Big Ten men’s basketball team previews: Michigan Wolverines
justingolba via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Kirthmon F. Dozier / USA TODAY NETWORK

Will the return of Hunter Dickinson push Michigan to a Big Ten Championship?

Team: Michigan Wolverines
Coach: Juwan Howard
2021-22 record: 19-15 (11-9)

Season finish: NCAA Tournament Sweet 16

Players returning: Hunter Dickinson, Terrance Williams II, Kobe Bufkin, Isaiah Barnes, Jace Howard, Will Tschetter

Players departed: Eli Brooks, De’Vante Jones, Moussa Diabate, Caleb Houstan, Zeb Jackson (VCU), Brandon Johns Jr. (VCU), Frankie Collins (Arizona State)

Key additions: Tarris Reed, Jett Howard, Dug McDaniel, Gregg Glenn, Jaelin Llewellyn (Princeton), Joey Baker (Duke), Youssef Khayat

Outlook


It cannot be overlooked how many impact guys the Wolverines lost this offseason. Promising freshmen Moussa Diabate and Caleb Houstan left for the NBA, De’Vante Jones and Eli Brooks ran out of eligibility, Zeb Jackson and Brandon Johns Jr. are both heading to VCU, and young point guard Frankie Collins is off to the West Coast and Arizona State. Luckily for them, they did get a surprise return from their star Hunter Dickinson, who was expected to go to the NBA but decided to stay one more year at Michigan.

“My role has definitely changed a lot over my three years,” Dickinson said at Michigan media days. “I came in as a freshman who just wanted to be a sponge and soak up all the information from my older teammates since we were a really experienced team my freshman year.”

“Now that I’m a junior — now that I’m a leader for the team in some ways, I’m somebody that the younger guys look to for advice,” Dickinson added. “Thankfully, I got guys like Jace (Howard) and T-Will who have been here and know the system, but I also got guys like Jaelin and Joey (Baker) who are super old — they bring a lot of great experience and leadership. Jaelin and Joey have played a lot of college games, so they have a lot of experience that the younger guys will be able to look forward to and ask for help.”

Dickinson averaged 14.1 points and 7.4 rebounds per game his freshman season, and 18.6 points with 8.6 boards per game last season. Now as junior, he will look to fulfill his role of one of the top players in the conference and possibly the country.

Joey Baker, a transfer from Duke, is a very interesting addition to the team. Baker is an elite shooter who never cracked the rotation at Duke, but can be productive and provide the role of sharpshooter off the bench for Michigan. Jaelin Llewellyn is their starting point guard, a transfer from Princeton, and they are bringing in a top 10 elite recruiting class.

Kobe Bufkin and Terrance Williams II will likely round out the starting lineup, and will both need to take significant jumps in production in their new roles, especially Bufkin, as he enters his second season.

X Factor


Jaelin Llewellyn.

Llewellyn is coming into Michigan from Princeton, where he averaged 15.7 points last season and 14 points per game over his three year career. He also proved he is a solid rebounder, averaging a modest 4.1 rebounds last season and 3.8 for his career.

“It’s been a smooth transition,” Llewellyn said at Michigan’s media day. “I’ve played a lot of college basketball and basically I’ve been trying to get the flow of the offense and figure out how to gel with the guys on the team, and I think that it’s pretty smooth so far. Definitely playing overseas helped us because it gave me the chance to get out the first-time jitters of playing with a new team and stuff like that, but I think I’m fitting in well.”

A huge part of the Wolverines’ season will be the relationship between Llewellyn and Dickinson, which so far seems to be going well.

“I think Jaelin has been a real down to earth guy,” Dickinson told SB Nation. “From his visit, I feel like it was somebody that I think we could gel well with. Somebody that is just down to earth and really approachable. Somebody that I really enjoy hanging out with off the court, I think that’s something that’s really big. Hanging out off the court with him makes it easier to play on the court with him.”

A solid point guard is a necessity to win in the Big Ten, and Llewellyn is exactly that for Juwan Howard and Michigan.

Prediction


I think Michigan will be Indiana’s biggest contender in the Big Ten for the regular season title. Illinois will also be right there, but I like the way this Wolverine team is constructed, and Hunter Dickinson is probably the best individual player in the conference.

Bringing in Llewellyn was huge for the Wolverines because he is a guy that will step right in and run the point guard. Michigan is in a similar boat as Ohio State, as they will need production from their fantastic incoming freshman class. Jett Howard, Dug McDaniel and Tarris Reed are all top-100 recruits in the Wolverines No. 10 overall ranked 2022 class.

They will need steady and immediate production from all of them, especially Howard, who will likely be a starter for the Wolverines. Reed is a plug and play player, and McDaniel hails from Paul IV Catholic high school in Fairfax, Virginia, which has produced the likes of Jeremy Roach, Josh Reaves, VJ King and Aaron Thompson.

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B1G Thoughts: Jim Knowles, the mad scientist
JordanW330 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

With Halloween around the corner, Jim Knowles went into his evil lair and resurrected the Silver Bullets.

Every week after the Big Ten slate of games, I will bring you some B1G thoughts on everything that happened! This will include analysis, stats, key players, moments, and maybe a joke or two. Check out the I-70 Football Show in the Land-Grant Holy Land podcast feed for more in-depth analysis and to preview the next week of B1G games.

They’re Alive!!!!


Jim Knowles was hired away from the fake OSU, Oklahoma State University, to become the defensive coordinator at the Ohio State University this past January. He was tasked with one job, fixing the defense. He was deemed the head coach of the defense as Ryan Day lamented having to take focus away from the offense to help out last year’s defensive staff.

Well, in the 10 short months since Knowles was hired he has proven his worth. This offseason he threw on his lab coat, picked up the random parts and pieces left of the buckeye defense, and sewed them together. He pulled a Dr. Frankenstein taking them to the top of the shoe and waiting for lightning to strike! Strike it did as he rebirthed the Silver Bullets from the ashes of failed regimes and poor coaching. Knowles is a defensive mastermind and the Buckeyes are lucky to have him.

Do the right thing and retire


Iowa is not in a position to fire Kirk Ferentz, largely because they gave him an unnecessary contract extension in January. You could argue that’s fair seeing that he won the west Division but he was under contract and not going anywhere.

If Ferentz loves Iowa as much as he claims, or if he loves his son too much to fire him then it is time for him to retire. He is 67 years old and the sport has passed him by. I am not convinced even if he fired Brian and hired a new offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach that the Iowa offense would be fixed. Ferentz needs to do what’s right and retire so Iowa can move toward the future.

Roman HIMby!


Welcome to the Big Ten Roman Hemby! Maryland has struggled to maintain a consistent running game under Mike Locksley but that may be changing with freshman running back Roman Hemby, Hemby broke onto the scene with a 114-yard performance against Buffalo and a 151-yard performance against SMU. Despite showing promise early in the season, Maryland refused to make him a featured part of the offense which they may regret especially a 2-point loss to Purdue where he only saw 7 carries.

Against Northwestern, with Taulia on the sideline, Maryland needed to find a spark and found one in Hemby. He carried the ball 24 times for 179 yards and three touchdowns including the game-winning 75-yard score with three minutes remaining in the game. Hemby needs to be a major focus in the future whether Taulia comes back or not.

Maryland is bowl eligible


The University of Maryland Terrapins are bowl eligible and it only took eight games! Coming into the season there was a lot of hype behind Maryland including some people considering their wide receivers the best in the big ten. That was absolutely false but they are a very talented team with Taulia Tagovailoa leading them for a third straight season. Maryland started the season and showcased they were a serious team defeating SMU and pushing Michigan late into the fourth quarter.

Despite Taulia missing the game due to injury Maryland came from behind to beat Northwestern and secure bowl eligibility. With four games left in the season, Maryland has a chance to secure its best season in recent history. Hopefully, Tualia comes back healthy as they fight for a chance at a new year’s six bowl game.

Wisconsin wins 16 straight!


Purdue, under head coach Jeff Brohm, has experienced some of its highest highs and has competed for the West division until late in the season. This season, despite two baffling losses on last-minute scoring drives, Purdue was setting themselves up for a winner take all game against Illinois for their first West division title. That may still be the case but their chances have been diminished after losing to Wisconsin. Purdue needed to beat Wisconsin but despite all the positive momentum, it’s a challenge they haven’t come close to conquering.

Wisconsin, under interim head coach, got out to a 35-10 lead before Purdue scored 14 points in the garbage to make the game’s final score closer than the game was. Congrats to Leonhard who may have secured the Wisconsin job full-time while Purdue is stuck trying to find a way to clear a seemingly impossible hurdle.

Penn State bounces back


Penn State's embarrassing defeat to Michigan last week sent the team looking for answers. They gave up over 400 yards rushing and had to face Mo Ibrahim and the Minnesota Gophers in their next game. Without a significant change and some renewed focus Penn State was in line to get run over again and face Ohio State after two tough losses.

Well, change came and Penn State dominated Minnesota and found a way to slow their run game. Not having to face Tanner Morgan helped as the veteran quarterback was unable to play this game but the Nittany Lion’s defense swarmed the Gophers and their offense found its rhythm. The defense forced Mo Ibrahim to work to maintain his 100-yard rushing streak limiting him to 102 yards on 30 carries on 3.4 yards per carry.

Sean Clifford propelled his team past the Gophers and into a tough OSU matchup throwing for 295 yards and four touchdowns. This win was much needed as it gives Penn State some confidence and momentum going into an Ohio State game where they need to have a much better performance than they did against Michigan.

B1G is keeping divisions for now


Our long wait is over, for the time being. After the division one committee announced that conferences could get rid of divisions we have been waiting for the Big Ten to announce our division-less future. That decision was put on hold with the addition of USC and UCLA and we still do not know what the conference will look like in 2024. What we do know though is what it will look like in 2023 and that is the same.

Instead of making a change for the 2023 season and changing again in 2024 when the west coast teams join the conference has decided to keep the same division format for 2023. This was the most likely outcome and probably the smartest as the conference has enough change to deal with and a lot of decisions to make finalizing the fine print with the new tv contract, transitioning into two teams, and trying to prepare for a 12-team playoff. No need to spend all this time changing something that will last one season.

We will have to wait to see the Big Ten’s future but for now, we know it will maintain the status quo, for one more season at least.

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Visiting Locker Room: Previewing Michigan Wolverines women’s basketball with Maize n Brew
1ThomasCostello via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


William Purnell-USA TODAY Sports

Can Michigan fill a Naz Hillmon-sized hole in their roster? LGHL asks the experts

Last season, the Ohio State Buckeyes had a tough time against their enemies to the north, the Michigan Wolverines. In two games, the Scarlet & Gray were beaten handidly, by 19 and 18 points respectively. Ohio State got the last laugh, winning the regular season conference title when the Wolverines slipped at the end of the season. What should Buckeye fans expect from the Maize & Blue this year?

All last year, Ohio State had troubles adjusting to strong inside games, and now-WNBA player Naz Hillmon was one of the best in the country. Now that Hillmon is gone, do the Buckeyes have a chance to capitalize?

To talk about that absence, who to watch on the Wolverines roster and more, Kellen Voss of Maize n Brew answers a few questions to preview the Big Ten rivals.

Land-Grant Holy Land: Of all the top teams in the conference last year, Michigan is one who had the biggest talent loss with Naz Hillmon moving on to the Atlanta Dream of the WNBA. How does Michigan fill that giant loss?


LGHL: This offseason, the Wolverines added one player in the transfer portal and have three incoming freshmen. Do any of those four have the potential to make an immediate impact, or is this a side who will lean heavily on upperclassmen?


LGHL: Last year, Michigan was close to winning the regular season conference title. They slipped up against Michigan State, Northwestern and finally Iowa on the last day of the season to give the Hawkeyes and Buckeyes a share of the title. Now, they enter the preseason ranked No. 25, and the media left them off their preseason conference rankings. Is the Wolverines’ move to conference underdogs fair? Is there still enough there for this team to compete with the Iowa’s and Indiana’s of the conference?


LGHL: Finally, what are your way-too-early predictions on how far Michigan makes it in the NCAA Tournament?


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AKAK said:

New chipotle menu item?

Click to expand...

I gaur-on-tee, cher.

You’re Nuts: What is your favorite non-offensive Ohio State touchdown?
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 Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

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

With Ohio State taking on Penn State on Saturday afternoon, there are many things that come to mind when the Buckeyes and Nittany Lions get together. Braxton Miller making Penn State defenders look silly in State College in 2012, Joey Bosa’s walk-off sack a couple years later, and Chris Gamble’s interception return for a touchdown in 2002 are just a few memories that come to mind over the last 20 years.

The interception return by Gamble was especially important, since it turned out to be the game-winning score in a game that would end 13-7 in Ohio State’s favor. In a game that was hanging in the balance, the interception return for a touchdown whipped Ohio Stadium into a frenzy, with some Ohio State fans saying it was the loudest it has ever been at The Horseshoe. The Buckeyes remained undefeated and went on to win the national title that year.

While it is great watching the Buckeye offense score touchdowns, there is something special about seeing Ohio State score on a non-offensive play, whether it be a defensive or special teams score. We know how prolific Ohio State’s offense has become so it doesn’t come as a shock when they score, but when the defense or special teams score, you certainly remember it.

Today’s question: What is your favorite non-offensive touchdown by Ohio State?

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

Brett’s answer: Steve Miller’s pick-six against Alabama in the 2015 Sugar Bowl


I almost went with Jerron Cage’s interception return for a touchdown against Penn State last year because there is nothing quite like a FAT GUY TOUCHDOWN! Defensive lineman Steve Miller wasn’t quite as big as Cage, but the moment was certainly larger. Miller’s pick-six came with just over three minutes to go in the third quarter, extending Ohio State’s lead to 34-21.

The interception return for a touchdown was the first pick-six thrown by an Alabama quarterback since 2007. The fact that the Crimson Tide went seven years in between allowing interceptions that were returned for touchdowns is incredible, especially considering how much more teams have been throwing the football over the years. The Buckeyes would eventually go on to win the game 42-35, allowing Ohio State to move on to the national title game, as well as get the stigma they couldn’t beat an SEC team in a big game off their backs.

I remember being at a bar in NW Columbus on the night of New Year’s Day watching this game. Morale was down early in the game when Alabama jumped out to a first half lead, but spirits got better as Ohio State took the lead. The bar really let loose when Miller returned the interception for a score. I know I was making puns about Steve Miller Band songs after the score. There’s no doubt that if there was a list of top-five moments from the 2014 season, this score would have to be on it.

Meredith’s answer: Brian Rolle’s two-point conversion return against Navy in 2009


Last week marked the seventh anniversary of surrender cobra, when Michigan State blocked and returned a Michigan punt for a touchdown on a stormy day in Ann Arbor to seal the victory over their in-state rivals and give Ohio State fans one more reason to cheer. This, my friends, is my favorite non-offensive collegiate score of all time.

Mine is kind of irrelevant, because it came in the season opener against an unranked, non-Power Five opponent. However, I was a sophomore at the Air Force Academy in 2009 when Ohio State faced Navy in the first game of its season. As a result, I had even more reason to be cheering for the Buckeyes in that matchup.

Things were uncomfortably close in the fourth quarter (as they tend to be when facing the triple-option service academies). Ohio State was up two scores in the fourth quarter when the Buckeyes turned the ball over on downs on the Navy 15-yard line. On the very next play, Navy quarterback Ricky Dobbs completed an 85-yard touchdown pass.

The Midshipmen were now down eight. Five plays later, the Navy showed why they’re funded by the Department of Defense and hauled in a pick from quarterback Terrelle Pryor with nearly four minutes left in the game. The Midshipmen went 33 yards in three plays, capped by a 24-yard Dobbs rushing touchdown. Navy was down two with 2:23 remaining as they lined up for their two-point conversion attempt.

That’s when Ohio State’s Brian Rolle picked off Dobbs’ pass and returned it 99 yards the other direction in a rare four-point swing, halting Navy’s surging momentum and effectively ending the upset bid.

The rest of the 2009 season had its ups and downs. The following week, Ohio State would lose to USC. Later, the Buckeyes would fall to Purdue before turning on the jets and closing things out with top-11 wins over Penn State and Iowa, a win against Michigan and a Rose Bowl victory over Oregon.

I’m not sure why that moment sticks with me. Maybe it’s because it felt like Navy had everything going for it heading into that two-point play. Maybe it’s because 99-yard plays are generally so exciting. Or maybe it’s because a two-point play the other way was the last thing any of us expected at that moment.

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Ohio State women’s basketball player preview: Rikki Harris
1ThomasCostello via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


James Snook-USA TODAY Sports

The former five-star recruit enters the season making an already strong group of guards even more impressive

The beginning of the Ohio State women’s basketball season is upon us. On Election Night, Nov. 8, the Buckeyes lobby to start the season on the right foot against a tough Tennessee Volunteers squad.

Ohio State has toughness of their own, represented best by the next player in the Land-Grant Holy Land series previewing the 2022-23 roster. Guard Rikki Harris enters the season coming off a successful, and healthy, 21-22 season. Can the guard repeat that success and build upon it?


Name: Rikki Harris
Position: Guard
Class: Redshirt Junior
High School: North Central High School (Indianapolis, Indiana)

2021-22 Stats: 7.1 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 2.5 apg, .392 FG%, .333 3FG%, .557 FT%

Last Season


The Buckeyes had a guard crisis to start the season. If you’ve read the player previews up to this point, you know its from the season-ending injury to starting point guard Madison Greene before the season even began.

Harris knows all about injuries. Before joining the Scarlet & Gray out of high school, Harris suffered an injury that limited time in her final high school year. That difficulty was followed up with a season-ending shoulder injury before the start of Ohio State’s 19-20 season.

Last season, Ohio State started one game with Heyvnne Bristow as point guard, before Kateri Poole, who now plays with the LSU Tigers, took over starting duties. That made Harris a spark off the bench, coming in second to forward Tanaya Beacham in most games. After playing only eight minutes in the first game of the season, Harris never played single digit minutes again, proving her place on the court and health wasn’t an issue.

On Jan. 9, against Northwestern, Poole left the game injured, and starting Jan. 12 Harris entered the starting lineup and never left it. Teammate Jacy Sheldon slid from the shooting guard role to point guard, and Harris came in as a player who bridged the pair of dynamic shooting guards and forwards Braxtin Miller and Rebeka Mikulášiková.

In that first start, Harris didn’t take the chance for granted. The Indianapolis-area guard hit above her 7.1 points per game average with nine but impressed more off the ball. Harris had three blocks, three steals and four rebounds, a foreshadowing of the defensive impact that followed through the end of the season.

Against the Hawkeyes, Harris had three steals and six rebounds on top of nine points. A couple weeks later, on the road to the Fighting Illini, Harris couldn’t seem to miss from beyond three, hitting a shot from the far corner of the court, for a season-high 17 points with four steals defensively.

Harris didn’t show her full potential offensively, but when Ohio State needed energy and defending, there she was. Against Penn State, to end the regular season, Harris held First Team All-B1G guard Makenna Marisa to her lowest point total of the season (10). In addition to the poor shooting night, going .154 from the field and missing all four three-point shots, Marisa also had six turnovers for the Nittany Lions.

On March 21, in the Buckeyes second round game against a home LSU team, Harris showed that Ohio State wasn’t intimidated by the raucous Tiger fans. Before the tip, Harris was singing a song, almost looking like she was singing to LSU starting point guad Khayla Pointer, as if to show that Ohio State wasn’t worried.

Head coach Kevin McGuff and the Buckeyes silenced the crowd, beating the SEC side by 15 points on their home court, 79-64. Harris hit her season average with seven points, but added seven rebounds.

What to Expect


After halftime in that NCAA Tournament game against LSU, Harris had a play that summed the guard up perfectly. At the top of the arc, Harris took a three that hit off the rim. Harris charged into the paint, grabbed her own rebound and hit the lay-up. That’s the kind of player to expect on the court for Ohio State.

“Has a very high basketball IQ, is a good communicator on the court in helping others be in the right positions,” said McGuff about Harris. “She’s got some toughness to her that we’re going to need on the defensive end, especially she gets tough rebounds and she dives on the floor. We’re gonna need a lot of that with Braxtin (Miller) gone.”

Expect Harris to be on the court a lot. In what capacity is a question to watch this season. Harris has the capability to play in Miller’s four-role. After all, Miller did move from guard to forward later in her NCAA career when she came to the Buckeyes from Oklahoma State.

Also, Harris is a perfect candidate to be Ohio State’s sixth player. Last season, Beacham held firmly onto that role, as a forward, giving Mikulášiková rest and giving the Scarlet & Gray a shot of energy and leadership.

Prediction


Last year, Harris didn’t show what she’s capable of offensively. A player isn’t the sixth rated guard in the country simply for defense. On the ESPN recruiting trail, Harris was heralded as someone with “playmaking skills” and “consistent offensive production.”

This year, Harris should get consistent minutes but likely in that first player off the bench role. That will still get the guard consistent minutes each game, and even move into a starting position if McGuff opts to let a guard rest a game, which he wasn’t able to do last season.

Harris will have her best offensive year with the Buckeyes in 2022/23 and her leadership and defense will make her an indispensible piece of the Ohio State team again this year. A Defensive All-B1G Team spot wouldn’t be a surprise.

Stay healthy, and Harris will be a piece of why Ohio State continues to compete and stay near the top of the Big Ten conference.

Highlights


Enjoy highlights from Ohio State’s Valentine’s Day victory over the Illini. Watch Harris’ (1) big shooting night, including at the 2:00 mark where the guard banks a shot off a tough angle on the corner of the court.


Miss any player previews? Here’s the list so far:

• Taylor Mikesell
• Eboni Walker
• Madison Greene
• Emma Shumate
• Cotie McMahon
• Rebeka Mikulášiková

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DaddyBigBucks said:

With LJB’s stuff there now…

1. Only if he’s cool with adding variety to that space, as others seem to want
2. Only if we have our members who REALLY know football agree to review my stuff in the contributor space before it’s posted.
   
3. It would be best if, in addition to reviewing my stuff, they occasionally contribute their own. That’s up to them of course, just offering my opinion that it would be better for the site.
4. Only if you double my moderator salary

Click to expand...

Column: Let’s discuss the running back situation
meganhusslein 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

Up to this point in the season, Miyan Williams has 42 more yards than TreVeyon Henderson, yet Tre has six more carries. Is this what we expected?

One of the biggest surprises this season from the Buckeye offense has been the emergence of Miyan Williams, and how much he has improved from last season. As a result of his success, TreVeyon Henderson has been getting a lot fewer snaps than last season, and overall just hasn’t seemed as dominant. What is happening?

Obviously, the Buckeye offense looks a lot different than last season. They have added a lot more weapons and introduced basically a brand new receiving core with JSN out. As I mentioned, Williams is getting a lot more playing time, now splitting reps with Henderson. Henderson had an absolute monster season as a freshman, finishing with over 1,200 rushing yards and being named a Doak Walker Award semi-finalist.

Kyle Robertson/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK

Fast forward to this season, he has 474 rushing yards compared to Williams’ 516. Granted, they both missed separate games, so that cancels any potential outliers. However, there is no clear RB1 on this team, which I think makes it difficult for either back to grow and reach their fullest potential.

It’s hard for Henderson to top last season’s greatness when he isn’t getting the same amount of snaps as he was then. On the flip side, Williams is having a phenomenal season because of the amount of snaps he is getting this season. In fact, he already has more carries at this point in the season then he did all of last year.

I don’t think this is a problem, though. Obviously both guys are still experiencing a ton of success. It’s just different than last season. Williams was the power back, the bulldozer on third downs. But, after losing weight during the offseason, he became a speed back as well, since he is still a tank.

Henderson is traditionally a speed back and is smaller than Williams, which I think is one of the reasons why he is getting fewer snaps. While Williams can be used in pretty much all situations, Henderson wouldn’t be the go-to guy on a third down or when the team just needs a couple of yards for a first down.

Barbara J. Perenic/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK

Let me reiterate: I don’t think this is a bad thing. The offense is very supportive of one another, so it’s not like Henderson is angry at the coaching staff or Williams because he isn’t getting as many carries. As a duo, they are getting the job done extremely well, and both of them are always a threat. Rotating them during the game ensures they both stay fresh, so they can both play to the best of their abilities.

The RB situation I think is a big part of why this team is doing so well this season. Yes, the receivers have been absolutely unreal. However, having a one-two punch at running back as well adds a constant rush threat, making opposing team’s defenses throw up their hands. If both backs can stay healthy, this could be a historic season for both guys.

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Why is this News? All the articles and tweets Buckeye fans need for October 25, 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 Gaelen Morse/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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Ask LGHL


Introducing ‘Ask LGHL,’ asking and answering questions throughout the football season
Matt Tamanini, Land-Grant Holy Land

On the Gridiron


Ryan Day Describes What Iowa Did to Hamper the Ohio State Offense on 97.1 The Fan, Says “We All Know How Difficult It Is” to Play at Penn State
Griffin Strom, Eleven Warriors

Ohio State names six players of the game vs. Iowa
Patrick Murphy, Bucknuts

Lathan Ransom is a Thorpe Award Semifinalist
Ohio State Athletics

Ohio State opens as 14.5-point favorites over Penn State
Gene Ross, Land-Grant Holy Land

Big Ten to keep divisions in 2023 before reconfiguring when USC, UCLA arrive in 2024: Sources
Scott Dochterman, The Athletic

Not always exciting when the field goal kicker is a Player of the Week, but was nice to see Ruggles go 4-for-4 on Saturday:


Film Review: Ohio State offense struggles in red zone, defensive line dominates Iowa
Chris Renne, Land-Grant Holy Land

The Monday After: Taking closer look at Buckeyes dominant win over Iow
Spencer Holbrook, Lettermen Row

Ohio State Rewatch: On run game struggles, another strong defensive outing (paywall)
Bill Landis, Dotting the Eyes

Analysis: Buckeyes win big, but Iowa exposes some issues
Bill Rabinowitz, The Columbus Dispatch

Why Ohio State’s 3-linebacker look was so effective vs. Iowa: Buckeyes final thoughts
Cameron Teague Robinson, The Athletic

Scientifically ranking all six of Ohio State’s touchdowns against Iowa
Matt Tamanini, Land-Grant Holy Land

Lots of noon games the rest of the season:


Grumpy Old Buckeye: Ohio State vs. Iowa
Michael Citro, Land-Grant Holy Land

Irrational Overreactions(?): The time has come for Iowa to give Kirk Ferentz an ultimatum
Matt Tamanini, Land-Grant Holy Land

Snap Counts: 60 Buckeyes See Playing Time As Ohio State Opens Second Half of Season with Blowout Win Over Iowa
Dan Hope, Eleven Warriors

Five Buckeyes who helped their cause, boosted stock in win over Iowa (paywall)
Spencer Holbrook, Lettermen Row

We’ll talk about this later: If coach woulda put me in the fourth quarter, we would’ve been state champions
Meredith Hein, Land-Grant Holy Land

Listen to Ryan Day, C.J. Stroud, and Jim Knowles after the Iowa game:


You’re Nuts: Will Jaxon Smith-Njigba return to an important role for Ohio State this season?
Josh Dooley and Gene Ross, Land-Grant Holy Land

C.J. Stroud confident as ever, unfazed by unrealistic expectations (paywall)
Jeremy Birmingham, Dotting the Eyes

Column: Did Stroud lose the Heisman on Saturday? (Spoiler Alert: No)
Megan Husslein, Land-Grant Holy Land

Pretty darn impressive:


Five Questions as unbeaten Buckeyes head to Penn State (paywall)
Austin Ward, Dotting the Eyes

Five Things to Know About Penn State Before Ohio State Heads to Happy Valley for Its Second Road Game of the Season
Griffin Strom, Eleven Warriors

My god, do I need this to happen:

On the Hardwood


How did Ohio State fare in ‘secret’ scrimmage against Wake Forest?
Adam Jardy, The Columbus Dispatch

Women’s basketball coach Kevin McGuff challenges Columbus, Buckeye fans
Thomas Costello, Land-Grant Holy Land

Outside the Shoe and Schott


Women’s Soccer: Buckeyes Finish 4th in Big Ten, Take on Nebraska in BTT
Ohio State Athletics

Women’s Ice Hockey: Gardiner, Thiele named WCHA Players of the Week
Ohio State Athletics

Women’s Volleyball: Murr Named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week
Ohio State Athletics

Men’s Golf: Moldovan Named to Haskins Award Watch List
Ohio State Athletics

Technically it’s in The Shoe, but this fits in here.

And now for something completely different...


I am an absolute Ant-Man stan:

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Silver Bullets Podcast: Iowa Rewind and Penn State Preview
Michael Citro 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

A look back at Ohio State’s rout of the Hawkeyes and a preview of this weekend’s trip to Happy Valley.


Ohio State looked a little groggy coming out of the bye week for about a half, but then figured out some things and found some rhythm to put Iowa on full blast, 54-10. Although the first half of the game may have been somewhat aggravating, the Buckeyes cruised in the end. It’s hard to know how much of the defensive performance was the OSU defense and how much of it was an inept Hawkeye offense. The truth is probably a bit of both.

We looked back on our predictions for the game, and it turns out we vastly underrated Ohio State’s offense (and/or overrated the Iowa defense). We go over the game’s talking points, including six takeaways by the defense, some odd playcalling and issues getting plays called at all, the continued emergence of Julian Fleming, and more.

We welcomed Matt de Bear from Roar Lions Roar to get us up to speed on how the 2022 season has gone for the Penn State Nittany Lions. It sounds like the Buckeye offense will again be forced to figure out a stout defense, but on the road this time. Penn State’s offense is better than Iowa’s and can run the football this year. The key matchup is probably Ohio State’s passing game against that solid Penn State secondary. Big thanks to Matt for his usual excellent analysis of the Nittany Lions.

We walked through this week’s Big Ten results, including the Jeckyl-and-Hyde Purdue Boilermakers losing at Wisconsin, Maryland reaching bowl eligibility, and Rutgers probably driving the final nail into Indiana’s bowl hopes.

Then we made our picks to click on offense and defense for the Buckeyes in this Saturday’s game, and put our already questionable reputations on the line with our eerily similar score predictions.

We’ll be back next week to talk about Ohio State’s matchup with Penn State in Happy Valley and look ahead to the trip to Evanston, Ill. to face the Northwestern Wildcats. In the meantime, feel free to reach out with your feedback and questions below in the comments section or send us an email. Be sure to subscribe, rate, review, and share!

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Ohio State offers fast-rising 2025 linebacker from Georgia following Iowa game visit
Dan Hessler via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


2025 linebacker Mantrez Walker via @MantrezWalker on Twitter

After visiting for the Iowa game this past weekend, the 2025 linebacker earned a scholarship offer.

Ohio State is now 7-0 after a dominant showing Saturday versus Iowa. The Buckeyes were clicking in every aspect, winning 54-10. The win was impressive to all those who watched, including a handful of recruits who were on campus for the game.

Ohio State is entering the toughest part of its schedule, with games versus Penn State and Michigan quickly approaching. Most of the headlines revolving around the team will focus on this current roster as they close out their schedule, but Ryan Day and the Buckeyes’ coaching staff will ensure the program is always making the recruiting headlines as well.

Ohio State offers 2025 LB


The visitor list for Ohio State’s game against Iowa was not as large as previous weekends, but the Buckeyes still had a handful of recruits on campus for the game. One of the recruits that made the weekend trip to Columbus was 2025 Georgia linebacker Mantrez Walker (Buford, GA / Buford).


Walker is in the midst of his sophomore season of high school football, but he has started to see an uptick in his recruitment. He has received a dozen scholarship offers from the likes of Arkansas, Florida, Florida State, Tennessee, Duke and now Ohio State. Home-state school Georgia and Florida have also been recruiting him, but he does not yet hold an official offer.

Ohio State will need to work hard if they are going to pull Walker out of SEC Country, but this weekend’s visit is definitely a solid first impression for the Buckeyes. The visit was also his first for him which should also help the Buckeyes get an early lead in his recruitment.

Walker has not yet received a star ranking from 247Sports, but thus is the case for many recruits in the class. Walker is showing the tools necessary to not only be ranked highly in his recruiting class, but also to succeed at the next level. Expect his rankings to rise to match the impressive offer sheet he is building.

To see more of what Walker is showing in his sophomore season, check out his mid-season highlights.

Quick Hits

• Ohio State 2024 five-star cornerback target Charles Lester III (Sarasota, FL / Riverview) spoke with Ryan Wright of Rivals.com and listed Ohio State, Alabama, Georgia, Michigan, Florida and Florida State as the teams most active in his recruitment.

• Ohio State 2022 five-star wide receiver commit Brandon Inniss (Fort Lauderdale, FL / American Heritage) will be honored as an All-American this week.

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Scientifically ranking all six of Ohio State’s touchdowns against Iowa
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports

We are using a scientific set of rules to systematically rank all of OSU’s touchdowns by degree of difficulty, athleticism, entertainment value, and anything else we want to judge them by.

There were a lot of touchdowns scored by the Buckeyes against the Iowa Hawkeyes, seven of them to be exact. So, since we live in a listicle world, we are breaking them down, scientifically, of course.

And since this is my column, I reserve the right to change my judging criteria week to week, heck, even touchdown to touchdown. In some cases, I will judge a play by its importance in the grand scheme of the game, others will be by the degree of difficulty, backstory, and sheer entertainment value.

If you disagree with my ranking (which my six+ years here at LGHL tells me you absolutely will), feel free to share your list in the comments below.

Ok, now, without further ado, drumroll, please.........

Sixth Place: Touchdown No. 1
Miyan Williams 2-Yard Run


This one is a fairly non-descript short-yardage rushing touchdown, but it gets the benefit of some extra love because Miyan Williams has back in the rotation for Ohio State after missing the Michigan State game. Unfortunately, he didn’t have a ton of success in this game — 19 yards on 10 carries — and he didn’t look. tobe 100%, especially as the game went on.

Hopefully he just needed to knock some rust off, because having him (and TreVeyon Henderson) healthy for the stretch run will be monumentally important to Ohio State’s title chances.

Fifth Place: Touchdown No. 6
Mitch Rossi 3-yard touchdown reception from C.J. Stroud


Look, we love any pass play called specifically for the fullback, but this one was actually a pretty impressive design. On the play-action, Mitch Rossi slides out into the flat and makes himself available to C.J. Stroud. The quarterback does a good job of not firing the ball at his FB and giving him a soft, simple pass to catch before turning up-field.

The linebacker was initially sucked in on the fake (and never expecting a third-and-goal pass to go Rossi’s way. However, once he realizes what’s going on, he tries to catch up, but Rossi is too strong to go down before getting to the end zone.

Fourth Place: Touchdown No. 3
Marvin Harrison 6-yard touchdown reception from C.J. Stroud


Marv’s gonna Marv and he went down and got this somewhat off-target throw from Stroud. I also didn’t love the play design on a fourth down to roll your quarterback to the side of the field where he only had one option to throw it to.

Fortunately, it worked out and Harrison Jr. got the score, but it was just a wonky, short-yardage play that looked to be far more difficult than it needed to be.

Third Place: Touchdown No. 2
Tommy Eichenberg 15-yard interception return


Look, Tommy Eichenberg is one of the best linebackers (if not the best linebacker) in the country, but because he didn’t come into the season with as much hype as Noah Sewell or Henry To’o To’o did, I don’t think that he's getting nearly as much love as he deserves. While scoring touchdowns obviously isn’t the thing that Tommy does best, having this on the resume can certainly help when it comes to Butkus voting time.

Not only does Eichenberg display some pretty impressive hands here, but he also makes a cut back to the middle of the field to get into the end zone that makes it look like he could be an emergency running back option along with Chip Trayanum.

Second Place: Touchdown No. 5
Julian Fleming 79-yard touchdown reception from C.J. Stroud


This was an almost perfectly thrown ball that essentially hit Julian Fleming in stride. It was such a well-placed pass that even though the Iowa defender had relatively decent coverage, he had no chance of making a play on the ball and when he tried, he completely took himself out of the play.

Had the corner not fallen down, I think that Fleming still likely has a chance to score, just because he is that fast and that strong.

First Place: Touchdown No. 4
Emeka Egbuka 13-yard touchdown reception from C.J. Stroud


Literally, the only thing keeping this from being one of the best TDs of the year is the fact that it was relatively short and the Iowa defense had essentially already given up at this point. The touch that Stroud puts on this ball is unbelievable and the way that Emeka Egbuka calmly watches the ball sailing through the air, only to put his hands up to make the catch at the last possible second is exactly what you want from an elite receiver.

The Iowa defensive back likely wasn’t going to break up the pass anyway, but the fact that Egbuka didn’t tip his hand that the ball was coming ensured that there was no chance of a deflection. Excellent work on this one.

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Women’s basketball coach Kevin McGuff challenges Columbus, Buckeye fans
1ThomasCostello via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK

The Ohio State women’s basketball coach wants the Schottenstein Center to be a difficult stop for opponents

On Saturday, the Ohio State Buckeyes football team welcomed the Iowa Hawkeyes in a gridiron battle. Iowa versus Ohio State elicits imagery of big offensive lines, putting your head down and running, and fervent fanbases. A capacity crowd of 102,780 people watched a game that was anything but one for the history books, unless Iowa’s 2022 mediocrity makes the record books, losing 54-10.

It was a game where beforehand there were folks probably wondering if they should go in the first place, but they did.

People attend football games because of the competition, the pageantry of the band marching onto the field and supporting their alma mater, or the school that represents their state. Also, all the comradery that comes with celebrating it all with thousands of like-minded people. It’s hard to argue against going, and that’s not what this article is about.

This is about the Ohio State Buckeyes women’s basketball team and head coach Kevin McGuff, who’s, in a way, hoping some of that same support can make the short trip down the street to the Schottenstein Center.

On Nov. 8, the No. 14 Scarlet & Gray welcome the No. 5 Tennessee Volunteers to the Schottenstein Center. It’s the biggest game played for the team, at home, since before the pandemic. It features an SEC side that went 23-8 last year, and made it to the Sweet Sixteen, before losing to the University of Louisville.

Tennessee and Ohio State each feature stars, many from Ohio across both teams, and the Volunteers are stronger than any test the Buckeyes faced in their 2021/22 non-conference schedule.

It’s a game that should sell the arena out, but it likely won’t.

Lately, the Buckeyes are in somewhat of an attendance issue. Last season, in Ohio State’s Big Ten regular season championship-winning season, the Buckeyes averaged 3,274 fans per game. That’s good enough for the lowest in McGuff’s nine seasons, minus the heavily-effected COVID-19 year, and in 29th place in NCAA’s Division I. The Buckeyes are behind six other Big Ten teams, and one spot below the University of Toledo. Yes, Ohio’s Toledo.

McGuff addressed attendance at Big Ten media day.

“We’ve got certainly passionate fans in Columbus who really support our program and all the Ohio State programs,” said McGuff. “We really struggled coming out of COVID initially because we’ve been historically among the top 10 usually in the country in attendance.”

So where is that fan base now? COVID is a valid argument, although the South Carolina Gamecocks, who lead the country in average attendance, increased their average attendance from the 2019-20 season to 2021-22. Behind them, the Iowa State Cyclones, lost only 123 people per game.

For the Buckeyes, they lost over 1,600 per game, a drop that put them down 12 places in college basketball. McGuff was hopeful with the media, sharing that he thinks that people are more comfortable coming out to games now.

Another argument could be their NCAA sanctions, missing the postseason in 2020-21 due to recruiting violations from an assistant coach who’s no longer in the program. Go back down the street at Ohio Stadium and there’s a strong history of NCAA sanctions, and off-field coaching drama, over the past 20 years and empty seats are hard to find.

This isn’t an article to condemn people who pick and choose their support of the Buckeyes. It’s easy to spend someone else’s money. This is to share McGuff’s challenge.

“I would challenge anybody in Columbus. If you enjoy basketball, I’m not going to make any predictions on the score of anything like that but you’ll enjoy the game,” said McGuff. “These are two really good teams with a lot of talent, trying to start their seasons off the right way. We owe it to the young women in our program and Tennessee to have a great environment here and put on a great show.”

An Ohio State game features those same things that are great about the football Bucks. There’s a band (not marching though), a stadium with fervent fans of Ohio State, and feel free to show up early and tailgate in the parking lot.

The good thing is, Tennessee is only the beginning. Ohio State starts the season with the SEC matchup and then adds home games against No. 11 Indiana Hoosiers, the No. 25 Michigan Wolverines at home on New Year’s Eve afternoon, and an actual big game against an actually good No. 4 Iowa Hawkeyes, the team who owns the other side of last season’s co-championship.

“We’ve got certainly passionate fans in Columbus who really support our program and all the Ohio State programs,” said McGuff.

Now its time to see that support in the seats. If not, there’s always the Covelli Center.

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You’re Nuts: Will Jaxon Smith-Njigba return to an important role for Ohio State this season?
Josh Dooley via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The Buckeyes’ preseason WR1 has just five catches on the year as he battles a hamstring injury.

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

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

This week’s topic: Will Jaxon Smith-Njigba return to an important role for Ohio State this season?

Josh’s Take


Many Ohio State football fans were frothing at the mouth (figuratively, I hope) Saturday morning, hyped up for the much-anticipated return of star wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. The record-breaking wideout made brief cameos against Notre Dame and Toledo earlier this season, but had missed most of September and October with a lingering hamstring issue.

OSU seemingly took a cautious approach – holding him out through the Buckeyes’ bye week – for which they were supposed to be rewarded this past weekend. Unfortunately, the return lasted roughly 20 snaps, and ended with a concerning visual. JSN limped off the field after a deep route, ending his day and bringing into question the remainder of his season.

Now, before I rain on everybody’s parade, it must be pointed out that Ryan Day attributed JSN’s exit to reaching a snap count. Let’s say he was telling the truth. Or, better yet, let’s at least say he had very little information minutes after walking off the field, and is under no obligation to fill us in on the health and/or well-being of his players. But Gene and I discussed the whole snap count scenario on our recap podcast, and neither one of us came away from the conversation a true believer in Day’s statement.

We saw what we saw. And that was JSN walking gingerly on the sideline after nearly a half of unproductive (by his standards) football. So what does it mean going forward? I have a feeling Gene and I will differ slightly in our opinions.

I believe we have seen the last of JSN as a WR1 for the Buckeyes. Not because he has fallen off in skill, or fallen behind Marvin Harrison Jr., Emeka Egbuka, and Julian Fleming on a hypothetical depth chart. I just think that hamstring and lower body injuries in general can be very tricky, and there is too much at stake for him to come back at anything less than 110 percent. That goes for JSN, as well as the Ohio State team. Furthermore, I do not think there is enough time in the 2022 season for him to both reach full health and also reintegrate himself back into the OSU offense. I wish that were not the case, and perhaps he will prove me wrong, but I think the Buckeyes need to prepare for Penn State and all future opponents as if they will not have JSN firmly in the fold.

Through seven games, Ohio State has not skipped a beat without their stud WR. This is not say his presence would not make them something beyond lethal on offense, but they have clearly figured out a new offense. One that is balanced and spreads the wealth. Harrison Jr., Egbuka, and Fleming have carved out new roles, and become stars in their own right. Add in the development of Cade Stover, and the Buckeyes have all the ingredients necessary for a wildly productive aerial attack. Another dynamic pass catcher would be a luxury at this point, not a need.

Even if JSN avoided a true re-aggravation of his hamstring, he had to have tweaked something against Iowa, right? A knee, an ankle, a quad? He was clearly hobbled. So this is where timing comes into play for me. OSU will be playing their eighth game of the season this weekend, and JSN does not appear to be 100 percent — due to some sort of malady. If he sits against Penn State, does that get him ready for Northwestern? If so, do the Buckeyes need him? I think they have proven otherwise. This could just keep going and going, and before you know it, TTUN will be visiting Columbus. So are you telling me the Buckeyes would risk on-field chemistry and a shot at the Big Ten/National Championship by trying to reintroduce JSN into the starting lineup then? I really don’t think so.

Gene, I want JSN to be involved this season. He is one of my top-5 players to watch from the last decade or so. And he is arguably the smoothest WR developed by Brian Hartline. I just think time is working against him and the Buckeyes, when it comes to the former making a large contribution to this year’s team. I just don’t see it. However, I think there is one perfect scenario left, and I will melt your brain with it real quick.

What if JSN comes back as a super-sub in College Park, Maryland? The week before The Rivalry, he makes a triumphant return, with no absolutely no intention of starting or being force fed the ball. Instead, he absorbs about 10 snaps each from Harrison Jr., Egbuka, and Fleming, keeping them as the focal point(s) of the passing game, and getting his own feet wet. Then, he plays the same role for the duration of the Buckeyes’ season. Imagine arguably the best WR in CFB taking on a sixth man or specialist reliever role for this team! I think that could be the best of both worlds for both JSN and this OSU team. He is able to come back and contribute as some secret weapon, but on-field chemistry is unaffected.

The 2022 season might be a lost one for JSN. Unfortunately, it happens. But he is a special player and by all accounts, one hell of a teammate, so I really hope he gets another shot — when fully healthy. If the timing never works out, his presence on the field might become more ceremonial than anything, but it won’t be as if he did not contribute as a mentor and leader.

Gene’s Take


Coming into the year we expected a huge year from Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and rightfully so. In an offense that featured two first round NFL Draft picks at wide receiver in Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave, Smith-Njigba still managed to lead the team with a whopping 1,606 yards on a team-high 95 catches — 25 more than the next highest player. With Olave and Wilson obviously now in the pros, everyone figured JSN would put together a massive campaign in 2022 en route to being the top wide receiver taken in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Unfortunately, an injury sustained early on in the season opener against Notre Dame have dashed any hopes of a big season for Smith-Njigba. Ohio State is now seven games into its regular season schedule, and JSN has played in only three of them, recording five catches for 43 yards across the few quarters he has appeared in thus far. The Buckeyes’ passing offense has remained excellent, led by C.J. Stroud and his new trio of stud wideouts in Marvin Harrison Jr., Emeka Egbuka and Julian Fleming, and while it would be tough to be much better than OSU has been through the air thus far, it’s hard to think the offense wouldn’t be even more impressive with a healthy JSN.

We thought that after the bye week Smith-Njigba would be healthy enough to return to his normal workload, but that was not the case. JSN played a total of 22 snaps in the game against Iowa, recording one catch for seven yards before exiting with what appeared to be a re-aggravation of the injury but was later called a “snap count” by Ryan Day. Either way, with just five games remaining in the regular season for Ohio State, we have still not seen even one full quarter of a 100% health Jaxon Smith-Njigba.

I am still holding out hope that JSN will return at some point this season and play a massive role for the Buckeyes in their offense. While it is certainly a possibility that he could choose to sit out the remainder of the year to prepare for the draft, where he would likely still be a first round selection based on his production last season, I just don’t think he’s that kind of guy. Smith-Njigba wants to help Ohio State accomplish the ultimate goal of winning a championship, and while he hasn’t been available much throughout the first half of the year, I think he could be the Buckeyes’ X-factor down the stretch.

It is going to take some time to work him back into the fold, as Stroud has gotten into a bit of a rhythm now with the usual trio of receivers plus a guy like Cade Stover, who has also made his fair share of plays in the passing game. I dont think Ohio State can afford to force the ball to JSN if/when he does finally return to 100%, but I think he provides a valuable asset to the team and a different skillset from that of the current receiver core. The one thing the Buckeyes are currently missing in the passing game is a true underneath-route sort of guy who can catch the ball on a short pass over the middle and pick up big yardage after the catch. Egbuka and Fleming have shown the ability to do a bit of that, but JSN is a bit faster and shiftier with the ball in his hands.

While nothing is wrong with the current Ohio State offense, it couldn’t possibly hurt to add one of the nation’s best pass-catchers to the depth chart. I wouldn’t rule out his return to being the team’s WR1 if he can get back to full strength, but I dont think he really needs to be that to provide value. I’m interested to see how big a factor he plays this weekend against Penn State, especially after looking hobbled on the sideline after his final snap against Iowa, but I dont think the Buckeyes need to rush things. After the Nittany Lions are games against Northwestern, Indiana and Maryland — three should-be easy victories — and so there is still time to ease him back into the rotation before maybe letting him loose in the season finale against Michigan.

We saw Chris Olave come out of nowhere and have a huge season finale against the Wolverines before he fully burst onto the scene, and while JSN is obviously a far more proven commodity than Olave was at that point, I wouldn’t put it past Ryan Day to catch Jim Harbaugh’s team off-guard with a fully-healthy Jaxon Smith-Njigba making a ton of big plays in The Game after taking things slowly against a few lesser opponents.

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Column: Did Stroud lose the Heisman on Saturday? (Spoiler Alert: No)
meganhusslein via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Joseph Cress/Iowa City Press-Citizen / USA TODAY NETWORK

Yes, Stroud threw an interception and a fumble that resulted in the lone Iowa touchdown. But he also threw four TDs in the second half...

Saturday confirmed that Iowa’s defense is legit. Yes, Ohio State still put up 54 points against them, but it truly took the Bucks a whole half to figure it out. Mainly, for C.J. Stroud to figure it out. Again, yes he threw four touchdowns, his stats were still great. However, he just seemed off. Tennessee’s Hendon Hooker didn’t...

I hope you know I’m not being 100% serious. I mean, how off can Stroud be if he still threw four TDs? I think he definitely made some questionable decisions, but he still threw for 286 yards. It wasn’t 300+ though, that’s why I’m concerned (sarcasm). Ohio State fans are so unbelievably spoiled that if their QB throws for less than 300 yards and has a pick, they freak.

I am talking about myself. I am letting myself fall into the hype surrounding Hendon Hooker. He led the Vols to a win over Alabama for Pete’s sake! He should not be counted out. I believe over the past couple of weeks, the Heisman race is certainly a lot closer; I don’t think Stroud is the clear favorite anymore. There could be arguments made for either QB. However, I’m still going with the Buckeye.

Saul Young/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK

Stroud’s QBR of 92.6 is the best in the nation, as is his 28 touchdowns. His completion percentage is 70%. I think I just expect perfection out of him, which is obviously impossible. Every time he makes a bad pass or throws an incompletion, I get nervous. It’s like I forget who I’m watching!

One quality that makes Stroud great and the Heisman front-runner is his ability to adjust. It was obviously a difficult first half for him. That fumble returned for a TD was not pretty, we know. Nor was that interception on the first play in the second half. But, Stroud got it together and went on to throw four touchdowns.

The latest odds from the DraftKings Sportsbook after this past week’s slate of games still has Stroud as the favorite. In my mind, there still isn’t any quarterback better than him. The only non-QB listed in the top seven odds is TTUN’s running back, Blake Corum, and while what he is doing is impressive, I still don’t think it overtops Stroud.

Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports

Now, I’ve heard the argument that while Stroud is good, he is only great because of his receivers. Between Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson, and JSN last year, and then pretty much every receiver on the roster this year, he has been blessed with the best WR group in the nation the past two seasons.

However, it’s a two-way street. They better each other. Some quarterbacks cannot make the passes that Stroud makes, which does not result in a catch. Then again, some receivers cannot make the receptions these guys do, helping their QB out at times. Therefore, I declare this argument to be foolish.

Stroud has led this Buckeye offense to be the best in the nation. Yes, he is surrounded by unbelievable talent. But guess what? He is also unbelievably talented. He is not perfect, so he is going to make mistakes. However, the vast majority of the time, he is almost perfect. He rises to the occasion and is great when it counts. That’s why he’s still the Heisman front-runner in my eyes.

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Grumpy Old Buckeye: Ohio State vs. Iowa
Michael Citro 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

These were the moments that made me consider anger management counseling.

Ohio State vs. Iowa was supposed to be a marquee match-up in the Big Ten this season, but with the Hawkeyes’ offensive struggles, few people doubted the outcome of this meeting in Columbus before kickoff.

Coming off a bye week, it was also supposed to be a game in which Ohio State could come out and set the tone for the second half of the season. But if that first half of the game was the tone, Ryan Day and company must be tone-deaf. Ohio State struggled through an unsatisfying first half full of odd play calls, a seeming confusion about what to call in key moments, and plays that were there to be made, not getting made.

Still, the Buckeyes ended up winning by 44 points in a 54-10 laugher, so you already know I’m nitpicking. It’s kind of my thing. Here are the items from Saturday’s win that had me seeking anger management counseling.

Be More Sportsmanlike!


Yet again, Ohio State turned a good thing into a dumb thing on the opening kickoff for no good reason. Good coverage seemed to make Kaleb Johnson pay for opting to return the kickoff from his end zone when he was tackled at the 17-yard line. But Jayden Ballard took an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty and that mistake moved the ball all the way out to the Iowa 32.

Sign of Things to Come


The foul on Ballard was quickly forgotten when Tanner McCalister intercepted Spencer Petras on the first play from scrimmage, setting Ohio State up with the ball at the Iowa 29-yard line. However, the first-half struggles were just starting. The Buckeyes embarked on a three-play, 2-yard drive that consisted of a short run by TreVeyon Henderson on first down, no one was open on a second-down pass play, forcing C.J. Stroud to throw it away, and then nearly an interception when Emeka Egbuka didn’t turn to locate the ball on a play that would have moved the chains at the very least. Noah Ruggles kicked a field goal and Iowa got off the hook for the first of multiple times in the opening half.

The Scoop-and-Score


The second Iowa possession was of the short, three-and-out variety and the Buckeyes quickly got the ball back. But that also didn’t last long. The left tackle and guard failed to deal with a simple line twist, with both blocking the inside man who looped outside. That left defensive end Joe Evans, who looped inside, a free run at Stroud. The quarterback quickly looked to dump it off but pulled it back in. Unfortunately, he lost control of it when Evans hit him, and he couldn’t gather it back in. Evans scooped it up and ran into the end zone to give Iowa an early 7-3 lead.

More Sudden Change Issues


After the Buckeyes went right down the field to take a 10-7 lead, Iowa not only went three and out, but fumbled on the third down when Zach Harrison stripped Petras and Lathan Ransom recovered at the Iowa 27-yard line. Day again opted to run on first down rather than taking a shot, and Miyan Williams gained no yardage. A pass to Jaxon Smith-Njigba gave the Buckeyes a manageable third down and short but a toss play to Williams lost three yards and again Ruggles had to kick a field goal.

Calling Plays is Hard


The second field goal series following a turnover deep in Iowa territory was further exacerbated by the first of multiple issues Ohio State had getting plays called. The Buckeyes called a timeout after the second-down completion. It happened two more times in the game, including another instance before the first quarter ended. Getting plays called is a basic thing that should not be an issue given Day’s experience and Stroud being in his second season running the offense. Every team has a set of plays they like based on the opponent for every down and distance, so picking one shouldn’t require wasting valuable timeouts. Day said that they wanted to make sure they had the right call, and in one instance he felt the play clock started too early. The latter is definitely not an Ohio State issue but burning timeouts to make sure you get the right play is.

More Short-Field Follies


Caden Curry blew up an ill-advised Iowa fake punt gave Ohio State short field again, and again the short-field issues surfaced, but this time in a different way. The Buckeyes threw a pass after the sudden change in possession and picked up a good gain through Marvin Harrison, Jr. But then the drive bogged down for a variety of reasons. Cade Stover’s nice catch and run on a tight end screen for nine yards was called back because Dawand Jones lined up incorrectly and was called for illegal formation. Henderson gained nine on the next play but when his cleat slid across the turf on his cutback, he fell — likely costing him a touchdown — setting up a second-and-6. The Buckeyes ran wide again on second down and lost three yards, setting up third-and-long. Stroud threw into the end zone on third and there was a lot of contact that prevented Smith-Njigba from coming back to a back-shoulder throw but the referee didn’t call it. Ruggles came on yet again for an unsatisfying field goal (for us, if not for him).

What Is Pass Interference, Anyway?


The no-call in the end zone at the end of Ohio State’s drive was magnified when Iowa got a gift call on its next possession. Trailing 16-7, Iowa actually managed a first down, but then quickly fell into a third-and-9 situation. Petras threw right for tight end Nico Ragaini. The pass fell incomplete but a flag flew on McCalister for interference, despite there being much less contact than there had been in the end zone just moments earlier, and on a pass that didn’t seem catchable for even a tight end-sized human. The call extended Iowa’s drive and the Hawkeyes managed their only offensive points of the game with a 49-yard field goal to finish it.

Forcing It


Leading 26-10 at the break on Tommy Eichenberg’s pick-six, Ohio State got the ball to start the second half, looking to take full control. However, that lasted only one play. Stroud had good initial protection on a pass play to start the third quarter but couldn’t find a receiver. As the defense closed in, he did a thing that shouldn’t ever be done when he decided to throw late over the middle. By then, most of Iowa’s secondary was gathering around the only OSU receiver and the pass was intercepted by linebacker Jack Campbell. Thankfully, Iowa’s offense being what it is, the Hawkeyes fumbled the ensuing snap, giving the ball right back. Yep, the Buckeyes quickly wasted that field position by going three-and-out.


Those are the main things I had a beef with on Saturday. Clearly, the second-half adjustments worked well, Stroud found his post-bye-week rhythm, and the Buckeyes romped from there. It was just an irritating first half and start to the second half. Clearly, a 44-point win is something to celebrate, even if it could have gone much more smoothly.

What burned you up watching the game? Let me know in the comments below, and we’ll do this again after Ohio State visits Penn State next weekend.

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We’ll talk about this later: If coach woulda put me in the fourth quarter, we would’ve been state champions
Meredith Hein via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Photo by Gaelen Morse/Getty Images

Your dose of lighthearted takes from Saturday’s games.

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

Ohio State had a slow start against the Iowa Hawkeyes Saturday, but by the time the clock ticked to zero, everything looked like we expected: another monster win for a team that has a whole Monster Book of Monsters of such wins so far this season.


In some ways, it felt like kicking a team that was already down. Iowa has been truly bad this year on offense — so bad that even an elite defense couldn’t even keep things close by the second half.


That offense left Ohio State with short fields four times in the first half, all of which led to field goals, but those field goals turned into touchdowns and a 54-10 victory in the second half. One would have thought that, especially seeing Jaxon Smith-Njigba once again leave the game with an injury, the starters might see an earlier exit once it became clear the opposing offense was not capable of moving the ball.


Those 54 points were the most allowed by an Iowa defense since 1995, also in a loss to Ohio State. It was also reminiscent of the last time Ohio State and Iowa faced off on a rough night in 2017 when the Iowa Hawkeyes thrashed Ohio State 55-24 in Iowa City.

That game, like 2019’s loss to Purdue in West Lafayette, stings in the collective memory of Ohio State fans. In 2017, the Buckeyes had managed to bounce back after an early loss to Oklahoma and were ranked No. 6 when they traveled to Iowa City to face the unranked Hawkeyes. The whole game was shocking, indecent — and demanded revenge.

Well, revenge is a dish best served cold, which is convenient because it’s been five whole years since that game and since the teams have squared off.


Now frankly, Ryan Day has always been one to pile on the points. Of course he was going to keep his first-teamers on the field through much of the fourth quarter and of course he was going to go for more points. The fact it came against Iowa likely didn’t play into Day’s game plan much. Heck, he piled on against Rutgers until Greg Schiano had to physically come to Ohio State’s sideline upset about it.

For fans, however, we’ll be talking about this revenge game for years, just like Uncle Rico from Napoleon Dynamite’s memories of high school football.


While that 2017 game probably occupies a fond spot in the minds of Iowa fans, it’s been long forgotten by the rest of the world but for Ohio State fans.

It often feels like we take pride in hanging on to these bitter memories because it was so easy to point to that game as though this win in 2022 absolved the pain of bitter defeat. And I know that as Ohio State fans, we’re going to continue to harp on this win as though it is somehow more meaningful than the other 40+-point wins the Buckeyes have had so far this season.

It’s not, but maybe now is just the right time to let it go.

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Film Review: Ohio State offense struggles in red zone, defensive line dominates Iowa
Chris Renne via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Photo by Gaelen Morse/Getty Images

The Ohio State Buckeyes beat Iowa 54-10 in a game where the offense left points on the field and the defense bullied an overmatched offense.

The Ohio State Buckeyes won 54-10 over the Kirk Ferentz-led Iowa Hawkeyes in a game that could best be described as clunky, at least in the first half. Ohio State struggled offensively in the opening period, especially in converting red zone opportunities into touchdowns. Despite the offensive struggles, the game never felt in doubt because the Buckeye defense added more fuel to the national narrative that Iowa’s offense is the worst in the country.

For the Buckeyes on offense, they never really got a consistent running game established. The balance that Ohio State strives for was stifled by an Iowa defense that ranks with the best in the country in limiting touchdowns in the red zone. Despite failing to capitalize by scoring touchdowns, Ohio State maintained its 100% red zone scoring percentage, but the inability to score touchdowns gives us a look at how defenses can attempt to limit Ohio State in the shortest part of the field.

Defensively, the game started and ended up front. Ohio State’s defense was able to control the line of scrimmage and force Iowa’s offense into six total turnovers. The secondary was never challenged — outside of a few plays made by Iowa tight end Sam Laporta — but made plays every time the ball was thrown to them. In a game dominated by the defensive line and defensive backs, Iowa was never able to do anything productive.

Looking at the game, Ohio State’s red zone struggles are fixable and the defense did exactly what they were supposed to do against Iowa’s offense.

Offensive Red Zone Struggles


Ohio State came into the game 100% in converting points in the red zone, they also left the matchup against Iowa still converting points in the shortest part of the field at a 100 percent clip. Despite maintaining perfection from a point conversion standpoint, Ohio State’s red zone performance left a lot to be desired.

The Buckeyes had six drives starting in Iowa’s territory starting at the 29, 27, 34, 32, 15, and 40. Only two out of six of those drives resulted in touchdowns for the Buckeyes which is not good enough. Doing some simple math, Ohio State left 16 points on the board. They figured it out, scoring on the final two drives, but the play-calling as well as the execution left a lot to be desired.

To get started here, my film preview for the week discussed Iowa’s defensive flow to the football. After finding success running the ball between the tackles and passing downfield, the Buckeyes tried something different on offense the following drive. They ran two unsuccessful plays leading to a 3rd-and-short situation. The ball gets snapped and Iowa wins the battle on the line of scrimmage eating blocks.

The flow of the backers forced Dawand Jones (No. 79) to take the inside backer instead of the outside backer he initially tracked towards. The interior penetration forces Miyan Williams (No.3) to take a deeper route than the play intends. By the backers flowing the person Jones was supposed to block is able to meet Williams in the backfield, and this also allows a backside defender to get back into the play and help. The outside run against a defense that fills in the run better than most in the country is a questionable decision, and this set the tone for the first half.


On the next play, Ohio State ends up in a 3rd-and-long just inside the 20-yard line. In the post-game press conference, Ohio State offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson said Iowa threw a lot more man-coverage at the Buckeyes than expected.

Now, in this case, the play was going to be a pass, but the man-coverage matches up really well against this Slot Fade concept. Against man-coverage the landmark and angles change for the receiver, Jaxon Smith-Njigba gets up field and Stroud leaves the ball inside.

Now the arguments about penalties can come into play, but this play concept tends to be a Cover-2 beater. Against the man-coverage this ball needs to be thrown deeper and further outside to give the receiver a chance. Now the play-call is not the problem here, but the execution could have been better.


The struggles continued in the first half for the Buckeyes. Iowa was bringing pressure from the second level at a much higher clip. This is something where relying on situational film can create advantages for an opponent. Ohio State had preconceived understandings of what the Hawkeyes liked to do in the red zone. Coming off the bye week, Iowa decided that it was going to throw the kitchen sink at Stroud instead of just playing their stiff red zone coverage.

Iowa showed it was going to bring seven, but they end up bringing six with one of the blitzers bailing into coverage bringing six in total. Stroud catches the snap and knows he only has six blockers for the six defenders.

Pressure slips through because Miyan Williams steps up into the middle to assist on the interior blitzer. This leaves the outside blitzing backer unaccounted for by the protection. Stroud is unable to step into his throw and the ball falls flat. Once again, this play could have worked, but the pressure was able to force a bad throw, which ends up just being a good play by the opposing defense.


In the last play — before Ryan Day decided running wasn’t the answer — Ohio State is in a 3rd-and-2 situation at the 5-yard line. Ohio State decides to go back to their inside run game, once again the play-call is a normal play-call; running the ball inside in a short-yardage situation. Despite the predictability, the offense should be able to gain two yards, but again the offensive line loses the initial push which allows Iowa’s backers to get into the backfield. Stroud being a running threat here could have opened up the inside run, but what he’s shown on film is a give all the way.

For the Buckeyes, despite the execution being at its lowest level of the season, they still never left the red zone without scoring points. In a way, these failures should aid the Buckeyes in the long run, giving them some tough film to look at for the first time since Week 1.

Ohio State was still effective, but the perfect execution we’ve become accustomed to was challenged. The Buckeyes didn’t execute and that was the biggest part of the issue.


Late Game Red Zone Success

When Ohio State did execute, it was a thing of beauty. Following the previous play, Ohio State was done settling for field goals and decided it was time to attack these man-coverage matchups.

The Buckeyes are in an 11 Wing-personnel with Stover as the lone tight end. Iowa loads the box up with 8 players in the area committing to stopping the run. After seeing the alignment the play before, Day puts Marvin Harrison Jr. (No. 18) as a single receiver to the field side.

In this scenario, they trust Stroud to deliver and Harrison Jr. to create enough separation for an easy touchdown. Harrison Jr. wins his battle with all the space to work, the play is well-blocked, and Iowa gets out schemed on this fourth down play.


The Buckeyes have a 1st-and-10 in the next play, just inside the 15-yard line. Iowa is in a Cover 2- Man Under coverage meaning they have two high safeties and man underneath the half-field coverages. The routes to the trips side have Stover running a seam in the middle of the field, Egbuka running an out-and-up, and Harrison Jr.’s running an in-breaking route in the end zone.

Stover’s seam keeps the safety in the middle of the field, and Harrison Jr.’s takes the corner away from being able to help on the outside. This creates a one-on-one match-up for Egbuka who makes a great catch on a perfectly placed throw.

Once again, Day attacks the tendencies Iowa had shown throughout the game. This time using the additional receivers as decoys to create the same type of matchup to the outside. By making this adjustment Ohio State found success in three-state red zone trips converting touchdowns to close out the game.


The last play is just fun. Any time Mitch Rossi gets involved in the passing game, the world becomes a better place. Earlier in this article, we discussed Iowa’s defensive flow, and this play Ryan Day takes advantage of the tendency.

Iowa’s outside backer overcommits to the play-action fake, which gives Rossie the window to escape and Stroud floats the ball out to Rossi for a touchdown putting the exclamation on the second-half performance.

Defensive Line dominance


On the other side of the ball, Ohio State’s defense dominated Iowa’s completely overmatched offense. The success for the Buckeyes started up front, and mainly behind the best performance. From the first play of the game Ohio State’s defensive line was living in the backfield, so narrowing the performance down was tough.

The first play we’re going to look at is Zach Harrison’s strip-sack. Ohio State shows blitz on the inside with their backers, but once Iowa motions to empty they make a coverage check. This leads to the Buckeye defense only bringing four rushers. Zach Harrison beats the right tackler immediately and uses his strength to fight through the hands.

The coverage is good behind the rush forcing Iowa’s quarterback to hold the ball and this allows Harrison to force the fumble. This was a perfect example of the havoc the Ohio State defensive line was causing, and hopefully, the dominant performance from the defensive ends is the next evolution of Jim Knowles’ defense.


Continuing forward, the Buckeyes force a 3rd-and-3 for the Hawkeyes. This play is made during the week of preparation and here’s why. Iowa loved to use jet-sweep motions to get their “athletes” out in space.

Ohio State’s defenders know to key on this, as you can see by Tommy Eichenberg cheating pre-snap and how Zach Harrison explodes off the ball. Iowa hands the ball off, Harrison makes quick work of the tight end attempting to block him, and he engulfs the receiver in the backfield. This play shows the confidence in the preparation and you can see how fast, and aggressive the defense is playing.


All of the interceptions were passes altered by defensive line pressure, but the final play is special. The scenario is that Iowa has a 1st-and-10 inside their own territory. Ohio State keeps it simple, only rushing four and dropping into coverage. J.T. Tuimoloau is lined up over the right tackle and rushes upfield.

His initial move doesn’t win, but he is able to use his strength to fight past the offensive tackle. He gets his arm up matching the hand and is able to alter the throw by hitting Iowa’s quarterback’s arm. This forces the throw off-target right into the arms of Eichenberg for a touchdown.

The defensive line was making plays all game, and even when they weren’t sacking the quarterback, they had a significant impact in forcing turnovers. This performance — I know Iowa’s offense is bad — should still give Ohio State fans a lot of confidence moving forward.

Bonus Play


Alright, I’m not done yet and no I’m not apologizing. Cade Stover literally hurdles an Iowa defender and Stroud looks incredibly athletic. Enjoy this play, it is an all-timer for an Ohio State tight end.


Now Ohio State played far from perfect and if you gave Ryan Day some truth serum, he would definitely have some play calls he would like back. Despite that, the Buckeyes beat Iowa 54-10 and never lost any semblance of control. Scoring the most points on Iowa in the Kirk Ferentz era is no small feat, but even in a performance of that caliber, the Buckeyes left points on the board.

That shouldn’t be seen as good enough by fans because the expectation is a national championship or bust. Where I will say the Buckeyes improved was in-game adjustments, they found a way to take the game over. The issues for the Buckeyes in the red zone should be seen as a combination of play-calling and lack of execution. But once Ohio State was able to key into some of the tendencies Iowa’s defense showed, they attacked and executed some plays to perfection.

Combine the second-half offense with the full-game defensive performance and Ohio State fans should have a lot of confidence heading into Happy Valley to take on Penn State. This was a game that Ohio State won handedly, and if they clean up the red zone offense, the rest of the country is in trouble.

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Irrational Overreactions(?): The time has come for Iowa to give Kirk Ferentz an ultimatum
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Joseph Cress/Iowa City Press-Citizen / USA TODAY NETWORK

I also go on a potentially insane rant and then call myself out on it.

Ohio State fans live in the extremes, whether good or bad. As they say, we have no chill. So, I am going to give voice to those passionate opinions by running through my completely level-headed, not-at-all over-the-top, 100% unbiased takeaways from Saturday’s 54-10 win over the Iowa Hawkeyes.

Iowa needs to give Kirk Ferentz an ultimatum to make offense changes or lose his job


Call me an old sap, but watching Saturday’s game made me feel a little sad for the Iowa defensive players. Despite giving up 47 points (the other seven were on a pick-six), that is a legitimately top-line defense and it was continually put in difficult positions by a defense that is horrifyingly inept. It really is unbelievable that after all of the decades that Kirk Ferentz has been at the helm in Iowa City that he has not been able to establish a tradition of, at least, offensive competence to complement his traditionally stingy defense.

Now, I know that much of the problem stems from Kirk elevating his own son from a very good offensive line coach to a middling offensive coordinator and running back/tight ends coach to a completely ineffectual OC and quarterbacks coach. Our Meredith Hein wrote a phenomenal article about the scourge of nepotism at Iowa last week, and it is clear that everybody in Hawkeye Nation understands the issue as well.

Of course, I understand how difficult the situation must be for Kirk; knowing that you have pissed away a potentially historic season because you have continued to pretend that your son is not completely out of his depth and getting worse by the minute has to be hard, both as a coach and as a father.

Athletic Director Gary Barta clearly doesn’t want to fire Kirk Ferentz, and Kirk Ferentz clearly doesn’t want to fire his son, but it is incumbent on Barta to force Kirk’s hand. The Iowa administration needs to tell Kirk that if he does not completely overhaul his offensive staff during the offseason (preferably sooner, but at this point, I can’t see Brian getting canned midseason), it will be the end of the head coach’s tenure in Iowa City.

I realize that it is tough to get exceptional offensive talent to play for the Hawkeyes, but they don’t need a juggernaut-level output to keep Iowa competitive; they just need competence, and if Kirk refuses to do what is so painfully obviously necessary, then Barta needs to find someone who will.

This game was the perfect example of why Ryan Day needs to let someone else to call offensive plays


I know y’all hate it when I bring this up, so I’m going to try to not belabor this point for too long, but Saturday was the perfect example of why Ryan Day the head coach should give Ryan Day the play caller’s responsibilities to someone else.

The second half showed how dominant the Ohio State offense can be against high-quality defenses with exceptional play designs that took advantage of weaknesses in the Hawkeye scheme and allowed C.J. Stroud and his wide receivers to embarrass one of the best defenses in the country.

But the first half also showed how Day can struggle to diverge from his predetermined game plan and how he is seemingly incapable of making adjustments mid-game. He can obviously make them at halftime, but in the course of actual game action, Day has not shown the ability (or perhaps willingness) to deviate from his plan, at least not in the first half.

Obviously, it didn’t ultimately matter on Saturday against Iowa, but in the College Football Playoff against Georgia or Alabama or Tennessee, it could matter; it could also matter significantly against TTUN in The Game. And that’s what this is all about, being the best team possible when the games matter the most.

Because of how much better the Buckeyes are than nearly every team that they play, they don’t actually have that many opportunities to face off against teams that can truly stifle their offense. So, we get lulled into a false sense of security as OSU routinely puts up 60 points against overmatched teams. That is obviously what they should do against also-ran defenses, but — in my admittedly unexpert opinion — Ryan Day more often than not struggles to get into a play-calling rhythm against top-level defenses. I know, I know, the 2021 Sugar Bowl against Clemson.

But, beyond that, there often is nearly no flow in his play calling against great defenses and it seems like he comes in with one game plan and refuses to make substantive changes when the defense does something that he wasn’t expecting; again, at least until halftime. Gus Johnson even mentioned during Saturday’s broadcast how much he appreciates Day’s adjustments... in the second half. Gus wasn’t trolling, but it perfectly illustrated my point. These changes need to be made in real-time, not halfway through the game.

Iowa brought far more pressure on Saturday than it had the rest of the season and threw out different coverage looks than what OSU was expecting, but instead of adjusting and getting the ball out more quickly or taking advantage of the defensive aggression with slants or mesh routes, Day stuck to his preconceived game plan in the first half and it led to the No. 1 offense in the country coming up with three field goals and one touchdown in the first half.

Again, I am going to say this because people make assumptions when I don’t (and often even when I do), but I believe that Ryan Day is an absolutely elite play-caller, and if that was his only responsibility, I don’t think that there would be anyone better in the country. However, that’s not his only responsibility, he is also the head coach of the team, he can’t possibly be as focused on calling plays, making adjustments, and putting his offense in the best possible position to score with everything else that he has to do in-game and during the week.

One of the few truly inspired decisions that Urban Meyer made late in his Ohio State tenure was to bring in Day and turn the offense over to him. That move paid immense dividends almost immediately because it gave someone the ability to focus solely on making the most out of the offense. Whether it is Kevin Wilson (is he really the reason that substantive adjustments are made at halftime rather than in-game?) or someone else, I truly think it’s time for Day to try it as well.

I also fundamentally believe that whoever calls plays on both offense and defense needs to be up in the press box in order to be able to have the best view of what the opposing units are running; there’s a reason that the All-22 film is what’s used to break down film, and the same principle applies in-game as well.

We, as fans, all suck


After writing my third “Ryan Day should give up play calling” article in the past 10 months, I am going to acknowledge that, as a whole (and often as individuals), we Ohio State fans are an absolutely miserable collection of human beings — especially on game days.

In terms of college football, we have it about as good as anyone not rooting for Alabama. Our team is tied (with the Tide) for the second most wins all-time, they are tied for the most Heisman Trophies in history, they bring in one of the best recruiting classes every cycle, and are in the mix for a CFP berth practically every year; whatever issues we have with the team and the program are truly the most first-world problems of college football.

Heaven forbid that I admit that a Dr. Pepper Fansville commercial gets it right, but the new one where the guy tries to convince his horrified friends that it’s ok to not be devastated by not making the College Football Playoff is actually a really good lesson for anyone who gets overly invest in the Buckeyes, college football, or really anything.

Twitter is always a cesspool no matter the day or self-selected social media silo that you find yourself in, but it gets really ugly and really nasty on Saturdays on #BuckeyeTwitter — the number of people I mute from the LGHL account every week is staggering. We watch college football to be entertained, to enjoy the competition, to forget about the drama and stress of the outside world, we shouldn’t let our favorite team not being absolutely perfect on every play get in the way of that.

In the words of the hero that we neither knew that we needed or truly deserve, “Guys, it’s just a game; a bunch of kids with a ball ... Maybe there’s more to life.”


I’m going to be writing about Dr. Pepper, proximity, and perspective a bit more later this week, so crack open a cold one and get ready for that.

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I-70 Football Podcast: A weekend full of surprising Big Ten blowouts
JordanW330 via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

The best game of the weekend shockingly included Northwestern as the other games ended in blowouts.

Welcome to a new episode of Land-Grant Holy Land’s I-70 podcast. On this show, we talk all things Big Ten football and basketball. After every week of action, we will get you caught up on all the conference’s games and look ahead at the matchups, storylines, and players that you should be paying attention to in the next week. My name is Jordan Williams, and I am joined by my co-host Dante Morgan.

Listen to the episode and subscribe:


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A weekend full of potential turned into a snooze fest as multiple games became blowouts before the band could play. Under interim head coach Jim Leonhard, Wisconsin beat Purdue for the 16th straight time in a dominant showing. Wisconsin found their defense forcing future first-round pick, Aidan O’Connell into three interceptions.

Penn State bounced back after an embarrassing performance against Michigan and bullied the Minnesota Golden Gophers. Minnesota started the game with one hand behind its back as it was without starting quarterback Tanner Morgan. Losing Morgan is a huge issue, but he does not play defense as the Golden Gophers allowed Sean Clifford to throw for four touchdowns.

Ohio State covered a 29-point spread by demolishing Iowa 54-10. Iowa’s defense put up a great fight forcing Ohio State into four field goals after the buckeyes got the ball in Iowa territory four times and even scored a touchdown after sacking C.J. Stroud and forcing a fumble. Ohio State passed a tough test, offensively at least, and has another chance to prove itself with Penn State on the schedule in their next game.

Despite being 1-7 versus Ohio State, James Franklin has played the Buckeyes closer than any other team. Can the Nittany Lions finally win against the Buckeyes or will they suffer another defeat leading OSU on a crash course with Michigan?

After giving Mel Tucker a 10-year contract Michigan State has struggled mightily this season and is looking for a sign of hope. Despite their ups and downs, Tucker is 2-0 against his in-state rival and will head into Ann Arbor looking to leave 3-0 by upsetting the No. 4 team in the country.

Illinois is still not being respected and faces a unique challenge in the Nebraska Cornhuskers. Nebraska is not a good football team but they have been competent under interim head coach Mickey Joseph. Illinois brings their No. 1 defense against the Nebraska transfer trio of Casey Thompson, Anthony Grant, and Trey Palmer. Illinois has another chance to prove they are legit by beating Nebraska in a dominant fashion.

In their weekly pitstops, Jordan celebrates “Sugar” Sean O’Malley upsetting No. 1 contender Petr Yan in this weekend’s latest UFC PPV. Dante hates the inconsistency with how penalties are called under the guise of player safety. Offensive players should be called for targeting if the penalty is truly about protecting players instead it is only used to penalize defenses.


Connect with us on Twitter:
Jordan: @JordanW330
Dante: @DanteM10216

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Four-star athlete from Pennsylvania impressed as Buckeyes handle Iowa
Bret Favachio via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Quinton Martin | 247Sports

Ohio State made the most out of their opportunity to impress a top target from the state of Pennsylvania this weekend.

Ohio State took care of business yet again on Saturday when they took down Iowa, 54-10. The performance for the Buckeyes was one that came at a good time as a blue-chip prospect from Pennsylvania and more got a first-hand look at the contest. Plus, one of the two quarterbacks that have been offered in the 2025 recruiting class reveals that he will be in Columbus sooner rather than later.

Martin, others take in Buckeyes big win


Ohio State dialed up a well-timed blowout victory in conference play on Saturday and one of the biggest targets that got a first-hand look at the action was 2024 four-star athlete Quinton Martin of Belle Vernon (PA). Martin certainly didn’t hide his thoughts on the Buckeyes' visit and one thing is for certain, the 6-foot-2, 200-pounder enjoyed his stay in Columbus.


Martin, a Pennsylvania standout, has yet to give any leads about where his recruitment currently stands but he’s seen an impressive cast of programs that are hoping to reel in his services. Among the programs that are pursuing Martin include Michigan, Michigan State, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Penn State, Tennessee, Texas, Texas A&M, and more.

While the Buckeyes seemingly made the most of Martin’s trip to Columbus, there still is plenty of work to be done if they look to welcome him to the fold. Martin currently ranks as the No. 25 overall prospect in the class and is inside the top five prospects at both his position and in Pennsylvania where he ranks as the top player in the state.

Also inside of Ohio Stadium with Martin on Saturday include 2024 three-star tight end Ryner Swanson of Laguna Beach (CA) and 2024 four-star safety Vaboue Toure of Irvington (NJ).

Montgomery reveals Ohio State visit plans


While the Buckeyes already hold a pledge from his big brother in the 2023 class, Ohio State is hoping for more of the same in their efforts with 2025 quarterback Ryan Montgomery of Findlay (OH). Montgomery is one of two quarterbacks in the class that has picked up an early offer from the Buckeyes joining five-star quarterback Colin Hurley of Trinity Christian Academy (FL).

That goes to show you just how highly the Buckeyes think of Montgomery and the good news for Ohio State is that they will get yet another chance to leave an impression on the 6-foot-2, 200-pounder. According to Eleven Warriors, Montgomery will be in attendance on Nov. 26 when Michigan comes to town for the annual clash between the arch-rivals.

While the visit should come as no surprise with Montgomery being so close to the Ohio State campus and the big recruiting weekend that is expected, any time you can get a likely top quarterback target on campus is one you will gladly take. Montgomery is currently unanimously predicted to wind up with the Buckeyes when all is said and done as they are the prohibitive favorite on the 247Sports crystal ball.

Quick Hits

• Aside from the aforementioned Martin and Swanson, Ohio State also played host to a pair of 2023 pledges in four-star safety Cedrick Hawkins of Cocoa (FL) and four-star wide receiver Carnell Tate of IMG Academy (FL).
• Despite being committed to the Buckeyes since July, other programs have continued to eye 2023 four-star cornerback Jermaine Mathews of Winton Woods (OH). On Friday morning, Michigan became the latest program to join offer Mathews, the No. 10 overall in-state.
• Head coach Ryan Day made a visit to Buford (GA) last week to check in on 2024 four-star defensive end Eddrick Houston. On Friday evening, Eleven Warriors’ Garrick Hodge caught up with the blue-chip defensive lineman to discuss what the visit from Day meant to him.

“It means a lot to see how much coach Day cares about his recruits that he made the trip to come see us,” Houston told Eleven Warriors.

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Hangout in the Holy Land Podcast: Iowa’s offense really was as bad as advertised
Gene Ross via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The Buckeyes blow out the Hawkeyes despite some first half struggles.

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

Listen to the episode and subscribe:

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On this week’s episode, Gene and Josh sort through the rubble of the latest Ohio State blowout win. The Buckeyes defeated Iowa 54-10, but it certainly didn’t look or feel like the typical large margin of victory for Ryan Day’s squad. The guys breakdown what exactly went wrong with the offense in the first half, and how much if anything they learned about Ohio State’s defense with how dreadful the Iowa offense is. OSU fans should feel good about a 44-point win against one of the nation’s premier defenses, but there are certainly things that need to be cleaned up moving forward.

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

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

As always, Go Bucks.


Connect with the Podcast:
Twitter: @HolyLandPod

Connect with Gene:
Twitter: @Gene_Ross23

Connect with Josh
Twitter: @jdooleybuckeye

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Ohio State opens as 14.5-point favorites over Penn State
Gene Ross via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Photo by Gaelen Morse/Getty Images

The Buckeyes head to Happy Valley looking to remain unbeaten on the year.

DraftKings Sportsbook odds: Ohio State -14.5

After having last weekend off, we were treated to the full Ohio State football experience on Saturday afternoon in the Buckeyes’ 54-10 beatdown of Iowa. Ohio State scored more points in a game against the Hawkeyes than any team in the Kirk Ferentz era. If you just looked at the box score of this game, you would think C.J. Stroud and the Buckeyes cruised, and if you only looked at Twitter, you would probably think Ohio State lost this game by 30. Truthfully, it was somewhere in the middle.

Yes, Ohio State won by 44 points, but the offense was definitely not at its best in this one — especially in the first half. The Buckeyes failed to score a touchdown on seven of their first eight drives, with Stroud looking off and Ryan Day’s play-calling looking even worse. Things changed in a major way after halftime, however, as Stroud went on to finish with 286 yards passing to go along with four touchdown passes and one pick. Ohio State couldn't do much of anything on the ground, but it didn’t matter as Julian Fleming, Emeka Egbuka and Marvin Harrison Jr. each recorded a TD through the air.

The defense was another story, although Iowa’s offense certainly played a hand in that. All-in-all, the Hawkeyes turned the ball over six times on three fumbles and three interceptions, giving Ohio State a number of short fields to work with on offense. Quarterback play for Iowa was especially abysmal, as Spencer Petras and Alex Padilla combined for just 81 passing yards on 11-of-24 passing with the three picks thrown. The rushing attack wasn’t much better, averaging 2.2 yards per carry, and if it were not for a defensive TD, the Hawkeyes would not have found the end zone. The stats for this Iowa offense coming into the day were bad, but watching it made it seem even worse.

Ohio State now turns its attention to a team that can actually score a few points on the offensive side, but the oddsmakers still believe that the Buckeyes will win by more than two touchdowns in a hostile environment against the Penn State Nittany Lions. Day and his squad will head to Happy Valley as 14.5-point favorites, despite each of the last six meetings between the two schools being decided by 13 points or less.

Now sitting at 6-1 on the year, Penn State bounced back in a big way from the blowout loss to Michigan with a 45-17 drubbing of Minnesota. The Gophers were without starting quarterback Tanner Morgan, but it likely wouldn't have mattered as the Nits torched P.J. Fleck’s defense. Sean Clifford was good, throwing for 295 yards with four TDs to one INT, but it was the ground game that really gave Minnesota fits. Penn State ran the ball 34 times for 175 yards and two scores, with both Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen recording over 75 yards rushing in the game. Four different players caught a TD pass for PSU, including star receiver Parker Washington, who finished with seven catches for 70 yards.

Defensively, the Nittany Lions did a good job of at least slowing down Mohamed Ibrahim, who still rushed for a little over 100 yards, but took 30 carries to do it. It was a far cry from the week prior, when Penn State allowed Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards to combine for 339 yards on the ground (7.7 yards per carry) and four scores in the loss to the Wolverines. Linebacker Curtis Jacobs had a big night against the Gophers with 14 total tackles, including two for loss, and the Nits’ secondary once again looked good with its premier duo of Ji’Ayir Brown and Joey Porter Jr. running the show in pass defense.

Penn State brings a balanced attack on offense, and its defense ranks in the upper half of the Big Ten even with a poor showing against Michigan. Ohio State has seemingly always had trouble against the Nittany Lions, and they will be hoping that their issues running the football against Iowa don’t carry over into this game. Brown and Porter Jr. are two of the best corners in the conference, and so the Buckeyes will likely need that ground attack to get going in order to open things up through the air. Jim Knowles will also be hoping that his cornerbacks are up to the task of guarding the aforementioned Washington as well as former 1,400-yard receiver at WKU, Mitchell Tinsley.

Vegas likes OSU to win comfortably in this one, but recent history has shown that this matchup doesn’t always go as people expect.

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

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LGHL Uncut Podcast: Day, Stroud, Knowles break down Saturday’s Iowa victory
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Ohio State Athletics

Day discusses JSN’s health, Harrison’s big day, and more.

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

Listen to the episode and subscribe:

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


On this episode of “Land-Grant Holy Land Uncut,” we have press conference audio from following Saturday’s 54-10 victory over the Iowa Hawkeyes. Head coach Ryan Day, quarterback C.J. Stroud, and defensive coordinator Jim Knowles discuss the unusual game that ended up being a historic victory for the Buckeyes. Day reveals some details about the health of Jaxon Smith-Njigba, the struggles in the red zone, and Zach Harrison’s career day.

Stroud explains what the Hawkeye defense did that was slightly different than what they had anticipated coming into the game and Knowles comments on playing more linebackers than normal and Tanner McAlister’s impact following his transfer from Oklahoma State.

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


Contact Matt Tamanini
Twitter: @BWWMatt

Music by: www.bensound.com

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Buckeye Stock Market Report: Ohio State defense dominates as Buckeyes roll over Iowa, 54-10
David M Wheeler via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Photo by Gaelen Morse/Getty Images

Six takeaways, five sacks stymie weak Hawkeye offense

After each Ohio State game during the 2022 football season, LGHL will offer its market analysis of the Buckeyes’ performance. Using a standard bond rating system, we’ll evaluate the offense, the defense, and the special teams, according to this formula:

AA: Very Strong
A: Strong
BBB: Adequate
BB: Facing Major Uncertainty

Then, we’ll take a look at any individual players whose performance stood out (in one way or another!) and assign them a stock rating: Blue Chip, Solid Performance, Penny Stock (akin to a junk bond, dangerously high risk).

Quick Overview


Folks around the country will look at the 54-10 final score and go “ho-hum.” But this strange, strange game was anything but a yawner. First of all, the Iowa offense is really terrible. That’s really all that I can say about them. The Buckeye defense, even given the “quality” of the opponent, was magnificent.

I guess that I’ve probably seen a game where one team got six turnovers – but I can’t remember when. It got so that I expected an interception or a lost fumble on every Iowa snap. Repeatedly, the Buckeyes got the ball with a short field. And then usually failed to take full advantage of the break.

Just as it’s hard to determine how good the Ohio State defense is when the offense against them is almost nonexistent, it’s also difficult to tell whether the Iowa defense is really good (at least for about 60% of the game), or whether the OSU offense was just off.

We’ll discuss the offensive problems below. The bottom line, though, is that the Buckeyes won the game, covered the 30-point spread (which I thought was high) by 14, and stretched their record to 7-0. The determined march toward championships continues.

Offense

Overall rating: BBB Adequate (i.e., good enough to win)


You might be thinking, that’s a lot of points to put on the board in order to earn an “adequate.” But let’s consider. The Buckeye offense in the first half was awful. Safety Tanner McCalister collected his first interception of the day on Iowa’s first play. The Bucks’ first drive started at the Iowa 29. TreVeyon Henderson gained a rushing yard on first down. Facing good coverage, C.J. Stroud essentially threw the ball away on second down and made a bad pass on third down that should have been intercepted. After gaining only a yard, OSU settled for a 46-yard field goal. And that drive typified the half.

By halftime, the Buckeye offense totaled 133 yards, a figure that the Fox announcers claimed was the least productive half in coach Ryan Day’s tenure at Ohio State. They were two for eight in converting third downs and had only six first downs for the 30 minutes. Stroud was 10-for-17 but averaged only 6.2 yards per attempt and had thrown no touchdowns. A 26-yard pass to Julian Fleming was the only play of the half good for more than 20 yards.

The second half was much better, and people will call the game a “tale of two halves.” Although Stroud threw TD passes on each of his last four drives, over all the offense wasn’t all that good in the second half either. For the game, the Buckeyes finished with 15 first downs and 360 total yards. Both numbers are very low. But look at these: 3/13 in third down conversions, 66 total net rushing yards. I know that with the short fields, it’s tougher to accumulate yards and first downs. But still.

The problem for me is that Iowa demonstrated that the superb Ohio State offense can be stopped. That’s right – stopped. They did it systematically. First, they stuffed the run. Neither Henderson nor Miyan Williams could get anything. Even the end-arounds and a reverse didn’t work. Stroud’s sneak on third and one didn’t get the first down. The offensive line wasn’t moving anybody; unfortunately, it looked a lot like the running game last year.

Secondly, the Hawkeyes did a really good job in pass coverage. They were physical, knocking Buck receivers off their routes. When the refs didn’t call penalties, they got more physical. Finally, they were able to put a lot of pressure on Stroud. He sometimes kept the play alive only to make a bad decision or throw it away.

I could almost feel Stroud’s frustration. He lost his patience. He started forcing his passes. He didn’t have a great game. Maybe he was rusty after the bye, maybe he was troubled (as we all were) seeing Jaxon Smith-Njigba limp off the field at less than the halfway mark of the second quarter. Whatever the reason(s), Stroud didn’t have one of his best games. He got sacked and had the ball stripped and recovered for an Iowa TD on Ohio State’s second possession of the game. Although throwing an interception on the first play, he was better in the second half. OSU was more successful in protecting Stroud in the pocket, and the Iowa pass rush was less ferocious. Some adjustments had been made on the routes that enabled Buckeye receivers to get a little separation.

Day and the Buckeye staff gave up on the running game. I’m not sure that I blame them; it wasn’t going anywhere. But without it, the Buckeyes are much less on offense. And when there aren’t big plays, long gainers, you can feel a certain little panic – with the players, the play callers, the OSU fans. That’s a problem. More patience will be needed next week and in the future.

Defense

Overall rating: AA Very Strong


Since this game showed an Ohio State defense that was one of the best that I’ve seen in a long time, I’m going to assume (at least for this column) that the dominance was all attributable to Jim Knowles’ defense, and not the feeble Iowa offense. Iowa had 159 yards of total offense. They were 1/13 on third-down conversion attempts and 1/4 on fourth-down attempts. Aside from a couple of nice draw plays in the third quarter, Iowa did nothing. The Buckeye D was aggressive throughout the game and simply dominated.

Linebackers Steele Chambers and Tommy Eichenberg made most of the tackles, but the line controlled the line of scrimmage and made life miserable for Hawkeye runners and passers. There was some pregame speculation that OSU defensive backs would have trouble covering Iowa’s good tight ends. Not really a problem at all. The safeties handled them, and pressure on Iowa QBs canceled the passing attack.

But it’s the turnovers that we’ll remember. For the game, Iowa had 15 offensive possessions. They lost three fumbles, threw three interceptions, failed on a fake punt, punted five times, and turned the ball over on downs twice on failed fourth-down attempts. Oh, and they had a 49-yard field goal early in the second quarter. That’s it – three points. (The touchdown was scored by the Iowa defense.)

I applaud the defense. They are so much better – in every way – than last year. Importantly, the OSU defense can carry the load when the offense struggles.

Special Teams

Overall rating: A Strong


No glaring blunders. No bonehead plays. Fair catches were called and made. Kickoff and kicking teams executed their plays cleanly. Freshman Caden Curry made a nice, open-field tackle to foil a foolish fake punt attempt. And Noah Ruggles (remember him?) made all four of his field goal attempts. No fireworks on special teams. Just solid play.

Individual Performances

Blue Chip


Zach Harrison. I’m not the only Ohio State fan waiting for Zach Harrison to live up to his potential. He’s getting there. Against the Hawkeyes, Harrison was all over the quarterbacks. He was too quick, too strong for the guys trying to block him, and it seemed as though he could do whatever he wanted. While he may not be credited with a dozen tackles, he was there – stopping the play.

Tanner McCallister. We all had high hopes for the Oklahoma State transfer, and he met them yesterday. Two interceptions! Yeah, I know that McCallister got flagged on an interference call, but he roamed that secondary like a predator.

Tommy Eichenberg. As I’ve said before, Eichenberg is a different player this year. He’s become one of those fierce, aggressive Buckeye linebackers that we’ve come to expect. Seven tackles and a pick-six interception – not a bad afternoon.

Lathan Ransom. The safeties played strong games for OSU, and Ransom stood out. He was frequently involved in stopping Iowa runs and finished with five tackles. He also had a fumble recovery, capping a very fine game.

Noah Ruggles. Last year, Ruggles was “Mr. Automatic.” This year, with Ohio State’s TD success in the red zone, we’ve hardly seen him. But he made all of his kicks yesterday. “So what?” you ask. “He’s supposed to make them.” Yes, but what if he had missed them? As the Buckeyes were thwarted time after time in the first half, momentum was at stake. Missed field goals would have kept the Hawks in the game. Ruggles didn’t miss.

Solid Performance


Marvin Harrison, Jr. Both Fleming (105) and Emeka Egbuka (80) had more receiving yards than Harrison. But Harrison made several spectacular catches when just such catches were needed. He’s a clutch performer. I thought about putting him above, as a “blue chipper,” but I really didn’t think that any offensive player deserved that status.

Steele Chambers. I love his name, which reminds me of the Pittsburgh “Steel Curtain” of the 1970s. Chambers, like Eichenberg, was all over the field against Iowa.

Jerron Cage. Interior defensive linemen often don’t get the credit that they deserve. Cage played a strong game, plugging up the middle when he was in there. The Iowa line couldn’t push him around at all.

Caden Curry. Curry played on special teams and came in late in the game at defensive end. On Iowa’s fake punt, I really thought that the kicker was going to get the first down. But Curry stuck him. A defensive lineman making an open-field tackle! He also recovered a fumble. I look forward to seeing much more of this guy.

Penny Stock


Dawand Jones. There are probably other offensive players that belong in this category, but the right side of the Buckeye offensive line was subpar on both running and passing plays throughout the game. D. Jones, in addition to missing blocks, was whistled for lining up in the backfield. The thoughtless play canceled a nice completion to Cade Stover, stalled another OSU drive, and forced yet another field goal instead of a touchdown. Sometimes, it’s the little things.


Yes, I’m greedy, but I found this 44-point drubbing of the Hawkeyes to be disappointing. I hadn’t thought that any team could simply shut down the Buckeye run game. Iowa did. I also worry about Stroud’s ability to maintain his cool when things aren’t going well. The Buckeye offensive line was beaten all through the first half of the game.

It was a big win. No doubt. But some improvements need to be made. Before next Saturday. While the Nittany Lions didn’t look very special against TTUN, they looked good yesterday against a pretty decent Minnesota team. The Buckeyes better be ready.

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