the talent to beat them.


Downfield Passing

Georgia is not a dominant downfield passing team, and tries to get their receiving targets the balls on intermediate crossing routes. The few times they do throw down field, they find a lot of success. This is in large part due to Bennett’s arm talent, which is sneaky given his stature. Against teams that play man coverage, Georgia has been much more willing to take big shots downfield.

Tennessee plays man coverage in the same capacity as Ohio State. Georgia’s plan of attack was to challenge the Volunteer defense vertically. The play in itself is a play-action off of split zone, and Bennett has plenty of time to throw. The play develops and the ball is thrown downfield, hitting the receiver running a deep post in stride. This is not the most impressive throw from a quarterback, but it shows Bennett has the arm strength to hurt a defense downfield.


Once again, the Georgia plan of attack against Tennessee was to challenge their cornerbacks vertically. This is a man-beater. McConkey runs an out-and-up, which throws the defender off leaving nothing but space for the Georgia wide out. Ohio State has been bitten by double moves at times this year, and despite Georgia not having dynamic receivers, they consistently win on these routes.

Bennett once again isn’t asked to do something special, but he delivers a strike for another long touchdown.


Intermediate Accuracy

The intermediate area of the field is where quarterbacks distance themselves from the pack. The best can slice up defenses in the 15-25 yard range. Almost every D-I quarterback can chuck it deep and the rest can hit the quick crossers. But between the linebackers and safeties is a true testament to the feel a quarterback has in the game.

The first play that demonstrates what makes Bennett the engine that keeps the Georgia offense moving is an example of high level quarterback play. In the red zone, the field shrinks and that means the passing windows do as well. Georgia lines up in a condensed bunch trips formation to the field side. Three routes are run with the goal to hit the post route behind the defense. Bennett has to get the ball over top of the defender and still give his receiver a chance to come down in bounds with the ball.


In the next play, Bennett has a similar window to throw the ball into. This time the receiver has more room to work. Another unheralded recruit – and now Georgia folk hero – Ladd McConkey is the receiver here. LSU is playing in Cover-3, and this means the window for the post route is between the rotating safety and the corner. Bennett sees the linebacker dropping beneath the receiver, which makes the window even smaller.

The throw Bennett makes here is reserved for the likes of Heisman finalists, and if you had to make a list of quarterbacks who can make this throw consistently, you might not use both your hands. Bennett delivers a ball with enough touch to clear the linebacker and with enough velocity to not allow the corner back into the play. Georgia attacks the middle of the field again, and Bennett’s timing with his receivers are a big reason they are able to find so much success with these throws.


Bennett was a Heisman finalist for a reason, and his development into an upper tier passer at the college level came as a surprise to many. His arm talent surprised me quite a bit when I started diving more into Georgia’s offense. Bennett can sling it. When pressured he isn’t always consistent, but from a clean pocket he is as dangerous as anybody.

In the play below, LSU is in man-coverage, and this is where Ohio State is going to need to be at their best. The LSU defender responsible for the tight end loses his leverage and gets beat up field. Bennett throws the ball on time and on target for a touchdown. Georgia is trying to attack the middle of the field regularly in their passing game, and they do that effectively.


Ability to Extend Plays

One of the aspects that makes the Georgia offense dangerous is Bennett’s escapability inside and outside the pocket. Bennett is not physically imposing, and teams are able to corral him with ease if they are able to get their hands on him. The issue is teams have a lot of trouble containing him due to his speed.

Ohio State was unable to keep contain on both athletic quarterbacks they played this season, and Bennett might be better than both. In this first play, we can see how Tennessee is unable to catch Bennett. He gets the corner and isn’t able to make a throw down field, but he is able to beat the defense to the pylon for a touchdown on 3rd-and-10. This is the third dimension to Georgia’s passing attack, and if all else fails, Bennett is usually able to turn a broken play into a positive gain.


Escapability also allows teams to extend plays, and Georgia is well organized when Bennett breaks the pocket. In the play below, Bennett doesn’t break the pocket. He eludes the rush to give his receiver enough time get across the field. The receiver is covered, but the ball is well-placed for a completion.

Quarterback contain has been an issue for the Buckeyes at times this season, and QBs have been able to find yards in some key situations. Ohio State will need to limit Bennett’s ability to get outside the pocket and remain disciplined in coverage to avoid allowing big plays off script. If the Buckeyes are able to contain Bennett to the pocket and get their hands up at the throw, they can create the conflict needed to impact his accuracy and decision making.


Georgia has dynamic tight ends, solid receivers, and a quarterback who has been undervalued almost the entirety of his career. Despite putting up Heisman finalist numbers, Bennett gets little credit for the success of Georgia’s offense outside of Athens. Most names brought up are that of Brock Bowers and the tight ends, but they are only a part of a very underrated passing attack.

The Monken-designed Bulldog offense is able to mix personnel and attack opposing defenses in different ways. When teams talk about complimentary football, Georgia’s offense fits the bill. Their run game sets up the play-action pass, and the success of the passing game keeps teams on their heels to open up the run game.

Georgia does not have the big name stars outside of Brock Bowers and Stetson Bennett, but underestimating them has gotten teams in trouble this year. Ohio State has unfortunately been unable to stop the last two passing offenses they’ve played. If the Buckeyes choose to play man, they will need to get pressure home to impact the Georgia passing attack. If not, Georgia has shown an uncanny ability to make opposing teams pay on the back of their quarterback.

We didn’t get into the tight ends because, well, no one underestimates them. They are as good as advertised. Ohio State will have plenty of challenges in this game, but make no mistake — underestimating their passing attack would be a grave misstep.

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No real scandals, but a weird week of Buckeye controversies
David M Wheeler 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

Some comments on the buzzer-beater, C.J. Stroud and Desmond Howard, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba

I was just sitting around, minding my own business waiting for New Year’s Eve, and I’m hit with several odd news stories. Journalists have tried to stretch them into scandals – but they’re not. “Controversies” is a better word for them. But hell yes, I have opinions.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s decision to sit out, get healthy for NFL Draft


Did you read JSN’s Tweet? He might have had help from a publicist, but it couldn’t have been better written. It said all of the right things.

Thanks to the Buckeye Nation (to whom the tweet was addressed) for enabling him to play on the game’s biggest stage. Thanks to his coaches and teammates. A pledge of “everlasting” loyalty to the school. The tone was humble and definitely team-first. JSN says that, after consulting with his doctors, he would “not be able” to participate in the playoff games. At the end, he announced that he would be “officially declaring for the NFL draft.”

I was hoping that JSN would play, but, of course, I wondered how well he would perform after such limited action this season. He played in only three of the Buckeyes’ 12 games, caught five passes, and gained 43 yards. After such a layoff, would he be better out there than, say, Julian Fleming or Xavier Johnson? I don’t know.

Then along comes Todd McShay on ESPN’s “College Football Live.” McShay says that he has learned from NFL scouts (unnamed, naturally) with whom he’s talked that JSN is “healthy enough to play” and that his decision not to is merely for self-protection. McShay goes on to criticize Smith-Njigba’s game – dropped passes, unexceptional size and speed. The implication is that JSN needed to play in order to improve or even solidify his draft position, which McShay figures is late first or early second round. It won’t be long until we learn whether he’s right or wrong about that position.

JSN’s father, Maada, steps in and discusses the limitations that he’s seen in his son’s movement as he undergoes rehab. He’s not ready to play. The elder Smith-Njigba says that he’s “at peace” with the family’s decision to sit him out and try to get healthy.

I don’t claim to be objective here. I love JSN, and I firmly feel that if he were able to play and contribute to a Buckeye run at a national championship, he would. Naturally, I don’t know the state of his injury at present. I doubt that McShay (or the perhaps-fictional scout) does either. He’s just another trouble-making journalist trying to stir things up.

Desmond Howard and the Heisman snub


Although I don’t like Desmond Howard, he would have to be much, much worse in order to surpass my least favorite former TTUN player – Tom Brady. (Did you see Brady whine, whine, whine at his teammates and the refs in Sunday’s game against the 49ers? Sorry for the digression). Howard doesn’t pretend to be unbiased. He gives everything a maize (or is it “maze”?) and blue slant. That’s OK. I’m cool with it. He is what he is.

In 2021, at C.J. Stroud’s first Heisman ceremony, Howard made a crack about Stroud’s not getting much protection from his offensive line. That Michigan game was fresh in our minds. The line deserved the slap. This year, Howard started things off by complaining about Blake Corum’s omission from the Heisman finalists, while former Buckeye Cardale Jones was congratulating the four who actually were finalists. Howard had to take a shot at Jones, too, claiming that he hadn’t played in many big games. True, perhaps, but why say it? What’s the point?

Then came Saturday’s Heisman ceremony. No surprise. Caleb Williams was predicted to win, and he did. The only “incident” that kept this ridiculously televised event from being the total yawner that it annually is, was the SNUB.

I’ve watched the video a couple of dozen times, I suppose. Yeah, Stroud shook a couple of hands, then walked past Howard. But Howard wasn’t even looking at him; he was too busy laughing it up with the guy next to him. Did Stroud snub him? Probably not, but I hope so. This program needs a little action, and it’s good to see the rivalry play out in new and varied ways. And Des deserves to be put in his place now and then.

The “buzzer-beater” that shouldn’t have been a game-winner


No question: Tanner Holden’s three-pointer beat the final game buzzer. By definition, then, a “buzzer-beater.” Instant pandemonium. A shot, a game to remember for Holden and the Buckeyes.

But wait. As the Rutgers bench was demanding a review, the officiating crew hurried off the court, into the safety of... well, wherever officials go after a game.

The replays show clearly that Holden had been out of bounds, then returned to the court to receive the pass from teammate Bruce Thornton. (In fact, Thornton looked to be out of bounds, too). The ball should have been blown dead. It wasn’t. The basket counted, and the game was over. Buckeyes won it 67-66.

Sure, the refs blew the call. But how often does that happen in sports? It’s part of the game, any game with referees or umpires, but it’s a part that’s getting smaller with official reviews and replay videos. I’m not complaining about the call, partly because my team won. If I were a Scarlet Knights fan, I’d complain. But I’d get over it. Might not get over the missed free throw that preceded the play, however.

Here’s the odd thing. On Friday, the day after the game, the Big Ten conference issues an official statement acknowledging the missed call by a crew that is “one of the best in the country,” but one that apparently needs additional education about the rules, according to the statement. The formality of the language – referring to Thornton as “an OSU student-athlete” and the citing of the play as “a violation of NCAA Rule 9, Section 3, Article 1” is kind of bizarre.

Did anybody feel better after that statement? Certainly not Rutgers: they still got the “L” but now know that they were really cheated. Holden? His feat was clearly diminished. Rather than hitting a game-winner, he just got away with something. How about the refs who were taken to the woodshed? I thought that, given the speed of the play, they simply didn’t see the foot over the sideline. But the statement sounds as though they saw it but didn’t know that it was a rule violation. More education. Really? Well, that gives us confidence about other crews that aren’t the best in the country.

What the Big Ten statement didn’t say is that an infraction of that rule – stepping out of bounds and then being the first to touch the ball – isn’t reviewable on replay. Although the refs missed the call, they were right in hurrying away, rather than going to the monitor. Which, of course, brings up the question, why are some things (like clock issues, flagrant fouls) reviewable and some things not? This play determined the outcome of the game. Not reviewable?

It’s high time for the NCAA to review its replay policies, especially in the final five minutes (two minutes?) of the game.

What a week! Always something going on.

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POCKET FULL OF POSEY

Remember Tattoogate? You know, the controversy in 2010 and 2011 that forced Jim Tressel to resign and resulted in the departure of Terelle Pryor and suspensions of DeVier Posey, Mike Adams, Daniel “Boom” Herron and Solomon Thomas?

Of course you do. And so does Posey.

As NIL continues to evolve (and, by extension, become harder to control without a singular governing body), the whole controversy seems more laughable by the day. Posey laughs about it to this day, but he also understands the integral role the “Tattoo Five” played in laying the groundwork for NIL in collegiate athletics.

In a recent Q&A with Tyler Dunne of the newsletter Go Long, the former Ohio State receiver said his decade-long pain has become glory for college athletes today, but he invites it. At the same time, he hopes players like C.J. Stroud, TreVeyon Henderson and other Buckeyes understand the privilege they possess to make money at their current level of competition.

Dunne: With Ohio State, I can’t imagine what’s going through your head with all the transfer portal stuff today. All the millions of dollars being thrown around. It’s ridiculous to think what you, Terrelle and all you guys went through. At the time, it’s the No. 1 sports story. Your name’s getting dragged through the muck.

Posey: It’s crazy, man. Your pain can always be somebody else’s glory. I’ve invited it. I know our story has impacted NIL and a lot of decisions. When you look back at how we were dragged, we know we helped shape this NIL. We helped people realize how silly it was. To be honest, we had NIL deals all around the city. The irony of it all, my sophomore year, being a communications major, we had to do a 30-minute speech. I picked: “Why college athletes should be paid.” For a whole quarter, I researched. You had to have a problem. You had to have a solution. And you had to speak about it. So, I researched the problem. I understood how much people made from trademarks for the stadium. I understood what the video game made, what the jersey sales made and I came up with solutions. Trust funds and things like that. And what the Olympic committee does for amateur athletes, so they can go and compete in college. I had all these solutions for ways college kids can be paid. Through the irony of it all, I ended up not giving a f--k about the rules anymore. The veil was removed from my eyes. I could see what was going on. Yeah, it bit me. I lost a lot of money. I’m happy I uncovered that knowledge. I’m happy I learned that because — on our journey — me and those other four guys have impacted guys like Bijan Robinson or TreVeyon Henderson or CJ Stroud who’ve been participated in (NIL deals). Pain is glory. That’s what I teach my sons. It’s the truth......


https://www.elevenwarriors.com/skul...nks-tattoo-five-helped-shape-nil-and-treveyon

Why is this News? All the articles and tweets Buckeye fans need for December 15, 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!

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Five-star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith commits to Ohio State
Matt Parker, Lettermen Row

Five-star WR Jeremiah Smith a Buckeye: The impact
Bill Kurelic, Bucknuts

New Five-Star Commit Jeremiah Smith Has All the Tools to Be Ohio State’s Next Superstar Wide Receiver
Garrick Hodge, Eleven Warriors


Analyzing impact as top-ranked receiver Jeremiah Smith picks Buckeyes (paywall)
Jeremy Birmingham, Dotting the Eyes

What Jeremiah Smith’s commitment means to Ohio State football: Buckeyes Recruiting
Stephen Means, cleveland.com

The nation’s No. 1 WR Jeremiah Smith talks Buckeyes commitment: ‘It’s just a brotherhood up there’
Steve Helwagen, Bucknuts

247Sports Take: Jeremiah Smith could be ‘best yet’ for Buckeyes
Andrew Ivins, 247Sports

Social media reacted after 5-star WR Jeremiah Smith announced commitment to Ohio State
Bill Kurelic, Bucknuts

Seems good...


Ohio State football adds four-star QB Lincoln Kienholz to 2023 recruiting class
Colin Gay, The Columbus Dispatch

Four-star QB Lincoln Kienholz is a Buckeye: The impact
Bill Kurelic, Bucknuts


Analyzing impact as quarterback Lincoln Kienholz commits to Ohio State (paywall)
Jeremy Birmingham

What 2023 quarterback Lincoln Kienholz commitment means for Ohio State
Matt Parker, Lettermen Row

What Lincoln Kienholz’s commitment means to Ohio State football: Buckeyes Recruiting
Stephen Means, cleveland.com

Social media reacted after Lincoln Kienholz announced commitment to Ohio State
Bill Kurelic, Bucknuts

But is he willing to scramble for a first down?

On the Gridiron


Steele Chambers to return to Ohio State in 2023, Tommy Eichenberg undecided
Patrick Murphy, Bucknuts

Marvin Harrison becomes Ohio State’s 37th unanimous All-American with AFCA nod
Andy Backstrom, Lettermen Row

Buckeyes left tackle Paris Johnson named consensus All-American
Joey Kaufman, The Columbus Dispatch

Miyan Williams eyeing return to lead Ohio State rushing attack vs. Georgia (paywall)
Bill Landis

Another freshman officially becomes a Buckeye:


Peach Bowl crowd split, recruiting, TreVeyon Henderson’s status: Ohio State notebook (paywall)
Cameron Teague Robinson, The Athletic

Column: C.J. Stroud has one game to define his Ohio State legacy
Megan Husslein, Land-Grant Holy Land

Ohio State QB C.J. Stroud defends Jaxon Smith-Njigba sitting out CFP semifinal against Georgia amid backlash
Mariah Guzman, 247Sports

J.T. Tuimoloau spoke up when Ohio State was down (paywall)
Andy Backstrom, Lettermen Row

DO NOT TAKE HIM OFF THE FIELD:


LGHL Asks: What are you most worried about from Georgia in the Peach Bowl?
Matt Tamanini, Land-Grant Holy Land

You’re Nuts: What are you asking Santa to bring the Ohio State football team this Christmas?
Matt Tamanini and Jami Jurich, Land-Grant Holy Land

It’s official: I am sick and tired of super-duper seniors and well-traveled Peter Pan-types participating in college athletics
Josh Dooley, Land-Grant Holy Land

Column: In moments of tragedy, sports can unite us. Let’s let them.
Meredith Hein, Land-Grant Holy Land

Steele is all of us:

On the Hardwood


Brice Sensabaugh Already Has the Trust of Chris Holtmann Late in the Game
Josh Poloha, Eleven Warriors

Listen to Chris Holtmann preview Saturday’s game vs. North Carolina:

Outside the Shoe and Schott


Field Hockey: Goldean Named Third Team All-American by the NFHCA
Ohio State Athletics

Women’s Gymnastics: Edwards, Harris Tabbed B1G Gymnasts to Watch
Ohio State Athletics

Women’s Volleyball: Londot, Podraza, Murr Named AVCA All-Americans
Ohio State Athletics

And now for something completely different...


James Gunn just laying out the future of the DC Cinematic Universe on Twitter:


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LGHL Uncut Podcast: Coach McGuff, Harris, McMahon talk San Diego, early season recap
1ThomasCostello via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Ben Cole - Land-Grant Holy Land

The trio discuss McMahon’s Big Ten honor, two moments that showed the team’s strong bond and who the Buckeyes want in the San Diego Invitational

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.


On Sunday, the Ohio State Buckeyes women’s basketball team won their 10th game of the season in 10 tries. On Wednesday, head coach Kevin McGuff, guard Rikki Harris and forward Cotie McMahon spoke with the media before their final home non-conference game and their trip to San Diego.

Coach McGuff starts things off discussing where the Scarlet & Gray need to improve on defense, rebounding under different defensive looks and the difficulty of preparing for two basketball games in two days. Amongst other topics after two rest days for the Buckeyes.

Harris and McMahon take on the media together, with McMahon discussing winning her first Big Ten Freshman of the Week award, what she’s learned so far in her freshman season and makes no doubts on which team Ohio State wants to play in the second game of the San Diego Invitational.

The redshirt junior Harris gives insight into when the Buckeyes’ chemistry became so strong, and why. Also, looking forward to the basketball and non-basketball activities in San Diego and looking back at the first third of the regular season and discussing how she thinks the Buckeyes have started the 2022-23 campaign.

It’s the final media availability for the Buckeyes before their trip and then time off for the holidays, and there’s a lot to learn about the No. 3 team in the country in this episode.


Connect with Thomas:

Twitter: @1ThomasCostello

Theme music provided by www.bensound.com

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Buckeyes pick up two huge commitments on Wednesday
Caleb Houser 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

Ohio State lands a pair of pledges to further boost the future of the offensive success.

Ohio State lands their 2023 quarterback


Of the many things Ryan Day does well, developing the quarterback position certainly tops the list. In each year of his tenure, the Buckeyes have trotted out one of the best signal callers in the country, and this year was the same story. Going hand-in-hand with the on-field success, Day’s recruiting abilities have been off the charts since he came to Columbus. While the 2023 class was a little bit difficult to follow, Wednesday proved that once again Day’s earned trust in his process.

A name that has really come to the surface the last few weeks, Lincoln Kienholz had been committed to Washington since June. When Ohio State got into the mix earlier this month, many thought the Buckeyes would be able to land his commitment because of the track record. Knowing they lost their 2023 quarterback in Brock Glenn, Day went back to the drawing board and pulled out another incredible late finish. Yesterday, Kienholz not only de-committed from Washington, but flipped his pledge to Ohio State, giving the Buckeyes their signal caller in the class and their 20th commit in total this cycle.

The No. 205 player nationally, Kienholz is the 14th ranked quarterback in the class and the top overall player in South Dakota per the 247Sports Composite. A three-sport phenom, Kienholz excels at baseball and basketball in addition to football. A state champion multiple times, Lincoln has the competitive edge the Buckeyes are looking for and the athleticism that may be even more impressive that what is currently in Columbus.

Taking to Twitter to share his de-commitment from Washington, it was just a few moments later that his Ohio State commitment graphic was posted. The plan all along was to commit in person to Day and position coach, Corey Dennis, but with travel plans being pushed to Saturday, Twitter was the next best option. Either way, the Buckeyes now have their guy in the 2023 class and can focus on landing more of their top targets as they near signing day.

Buckeyes land five-star receiver in the 2024 class


As if one commitment wasn’t enough, the Buckeyes went back-to-back and also landed another five-star pledge for their 2024 class. Coming as a bit of a surprise timing wise, Florida native Jeremiah Smith tweeted a reply to one of the more popular recruiting graphic designers, and right away hearts started to race for what could be coming. Shortly after, position coach Brian Hartline tweeted his cryptic “popcorn” emoji post, and all bets were off as to what was coming for Ohio State.

Making it official, the top receiver in the country in the 2024 class released the news that he was committed to Ohio State, and as it has since Hartline’s start in Columbus, the rich get richer. The No. 2 player nationally, Smith as mentioned is the top receiver in the country and also the top player in Florida per the 247Sports Composite. A 6-foot-3, 185 pound star in the making, Smith has long been linked to Ohio State, but this commitment wasn’t exactly expected this soon. However, it was welcomed with open arms.

Feeling the momentum from his commitment, other Buckeye commits even in the 2023 class such as Brandon Inniss and Carnell Tate shared their excitement on social media that Smith was now in the fold, further cementing Ohio State’s rightful spot at the top of receiver recruiting as once again they land the top guy on everyone’s board. As if it couldn’t get any better, pairing Smith with current quarterback commit Dylan Raiola, the Buckeyes now boast the No. 1 and No. 2 players nationally in their 2024 class.

The future is looking pretty bright.

Quick Hits

• It doesn’t get much busier than yesterday when considering Ohio State’s recruiting efforts. Even with the College Football Playoff just a couple of short weeks away, the staff is putting in overtime on the trail. Whether it be in their current and future classes for one, but even with the transfer portal, the Buckeyes are leaving no stone left unturned as they try to improve this already talented roster.

The latest offer went out from Ohio State, and not for a prep target either. Dishing their latest out to a transfer portal target, the Buckeyes threw their name into the mix for one of the top players looking for a new home, Ajani Cornelius.

The former Rhode Island offensive lineman is gaining some serious attention since his decision to find a new program, and the Buckeyes are going to take their best shot knowing offensive line depth is needed for the 2023 campaign. As Day has said numerous times though, this staff is only interested in the transfer portal for adding players that not only fill a need, but also fit the culture at Ohio State. Apparently, Cornelius fits the bill pretty well.

In the past two weeks Ajani has seen Oregon, Florida, Penn State, Nebraska, Auburn, and more added to his offer list and fresh of a visit to Oregon, his recruitment is already rounding into form for his next move. Ohio State should definitely be in the mix here, but they’ll have their hands full as they try and fight off the other many suitors for the big time offensive tackle target.


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LGHL Asks: What are you most worried about from Georgia in the Peach Bowl?
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Joshua L. Jones / USA TODAY NETWORK

Also, how did the CFP berth impact how you felt about the loss to Michigan?

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

We are about two and a half weeks until the No. 4 Ohio State Buckeyes will take on the No. 1 Georgia Bulldogs in the College Football Playoff semifinals. The Peach Bowl matchup will be the 8 p.m. ET game on New Year’s Eve, and while that still feels like a ways away, with Christmas next weekend, we will all be running around getting ready for that, and before we know it, it will be game week.

So, we wanted to take the temperature of Buckeye Nation to see how they are feeling about the game against the Bulldogs and some other topics before the holiday season takes over all aspects of our lives.

Read through the questions and fill out the survey at the bottom of the page. We’ll have the results later in the week.

Question 1: What worries you most about Ohio State facing Georgia in the Peach Bowl?


I thought about including an “All of the Above” option, but I figured that would be a cop-out. UGA is such a well-rounded team, that I think it’s tough to pick just one thing to be most worried about, but to me, there is one answer that stands out, based on the previous high-profile losses of the Ryan Day/C.J. Stroud era.

Pick which one you are going within the survey, and I will share my thoughts when we have the final results later in the week.

Question 2: How much has the CFP berth helped you get over the Michigan loss?


Like all Ohio State fans, I was pretty down following the loss in The Game, and even though I thought it very likely that the Buckeyes would make it into the playoff, I wasn’t necessarily excited about it.

However, once Utah beat USC in the Pac-12 Championship Game, my concern over the Michigan game went from 90% down to about 25%. Now don’t get me wrong, if OSU does face off against TTUN in the National Championship Game, my stress level might shoot back up to 169%, but for now, I am excited that the team has the opportunity to right some of its wrongs and shock the world for the second time in eight years.

Question 3: Who needs to step up most for Ohio State to pull off the semifinal upset?


I left off the obvious in C.J. Stroud, because not only has he played at a fairly high level all season, but putting the starting quarterback into any question like this automatically skews the results. So, I picked some guys at key positions who either due to injury, rotation, or uneven play, haven’t performed to the level that they had been expected to late in the season, but are still capable of having a monster impact in the Peach Bowl.

J.T. Tuimoloau is the one guy I was a little apprehensive about including, just because he has played very well, but obviously, his freakish athletic ability means that he still has more room to improve, and five weeks of rest and prep very well could prove to be just what he needed heading into the postseason.

I’m not sure if I would pick him in this question, but I definitely think that he could have a massive impact if he comes more into his own on New Year’s Eve.


Have your voice heard and share your thoughts on the Buckeyes here:


Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NCAA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Ohio State fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate.

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LGHL Uncut Podcast: Holtmann previews trip to take on North Carolina in New York
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 Buckeyes are headed to the Garden.

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 upcoming trip to New York City to take on the North Carolina Tar Heels in the CBS Sports Classic. The two teams will square off on Saturday, Dec. 17 from the mecca of college basketball Madison Square Garden.

The coach previews the matchup, discusses his squad’s controversial, buzzer-beating victory over Rutgers in the Big Ten opener, and more.

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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You’re Nuts: What are you asking Santa to bring the Ohio State football team this Christmas?
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Photo by Stephane Cardinale/ PLS Pool/Getty Images

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

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

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

Today’s Question: What are you asking Santa to bring the Ohio State football team this Christmas?

Jami’s Take: Marvin Harrison, Jr. Superpowers against Georgia


Dear Santa,

How have you been? Is it cold at the North Pole? I can’t imagine it’s any colder than the time I jumped in Mirror Lake in sub-zero temperatures with snow falling. Not even an original Four Loko could keep me warm that night. Do you have Four Loko at the North Pole?

I have been extra good this year. I stood up for other schools’ players even when it was hard (Hendon Hooker and Blake Corum). I did not set my roommate’s bed on fire even though she went to M*chigan (but if you feel so inclined, please bring her a lump of coal). I only threw one thing at Jim Harbaugh’s televised face, a great improvement from the 17 things I threw last year.

And since I was so good, it would mean so much to me if you could bring me one present: A birthday rematch against TTUN.

Actually, I suppose that’s a really broad gift, so let me be more specific: So that we might beat Georgia on New Year’s Eve and so that I might attend a National Championship Game on my birthday just down the street from my house and so that we might have the chance for revenge and redemption against Michigan, I am asking you to please give Marvin Harrison, Jr. some superpowers in the game against Georgia.

Between the Bulldogs and the Buckeyes, this game is sure to be an offensive back-and-forth. Even though I will go to my grave angry that Stetson Bennett was a Heisman finalist when he is not even the strongest player on his own offense, there’s no question that the Bulldogs are a formidable opponent on that side of the ball. Plus, Georgia’s weakness all season has been their secondary. That means if OSU can capitalize on the talent of our wide receivers, that could be the key to a Buckeye victory.

Now surely, we know it will take more than just a strong pass game to win against Georgia. This is a great football team we’re playing, and the Buckeyes will have to fire on all cylinders if they’re to come away with a win. The defense will have to shut down Georgia’s game, our special teams has no room for error, and our run game will need to take off. BUT knowing that Georgia’s secondary is a weak spot for them, the Buckeyes need to exploit this and connect through the air early and often. C.J. Stroud will have a great opportunity to prove why he finished higher than Bennett in the Heisman rankings. And since I do not and cannot wish injuries upon human beings, Santa, a superstar performance from Marvin Harrison, Jr. on the receiving end could really help us out.

Mr. Harrison Jr. has a whopping 1,157 yards on 72 receptions this season, with 12 touchdowns and an average 16.1-yard gain on each reception. Against AP Top 25 teams, he’s gone for 361 yards in 22 receptions. And so, Santa, if you could help us out, we’re going to need him and Stroud to connect for many many yards on New Year’s Eve. I’m talking lights out.

If you can do this for us Santa, we’ll be sure to leave some Buckeye candies out for you. They stay fresh a lot longer than peaches, I can promise you that.

Say hi to Mrs. Claus and give the reindeer lots of pets for me. Have a safe trip next weekend. I can’t wait to see if Buckeye Nation made your Nice List.

Sincerely,

Jami

Matt’s Take: A New Offensive Play-Calling Philosophy


Dear Mr. Claus,

As Jami said in her letter to Santa, the UGA defense has been excellent this season (and for the majority of Kirby Smart’s tenure), but when their relative weakness has been against passing attacks. We saw it against LSU in the SEC Championship game in which a pair of Bayou Bengals combined for 502 passing yards — albeit many of those because they were down by three touchdowns at halftime, they had to essentially abandon the running game.

Statistically, Ohio State has an elite passing attack, but I can’t shake the feeling that they have feasted on lesser competition and refused to take full advantage of their ridiculous conglomerate of talent, simply because the play-calling never seemed designed to highlight what they did best. Instead, Ryan Day appeared intent on forcing the dodecahedral peg into a very, very square hole.

So, my wish to you, Kris — can I call you, Kris? — is that you bring a brand new, shiny offensive philosophy down the chimney for Coach Day. It should involve short passes (but not bubble screens), crossing and mesh routes, north-and-south running plays, a little bit of holiday razzle-dazzle, some moving the pocket, and the well-timed deep bomb.

Far too often this season, it has felt that despite a two-time Heisman finalist quarterback and the best collection of receiving talent in the country, Day has tried to run to set up the pass, rather than the other way around. There should absolutely be a balance between the two in this new gift play-calling philosophy you are bringing, but instead of Urban Meyer’s outdated 250-250 goal, it should be something more akin to 350-150 (or even 400-100).

ESPN’s Bill Connelly highlights that Ohio State’s receivers are the best in the playoff at catching contested balls, so even if Georgia’s DBs are able to keep up with Marvin Harrison Jr., a healthy Emeka Egbuka, and a more surehanded Julian Fleming (can you bring him some more reliable hands/gloves for Christmas as well?), I would trust our guys to go and get it.


I know that I have been very down on Ryan Day’s playcalling as of late, but I am thoroughly and completely open to being wrong if he can pull a rabbit out of his hat on New Year’s Eve. So, if you can bring him that new philosophy, I will be very happy and will be as good of a boy as I can possibly be all 2023.

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We are.... 5th round.

It’s official: I am sick and tired of super-duper seniors and well-traveled Peter Pan-types participating in college athletics
Josh Dooley via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here



Sure, sure. Old man yells at cloud. But college sports are losing a grip on what appealed to me (and many others) in the first place.

Tradition. Pageantry. School spirit. Rivalries. Underdogs and Rudy. Not-yet-spoiled athletes chasing glory, and doing it all for the love of the game. College sports used to mean so many things to so many people. And they still do, to a certain extent.

But I, for one, am not excited about the direction in which thing are headed. Call me old school or stuck in the past, maybe even bitter. I just can’t get over the fact that we have damn-near 30-year olds competing for their third or fourth school, in their sixth or seventh year of eligibility. I have at least made peace with the fact that college athletes are being compensated for their time, effort, and ability — as they should!

But grown-ass adults, paying a mortgage and renting cars they can drive to soccer or volleyball practice? Well-traveled vagabonds doing their best Wooderson impression in order to avoid filling out job applications? What are we even doing!?

Photo by Rick Kern/Getty Images for Samsung

For the record, this is not a shot at Georgia quarterback Stetson Bennett. Ohio State (football) is set to play UGA in the upcoming Peach Bowl, and I can see how some would make that connection. Bennett, 25, began playing college football in 2017, but as a walk-on. He then spent a year at JuCo, before re-joining the Bulldogs’ program in 2019. So one could say he at least took a semi-traditional route. And he certainly worked his way up the ladder in Athens.

However, the same does not hold true for many other super seniors and those who have mastered the intricacies of the NCAA transfer portal.

While I am all for second chances and players (or anybody, really) chasing their dream, the freebie Covid season and relaxed transfer and eligibility rules have caused chaos throughout college athletics — in my humble opinion. This issue is most prevalent in college football, where there are essentially no rules governing movement of the highest number of athletes. There are comparisons to be made, between coaches and players, but those comps are not apples to oranges. And let’s not draw parallels between sports and “real life” either, because a transfer portal does not exist outside of the NCAA.

Coaches from every college sport come and go, seemingly as they please. However, we should not ignore the obvious caveats and consequences. Coaches are paid professionals. Student athletes are not. Coaches are held accountable by terms of a contract. Student athletes are not — at least not in the same way(s). Coaches can be fired for performance, whereas student athletes are not stripped of their scholarship after a missed field goal or strikeout in the bottom of the ninth. And what happens when a coach wants to leave their current position before said contract is up? They, or their new employer, is forced to pay back or shell out big money as part of a buyout agreement.

Are Jimmy and/or Sally expected to do the same if they enter the transfer portal mid-season? I don’t think so. And a new coach can be brought in (theoretically) at any moment, meaning a spot does not have to go to waste. On the other hand, if a player leaves the Buckeyes’ football, basketball, or wrestling team unannounced, his or her roster spot is likely to remain vacant for an extended period of time. OSU cannot go out and immediately hire some kid grinding away at the JuCo level.

At the end of the day, people need to look out for their own best interests, as well as those of their respective families — and I get that. I also acknowledge that the NCAA does not exactly bend over backwards to help many (or any). But do not act as if Mark Emmert and his cronies are the only selfish figures here. Jumping from school to school, and/or taking one post-grad underwater basket weaving class just to remain eligible is a selfish act. One with the potential unintended consequence of taking a high school kid’s roster spot. All because you – some random, hypothetical fourth-year senior – are not ready to grow up and move on.

Perhaps I am being petty and vindictive. Maybe I am jealous I never got the opportunity to hang out at thematic college bars for six years, or do so in Tempe, AZ (Arizona State University) or even Madison, WI (University of Wisconsin). All reasonable assumptions, and at times I can definitely be one or even all of the above. But I want to stress that I only have an issue with individuals who take advantage of a broken system to stay in school and play literal games.

Were they also taken advantage of, at some point, as a student athlete? Probably. So were many before them... such is life. That does not mean I am going to champion the cause of misguided hangers-on who roam campus under the false pretense of being a college athlete.

Case in point: J.T. Daniels, current “free agent” quarterback, most recently of the West Virginia Mountaineers. No offense to Daniels, I’m sure he is a hell of a person. He is also currently searching for his fourth university at which to play college football. The reason? Because he has not played well enough to earn or hold down a starting role at various stops throughout the country (USC, UGA, WVU)… That’s it. That is the sole reason Daniels keeps signing on with other programs.

He has not met expectations, so he continues to canvas the CFB world for coaches and coaching staffs who are foolish enough to make him a promise RE: playing time. When he inevitably does find his next opportunity, he will do so armed with one and possibly even two more years of eligibility. And according to at least one sports columnist in Oregon, Daniels also comes with a list of demands for his superior services. What. A. World.

But Daniels is just one of many — playing football, basketball, or what have you. His name stands out to me because his actions come across as those of a spoiled kid who never got his way. Ohio State had Tate Martell, half of FBS has now had J.T. Daniels. Jack Abraham of Missouri is another example. Granted, he has dealt with a few injuries, but he signed with Louisiana Tech in 2016! Missouri is/was his fifth school, and he threw eight passes this season. Two of which were picked off, so I am glad it was worth the wait.

Kyle Pugh has Daniels and Abraham both beat, as the Northern Illinois linebacker just completed his eighth (!) year as part of the Huskies’ program. Credit to him though, as he overcame injury after injury, and was productive when on the field. Pugh also earned two master’s degrees. But as impressive as I find his resilience and commitment to academics (and football) to be, I still think Pugh wore out his welcome a few years ago.

My larger point is this: I don’t ever want college sports to become a bunch of Woodersons. 24, 25-year old adults taking a single class to barely remain eligible, so they can play a kids game — while on the field with actual kids! Many are simply delaying the inevitable. Which is, a job at the local post office or insurance office, punching a clock like the rest of us. Glorious? Hell no. But it’s real life!

These same athletes are doing themselves and others a major disservice. They are holding a spot in line, for an exclusive club they will never get into. So grow up, Peter Pan. Count Chocula. It’s time to move on.

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Column: In moments of tragedy, sports can unite us. Let’s let them.
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 Justin Ford/Getty Images

Remembering some of those we’ve lost in 2022.

As the year once again draws to a close, we find ourselves, as is natural, reflecting on those we have lost during the previous 12 months. This week, that reflection took a turn for college football fans particularly with the unexpected death of Mississippi State head football coach, Mike Leach.

Leach, 61, had been preparing his Bulldogs team to face Illinois in the ReliaQuest Bowl. He was a pioneer of the air raid offense. His eccentricities during press conferences left us scratching our heads and eventually shaking them and laughing about his comments.

One of the biggest personalities of the sport, Leach’s time at Texas Tech, Washington State and, most recently, Mississippi State revolutionized college football. The prolific passing we see throughout the Big 12, in the Pac-12 and many other programs across the country has its roots in schemes drawn up by Leach. It led to greater consideration for quarterbacks with huge arms and receivers with great speed — kind of like some folks near and dear to Ohio State.

Today, whatever we thought of Leach, the air raid, pirate ships, mascot battles or Halloween candy, the football world is collectively memorializing the coach who provided so much fodder for silly conversations and the basis for so many modern football offenses.

Over time, we’ve learned that tragedy also serves to unite us around a cause and, if not a cause, just in supporting one another for a moment. Sports is one of those avenues where even shared interest in a game can mean a greater bond when times are tough — and this year, there have surely been some tough times.

Just last week, famed soccer columnist Grant Wahl also passed away unexpectedly while covering the World Cup in Qatar. In a sporting event rife with controversy that united much of the world against the human rights violations of the host nation, Grant’s reporting served as a bastion of what is right. His death meant a pause, and unity, amid the hype and glamour surrounding the event to something that feels much more real and personal.

And just last month, three Virginia football players were murdered in another senseless mass shooting. And whatever programs we cheer for, we wept, because they were connected to this sport we all love; they are a part of us.

When Dwayne Haskins was killed in April, Ohio State felt that warm embrace of support from the anonymous, collective sports nation. For just a moment, we all feel the shock of these individuals passing, even if we don’t know them personally, and the rest of the world comforts us in that time of need.

There are many more individuals whose lives have impacted us — and whose absence we feel as the year draws to a close. In this world where we are so frequently divided, let’s recognize these moments when we can unite. Let’s remember the good times. For just a moment, let’s all feel the same feelings. And let’s vow, wherever possible, to try to make things better.

And maybe, in honor of Mike Leach, have some gummy bears and wave that pirate flag.

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Bestbuck36 said:

Interesting we were the only school left out of his 5

Click to expand...

I'm pretty sure OSU stopped recruiting him a while ago. And especially after landing McDonald

LGHL Uncut Podcast: Ryan Day talks Georgia, OSU’s health in pre-Peach Bowl press conference
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Ohio State Athletics

Ohio State also officially accepts its invitation to play Georgia in Atlanta on New Year’s Eve

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:

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On today’s episode, we have uncut press conference audio from the special Peach Bowl media availability from Tuesday, Dec. 13. First the president and CEP of the Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl Gary Stoken officially invites the Ohio State Buckeyes to participate in the game and after athletic director Gene Smith accepts the invitation (how wild would it have been if he had turned it down?), head coach Ryan Day answers questions about his team and the College Football Playoff semifinal matchup.

Among the topics that Day discusses are the health of his team, why Dallan Hayden was not called up to do more against Michigan, how his team will work to contain UGA’s tight ends, and more. Of note, this presser happened before TreVeyon Henderson announced that he had undergone season-ending surgery and will not be available for the game against Georgia.

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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Why is this News? All the articles and tweets Buckeye fans need for December 14, 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


Tommy Gilligan-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 running back TreVeyon Henderson undergoes surgery, will miss College Football Playoff
Will Backus, 247Sports

Ohio State’s Jantzen Dunn enters transfer portal
Patrick Murphy, Bucknuts

Trio of Buckeyes earn All-American status from The Sporting News
Spencer Holbrook, Lettermen Row

Watch Ryan Day’s first Peach Bowl Press Conference:


Key Takeaways as Buckeyes handle busy stretch, Peach prep (paywall)
Austin Ward, Dotting the Eyes

Ryan Day discusses Dallan Hayden’s role versus Michigan, TreVeyon Henderson’s health
Andy Backstrom, Lettermen Row

For Ryan Day, December is busiest month, even with only one game
Bill Rabinowitz, The Columbus Dispatch

Kevin Wilson keeping Ohio State national title pursuit ‘first and foremost’
Andy Backstrom, Lettermen Row

I hope we get one more year of a healthy TreVeyon Henderson in 2023.


Peach Bowl expecting ‘record crowd’ for an Ohio State-Georgia College Football Playoff semifinal
Patrick Murphy, Bucknuts

Ohio State football coach Ryan Day explains WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba missing Georgia, CFB Playoff due to injury
Mariah Guzman, 247Sports

Ohio State football’s Jaxon Smith-Njigba found ‘peace’ at end of frustrating season, said Ryan Day
Nathan Baird, cleveland.com

Orlovsky is still a horrible analyst, but this is a good answer:


Ryan Day remembers Mississippi State coach Mike Leach
Colin Gay, The Columbus Dispatch

Transfer Portal: How departing Buckeyes impact program moving forward (paywall)
Austin Ward, Dotting the Eyes

You’re Nuts: Which non-CFP bowl game are you most looking forward to?
Brett Ludwiczak and Meredith Hein, Land-Grant Holy Land

On the Hardwood


What could Ohio State work on before North Carolina? Here are 6 ideas
Adam Jardy, The Columbus Dispatch

Listen to the latest women’s basketball press conference:


B1G WBB Week 5: Corn, Injured Huskies and MACtion takes Maize & Blue
Thomas Costello, Land-Grant Holy Land

Game Gallery: No. 3 Ohio State women’s basketball vs. Michigan State
Thomas Costello, Land-Grant Holy Land

Outside the Shoe and Schott


Men’s Swimming and Diving: OSU Divers Set For Winter Nationals
Ohio State Athletics

And now for something completely different...


Skip Bayless is the literal worst, but these guys are the best:


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Column: C.J. Stroud has one game to define his Ohio State legacy
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 Ben Jackson/Getty Images

I don’t know if there’s ever been another Buckeye QB in this situation.

In less than a month, C.J. Stroud will play what may be the final game of his collegiate career. However, he is definitely playing in the game that defines his legacy, and winning that game could totally change the narrative surrounding him. Being on the opposite end of this one could haunt him forever.

Let’s take a look at what Stroud has brought Ohio State the past two seasons. He is 21-3 as a starter. He has lost to Michigan twice, therefore failing to make the conference championship twice. Last year, the Bucks didn’t make the College Football Playoff, but did end the year with a great Rose Bowl win.

Now, Stroud has an opportunity to avenge for all of that. Yes, he failed to beat Michigan. Yes, last year’s finish was a disappointment even though it was a win. However, if he can lead this team to a National Championship, in my eyes, all will be forgiven.

Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images

Will it be enough if Stroud beats Georgia to define his legacy? It will be interesting. I don’t think there is any instance where Stroud can be classified as a failure, He was a Heisman finalist — twice. He’s got the stats. He just needs to prove that he can bounce back from adversity and show up in the big games.

And there is no bigger game he will play in than the one scheduled on New Year’s Eve. If the Buckeyes win, he will prove all of the haters wrong. Some said during the Michigan game, it looked like he didn’t care or that he wasn’t trying. While I believe both of these statements are certainly false, he can prove this wrong himself.

The hype is there. The hype has always been there when it comes to Stroud. The question is: can he live up to it? He can! He threw for 573 yards against Utah. He’s certainly talented enough and has the weapons around him to make it happen. But, this Georgia team is going to be the best team he has played in his collegiate career.

Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Up until this point, Michigan has been the best team he’s faced. And last year they got whomped by Georgia. Last year he played well against Michigan, despite the loss. This year, his defense failed him. Are there excuses? Maybe. Did he fail to perform to his fullest potential? Yes. There’s no question that he has failed in the past, but Buckeye nation also can’t expect him to be perfect. In high-pressure situations, nobody is perfect.

What the Buckeyes need him to be is the leader on offense. He needs to drive this team down the field, whether he has the ball in his hands or not. He cannot be shaken and he cannot lose faith in himself. As long as he is steady under center, Ohio State has a shot at winning.

If he can do that, he doesn’t need to throw for 400 yards. While I hope he does, it won’t be necessary if he keeps this team calm and effective under pressure. He needs to show why his teammates voted him captain and why he is trusted to be the Ohio State quarterback. That is what will define his legacy.

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Ohio State target, four-star linebacker set to reveal his commitment today
Bret Favachio via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Photo by Jason Mowry/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

With Alabama and Tennessee also in the mix, Ohio State awaits the decision of a top defensive target in this years class.

As Ohio State continues their preparation for the Peach Bowl against Georgia, they also are looking to put the finishing touches on their 2023 recruiting class. Later today, they will learn their fate with an uncommitted linebacker that has the Buckeyes as a finalist. Plus, a rising corner from Maryland talks about his recent offer from Ohio State.

Carter set to commit today

It’s decision day for one of the few remaining targets in the 2023 class for the Buckeyes. Four-star linebacker Arion Carter of Smyrna (TN) is set to decide between Alabama, Ohio State, and Tennessee this afternoon.

For the Buckeyes, they initially jumped into the picture for Carter back when he was committed to Memphis and was beginning to see an increase in interest from programs across the country. Ohio State ultimately was impressive enough to Carter that he wound up making an official visit to campus during the weekend of the Buckeyes 56-14 victory over Indiana.

But as the day for Carter to make his big decision has arrived, it feels as if Ohio State is running third in this race. The 247Sports Crystal Ball doesn’t help paint a picture of what the All-American Bowl participant may do later today, as there is no predictions made as of now. But one could bet on it being far more likely that Alabama or staying home and suiting up for Tennessee is far more likely than him choosing to play in Columbus.

Truthfully, it’s another hit for the 2023 recruiting class for Ohio State that has been enduring a rough stretch as of late but that isn’t to say the sky is falling though. The Buckeyes still have work to do in the class and their is still a pathway to finishing the haul out on a positive note.

As for Carter, he will head to either Knoxville or Tuscaloosa as the second best player coming out of Tennessee in the class. The 6-foot-1, 210-pounder also grades out as the No. 181 overall player and the 14th best linebacker that this cycle has to offer.

Woodby talks Buckeye offer

It was just two days ago that Ohio State jumped into the mix for 2025 cornerback Blake Woodby of St. Frances Academy (MD) when awarded him with an offer. On Tuesday, the Baltimore native caught up with Garrick Hodge of Eleven Warriors to discuss the offer from the Buckeyes and he had plenty of good to say.

“Just growing up watching Ohio State and seeing all the guys they produce in the league as far as cornerbacks go, it’s just an ultimate level I want to reach one day. It means the world,” Woodby told Hodge.

The 5-foot-11, 180-pounder went on to tell Eleven Warriors that former Buckeye Marshon Lattimore is a player he watches and admires. Woodby also came away with high remarks regarding Perry Eliano, the safeties coach for his supposed dream school, and detailed with Hodge a bit of their conversation.

“We hopped on the phone and got to talking. His first question for me was do I love football? I told him, ‘I’d die for football.’ We connected on the point to where he told me he coached Sauce Gardner and told me what type of player he was on and off the field. Not only did he point out Sauce was good on the field, he pointed out Sauce had a 3.4 GPA and that you have to take care of your business off the field as well.”

Quick Hits

• 247Sports updated their 2023 class rankings on Tuesday and among the biggest risers for future Buckeyes was four-star defensive lineman Kayden McDonald who leaped up 51 spots to No. 178 overall, four-star cornerback Calvin Simpson-Hunt was bumped up 30 spots to No. 157, and four-star defensive lineman Will Smith got a 13 spot elevation and now sits at No. 154 in the class.

While there wasn’t many drastic drops among Buckeye pledges in the update, five-star wide receiver Brandon Inniss, four-star cornerback Kayin Lee, and four-star defensive lineman Jason Moore saw the biggest drops.

• After reaffirming his commitment to Ohio State last week, 2023 four-star cornerback Jermaine Matthews of Winton Woods (OH) was back in Columbus on Tuesday. The No. 2 ranked player in Ohio was checking out a bowl practice for the Buckeyes as they prepare for their Peach Bowl contest against Georgia.

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LGHL Uncut Podcast: Coach McGuff, Thierry and Mikesell dissect first B1G home win
1ThomasCostello via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Ben Cole - Land-Grant Holy Land

The Buckeyes survived in their closest win of the season, and the top performers talked about it after the game.

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.


The Ohio State Buckeyes women’s basketball team played their first home Big Ten conference game of the season. On the schedule was the Michigan State Spartans, a team the Buckeyes beat three times in their 2021-22 conference regular season co-championship season.

Following the Buckeyes’ closest win of the season, a six-point win over Sparty, head coach Kevin McGuff, forward/guard Taylor Thierry and guard Taylor Mikesell stepped in front of the media to talk about the win.

Coach McGuff discussed what he saw going poorly for the Buckeyes, and how having a close game earlier in the season can help the team in the long-run. Also, he provides an update on guard Jacy Sheldon, who missed the previous two games before taking to the bench again, this time in a home Big Ten game.

Next up is Thierry. The forward/guard flex player hit a career high with 21 points and talked about that career day.

Last up is Mikesell. Although Ohio State struggled shooting overall, Mikesell talks about what coach McGuff called her “nerves of steel” to hit four late free throws to ice the game for Ohio State. Also, learning lessons in a win when they don’t play their best, citing how much of the season is left to go.

The Buckeyes return for one more home game before going out west for the San Diego Invitational. Find out more this week on Land-Grant Holy Land.


Connect with Thomas:

Twitter: @1ThomasCostello

Theme music provided by www.bensound.com

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B1G WBB Week 5: Corn, Injured Huskies and MACtion takes Maize & Blue
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 G Fiume/Getty Images

It was one of the final weeks of non-conference basketball and three games grabbed attention

The Big Ten conference saw all but one team hit double-digit games played in the 2022/23 campaign. While it’s still too early to tell how the conference competition is going to shake out, there was action worth noting. Conference games stayed close, like the Indiana Hoosiers winning close games against the Illinois Fighting Illini and Penn State Nittany Lions, but the final non-conference games of the regular season took the spotlight.

Here are the wins, a big loss, and all the corn you can handle, in the latest Big Ten WBB Weekly Update.

Iowa Wins Corn Cy-Hawk Series Event


Sure, everyone knows about The Game between Ohio State and Michigan and Texas vs. Oklahoma and the Red River Showdown grabs the collective attention. There’s a rivalry that goes deeper than all of those and it's corn that’s the motivating factor.

Between Iowa and Iowa State, every competition is a battle for Corn Cy-Hawk Series supremacy. On Wednesday, Dec. 7, the then No. 16 Iowa Hawkeyes welcomed then No. 10 Iowa State Cyclones to Iowa City for the next installment of the fall athletics series.

With Iowa guard Caitlin Clark on one side and Iowa State guard/forward Ashley Joens on the other, it was a midweek heavyweight fight in NCAA women’s basketball.

The Hawkeyes got the better of the Cyclones, and they achieved the 70-57 win with defense, of all things. Iowa held Iowa State to only eight points in the third quarter, on 33.3% shooting.

In the first half, Clark primarily played facilitator — only scoring six points, but adding four assists and five rebounds.

Joseph Cress/Iowa City Press-Citizen / USA TODAY NETWORK
Iowa’s Caitlin Clark (left) defends guard Denae Fritz, with Stephanie Soares looking on in a game where two high-powered offenses leveraged defense.

Making the difference were bigs for the Hawkeyes: Monika Czinano and Addison O’Grady. Going up against 6-foot-6 center Stephanie Soares, the two Iowa players in the paint held Soares to five fewer points than her season average, scoring 11 points in the game.

While Clark ended the day leading Iowa with 19 points, Czinano’s consistent stellar play net the Hawkeyes 18 points and 10 rebounds in her second double-double of the season.

That’s all well and good on the basketball side, but after a swimming and diving win by the Cyclones on Dec. 9, Iowa State leads the Cy-Hawk series 11-6, with four remaining events netting the winning university two points per win. Iowa State’s going for their second back-to-back championship.

There’s a lot of corn on the line, folks.

Maryland Defeats UConn(ish)


Another big victory for the conference, in non-conference play, was a Sunday win for Diamond Miller and the Maryland Terrapins. It’s no easy task beating the UConn Huskies, but Sunday’s match-up left out a lot of the flair of the game with many UConn players injured.

Guard Paige Bueckers, who’s out all season with a knee injury. Also, the star leading the Huskies’ offensive power this year, guard Azzi Fudd, was also out after sustaining an injury. In addition, starting forward Dorka Juhasz, the Ohio State 2021 transfer, was out with a broken thumb.

Overall, UConn had seven healthy players, doing their own Rutgers impersonation.

Miller had the highlight three to ice the game in the fourth, but it was Abby Myers and Shyanne Sellers who led the way for Maryland. The two combined for 39 of the Terrapins' 85 points and added a combined 10 rebounds and nine assists.


Maryland’s win came three days after edging the Purdue Boilermakers 77-74, in an away game in Indiana. Beating a ranked team and a tough in-conference opponent It’s a strong bounce back though, injuries or not, for the Terps after losing their first conference game 90-67 to the inconsistent 2022-23 Nebraska Cornhuskers.

Battle of Toledo Goes to Rockets


The shock of the week came in Ann Arbor, Michigan when the Maize & Blue faced the MAC’s Toledo Rockets.

Entering the game 9-0, the Wolverines faced a Toledo team that’s no slouch. The Rockets were 6-2 coming into the game, with their only large loss of the season coming to the Duke Blue Devils, plus a narrow one-point defeat to the Penn State Nittany Lions.

Even with a strong start to the year for Toledo, it’s a game Michigan’s expected to win.

Toledo came out of the gate, like a rocket, really. The Rockets scored 42 first-half points, keeping the home team to just 31 points. From there, Toledo played “hold onto the lead” basketball.


They did just that until 2:22 left in the fourth, when the Wolverines tied the game and went ahead two points. After trading small leads, the Rockets did what the Buckeyes did against the Spartans and got to the line, hitting their shots.

The Rockets shocked the conference, beating the Wolverines 71-68. They did it wearing blue and yellow too. Savage.

Way-Too-Early Standings

AP Poll


The Big Ten is tied with the Pac-12, with each conference having five teams in the top 25 and two in the top 10.

3 - Ohio State (NC)

4 - Indiana Hoosiers (NC)

12 - Iowa Hawkeyes (+4)

15 - Maryland Terrapins (+5)

19 - Michigan Wolverines (-5)

Games to Watch (non-OSU)


It’s a slow week for games to watch, with most sides playing smaller, regional, non-conference opponents. Illinois vs. Missouri is the highlight of the week, but Northern Iowa University almost beat then No. 7 ranked Iowa State on Nov. 17, so another game against a big Iowa team has small upset potential.

Sunday, Dec. 18

• Northern Iowa Panthers at No. 12 Iowa Hawkeyes - 3:00 p.m. ET
• Illinois Fighting Illini at Missouri Tigers - 5:00 p.m. ET

Christmas Week Action


Catching up with the slow week of competitive games in week six will be rewarded in week seven. Going into the holidays, big games are on the horizon.

Ohio State heads to San Diego for the San Diego Invitational. They’ll face the USF Bulls and either the Oregon Ducks or Arkansas Razorbacks. Elsewhere, ranked games and match-ups featuring top conference sides line the week.

No. 19 Michigan State will face No. 7 North Carolina Tar Heels, who have Big Ten revenge on their mind after the Hoosiers took care of them in the ACC/B1G Challenge. No. 4 Indiana takes on the Butler Bulldogs and the No. 22 Kansas Jayhawks face the Nebraska Cornhuskers.

There won’t be any games from Dec. 23 to 27, so enjoy what you can as an early gift to yourself.

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You’re Nuts: Which non-CFP bowl game are you most looking forward to?
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 Tim Warner/Getty Images

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

The college football bowl season kicks off on Friday at 11:30 a.m. when Miami (OH) takes on UAB in the Bahamas Bowl. When the RedHawks take on the Blazers, it will be the first of over 40 bowl games this year. The final bowl game of the season will be the College Football Playoff National Championship Game, where the winner of the Michigan/TCU semifinal will take on the winner of the Ohio State/Georgia semifinal.

Obviously the semifinals on New Year’s Eve will be the most anticipated bowl games of the year, since they’ll be the only bowl games before the title game that actually mean something. While earning a spot in some of the other New Year’s Six contests is a great thing for a college football program, a little of the luster has been taken off some of those bowl appearances with the emergence of players heading to the NFL and sitting out to protect their draft stock.

Not to say there isn’t some interesting matchups and entertainment to be found in those games — just look at the Rose Bowl between Ohio State and Utah last year. Even though the Buckeyes were without Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson, we still saw a very fun game on New Year’s Day in Pasadena. We could get another fun one this year when Penn State takes on the Utes.

Today we want to know what non-CFP bowl game you are most looking forward to this year. There certainly are plenty of options to choose from on this year’s schedule. Maybe it’s another Big Ten team you want to see in action. Four other teams from Ohio are playing in bowls besides the Buckeyes this year. Or it could be a wild offensive shootout that looks like could be on tap in one of these games. The best part is there is no wrong answer!

Today’s question: What non-CFP bowl game are you most looking forward to this year?

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: The Alamo Bowl


While it hasn’t been officially announced yet, I’m assuming that Texas running back Bijan Robinson won’t play in this game, as the smart move would be to sit out the game and protect himself from injury ahead of April’s NFL Draft. Even with Robinson on the sidelines, I’m still looking forward to the game between Texas and Washington in San Antonio a couple days before the end of 2022.

One reason I’m excited for this game is because of Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. The Indiana transfer has been great for the Huskies this year, throwing for over 4,300 yards and tossing 29 touchdowns. If Washington played even half their games before all the olds that are Heisman Trophy voters were already asleep, Penix would have made a strong case for being a finalist this year. Washington went from 4-8 last year under Jimmy Lake to 10-2 with Penix and new head coach Kalen DeBoer this year.

Another reason I’m excited to watch this game is to see how former Ohio State quarterback Quinn Ewers does in his final start before Arch Manning joins the Longhorns in January. Ewers has had an up-and-down college career so far, spending a year in Columbus before returning to the Lone Star State. Ewers was inconsistent at times, so he’ll need a strong performance to try and slow down the calls for Manning to start heading into the 2023 season. With Robinson likely not playing, it will give Ewers even more of an opportunity to impress.

Meredith’s answer: The Gator Bowl


I’m really excited about this year’s bowl schedule. There are so many intriguing games, particularly because the College Football Playoff field looks different than it has in previous seasons, and because there seems to be more parity in the sport which naturally leads to more exciting postseason matchups.

As an honorable mention for pure awkwardness, the Wasabi Fenway Bowl features Cincinnati vs. Louisville. As a reminder, Cincinnati just poached Scott Satterfield from the Cardinals after Luke Fickell left for Wisconsin.

In terms of other non-New Year’s Six bowls, I’m looking forward to Notre Dame vs. South Carolina in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl Dec. 30. What’s so exciting about a pair of 8-4 teams, neither of whom are in the Big Ten and one of whom Ohio State already beat this season?

Primarily, these are two teams that didn’t just get hot at the end of the season — they sizzled. South Carolina finished the season with two, top-10 wins over Tennessee and Clemson, two teams playing each other in the Orange Bowl. The Irish, meanwhile, won five-straight at the end of the season before falling to USC in the regular season finale. That streak also included a victory over Clemson.

It’s been an exciting ride watching Marcus Freeman in his first season as head coach with Notre Dame. He definitely struggled early (and it doesn’t help when your first game is on the road against your alma mater), but he’s pulled this Irish squad together and won the second half of the season.

Finally, congrats to Kansas on making their first bowl game since 2008.

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Game Gallery: No. 3 Ohio State women’s basketball vs. Michigan State
1ThomasCostello via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Ben Cole - Land-Grant Holy Land

Land-Grant Holy Land expands their coverage of basketball with photos from the first Big Ten home game of the season.

The No. 3 Ohio State Buckeyes women’s basketball team took to home court on Sunday, facing the Michigan State Spartans. Even though Michigan State lost three starters, including their top scorer and now WNBA player Nia Clouden, the Spartans weren’t going down without a fight.

To grow Land-Grant Holy Land’s coverage of Buckeyes women’s hoops, photographer Ben Cole got into the action to bring you photos from the 74-68 nail-biter of a victory for Ohio State.

Here’s some of the action in the first game gallery of the season:

Connect with Ben Cole:


Instagram: @BenColeImaging
Twitter: @BenColeImaging
Website: www.bencoleimaging.com

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Why is this News? All the articles and tweets Buckeye fans need for December 13, 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


Brooke LaValley-The Columbus Dispatch

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


Five Buckeyes earn AP All-American honors
Patrick Murphy, Bucknuts

Marvin Harrison Jr. now Ohio State football’s first consensus All-American receiver since 1995
Nathan Baird, cleveland.com

You’re Nuts: Which position should Ohio State upgrade through the transfer portal?
Gene Ross and Josh Dooley, Land-Grant Holy Land


Film Preview: What makes Georgia’s defense so difficult for opposing offenses to break down?
Chris Renne, Land-Grant Holy Land

Five Thoughts on Georgia as Buckeyes prepare for Peach Bowl test (paywall)
Bill Landis, Dotting the Eyes

By the Numbers: Comparing Ohio State and Georgia
Andy Backstrom, Lettermen Row

Ohio State seeks 30-Year revenge win vs. Georgia
Michel Citro, Land-Grant Holy Land

Five Questions as Buckeyes dig into Peach Bowl practices (paywall)
Austin Ward, Dotting the Eyes

Six Georgia Players Ohio State Will Need to Game Plan for in the Peach Bowl
Dan Hope, Eleven Warriors

Love seeing good dudes doing good things!


What promotion of Keenan Bailey to tight ends coach means for Buckeyes (paywall)
Spencer Holbrook, Lettermen Row

Column: Bad faith media members used Ohio State’s injury disclosure policy as a weapon to attack Smith-Njigba
Matt Tamanini, Land-Grant Holy Land

We’ll talk about this later: There’s more to life than being ridiculously good looking (or good at football)
Meredith Hein, Land-Grant Holy Land

On the Hardwood


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

Ohio State men’s basketball moves up to No. 23 in newest AP Poll
Connor Lemons, Land-Grant Holy Land

Watch Chris Holtmann’s press conference as he previews North Carolina:


Without Isaac Likekele, Ohio State ironman Bruce Thornton soldiers on
Adam Jasrdy, The Columbus Dispatch

Game Notes: No. 3 Ohio State women’s basketball survives Michigan State
Thomas Costello, Land-Grant Holy Land

Column: Two years after collapsing mid-game, Keyontae Johnson’s comeback is the best story in college basketball
Connor Lemons, Land-Grant Holy Land

Outside the Shoe and Schott


Wrestling: No. 3 Ohio State Downs Kent State 32-9
Robbie Mackinnon, The Lantern

Men’s Swimming and Diving: Five Buckeyes to Compete at FINA World Championships
Ohio State Athletics

And now for something completely different...


What the hell is Zaslav doing over there?


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