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LGHL Column: Recruiting out of state just got a whole lot harder
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Column: Recruiting out of state just got a whole lot harder
Meredith Hein via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
So long, SoCal.
Lincoln Riley’s move to become the next head coach at USC has created a short-term shockwave in the college football player landscape. Players are decommitting from Oklahoma and, by the nature of the type of program Oklahoma was under Riley, those players tend to be highly sought after and highly ranked recruits. USC, which had fallen from grace well before what was essentially a lame duck career of Clay Helton, is a hot destination with Riley at the helm.
Perhaps the most poignant example of what has played out in recent days was Malachi Nelson, a five-star quarterback in the 2023 recruiting class, decommitting from Oklahoma and committing to USC. In all, five players have decommitted from the Sooners following Riley’s departure, including one other highly rated recruit from Nelson’s same high school.
After the initial shock, however, the dust will settle. Players will stop decommitting and recommitting, and we’ll achieve a steady state. These shifts are nothing new (though the transfer portal and rules favoring players have certainly exacerbated these cycles), and we’ll see the same things in South Bend, Baton Rouge, Gainesville and elsewhere before bowl season even begins, just like we do whenever there is a major coaching changeup.
But that’s where things get interesting, because it’s not just a coaching change for USC, and that’s because USC isn’t an ordinary program. Rather, it’s an opportunity to put the once-prominent program back on the map, which is, all of a sudden, a real possibility under Riley in ways it hasn’t been in the last decade or so. As a natural follow-on to that change, when USC is good, the recruiting landscape shifts.
That shift isn’t unique to USC, and could be applied to any major program that is far from other geographic powers (Texas might be the next best option). However, USC is a great example, since the Pac-12 has collectively been bad, making the College Football Playoff just twice in seven years — the lowest among any Power Five conference. As a result, major players from other conferences have been able to poach players who otherwise may have stayed closer to home. Oregon has started to defy this logic under Mario Cristobal, achieving top-10 recruiting class rankings in recent years. By comparison, USC was 64th in the 2020 rankings, but jumped to seventh in 2021, though they brought on just one five-star recruit in that class.
Once again, Nelson offers a glimpse into the future of what the recruiting landscape could be. Los Alamitos, where Nelson goes to high school, is a 30-minute drive from USC’s campus. Until this week, Nelson was ready to head to Norman, Oklahoma, to play under Riley. Now, he can play his college ball in his own backyard.
Now let’s take another example of a highly touted quarterback from California, say, Rancho Cucamonga, which is closer to an hour from USC, or even a receiver from San Marcos (90 minutes or so from campus).
What might have happened if USC was a viable option for CJ Stroud in 2020 or Chris Olave in 2018? Both had offers from the Trojans, but Ohio State offered (and still offers) a mighty fine pitch compared to what USC could give. The Buckeyes have won a national title in recent memory. You need more than two hands to count the first round NFL Draft picks from the last five years alone. Ohio State won four-straight Big Ten titles from 2017-2020. Moreover, the program, like many in the Big Ten, has been a model of stability, with even what could have been a drama-filled coaching change going extremely smoothly and the team not missing a beat.
Here’s where the Nelson/Stroud example falls apart somewhat. While Bob Stoops is returning to Oklahoma to coach the Sooners in their bowl game, there’s no telling who will be their head coach heading into 2022 and beyond. When Stroud came to Ohio State in 2020 (and committed and was recruited well before then), it was clear who Urban Meyer’s successor would be and what that would mean for new recruits coming to the program.
Looking into the future for USC, players might commit or decommit en masse as a result of a coaching change, but what does the steady state of recruiting look like?
Ohio State has an advantage in that it only competes, realistically, with a generous dozen other programs for top recruits. For many programs outside of the usual roundup of Playoff contenders, the only way they’ll get five-star commitments is by a personal connection (e.g., a family member went there) or a desire to stay close to home. Guys like Purdue’s George Karlaftis (who prepped in West Lafayette) or former Iowa defensive end AJ Epenesa (a Hawkeye legacy recruit) come to mind. As a result, Ohio State can capture the out-of-state recruiting market extremely efficiently, similar to how Alabama, Clemson and Notre Dame are able to.
But when USC is back, that’s one of those dozen or so programs who Ohio State has to compete with for those out-of-state five-stars. It’s a power with historical significance that’s on a level with the Buckeyes — seven Heisman Trophy winners, 11 claimed national titles, 39 conference titles.
The direct impact to Ohio State, suddenly, looks a lot greater. Not only might players like Stroud and Olave opt for USC, but players not from Ohio or California might choose to go to LA and play under Riley as competition for five-star recruits becomes more fragmented.
Continue reading...
Meredith Hein via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
So long, SoCal.
Lincoln Riley’s move to become the next head coach at USC has created a short-term shockwave in the college football player landscape. Players are decommitting from Oklahoma and, by the nature of the type of program Oklahoma was under Riley, those players tend to be highly sought after and highly ranked recruits. USC, which had fallen from grace well before what was essentially a lame duck career of Clay Helton, is a hot destination with Riley at the helm.
Perhaps the most poignant example of what has played out in recent days was Malachi Nelson, a five-star quarterback in the 2023 recruiting class, decommitting from Oklahoma and committing to USC. In all, five players have decommitted from the Sooners following Riley’s departure, including one other highly rated recruit from Nelson’s same high school.
After the initial shock, however, the dust will settle. Players will stop decommitting and recommitting, and we’ll achieve a steady state. These shifts are nothing new (though the transfer portal and rules favoring players have certainly exacerbated these cycles), and we’ll see the same things in South Bend, Baton Rouge, Gainesville and elsewhere before bowl season even begins, just like we do whenever there is a major coaching changeup.
But that’s where things get interesting, because it’s not just a coaching change for USC, and that’s because USC isn’t an ordinary program. Rather, it’s an opportunity to put the once-prominent program back on the map, which is, all of a sudden, a real possibility under Riley in ways it hasn’t been in the last decade or so. As a natural follow-on to that change, when USC is good, the recruiting landscape shifts.
That shift isn’t unique to USC, and could be applied to any major program that is far from other geographic powers (Texas might be the next best option). However, USC is a great example, since the Pac-12 has collectively been bad, making the College Football Playoff just twice in seven years — the lowest among any Power Five conference. As a result, major players from other conferences have been able to poach players who otherwise may have stayed closer to home. Oregon has started to defy this logic under Mario Cristobal, achieving top-10 recruiting class rankings in recent years. By comparison, USC was 64th in the 2020 rankings, but jumped to seventh in 2021, though they brought on just one five-star recruit in that class.
Once again, Nelson offers a glimpse into the future of what the recruiting landscape could be. Los Alamitos, where Nelson goes to high school, is a 30-minute drive from USC’s campus. Until this week, Nelson was ready to head to Norman, Oklahoma, to play under Riley. Now, he can play his college ball in his own backyard.
Now let’s take another example of a highly touted quarterback from California, say, Rancho Cucamonga, which is closer to an hour from USC, or even a receiver from San Marcos (90 minutes or so from campus).
What might have happened if USC was a viable option for CJ Stroud in 2020 or Chris Olave in 2018? Both had offers from the Trojans, but Ohio State offered (and still offers) a mighty fine pitch compared to what USC could give. The Buckeyes have won a national title in recent memory. You need more than two hands to count the first round NFL Draft picks from the last five years alone. Ohio State won four-straight Big Ten titles from 2017-2020. Moreover, the program, like many in the Big Ten, has been a model of stability, with even what could have been a drama-filled coaching change going extremely smoothly and the team not missing a beat.
Here’s where the Nelson/Stroud example falls apart somewhat. While Bob Stoops is returning to Oklahoma to coach the Sooners in their bowl game, there’s no telling who will be their head coach heading into 2022 and beyond. When Stroud came to Ohio State in 2020 (and committed and was recruited well before then), it was clear who Urban Meyer’s successor would be and what that would mean for new recruits coming to the program.
Looking into the future for USC, players might commit or decommit en masse as a result of a coaching change, but what does the steady state of recruiting look like?
Ohio State has an advantage in that it only competes, realistically, with a generous dozen other programs for top recruits. For many programs outside of the usual roundup of Playoff contenders, the only way they’ll get five-star commitments is by a personal connection (e.g., a family member went there) or a desire to stay close to home. Guys like Purdue’s George Karlaftis (who prepped in West Lafayette) or former Iowa defensive end AJ Epenesa (a Hawkeye legacy recruit) come to mind. As a result, Ohio State can capture the out-of-state recruiting market extremely efficiently, similar to how Alabama, Clemson and Notre Dame are able to.
But when USC is back, that’s one of those dozen or so programs who Ohio State has to compete with for those out-of-state five-stars. It’s a power with historical significance that’s on a level with the Buckeyes — seven Heisman Trophy winners, 11 claimed national titles, 39 conference titles.
The direct impact to Ohio State, suddenly, looks a lot greater. Not only might players like Stroud and Olave opt for USC, but players not from Ohio or California might choose to go to LA and play under Riley as competition for five-star recruits becomes more fragmented.
Continue reading...
LGHL Ohio State Wrestling: A preview of things to come
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Ohio State Wrestling: A preview of things to come
Josh Dooley via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Tom Ryan’s bunch is looking to bounce back from a rough (for them) 2020-2021 season | Photo by Keith Gillett/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The Buckeyes struggled to a ninth-place finish in the Big Ten last season, but there is plenty of upside with this year’s team
The Ohio State Wrestling Buckeyes are officially 3-0 on the 2021-2022 season, with dual victories over North Carolina, Virginia Tech and Notre Dame College (small school in Euclid, OH — not University of). They are scheduled to compete in this weekend’s Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational, so now is a good time to get caught up on the team, if you have not done so already.
In case you are not a big follower of the sport, jumping out to a solid start is the norm for these Buckeyes. OSU’s wrestling team is one of the best in the Big Ten, as well as the country. Sounds pretty familiar, right?
Tom Ryan took over the program in 2006, and has helped guide the grapplers to a top-10 NCAA finish each year, with the exception of a surprisingly poor 2010-2011 season. The Buckeyes have won three Big Ten (tournament) Championships under Ryan, in addition to the 2014-2015 National Championship. The 2014-2019 stretch was especially dominant, as their respective NCAA finishes were first, third, second, second, and second. The Buckeyes then took a step back in 2020-2021, and finished ninth in the Big Ten — which was the same as their overall NCAA finish, telling you just how difficult the conference is.
Similar to football and basketball, OSU annually faces its toughest competition within the Big Ten conference. Since 2008, Iowa or Penn State has won the NCAA title every year (!), except for that 2014-2015 season. Minnesota took home three championships between 2001 and 2007. But Big Ten and program dominance is nothing new in D1 wrestling. Oklahoma State has 34 national titles. Iowa has 24. Only six schools have won multiple national titles, putting Ohio State in a tie for seventh all-time. So how will the Buckeyes fare this season? I’m glad you asked.
The Ohio State wrestling program always has high expectations under Ryan. Any season in which the Buckeye are not making a run at the Big Ten or NCAA title is considered a disappointment. 2020-2021 was a down year in which the team barely had a winning record in conference duals (5-4), and this program doesn’t have two in a row… usually. However, the Big Ten is just as tough as it was last year, and the Buckeyes are in a bit of a rebuild (will to get that later, and I have good news). I don’t have the highest of expectations, but that doesn’t mean they are a bad squad. From 125 pounds through heavyweight, this team has a ton of talent. A few guys could compete for individual championships. I don’t anticipate any banners going up after this wrestling season, but there is still plenty to be excited about.
Ohio State sent seven wrestlers to the NCAA Championships last season, all of which returned for another go at it. Those returning qualifiers encountered plenty of depth on their own roster, and thus far, the 2021-2022 lineup looks very different than it did a year ago (almost a year, as the previous season was delayed due to Covid). Starting at the 125 pound weight class, senior Malik Heinselman will be looking to punch his ticket to the NCAA tournament for a fourth time. He is certainly not the biggest favorite to win an individual title, but could be a darkhorse due to his experience.
Dylan D’Emilio was another NCAA qualifier, but he will be pushed at 141 by Jordan Decatur, who was the team’s main starter at 133 last season. Decatur wrestled at 141 in the opening dual, but dropped his match against UNC. As is always the case with OSU, there will be a lot of intra-squad competition at various weight classes, and 133/141 is a prime example.
Sammy Sasso is Ohio State’s top returning starter and a star in the making — if he is not considered to be one already. The redshirt junior from Pennsylvania lost a tough match in the finals at 149 last season, and has a record of 47-4 as a Buckeye with 12 pins. He has started this season 7-0, and should be a lock to at least qualify for the NCAA Championships. As good as Sasso is and has been, OSU’s best wrestler could be a freshman at the next weight class… and that same freshman might not see the mat in an official capacity. Yes, you read that correctly.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23052741/1301503177.jpg)
Photo by G Fiume/Maryland Terrapins/Getty Images
Sasso was Ohio State’s top-ranked wrestler in the preseason, and he will be looking to bring home an individual title that narrowly escaped him last season
Paddy Gallagher was a two-time state champion in Ohio, only missing out on three straight due to the pandemic. Prior to enrolling at Ohio State, he was also named the top pound-for-pound wrestling prospect in the country by FloWrestling (a big deal). He is likely the team’s next star and best option at 157 pounds, but OSU loves to redshirt their guys. That is because, in order for teams to compete with Penn State, Iowa, and others, they need to be stacked from top-to-bottom. A few weak weight classes will take you right out of the running, whether that be in the Big Ten or nationally. Penn State had four individual NCAA champions last season, and still finished second. Gallagher won’t make or break the 2021-2022 season, so there is a good chance he is held out of major competition. Jashon Hubbard and Bryce Hepner have both wrestled at 157 already this season.
The Buckeyes had a battle at 165 pounds, and this is where things get very interesting. Ethan Smith had a strong 20-21 season, but did not face competition from Carson Kharchla. Kharchla missed the previous season due to a knee injury, but was an up-and-comer prior to that. He came into this season healthy, and earned the 165 nod over Smith. That set off a chain reaction of other moves.
Smith then moved up to 174, taking the place of Kaleb Romero. Romero was an Ohio high school legend, winning four state titles, but for now appears to be the odd man out. Rocky Jordan, Gavin Hoffman, and Tate Orndorff fill out the rest of the starting lineup, but I wouldn’t be shocked to see Romero work himself back into the rotation. There could be some musical chairs at the heavier weight classes, but Romero is arguably the most talented of the bunch. If healthy, I think he earns the 184 spot soon.
That’s the early rundown, but there is plenty of season to go. Ohio State was ranked in or around the top-10 in preseason polls, and I assume that will be their ceiling. This is not Tom Ryan’s best team, but they will compete in the Big Ten, like they always do, and we could see a guy or two place highly in the NCAA Championships. Now about that good news I teased earlier…
2021-2022 would be a good time to start paying serious attention to the wrestling Buckeyes, because they are about to bring in a truly historic recruiting class. You think the football and basketball Buckeyes have had some good recruiting classes? Get a load of this one. As part of their seven-man class, Ohio State signed each of the top three recruits in the country— that is No. 1, No. 2, and No. 3 overall! OSU was able to do something that no other wrestling program in history was able to do by signing Jesse Mendez, Nic Bouzakis, and Nick Feldman. They will be joined by a few more top-50 recruits, including Seth Shumate, who committed early and became a recruiter himself.
It was an historic day in the annals of Ohio State wrestling recruiting, as Tom Ryan's staff assembled their best class yet with the top three recruits in the country signed to become Buckeyes.https://t.co/XwsCAeml06
— Andy Vance (@AndyVance) November 11, 2021
The future is very bright for Ohio State wrestling, and if you are not already, I suggest you get on board. The roster is loaded, they have an outstanding coaching staff, and the Jennings Wrestling Facility inside Coveli Center is a great venue to watch wrestling in-person. Because of the growing popularity and continued success of the Big Ten, networks such as BTN have also done a better job of making it more accessible (on television) to the common fan.
No more excuses, go watch another OSU team that can perennially lay claim to being one of the best in the country!
Continue reading...
Josh Dooley via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Tom Ryan’s bunch is looking to bounce back from a rough (for them) 2020-2021 season | Photo by Keith Gillett/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The Buckeyes struggled to a ninth-place finish in the Big Ten last season, but there is plenty of upside with this year’s team
The Ohio State Wrestling Buckeyes are officially 3-0 on the 2021-2022 season, with dual victories over North Carolina, Virginia Tech and Notre Dame College (small school in Euclid, OH — not University of). They are scheduled to compete in this weekend’s Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational, so now is a good time to get caught up on the team, if you have not done so already.
In case you are not a big follower of the sport, jumping out to a solid start is the norm for these Buckeyes. OSU’s wrestling team is one of the best in the Big Ten, as well as the country. Sounds pretty familiar, right?
Tom Ryan took over the program in 2006, and has helped guide the grapplers to a top-10 NCAA finish each year, with the exception of a surprisingly poor 2010-2011 season. The Buckeyes have won three Big Ten (tournament) Championships under Ryan, in addition to the 2014-2015 National Championship. The 2014-2019 stretch was especially dominant, as their respective NCAA finishes were first, third, second, second, and second. The Buckeyes then took a step back in 2020-2021, and finished ninth in the Big Ten — which was the same as their overall NCAA finish, telling you just how difficult the conference is.
Similar to football and basketball, OSU annually faces its toughest competition within the Big Ten conference. Since 2008, Iowa or Penn State has won the NCAA title every year (!), except for that 2014-2015 season. Minnesota took home three championships between 2001 and 2007. But Big Ten and program dominance is nothing new in D1 wrestling. Oklahoma State has 34 national titles. Iowa has 24. Only six schools have won multiple national titles, putting Ohio State in a tie for seventh all-time. So how will the Buckeyes fare this season? I’m glad you asked.
The Ohio State wrestling program always has high expectations under Ryan. Any season in which the Buckeye are not making a run at the Big Ten or NCAA title is considered a disappointment. 2020-2021 was a down year in which the team barely had a winning record in conference duals (5-4), and this program doesn’t have two in a row… usually. However, the Big Ten is just as tough as it was last year, and the Buckeyes are in a bit of a rebuild (will to get that later, and I have good news). I don’t have the highest of expectations, but that doesn’t mean they are a bad squad. From 125 pounds through heavyweight, this team has a ton of talent. A few guys could compete for individual championships. I don’t anticipate any banners going up after this wrestling season, but there is still plenty to be excited about.
Ohio State sent seven wrestlers to the NCAA Championships last season, all of which returned for another go at it. Those returning qualifiers encountered plenty of depth on their own roster, and thus far, the 2021-2022 lineup looks very different than it did a year ago (almost a year, as the previous season was delayed due to Covid). Starting at the 125 pound weight class, senior Malik Heinselman will be looking to punch his ticket to the NCAA tournament for a fourth time. He is certainly not the biggest favorite to win an individual title, but could be a darkhorse due to his experience.
Dylan D’Emilio was another NCAA qualifier, but he will be pushed at 141 by Jordan Decatur, who was the team’s main starter at 133 last season. Decatur wrestled at 141 in the opening dual, but dropped his match against UNC. As is always the case with OSU, there will be a lot of intra-squad competition at various weight classes, and 133/141 is a prime example.
Sammy Sasso is Ohio State’s top returning starter and a star in the making — if he is not considered to be one already. The redshirt junior from Pennsylvania lost a tough match in the finals at 149 last season, and has a record of 47-4 as a Buckeye with 12 pins. He has started this season 7-0, and should be a lock to at least qualify for the NCAA Championships. As good as Sasso is and has been, OSU’s best wrestler could be a freshman at the next weight class… and that same freshman might not see the mat in an official capacity. Yes, you read that correctly.
Sasso was Ohio State’s top-ranked wrestler in the preseason, and he will be looking to bring home an individual title that narrowly escaped him last season
Paddy Gallagher was a two-time state champion in Ohio, only missing out on three straight due to the pandemic. Prior to enrolling at Ohio State, he was also named the top pound-for-pound wrestling prospect in the country by FloWrestling (a big deal). He is likely the team’s next star and best option at 157 pounds, but OSU loves to redshirt their guys. That is because, in order for teams to compete with Penn State, Iowa, and others, they need to be stacked from top-to-bottom. A few weak weight classes will take you right out of the running, whether that be in the Big Ten or nationally. Penn State had four individual NCAA champions last season, and still finished second. Gallagher won’t make or break the 2021-2022 season, so there is a good chance he is held out of major competition. Jashon Hubbard and Bryce Hepner have both wrestled at 157 already this season.
The Buckeyes had a battle at 165 pounds, and this is where things get very interesting. Ethan Smith had a strong 20-21 season, but did not face competition from Carson Kharchla. Kharchla missed the previous season due to a knee injury, but was an up-and-comer prior to that. He came into this season healthy, and earned the 165 nod over Smith. That set off a chain reaction of other moves.
Smith then moved up to 174, taking the place of Kaleb Romero. Romero was an Ohio high school legend, winning four state titles, but for now appears to be the odd man out. Rocky Jordan, Gavin Hoffman, and Tate Orndorff fill out the rest of the starting lineup, but I wouldn’t be shocked to see Romero work himself back into the rotation. There could be some musical chairs at the heavier weight classes, but Romero is arguably the most talented of the bunch. If healthy, I think he earns the 184 spot soon.
That’s the early rundown, but there is plenty of season to go. Ohio State was ranked in or around the top-10 in preseason polls, and I assume that will be their ceiling. This is not Tom Ryan’s best team, but they will compete in the Big Ten, like they always do, and we could see a guy or two place highly in the NCAA Championships. Now about that good news I teased earlier…
2021-2022 would be a good time to start paying serious attention to the wrestling Buckeyes, because they are about to bring in a truly historic recruiting class. You think the football and basketball Buckeyes have had some good recruiting classes? Get a load of this one. As part of their seven-man class, Ohio State signed each of the top three recruits in the country— that is No. 1, No. 2, and No. 3 overall! OSU was able to do something that no other wrestling program in history was able to do by signing Jesse Mendez, Nic Bouzakis, and Nick Feldman. They will be joined by a few more top-50 recruits, including Seth Shumate, who committed early and became a recruiter himself.
It was an historic day in the annals of Ohio State wrestling recruiting, as Tom Ryan's staff assembled their best class yet with the top three recruits in the country signed to become Buckeyes.https://t.co/XwsCAeml06
— Andy Vance (@AndyVance) November 11, 2021
The future is very bright for Ohio State wrestling, and if you are not already, I suggest you get on board. The roster is loaded, they have an outstanding coaching staff, and the Jennings Wrestling Facility inside Coveli Center is a great venue to watch wrestling in-person. Because of the growing popularity and continued success of the Big Ten, networks such as BTN have also done a better job of making it more accessible (on television) to the common fan.
No more excuses, go watch another OSU team that can perennially lay claim to being one of the best in the country!
Continue reading...
LGHL LGHL Uncut Podcast: Coach K, Holtmann, Key, Russell talk Ohio State’s upset over Duke
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LGHL Uncut Podcast: Coach K, Holtmann, Key, Russell talk Ohio State’s upset over Duke
Connor Lemons 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
Ced and Zed had big-time coming out parties!
Land-Grant Holy Land’s newest podcast, ‘Bucketheads’ takes you on a journey across the college basketball landscape every episode. The only basketball-focused podcast in the LGHL family of podcasts, co-hosts Connor Lemons and Justin Golba give the latest scoop on the Ohio State Buckeyes as well as all the other happenings in the college hoops world. ‘Bucketheads’ will be released every Thursday morning throughout the regular season.
Subscribe: RSS | Apple | Spotify | Stitcher | Google Podcasts | iHeart Radio
In addition to this week’s Bucketheads episode coming out on Thursday, we also have the full post-game press conference following Ohio State’s 71-66 upset victory over the No. Duke Blue Devils.
Historically a slow-moving team, Ohio State tried to control the pace early on, and the scoring in the first half reflected that. At the under-8 timeout, Duke led 27-19, with seven different Blue Devils already in the scoring column. The Buckeyes were doing a fairly good job at limiting Banchero early on, but Duke’s supporting cast around him is probably the most talented in the nation.
Duke held a 43-30 lead at halftime following a 7-0 run right before halftime. Banchero got it going after a slow start, racking up 10 first-half points. Key led Ohio State with nine points in the opening frame, but the true story of the first 20 minutes were the turnovers — Ohio State had nine of them in the first half alone. The Buckeyes were also whiffing at the free throw line, going 3-for-10 in the first half.
Duke tried to open it up in the second half, but Ohio State just would not let them. After building a 15-point lead early in the second stanza, the Buckeyes scratched and clawed back into it, taking the lead with 1:03 remaining in the game. Cedric Russell had his coming out party, scoring 12 points. After Liddell’s jumper with 15 seconds remaining gave them a three-point lead, the comeback was complete.
Ohio State slayed the giant, David finished off Goliath, and the Buckeyes beat the No. 1 team in the country in their second straight attempt. The Buckeyes were led by Key’s career-high 20 points, but Liddell and Russell both chipped in double digits as well. Duke was led by Moore’s 17 points and 8 rebounds.
Connect with the Podcast:
Twitter: @BucketheadsLGHL
Connect with Connor:
Twitter: @lemons_connor
Connect with Justin:
Twitter: @justin_golba
Continue reading...
Connor Lemons 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
Ced and Zed had big-time coming out parties!
Land-Grant Holy Land’s newest podcast, ‘Bucketheads’ takes you on a journey across the college basketball landscape every episode. The only basketball-focused podcast in the LGHL family of podcasts, co-hosts Connor Lemons and Justin Golba give the latest scoop on the Ohio State Buckeyes as well as all the other happenings in the college hoops world. ‘Bucketheads’ will be released every Thursday morning throughout the regular season.
Subscribe: RSS | Apple | Spotify | Stitcher | Google Podcasts | iHeart Radio
In addition to this week’s Bucketheads episode coming out on Thursday, we also have the full post-game press conference following Ohio State’s 71-66 upset victory over the No. Duke Blue Devils.
Historically a slow-moving team, Ohio State tried to control the pace early on, and the scoring in the first half reflected that. At the under-8 timeout, Duke led 27-19, with seven different Blue Devils already in the scoring column. The Buckeyes were doing a fairly good job at limiting Banchero early on, but Duke’s supporting cast around him is probably the most talented in the nation.
Duke held a 43-30 lead at halftime following a 7-0 run right before halftime. Banchero got it going after a slow start, racking up 10 first-half points. Key led Ohio State with nine points in the opening frame, but the true story of the first 20 minutes were the turnovers — Ohio State had nine of them in the first half alone. The Buckeyes were also whiffing at the free throw line, going 3-for-10 in the first half.
Duke tried to open it up in the second half, but Ohio State just would not let them. After building a 15-point lead early in the second stanza, the Buckeyes scratched and clawed back into it, taking the lead with 1:03 remaining in the game. Cedric Russell had his coming out party, scoring 12 points. After Liddell’s jumper with 15 seconds remaining gave them a three-point lead, the comeback was complete.
Ohio State slayed the giant, David finished off Goliath, and the Buckeyes beat the No. 1 team in the country in their second straight attempt. The Buckeyes were led by Key’s career-high 20 points, but Liddell and Russell both chipped in double digits as well. Duke was led by Moore’s 17 points and 8 rebounds.
Connect with the Podcast:
Twitter: @BucketheadsLGHL
Connect with Connor:
Twitter: @lemons_connor
Connect with Justin:
Twitter: @justin_golba
Continue reading...
MotS&G Buckeyes Humbled In Ann Arbor
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Buckeyes Humbled In Ann Arbor
Richard Tongohan via our good friends at Men of the Scarlet and Gray
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Credit: ESPN.com
Shudder. Gag. The Wolverines finally broke two prominent streaks and they did it in dominating fashion. Ryan Day’s undefeated regular season conference streak and the 2nd longest win streak against TTUN are up in smoke.
Like a nightmare, the Buckeyes folded in what was essentially a playoff play-in game within The Game. All they had to do was win, but the Wolverines game plan was too sound and the Buckeyes let them play their brand of football.
With parallels and shades of the early season loss to Oregon, the Buckeyes were exposed once again on the big stage. Poor/questionable offensive play-calling, poor defensive effort, getting mauled at the line of scrimmage, settling for field goals in the red zone, and penalties ultimately killed any playoff and conference game hopes. Those all died in Ann Arbor.
At best, a New Years Six Game is in the cards. At worst a non-New Years Six game where every draft eligible player probably sits out. It is also very doubtful that sure-fire first rounders stay for another shot at revenge. I am crushed. The pipe dream is effectively snuffed out.
What could’ve been done better? Be better with play-calling on offense. They were playing too cautiously on both sides of the ball. They couldn’t do anything on offense and they couldn’t stop the run to save their lives. Discipline. It was not there either cause the penalties killed them.
One team did not come to have a war. The other one did. They executed and won. Simple. I cannot express the disgust right now, but I won’t compound things with more negatives. I have no other way to spin this disaster of a game plan, but what are the positives?
Stroud showed flashes but he still has room to grow. Henderson will build as well. Despite the looming losses of Olave and Wilson, Smith-Njigba will be very good for the Buckeyes. The offensive and defensive lines will have to retool, but they also have young talent inbound.
I will not congratulate them, but they earned it. They seized the moment and snatched everything away from us. This will sting for a year but we will be back. Always, Go Bucks.
Continue reading...
Richard Tongohan via our good friends at Men of the Scarlet and Gray
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Credit: ESPN.com
Shudder. Gag. The Wolverines finally broke two prominent streaks and they did it in dominating fashion. Ryan Day’s undefeated regular season conference streak and the 2nd longest win streak against TTUN are up in smoke.
Like a nightmare, the Buckeyes folded in what was essentially a playoff play-in game within The Game. All they had to do was win, but the Wolverines game plan was too sound and the Buckeyes let them play their brand of football.
With parallels and shades of the early season loss to Oregon, the Buckeyes were exposed once again on the big stage. Poor/questionable offensive play-calling, poor defensive effort, getting mauled at the line of scrimmage, settling for field goals in the red zone, and penalties ultimately killed any playoff and conference game hopes. Those all died in Ann Arbor.
At best, a New Years Six Game is in the cards. At worst a non-New Years Six game where every draft eligible player probably sits out. It is also very doubtful that sure-fire first rounders stay for another shot at revenge. I am crushed. The pipe dream is effectively snuffed out.
What could’ve been done better? Be better with play-calling on offense. They were playing too cautiously on both sides of the ball. They couldn’t do anything on offense and they couldn’t stop the run to save their lives. Discipline. It was not there either cause the penalties killed them.
One team did not come to have a war. The other one did. They executed and won. Simple. I cannot express the disgust right now, but I won’t compound things with more negatives. I have no other way to spin this disaster of a game plan, but what are the positives?
Stroud showed flashes but he still has room to grow. Henderson will build as well. Despite the looming losses of Olave and Wilson, Smith-Njigba will be very good for the Buckeyes. The offensive and defensive lines will have to retool, but they also have young talent inbound.
I will not congratulate them, but they earned it. They seized the moment and snatched everything away from us. This will sting for a year but we will be back. Always, Go Bucks.
Continue reading...
LGHL Why is this News? All the articles and tweets Buckeye fans need for December 1, 2021
- News
- 0 Replies
Why is this News? All the articles and tweets Buckeye fans need for December 1, 2021
Gene Ross via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
All the Buckeye news thats fit to re-print.
Look, we get it. Your days are busy and you don’t have time to read all of the stories and tweets from the three dozen websites dedicated to covering Ohio State athletics, or the 237 Buckeye beat writers churning out hot takes and #content on a daily basis. But that’s ok, that’s what your friends at Land-Grant Holy Land are here for.
Monday through Friday, we’ll be collecting all of the articles, tweets, features, interviews, videos, podcasts, memes, photos, and whatever else we stumble across on the interwebz and putting them in our daily “Why is this News?” article. That way, you’ll have a one-stop-shop for all of the most important Buckeye news, jokes, and analysis.
You’re welcome!
For your Earholes...
Subscribe: RSS | Apple | Spotify | Stitcher | Google Podcasts | iHeart Radio
On the Gridiron
Total of 13 Ohio State players selected for All-Big Ten defensive teams
- Dave Biddle, Bucknuts
Ohio State defensive tackle Haskell Garrett named first-team All-Big Ten
- Bill Rabinowitz, The Columbus Dispatch
This is only the second time in the last eight seasons that Ohio State hasn't had at least one Big Ten defensive award winner.
— Bill Landis (@BillLandis25) November 30, 2021
Ohio State Falls To No. 7 In Latest College Football Playoff Rankings
- Andrew Lind, Sports Illustrated
Poaching season is here: Will Buckeyes take advantage of coaching carousel?
- Caleb Houser, Land-Grant Holy Land
Buckeyes postseason fate largely sealed in latest CFP rankings ($$)
- Austin Ward, Lettermen Row
FiveThirtyEight updates College Football Playoff predictions and odds. How far did Ohio State fall?
- Phil Harrison, USA Today
Urban Meyer will not be the next head coach at Notre Dame.
Filed to ESPN: Per a league source, Jaguars coach Urban Meyer has no interest in taking another college coaching job and remains committed to rebuilding the franchise.
— Michael DiRocco (@ESPNdirocco) November 30, 2021
College football’s transfer portal frenzy: Key names to watch ($$)
- Max Olson, The Athletic
Stat Pack: Where Ohio State stands statistically after Week 13
- Patrick Murphy, Bucknuts
Ohio State football ‘not a tough team,’ according to Michigan OC Josh Gattis
- Nathan Baird, Cleveland.com
You’re Nuts: What was the craziest thing to happen in college football over the weekend?
- Brett Ludwiczak and Meredith Hein, Land-Grant Holy Land
Buckeyes in the NFL — Week 12
- Ohio State Athletics
Ohio State Football: Three players who could transfer before 2022
- Ryan Stano, Scarlet and Game
On the Hardwood
Despite early errors, Buckeyes come back to beat No. 1 Duke 71-66
- Connor Lemons, Land-Grant Holy Land
Chris Holtmann’s squad knocks off another No. 1 team.
️ "Ced & Zed were the difference ..."
More @ChrisHoltmann following the win over No. 1 Duke tonight #GoBucks pic.twitter.com/O3WLyNBICU
— Ohio State Buckeyes (@OhioStAthletics) December 1, 2021
Ohio State storms back from 15-point deficit, shocks No. 1 Duke
Adam Jardy, The Columbus Dispatch
I will never get tired of watching these guys sing this song!
Finish this phrase. We win, we _____ #Team123 #GoBucks pic.twitter.com/6djDmgORqQ
— Ohio State Hoops (@OhioStateHoops) December 1, 2021
Follow live: No. 1 Duke Blue Devils face Ohio State Buckeyes in men’s basketball
Lori Schmidt, Adam Jardy, and Rob Oller, The Columbus Dispatch
Certainly a win worthy of a court-storming!
CHAOS.#Team123 #GoBucks pic.twitter.com/Y4PCKHTDIB
— Ohio State Hoops (@OhioStateHoops) December 1, 2021
Absolutely Ice Cold!
E.J. Liddell tonight for @OhioStateHoops against No. 1 Duke:
14 points
14 rebounds
6 assists
3 blocks
He's the first player to have 10+ points, 10+ rebounds, 5+ assists and 3+ blocks against the AP No. 1 team since Marquette's Dwyane Wade in the 2003 NCAA Tournament against UK.
— Stats By STATS (@StatsBySTATS) December 1, 2021
That seems good.
Most wins vs. AP No. 1 as unranked team, all time:
8, Ohio State
7, Maryland
6, Florida State, Georgia Tech, UCLA & Vanderbilt pic.twitter.com/3dcE7cKDMY
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) December 1, 2021
Women’s Hoops: No. 18/24 Buckeyes travel to Syracuse for Big Ten/ACC Challenge
- Ohio State Athletics
Outside The Shoe and Schott
Women’s Hockey: WCHA names Jacques Defender of the Month
- Ohio State Athletics
Men’s Soccer: Wootton honored by awards, captain status
- Justin Howard, The Lantern
Men’s Lacrosse: Snyder named to final U.S. U21 World Championships roster
- Ohio State Athletics
Men’s Hockey: Dobes emerges as key player in freshman season
- Carrington Calder, The Lantern
And Now for Something Completely Different
The real king and queen of this generation.
We interrupt your Tuesday afternoon to bring you Zendaya and Tom Holland’s red-carpet debut as Hollywood’s new favourite couple: https://t.co/okDt7QuWnt pic.twitter.com/SsKj3QjIrc
— British Vogue (@BritishVogue) November 30, 2021
Continue reading...
Gene Ross via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
All the Buckeye news thats fit to re-print.
Look, we get it. Your days are busy and you don’t have time to read all of the stories and tweets from the three dozen websites dedicated to covering Ohio State athletics, or the 237 Buckeye beat writers churning out hot takes and #content on a daily basis. But that’s ok, that’s what your friends at Land-Grant Holy Land are here for.
Monday through Friday, we’ll be collecting all of the articles, tweets, features, interviews, videos, podcasts, memes, photos, and whatever else we stumble across on the interwebz and putting them in our daily “Why is this News?” article. That way, you’ll have a one-stop-shop for all of the most important Buckeye news, jokes, and analysis.
You’re welcome!
For your Earholes...
Subscribe: RSS | Apple | Spotify | Stitcher | Google Podcasts | iHeart Radio
On the Gridiron
Total of 13 Ohio State players selected for All-Big Ten defensive teams
- Dave Biddle, Bucknuts
Ohio State defensive tackle Haskell Garrett named first-team All-Big Ten
- Bill Rabinowitz, The Columbus Dispatch
This is only the second time in the last eight seasons that Ohio State hasn't had at least one Big Ten defensive award winner.
— Bill Landis (@BillLandis25) November 30, 2021
Ohio State Falls To No. 7 In Latest College Football Playoff Rankings
- Andrew Lind, Sports Illustrated
Poaching season is here: Will Buckeyes take advantage of coaching carousel?
- Caleb Houser, Land-Grant Holy Land
Buckeyes postseason fate largely sealed in latest CFP rankings ($$)
- Austin Ward, Lettermen Row
FiveThirtyEight updates College Football Playoff predictions and odds. How far did Ohio State fall?
- Phil Harrison, USA Today
Urban Meyer will not be the next head coach at Notre Dame.
Filed to ESPN: Per a league source, Jaguars coach Urban Meyer has no interest in taking another college coaching job and remains committed to rebuilding the franchise.
— Michael DiRocco (@ESPNdirocco) November 30, 2021
College football’s transfer portal frenzy: Key names to watch ($$)
- Max Olson, The Athletic
Stat Pack: Where Ohio State stands statistically after Week 13
- Patrick Murphy, Bucknuts
Ohio State football ‘not a tough team,’ according to Michigan OC Josh Gattis
- Nathan Baird, Cleveland.com
You’re Nuts: What was the craziest thing to happen in college football over the weekend?
- Brett Ludwiczak and Meredith Hein, Land-Grant Holy Land
Buckeyes in the NFL — Week 12
- Ohio State Athletics
Ohio State Football: Three players who could transfer before 2022
- Ryan Stano, Scarlet and Game
On the Hardwood
Despite early errors, Buckeyes come back to beat No. 1 Duke 71-66
- Connor Lemons, Land-Grant Holy Land
Chris Holtmann’s squad knocks off another No. 1 team.
️ "Ced & Zed were the difference ..."
More @ChrisHoltmann following the win over No. 1 Duke tonight #GoBucks pic.twitter.com/O3WLyNBICU
— Ohio State Buckeyes (@OhioStAthletics) December 1, 2021
Ohio State storms back from 15-point deficit, shocks No. 1 Duke
Adam Jardy, The Columbus Dispatch
I will never get tired of watching these guys sing this song!
Finish this phrase. We win, we _____ #Team123 #GoBucks pic.twitter.com/6djDmgORqQ
— Ohio State Hoops (@OhioStateHoops) December 1, 2021
Follow live: No. 1 Duke Blue Devils face Ohio State Buckeyes in men’s basketball
Lori Schmidt, Adam Jardy, and Rob Oller, The Columbus Dispatch
Certainly a win worthy of a court-storming!
CHAOS.#Team123 #GoBucks pic.twitter.com/Y4PCKHTDIB
— Ohio State Hoops (@OhioStateHoops) December 1, 2021
Absolutely Ice Cold!
E.J. Liddell tonight for @OhioStateHoops against No. 1 Duke:
14 points
14 rebounds
6 assists
3 blocks
He's the first player to have 10+ points, 10+ rebounds, 5+ assists and 3+ blocks against the AP No. 1 team since Marquette's Dwyane Wade in the 2003 NCAA Tournament against UK.
— Stats By STATS (@StatsBySTATS) December 1, 2021
That seems good.
Most wins vs. AP No. 1 as unranked team, all time:
8, Ohio State
7, Maryland
6, Florida State, Georgia Tech, UCLA & Vanderbilt pic.twitter.com/3dcE7cKDMY
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) December 1, 2021
Women’s Hoops: No. 18/24 Buckeyes travel to Syracuse for Big Ten/ACC Challenge
- Ohio State Athletics
Outside The Shoe and Schott
Women’s Hockey: WCHA names Jacques Defender of the Month
- Ohio State Athletics
Men’s Soccer: Wootton honored by awards, captain status
- Justin Howard, The Lantern
Men’s Lacrosse: Snyder named to final U.S. U21 World Championships roster
- Ohio State Athletics
Men’s Hockey: Dobes emerges as key player in freshman season
- Carrington Calder, The Lantern
And Now for Something Completely Different
The real king and queen of this generation.
We interrupt your Tuesday afternoon to bring you Zendaya and Tom Holland’s red-carpet debut as Hollywood’s new favourite couple: https://t.co/okDt7QuWnt pic.twitter.com/SsKj3QjIrc
— British Vogue (@BritishVogue) November 30, 2021
Continue reading...
LGHL Ohio State dishes out two new offers to 2023 prospects
- News
- 0 Replies
Ohio State dishes out two new offers to 2023 prospects
Bret Favachio via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Rico Flores | Brandon Huffman, 247Sports
The Buckeyes were active on the recruiting trail on Tuesday as they sent out two new offers for next year’s cycle
While the basketball Buckeyes were gearing up for their contest against No. 1 Duke on the hardwood in which they would ultimately pull off the massive upset by a final count of 71-66, the football staff was putting in work on the recruiting trail. Ohio State dished out a pair of new offers for next year’s class, and had coaches across the country checking in on two key targets for this year’s recruiting cycle.
Flores, Culliver add Buckeye offers
The pair of 2023 prospects that were on the receiving end of Buckeye offers on Tuesday were four-star athlete Rico Flores of Folsom (CA) and three-star wide receiver Chris Culliver of Maiden (NC).
Flores, who is profiled by 247Sports as an athlete, is listed on the consensus rankings as a pass-catcher, and the latest offer from Ohio State puts the 6-foot-1, 190-pounder up to 26 scholarship offers already. The Buckeyes now put themselves into the mix for the No. 12 prospect in California along with programs such as Alabama, Georgia, LSU, Notre Dame, Oregon, Texas, UCLA, USC, and many more.
As for Culliver, he currently shows as an unranked prospect on the composite scale. However, 247Sports lists the 6-foot-3, 174-pounder as their No. 66 prospect overall and the 10th-highest graded player from the Tar Heel State. While Culliver has already surpassed the double-digit mark for offers, the offer from the Buckeyes on Tuesday looks to be the biggest one to date for the Blue Devils receiver.
The next step in these respective recruitments for Ohio State will be the most important step, as they will aim to build a relationship with the two prospects and bring them to Columbus to get a first hand look at what the program has to offer.
Coaches visit two key targets
As the early signing period inches closer and closer, the Buckeyes have their sights set on putting the finishing touches on their 2022 recruiting class and on Tuesday, Ohio State coaches were out on the West Coast to check in on four-star safety Zion Branch of Bishop Gorman (NV) and four-star defensive lineman Hero Kanu of Santa Margarita Catholic (CA).
The Branch family welcomed in Ohio State wide receivers coach Brian Hartline and secondary coach Matt Barnes who finished the season as the Buckeyes defensive play-caller. It has been no secret throughout this entire recruiting cycle that program wants the Top 50 prospect, as he is just one of two prospects that the university is targeting at the safety position. The in-home visit from the two coaches also comes as an added bonus as Zion is the older brother of 2023 four-star wide receiver Zachariah Branch — a key target for Ohio State next year.
Thank you to @CoachMattBarnes @brianhartline for the great home visit with my family tonight! Always great visiting with the buckeyes! @OhioStateFB @zachariahb03 pic.twitter.com/38KLZ3bt4w
— Zion Branch (@zionbranch) December 1, 2021
As for Kanu, the Buckeyes had head coach Ryan Day and defensive line coach Larry Johnson out in Cali to check on the blue-chip defensive tackle. As a team that had major struggles on the defensive line this season, Kanu is likely one of the most important prospects that Ohio State is pursuing in the class as the finish line creeps closer.
Thank you for the great visit today. I love spending time with both of you! @R2X_Rushmen1 and @ryandaytime #GoBucks@CoachRouz @PPIRecruits @SMCHSEagles @SMCHS_Football pic.twitter.com/Q0xuFHFefJ
— Hero Kanu (@HeroKanu) November 30, 2021
Of course both 2022 prospects are two names to watch closely as USC, fresh off of the hiring of Lincoln Riley, looks to be a major factor going forward.
Quick Hits
Continue reading...
Bret Favachio via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Rico Flores | Brandon Huffman, 247Sports
The Buckeyes were active on the recruiting trail on Tuesday as they sent out two new offers for next year’s cycle
While the basketball Buckeyes were gearing up for their contest against No. 1 Duke on the hardwood in which they would ultimately pull off the massive upset by a final count of 71-66, the football staff was putting in work on the recruiting trail. Ohio State dished out a pair of new offers for next year’s class, and had coaches across the country checking in on two key targets for this year’s recruiting cycle.
Flores, Culliver add Buckeye offers
The pair of 2023 prospects that were on the receiving end of Buckeye offers on Tuesday were four-star athlete Rico Flores of Folsom (CA) and three-star wide receiver Chris Culliver of Maiden (NC).
Flores, who is profiled by 247Sports as an athlete, is listed on the consensus rankings as a pass-catcher, and the latest offer from Ohio State puts the 6-foot-1, 190-pounder up to 26 scholarship offers already. The Buckeyes now put themselves into the mix for the No. 12 prospect in California along with programs such as Alabama, Georgia, LSU, Notre Dame, Oregon, Texas, UCLA, USC, and many more.
As for Culliver, he currently shows as an unranked prospect on the composite scale. However, 247Sports lists the 6-foot-3, 174-pounder as their No. 66 prospect overall and the 10th-highest graded player from the Tar Heel State. While Culliver has already surpassed the double-digit mark for offers, the offer from the Buckeyes on Tuesday looks to be the biggest one to date for the Blue Devils receiver.
The next step in these respective recruitments for Ohio State will be the most important step, as they will aim to build a relationship with the two prospects and bring them to Columbus to get a first hand look at what the program has to offer.
Coaches visit two key targets
As the early signing period inches closer and closer, the Buckeyes have their sights set on putting the finishing touches on their 2022 recruiting class and on Tuesday, Ohio State coaches were out on the West Coast to check in on four-star safety Zion Branch of Bishop Gorman (NV) and four-star defensive lineman Hero Kanu of Santa Margarita Catholic (CA).
The Branch family welcomed in Ohio State wide receivers coach Brian Hartline and secondary coach Matt Barnes who finished the season as the Buckeyes defensive play-caller. It has been no secret throughout this entire recruiting cycle that program wants the Top 50 prospect, as he is just one of two prospects that the university is targeting at the safety position. The in-home visit from the two coaches also comes as an added bonus as Zion is the older brother of 2023 four-star wide receiver Zachariah Branch — a key target for Ohio State next year.
Thank you to @CoachMattBarnes @brianhartline for the great home visit with my family tonight! Always great visiting with the buckeyes! @OhioStateFB @zachariahb03 pic.twitter.com/38KLZ3bt4w
— Zion Branch (@zionbranch) December 1, 2021
As for Kanu, the Buckeyes had head coach Ryan Day and defensive line coach Larry Johnson out in Cali to check on the blue-chip defensive tackle. As a team that had major struggles on the defensive line this season, Kanu is likely one of the most important prospects that Ohio State is pursuing in the class as the finish line creeps closer.
Thank you for the great visit today. I love spending time with both of you! @R2X_Rushmen1 and @ryandaytime #GoBucks@CoachRouz @PPIRecruits @SMCHSEagles @SMCHS_Football pic.twitter.com/Q0xuFHFefJ
— Hero Kanu (@HeroKanu) November 30, 2021
Of course both 2022 prospects are two names to watch closely as USC, fresh off of the hiring of Lincoln Riley, looks to be a major factor going forward.
Quick Hits
- 2023 four-star defensive lineman Keith Sampson of New Bern (NC) revealed on Tuesday that he will be releasing a top five list “soon.” The No. 4 ranked player in the state has already picked up an offer from Ohio State and camped in Columbus earlier this summer. The expectation is that the Buckeyes will be included on the list for the 6-foot-3, 285-pounder.
Continue reading...
LGHL Despite early errors, Buckeyes come back to beat No. 1 Duke 71-66
- News
- 0 Replies
Despite early errors, Buckeyes come back to beat No. 1 Duke 71-66
Connor Lemons 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
The Buckeyes overcame some self-inflected wounds, to pull off an epic upset in Coach K’s final game in Columbus.
Since Chris Holtmann became the head coach of the Ohio State men’s basketball team in 2017, the Buckeyes have rarely found themselves as big of underdogs as they did Tuesday evening with the top-ranked Duke Blue Devils in town. With a record of 92-46, a fifth-place average finish in the Big Ten (after four seasons), and 24 straight weeks in the AP Top-25 just recently being snapped, this program has been one of the steadiest in the country since the change in regime.
But Tuesday night was, without a doubt, a David vs. Goliath type of battle, despite what the Vegas oddsmakers had to say. No. 1 Duke (7-1) rolled into Columbus on the heels of a massive win over No. 3 (formerly No. 1 ) Gonzaga, just days after the Bulldogs rolled over a fantastic UCLA team. Led by a potential No. 1 draft pick in Paolo Banchero, Mike Krzyzewski’s team boasted a mix of size and athleticism that the Buckeyes likely won’t see again this season.
Compounding Duke’s height advantage was the fact that the Buckeyes (5-2) are still without the services of Seth Towns, Eugene Brown, and Justice Sueing — who all are out with varying injuries. Sueing continues to nurse an abdominal injury, but is supposedly a few weeks from returning. Towns is recovering from back surgery in the fall, and is also targeting a December return. Brown has missed the last three games after suffering a concussion against Xavier on Nov. 18. He is day-to-day, and has a chance to play in Ohio State’s next game against Penn State.
Duke rolled out a starting lineup of Jeremy Roach, Trevor Keels, Wendell Moore Jr., Paolo Banchero, and Mark Williams. The Buckeyes countered with Jamari Wheeler, Malaki Branham, Justin Ahrens, E.J. Liddell, and Zed Key — who reclaimed his spot in the starting five after Joey Brunk started both games in the Fort Myers Tip-Off.
Historically a slow-moving team, Ohio State tried to control the pace early on, and the scoring in the first half reflected that. At the under-8 timeout, Duke led 27-19, with seven different Blue Devils already in the scoring column. The Buckeyes were doing a fairly good job at limiting Banchero early on, but Duke’s supporting cast around him is probably the most talented in the nation.
Duke held a 43-30 lead at halftime following a 7-0 run right before the break. Banchero got it going after a slow start, racking up 10 first-half points. Key led Ohio State with nine points in the opening frame, but the true story of the first 20 minutes were the turnovers — Ohio State had nine of them in the first half alone. The Buckeyes were also whiffing at the free throw line, going 3-for-10 in the first half.
Duke tried to open it up in the second half, but Ohio State just would not let them. After building a 15-point lead early in the second stanza, the Buckeyes scratched and clawed back into it, finally taking the lead with 1:03 remaining in the game. Cedric Russell had his coming out party, scoring 12 points on 3-4 shooting plus three free throws. After Liddell’s turn-around jumper with 15 seconds remaining gave them a three-point lead, the comeback was complete.
Ohio State slayed the giant, David finished off Goliath, and the Buckeyes beat the No. 1 team in the country in their second straight attempt. Ohio State was led by Key’s career-high 20 points, but Liddell and Russell both chipped in double digits as well. Duke was led by Moore’s 17 points and 8 rebounds.
Now, in case you weren’t able to catch all of tonight’s Big Ten/ACC action, here are some of the key moments and plays that led to Ohio State’s historic victory Tuesday night.
Branham in attack mode early
Holtmann noted several times that Branham is the youngest player on the team. He also told the media early on this season that, “He just doesn’t get nervous.” Branham proved him right in the first few minutes of this game, sparking Ohio State to an early 8-7 lead. With the Buckeyes down 4-2, Branham drove directly at Duke’s Trevor Keels on back-to-back possession, scoring below the basket both times. Branham would finish with 8 points on 4-6 shooting.
Also noteworthy: Keels has 40 pounds on Branham.
Duke ties it with Liddell out
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23054673/usa_today_17263136.jpg)
Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
With 12:35 remaining in the first half and Ohio State leading 13-9, Liddell checked out in favor of Brunk. Keels promptly scored on a drive to the right side of the basket, and — following a Buckeye turnover — Theo John found Moore Jr. under the basket for an easy dunk, tying the game at 13. All of this happened in the 67 seconds that Liddell was absent.
Banchero enters the scoring column
This scoop shot from Paolo Banchero was a BEAUTY pic.twitter.com/0bY2jEvmyA
— ESPN (@ESPN) December 1, 2021
Held scoreless — and to only two shot attempts — over the first 10 minutes, Banchero finally got in the scoring column with a nifty scoop layup at the 9:48 mark, putting the Blue Devils up 19-15. He was fouled by Liddell on the play, and the 81% free throw shooter knocked it down to give his team a five-point first half lead. Banchero would finish with 14 points on 4-14 shooting when all was said and done.
Williams’ slam pads Duke’s lead
With 7:33 to go in the half and Duke leading 25-19, a blown switch by Ohio State let Williams cut straight at the basket, and a thunderous jam stretched Duke’s lead to eight, 27-19.
D’oh & D’oh
Trailing by just five points with 5:16 remaining in the first half, Wheeler let the ball pop loose and it went directly into the arms of Keels, who passed it to Moore. Then, Wheeler slapped at his hand, fouling Moore and sending him to the line. Moore hit both free throws, giving Duke a 29-22 lead.
Buckeyes dying at the stripe early
Ohio State had some trouble at the free throw line in the first half … to put it lightly. The Buckeyes went 3-for-10 from the stripe in the first half, including misses from five different players. The pain truly was a group effort. They were better in the second half, but still finished 11-22 from the charity stripe as a team.
Ahrens triple cuts the lead to single digits
With Ohio State trailing by 12 early in the second half, they needed to either string a run together with their quickness, or start trading Duke’s twos for threes.
Ahrens chose the second approach, knocking down an off-balance three-pointer with 16:33 to go in regulation, pulling Ohio State back within nine, 51-42.
A series of unfortunate events
Ohio State had so many chances to get back in this game early on — they really did — they just fumbled away those early opportunities time and time again. For example, with 14:49 left in the game and trailing 53-42, this series of events occurred:
This @ahrensjustin12 3 spent a lot of time on the rim. @OhioStateHoops is starting to rally vs. No. 1 Duke. pic.twitter.com/ypJzCf2GAH
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) December 1, 2021
With 12:43 left, Liddell cleanly blocked Roach’s layup, and Johnson collected the rebound for OSU. He then darted down the court like a bat out of hell. With one Duke defender on his hip, Johnson recognized Ahrens had been following him, but on the left side. Johnson ran to the free throw line — bringing the defender with him — and then uncorked a fastball to Ahrens on the wing. Ahrens canned the three (after a few friendly bounces), shrinking Duke’s lead to just six, 53-47.
John fouls out
With 6:26 remaining, John bumped Key below the basket, drawing his fifth foul of the game and thus, fouling out. John voiced his displeasure at the call — as he did with all five of his fouls — before walking back to the bench. Key knocked down both free throws, and the Duke lead went from nine to seven, 62-55.
Wheeler cuts it to five
Down 66-59, Wheeler sprinted around a screen on the low block to easily lay it up on the left side, cutting the Duke lead to just five points. Coach K called timeout, which also prompted the final media timeout, and the building erupted.
Liddell’s free throws give Ohio State the lead
With 1:03 remaining and Ohio State trailing by just a point, Liddell was fouled by Moore away from the basket, sending him to the line — where he was 1-5 on the day. Liddell promptly knocked down both, giving the Buckeyes a 67-66 lead with just over a minute to go.
CHAOS.#Team123 #GoBucks pic.twitter.com/Y4PCKHTDIB
— Ohio State Hoops (@OhioStateHoops) December 1, 2021Up Next:
Ohio State opens B1G play this Sunday on the road against the Penn State Nittany Lions (4-2). Led by first-year head coach Micah Shrewsberry, the Nittany Lions are coming off a 60-45 victory over Oregon State, an Elite Eight team from a season ago. The Nits also have a 25-point loss to UMass on their resume from earlier this month. Ohio State’s game against Penn State tips off at 7:30 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on BTN.
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Connor Lemons 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
The Buckeyes overcame some self-inflected wounds, to pull off an epic upset in Coach K’s final game in Columbus.
Since Chris Holtmann became the head coach of the Ohio State men’s basketball team in 2017, the Buckeyes have rarely found themselves as big of underdogs as they did Tuesday evening with the top-ranked Duke Blue Devils in town. With a record of 92-46, a fifth-place average finish in the Big Ten (after four seasons), and 24 straight weeks in the AP Top-25 just recently being snapped, this program has been one of the steadiest in the country since the change in regime.
But Tuesday night was, without a doubt, a David vs. Goliath type of battle, despite what the Vegas oddsmakers had to say. No. 1 Duke (7-1) rolled into Columbus on the heels of a massive win over No. 3 (formerly No. 1 ) Gonzaga, just days after the Bulldogs rolled over a fantastic UCLA team. Led by a potential No. 1 draft pick in Paolo Banchero, Mike Krzyzewski’s team boasted a mix of size and athleticism that the Buckeyes likely won’t see again this season.
Compounding Duke’s height advantage was the fact that the Buckeyes (5-2) are still without the services of Seth Towns, Eugene Brown, and Justice Sueing — who all are out with varying injuries. Sueing continues to nurse an abdominal injury, but is supposedly a few weeks from returning. Towns is recovering from back surgery in the fall, and is also targeting a December return. Brown has missed the last three games after suffering a concussion against Xavier on Nov. 18. He is day-to-day, and has a chance to play in Ohio State’s next game against Penn State.
Duke rolled out a starting lineup of Jeremy Roach, Trevor Keels, Wendell Moore Jr., Paolo Banchero, and Mark Williams. The Buckeyes countered with Jamari Wheeler, Malaki Branham, Justin Ahrens, E.J. Liddell, and Zed Key — who reclaimed his spot in the starting five after Joey Brunk started both games in the Fort Myers Tip-Off.
Historically a slow-moving team, Ohio State tried to control the pace early on, and the scoring in the first half reflected that. At the under-8 timeout, Duke led 27-19, with seven different Blue Devils already in the scoring column. The Buckeyes were doing a fairly good job at limiting Banchero early on, but Duke’s supporting cast around him is probably the most talented in the nation.
Duke held a 43-30 lead at halftime following a 7-0 run right before the break. Banchero got it going after a slow start, racking up 10 first-half points. Key led Ohio State with nine points in the opening frame, but the true story of the first 20 minutes were the turnovers — Ohio State had nine of them in the first half alone. The Buckeyes were also whiffing at the free throw line, going 3-for-10 in the first half.
Duke tried to open it up in the second half, but Ohio State just would not let them. After building a 15-point lead early in the second stanza, the Buckeyes scratched and clawed back into it, finally taking the lead with 1:03 remaining in the game. Cedric Russell had his coming out party, scoring 12 points on 3-4 shooting plus three free throws. After Liddell’s turn-around jumper with 15 seconds remaining gave them a three-point lead, the comeback was complete.
Ohio State slayed the giant, David finished off Goliath, and the Buckeyes beat the No. 1 team in the country in their second straight attempt. Ohio State was led by Key’s career-high 20 points, but Liddell and Russell both chipped in double digits as well. Duke was led by Moore’s 17 points and 8 rebounds.
Now, in case you weren’t able to catch all of tonight’s Big Ten/ACC action, here are some of the key moments and plays that led to Ohio State’s historic victory Tuesday night.
Branham in attack mode early
Holtmann noted several times that Branham is the youngest player on the team. He also told the media early on this season that, “He just doesn’t get nervous.” Branham proved him right in the first few minutes of this game, sparking Ohio State to an early 8-7 lead. With the Buckeyes down 4-2, Branham drove directly at Duke’s Trevor Keels on back-to-back possession, scoring below the basket both times. Branham would finish with 8 points on 4-6 shooting.
Also noteworthy: Keels has 40 pounds on Branham.
Duke ties it with Liddell out
With 12:35 remaining in the first half and Ohio State leading 13-9, Liddell checked out in favor of Brunk. Keels promptly scored on a drive to the right side of the basket, and — following a Buckeye turnover — Theo John found Moore Jr. under the basket for an easy dunk, tying the game at 13. All of this happened in the 67 seconds that Liddell was absent.
Banchero enters the scoring column
This scoop shot from Paolo Banchero was a BEAUTY pic.twitter.com/0bY2jEvmyA
— ESPN (@ESPN) December 1, 2021
Held scoreless — and to only two shot attempts — over the first 10 minutes, Banchero finally got in the scoring column with a nifty scoop layup at the 9:48 mark, putting the Blue Devils up 19-15. He was fouled by Liddell on the play, and the 81% free throw shooter knocked it down to give his team a five-point first half lead. Banchero would finish with 14 points on 4-14 shooting when all was said and done.
Williams’ slam pads Duke’s lead
With 7:33 to go in the half and Duke leading 25-19, a blown switch by Ohio State let Williams cut straight at the basket, and a thunderous jam stretched Duke’s lead to eight, 27-19.
D’oh & D’oh
Trailing by just five points with 5:16 remaining in the first half, Wheeler let the ball pop loose and it went directly into the arms of Keels, who passed it to Moore. Then, Wheeler slapped at his hand, fouling Moore and sending him to the line. Moore hit both free throws, giving Duke a 29-22 lead.
Buckeyes dying at the stripe early
Ohio State had some trouble at the free throw line in the first half … to put it lightly. The Buckeyes went 3-for-10 from the stripe in the first half, including misses from five different players. The pain truly was a group effort. They were better in the second half, but still finished 11-22 from the charity stripe as a team.
Ahrens triple cuts the lead to single digits
With Ohio State trailing by 12 early in the second half, they needed to either string a run together with their quickness, or start trading Duke’s twos for threes.
Ahrens chose the second approach, knocking down an off-balance three-pointer with 16:33 to go in regulation, pulling Ohio State back within nine, 51-42.
A series of unfortunate events
Ohio State had so many chances to get back in this game early on — they really did — they just fumbled away those early opportunities time and time again. For example, with 14:49 left in the game and trailing 53-42, this series of events occurred:
- After being fouled by John, Liddell missed both free throws, making him 1-of-5 from the stripe at that point.
- After a defensive stop, Branham lost the ball without the help of any Duke player.
- After another defensive stop, Meechie Johnson Jr. air-balled a wide open three from the corner.
This @ahrensjustin12 3 spent a lot of time on the rim. @OhioStateHoops is starting to rally vs. No. 1 Duke. pic.twitter.com/ypJzCf2GAH
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) December 1, 2021
With 12:43 left, Liddell cleanly blocked Roach’s layup, and Johnson collected the rebound for OSU. He then darted down the court like a bat out of hell. With one Duke defender on his hip, Johnson recognized Ahrens had been following him, but on the left side. Johnson ran to the free throw line — bringing the defender with him — and then uncorked a fastball to Ahrens on the wing. Ahrens canned the three (after a few friendly bounces), shrinking Duke’s lead to just six, 53-47.
John fouls out
With 6:26 remaining, John bumped Key below the basket, drawing his fifth foul of the game and thus, fouling out. John voiced his displeasure at the call — as he did with all five of his fouls — before walking back to the bench. Key knocked down both free throws, and the Duke lead went from nine to seven, 62-55.
Wheeler cuts it to five
Down 66-59, Wheeler sprinted around a screen on the low block to easily lay it up on the left side, cutting the Duke lead to just five points. Coach K called timeout, which also prompted the final media timeout, and the building erupted.
Liddell’s free throws give Ohio State the lead
With 1:03 remaining and Ohio State trailing by just a point, Liddell was fouled by Moore away from the basket, sending him to the line — where he was 1-5 on the day. Liddell promptly knocked down both, giving the Buckeyes a 67-66 lead with just over a minute to go.
CHAOS.#Team123 #GoBucks pic.twitter.com/Y4PCKHTDIB
— Ohio State Hoops (@OhioStateHoops) December 1, 2021
Ohio State opens B1G play this Sunday on the road against the Penn State Nittany Lions (4-2). Led by first-year head coach Micah Shrewsberry, the Nittany Lions are coming off a 60-45 victory over Oregon State, an Elite Eight team from a season ago. The Nits also have a 25-point loss to UMass on their resume from earlier this month. Ohio State’s game against Penn State tips off at 7:30 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on BTN.
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LGHL Poaching season is here: Will Buckeyes take advantage of coaching carousel?
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Poaching season is here: Will Buckeyes take advantage of coaching carousel?
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 will surely try their hand at stealing away some prized recruits who may be impacted by coaching changes.
The college coaching carousel has really started to take off. It seems every time you refresh your Twitter feed there’s a new development or another program with a head coaching vacancy, and surely that’s going to continue on as we approach bowl season and beyond. In just the last 48 hours, the college football landscape has changed drastically with the news of Lincoln Riley heading to USC after leaving Oklahoma unexpectedly. More is sure to come, but a job change of that magnitude is already impacting the Oklahoma program in a major way.
The Buckeyes, you would think, will also see some sort of coaching changes, and while Ryan Day and the majority of program will be stable and without change, it’s just a fact that after the season things can change in a variety of ways. Less of a real priority here of predicting what will come of the Ohio State staff, this is more so how the Buckeyes can benefit on the recruiting front from the many coaching changes that are happening now and may come in the near future. In this instance, the focus is on the big time opening at Oklahoma. You can guarantee Day and his crew are keeping eyes on the headlines, and on the players both currently on the roster or committed to those programs being affected.
The big one: Oklahoma
The program to really watch for the Buckeyes is Oklahoma. With their success and the success of Ohio State, the Buckeyes and Sooners have gone up against each other more times recently than in the past for top target recruits. Typically, Ohio State has had the edge, but make no mistake about it, the Sooners have also landed some big time players that the Ohio State staff would have loved to have in their classes. As this massive change for Riley to USC has only happened Sunday, the shockwaves are already hitting Oklahoma.
Right away, two of Oklahoma’s top 2023 commits have re-opened their respective recruitments, and not ironically both at one time had Ohio State in the mix before making the verbal pledge to the Sooners.
The first was Brandon Inniss, who had been committed to Oklahoma since August, re-opening his recruitment on Sunday night. Right off the bat, Inniss and his de-commitment has to spark the interest of the Buckeyes because of their previous interest for one, but also because he’s the top receiver in the class as well as the No. 9 player in the country overall. With what Brian Hartline is doing at the receiver position and after landing the top receiver in multiple classes, Inniss being back on the market is going to have the Buckeyes at least shooting their shot. Again, it’s important to note that before his verbal to Oklahoma, Ohio State was certainly in the mix, and now has a chance to get back in touch.
In addition to Inniss, Oklahoma also lost running back Treyaun Webb from their 2023 class Sunday night when he too took to Twitter to announce that he would be re-opening his recruitment. A familiar name for Buckeye fans, Webb, the fifth-ranked running back in the class, of course is a product of Trinity Christian Academy (Jacksonville, Florida) that has produced a few other Buckeyes over the years. Originally, Ohio State was in on Webb from the jump, even with his early commitment to Georgia that came before his Sooners verbal.
Now, the Buckeyes seem to be in a great spot for the nation’s best running back, Richard Young, so their interest level in Webb may not be as high as it once was. With how well TreVeyon Henderson has done in his freshman campaign for Ohio State alongside Miyan Williams, position coach Tony Alford has all of the recruiting pitches and tactics he needs to once again land the best running back in the country for the 2023 class.
These two guys are just a pair in the 2023 class that have backed away from the Sooners so far. In addition to those big losses, some major impacts on the current roster are also developing, as quarterback Spencer Rattler already announced his decision to enter the transfer portal and big time receiver Theo Wease is expected to do the same. With the Buckeyes’ embarrassment of riches at the receiver position even for next year, it’s not out of the question that the staff could at least look into Wease with Chris Olave moving on and Garrett Wilson more than likely joining him.
Time will tell, but it’s going to be like buzzards on roadkill with coaches now targeting the Oklahoma’s current and future players.
Sources tell me Oklahoma WR Theo Wease is expected to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal. The former five-star Allen prospect accounted for over 650 yards and 6 touchdowns with the Sooners and will have three years available with COVID eligibility. @BrandonDrumm247
— Mike Roach (@MikeRoach247) November 29, 2021
On Monday night, the next big domino fell when Brian Kelly was announced as the next head coach at LSU, opening the door for Ohio State both in the recruiting game and in a potential assistant coaching search. You’d imagine Notre Dame will target Luke Fickell, and if so, maybe Ohio State could not only swoop in for players interested in the Irish such as current 2023 commit Brenan Vernon, who is Ohio’s second best player, but also try and poach away their former player Marcus Freeman to leave Notre Dame in his defensive coordinator role and do the same in Columbus. Stranger things have happened.
This winter is going to be an exciting one, and because of the many changes taking place across the landscape of college football, the Buckeyes will be paying close attention and looking to strike while the iron is hot.
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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 will surely try their hand at stealing away some prized recruits who may be impacted by coaching changes.
The college coaching carousel has really started to take off. It seems every time you refresh your Twitter feed there’s a new development or another program with a head coaching vacancy, and surely that’s going to continue on as we approach bowl season and beyond. In just the last 48 hours, the college football landscape has changed drastically with the news of Lincoln Riley heading to USC after leaving Oklahoma unexpectedly. More is sure to come, but a job change of that magnitude is already impacting the Oklahoma program in a major way.
The Buckeyes, you would think, will also see some sort of coaching changes, and while Ryan Day and the majority of program will be stable and without change, it’s just a fact that after the season things can change in a variety of ways. Less of a real priority here of predicting what will come of the Ohio State staff, this is more so how the Buckeyes can benefit on the recruiting front from the many coaching changes that are happening now and may come in the near future. In this instance, the focus is on the big time opening at Oklahoma. You can guarantee Day and his crew are keeping eyes on the headlines, and on the players both currently on the roster or committed to those programs being affected.
The big one: Oklahoma
The program to really watch for the Buckeyes is Oklahoma. With their success and the success of Ohio State, the Buckeyes and Sooners have gone up against each other more times recently than in the past for top target recruits. Typically, Ohio State has had the edge, but make no mistake about it, the Sooners have also landed some big time players that the Ohio State staff would have loved to have in their classes. As this massive change for Riley to USC has only happened Sunday, the shockwaves are already hitting Oklahoma.
Right away, two of Oklahoma’s top 2023 commits have re-opened their respective recruitments, and not ironically both at one time had Ohio State in the mix before making the verbal pledge to the Sooners.
The first was Brandon Inniss, who had been committed to Oklahoma since August, re-opening his recruitment on Sunday night. Right off the bat, Inniss and his de-commitment has to spark the interest of the Buckeyes because of their previous interest for one, but also because he’s the top receiver in the class as well as the No. 9 player in the country overall. With what Brian Hartline is doing at the receiver position and after landing the top receiver in multiple classes, Inniss being back on the market is going to have the Buckeyes at least shooting their shot. Again, it’s important to note that before his verbal to Oklahoma, Ohio State was certainly in the mix, and now has a chance to get back in touch.
In addition to Inniss, Oklahoma also lost running back Treyaun Webb from their 2023 class Sunday night when he too took to Twitter to announce that he would be re-opening his recruitment. A familiar name for Buckeye fans, Webb, the fifth-ranked running back in the class, of course is a product of Trinity Christian Academy (Jacksonville, Florida) that has produced a few other Buckeyes over the years. Originally, Ohio State was in on Webb from the jump, even with his early commitment to Georgia that came before his Sooners verbal.
Now, the Buckeyes seem to be in a great spot for the nation’s best running back, Richard Young, so their interest level in Webb may not be as high as it once was. With how well TreVeyon Henderson has done in his freshman campaign for Ohio State alongside Miyan Williams, position coach Tony Alford has all of the recruiting pitches and tactics he needs to once again land the best running back in the country for the 2023 class.
These two guys are just a pair in the 2023 class that have backed away from the Sooners so far. In addition to those big losses, some major impacts on the current roster are also developing, as quarterback Spencer Rattler already announced his decision to enter the transfer portal and big time receiver Theo Wease is expected to do the same. With the Buckeyes’ embarrassment of riches at the receiver position even for next year, it’s not out of the question that the staff could at least look into Wease with Chris Olave moving on and Garrett Wilson more than likely joining him.
Time will tell, but it’s going to be like buzzards on roadkill with coaches now targeting the Oklahoma’s current and future players.
Sources tell me Oklahoma WR Theo Wease is expected to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal. The former five-star Allen prospect accounted for over 650 yards and 6 touchdowns with the Sooners and will have three years available with COVID eligibility. @BrandonDrumm247
— Mike Roach (@MikeRoach247) November 29, 2021
On Monday night, the next big domino fell when Brian Kelly was announced as the next head coach at LSU, opening the door for Ohio State both in the recruiting game and in a potential assistant coaching search. You’d imagine Notre Dame will target Luke Fickell, and if so, maybe Ohio State could not only swoop in for players interested in the Irish such as current 2023 commit Brenan Vernon, who is Ohio’s second best player, but also try and poach away their former player Marcus Freeman to leave Notre Dame in his defensive coordinator role and do the same in Columbus. Stranger things have happened.
This winter is going to be an exciting one, and because of the many changes taking place across the landscape of college football, the Buckeyes will be paying close attention and looking to strike while the iron is hot.
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LGHL Brutally Honest To-Do List: What Ohio State must do to upset the Duke Blue Devils
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Brutally Honest To-Do List: What Ohio State must do to upset the Duke Blue Devils
Connor Lemons via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
So you’re saying there’s a chance?
Just a month ago, this Ohio State-Duke matchup looked pretty even on paper. The Buckeyes (4-2) entered the season at No. 17 in the AP Poll, while the now- No. 1 Blue Devils (7-0) debuted at No. 9. Ohio State returned starters E.J. Liddell, Justice Sueing, Kyle Young, and a handful of role players. Duke brought back Jeremy Roach, Wendell Moore, and Mark Williams, while adding “diaper dandy” freshmen Trevor Keels and Paolo Banchero.
Duke has more talent on the roster, but a young team playing on the road in front of a sold-out crowd can get iffy. On top of that, Ohio State looked every bit of a top-25 team in the making. Unspectacular perhaps, but a solid offensive team with room for improvement on the defensive end. In the very least, you could’ve called it a coin flip.
But the events of the first four weeks of this season have turned tonight’s game into a completely different event. The top-ranked Blue Devils beat No. 9 Kentucky to start the season, and last week knocked off then- No. 1 Gonzaga (now No. 3) to swipe the top spot from them in the AP Poll.
Coach K is in the midst of his farewell tour. Paolo Banchero looks every bit as good as we thought he’d be. The Blue Devils are extremely tall and will have mismatches all over the floor, and they’ll look to take advantage of every one tonight at the Schott.
Goliath, meet David.
Ohio State, on the other hand, has already lost Justice Sueing, Eugene Brown, and Seth Towns for extended periods of time this season — and none of them will be available tonight. The playbook has been simplified down to “Get E.J. the ball” more often than not, and they still have trouble with opposing teams’ length at times. They lost on a buzzer beater to Florida last week, and were soundly beaten by in-state rival Xavier the week before that. With a loss tonight, the Buckeyes would fall to 4-3 on the season.
Safe to say this is a win Chris Holtmann would really like to pick up if at all possible.
What once appeared to be an intriguing, relatively evenly-matched game now has a clear underdog. During Chris Holtmann’s first season, Ohio State upset No. 1 Michigan State at home. As a program, the Buckeyes are 9-10 all-time against AP No. 1 teams. Can they bring that record back to .500 and channel that same energy from 2018?
I’m not so sure, but if it is going to happen, a few guys will need to step up in ways they simply have not at this point in the season. It won’t be easy — and it may not be possible at all — but here’s what Ohio State needs to do to give themselves a fighting chance at knocking off those blue goblins from Durham:
Chris Holtmann
Do not get called for another technical.
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Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports
Historically, Holtmann has been one of the more mild-mannered coaches in the conference, and his go-to stress relieving method during a game has always been to slap the ever-loving hell out of the scorer’s table. But during the Fort Meyers Tip-Off, he was assessed technical fouls against Seton Hall and Florida — both games.
Ohio State went on to beat the No. 25 Pirates by just three points on a buzzer-beater, but those free throws Seton Hall were gifted clearly had an impact on the final score. The Buckeyes lost to Florida by the same sword just two days later. Could Florida have won in the same fashion if they were two points down instead of tied? Sure, but in close games like this, why give your opponent freebies?
Points will be hard to come by tonight, and Ohio State could spend some time trailing. In the interest of keeping it close, it’s probably best the folks sitting on the bench don’t gift Duke any free points — just take it out on the scorer’s table.
E.J. Liddell
Keep doing exactly what you’re doing.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23042078/usa_today_17213107.jpg)
Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports
Liddell has put up eye-popping, spectacular, gaudy numbers so far this season. His performance (22.5 PPG, 6.2 REB, 3.8 BLK) is probably unsustainable, but until he levels off a little bit, Ohio State needs to keep riding the hot hand.
Asking Liddell to “have the best game of his life” is a bit much, because in all honesty he is playing the best basketball of his life right now. Sure, if Liddell goes nuclear and drops 35 tonight Ohio State’s chances to win certainly go up. But the Buckeyes won’t win if Liddell doesn’t at least chip in as much as he has been to this point, which is a high bar in itself.
Ohio State needs Liddell to give them at least 20 points, 8-10 rebounds, and a blocked shot or two tonight to win. They simply don’t have the supporting cast to win otherwise.
Cedric Russell
Make tonight your coming out party.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23053010/usa_today_17119692.jpg)
Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK
If you were a fly on the wall in Duke’s locker room tonight, tasked with infiltrating the Blue Devils’ gameplan and bringing that intelligence back to Holtmann, you’d probably see one big name written on the dry erase board, circled several times with exclamation points — Liddell’s.
Around Liddell’s name — perhaps in smaller writing and clearly with less emphasis — you’d see others: Justin Ahrens, Zed Key, Meechie Johnson, so on and so forth. Know what name you probably won’t see too much in the opposing scouring report?
Cedric Russell.
The Louisiana-native averaged 17 points per game last season at Louisiana-Lafayette and shot the three-ball at a 40% clip — an elite mark. This season, he’s averaging 0.8 points per game in just under six minutes per night. He’s having trouble adjusting to higher-level competition and finding his place in the rotation, sure.
But to win this game, the Buckeyes are going to need some weird stuff to happen. Russell — someone Duke likely isn’t scouting too much — scoring 10-12 points against the No. 1 team in the country would be about as weird as it gets.
E.J. Liddell
Draw early fouls on Paolo Banchero.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23053053/usa_today_17240088.jpg)
Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Diaper dandy Paolo Banchero is going to be a big problem. At 6-foot-10 and nearly 260 pounds, it’s criminal that this man runs around the perimeter as much as he does. Due to his mobility, it’s likely that Liddell will draw the initial assignment on the possible No. 1 overall draft pick (rather than Young or Key).
Despite playing nearly 30 minutes per game, Banchero is averaging just 1.4 fouls per game. Whether he’s a great defender or not remains to be seen, but in the very least he avoids fouling, and thus avoids fouling out or getting stuck on the bench in foul trouble for long stretches. The best ability has — and will always be — availability.
Liddell presents a similar challenge, however, with his ability to score on all three levels. There are few players in the country with Liddell’s size/shooting combination, so Banchero will be tested. If Liddell can attack Banchero and get him in early foul trouble, it will go a long way towards the Buckeyes’ chances.
Meechie Johnson & Malaki Branham
Don’t beat yourselves.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23053195/usa_today_17172389.jpg)
Nicolas Galindo/The Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK
Holtmann knows his young guards are going to make mistakes. Branham is the youngest player on Ohio State’s roster, and Johnson is playing his first full season of college basketball. “In some ways I want them to make mistakes.” Holtmann said following Ohio State’s 89-58 win over Bowling Green two weeks ago. “I want them to be in positions where they’re making mistakes, I really do... It’s about them learning from those right now.”
Ohio State head coach Chris Holtmann on the younger guards making mistakes.
“In some ways, I want them to make mistakes.” pic.twitter.com/0HFsVQId3m
— Lantern Sports (@LanternSports) November 17, 2021
While they will make mistakes, Ohio State’s young guard tandem will have to try and set their youthfulness aside tonight against the Blue Devils, because there simply is no room for error. None.
Through six games, Johnson is shooting 34% from the floor and is taking the second-most shots per game on the team (7.3), behind only Liddell’s 14. He is averaging 1.7 assists and 2.3 turnovers per game while playing 23 minutes per contest.
Branham is shooting 33% from the floor and averaging 5.8 points per game, while dishing out 2 assists per game vs 1.8 turnovers. Not disastrous, but not good either. He is logging 21.8 minutes per game.
Ohio State doesn’t need Johnson or Branham to have out-of-body experiences to win tonight. What they need is for the freshmen guards to clean things up around the edges and not beat themselves. A combined 20 points from the two buddings stars, with limited turnovers, is exactly what the doctor is ordering on this fine Tuesday evening.
The game is going to move quickly and could get overwhelming. How will they respond?
Connor’s Prediction:
Duke 78, Ohio State 68
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Connor Lemons via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
So you’re saying there’s a chance?
Just a month ago, this Ohio State-Duke matchup looked pretty even on paper. The Buckeyes (4-2) entered the season at No. 17 in the AP Poll, while the now- No. 1 Blue Devils (7-0) debuted at No. 9. Ohio State returned starters E.J. Liddell, Justice Sueing, Kyle Young, and a handful of role players. Duke brought back Jeremy Roach, Wendell Moore, and Mark Williams, while adding “diaper dandy” freshmen Trevor Keels and Paolo Banchero.
Duke has more talent on the roster, but a young team playing on the road in front of a sold-out crowd can get iffy. On top of that, Ohio State looked every bit of a top-25 team in the making. Unspectacular perhaps, but a solid offensive team with room for improvement on the defensive end. In the very least, you could’ve called it a coin flip.
But the events of the first four weeks of this season have turned tonight’s game into a completely different event. The top-ranked Blue Devils beat No. 9 Kentucky to start the season, and last week knocked off then- No. 1 Gonzaga (now No. 3) to swipe the top spot from them in the AP Poll.
Coach K is in the midst of his farewell tour. Paolo Banchero looks every bit as good as we thought he’d be. The Blue Devils are extremely tall and will have mismatches all over the floor, and they’ll look to take advantage of every one tonight at the Schott.
Goliath, meet David.
Ohio State, on the other hand, has already lost Justice Sueing, Eugene Brown, and Seth Towns for extended periods of time this season — and none of them will be available tonight. The playbook has been simplified down to “Get E.J. the ball” more often than not, and they still have trouble with opposing teams’ length at times. They lost on a buzzer beater to Florida last week, and were soundly beaten by in-state rival Xavier the week before that. With a loss tonight, the Buckeyes would fall to 4-3 on the season.
Safe to say this is a win Chris Holtmann would really like to pick up if at all possible.
What once appeared to be an intriguing, relatively evenly-matched game now has a clear underdog. During Chris Holtmann’s first season, Ohio State upset No. 1 Michigan State at home. As a program, the Buckeyes are 9-10 all-time against AP No. 1 teams. Can they bring that record back to .500 and channel that same energy from 2018?
I’m not so sure, but if it is going to happen, a few guys will need to step up in ways they simply have not at this point in the season. It won’t be easy — and it may not be possible at all — but here’s what Ohio State needs to do to give themselves a fighting chance at knocking off those blue goblins from Durham:
Chris Holtmann
Do not get called for another technical.
Historically, Holtmann has been one of the more mild-mannered coaches in the conference, and his go-to stress relieving method during a game has always been to slap the ever-loving hell out of the scorer’s table. But during the Fort Meyers Tip-Off, he was assessed technical fouls against Seton Hall and Florida — both games.
Ohio State went on to beat the No. 25 Pirates by just three points on a buzzer-beater, but those free throws Seton Hall were gifted clearly had an impact on the final score. The Buckeyes lost to Florida by the same sword just two days later. Could Florida have won in the same fashion if they were two points down instead of tied? Sure, but in close games like this, why give your opponent freebies?
Points will be hard to come by tonight, and Ohio State could spend some time trailing. In the interest of keeping it close, it’s probably best the folks sitting on the bench don’t gift Duke any free points — just take it out on the scorer’s table.
E.J. Liddell
Keep doing exactly what you’re doing.
Liddell has put up eye-popping, spectacular, gaudy numbers so far this season. His performance (22.5 PPG, 6.2 REB, 3.8 BLK) is probably unsustainable, but until he levels off a little bit, Ohio State needs to keep riding the hot hand.
Asking Liddell to “have the best game of his life” is a bit much, because in all honesty he is playing the best basketball of his life right now. Sure, if Liddell goes nuclear and drops 35 tonight Ohio State’s chances to win certainly go up. But the Buckeyes won’t win if Liddell doesn’t at least chip in as much as he has been to this point, which is a high bar in itself.
Ohio State needs Liddell to give them at least 20 points, 8-10 rebounds, and a blocked shot or two tonight to win. They simply don’t have the supporting cast to win otherwise.
Cedric Russell
Make tonight your coming out party.
If you were a fly on the wall in Duke’s locker room tonight, tasked with infiltrating the Blue Devils’ gameplan and bringing that intelligence back to Holtmann, you’d probably see one big name written on the dry erase board, circled several times with exclamation points — Liddell’s.
Around Liddell’s name — perhaps in smaller writing and clearly with less emphasis — you’d see others: Justin Ahrens, Zed Key, Meechie Johnson, so on and so forth. Know what name you probably won’t see too much in the opposing scouring report?
Cedric Russell.
The Louisiana-native averaged 17 points per game last season at Louisiana-Lafayette and shot the three-ball at a 40% clip — an elite mark. This season, he’s averaging 0.8 points per game in just under six minutes per night. He’s having trouble adjusting to higher-level competition and finding his place in the rotation, sure.
But to win this game, the Buckeyes are going to need some weird stuff to happen. Russell — someone Duke likely isn’t scouting too much — scoring 10-12 points against the No. 1 team in the country would be about as weird as it gets.
E.J. Liddell
Draw early fouls on Paolo Banchero.
Diaper dandy Paolo Banchero is going to be a big problem. At 6-foot-10 and nearly 260 pounds, it’s criminal that this man runs around the perimeter as much as he does. Due to his mobility, it’s likely that Liddell will draw the initial assignment on the possible No. 1 overall draft pick (rather than Young or Key).
Despite playing nearly 30 minutes per game, Banchero is averaging just 1.4 fouls per game. Whether he’s a great defender or not remains to be seen, but in the very least he avoids fouling, and thus avoids fouling out or getting stuck on the bench in foul trouble for long stretches. The best ability has — and will always be — availability.
Liddell presents a similar challenge, however, with his ability to score on all three levels. There are few players in the country with Liddell’s size/shooting combination, so Banchero will be tested. If Liddell can attack Banchero and get him in early foul trouble, it will go a long way towards the Buckeyes’ chances.
Meechie Johnson & Malaki Branham
Don’t beat yourselves.
Holtmann knows his young guards are going to make mistakes. Branham is the youngest player on Ohio State’s roster, and Johnson is playing his first full season of college basketball. “In some ways I want them to make mistakes.” Holtmann said following Ohio State’s 89-58 win over Bowling Green two weeks ago. “I want them to be in positions where they’re making mistakes, I really do... It’s about them learning from those right now.”
Ohio State head coach Chris Holtmann on the younger guards making mistakes.
“In some ways, I want them to make mistakes.” pic.twitter.com/0HFsVQId3m
— Lantern Sports (@LanternSports) November 17, 2021
While they will make mistakes, Ohio State’s young guard tandem will have to try and set their youthfulness aside tonight against the Blue Devils, because there simply is no room for error. None.
Through six games, Johnson is shooting 34% from the floor and is taking the second-most shots per game on the team (7.3), behind only Liddell’s 14. He is averaging 1.7 assists and 2.3 turnovers per game while playing 23 minutes per contest.
Branham is shooting 33% from the floor and averaging 5.8 points per game, while dishing out 2 assists per game vs 1.8 turnovers. Not disastrous, but not good either. He is logging 21.8 minutes per game.
Ohio State doesn’t need Johnson or Branham to have out-of-body experiences to win tonight. What they need is for the freshmen guards to clean things up around the edges and not beat themselves. A combined 20 points from the two buddings stars, with limited turnovers, is exactly what the doctor is ordering on this fine Tuesday evening.
The game is going to move quickly and could get overwhelming. How will they respond?
Connor’s Prediction:
Duke 78, Ohio State 68
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MotS&G The Game, For The Big 10 East Division Crown
- News
- 0 Replies
The Game, For The Big 10 East Division Crown
Richard Tongohan via our good friends at Men of the Scarlet and Gray
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
The 2021 installment of The Game is just a few days away and like a child waiting patiently to open up his or her presents on Christmas Day—the anticipation and the suspense is killing me! Let me set the stage.
Here are two rivals pitted against each other, filled with hatred for one another, for a division crown and a trip to Indy. It doesn’t get any better than that during rivalry week. Yes, you still have The Iron Bowl, but the stakes aren’t as hazardous as The Game—especially this years.
This year will likely pit two top 5 teams against each other. In a battle against #7 team in the nation, the Buckeyes trampled the visiting Spartans to the tune 56-7. The Buckeyes held Heisman candidate Kenneth Walker III to a paltry 25 yard total with a 4.2 average per rush. The #6 Wolverines thrashed the Terrapins in a lopsided 59-18 victory—effectively setting the stage for this high stakes war of attrition.
This could be a mini preview of how well Ohio State’s explosive offense against a stout, active defense that features two book ends in Hutchinson and Ojabo and athletes at just about every position on defense. Must. See. TV.
Rolling into the game, Ohio State brought it this past Saturday and won convincingly and they did it by scoring at will to put the game out of reach by halftime. They come in with the best offense in the nation and a test is on the horizon against TTUN. They easily defeated Maryland and it should be interesting once the game begins as both teams try to establish their game plans. Here’s my things to watch for.
Battle Of The Trenches
The trench game will be a game within a game. Ohio State and their offensive line versus the TTUN front seven. Gone are the days where TTUN plays their defensive ends with their hand in the dirt as they usher in a new stand up pass rush that could give the Buckeyes fits.
NPF and Jones versus Hutchinson and Ojabo will all be fighting for pride and auditioning for their NFL futures. The TTUN duo accounts for 19 total sacks and 7 forced fumbles. According to NCAA.com, The Buckeyes are tied for 13th in the nation in sacks allowed and they give up 1.18 per game. TTUN is tied for 5th least giving up .82 per game, but they stick to the ground game and they don’t air it out as much as the Buckeyes do, so take that however you want.
The trench game will ultimately decide the contest. Can the Buckeyes offensive line give CJ Stroud enough time in the pocket? Will the Wolverine front seven be a disruptive force?
The Offensive Talent Clashes
The wideouts and the defensive backs in this contest will duel each other and it’s going to be a hell of a show. On one side you have Olave, Wilson, Smith-Njigba at wideout and Ruckert at Tight End. On the other, Johnson, Sainristil, Baldwin, Wilson and All at Tight End.
You have Henderson, Williams and Teague for the Buckeyes and Haskins, Corum and Edwards at Running Back for Ohio State and TTUN respectively. This will be a battle of wills with the talent on the field.
A vertical passing game will go against a power running game—and each side will try to stop the other from scoring points. Who will establish their game plan first? And who will weather the initial flurry at the early stages of the game?
Diamonds On Defense
Will the Buckeye defense continue to improve and can they make the Wolverines a one-dimensional team? I think they can and here’s why. After suffering a home loss to Oregon, it took a couple weeks to regain confidence and play with that swagger at every level.
Gone are the days where the Linebackers get lost behind screens. Gone are the days where they don’t stick their noses into gaps on defense. And gone are the days where they give up untimely splash plays. They are the most imported units and I know they’ll be ready to go this week.
The lure of Gold Pants, a trip to Indianapolis and a CFB Playoff berth is obtainable—and I know they’ll be ready for war. I have a feeling that this game will be a grinder and the Buckeye defense will continue to show the nation that they are big time!
Breakout Star(s) Alert
It always seems like every year of The Game, someone breaks out and becomes legendary. Chris Olave did it in 2018 scoring twice and in 2019, reaching the end zone once. Garrett Wilson had 118 yards in 2019 and a score. So who will be next?
I have seven in mind. CJ Stroud, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Treveyon Henderson and Miyan Williams on offense. Steele Chambers, Denzel Burke and Ronnie Hickman on defense.
Technically Stroud is a rising star, but he hasn’t formally introduced himself to the Wolverines—and what better time than now with all that’s at stake? He should be routinely target his receivers and tight ends, while simultaneously leaning on the running game to keep the defense honest and control the flow of the game. It will turn into a “pick your offensive poison” type of game for the Wolverine defense.
For the defense, I’m picking the trio of Chambers, Burke and Hickman. With the dark horses being Tyliek Williams, JT Tuimoloao and Jack Sawyer. Stuffing the run and coverage will be the name of the game and each player mentioned could ultimately break out.
There are so many to choose from but final answer from breakout stars? On offense it’ll be Henderson and Steele Chambers on defense. Think Zach Boren photo. Someone will make a play and shine among the chaos. So many possibilities but let’s see who seizes the opportunity.
My Prediction: 59-28 Buckeyes
#GoBucks
Continue reading...
Richard Tongohan via our good friends at Men of the Scarlet and Gray
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
The 2021 installment of The Game is just a few days away and like a child waiting patiently to open up his or her presents on Christmas Day—the anticipation and the suspense is killing me! Let me set the stage.
Here are two rivals pitted against each other, filled with hatred for one another, for a division crown and a trip to Indy. It doesn’t get any better than that during rivalry week. Yes, you still have The Iron Bowl, but the stakes aren’t as hazardous as The Game—especially this years.
This year will likely pit two top 5 teams against each other. In a battle against #7 team in the nation, the Buckeyes trampled the visiting Spartans to the tune 56-7. The Buckeyes held Heisman candidate Kenneth Walker III to a paltry 25 yard total with a 4.2 average per rush. The #6 Wolverines thrashed the Terrapins in a lopsided 59-18 victory—effectively setting the stage for this high stakes war of attrition.
This could be a mini preview of how well Ohio State’s explosive offense against a stout, active defense that features two book ends in Hutchinson and Ojabo and athletes at just about every position on defense. Must. See. TV.
Rolling into the game, Ohio State brought it this past Saturday and won convincingly and they did it by scoring at will to put the game out of reach by halftime. They come in with the best offense in the nation and a test is on the horizon against TTUN. They easily defeated Maryland and it should be interesting once the game begins as both teams try to establish their game plans. Here’s my things to watch for.
Battle Of The Trenches
The trench game will be a game within a game. Ohio State and their offensive line versus the TTUN front seven. Gone are the days where TTUN plays their defensive ends with their hand in the dirt as they usher in a new stand up pass rush that could give the Buckeyes fits.
NPF and Jones versus Hutchinson and Ojabo will all be fighting for pride and auditioning for their NFL futures. The TTUN duo accounts for 19 total sacks and 7 forced fumbles. According to NCAA.com, The Buckeyes are tied for 13th in the nation in sacks allowed and they give up 1.18 per game. TTUN is tied for 5th least giving up .82 per game, but they stick to the ground game and they don’t air it out as much as the Buckeyes do, so take that however you want.
The trench game will ultimately decide the contest. Can the Buckeyes offensive line give CJ Stroud enough time in the pocket? Will the Wolverine front seven be a disruptive force?
The Offensive Talent Clashes
The wideouts and the defensive backs in this contest will duel each other and it’s going to be a hell of a show. On one side you have Olave, Wilson, Smith-Njigba at wideout and Ruckert at Tight End. On the other, Johnson, Sainristil, Baldwin, Wilson and All at Tight End.
You have Henderson, Williams and Teague for the Buckeyes and Haskins, Corum and Edwards at Running Back for Ohio State and TTUN respectively. This will be a battle of wills with the talent on the field.
A vertical passing game will go against a power running game—and each side will try to stop the other from scoring points. Who will establish their game plan first? And who will weather the initial flurry at the early stages of the game?
Diamonds On Defense
Will the Buckeye defense continue to improve and can they make the Wolverines a one-dimensional team? I think they can and here’s why. After suffering a home loss to Oregon, it took a couple weeks to regain confidence and play with that swagger at every level.
Gone are the days where the Linebackers get lost behind screens. Gone are the days where they don’t stick their noses into gaps on defense. And gone are the days where they give up untimely splash plays. They are the most imported units and I know they’ll be ready to go this week.
The lure of Gold Pants, a trip to Indianapolis and a CFB Playoff berth is obtainable—and I know they’ll be ready for war. I have a feeling that this game will be a grinder and the Buckeye defense will continue to show the nation that they are big time!
Breakout Star(s) Alert
It always seems like every year of The Game, someone breaks out and becomes legendary. Chris Olave did it in 2018 scoring twice and in 2019, reaching the end zone once. Garrett Wilson had 118 yards in 2019 and a score. So who will be next?
I have seven in mind. CJ Stroud, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Treveyon Henderson and Miyan Williams on offense. Steele Chambers, Denzel Burke and Ronnie Hickman on defense.
Technically Stroud is a rising star, but he hasn’t formally introduced himself to the Wolverines—and what better time than now with all that’s at stake? He should be routinely target his receivers and tight ends, while simultaneously leaning on the running game to keep the defense honest and control the flow of the game. It will turn into a “pick your offensive poison” type of game for the Wolverine defense.
For the defense, I’m picking the trio of Chambers, Burke and Hickman. With the dark horses being Tyliek Williams, JT Tuimoloao and Jack Sawyer. Stuffing the run and coverage will be the name of the game and each player mentioned could ultimately break out.
There are so many to choose from but final answer from breakout stars? On offense it’ll be Henderson and Steele Chambers on defense. Think Zach Boren photo. Someone will make a play and shine among the chaos. So many possibilities but let’s see who seizes the opportunity.
My Prediction: 59-28 Buckeyes
#GoBucks
Continue reading...
