Three Things To Watch from the Georgia Bulldogs
CMinnich via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
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The Buckeyes are underdogs, but by no means are out.

Ohio State’s players and coaches have been subjected to an onslaught of negativity from their fans who are overly active on Twitter and the national media ever since Nov. 26. It is tragically comical that people have seemingly forgotten that for most of the season, people expected the Buckeyes to wind up facing Georgia, albeit in the national championship game. Ohio State was often considered to be on par with Georgia for most of the season, sometimes even superior to Georgia, until the epic face plant that took place in Ohio Stadium.

Ohio State, along with Alabama and Georgia, is considered to have a talent-rich roster that is among the envy of the college football world, but so many members of the national media have decided to portray this game as a David versus Goliath contest. So be it. Ohio State is the underdog, and can come into this game playing loose and aggressively, with the mindset that they can let it all hang out against Georgia in The Peach Bowl.

Below are Three Things To Watch from Georgia when the ball kicks off on ESPN at 8:00 p.m. ET on Dec. 31...

1. Ohio State’s passing game vs. Georgia’s secondary

This strategy has been well-discussed by Ohio State fans, but the Buckeyes need to be attacking the Georgia secondary early and often on offense. Mind you, I am not advocating for a bombs away approach, but more of quick slants, hitting checkdown receivers if Georgia blitzes, and above all, for C.J. Stroud to take off for productive yards on the ground on passing plays when the opportunities present themselves.

Georgia’s Jalen Carter is going to be extremely difficult for Ohio State’s interior offensive line to manage, and Stroud will need to roll out to give himself more time against the Bulldogs. If that means Stroud gains 2 or 3 yards on a scramble to put Ohio State ahead of the chains, the Buckeyes need to take it.

2. Limit Georgia’s big plays by their tight ends

Tight ends Brock Bowers and Darnell Washington are crucial to the Georgia offense as both blockers, but also receivers. I am not suggesting that Ohio State’s defense will be able to stop Bowers and/or Washington, but I am sincerely hoping that Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles and the other members of the defensive coaching staff have taught their players to resist the urge to go for a highlight knockout shot.

They should be content to wrap up low on Bowers and/or Washington, hoping that a teammate(s) will be along to get them to the ground. If the Ohio State secondary can tackle immediately after a Georgia reception, that will help immensely from what the Buckeyes did in their last game.

3. Keep Stetson Bennett in the pocket

Georgia quarterback Stetson Bennett is underrated — even as a Heisman Trophy finalist — as most people derisively think of him as a “game manager”, and not somebody capable of carrying the Georgia offense. The reality is Bennett is not only effective as a passer, but can keep drives alive with his legs. The Buckeyes were burned by Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy on Nov. 26, and will need to make sure that Bennett is not able to take off for decent runs on passing downs.

Here’s to hoping Ohio State plays confidently, aggressively, and assertively in all three phases of the game — offense, defense, and special teams. For those of you who are going to the Peach Bowl, my sincere hope that you have a tremendous time. For those of you who may be out at a bar/restaurant, please use good judgment and do not hesitate to call an Uber, Lyft, taxi services, etc on New Year’s Eve.

Go Bucks!

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Four Storylines: No. 3 Ohio State women vs. No. 14 Michigan on Saturday
1ThomasCostello via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Joseph Scheller/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK

The OSU women’s basketball team has fallen three straight games against TTUN, do they break the streak Saturday?

The Ohio State Buckeyes women's basketball team returns to Columbus for Big Ten play on New Year’s Eve. For the second year in a row, it’s the Michigan Wolverines facing the Scarlet & Gray before the ball drops. It’s a game that already features rivalry, but add both teams' top-15 rankings, the Buckeyes' undefeated season, and possible revenge for Ohio State, and it becomes a heavyweight battle.

Here are storylines to watch before Saturday's 1 p.m. ET tip.

Avenging Defeats


It’s not likely to come from head coach Kevin McGuff’s mouth but there has to be revenge on the Scarlet and Gray’s mind on Saturday. After three straight losses to the Wolverines, the Buckeyes want to kiss that losing streak goodbye.

Michigan hasn’t just beaten the Buckeyes in three-straight, but they’ve beaten them without much of a chance for Ohio State. In the last two games, during the 2021-22 season, the Maize & Blue won by 19 points per game. Former Michigan center Naz Hillmon, who now plays for the WNBA’s Atlanta Dream, put 49 points up on the Buckeyes across the two games. She was a force nobody on Ohio State could stop.

This year is different because Hillmon’s gone, but that doesn’t mean Michigan isn’t formidable. The Wolverines have beaten the ranked North Carolina Tar Heels and Baylor Bears, and leading the way in big games is Leigha Brown.

The guard hurt Ohio State last year too, scoring 40 combined points in those two games, meaning Saturday is by no means at all a cakewalk.

Photo by David Jensen/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Leigha Brown (32) steps up in big games, scoring 25 points and grabbing 8 rebounds against No. 6 ranked North Carolina

Coach McGuff’s side is different than last year though, and features multiple players who can go off on the scoresheet on any given night.

Two Taylors


Last season, the Buckeyes relied on guards Taylor Mikesell and Jacy Sheldon to lead the way on offense. The Oregon transfer Mikesell launched threes at an impressive clip, even averaging 50% from deep late in the season. This season, Mikesell hasn’t been as effective in shooting, but she also hasn’t had to be.

Mikesell’s having a better season in assists, rebounds, and steals, more than making up for a slight dip in scoring. However, a cold day of scoring will hurt the Buckeyes in what’s likely to be a tough Big Ten contest.

Fortunately for the Buckeyes, there are two positives for Ohio State. The first is that Mikesell’s best games of the season came against ranked teams. Mikesell scored 25, 26, and 25 against Tennessee, Louisville, and Oregon respectively. When the moment gets bigger, so do Mikesell’s performances.

The other is that Mikesell doesn’t have to do it alone this season. Multiple Buckeyes are stepping up. Freshman forward Cotie McMahon’s led the Scarlet & Gray in three of Ohio State’s last four. Forward Rebeka Mikulášiková is playing her best basketball in her four years as a Buckeye. Also, there’s the other Taylor — Taylor Thierry.

After playing mostly a defensive spark off the bench role in 2021/22, the Cleveland, Ohioan is the most consistent scorer for the Scarlet & Gray.

Thierry averages 13.0 points and 5.9 rebounds per game. Points-wise, Thierry’s increased her scoring from her freshman season by 10.1 points. Those points are coming through confident attacks to the basket, leading the NCAA in field goal percentage at 73%.

Half Court Defense


With guard Madison Greene out for the season with a knee injury, the Buckeyes have a gap in their defense. Greene is Ohio State’s best perimeter defender, and as McMahon said following Ohio State’s 84-41 win over Northwestern, she does all the small things needed to be successful.

Without Greene, Ohio State faces a team that doesn’t shoot a ton from deep, but they can terrorize an opponent inside the arc. Michigan can shoot mid-range and attack the basket at a high clip.

In past games this season, like the season opener against the then No. 5 Tennessee Volunteers, a weakness for Ohio State was allowing players to easily attack the basket. Volunteers guard Jordan Horston put 20 up against Ohio State, plus controlled inside the paint with 13 rebounds.

To stall Brown and forward Emily Kiser, the Scarlet & Gray need to play tough defense. That means limiting easy shots and giving space for Thierry and Mikulášiková to grab rebounds.

Another way to help the half-court is Ohio State getting into their full-court press early. That only happens if shots fall.

The Buckeyes play a ruthless press, even with Sheldon likely out with a lower leg injury. Michigan is a veteran team, but so are the Buckeyes. Guards Mikesell, Thierry, and Rikki Harris are the ones to watch in the press, with McMahon making reads on passes further in the backcourt.

Make the Covelli Center Scary


A new year is about resolutions and optimism, but Saturday’s game at the Covelli Center is the perfect chance to make teams afraid of Ohio State’s alternative venue. While it doesn’t hold the same amount as the overwhelmingly quiet Schottenstein Center, the volleyball and wrestling venue down the street is loud. Really loud.

If Ohio State gets going early, that sound and the feeling of close to 3,700 fans practically sitting on the court can shake the Wolverines.

When it comes to home-court advantage, it’s about quality, not quantity.

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Why is this News? All the articles and tweets Buckeye fans need for December 30, 2022
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Photo by David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

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...


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On the Gridiron


Ryan Day full transcript/video during Buckeyes’ first full day in Atlanta
Dave Biddle, Bucknuts

Lessons Learned from jam-packed Buckeyes media day, open viewing period (paywall)
Spencer Holbrook, Lettermen Row

Matt Jones Says He’s “Fully Good to Go” for Peach Bowl After Missing Michigan Game with Injury
Dan Hope, Eleven Warriors

Practice Observations as Buckeyes prep for ‘violent’ Peach Bowl (paywall)
Austin Ward, Dotting the Eyes

Practice Observations: Miyan Williams Returns to Action, Devin Brown Impresses with Deep Touchdown Pass in 11-on-11 Reps
Griffin Strom, Eleven Warriors

This is it. The chance to shock the world is almost here!


Peach Bowl Film Preview: Final thoughts on what Ohio State will need to do to beat Georgia
Chris Renne, Land-Grant Holy Land

Georgia-Ohio State film: Can the Buckeyes find answers to the Bulldogs’ stars? (paywall)
Nick Baumgardner, The Athletic

Film Study: For Ohio State to Knock off Georgia in the CFP Semifinal, It Must Follow These Three Keys
Kyle Jones, Eleven Warriors

Looks like the Bucks are loose and ready to go on Saturday!


Five Thoughts: Is playing fast the key for Ohio State against Georgia? (paywall)
Bill Landis, Dotting the Eyes

Three keys for Ohio State-Georgia semifinal matchup
Joey Kaufman, The Columbus Dispatch

To beat Georgia, Ohio State football must solve two problems wrapped into one
Nathan Baird, cleveland.com

Such an unbelievably special dude on and off the field:


Ohio State enters Peach Bowl starved of takeaways
Andy Backstrom, Lettermen Row

Well-Balanced Georgia Offense Presents “Huge Challenge” for the Buckeyes, but Jim Knowles Says It’s “One Our Guys Have Worked for All Year”
Griffin Strom, Eleven Warriors

Georgia TEs Bowers, Washington pose big test for Ohio State defense
Bill Rabinowitz, The Columbus Dispatch

I mean, I get why you have to ask these questions, but really, why do we need to ask these questions now?


COLUMN: Why Ryan Day needs to ‘let it all out’ with attacking Peach Bowl play sheet (paywall)
Spencer Holbrook, Lettermen Row

Ohio State seeks to remind everyone why it belongs on national title stage (paywall)
Jeremy Birmingham, Dotting the Eyes

Comparing the 2014 Sugar Bowl to Saturday’s Peach Bowl
Megan Husslein, Land-Grant Holy Land

On the Hardwood


Buckeyes bury Bulldogs in the second half, close 2022 with 90-59 win
Connor Lemons, Land-Grant Holy Land

Now fully healthy, Ohio State faces roster decisions in Big Ten play
Adam Jardy, The Columbus Dispatch

Hear the entire postgame press conference from yesterday’s MBB win over Alabama A&M:


Column: You need to care about Saturday’s Ohio State vs. Michigan women’s basketball game
Thomas Costello, Land-Grant Holy Land

Game Notes: No. 3 Ohio State women reopen Big Ten play with win vs. Northwestern
Thomas Costello, Land-Grant Holy Land

Our men’s and women’s basketball writers team up for an epic crossover podcast episode!

And now for something completely different...


Happy birthday to the !!


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Ohio State vs. Georgia: 2022 game preview and prediction
Brett Ludwiczak via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images

The Buckeyes will play in the Peach Bowl for the first time in school history on Saturday night when they take on Georgia in Atlanta.

Ohio State will make their first appearance in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl on Saturday night when they square off with the Georgia Bulldogs, who are the defending national champions and the top seed in the College Football Playoff. The Buckeyes have had over a month to stew over their 45-23 loss to Michigan in Columbus at the end of November, and hope to take out their frustrations on the Bulldogs.

Last time out


The last time we saw Ohio State, the defense of the Buckeyes was being ripped apart by J.J. McCarthy and Donovan Edwards. The Buckeyes gave up 530 yards to the Wolverines, with five of Michigan’s touchdowns coming on plays of at least 40 yards. Ohio State wasn’t able to provide any resistance when it mattered most, as the Wolverines outscored the Buckeyes 21-0 in the fourth quarter.

Buckeye bowl history


Ohio State will try to again shock the world by knocking off another top seed from the SEC in a College Football Playoff semifinal. Back in the first-ever CFP that took place on the first day of 2015, the Buckeyes took on top-seeded Alabama in the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans. Not many gave Ohio State a chance in the game, especially since they were coming into the game with third-string quarterback Cardale Jones as the starter after J.T. Barrett was injured in the Michigan game.

After falling behind the Crimson Tide early in the game, Ohio State found their groove and took a 21-20 lead right before halftime. The victory was capped off by Ezekiel Elliott running “85 yards through the heart of the south” with less than four minutes left in the game to extend Ohio State’s lead to 42-28. The Buckeyes would go on to win 42-35, and then defeat Oregon in Dallas in the title game to claim the first College Football Playoff.

Since then, Ohio State has made three other appearances in the CFP, posting just a 1-3 record. The Buckeyes lost twice to Clemson before topping the Tigers in the 2020 playoff in the Sugar Bowl. Alabama would get some revenge on Ohio State by easily winning the title game in Miami to close out the 2020 season.

This year’s Peach Bowl marks the ninth-straight year in which Ohio State has made a New Year’s Six bowl game. The Buckeyes are the only team in the country that has made a New Year’s Six bowl every year since they were introduced with the College Football Playoff. In the 10 New Year’s Six bowl games they have appeared in, Ohio State has a 7-3 record, with the only losses coming in College Football Playoff games. Overall in bowl games, the Buckeyes are 26-27.

Only other meeting with the Dawgs


Saturday night’s game marks just the second time the Buckeyes and Bulldogs have met on the football field. Georgia earned the win in the 1993 Florida Citrus Bowl when they beat Ohio State 21-14. Garrison Hearst earned game MVP honors by rushing for 163 yards and two touchdowns. Frank Harvey secured the win for Georgia when he scored from a yard out with just over four minutes left in the game to break a 14-14 tie.

Running back Robert Smith led the Buckeyes with 112 yards and two scores, but Ohio State was hurt by the play of quarterback Kirk Herbstreit, who completed just a third of his 24 pass attempts.

General Stroud


Leading Ohio State’s offense is quarterback C.J. Stroud, who is a two-time Heisman Trophy finalist. Even though the Buckeyes ranked second in the country with 44.5 points per game this year, Stroud has faced a lot of scrutiny over the last month for not beat Michigan the last two years. A win over Georgia would go a long way to restoring some of Stroud’s legacy, as this is undoubtedly his last year at Ohio State since he is projected to be a first round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.

This season Stroud threw for 3,340 yards and 37 touchdowns in Ohio State’s 12 games. Stroud’s yardage total is the third-most in a season in school history, only topped by the 4,435 yards he threw for last year and Dwayne Haskins’ 4,831 passing yards in 2018. Stroud sits either first or second in pretty much every Ohio State career, season, and game statistical passing category.

Marv and the men


The top target for Stroud is Marvin Harrison Jr., who has stepped up big time after Jaxon Smith-Njigba has barely seen the field this year while dealing with a hamstring injury. Harrison caught 72 passes for 1,157 yards and 12 touchdowns this season, earning him first-team All-American honors. Harrison was named a finalist for the Biletnikoff Award with Xavier Hutchinson of Iowa State and Jalin Hyatt of Tennessee.

Along with Harrison, Emeka Egbuka was also a part of this year’s Ohio State offense after Smith-Njigba was sidelined. Egbuka caught 66 balls for 1,039 yards and scored nine touchdowns. With both Egbuka and Harrison surpassing 1,000 yards receiving this year, Ohio State has now had a pair of receivers each go over 1,000 yards in back-to-back years, with Smith-Njigba and Garrett Wilson each hitting quadruple digits last season.

While all eyes will be on Harrison and Egbuka, the Buckeyes are going to need big games for wide receiver Julian Fleming and Cade Stover on Saturday. After missing the first two games of the year, Fleming had a stretch where he scored at least one touchdown in five straight games, but he has been pretty quiet recently, catching just 12 passes over the last five games.

Cade Stover has been either boom or bust this year. Against Wisconsin and Indiana, Stover scored two touchdowns each. Then there were games like the Michigan game, where he only had 13 yards on four catches, and missed some crucial plays that would have helped to keep the Buckeyes in the game more than the final score might have indicated. Stover is going to have his hands full not only trying to block some of the freaks Georgia has on defense, but also trying to find some space when his number is called in the pass game.

Chop ‘em down


Where Ohio State is going to need a little more consistency is at running back. The Buckeyes are going into this game shorthanded, since they’ll be without TreVeyon Henderson, who will miss the rest of the season because of a foot injury he has been dealing with all season. When he was able to get on the field, Henderson rushed for 571 yards and six touchdowns.

With Henderson being unavailable the rest of the year, that puts even more pressure on Miyan Williams, who has dealt with his own injury issues at times this season. When healthy, Williams ran for 817 yards and 13 touchdowns on just 125 carries in 2022. On an offense that relies upon finesse, Ohio State desperately could use the tough running that we often see from “Chop”.

Along with Williams in the backfield, the Buckeyes will need a compliment to step up. Dallan Hayden looked like he could be that guy, running for over 100 yards in back-to-back games against Indiana and Maryland while Williams was limited due to injury. Then inexplicably, Hayden only saw two carries against Michigan. Instead, Arizona State transfer Chip Trayanum saw the bulk of the carries against the Wolverines, toting the rock 14 times after getting just one carry in the previous 11 games this year.

Even though Trayanum did have experience at running back during his time at Arizona State, Hayden’s speed and movement running the football is the perfect compliment to the bruising style we see from Williams.

Protect the pocket


To get any offense going, Ohio State’s offensive line will have to hold up against the most athletic defense they have faced all season. Paris Johnson Jr. and the rest of the line have held up well this year, allowing just eight sacks — fifth-fewest in the country. The offensive line has largely kept opponents out of the backfield, with the 44 tackles for loss they’ve given up being the third-lowest total in college football. If the Buckeyes want to have any hope of winning, they have to keep Stroud clean and the Bulldogs out of the backfield.

First line of defense


Following a game where they gave up 45 points to Michigan, Ohio State’s defense has something to prove against Georgia. If the Buckeyes want to have any shot at winning on Saturday night, they are going to need to make things uncomfortable for Stetson Bennett. Ohio State certainly has the talent on the defensive line to create pressure with J.T. Tuimoloau, Jack Sawyer, Zach Harrison, and others. Even though defensive tackle Michael Hall Jr. leads the team with just 4.5 sacks, the Buckeyes have 13 players with at least one sack this year.

Rock solid


The most consistent players on the Ohio State defense this year have been linebackers Tommy Eichenberg and Steele Chambers. Eichenberg became the first Ohio State linebacker since Raekwon McMillan to surpass 100 tackles, finishing the regular season with 112 stops. The senior from Cleveland has done a lot of the work on his own this year, with his 72 solo tackles topping the Big Ten and ranking second nationally.

One player that can’t wait for kickoff is Steele Chambers, who grew up and played high school football in Georgia. After starting his Ohio State career as a running back, Chambers has transitioned to linebacker, becoming a key part of the Buckeye defense since the middle of 2021. Entering Saturday night’s game, Chambers ranks second on the team with 69 tackles.

The good and the bad


The achilles heel of Ohio State’s defense the last couple years has been in their secondary. Even though safeties Tanner McCalister, Lathan Ransom, and Ronnie Hickman have done a lot of good, cornerbacks Denzel Burke and Cam Brown have been inconsistent. The play from Burke has been especially troubling after he burst onto the scene last year and was looking like he could be the next great cornerback to come out of Ohio State. Brown has been limited by injuries at times this season, which has only allowed him to play in seven games, but hopefully the month off after the Michigan game has allowed him to get back to full strength.

To beat Georgia, the Buckeyes are gonna need the safeties to make the plays we know they are capable of making. After transferring from Oklahoma State to join Jim Knowles in Columbus, McCalister led the team with three interceptions this year. Ransom was third on the team with 65 tackles, and brings a very physical style of play to the game, which is something the Buckeyes will need in trying to slow down Brock Bowers. Hickman has experience having started 23 straight games. “Rocket” will have to show why was named to an AP second-team All-American this year.

Season at a glance


Georgia enters this game having not lost since last year’s SEC Championship Game against Alabama. After avenging the loss in last year’s College Football Playoff Championship Game, the Bulldogs went through this year mostly unthreatened. The only game where they trailed in the fourth quarter came at Missouri. Daijun Edwards scored a touchdown with just over four minutes to go to thwart the upset attempt of the Tigers.

In their 13 games this season, Georgia has outscored their opponents 509-166.

Georgia’s CFP history


This will be Georgia’s third appearance in the College Football Playoff. However, this will be the first time where the Bulldogs won’t meet Alabama in the playoff. At the end of the 2017 season, the Bulldogs beat Oklahoma before falling to the Crimson Tide in overtime. Last season, Georgia routed Michigan and were able to erase a 18-13 deficit in the fourth quarter to earn their first national title since 1980.

This will be Georgia’s 26th consecutive bowl appearance, which is the longest active streak in the nation. In the 59 previous bowl games the Bulldogs have played in they have posted a 35-21-3 record.

A familiar setting


It doesn’t help Ohio State that Mercedes-Benz Stadium is a second home for the Bulldogs. Georgia has already played in two games in Atlanta this year, beating Oregon 49-3 in the season opener, and winning the SEC Championship Game 50-30 over LSU early last month. The Bulldogs also played in the 2021 Peach Bowl at the stadium, squeaking by Cincinnati 24-21.

Sharp Stetson


Georgia was dominant on both sides of the football this year. On offense, the Bulldogs ranked seventh in the country with 491.9 yards per game. Stetson Bennett led an offense that averaged 39.2 points per game, which was 11th-most in the FBS. Even though Bennett doesn’t put up huge numbers, he knows how to win, entering Saturday’s game with a 27-3 record as a starter. This season Bennett threw for over 3,400 yards and tossed 20 touchdowns, earning him a spot as a Heisman Trophy finalist for how he ran the offense of the defending national champions.

Three-headed monster


What Georgia does a great job of is grinding out their opponents with a strong rushing attack. The Bulldogs averaged 207 yards per game on the ground this year. Even though the Bulldogs didn’t have a running back go for over 1,000 yards this season, they had three backs rush for over 500 yards and combined for 23 rushing touchdowns.

Kenny McIntosh and Daijun Edwards split the workload, with McIntosh carrying the football 137 times for 709 yards, while Edwards rushed for 681 yards on 127 totes. The Buckeyes can’t sleep on Kendall Milton, who averaged 7.4 yards per carry, and is coming off a performance against LSU where he ran for 114 yards on just eight carries, giving him his first 100-yard rushing game of the season.

Dynamic duo


Ohio State is going to have their hands full trying to slow down the nation’s best tight end, as well as one of the country’s most versatile receivers. The Buckeyes saw Notre Dame’s Michael Mayer in the season opener, but they’ll face an even bigger animal on Saturday in Brock Bowers. Last year Bowers was the SEC’s Freshman of the Year, and this year he was awarded the Mackey Award as the nation’s best tight end. Along with his 52 catches for 726 and six touchdowns, Bowers also had three rushing touchdowns, as the Bulldogs try and find creative ways to get the football in his hands.

Along with Bowers, Georgia also has Ladd McConkey, who is a little taller version of Wes Welker or Julian Edelman. McConkey had 51 catches for 675 yards and five touchdowns this season. Even though McConkey isn’t going to blow people away with his size or athleticism, he knows how to get open and make plays. McConkey will undoubtedly frustrate the Buckeyes all game long if the defense can’t get an early handle on how to keep the football out of his hands.

The latest Bulldog beast


Last year Georgia had the most dominant defense in the country. Even though a lot of the players from that unit are now in the NFL, the Bulldogs have reloaded with a new crop of talented defenders. Even scarier is Georgia won’t be at full strength in this game after Nolan Smith tore his pectoral muscle against Florida in late October.

This year’s defense is led be defensive tackle Jalen Carter, who is looking like a top prospect in the 2023 NFL Draft. Carter has seven tackles for loss, three sacks, two forced fumbles, and 25 quarterback pressures. Even though Carter’s numbers might not be huge, the amount of attention he demands on the field is. It’s going to take a big effort from the Ohio State offensive line to keep Carter out of the backfield.

Rabid Bulldogs


Leading Georgia in tackles this year were Jamon Dumas-Johnson and Smael Mondon Jr., with both being credited with 64 stops. Dumas-Johnson is the team’s MIKE linebacker, while Mondon is more a hybrid linebacker. Dumas-Johnson made more impact plays with three sacks, a forced fumble, and 21 quarterback pressures, while Mondon patrolled more of the middle of the field, and has been compared to Jaylon Smith.

Ringo star


In the Georgia secondary, a name you’ll hear a lot of is Kelee Ringo. The cornerback had 36 tackles, two interceptions, and six pass breakups this season. Even though Ringo is extremely talented, he is still pretty young. This year Ringo is a redshirt sophomore and he’ll be tasked with trying to slow down Harrison and Egbuka. If the Buckeyes can’t get to him early, they could see some cracks in Ringo’s armor.

Safeties Starks and Smith


Much like Ohio State, Georgia fields some great safeties. True freshman Malaki Starks fell just one tackle shy of tying Dumas-Johnson and Mondon for the team lead, and had two interceptions to go along with seven pass breakups. While Starks is a freshman, he is paired with senior Christopher Smith, who nabbed a team-high three interceptions this season. Smith is also a sure tackler, making 50 stops this year.

Summary


Does Ohio State have the talent to beat Georgia? There’s no question the Buckeyes do. What is unknown is if the Buckeyes have the coaching and mental toughness to beat the Bulldogs. Kirby Smart has proven himself to be one of the best coaches in America, while Ryan Day is facing intense questioning after losing to Michigan two years in a row.

What the Buckeyes need to do is use the loss to Michigan as fuel to silence their doubters. Not many are giving Ohio State a chance in this game after how the Wolverines were able to hit so many big plays last month in Columbus. It’s not like Ohio State hasn’t been in this position before, as back in the first College Football Playoff they were able to shock an Alabama team that was more than a touchdown favorite.

What remains to be seen is how Day and his staff used the last month to address issues and prepare for what they’ll see from Georgia. Even though Georgia won last year’s, it’s not like Ohio State is unfamiliar with the spotlight and pressure that comes with a game like this. When he is coaching loose, there aren’t many better at coaching that Day. The problem is it feels like Day overthinks himself a lot and gets inside his own head with some of his play calls.

While it’s obvious Day needs to cede the play-calling, it’s not going to happen before next year, if at all, so hopefully he has used the last month to get a better handle on what he wants his offense to do.

What fun is it to write 3,000-plus words on this game if we think Ohio State is going to destroyed by the Bulldogs? The Buckeyes play with a chip on their shoulder in this game after hearing over the last month of how fraudulent they are. What the Buckeyes have to do is keep Georgia guessing, which will mean the offensive line is going to have to find a way to open up some holes for the running backs against the talented defensive line of the Bulldogs. If they are able to do that, it will make Georgia hesitate a bit and give Stroud more time to survey the defense.

In a back-and-forth game, the Buckeyes know how to close out the game, which is something Missouri didn’t have talent to do against the Bulldogs.

LGHL prediction: Ohio State 31, Georgia 27

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LGHL Uncut Podcast: Thornton, Holden, Holtmann talk Alabama A&M win, looming trip to Evanston
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 Scheller/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK

Ohio State flipped the script Thursday like only they know how to do, outscoring AAMU 54-26 in the second half.

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

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Ohio State (9-3, 1-0) played down to the level of their competition Thursday night in the first half, briefly trailing Alabama A&M (4-9) for just over 60 seconds. But a Buckeye avalanche ensued in the second half, and they won the game by 31 points in dominant fashion.

After the game. Bruce Thornton and Tanner Holden spoke with a few media members — the few who aren’t in Atlanta — about the win. Thornton admitted he really has “No idea” what the Big Ten will be like with 19 games coming up over the next two-plus months. Holden also spoke on that, as well as his team’s struggles getting back in transition at times.

Holtmann followed and also was critical of his team’s transition defense, saying it “Just isn’t where it needs to be now.” But he was proud of the way both Isaac Likekele and Gene Brown played after being out for extended periods of time.


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Twitter: @lemons_connor

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Buck Off Podcast: Previewing Ohio State and Georgia’s Peach Bowl matchup
Chris Renne 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

We’re now a day away from finding out what Ohio State is made of in their matchup against Georgia.

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On today’s episode of “Buck Off with Christopher Renne,” I’m joined by Jordan Williams to get into our final Peach Bowl Preview discussing Ohio State’s matchup against Georgia.

We start the show with our initial thoughts on the conversations surrounding the chances Ohio State has against Georgia. Then we get into the overconfidence of Georgia fans and why that energy might not be the best heading into the matchup.

Then we get into our predictions about the Fiesta Bowl matchup between Michigan and TCU. We look at key aspects about how the each team can win the game, and why you have to throw out logic when it comes to the Horned Frogs.

After that our conversation turns to the key positional matchups for the Buckeyes against the Bulldogs. We discuss how the Buckeyes matchup against Georgia’s tight ends, how the interior offensive line might be the most important position group for the Buckeyes, and why C.J. Stroud needs to be great against the blitz to win the game.

Next, get talk about Ryan Day given certain results of the matchup, and predict how fans and Gene Smith might react if Ohio State loses. Continuing forward we discuss our final points on how Ohio State should attack the Bulldogs and what they need to do to win.

Then, to close out the show, we give our score predictions and our final thoughts about the game.


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Twitter: @BuckOffPod

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Twitter: @ChrisRenneCFB

Connect with Jordan Williams
Twitter: @JordanW330

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Buckeyes keeping Georgia on their mind on the recruiting front as well as on the field
Caleb Houser via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


2024 five-star Georgia LB Sammy Brown | Cory Fravel, 247Sports

Georgia continues to be a priority recruiting location for Ohio State with its wealth of talent.

The long awaited College Football Playoff contest versus Georgia is only a day away, and the intensity is really ramping up. Thanks to Ohio State’s social media efforts, fans have been able to see a glimpse into the team’s preparation throughout the week. While the content has been helpful, the excitement is causing a rush for this game to finally get here.

With so much to play for, Ohio State has preached that this is an opportunity to have new life, and here’s to hoping the team does just that as they look to finish with a special two-game performance to become champions.

On the recruiting front, Ryan Day and company are still being as active as they can be even with their hectic bowl game schedule. Whether it’s been with transfer portal efforts or even in the 2024 class, these coaches are in constant communication with their top transfer and prep targets, and visit plans are getting set into place once this season is completed.

It’s always a busy time for Ohio State football, but these past few weeks have really set the bar high, and efforts are being made so success is granted both on and off the field.

Georgia on my mind


As noted, the thoughts surrounding Georgia have been endless for Ohio State for some time now. Recruiting wise, the Peach State has and continues to be a real priority for the Buckeyes. Considering how much talent is in the state every recruiting cycle, all of the top programs in the country have their sights surrounding Georgia for the long haul — and for good reason.

Home to many of the nation’s best players, the population growth the last several years has helped. Traditionally, this has always been a major state for producing power five caliber players. In Ohio State’s 2023 cycle, the staff was able to steal two big time players from the state and that bodes well for continuing relationships with high school coaching staffs and players for the foreseeable future.

One of the many positives this week has been Ohio State’s ability to speak with their coveted Georgia prep players over the last few days. Mentioned in yesterday’s edition of State Secrets, five-star linebacker Sammy Brown is just one example of that being the case.

Another cool development has been the ability to have current signee Jelani Thurman in attendance for practice, as the trek to Atlanta for Thurman is just about a half hour drive. For one, this gets Jelani more acquainted with how the team prepares for games, but also gives him the chance to continue being around the staff. Certainly Keenan Bailey, who takes over the tight end spot for Kevin Wilson after he departs for his new Tulsa coaching gig, appreciates having Thurman around.

Either way, having him on-hand for these bowl practices does nothing but increase the relationship before he’s on campus full-time, and other impressionable recruits are taking notice of what Ohio State is promoting while in the state. A win would be monumental for the program, but regardless, the Buckeyes are here to stay in the Peach State when it comes to their recruiting efforts.

This week has been a solid addition to their impressive resume when it comes to pitching Ohio State to Georgia native players.

Quick Hits

• Sticking with the trend, listen here for Kevin Wilson’s words on what Georgia means as a fertile recruiting ground not only for Ohio State, but nationally. This just further proves how much of a priority this state is and will continue to be because of the elite level of talent the area is continuing to produce year after year.

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Peach Bowl Film Preview: Final thoughts on what Ohio State will need to do to beat Georgia
Chris Renne 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

Georgia is a strong football team, the few weaknesses they have Ohio State will need to exploit to come out victorious

The Ohio State Buckeyes will take on the Georgia Bulldogs in a college football playoff matchup taking place in the Peach Bowl down in Atlanta, Georgia. These past few weeks, we have taken dives into what has made Georgia, so successful this season on both sides of the football.

Using the film that has been cut and looked at already, can help visualize areas the Buckeyes can attack come New year’s eve. Looking back at how Georgia has attacked teams will give us a quick look into how other coaches have tried to counter the Bulldogs. The few things that have worked Ohio State does well, but the challenge in front of them is something they have yet to see this year.

Starting with the Bulldogs defensively, they are an aggressive man-coverage team who relies on a four-man rush to get the job done in the passing game. When it comes to defending the run, Georgia has athletic defensive linemen who take on blocks well, win matchups with quickness, and give the linebackers plenty of freedom to flow by eating up blocks as well.

For Ohio State, this means gaining leverage at the line of scrimmage, and when offensive linemen are doubling, getting to the second level to interfere with the linebackers' flow to the football. As frustrating as this has been to watch, Ohio State’s Wide Zone concepts, toss Counter, and Power toss have been schemes that have worked for other teams against Georgia – albeit very minimally.

In the play below we see a situation Ohio State has struggled mightily this year in power run situations. Kentucky runs an outside zone look against Georgia in short yardage, and this play has a similar result to what Ohio State fans have become accustomed to seeing in this scenario. For the Buckeyes winning in the trenches will play a pivotal role in extending drives and keeping Georgia’s defense on the field. If they can’t win in short-yardage situations, the result can turn quickly like we’ve seen the past two seasons for the Buckeyes.


The other area Ohio State will need to have success is in its misdirection game, their pin-and-pull counter concept would fit the bill. This play attacks the tendencies of Georgia’s defensive line slants creating a split second of confusion. The way the Bulldogs step on the defensive line is by crossing the face of the offensive linemen’s step and squaring up the opposing offensive linemen to give them leverage to move in either direction. When done correctly, this eliminates run lanes to the play side and gives both eh defensive line and linemen leverage to attack any cutbacks.


Once again looking at the play above, we see how Kentucky’s pin-an-pull action turns the defensive line away from the run action and creates a step of confusion for the linebackers. Both units recover, but Kentucky is able to make a pretty positive play due to the slight misdirection.

Now to the passing defense of Georgia, they are a man-coverage dominant defense and they have the guys to get the job done on a play-by-play basis. Kelee Ringo and Kamari Lassiter have physicality and athleticism. That is where Ohio State needs to match them, if the Buckeyes receivers match their physicality at the point of the catch, they have the talent to make plays. If they don’t they can give up big plays to the defense like this.


The other defense that Georgia plays is a soft zone coverage in more obvious passing situations. In these looks Georgia likes to maintain a two-high shell playing either quarters or Cover-5 (2-Man Under). In the next play, we can see how the lack of communication can turn into a big play.


Looking above, we see LSU’s best receiver rip off a big gain against the soft zone of Georgia. In man coverage — especially the way Georgia plays it — there is little communication between players outside of pre-snap alignment. The switch to zone shifts the thought process and creates a reliance on communication, or receivers can find space between the zones. This lack of communication is what leads to this touchdown.

The last aspect to look at is the pass rush and how Ohio State needs to be able to protect against a four-man rush. If the receivers can find space against the coverage, they’ll have to take matters into their own hand bringing additional pressure. This is where the Buckeyes can start ripping off big plays if Stroud and the offensive line can handle additional rushers. We can see the damage below four rushers can do, and if the Buckeye offensive line can’t match the athleticism.


For the Buckeyes though, Stroud can help his offense line by using his pocket mobility. Now the result of this play below doesn’t do the quarterback for LSU justice. That being said, Georgia’s defensive line can be overzealous at times. For Stroud, he struggles at times with staying in the pocket and maneuvering through the traffic to deliver downfield. If Stroud can stay confident in the pocket he can neutralize the rush with his footwork – and hopefully throw the ball down the field with a better result.


Flipping over to the other side of the ball, Georgia’s offense is by no means a slouch in comparison to their defense.

Led by 25-year-old signal caller Stetson Bennett and a pair of elite tight ends, they find success in a variety of ways. Their offensive line is not individually dominant, but the Buckeyes will need to get creative because the Bulldogs are strong as a unit. They work their double teams efficiently, communicate in pass protection, and have given up seven sacks on the year. Add to the fact they have three running backs totaling over 500 rushing yards, and you get a strong offensive unit.

For the Buckeyes defensively, the first area they need to succeed is in limiting Stetson Bennett and making him beat them from the pocket. Bennett is athletic and can make plays outside the pocket, so containment from the defensive ends is that much more important especially if Ohio State plays a high percentage of man coverage. If they do not Bennett can make the Ohio State defense pay with his legs.


If Ohio State loses to Bennett using his legs, it will give fans major 2019 Clemson vibes from the matchup. There is nothing worse than losing to a quarterback doing something he is not necessarily dominant at.

In the next play below, we see where Georgia is able to attack the middle of the field with their tight ends. This play isn’t won by anything the Bulldogs do necessarily, but the threat of the tight ends really plays a role here. The lack of communication from LSU’s secondary allows 6-foot-8 and 270-pound Darnell Washington to run across the middle free. Against Michigan, Ohio State had bad communication in covering a tight end which led to a touchdown.


Now the last aspect Georgia loves to do throwing the ball is sending their receivers on double moves. Seeing how Ohio State’s corners have played throughout the year, this next play should put the fear of death into the eyes of Buckeye fans. Ladd McConkey is a solid route runner and has the speed to make defenders pay. Ohio State’s corners will need to stay disciplined and not fall for the double move like the defender below.


The last thing on the list today is the effectiveness of Georgia’s run game, they ironically run into the same issues Ohio State does including struggling in short yardage. This is because, like Ohio State, they tend to stick to the same zone schemes on a borderline exclusive basis.

The first play here shows Georgia’s base run play, an outside zone look with a read option for the quarterback. Looking at the backfield, Bennett is reading the backside end. If the end crashes he keeps and if he doesn’t, Bennett hands it off. In this play, it is a hand off and we can see the one-cut nature of Georgia’s running backs. The offensive line here uses their double teams to create the running lane in the middle, and the play is sprung by the center getting to the second level. This shows the importance of the interior defensive line eating double teams. If he held the center for another second, there is no hole for the back to run through.


In the next play, we can see Georgia using a little misdirection on the play with a pin-and-pull counter look to the boundary. This play should look familiar to Ohio State fans, as it falls into Ryan Day’s bread-and-butter category of run plays, even if he still doesn’t use it enough. The motion at the start of the play gets the defense’s eyes off of their keys. This allows for free pullers to get out and get their blocks. For the play to have significant success, the block by the tight end is what springs it.


In both of the previous plays, Georgia’s offensive line and tight ends got to the second level with ease. This is what makes their running game so dangerous, and in tandem with the backs, their run game finds regular success.

In the last play, we see how interior penetration is the key to blowing up the zone run scheme of Georgia. Now doing this consistently is easier said than done, but this will need to be a key for the Buckeyes. The penetration neutralizes the double team and doesn’t allow the offensive line to get to the linebackers. This penetration also forces the backs to bounce the play outside, and with the linebackers flowing freely, they are able to make the play before the running back can get the first down.


Now Ohio State does not need to play a perfect game to beat Georgia, but there are definitely some things they need to avoid if they want to have a chance in Atlanta. From a talent standpoint, the Buckeyes are one of the few teams who can match the pure talent of Georgia which should provide the Bulldogs a challenge they haven’t seen at all this year.

For the Buckeyes offensively, winning one-on-one matchups is the name of the game. If the Buckeyes can take Georgia out of the man-coverage they want to run or make them pay for running man-coverage, that would signify the receivers having a lot of success. To do this they will need to protect well against four and take the linebackers out of coverage. Georgia bringing additional pressure opens up the middle of the field and that is a place Stroud is incredibly comfortable attacking.

Now defensively, the worst thing Ohio State can do is underestimate Stetson Bennett. He has the ability to hurt teams with his feet, throwing outside the pocket, and if he has time, delivering the ball downfield. Now stopping the passing game starts with communication and covering the tight ends. They will find success at times, which means Ohio State will need to show some resilience which they have struggled with in big games as of late.

Lastly, stopping the run and making the Georgia offense one-dimensional is my biggest factor in the Buckeyes beating the Bulldogs. If Georgia can’t set up the hard play-action pass, this takes away a lot of their explosive play potential to their receiving threats. Now the Buckeyes will still need to hold up in coverage, but if they can do that and stop the run in key situations, Georgia’s offense has shown periods of stagnation this year. All of that goes double for the Buckeye defense in the red zone, which has been a weak point for Georgia this year offensively.

Now the talk is over, all that is left is to see which team goes out and executes better than the other. Both teams are stacked with talent, but the reason we love sports is that only one team can win the game. If the Buckeyes show up, play disciplined football, and flex their talent, there is no reason the winners can’t be them.

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In Conversation Podcast: Mike Golic Jr. on what Ohio State needs to do to beat Georgia
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Twitter: @mikegolicjr

GoJo also tries not to get too excited about Notre Dame’s next potential quarterback.

On Land-Grant Holy Land In Conversation, we talk to people in and around Ohio State athletics, and the sporting world at large, to bring you a different insight and perspective to the teams, athletes, and university that you love.

Listen to the episode and subscribe:

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On today’s episode, Land-Grant Holy Land’s Matt Tamanini is in conversation with DraftKings analyst and the host of the “GoJo Podcast” Mike Golic Jr. GoJo breaks down what the Buckeyes have and haven’t done well this season along the offensive line and what needs to happen in order to protect C.J. Stroud and give him time to throw, especially with UGA’s defensive line beast Jalen Carter looking to wreak havoc.

Mike also discusses whether or not Buckeye fans are right to be unsatisfied with the football team’s results under Ryan Day and how his betting luck has gone so far in this bowl season.


Connect with Matt Tamanini
Twitter: @BWWMatt

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Buckeyes bury Bulldogs in the second half, close 2022 with 90-59 win
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

Ye of little faith! The Ohio State men’s basketball team overpowered Alabama A&M in the second half after a sluggish opening stanza.

For the first time all season, the Ohio State men’s basketball team (9-3, 1-0) was playing with a full deck of cards on Thursday afternoon, as both Gene Brown (concussion) and Isaac Likekele (personal) were back in uniform and available to play. That meant all 13 scholarship players were available to play for the first time since March of 2021.

After a weeklong break for Christmas following a 34-point shellacking of Maine, the Buckeyes rolled out a starting lineup of Bruce Thornton, Sean McNeil, Justice Sueing, Brice Sensabaugh, and Zed Key — the same lineup Chris Holtmann has been using since Likekele went out nearly one month ago. Alabama A&M head coach Otis Hughley Jr. went with Messiah Thompson, Garrett Hicks, Dailin Smith, Austin Harvell, and Olisa Blaise Akonobi.

Despite a sluggish first half, Ohio State was able to run away from Alabama A&M in the second half to the tune of a 31-point win, 90-59. Sensabaugh was the game’s leading scorer with 21 points. Sueing chipped in 18, and Thornton had a clean dozen to round out the Buckeyes’ double-digit scorers. Hicks led AAMU with 11 points on 5-10 shooting over 31 minutes.

The freshman standout Sensabaugh has led the Buckeyes in scoring in each of their last three games, and an early flurry of scoring from him put his team up early in this one. Sensabaugh took four of Ohio State’s first six shots in the game, knocking down three of them, to help push his Buckeyes out to an early 9-4 lead 4:26 into the game.


However, the Bulldogs, who lead the SWAC in three-point shooting at 41%, were able to briefly tie the game at 13 thanks to back-to-back triples from Thompson and Smith 6:06 into the game. A&M began to speed things up and despite a week to prepare for it, the Buckeyes were not getting back on defense quickly enough and the Bulldogs made them pay.

Ohio State regained the lead a minute later on a Tanner Holden long jumper, and by the under-eight timeout, they’d pulled ahead by six points, 26-20. The Buckeyes got a little three-happy in the first half, with 10 of their first 20 shots coming from downtown. Unfortunately, they only hit two of them. The Bulldogs — as they do — were grabbing these long rebounds and sprinting the other way for quick baskets to keep them in the game.

The Bulldogs took the lead for 1:12 late in the first half, but Ohio State strung together five consecutive points in the closing minutes to pull back ahead. By halftime, the Buckeyes held a slim 36-33 lead. Sensabaugh led all scorers with 11 first-half points, while Thompson’s eight points paced the Bulldogs.


The Buckeyes outscored the Bulldogs 15-4 over the first five minutes of the second half, extending their one-point lead to 14 following Sueing’s seventh three-pointer of the season. By the under-12 media timeout, the Buckeyes held a 58-43 lead. They were still taking a few three-pointers, but in general Ohio State began to look for higher percentage looks even if the opportunity was there for a triple.

Someone must’ve also given Sueing a pep talk at halftime, as the Buckeye captain came out and scored 10 points over the first 10 minutes of the second half after scoring just six points in the first half. Sueing had outscored his season average of 13.2 PPG with 13:48 left to go in the game.


Alabama A&M struggled to contain the two-headed beast of Sensabaugh and Sueing throughout the second half, as those two (almost solely on their own) powered Ohio State to a 69-47 lead by the under-eight media timeout with 7:28 remaining. With seven minutes and some change left in the game, the duo combined for 36 points on 14-22 shooting, including 4-9 from long range.


By the time the final buzzer sounded, the Buckeyes had buried the Bulldogs, 90-59.

If you weren’t able to catch Ohio State’s win in today’s rare Big Ten - SWAC matchup, here are a few key plays and points that played a role in the Buckeyes’ ninth win of the season.

Can’t leave the freshman


The defense has picked up for Sensabaugh as the season has progressed, and so too have his minutes. The freshman was leading Ohio State in points per game entering today’s contest at 15.3 PPG, and he took four of the Buckeyes' first six shots this afternoon, scoring his team’s first five points.

Sensabaugh was left open for a couple wide-open three-pointers, of which he hit one of. He also was able to shot-fake and drive to the basket twice early, and the Bulldogs didn’t have much to stop him. Planning for the 235-pound freshman is one thing, but executing your defense against him is something else.

A&M gets hot to tie it


After falling behind early, Alabama A&M used back-to-back three-pointers from Thompson and Smith to tie things up 13-13 six minutes into the game. The Bulldogs are the best three-point shooting team in the SWAC, and Thompson is one of the best in the conference at 45.1%.

Bulldogs looking for a track meet


Alabama A&M came into this game as one of the quicker teams in the nation in terms of tempo, ranking inside the top 50 in possessions per game according to KenPom. They tested the Buckeyes early to see how quickly their foes could react to their speed, and it didn’t go well. The Bulldogs sprinted off of Ohio State misses on more than one occasion in the first half to get a shot off on the other end before the Buckeyes could set their defense, and Chris Holtmann had to call timeout repeatedly to regroup. The Buckeyes, in comparison, are No. 229 in adjusted tempo.

Welcome back, Gene!


After missing the first 11 games of the season and recovering from the second concussion of his career, the Ohio State junior checked in to today’s game at the 11:22 mark and played two minutes. He was scored on once, missed one shot, and was subbed out two minutes later for Sensabaugh, to a large applause from the fans.

Roddy Gayle with the big block


With Ohio State leading 26-20 and 9:24 remaining in the first half, Sueing turned the ball over in front of the A&M bench. Cameron Tucker sprinted down the floor on the fast break and dished it to Eric Lee, who went for the layup over Gayle. Despite backpedaling the whole way guarding the two-on-one, Gayle was able to elevate and block Lee’s layup. The ball bonked off Lee’s head and went out — Buckeye basketball.

A&M takes their first lead of the game


With 1:51 to go before halftime, Brandon Powell’s knocked down his third three-pointer of the season right in front of Chris Holtmann to give the Bulldogs a 32-31 lead — their first of the game.

In case of emergency, break glass for Ice


After missing a few weeks of practice while being away from the team, it was unclear how much Likekele would play today — if at all. But Holtmann checked the senior into the game with 1:03 remaining before halftime, and he immediately brought the ball up and dished it off to Key for a layup to put the Buckeyes up two points, 35-33. It seemed like a “break glass in case of emergency” situation and being tied with a 4-8 Alabama A&M team at halftime certainly qualified as that.

Extra E turns to O


Leading 45-37 roughly four minutes into the second half, McNeil missed a corner three but Felix Okpara was able to corral the board among a crowd of Bulldogs with a bit of extra effort. He passed out to Thornton at the top of the key, who swung it to Sensabaugh on the right wing. Sensabaugh took two dribbles to the baseline and took a fading baseline jumper and canned it for his 12th and 13th points of the game, giving Ohio State a double-digit lead for the first time in the game.

Sueing wakes up, Buckeyes surge ahead


After scoring just six points on 2-3 shooting in the first half, Sueing slammed down a dunk to open the second-half scoring and kept going after that. The sixth-year senior scored 10 of Ohio State’s first 22 points in the second half, including his seventh and eighth three-pointers of the season. He knocked down a pair of free throws at the 12:44 mark to give his team a 58-43 lead, which was their largest of the afternoon to that point.

McNeil keeps letting it rip, misses be damned


Sean McNeil transferred to Ohio State as a career 36.8% three-point shooter, but really hasn’t torched the nets thus far this season in Columbus. He entered today’s game shooting 35.3% from downtown, and proceeded to go 3-9 from long range. He missed four of his first five, but if there’s any game to have a quick trigger, it’s probably against Alabama A&M, right?

Up Next:


Ohio State (9-3, 1-0) has a quick turnaround, getting just two days off before a road game at Northwestern (10-2, 1-0) Sunday night. The Wildcats have exceeded expectations thus far, reaching the 10-win mark a whole month faster than they did last year (Northwestern won its tenth game of the season on February 1 last year). Northwestern has wins over Michigan State and DePaul on their resume already and is the No. 45 team in the nation according to KenPom.

The Ohio State - Northwestern game in Evanston will tip off at 7:30 p.m. ET Sunday night and will be broadcast on BTN.

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Column: You need to care about Saturday’s Ohio State vs. Michigan women’s basketball game
1ThomasCostello via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Barbara J. Perenic/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK

The Buckeyes welcome the Wolverines in one of both team’s biggest games of the season

If you drive through campus at The™ Ohio State University this week there are a few things you’ll notice. First, there aren’t a lot of people; it is winter break after all. Second, there aren’t widespread red “X”s on every reachable “M.” Even without the fanfare, the Buckeyes face the Michigan Wolverines on Saturday in Columbus and it’s a game you need to care about, and here’s why.

The “Duh” Reason


I can’t believe it needs to be typed but it’s Ohio State vs. Michigan. This is the rivalry that turns friends, family, and co-workers into enemies. Every time a fan of one team drives by a house with a flag of the other, it elicits a snarl or mumbled expletive (and maybe not mumbled at all). It’s a game that creates bragging rights where absolutely nobody wants to be on the losing side.

There are no illusions of grandeur that the Buckeyes’ basketball teams should get the same treatment as the football side’s heated rivalry, but why not? Each team plays under the flag of their university/region’s pride.

The Ohio State women’s basketball team wears the same scarlet and gray colors as the football team. They attend the same university, the same classes, and have friendships stretching between the two teams.

Plus, beating Michigan always feels great to an Ohio State fan. It makes the hellscape of social media a little better for at least a day or so, and that’s worth celebrating. Lately, Ohio State hasn’t had much reason to celebrate playing that team up north, but Saturday that could change.

Ohio State is Good


Following college football is difficult for Buckeyes fans. Perfection is an awfully high bar to set, and nothing but victory, and fewer screen passes, will suffice. Basketball isn’t like that.

Teams get 30+ games to prove their worth, and then get to play in a tournament featuring an ample amount of teams, where the best can prove they’re the best. The Buckeyes have done that, reaching 24 NCAA Tournaments.

Also, if you want to set a high bar, Ohio State women’s basketball has it in the Big Ten. Their 16 conference championships are the most of any team in the Big Ten. Most recently on Feb. 27, 2022, the Buckeyes jumped the Wolverines on the final day to win a share of the conference regular season title.

That strong end of last season propelled Ohio State into this season, pushing them to their second-highest poll ranking in history. The No. 3 Ohio State Buckeyes are the highest-ranked Big Ten team in the country right now.

Joseph Scheller/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK
Taylor Mikesell (24) leads the Buckeyes in scoring this season.

Want proof that they’re good? They lead the country in steals and turnover margin and are the second-best Power Five scoring team in the nation. Offensively, six different Buckeyes average double-digit scoring figures and in 13 games, five different Ohio State players have led the team’s scoring in one of the most diverse offensive seasons in a while for the Scarlet & Gray.

Ohio State plays a high-tempo pressing game. Defensives are rattled when they play the Buckeyes. Teams like the Tennessee Volunteers, Louisville Cardinals, and Oregon Ducks. All three are women’s basketball powerhouses and all three lost to Ohio State this season.

Buckeyes Revenge


Scarlet and Gray fans unfortunately know the feeling of losing two times in a row to the Wolverines. In the basketball world, Michigan also tormented the Buckeyes last season, beating them in both match-ups during the 2021-22 campaign.

It was Michigan center Naz Hillmon who led the way for TTUN, terrorizing Ohio State on the boards. Hillmon’s gone this season, and Ohio State’s playing their best basketball in years in a No. 3 vs. No. 14 game on Saturday.

Beating the Wolverines on Saturday would stop a three-game skid for the Buckeyes in the rivalry dating back to 1978. Overall, the Buckeyes lead the series 57-16 against a Michigan side that recently started caring about the sport on the women’s side.

It’s Not at the Schottenstein Center


This can’t be stressed enough — the Schottenstein Center isn’t good for Ohio State women’s basketball. The good thing about Saturday is that it’s not at Value City Arena™!

The Buckeyes face the Wolverines at the Covelli Center, the home of Ohio State volleyball and wrestling. It’s a smaller venue that puts the fans practically in the game, creating an imposing environment for visiting teams, like the much-maligned Michigan Wolverines.

Alie Skowronski/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK
The Covelli Center is great for Ohio State women’s basketball.

It’s the official Land-Grant Holy Land opinion that all Ohio State women’s basketball games should be at the Covelli Center, if St. John’s Arena is completely out of the question.

It Won’t Interrupt NYE or Football Plans


Tickets for Saturday’s game are hard to come by, with only resale tickets available on everyone’s favorite ticket site, Ticketmaster. That’s ok! The game is on the Big Ten Network at 1:00 p.m. ET.

Since basketball games don’t stretch into the four-hour territory, the tidy two-hour game time (without overtime) won’t interrupt either of the college football playoff games. If you attend Saturday’s basketball game, you would still likely get home before the 4 p.m. ET kickoff between the Michigan Wolverines and TCU, and miss all the pregame coverage, which is a blessing in and of itself.

You could turn on the Buckeyes and Wolverines game at 1 p.m. and never leave your couch until the second ticks off between the football Buckeyes and Georgia Bulldogs. What a holiday treat.


No matter what your plans are this weekend as the calendar flips from 2022 to 2023, have a safe and enjoyable New Year’s Eve celebration. Drink responsibly.

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Game Notes: No. 3 Ohio State women reopen Big Ten play with win vs. Northwestern
1ThomasCostello via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Ben Cole - Land-Grant Holy Land

Looking at the return to basketball after the holiday week away.

From now through the end of the Big Ten Tournament, the Ohio State Buckeyes women’s basketball team has its eyes on conference play. It began Wednesday against the Northwestern Wildcats in a convincing 81-48 victory in Evanston, Ill.

Here’s more from that win, including injury updates.

Cotie McMahon Kicks Play into Gear


For the sixth game in a row, forward Cotie McMahon scored the first points for the Buckeyes. The freshman represents the energy and intensity that head coach Kevin McGuff hopes Ohio State can play for as close to 40 minutes, and it continued Wednesday.

McMahon led all scorers on the night with 24, and it's the fourth time in the last six games that the Centerville, Ohio native led the Buckeyes in that department. It’s another early chapter in the book McMahon’s writing in her first season in college basketball.

“For me it was kind of a confidence thing too, was more so understanding the game of college basketball and I feel like from now to the beginning of the season I definitely understand basketball a little bit more,” said McMahon. “It’s not about a fast-paced game but taking your time and making the right read.”

Those reads are evident on the court. McMahon began the season with seven total assists in the first seven games of the year. McMahon’s three assists bring her total in the last seven to 24. Defensively, her reads create plays like this one.


McMahon’s 24 points mean the young forward has scored at least 20 points in five games. Not a bad beginning to the story.

Eboni Walker Continues Adjusting to Buckeyes Basketball


Before the Scarlet & Gray faced depth issues at guard, it was the forward position that coach McGuff looked for reinforcement. Forward Rebeka Mikulášiková’s had a great start to the season but the Slovakian’s averaging eight more minutes per game this year than last season.

Last night, a glimpse of that forward depth showed in Eboni Walker. While Walker’s name didn’t jump off the scoresheet, her 19 minutes is the most played in scarlet for a game against a Power Five conference school.

When Walker was on the court, she was making impacts offensively and defensively. With the ball, the Syracuse transfer scored seven points and added two assists. Of those two, one showed the quick reflexes of a player whose importance will grow as the season continues.


Defensively, Walker was everywhere. The forward grabbed three rebounds defensively but in the transition game, her two steals set Ohio State up for a big second half that put the Wildcats far back in the rearview mirror.

The overall energy of Walker was infectious, hitting +16 in the +/-, the highest of any non-starter on the Buckeyes’ roster. It was a night McGuff’s looked for from the forward, and it was rewarded.

Taylor Thierry Work Paying Off


It wouldn’t be game notes without mention of forward/guard Taylor Thierry. The Cleveland, Ohio sophomore once again hit double-digits in points and was two rebounds away from her first collegiate double-double.

Thierry spent the game in the paint, cleaning up rebounds and loose balls, and continued playing Ohio State’s most consistent basketball of the season. With scorers like guard Taylor Mikesell and McMahon, the thought of Thierry being the foundation of the team seems odd but it’s no surprise to coach McGuff.

“She’s one of the most disciplined players in our program,” said McGuff. “From day one practice, a year ago, every day she shows up and tries to do it the right way. Her progress has really been fun to watch, she’s earned it.”

Growing confidence was a goal of Thierry entering her second college season, and the disciplined approach is paying off. Even during the holiday time away.

“When we were off, I was getting in the gym, getting a lot of shots up,” said Thierry. “Getting a lot of reps in and you know that helped get my confidence up. Hopeful that that continues and builds more throughout the season.”

Thierry has the potential to become a double-double machine for Ohio State, but right now her 82 rebounds lead the team and without more presence in the paint it’s hard to rebound against two or three opponents. Some of Thierry’s rebounds last night were in that crowd, showing that regardless of being outnumbered, the forward sticks with the play through the attention.


Watch Thierry throughout the season, because the growth doesn’t seem to be close to hitting her ceiling.

Rikki Harris and Taylor Mikesell Run Point


With guards Madison Greene and Jacy Sheldon out with injury, guard Rikki Harris took up the point guard spot. Like her eight-assist performance against the Oregon Ducks, Harris led the Scarlet & Gray in facilitation. Harris had six assists and found her teammates in good positions to score.

Also, shooting guard Mikesell played the point at times, especially in the third quarter when Harris was on the bench getting rest. Mikesell had three assists but her guard work shined the most in the press. The guard had seven assists in a Sheldon-esque defensive performance forcing turnovers.

Both put in solid performances, but it's not always going to go this well, warns McGuff.

“With both Madison and Jacy out, it’s going to be choppy at times,” said McGuff.

Saturday is another test for the duo, against the Michigan Wolverines.

Injury Updates


A shadow over the entire game was the announcement of Greene’s status as out for the season, due to a knee injury.

“It’s a huge loss. She’s a great player, a great point guard, a great leader,” said McGuff. “She’s our best perimeter defender as well. I hate it for her mostly because she works so incredibly hard to get back.”

Coach McGuff added how much he hates it for her, but said Greene’s in good spirits and helping the team however she can. Greene did Wednesday, sitting on the bench and motivating teammates. In terms of Sheldon, she’ll be back this season, but the question is when?

The answer isn’t as clear, and that’s by design. Ohio State isn’t looking for a short-term fix, but a healthy Sheldon is the long-term plan.

“She’s coming,” said McGuff on progress. “We’re really making sure that we give her ample time to make sure that we get it right and when she comes back there’s no setbacks.”

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Nutriaitch said:

so in the coaching change thread i mentioned i played against Herb Tyler in High School.

so just curious who some of you midwestern guys (or the Tomato guy if he actually played and wasn’t on chess team or some shit) either actually played, or just missed playing against in High School.

Played against:
Herb Tyler (LSU quarterback)
Rondel Mealy (LSU running back)
Larry Foster (LSU wideout, spent some time with Detroit Lions)
Travis Minor (FSU running back, spent some time in NFL)


Just missed:
Peyton Manning - we played Newman year after he graduated
Jake Delhomme - played Teurlings Catholic my Sr year (3 years after Jake)
Kevin Faulk - had we won i. first round of playoffs, would have played Carencro in 2nd round his senior year
Corey Webster - i’m 4 years older than him, but our HS are district rivals
Warrick Dunn - same HS as Minor, but his freshman year at FSU was my sophomore year in HS

Click to expand...

I played against Gerald McCoy and future Dallas Cowboys kick returner Bryan McCann during my Pop Warner years, back when I used to live in Oklahoma. Lived in the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas starting in 8th grade. Unfortunately, there's no such talent down here.

Ohio State recruiting: A closer look at preferred walk-on running back commit, Willtrell Hartson
Caleb Houser via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Willtrell Hartson

Get to know the in-state running back commit.

Ohio State’s running back position has been a wild ride in 2022 to say the least. A number of guys have taken snaps, and with the statuses of players such as Miyan Williams and TreVeyon Henderson changing every other week due to various health reasons, it’s been hard to keep track of the situation in Tony Alford’s room. Not due to a shortage of talent, it’s been one thing after another this year, and the feelings of what’s unknown is really what’s caused uneasiness at times.

Moving to the recruiting front, the 2023 class has been just as up and down at the position. Wanting a running back in every cycle, the Buckeyes haven’t yet signed a player they’ve offered after losing the commitment of Mark Fletcher. Sure, there’s time until February and certain names have been tossed around, but the safe assumption here is leaning toward Ohio State not landing a scholarship player at the spot for this 2023 class. Thankfully, there’s a lot of solid depth already in Columbus that can soften that blow until the 2024 cycle comes around.

Notice too how the key phrase “scholarship” RB was stated earlier, because the Buckeyes are not going totally empty handed when it comes to that spot in the 2023 class. Committing to Ohio State this past weekend, Ohio native Willtrell Hartson (Massillon, Ohio/Massillon Washington) made his future plans known on Christmas Eve via Twitter.


Accepting a preferred walk-on spot, we can take a closer look at who the Buckeyes are getting. In recent history, walk-on players have made their impact on Ohio State’s roster. Guys such as TC Caffey and even Xavier Johnson — who has also spent some time at running back for the Buckeyes — are names that aren’t unknown to fans this season, and certainly with the accolades Hartson is bringing to Columbus, it’s probably just a matter of time before he too receives some attention.

First and foremost, it should be mentioned that Hartson does have double-digit offers that he turned down in order to come to Ohio State. That alone is a major deal considering the price of tuition anywhere these days. Schools such as Buffalo, Boston College, Toledo, Miami (OH), Army, Central Michigan, Temple, and more are on his list of schools he decided against. Additionally, Willtrell is a three-star prospect in the 247Sports Composite rankings for the 2023 class. This isn’t your average walk-on football player.

Hartson playing his prep ball at Massillon Washington shows the caliber of back he is and the reason for that three-star status. A storied program in their own right, Willtrell has etched his name into the record book throughout his career, and his 2,073 yards rushing this year alone places him No. 1 all-time in Massillon history for yards in a season. Add in his 34 touchdowns this fall, and you can see why a number of division one programs came calling with offers in-hand.

The 5-foot-9, 200 pound back is betting on himself, and that is to be not only commended, but also respected. Turning down any offer to accept a preferred walk-on role is out of the ordinary, but the Buckeyes are happy to keep the in-state prospect at home for the next few years. It’s to be determined what will really go on with the 2023 running back spot, but if the Buckeyes keep pace and don’t sign an offered player at the spot, it makes it that much easier for Hartson to make an impact once he’s on campus.

A player that at least seems to be this determined, I am going with my gut and saying this is a name that will be heard more than just a few times in the years to come. Personally, it’s refreshing to see a young man with a dream of playing for Ohio State shoot his shot and do just that, especially for what he’s turning down in order to do so.

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Comparing the 2014 Sugar Bowl to Saturday’s Peach Bowl
meganhusslein via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Brooke LaValley / USA TODAY NETWORK

Let’s break down the similarities, and which players need to play like those on the 2014 team in order to win.

Leading up to the Peach Bowl, there has been a lot of comparisons to the 2014 Sugar Bowl against Alabama. Entering as an underdog, going down South, suffering one loss in the regular season. The same magic the 2014 Buckeyes had will be needed for this year’s Buckeye team.

There are definitely a few factors that helped Ohio State win eight years ago, and I think some of those same factors have to play a major role on Saturday.

Miyan needs to go off like Zeke

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

In the Sugar Bowl, Ezekiel Elliott rushed for 230 yards on 20 carries and had two touchdowns. Now, I don’t know if this year’s running backs need to rush for over 200 yards (though it would certainly be nice), but they definitely have a pivotal role to play in this game.

Against Michigan, the run game could not get going, and it hurt the Buckeyes bad. However, now with Miyan Williams having had a month to get healthy, he should be at his best. TreVeyon Henderson is unfortunately out, but that just means Dallan Hayden and Chip Trayanum will have to step up when Miyan needs some rest.

All of the pressure can not be on C.J. Stroud’s shoulders. The Buckeyes cannot rely on the pass game to beat this Georgia defense. The offense needs to be firing on all cylinders, and I believe that Williams is going to play a huge part in that.

Production from multiple receivers

Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

The stats from the Sugar Bowl are so interesting. There isn’t anything too shocking, besides Zeke’s stats, but Ohio State did what it needed in order to win. For the receiving core, that meant opportunities for everyone to contribute. Devin Smith had 87 receiving yards, Michael Thomas had 66, Jalin Marshall had 55 and Nick Vannett had 23.

I think that’s what needs to happen on Saturday. Obviously, we would all love to see Marvin Harrison Jr. have a huge game — and I hope he does! However, I don’t think that’s going to be enough to win. I also think the Bulldogs’ defense is going to be all over him, so he is going to need some help.

Emeka Egbuka, Julian Fleming and Cade Stover all need to step up. They are all valuable weapons and threats, and if everyone on offense can get going, Georgia is going to have a very difficult time keeping the Buckeyes contained, regardless of how good their defense is.

Defense needs to produce AT LEAST one turnover

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Wow, looking back at the Sugar Bowl, I forgot the defense forced Alabama quarterback Blake Sims to throw THREE interceptions! One of them was even a pick-six by Steve Miller. The defense played a huge role in keeping the Buckeyes in this game, and that may be the key to beating Georgia on Saturday.

Clearly, whenever someone on defense has a big game, it helps out the Buckeyes in a major way. Remember the J.T. Tuimoloau game against Penn State? At least one turnover would be huge for Ohio State. It would knock down Stetson Bennett and give the Bucks a big confidence boost and momentum swing.

These three factors are just a few of the keys Ohio State needs to win Saturday. It’s going to be a battle, but the Buckeyes can get it done if they play physical on both sides of the ball.

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Why is this News? All the articles and tweets Buckeye fans need for December 29, 2022
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK / USA TODAY NETWORK

All the Buckeye news thats fit to re-print.

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

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

You’re welcome!

For your Earholes...


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

On the Gridiron


Open practice observations as Buckeyes gear up for Georgia (paywall)
Austin Ward, Dotting the Eyes

Ohio State Peach Bowl Wednesday practice report
Patrick Murphy, Bucknuts

RB Miyan Williams absent from Ohio State CFP practice
Joey Kaufman, The Columbus Dispatch


Don’t expect a less aggressive Ohio State defense in the CFP: Jim Knowles isn’t budging (paywall)
Andy Backstrom, Letterman Row

Ohio State Defense Playing “Pissed Off” in Bowl Practice, Ready to “Prove Everybody Wrong” in College Football Playoff Semifinal
Griffin Strom, Eleven Warriors

Knowles believes his defense has learned from Michigan debacle
Bill Rabinowitz, The Columbus Dispatch

Marvin Harrison Jr. playing football indoors for the first time? That could be just what Ohio State’s been waiting for
Doug Lesmerises, cleveland.com

Jim Knowles’ aggression on defense could be key for Ohio State in Peach Bowl (paywall)
Cameron Teague Robinson, The Athletic


Ohio State’s defense with a chance to change the narratives the Buckeyes believe are wrong vs. Georgia
Patrick Murphy, Bucknuts

What Ohio State needs from C.J. Stroud in Playoff test vs. Georgia (paywall)
Bill Landis, Dotting the Eyes

Emeka Egbuka: ‘I feel confident in our guys and our ability to sling the rock’
Dave Biddle, Bucknuts

OSU’s center, guards face mammoth task vs. Georgia’s defensive line
Bill Rabinowitz, The Columbus Dispatch


Ohio State buckling in for play-action friendly Georgia, Stetson Bennett’s mobility (paywall)
Andy Backstrom, Lettermen Row

Buckeyes defense aware of, scheming to stop dangerous Georgia tight ends
Spencer Holbrook, Lettermen Row

Georgia Offensive Player to Watch: Tight end Brock Bowers
Josh Dooley, Land-Grant Holy Land


Minimizing Penalties Will Be Key if Ohio State Wants to Upset Georgia
Josh Poloha, Eleven Warriors

Ohio State heads to Atlanta as 6.5-point underdogs
Gene Ross, Land-Grant Holy Land

Ohio State seeking return to ‘Buckeye football’ against Georgia (paywall)
Jeremy Birmingham, Dotting the Eyes


MC&J: The first of this season’s New Year’s Six bowls will be played on Friday night
Brett Ludwiczak, Land-Grant Holy Land

On the Hardwood


No. 3 Ohio State women return to play with blowout win over Northwestern 81-48
Thomas Costello, Land-Grant Holy Land

Ohio State women’s basketball point guard Madison Greene out for season with injury
Thomas Costello, Land-Grant Holy Land

Women’s Basketball: McMahon Named Big Ten Freshman of the Week, Thierry on Honor Roll
Ohio State Athletics


Buckeyes leaning on vets to navigate games around Christmas
Adam Jardy, The Columbus Dispatch

Men’s Basketball: Sensabaugh Earns B1G Freshman of the Week Honors, Again
Ohio State Athletics

B1G WBB Weeks 6, 7: Clark makes history, UM tops UNC, Nebraska in overtime
Thomas Costello, Land-Grant Holy Land

And now for something completely different...


This is the smoothest thing I think I’ve ever seen:


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LordJeffBuck said:

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Can't wait for Reed to get a PAC-12 job in a couple of years, so he can go head-to-head against Deion Sanders.

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don't know about as coaches, but in hand to hand combat Reed would absolutely destroy pretty boy sanders.

Ohio State men’s basketball vs. Alabama A&M: Game preview and prediction
justingolba via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Photo by Graham Stokes/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The Buckeyes have one final game in 2022 before the calendar flips over.

The basketball Buckeyes are back, and it is time for their final game of the 2022 calendar year. The Ohio State men’s hoops team (8-3, 1-0) will take on the Alabama A&M Bulldogs (4-8) as they get ready to ring in 2023.

The Buckeyes have had a fairly predictable start to the season, although they have looked better than some people imagined they would with eight newcomers on the team and Justice Sueing returning from an injury that cost him all but two games during the 2021-2022 season.

Ohio State’s three losses have come to San Diego State, No. 17 Duke and No. 25 North Carolina — two of which are currently ranked, but all are teams who will without a doubt make the NCAA Tournament. The Buckeyes also have solid wins over Texas Tech, Rutgers and a convincing 30-point victory over in-state rival Cincinnati in the Maui Invitational.

Alabama A&M is 4-8 on the season after starting out 0-5. Recently, they have fallen to Illinois, 68-47, and Vanderbilt, 70-62. They struggle on the offensive side of the ball and are only averaging around 72 points per game, even against some inferior opponents.

Every team plays some cupcake games throughout the year, and with the Buckeyes playing in the Maui Invitational, plus taking on North Carolina and Duke, they have earned a few easy ones. Another promising trend is how the Buckeyes have handled their “buy” games. In the four games they have played in which they were heavy favorites, they have defeated their opponents by an average of 29.4 points per game.

The Buckeyes are also 6-0 at home so far, and have won those games by an average of 25 points.

Preview

Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com / USA TODAY NETWORK

The Buckeyes are led by now two-time Big Ten Freshman of the week Brice Sensabaugh. The 2022 Florida High School Player of the Year is averaging 15.3 points and 4.0 rebounds per game in his early Buckeye career, and is coming off a 19-point, seven rebound and seven assist performance. He is also shooting 48.9% from downtown, which is the second-best mark in the Big Ten this season.


Zed Key is averaging 14.0 points and 8.0 rebounds per game as the main big man, and Justice Sueing is averaging 13.2 points and 5.3 rebounds per game.

The status of graduate senior Isaac Likekele is unknown for this matchup, as he has missed the last three games due to a personal matter. Junior Eugene Brown is available for the first time this season after dealing with a preseason concussion and placed in the concussion protocol. Brown played in 26 games last season and started in 10 games. He averaged 3.5 points and 2.4 rebounds per game over the span of just over 17 minutes per game, and will be a valuable addition to the Buckeyes’ defense and overall team morale.

The Bulldogs are averaging a huge 9.3 steals per game and play in one of the highest tempo offenses in the country, so they like to pressure the ball and run the floor — two things the Buckeyes really do not do. It will be a matchup of two different styles, with the Bulldogs clocking in at No. 45 in adjusted tempo (possessions per 40 minutes), while Ohio State is No. 236.

The Bulldogs are led by senior guard Garrett Hicks, who averages 15.8 points per game. Junior guards Dailin Smith and Messiah Thompson are averaging 12.1 and 10.6 points per game, respectively.

The Bulldogs only average 32 rebounds per game, while the Buckeyes average 40.4. Key and freshman center Felix Okpara will be important for the Buckeyes versus a team who very clearly are more interested in getting out in transition than they are in crashing the glass.

Prediction

Joseph Scheller/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK

This should be nothing more than just the last tune up game before 19 conference matchups for the Buckeyes. Alabama A&M is 4-8 with four losses to teams outside of KenPom’s top 150: North Alabama, Samford, Tennessee State, Norfolk State and South Alabama.

It will be interesting to see just how many minutes the starters get in this one. The Buckeyes jump right into conference play after this, and with them playing 19 games after the New Year instead of the usual 18, they will need all the depth and minutes that they can get from the rotation.

Ideally, Ohio State can take a sizeable lead early in this one and get into the deeper parts of their bench in the second half so the starters that have played a lot of minutes the first two months —like Bruce Thornton, Justice Sueing and Zed Key — can manage their minutes a bit. This would also be a nice time for a get-right game for Sean McNeil. McNeil is the best shooter on the Buckeyes’ team and started off the year well, but has since struggled a bit, averaging 7.3 PPG over his last three games.

According to KenPom, the Bulldogs are ranked 344 out of 363 in adjusted offensive efficiency, so scoring the ball has been a problem this season thus far. It has been the opposite for Ohio State, which ranks third in that category and 15th overall, even though they are unranked in the polls.

This will be an easy win for the Buckeyes, who will then look ahead to New Year’s Day against Northwestern in Evanston to kick off 2023.


ESPN BPI: Ohio State 99.0%
Time: 3:00 p.m. ET
TV: BTN
Streaming: Sling TV

LGHL score prediction: Ohio State 84, Alabama A&M 60

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Bucketheads Podcast: Ohio State women’s basketball is on a heater, Brice Sensabaugh could be league-bound
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 Scheller/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK

The Ohio State women take on No. 14 Michigan on New Year’s Eve at the Covelli Center.

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

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


During the 59th episode of “Bucketheads” the guys discuss the media’s and the NBA’s recent fascination with Ohio State freshman forward Brice Sensabaugh. The baby-faced assassin currently leads Ohio State with 15.3 PPG to go along with 4 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game. He is also shooting 48.9% from three, which is the second-best mark in the Big Ten.

Mock drafts have the 6-foot-6 freshman going anywhere from the 20th pick to the 44th pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. He’ll enter the draft without a doubt, but will his likely landing spot be high enough that he’d stay in? These conversations will certainly heat up over the coming months.

Then, Thomas Costello joins the show to discuss the No. 3 Ohio State women’s basketball team. The Buckeyes are on a tear, with wins in each of their first 13 games (Northwestern pending). They take on No. 14 Michigan this weekend, but Kevin McGuff’s team won’t be at full strength, as both Jacy Sheldon and Madison Greene will likely be out against the Wolverines.


Connect with the Podcast:
Twitter: @BucketheadsLGHL

Connect with Connor:
Twitter: @lemons_connor

Connect with Justin:
Twitter: @justin_golba

Connect with Thomas:
Twitter: @1ThomasCostello

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Buckeyes still in pursuit of big time 2024 linebacker, keeping up with portal targets
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 is making a top 2024 linebacker a major priority in the 2024 class.

Buckeyes keeping in close contact with top linebacker in 2024


In Ohio State’s 2023 class, the linebacker position only saw one addition. Thanks to a pretty full stable in Columbus currently, that’s really all the coaching staff needed for this current cycle. Looking ahead, more depth in the room will be needed, and possibly even two LBs in 2024. The Buckeyes already have multiple offers sent out to many of the nation’s best players at the position, but look to be locked in on one in particular.

The No. 12 ranked player nationally, Sammy Brown is the top linebacker in the country and the fourth best player in Georgia per the 247Sports Composite. The five-star is hearing from the Buckeyes regularly, and per Bill Kurelic of Bucknuts, Brown has at least two more visits to Ohio State in mind as his recruitment continues on. The Georgia native is the top linebacker target for every major program in the country, but Ohio State having their defensive coordinator as a linebacker guru by trade may be an advantage. Clearly, being in contact this early and often is making an impression.

Additionally, though the Buckeyes are in full prep mode for the College Football Playoff, the staff has made time to be in contact with Brown during their stay in his home state, and that alone tells you how serious the coaches are about showing Brown how much of a priority target he is for this 2024 class. Knowing linebacker will be a position of need, the most fortunate aspect to Kurelic’s reporting in regards to Ohio State is knowing they’ll be heavily in the mix until decision day.

Quick Hits

• Offensive tackle will continue be a priority for Ohio State in the transfer portal until the need is met. Knowing that experienced additions would drastically help the 2023 season, Ryan Day and Justin Frye are doing all they can to put themselves in position to land at least one major player.

To this point, the Buckeyes have missed out on multiple players they offered since entering the portal, but other options such as Jarrett Kingston — formerly of Washington State — and Walter Rouse of Stanford are both on the market still, and do have at least some interest in the Buckeyes.

Kingston intends to visit Ohio State in January, and Rouse has been in communication with the Buckeyes as well, though visit plans are still in the air. Either way, the staff is busy trying to win a national championship, but there are options out there and both need to be treated as top priorities if they’re going to win out.

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No. 3 Ohio State women return to play with blowout win over Northwestern 81-48
1ThomasCostello via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Ben Cole - Land-Grant Holy Land

Freshman Cotie McMahon led the way for the No. 3 Buckeyes in their Big Ten matchup.

Last week, the Ohio State Buckeyes women’s basketball team traveled to the West Coast’s warm temperatures for the San Diego Invitational. Wednesday, they returned to the cold midwest for the restart of Big Ten play, but their play didn’t cool down, beating the Northwestern Wildcats 81-48.

The game started with bad news for Ohio State, with guard Jacy Sheldon still out with a week-to-week lower leg injury, guard Madison Greene joined Sheldon on the injury list. Making it worse, Greene’s out for the rest of the season.

That meant Ohio State continued with guard Rikki Harris at the point and early on she delivered. The Wildcats tried to slow the game down but defensively they couldn’t stop fouling the Buckeyes.

Ohio State went on an 11-point run after Northwestern scored one from the free throw line to start the game. The game began with an 11-1 Buckeyes lead and Northwestern tried to toughen up to stop the scoring.

The tough play did help slow down the Buckeyes quick start to the game, but it backfired with more whistles. That meant the home team needed to go to their bench early. Northwestern’s leading scorer, forward Caileigh Walsh, picked up three fouls in the first half, along with forward Paige Mott grabbing two of her own.

With 6:03 left in the first quarter, Ohio State was in the bonus, with Harris benefiting the most hitting 3-for-6 from the free throw line.

Northwestern also helped the Buckeyes by missing their shots. Even after getting open looks against the Scarlet & Gray’s half court defense, the Wildcats shot 25.8% from the field and 2-for-11 from deep in the first half.

The Illinois-side’s starting five scored five points in the first half, with guard Sydney Wood the only Wildcat to play all 20 minutes to start the game.

For the Buckeyes, leading scorers in guard Taylor Mikesell and forward Rebeka Mikulášiková had a slow start, scoring a combined four points, all from Mikesell. Even so, Mikesell grabbed seven rebounds and four steals in the first half. It shows an improved all-around game that goes beyond scoring points.

Picking up the early scoring was a familiar duo in Cotie McMahon and Taylor Thierry. The pair scored 13 and nine points respectively in the first 20 minutes. For Thierry, it was getting into the paint, hitting 4-for-6 under the basket.

For McMahon, her 13 were spread around the court. The freshman attacked the basket and hit the Buckeyes lone three of the half, which took 14:40 into the game before one fell for the visitors.

Ohio State took an 11-point 35-24 lead into the half.

The Buckeyes didn’t take too much time in the second half getting back into scoring. Within two minutes, Ohio State was on another run, scoring seven straight to get the third quarter going.

Of those seven, the first four came from McMahon who hit two layups, trying to put Walsh into more foul trouble after the forward started the second half on the court. Then, Mikulášiková hit her first points of the night, a three-pointer to put NU on the ropes early.

With fouls hurting the home side, Northwestern couldn’t muster a comeback in the third. Walsh scored only five points after averaging 13.4 entering the game. On the other side of the court, Ohio State kept the runs coming.

The Scarlet & Gray added a nine and six point run, hitting 24 points in the quarter and expanding their lead to 21 points with one quarter to go.

What made it even more difficult for the Wildcats was Mikesell and Mikulášiková getting on the scoresheet in the third quarter. The two went 4-for-6 from deep and accounted for 13 of those 24 points.

Northwestern had a tough night, but a bright spot for the future of the program is forward Courtney Shaw. The bench player led the way for the Wildcats, hitting a double-double early into the fourth quarter. Also, Walsh fouled out with 6:10 remaining in the game with only seven points.

Ultimately, Shaw didn't didn’t deter Ohio State. The Buckeyes built up a 25-point lead to start the final quarter that NU couldn’t clear, giving Ohio State their 14th win of the season, beating the Wildcats 81-48.

McMahon Leads Again


Wednesday’s game against Northwestern came a day after McMahon secured her third straight B1G Freshman of the Week award. The forward began her campaign for a fourth straight against the Wildcats.

McMahon scored 24 points on 66.7% shooting, leading Ohio State on the night.

Mikesell at Point


Although she’s not a point guard by nature, in the third quarter Mikesell slid into the role. It’s a necessary decision for head coach Kevin McGuff right now as injuries mount. Mikesell excelled too, scoring 16 points, grabbed 9 rebounds and added 7 steals on defense.

Looking Beyond Greene


With the news of Greene’s injury, Ohio State needs to build up the depth beyond the starting five, and that began Wednesday. Guards Hevynne Bristow and Emma Shumate made earlier appearances than usual against the Wildcats, with the game within five points in the first quarter.

The time away from competitive minutes was apparent for the guards, but it was in a game that the Buckeyes were favored to win. In 11 first half minutes, the two guards scored no points and committed three fouls.

Ohio State will need that depth as the Michigan Wolverines and Indiana Hoosiers come up quickly in the schedule.

What’s Next


The Buckeyes return home on Saturday, with a game that needs little introduction. Ohio State takes on the Michigan Wolverines.

Michigan sits No. 14 in the AP Poll, and a three-game winning streak against the Buckeyes. Like in football, Ohio State looks to stop the streak and continue their strong start to the 2022-23 season and end the calendar year with a victory.

Ohio State plays the game at the Covelli Center, instead of the Schottenstein Center. The smaller venue gives the Buckeyes’ more of a home court advantage than the multi-purpose cavern that is Value City Arena.

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Ohio State women’s basketball point guard Madison Greene out for season with injury
1ThomasCostello via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
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Ben Cole - Land-Grant Holy Land

Bad news announced for the Buckeyes women’s basketball team before Wednesday’s game at Northwestern.

On Tuesday, Dec. 20, the Ohio State Buckeyes needed overtime and late magic to beat the USF Bulls 88-86. Before guard Taylor Mikesell hit a big three-pointer in the extra period, the Scarlet & Gray were dealt a blow when guard Madison Greene went down holding her knee.

On Wednesday, Dec. 28, the diagnosis became public and it's bad news for the Buckeyes with Greene out for the rest of the season.

Anytime a player is injured this severely, it’s always tough but for Greene, it hits harder. Last season, Greene suffered a season-ending knee injury before the season began, missing the entire 2021-22 Big Ten regular season championship-winning season.

This year, Greene played in Ohio State’s first 12 games. It took a couple of games to get back into game speed but she acclimated quickly. In those dozen appearances, Greene averaged 10.9 points and 5.0 assists per game.

Of those 12, Greene started seven because of another injury. The Pickerington, Ohio guard took the place of Dublin, Ohio guard Jacy Sheldon, who suffered a lower leg injury that started as day-to-day but is now a “week-to-week” ailment.

Sheldon’s injury isn’t all season, but Wednesday she continued to be off the Buckeyes roster as they traveled to Evanston, Illinois to face the Northwestern Wildcats.

In place of the two point guards is now redshirt junior guard Rikki Harris. The Indianapolis, Indiana product stepped into the role for the first time since high school within 24 hours of the Greene injury, starting against the Oregon Ducks.

Against the Ducks, Harris dished a career-high eight assists in the 84-67 Buckeyes victory. Harris has filled in for teammate’s injuries in the last two seasons, most notably last year when now LSU guard Kateri Poole went down and Sheldon slid into the point guard role. Harris became a starter and was in the starting lineup for the last 19 games of the season, through the NCAA Tournament.

Harris can play the position, but both injuries put the Buckeyes’ depth into question. Beyond Harris, there aren’t many on the roster with consistent minutes who can slide in at a moment’s notice, like Harris.

With Greene and Sheldon missing, it will be tough for Ohio State in some of their big games through the rest of the season. Most notably being Saturday, when the Michigan Wolverines travel to Columbus to face Ohio State at the Covelli Center.

Next month it doesn’t get any easier, facing the Minnesota Golden Gophers and Illinois Fighting Illini to start the 2023 portion of the season.

Weather that storm, and get Sheldon back healthy, and Ohio State has the chance to continue its best run since the 2011-12 season.

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Georgia Offensive Player to Watch: Tight end Brock Bowers
Josh Dooley via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
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The Bulldogs’ Swiss Army knife is a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses, and he will be deployed in a number of ways against the Buckeyes.

The upcoming Peach Bowl matchup between Ohio State and Georgia is a real battle of the blue bloods — one which features a freshly wounded underdog pitted against a foaming-at-the-mouth defending champion. This is not your typical OSU game, as the Buckeyes are (now, and for a change) the ones facing a far-superior football team... And I don’t believe that many diehard scarlet and gray fans would argue the opposite. So when it comes down to it, Ryan Day and his team find themselves in a rather precarious situation for this one, but the odds are far from insurmountable.

And why is that? Why should Ohio State be given a puncher’s chance? The answer is talent. And tons of it. OSU just so happens to have one of the most talented rosters in all of college football — perhaps even more loaded than their CFP opponents, the Bulldogs. The Buckeyes have more four and five-star recruits than most coaching staffs would know what to do with, and their on-field product often reflects that. The evidence is very, very real.

But talent only gets a team – this team, or any other team – so far. And this season, said talent took Day’s team to the precipice of an undefeated season, before poor coaching and/or execution doomed them against TTUN. There will be no margin for error this time around, if the rare underdogs hope to put an end to Georgia’s back-to-back bid.

While most (I think) would say that Ohio State’s offense is its best chance of putting an end to UGA’s reign, I would argue that stellar play on both sides of the ball will be of equal importance. Like, 50/50, right down the middle. Which means the OSU defense must step up. They (OSU) cannot afford to play well on one side but not the other.

Because the Buckeyes’ most potent weapon – the No. 2 scoring offense in all of college football – does not give them a decided advantage in this contest. Instead, C.J. Stroud, Marvin Harrison Jr., and others will encounter an equally dangerous entity: the Bulldogs’ No. 2 scoring defense. Since there is no great advantage to be had, I believe that this game (and its eventual outcome) will be heavily influenced by individual matchups.

One such matchup will be Georgia tight end Brock Bowers versus... somebody from the Ohio State defense. While I wish I had an answer as to who exactly will match up with this true sophomore (most often), the two-time All-American is simply unlike any other player OSU has encountered this season, making him incredibly difficult to plan for. Moving around like an H-back/TE/WR hybrid, UGA’s ultimate weapon can be a nightmare for opponents.

Regardless of which Buckeye bodies up Bowers on any given play, limiting his effectiveness will be paramount to slowing down the Bulldogs’ offense as a whole. And because Bowers is such a unique Swiss army knife and skilled football player, he has earned the distinction of this week’s Offensive Player to Watch.

Photo by Steve Limentani/ISI Photos/Getty Images

Hailing from the wine mecca of Napa, California, Bowers was a highly coveted recruit coming out of high school. He had dozens of college offers, but chose Georgia over the likes of TTUN, Notre Dame, and USC. Because Bowers is a tad smaller (6-foot-4, 230 pounds) than the Travis Kelce and Rob Gronkowski-types, certain teams may have had trouble projecting his role at the next level. However, UGA experienced little difficulty in doing so and got him onto the field right away. Talent tends to overcome an inch here or five pounds there, and Bowers’ was on display from the moment he set foot in Athens.

As a true freshman in 2021, Bowers put the entire country on notice — immediately. In his first collegiate contest, he reeled in six receptions against a stout Clemson defense. He followed that up with 100 yards and two touchdowns in Week 2. The big games continued, one after another, as the Bulldogs deployed Bowers in a number of ways. He also produced 100-yard games against Kentucky, Georgia Tech, and Alabama last season, on his way to nearly 900 receiving yards. Again, as a true freshman TE! He added 14 total TD, setting all sorts of records and earning countless accolades in the process. A hell of a debut made even more impressive by his age and experience — or lack thereof.

Bowers has been just as impressive in 2022, even if his stats are down ever so slightly. He is still the engine that makes Georgia’s offense go, and that’s saying something given the fact that quarterback Stetson Bennett was a Heisman finalist. Bennett without Bowers is likely not the same caliber of player. But because the versatile pass catcher has been extremely durable, UGA and its fans have had little reason to worry about the offense on a weekly basis.

The 2022 Mackey Award winner heads into this New Year’s Eve bowl game with 52 receptions for 726 yards and six TD through the air. He has also added three TD and 93 additional yards on the ground, on only six rushing attempts. And this is a credit to both Bowers and the Bulldogs’ offensive coordinator, Todd Monken. The latter has moved his TE around like a chess piece, creating confusion for opposing defenses, while at the same time utilizing Bowers’ versatile skillset.

He is a a sure-handed pass catcher, but also excels once the ball is in his hands. This can likely be attributed to his time as a high school running back. Regardless of how Bowers acquired the tools of his current trade, he can use them in a number of unique ways — no matter the pre-snap look and/or play design.


As a blocker, Bowers does more than hold his own. He might struggle with the occasional super-sized rusher, but that is no surprise given his stature. While not small by any means, he is also not an unmovable mountain (like his teammate and fellow TE Darnell Washington). However, Georgia does not ask Bowers to spend too much time as an in-line blocker, and when they do, he is able to use his impressive strength and leverage to keep edge rushers and linebackers at bay. So the “weakest” aspect of Bowers’ game is simply not a weakness, making him the total package.

This superstar is not only the best player at his position, but also one of the best players in all of college football. And he is not even draft eligible! More importantly for Ohio State, Bowers is the head of the UGA offensive snake. If the Buckeyes are able to cut him off, it would go a long way in their effort to upset the Bulldogs. It certainly will not be easy, but taking down a champion in order to claim a title of your own seldom is. Here’s hoping that OSU can put the clamps on a truly special player and come away with a huge victory.

Go Bucks!

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Ohio State heads to Atlanta as 6.5-point underdogs
Gene Ross via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
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The defending national champs are nearly a touchdown favorite over the Buckeyes.

DraftKings Sportsbook odds: Georgia -6.5 | o/u 62.5

When looking at how these two teams finished out their respective regular seasons, it is no surprise that Georgia is the favorite in the New Year’s Eve College Football Playoff matchup between the Bulldogs and the Buckeyes.

Kirby Smart’s group has won 15-straight games, including obviously last year’s national title game followed by an undefeated run through the SEC this season en route to an SEC Championship and No. 1 overall seed. Ohio State, on the flip side, lost the last game it played this year in embarrassing fashion to its biggest rival on its own home field, finishing the campaign at 11-1 and sneaking into the CFP after USC’s collapse in the Pac-12 Championship. As a result, Georgia enters the Peach Bowl as nearly a touchdown favorite, which is actually a testament to the Buckeyes’ talent — because the spread could be much bigger!

It will be a real strength on strength battle in this one, with Ohio State’s No. 2-ranked scoring offense going up against Georgia’s No. 2-ranked scoring defense. C.J. Stroud, Miyan Williams and Marvin Harrison Jr. will face off against Jalen Carter, Kelee Ringo and Smael Mondon Jr. as there will be no shortage of future NFL talent when these two units are on the field. Ryan Day has made it a habit of calling an incredibly conservative offense against the best defenses on the Buckeyes’ schedule, and if that is the case once again here, Ohio State will have no shot at pulling the upset. Even with good play-calling, it will not be easy to put up points on a defense that allows less than 300 yards per game.

Georgia’s offense against Ohio State’s defense will provide a very intriguing matchup. The Bulldogs aren’t exactly known for having a high-flying offense, but Stetson Bennett, Brock Bowers and the trio of running backs are incredibly efficient and well-coached. They have sneakily averaged nearly 40 points per game to rank 11th in the country, but the Buckeyes defense has been solid as well, allowing just 19.2 points per game to rank 13th nationally. Tommy Eichenberg and Steele Chambers have been sensational against the run, but the OSU secondary has been suspect all season long, and Bennett will have his way through the air if Larry Johnson’s defensive line can’t get pressure on the QB.

Ohio State is undefeated under Ryan Day when scoring at least 30 points, but the problem against the better teams on their schedule has been getting there. The Buckeyes failed to reach the 30-point mark against Alabama, Oregon, Michigan (2021) and Michigan (2022) in the last three years — all loses. Overall, they are just 6-5 in games since the start of 2019 when scoring less than 30, including 2-1 in 2022 with wins over Notre Dame and Northwestern and the loss to the Wolverines. Obviously it is tougher to score points against good defenses, but it is even tougher when your head coach keeps shooting himself in the foot with poor play-calling.

If Ohio State plays the type of game we know they are capable of, they can absolutely pull of the upset against Georgia. As previously said, this line only being 6.5 points is a testament to the Buckeyes’ talent, but they still have to use that talent appropriately. If Day comes out calling bubble screens and stretch tosses, OSU could get blown out. If he lets Stroud sling it and the defense is able to slow down the run and pressure Bennett in the backfield, then we will have a good ballgame down in Atlanta.

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

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