Why is this News? All the articles and tweets Buckeye fans need for October 28, 2022
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch via Imagn Content Services, LLC

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


Watch Ryan Day’s Thursday Radio Show:


(Thurs)Day: ‘You want to know where Penn State is on the schedule’ | No injury updates
Dave Biddle, Bucknuts

Ryan Day Radio Show: Ryan Day Expects “A Good Environment” in Happy Valley, Says Ohio State Will Need “Fast Start” Against Penn State on Saturday
Chase Brown and Griffin Strom, Eleven Warriors

Ryan Day has no update on status of Buckeyes WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba
Joey Kaufman, The Columbus Dispatch

Let’s, as they say, F-ing Go!


Film Preview: Penn State’s offense runs through Sean Clifford, Manny Diaz’s new look defensively
Chris Renne, Land-Grant Holy Land

Breaking down where Penn State may have edge, present problems for Buckeyes
Spencer Holbrook, Lettermen Row

C.J. Stroud, Ohio State Offense Face Talented Penn State Secondary Led by “Best DB in College Football: Joey Porter Jr.
Griffin Strom, Eleven Warriors

James Franklin Previews Battle Between Penn State Secondary, Ohio State’s Receivers
Braden Moles, Buckeye Sports Bulletin

Buckeyes receivers facing toughest test yet against talented Penn State secondary
Tim May, Lettermen Row

Penn State to ‘Stripe Out’ Beaver Stadium vs. Ohio State
Colin Gay, The Columbus Dispatch

Ohio State vs. Penn State game preview and prediction (paywall)
Mark Cooper, The Athletic

#DevelopedHere


Checking in on the 2022 Buckeye freshmen
David M Wheeler, Land-Grant Holy Land

How ‘scarred’ linebackers learned from past to elevate Buckeyes revamped defense (paywall)
Spencer Holbrook, Lettermen Row

What injury setback means for Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Buckeyes (paywall)
Austin Ward, Dotting the Eyes

Lathan Ransom Feeling “Way More Comfortable” in New Role as He Emerges as One of College Football’s Best Safeties
Dan Hope, Eleven Warriors

Mitch Rossi’s fullback role will be pivotal for Ohio State down the stretch (paywall)
Bill Landis, Dotting the Eyes

MC&J: Tennessee and TCU look to stay undefeated as October comes to a close
Brett Ludwiczak, Land-Grant Holy Land

On the Hardwood


Big Ten men’s basketball team previews: Michigan State Spartans
Justin Golba, Land-Grant Holy Land

Listen to the latest episode of our men’s basketball podcast:

Outside the Shoe and Schott


Women’s Soccer: Seven Buckeyes Earn All-Big Ten Accolades
Ohio State Athletics

Women’s Hockey: Jaques Advances to Voting Round of the AAU James A. Sullivan Award
Ohio State Athletics

And now for something completely different...


Between this and Andre the Giant, the amount of people who think these are real will never not be funny:


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Buck Off Podcast: Penn State report, the story of Sean Clifford, and Ryan Day talking ball
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 Emilee Chinn/Getty Images

The guys are back to talk the rivalry between Ohio State and Penn State, and how Sean Clifford as a player defines the last six years.

Listen to the episode and subscribe:

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


On today’s episode of “Buck Off with Christopher Renne,” I’m joined by Jordan Williams. We take a look at Ohio State and get into a discussion about James Franklin’s soft approach to coaching Penn State.

To get the show started, the guys open with the always burning question – is Penn State a rival of Ohio State? They discuss why the term rival is held too sacredly by the Ohio State fan base and why Penn State is in fact a rival of Ohio State

After that, the duo get into their Penn State report, and the conversation starts with Sean Clifford. Talking about his improvement as a quarterback, and how the Nittany Lions always come up short because their coach and quarterback. Then the guys get into the defensive side of the ball and discuss what Manny Diaz brings to the table.

Moving on from that, Chris and Jordan then talk about a question from the Twitter-verse asking which Penn State players would start at Ohio State? They go down a list of some of Penn State’s best players and discuss if they would start for the Buckeyes.

As the show moves forward, they then get into Ryan Day’s comments heading into the game. They also discuss Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s injury situation and the new schedule.

To close out the show, the guys give their reasons Ohio State will win and score predictions.


Connect with the Show:
Twitter: @BuckOffPod

Connect with Chris Renne:
Twitter: @ChrisRenneCFB

Connect with Jordan Williams
Twitter: @JordanW330

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Ohio State looks to be in good position for two of their top targets in 2023, 2024
Caleb Houser 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

Multiple predictions submitted for the Buckeyes to land a pair of big names.

Now into the back half of the season, Ohio State plays game eight tomorrow of the regular season campaign, and while that means some of these contests start to mean a little more, that also means Signing Day is quickly approaching. Only just over a month separates the Buckeyes from the December signing period, and the staff will hope to sign the majority if not all of their current commits during that period.

That said, there’s still a few spots up for grabs. With the hope of certain names attached to those spots, the work isn’t over yet for this current 2023 cycle. The regular season is first and foremost the top priority for this staff, but as we’ve seen over and over, recruiting rarely takes a back seat to anything in Columbus.

Buckeyes continue to trend for top receiver


In yesterday’s edition of State Secrets, 2024 receiver Jeremiah Smith was one of the main topics of discussion. After news came out on Wednesday that Smith would not be visiting Michigan this weekend as originally planned, the Buckeyes love to see their top target at the receiver position staying away from their biggest rival. Fast forward a bit, and Smith is once again seeing his name in the headlines in regards to Ohio State-related news. The fortunate aspect for the Buckeyes, the news continues to be trending in a positive direction.

Similar to his Michigan visit cancellation theme, on Thursday On3 insider EJ Holland, who covers the Wolverines, put his prediction in for Smith’s commitment to end in favor of Ohio State. Maybe the canceled visit has something to do with this prediction or maybe it’s just coincidence, but the Buckeyes continue to be the clear favorite for the nation’s top receiver in the 2024 class.

The No. 2 player nationally per the 247Sports Composite, Smith’s commitment isn’t expected to come in the coming days or possibly even weeks, but as momentum continues to grow in favor of the Buckeyes, it’s not out of the question that this recruitment could in fact end sooner than expected, with Ohio State winning out. With Brian Hartline doing the heavy lifting here for his position group, you have to like his chances of being able to add yet another incredible player to his room as he has done so many times already.

Wilson momentum growing


Ohio State also saw their name picked in regard to another On3 recruiting prediction yesterday, but this time for a top 2023 target. Switching sides of the ball and looking at the defensive line, the Buckeyes are focusing on that spot more than any other as they try and close out their 2023 class, with more than just one big time player addition. In fact, the coaching staff is hoping for at least two elite additions to a group who needs to reload their depth. Fortunately, they sit in a great spot for more than just one of their top targets.

This latest update is for Damon Wilson, who was predicted by Ohio State insider Matt Parker to end up with the Buckeyes when he commits to the school of his choice. The 6-foot-4, 230 pound edge rusher has been most closely linked to both Ohio State and Georgia as his recruitment starts to wind down, and while both schools are in a solid spot, it’s the Buckeyes who seem to have the inside track for winning this one in the end.

The No. 19 player nationally per the 247Sports Composite, Wilson is also the second best player at his position and the fifth-ranked player in Florida for 2023. Nothing is set in stone yet, but if momentum continues to trend towards Ohio State, it’s a pretty safe assumption that the Buckeyes, thanks to position coach Larry Johnson, are well on their way to adding another top edge rusher to a defensive line that continues to churn out NFL caliber players.

Quick Hits

• Maybe one of the players who goes a bit under the radar in Ohio State’s 2023 class, current tight end commit Jelani Thurman doesn’t always get talked about as much as he should. The sole tight end in the class for the Buckeyes, Thurman is the No. 105 player nationally and the fourth best tight-end in the class according to the 247Sports Composite.

A player who can do it all, Thurman will be welcomed addition to a tight end room that definitely needs to continue adding depth. Fortunately, his ball-catching skills are already off the charts, and he’s shown that time and time again. To see just a glimpse at what Ohio State is getting in Jelani, take a look below.


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DALLAS GANT, LB, TOLEDO

Toledo was the first school to offer Dallas Gant back in 2015. Then, as Rockets head coach Jason Candle puts it, Gant “outgrew us a little bit.” Gant developed into a national recruit in the 2018 class. He ranked as the No. 59 overall player in the Top247 that cycle and ultimately picked Ohio State.

Yet, Gant never caught on in Columbus. He redshirted in 2018, played a career-high 120 snaps as a redshirt freshman and then saw his snap share decrease the next two seasons. Ultimately, he entered the portal as a fifth-year senior with little film and a lot to prove. Those players, formerly elite prospects with limited career snaps, can disappear in the transfer portal.

But, Toledo had an advantage when it came to evaluating Gant. The coaching staff had known Gant for seven years.
“We benefited from knowing him as a human being and as a young man growing up in Toledo,” Candle said. “You take the video you can get, compare it to what you have on the roster and see if it matches.”

Gant was a perfect fit.

He’s been a critical piece for the Rockets. Gant leads the team with 72 total tackles to go along with 4.5 tackles for loss, 4 passes defended and a forced fumble. He’s also the fourth-highest graded linebacker in the MAC, per PFF College. He’s getting better, too. Gant never saw extended snaps in his Buckeye career. Candle said Toledo's foundation is its developmental process and Gant’s first dose of sustained reps are helping him improve week by week.

Ultimately, Toledo landed Gant — a talent it wouldn’t usually be able to sign out of high school — because both parties were willing to give the other a second chance.

“All of us go through times when a particular prospect doesn’t pick your school,” Candle said. “You’re going to do it the right way, still treat people with respect and if it doesn’t go your way, you’re going to finish it out the right way. In this case on the backend when he wants to transfer, coming back home becomes an option once again because you did it the right way the first time.”

Beano Cook said:

The FBS record is 3 safeties in one game. The first time was in 1996, when Arizona State beat two-time defending national champion Nebraska 19-0, ending the Huskers 26 game winning streak. That season didn't end on such a high note for the Sun Devils, blowing an unbeaten season and a shot at the title by losing the Rose Bowl.

I'm guessing this group knows who won that Rose Bowl.

Click to expand...

I think we do.

But Arizona State shutting out Nebraska should have been foreseen. They only gave up 77 to the Huskers in Lincoln the previous season.

Play Like a Girl Podcast: We’ve always believed in you, Justin Fields
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 Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images

Plus, how Team Cat and Team Dog fared last week and why refs are people, too.

On LGHL’s Play Like a Girl podcast, Megan and Meredith talk everything from Ohio State sports to advocacy for women in sports and all the happenings in between.

Check out the podcast below, and make sure to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts:


Happy Halloween (almost) and welcome back to the Play Like a Girl podcast! This week, Megan and Meredith talk exciting happenings from the NFL, including Justin Fields finally getting the win he deserves, Bailey Zappe (and not for the first time on the show) and how refs are people, too—at least if the story they told is true and they weren’t actually trying to get Mike Evans’ autograph.

On the collegiate side of things, the pair review how Team Cat did vs. Team Dog this week and discuss what we learned about Ohio State’s offense last week against one of the nation’s top defenses in Iowa.

Check out the full pod for more.


Contact Megan Husslein
Twitter: @meganhusslein

Contact Meredith Hein
Twitter: @MeredithHein

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MC&J: Tennessee and TCU look to stay undefeated as October comes to a close
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 Bryan Lynn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The Volunteers host Kentucky before next week’s showdown with Georgia, while the Horned Frogs travel to West Virginia.

Last week ATS: 5-7 (2-3 B1G, 3-4 National)

Season ATS: 57-67-3 (28-34-1 B1G, 29-32-2 National)

Did I think that at this point of the season I’d be 10 games under .500? Not at all. Thankfully there is still more than a month left before the regular season ends and bowl matchups are announced. As bad as the record is right now, one big week could get us close to even. It has happened before, so hopefully this week is more treat than trick.

National games:


(All lines courtesy of Draftkings Sportsbook.)

No. 7 TCU (-7.5) v. West Virginia - 12:00 p.m. - ESPN

I understand why TCU is only a 7.5-point favorite in this game. The Horned Frogs are coming off a stretch where their last four games have come against teams that were ranked at the time. The last two weeks have seen TCU fall behind their opponents by double-digits in the first half, only to stage comebacks in the second half to stay undefeated.

Taking a ranked team hitting the road to take on an unranked foe is always a cause for concern. Luckily for TCU it seems like West Virginia is a team in crisis. The Mountaineers are coming off a 48-10 loss at Texas Tech, and it feels like head coach Neal Brown is on the hot seat. It also is concerning for West Virginia that leading rusher Tony Mathis Jr. won’t play in this game.

Maybe West Virginia quarterback J.T. Daniels, who is at his 23rd college, can put up a huge effort to lead the Mountaineers to an upset. I’m not counting on it, though. This TCU team looks like it is going to be a player in the College Football Playoff race. If the Horned Frogs lose, I feel like it’ll be when they have to go to Texas or Baylor. West Virginia is just too much of a mess right now for me to trust.

TCU 45, West Virginia 28


Notre Dame v. No. 16 Syracuse (-2.5) - 12:00 p.m. - ABC

Notre Dame started the season with losses to Ohio State and Marshall. Marcus Freeman’s team has at least pointed things in the right direction with four wins in their last five games. After Tyler Buchner was ruled out for the rest of the season due to injury following the loss to Marshall, Drew Pyne has thrown for 1,077 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Syracuse had Clemson on the ropes last week, but the Orange couldn’t pull off the upset of the Tigers. The result might have been different if running back Sean Tucker saw more than five carries in the game. There’s absolutely no reason quarterback Garrett Shrader should finish the game with 21 carries and one of the best running backs in the country only carries the football five times.

Syracuse might have a bit of a hangover this week after expending so much energy trying to pull the upset of Clemson. I’m also not sure of where the team’s head is at after Tucker was used sparingly in that game. Meanwhile, Notre Dame has recovered after a tough start to the season. The Fighting Irish show why their defense was considered one of the best in the country heading into the season.

Notre Dame 24, Syracuse 17


No. 9 Oklahoma State v. No. 22 Kansas State (-1.5) - 3:30 p.m. - FOX

Some stretches in the Big 12 are brutal. Oklahoma State has taken on TCU and Texas the last two weeks, losing in double overtime to the Horned Frogs before beating Texas in Stillwater last week. Spencer Sanders put forth a huge effort last week, throwing for 391 yards and two touchdowns last week against the Longhorns.

Much like the Cowboys two weeks ago, Kansas State looked like they were going to hand TCU their first loss of the season. Unfortunately for the Wildcats, the Horned Frogs made adjustments in the second half and rebounded to earn the victory. Kansas State comes into this game with some injury concerns, as quarterback Adrian Martinez and running back Deuce Vaughn are banged up.

There have been a number of occasions where I have underestimated Kansas State in the past and the Wildcats have made me pay for it. I’m sure this will end up being another of those times, but I just can’t trust K-State right now with the number of key players that are injured coming into this game. Oklahoma State doesn’t have a sound defense, I’m just not convinced the Wildcats have the healthy weapons to take advantage of a defense giving up 450 yards per game.

Oklahoma State 41, Kansas State 31


No. 10 Wake Forest (-3.5) v. Louisville - 3:30 p.m. - ACC Network

Unlike earlier in this article where I went against a ranked team hitting the road to take on an unranked opponent, I do really like Louisville here. The Cardinals have been up-and-down this year, but they look like they are getting their act together, winning three of their last four games. Following a season where he accounted for 39 touchdowns, Malik Cunningham has had a bit of a slow start to the season, with just 14 touchdowns in the six games he has appeared in.

Wake Forest definitely has a potent passing attack with quarterback Sam Hartman and favorite target A.T. Perry. Other than that, what stands out about the Demon Deacons? I’m not coming up with anything. Louisville’s defense is just as good, and Cunningham is more dynamic with his ability to run the football. The Cardinals continue to recover from their slow start to the season with a win over a ranked opponent.

Louisville 34, Wake Forest 27


No. 20 Cincinnati (-1) v. UCF - 3:30 p.m. - ESPN

Cincinnati has been playing with fire lately, with their last three wins coming by 10 points or less. Last week the Bearcats almost blew a 29-14 lead in the fourth quarter, with SMU not being able to convert the two-point conversion to tie the game. Luke Fickell’s team is strong this year, they just aren’t nearly as invincible as last year, which is to be expected after losing so many starters to the NFL.

Heading into last week’s game, UCF looked like they were rolling, with four straight wins by at least 17 points. The winning streak came to an end after the Knights suffered a 34-13 loss to East Carolina. UCF wasn’t able to recover from the three interceptions that John Rhys Plumlee threw in the game. The Ole Miss transfer had been really good before last week, throwing for 11 touchdown passes, and adding another seven scores on the ground.

UCF is going to come into this game angry after getting whooped last week, while Cincinnati might not be as sharp with this being their second road game in a row. The Knights snap Cincinnati’s three-game winning streak in the series in a game that comes down to the wire.

UCF 38, Cincinnati 34


No. 19 Kentucky v. No. 3 Tennessee (-12.5) - 7:00 p.m. - ESPN

Earlier this month, Kentucky looked like a team that was in trouble after losing to Ole Miss and South Carolina. Before getting last weekend off, the Wildcats were able to stop the bleeding with a win over Mississippi State in Lexington. After sitting out the loss to the Gamecocks, Will Levis returned against the Bulldogs. The big star in the win two weeks ago was running back Chris Rodriguez Jr., who rushed for 197 yards and two scores. Rodriguez has now ran for 395 yards and three scores after missing the first four games of the season due to suspension.

After the emotional win over Alabama, the Volunteers took on college football powerhouse UT-Martin last week. Tennessee’s offense is rivaling Ohio State’s this year, averaging 50 points per game and averaging over 500 yards per game. Hendon Hooker is in the mix to win the Heisman Trophy, with the Tennessee quarterback looking like C.J. Stroud’s strongest competition for the award.

While Tennessee certainly isn’t looking past Kentucky in this game, I just wondering how much they are looking ahead to a showdown with Georgia next week. I don’t think the Volunteers lose this game, but Kentucky is going to put up a fight. Kentucky has a great running game, which could allow them to keep the football out of Tennessee’s hands. This game feels like it is going to be decided by 7-10 points.

Tennessee 31, Kentucky 24


No. 15 Ole Miss (-2.5) v. Texas A&M - 7:30 p.m. - SEC Network

Both these teams come into this game not playing their best football. Last week, Ole Miss was trucked by LSU in Baton Rouge 45-20, while Texas A&M has dropped three straight games. The latest of those losses for the Aggies came last week at South Carolina. Even though Texas A&M is the laughingstock of college football, there is a little reason for optimism since they return to College Station to play at Kyle Field for the first time in over a month.

Ole Miss can certainly run the football. Freshman running back Quinshon Judkins has been phenomenal this year, rushing for 831 yards and 12 scores so far. The Rebels have needed a lot from Judkins and the running game, since Jaxson Dart is an inconsistent quarterback. Things won’t get any easier for Dart through the air, since he is taking on a Texas A&M pass defense that is only allowing 175 yards per game.

Ole Miss is not only the better team, they are definitely better coached. Having said that, I still like Texas A&M in this game. The Aggies will probably go on and win the rest of their games and Jimbo Fisher will puff his chest out heading into next season, leading to Texas A&M being ranked way too high.

Texas A&M 31, Ole Miss 27

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

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Big Ten men’s basketball team previews: Michigan State Spartans
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

Can Tom Izzo get his team back to its first Sweet 16 since 2018-19?

Team: Michigan State Spartans
Coach: Tom Izzo (28th season)
2021-22 record: 23-13 (11-9)
Season finish: NCAA Tournament round of 32

Players returning: A.J. Hoggard, Tyson Walker, Jaden Akins, Malik Hall, Joey Hauser, Mady Sissoko, Pierre Brooks

Players departed: Julius Marble II (Texas A&M), Max Christie, Marcus Bingham Jr., Gabe Brown

Key additions: Jaxon Kohler, Tre Holloman, Carson Cooper

Outlook


This Spartan team returns a lot of talent, but they will need someone to step up into a more prominent role. Most people are looking towards A.J. Hoggard and Malik Hall to fill that void. Hoggard averaged 7.0 points and 4.8 assists per game last season, and Hall averaged 8.9 points and 4.8 rebounds.

The Spartans lost Max Christie to the NBA, Julius Marble to Texas A&M and Gabe Brown and Marcus Bingham to graduation. Brown, Bingham, and Christie were the top three scorers on the team last season, and Brown was the only Spartan to average double figures, so the production heading out of East Lansing is not small. Malik Hall and the three guards of A.J. Hoggard, Tyson Walker and Jaden Akins have to all take jumps, as their minute sin the rotation are going to increase.

Pierre Brooks was the 2021 Mr. Basketball in the state of Michigan, and he will have a larger role in his sophomore season. The Spartans’ freshman class of Jaxon Kohler, Tre Holloman and Carson Cooper will all likely play a role for the Spartans as well. Mady Sissoko will likely step into the starting center role, and will have to help replace some of the lost rebounding with the departures of Bingham and Brown.

X Factor


A.J. Hoggard. Hoggard is a talented guard that should be expected to take a large jump. Spartan coach Tom Izzo knows exactly how important his main ball handler will be in his offense next season.

“At that position, if the guards are playing well, your team has a better chance of playing well,” Izzo said at Spartan media day. “The center’s important, but probably not going to determine your team as much. [...] A.J. Hoggard is a very important part for this team right now, but there has to be some changes. He knows it, I know it. I’ve got to give a little, he’s got to give a lot, because I have history on my side.”

“Things started to go a little more smoothly for me,” Hoggard said of the end of last season. “And just me carrying it this year and continuing to grow on it.”

Hoggard also knows that putting on the Spartan uniform means something and he wants to live up to the tradition.

“Just being a part of his lineage is something special. Not everyone gets to do it, so just being a part of his lineage and just learning from him every day and just learning how to be a better leader from him every day is just going to take me a long way.”

All of his shooting splits will need to improve, in particular his three-point percentage (21 percent) and his free throw percentage (63 percent), but he has all the intangibles to be an all-conference player.

Prediction


I am certainly not going to sit here and predict that Tom Izzo will miss the NCAA Tournament. He has had worse teams than this current one that went to the big dance, and this one will get to the latter weeks in March.

However, after that, it does become a question mark. They have a solid trio of guards in the backcourt in Hoggard, Tyson Walker and Jaden Akins, and Malik Hall and Joey Hauser make up an interesting frontcourt. They will need their freshmen and guys who played less than 10 minutes per game last season to step into productive roles and become reliable rotational players. If they get that, they are a top five team in the conference. And you can never count out Izzo in March.

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Checking in on the 2022 Buckeye freshmen
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


Freshman running back Dallan Hayden breaks through a hole against Michigan State. | Photo by Adam Ruff/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Are they seeing as much playing time as last year’s class? Are they as good?

Last year several Ohio State freshmen made really big impacts. A couple of them earned starting positions very early in the year, and others flashed not only potential, but genuine greatness when they were on the field. Obviously, the two that stand out most were running back TreVeyon Henderson and cornerback Denzel Burke. Both had outstanding years, and Henderson’s was record-breaking.

Henderson, who played in all 13 Buckeye games, became a starter in the Tulsa game and drew national attention when his 23 carries netted 270 rushing yards and three touchdowns. He would finish the season with 1,248 yards on 183 carries (6.8 yards/carry average) and 15 rushing TDs. He also caught 27 passes for 312 yards and another four touchdowns (Why aren’t the Buckeyes passing to him this year?). He broke the OSU record for touchdowns in a season by a freshman.

Burke wasn’t nearly as heralded coming out of high school as was the five-star Henderson, but he became a starter at cornerback quickly and enjoyed a season that would produce predictions of All-America status this year. In 2021, Burke was eighth on the team in total tackles with 35 and had 12 pass breakups with an interception.

Marvin Harrison Jr., Emeka Egbuka, and Tyleik Williams also made names for themselves as first-year Buckeyes. Harrison Jr. didn’t really shine until the Rose Bowl game against Utah. Then, he really shone – to the tune of three touchdown receptions. That game was just a showcase for the kind of performances that he’s putting in this year, game after game.

Egbuka didn’t have the kind of breakout that Harrison enjoyed on New Year’s Day, but he showed his speed on several big plays and on kickoff returns that we kept expecting him to break. Egbuka finished the 2021 season with nine catches for 191 yards. Do the math: that’s a 21.2 yards per reception average!

Then, there’s Tyleik Williams, who seemingly came out of nowhere to become one of my favorite 2021 Buckeyes. While he would start plays in the middle of the OSU defensive line, he usually finished them in the opponents’ backfield. His 6.5 tackles for loss and 5 sacks were second in each category only to Haskell Garrett.

Additionally, J.T. Tuimoloau, Jack Sawyer, Kyle McCord, and Evan Pryor all saw meaningful playing time during the year. It seems to me, after seven games this year — all of them at the very least double-digit wins — that we haven’t seen that much of this year’s freshmen. They’re simply not playing as much and not making the same sort of impact. Why is that? Is it good or bad?

2022 Buckeye freshmen


Ohio State’s 2022 recruiting class had 21 players. So far, all but four of them have seen some playing time. Of the 17 who have played, I believe that cornerback Jyaire Brown is the only one to have started a game, and he was pulled into that starting role because of injuries at an already thin position. I want to take a look at six players in the class and assess their contributions.

Jyaire Brown, CB. I’ll start with Brown since I’ve mentioned him. Although he was pretty far down on the recruiting ladder – 24th at his position and 192 overall — he’s played defense in six of the seven OSU games for a total of 116 snaps. He’s collected six total tackles, two pass deflections, and a forced fumble. With Burke, Cam Brown, and Jordan Hancock all missing games, Jyaire Brown has filled in capably. He’s not getting the acclaim that Burke received last year, but I think that he’s played pretty well. He’s also played (39 snaps) on various special teams, so he sees a fair amount of action.

Caden Curry, Edge. Staying with the defensive side, I look next at Curry, a player who has really stood out. He makes a difference when he’s in the game, even though the Buckeyes are loaded at his position. He’s played in all seven games, accumulating 73 snaps on defense and 78 on special teams. We saw his work on the punt return team this past Saturday when he stopped Iowa’s silly fake punt. Curry is tied for 12th on the team in total tackles with 11; one and a half of them were for a loss. About in the middle of his class in terms of rating, Curry was the No. 123 player overall. Next year, he should see more time as he moves into the regular edge rotation.

Kye Stokes, S. When he was recruited, Stokes was considered an “athlete,” but he’s found a home at safety for the Bucks. I first became aware of him during the spring game, when he was making plays all over the place. Talk about a motor. This season he’s played some defense (74 defensive snaps) in every game but Notre Dame. He’s also frequently on the field during punts and kicks (40 snaps) and has recorded nine total tackles, one of them for a loss, and has forced a fumble. He’s going to be a good one, yet was largely below the recruiting radar at No. 351 overall nationally.

Dallan Hayden, RB. When Pryor was lost for the season, Hayden moved right into the third running back slot. I doubt that he expected that or that he’d see action in every Buckeye game (So much for a red shirt). Although he generally enters the game in mop up time, when everyone is expecting a running play up the middle, he’s still managed to average 4.7 yards on his 54 carries. He has a touchdown and a long run of 45 yards, where he was able to show his speed. He’s got 255 net yards for the year and could easily hit 500 before season’s end.

C.J. Hicks, LB. Hicks, one of two five-star recruits in the 2022 class, was the top-rated player among OSU’s freshmen. This year, he’s played in six games but almost exclusively on special teams. He’s seen 86 snaps and has made five tackles on those plays. Yes, the Bucks have a lot of linebackers. Steele Chambers, Tommy Eichenberg, and Cody Simon have all played really well. And, in the new defensive alignment, there are often only two backers on the field at a time. Still, I would have thought that we’d see more of Hicks.

Sonny Styles, S. Styles reclassified from 2023 to arrive in Columbus a year earlier. He’s the other five-star player in the class. He’s played much more than Hicks. While he’s been in on 97 special teams plays, he’s also been involved in 49 defensive snaps. Styles has six total tackles and one TFL. There’s no question of his talent, but there are a lot of good safeties ahead of him on the Buckeye depth chart.

Bottom line


Well, it’s not just my perception. Freshmen did play more in 2021 and made a larger impact. The question is “why?” Were the players better in 2021? Well, the 2021 class ranked second nationally, the 2022 class fourth. Both are outstanding numbers, and you would think that there might not be that much difference between the two.

While the 2022 class had two five-star players, the 2021 class (after Quinn Ewers reclassified into it) had seven. Ewers is gone, and McCord is biding his time behind C.J. Stroud. The other five, however, are all starting or, in the case of J.T. Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer, seeing about equal snaps in a rotation. Egbuka and Donovan Jackson didn’t start as freshmen but are well-entrenched in the starting lineup now, as is former four-star recruit Harrison Jr. Mike Hall Jr. and J.K. Johnson, from the 2021 class, also see considerable playing time and occasional starts.

Are these 2021 players simply better than this year’s group? Maybe so. But to be fair, we should wait until next year to make that call since many of them didn’t really stand out until their second year.

Or is the team better this year, with more returning players? Face it, Ohio State is much more experienced (at nearly every position) and deeper this year than last. It’s one of the primary reasons that the team is superior. That experience and depth make it much harder for guys like Hicks or Curry to crack the lineup. Hayden and Jyaire Brown have gotten playing time through injury.

On the other hand, that freshman class last year was special, and they’re really showing their stuff now. Let’s hope that, when midseason next year rolls around, we’ll be saying the same things about the 2022 class.

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Film Preview: Penn State’s offense runs through Sean Clifford, Manny Diaz’s new look defensively
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 Emilee Chinn/Getty Images

Ohio State will be facing a familiar foe offensively against Penn State, but the new-look defense may provide some challenges for the Buckeyes.

The James Franklin-led Penn State Nittany Lions are hosting the Ohio State Buckeyes this weekend. They are still led by Sean Clifford at quarterback, but the Nittany Lions are the most talented roster Ohio State has played to date. For all of his downfalls, Franklin has built a roster that has been able to challenge the Buckeyes regularly.

Penn State has consistently given the Buckeyes some of their toughest matchups, with the last six meetings all being decided by 11-points or less. Franklin has tried to modernize his offense with the hiring of Mike Yurcich, but has been unable to field a consistent run game. This has led to a reliance on quarterback Sean Clifford, which surmises to say that the results have been inconsistent.

On defense, Penn State was tasked with replacing the long-tenured defensive coordinator Brent Pry. Pry was a significant part in the success Penn State has had over recent years in slowing down the Buckeyes. Now, former Miami head coach Manny Diaz has brought his high pressure defense to State College. The difference in philosophy has led to mixed results, and Diaz will need to have his team organized if they want to have any chance of slowing down Ohio State.

Offense


The Penn State offense starts and stops with how Clifford plays. His inconsistencies as a passer have defined the last four years of the Penn State football program, and will once again take center stage against the Buckeyes in Happy Valley.

Prior to Penn State’s matchup against Michigan, the Nittany Lion offense had found some balance behind their running backs. Freshman Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen came on to the scene early in the year as effective running backs, but as of late the run game has not risen to the levels many around Penn State foresaw. Ohio State has been successful in stopping the run this year, so once again this matchup will come down to Clifford’s quarterback play.

Clifford as a passer

Mike Yurcich knows his quarterback has limitations as a passer, and this has led to a lot of throws across the middle of the field. Penn State utilizes shallow crossers, dig routes, and post routes more than most teams. Last season, Penn State found success attacking the middle of Ohio State’s defense, and this will be the case once again.

In the first play, Penn State is in a 3rd-and-9 situation against Minnesota. They split out their tight end into the slot, and Minnesota has him uncovered with the safety being used as a blitzer. This gives the tight end a free run up the seam, and once he clears the linebackers, Clifford delivers a strike. His comfortability is high on these throws, and this is a common place of attack for Penn State’s offense.


Penn State’s offense is not scared to take shots down field, and Clifford does have the arm strength to push the ball outside the numbers. The last two seasons Penn State hasn’t found success passing downfield against the Buckeyes with Jahan Dotson on the roster. The issue is Clifford is inconsistent at best throwing the ball deep.

Penn State has talented wide receivers, but they are not utilized consistency because of the level of Clifford’s play. In the next clip we see the athleticism and speed Penn State has at the receiver position. They are lined in a “Doubles - Stack” formation, meaning one receiver is on top of the other. This will be a challenge for Ohio State’s safeties and corners when it comes to communication pre-snap about which receiver to take. Penn State’s receiver gets separation, and Clifford drops the ball outside.

With the struggles of the cornerbacks for Ohio State this season, expect Penn State to try to take some shots early.


Now, for every throw Clifford makes like the one in the previous example, there is one like the play below. Penn State is in a critical 4th-and-6 situation down seven points in the second half against Michigan. Clifford has a receiver open at the first down marker, but he throws the corner route, which also breaks open. The coverage is close enough to impact the receiver, but the ball is overthrown. In the early parts of the game, Clifford has been sharp most of his career, but once the game matters the Sean Clifford below is the one that usually shows up.


QB Run Game

Now, Ohio State fans might get salty at the amount Clifford gets involved in the running game, and I can already hear the echoes of people saying, “This is why Stroud needs to pull the ball every once in a while.”

Clifford needs to add this element to the game because his throwing ability is inconsistent. This added dynamic makes defensive coordinators have to always account for Clifford as a runner. In the play below, Penn State runs a read option off of their inside zone concept. Michigan overcommits their defenders to stopping the running back, and Clifford is athletic enough to rip off a big gain on the ground.

If Ohio State doesn’t remain disciplined in reading their keys and maintaining their responsibilities in run fit, Penn State can use Clifford’s legs to hurt them.


Run game behind running backs

Earlier in the season, freshman running back Nick Singleton had a few huge performances. Since entering conference play, the run game has not been nearly as dynamic, averaging 4.8 yards in the last two games with a season-low 2.9 yards per carry against Michigan.

When the Penn State run game is having success, their zone run schemes are reliant on the offensive line reaching the second level. This is a common indicator of success for many run games.

In the first play, Penn State’s tight end is lined up as an H-Back. The tight end lead blocks through the hole and gets the linebacker at the second level. This lead block opens up a running lane, leading to a nice gain. The offensive line does a great job of getting to their spots and staying on their responsibilities in this play as well.


When the run game is not going well, the theme is similar to Ohio State’s issues – the offensive line gives up interior penetration to the defensive line. Penn State is trying to use their Outside Zone concept to get the first in a 3rd-and-5 situation. Minnesota’s defensive line is able to eat up the double teams, creating congestion in the backfield. This allows the linebacker to flow aggressively, and with the defensive line eating up blockers, the linebacker is able to make the play in the backfield.

Defense


New defensive coordinator Manny Diaz has brought in an entirely new identity. The more reserved and responsibility-oriented Brent Pry was able to limit Ohio State offensively by owning gaps and not giving up big plays. Diaz is the opposite. He brings a lot of pressure in any situation and will gamble to try to make big plays defensively.

Diaz had success against overmatched opponents, like Auburn and Minnesota with their back up quarterback. Michigan is more talented than both of those teams, and they took advantage of the aggressive philosophy of Diaz. By winning at the line of scrimmage, the Wolverines were able to run the ball at will. This will be a huge test for the Buckeyes, because if they can run the ball effectively, that sets up their play-action pass which can really do some damage if Penn State chooses to bring pressure.

Blitzing

Getting into the pressure that Penn State likes to bring, the Nittany Lions defense is willing to blitz any position. They bring safeties, corners, and linebackers on any down and distance, and this creates opportunities for the offense. If Stroud can identify where blitzes are coming from early, this will allow him to adjust protections to attack the areas the blitzers leave vacant.

In the first play, Penn State is lined up straight alignment wise and in Cover-1. Diaz uses a 4-2-5 similarly to Ohio State and Jim Knowles, so this is a look the Ohio State offense has seen a lot. Penn State’s boundary safety is aligned as a player just outside the box and he shows he is blitzing before the snap of the ball. Penn State also runs a “twist” with the interior defensive linemen. The blitz is picked up by Michigan and so is the twist, but this is exactly the type of blitzing action Diaz loves to use to create confusion on the offensive line.


In the next play, Penn State is showing a max pressure. When the ball is snapped, Penn State drops their two backers back into coverage, rushing only five including a safety who walks up late. They once again bring a looping defender into the middle of the rush, but all the movement pre-snap creates confusion for the offensive line in their blocking assignments. The initial rushes do not get home, but they are able to overwhelm the Minnesota offensive line, getting a sack.


For Penn State their pressure aids their coverage, and if the pressure doesn’t get home the coverage falls apart. This is a dangerous balance, especially against a team like Ohio State who has receivers who can dominate matchups in man-coverage and is well-coached enough to attack areas of zone coverages.


Against the run

Michigan laid the blue print for the Buckeyes to attack Penn State’s defense in the run game. The Wolverines’ running backs used outside and wide zone schemes to break off some long runs. Ohio State is still predictable running the ball, but the schemes the Buckeyes run have had proven success against Penn State.

In the first play, Michigan is running a pin-and-pull concept to the boundary. Michigan’s pinners close off the defensive linemen well, giving the pullers a clear path to get out to the next level. The pullers kick out the Penn State defenders and create a running lane all the way to the end zone. If Ohio State can get their offensive linemen moving and up to the second level, they will have a bounce back performance running the ball.


Once again, Michigan is on the right hash and they choose to run into the boundary with the same pin-and-pull concept. This is an example that shows Ohio State doesn’t need to be complicated. They can run their main concepts and have success. Ohio State has regularly used the pin-and-pull concept this year, but the Buckeyes have mainly used their wide zone to the boundary. Once again, Michigan shows how movable Penn State can be, and another running lane is made by the offensive line that gets the running back to the sticks untouched.


Penn State is a solid, well-coached football team, and on the road will provide a challenge for Ohio State this weekend. This is a huge game for the Buckeyes, and they will have to come into this one prepared for the kitchen sink to be thrown at them.

The Penn State offense is heavily reliant on the success of quarterback Sean Clifford. When Clifford is throwing the ball well and running the ball with a purpose, the offense moves and can put some points on the board. In the run game, Singleton has played well and the duo he forms with Allen has been potent. The issues arise when the run game disappears and Penn State needs Clifford to take over. If Ohio State can take the running game out of the picture, the Penn State offense will be in for a long day.

Defensively, Penn State has been a consistent group this season outside of one contest. Ohio State will have to be prepared for Penn State’s defense to bring a lot of pressure. The Buckeyes will need to remain balanced to keep the Nittany Lions at bay, and allow for the play-action to get set up. If the Buckeyes pass protection holds up, Ohio State should take advantage of the aggressive nature of the Manny Diaz Penn State defense.

For the Buckeyes, coming out of the gate hot and not letting the home stadium get involved will be the first task. If the Buckeyes can get settled early, win the line of scrimmage, and force Sean Clifford into mistakes, the Buckeyes should have a successful day in Happy Valley.

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Why is this News? All the articles and tweets Buckeye fans need for October 27, 2022
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Brooke LaValley / USA TODAY NETWORK

All the Buckeye news thats fit to re-print.

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

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

You’re welcome!

For your Earholes...


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

Ask LGHL


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

LGHL Asks: How did you feel about Iowa win? What’s your score prediction against Penn State?
Matt Tamanini, Land-Grant Holy Land

On the Gridiron


Practice Report: Focused Buckeyes locking in on trip to Penn State
Spencer Holbrook, Lettermen Row

Big Ten’s 2023 football schedule: What’s changed, key dates
Scott Dochterman and Audrey Snyder, The Athletic

Cade Stover Calls Ryan Day “The Guru of All Football” as Seven Buckeyes Preview Upcoming Road Game at Penn State
Garrick Hodge, Eleven Warriors

Ohio State’s Complete 2023 Schedule Is Here:


Ohio State’s 2023 football schedule: Three thoughts on a road-heavy slate (paywall)
Bill Landis, Dotting the Eyes

Early thoughts on newly-released Buckeyes 2023 schedule (paywall)
Spencer Holbrook, Lettermen Row

Tommy Eichenberg Named Lott Impact Trophy Player of the Week for Performance Against Iowa
Dan Hope, Eleven Warrior

Buckeyes to face top collection of skill position talent at Penn State
Joey Kaufman, The Columbus Dispatch

Penn State Defensive Players to Watch: CB Joey Porter Jr., S Ji’Ayir Brown
Josh Dooley, Land-Grant Holy Land

Healthy Cameron Martinez looking to carve out a role on Buckeyes’ defense (paywall)
Bill Landis, Dotting the Eyes

Guess which is the only Big Ten team that doesn’t play a Power 5 team in the non-conference...


You’re Nuts: What player is most likely to surprise us on Saturday?
Matt Tamanini and Jami Jurich, Land-Grant Holy Land

Iowa game showed the very good of C.J. Stroud, but also where the Ohio State QB still needs to improve
Patrick Murphy, Bucknuts

How Lathan Ransom, Tanner McCalister helped lead Ohio State defensive turnaround (paywall)
Tim May, Lettermen Row

Listen to Ryan Day, Jim Knowles, and Kevin Wilson talk about Penn State:


Column: Could Ohio State play for a different kind of trophy in the Big Ten Championship
Meredith Hein, Land-Grant Holy Land

Dennis Dodd’s Power Rankings: Ohio State New No. 1, Face Biggest Test Saturday
Dennis Dodd, CBSSports

Big Ten stat leaders through Week 8
Gene Ross, Land-Grant Holy Land

Doesn’t bode well for the Gophers and Boilermakers...

On the Hardwood


‘Ice’ Likekele brings charisma, charity with him to Ohio State (paywall)
Adam Jardy, The Columbus Dispatch

2022-23 Ohio State Basketball Team Draft: Picking Lineups from the New-Look Roster for a Head-to-Head Matchup of Buckeyes vs. Buckeyes
Dan Hope and Griffin Strom, Eleven Warriors

Women’s Basketball: Greene Back and Ready to Return for Buckeyes
Caleb Blake, The Lantern

Outside the Shoe and Schott


Men’s Soccer: No. 13 Buckeyes Undefeated at Home with 2-1 Win vs. MSU
Ohio State Athletics

‘It saved me’: Enokk Vimahi grateful OSU emphasizes mental health
Lori Schmidt, The Columbus Dispatch

The women’s volleyball team capped off a three-set sweep of TTUN with a replay review:


Women’s Golf: McGinty Earns Big Ten Golfer of the Week Honors
Ohio State Athletics

And now for something completely different...


Well, that’s embarrassing...


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Bucketheads Podcast: Secret scrimmage season, pre-season Final Four picks, and more
justingolba via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK

Ohio State lost their secret scrimmage. Naturally, we should act like the sky is falling.

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

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


First of all, a sincere thank you to everyone that listens to the podcast from us at Bucketheads as this was our 50th episode. It truly means a lot to us. and we hope you will continue with us and we learn and try to make this show better and better.

In this episode, we talked about the secret scrimmage the Buckeyes had against Wake Forest and our takeaways from it (or lack thereof).

We also give our Final Four picks and why we picked who we did (basically, why Justin chose Virginia and what Connor sees in TCU). We closed by drafting teams made up of Big Ten players.

Be sure to like, comment, rate and review the podcast and check out our episode last week with the Columbus Dispatch’s Adam Jardy!


Connect with the Podcast:
Twitter: @BucketheadsLGHL

Connect with Connor:
Twitter: @lemons_connor

Connect with Justin:
Twitter: @justin_golba

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Ohio State picks up Crystal Ball for 2024 top-100 wide receiver
Caleb Houser via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Grace Brennan | 247Sports

Also, the No. 1 WR in the 2024 class canceled his visit to Ann Arbor for this weekend.

If there’s a position on Ohio State’s roster that’s recruiting at the highest level, it’s the receiver spot. Thanks to position coach Brian Hartline and the overall offensive success, the Buckeyes are recruiting the nation’s best year in and year out, and winning those battles more times than not. Fortunately, the current trend of recruiting success for Ohio State doesn’t look to be stopping any time soon.

Latest Crystal Ball movement


Looking ahead to the 2024 class, the Buckeyes again look to be well on their way to another great haul at receiver. While Ohio State can afford to be pretty picky in the cycle for their top targets thanks to the depth on the current roster, Hartline and crew look to already have their eyes set on a few top players. Likely to take two and at most three guys, there’s already a few names that seem to be in the thick of it regarding Ohio State. The good news: one of those names saw some serious momentum in the Buckeyes’ favor on Wednesday.

The 247Sports Crystal Ball isn’t the end all be all, but it’s a tool that provides insight to a specific recruitment, and yesterday’s submission by Bill Kurelic of Bucknuts towards Ohio State is one that should be taken seriously. On the receiving end, four-star Tyseer Denmark was pegged to the Buckeyes, and that’s definitely one of the receivers that the staff is going to be in on until he makes his decision.

The No. 97 player nationally, Denmark is the 16th-best receiver in the class and the second best player in Pennsylvania, per the 247Sports Composite. Another top receiver out of PA, the Buckeyes are pretty used to swooping in and taking the guys rival Penn State would love to have. Yet again in the 2024 class, Ohio State looks to be well on their way to that same feat. At any rate, an addition like this only makes sense when you consider Ohio State holds the pledge of the nation’s top-ranked quarterback, Dylan Raiola.

A top target cancels visit to see the TUN


Sticking with the trend of top 2024 receivers Ohio State is going after, there’s not a name more important than Florida’s Jeremiah Smith. The No. 2 player nationally, Smith is the top receiver in the 2024 cycle and the top player from his home state as well, according to the 247Sports Composite.

What would be the highest-rated receiver Ohio State has ever landed, Smith currently has multiple 247Sports Crystal Ball predictions to his name, and all of them favor the Buckeyes. While there’s still a way to go in his recruitment before anything is final, Wednesday was a positive sign in regards to Smith’s visit plans.

Originally scheduled to be in Ann Arbor this weekend, Smithh took to Twitter yesterday evening to share that he would not be making the trip to Michigan. Whatever the reasoning behind the canceled visit, Ohio State has to love their top target not checking in on their biggest rival. Again, the Crystal Ball has the Buckeyes very much out in front, and thanks to the efforts from Hartline, this recruitment could just be a matter of time before another elite pass catcher is in the fold for Ohio State.


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LGHL Asks: How did you feel about Iowa win? What’s your score prediction against Penn State?
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK

You ask, we answer. Sometimes we ask, others answer. And then other times, we ask, we answer.

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

We thought it would be the season opener against Notre Dame. It wasn’t. We thought it would be the Big Ten opener against Wisconsin. It also wasn’t. Nor was it the first road game of the season against Michigan State, nor last week’s matchup with Iowa.

So, will this coming Saturday on the road in Happy Valley provide the No. 2 Buckeyes with their first legitimate test of the college football season? We will find out in less than three days.

But, in the meantime, there are some other things that we want to find out, including your thoughts on a few post-Iowa topics and your score predictions for Saturday’s game against the Nits. So, share your thoughts in the survey and comments section below.

Question 1: After the 54-10 victory over Iowa, what was your general feeling about the game?


There are two answers to this multiple-choice question that stick out to me, but I will save my specific thoughts until after y’all have the chance to answer, as I don’t want to be accused of inappropriately influencing the voting public. But, when you peruse Twitter during an Ohio State football game, you see all types of different options.

Sometimes, they make me realize how many smart people there are online, and others remind me of how many moronic people there are online. But in fairness, in both situations, I am often reminded by just how many fun people there are on that otherwise horrendous bird ap.

I saw all four of these opinions in heavy rotation on Saturday, so I am interested to hear where you came down.

Question 2: What do you think about Jaxon Smith-Njigba limping off the field?


Two things seem pretty clear to me:

1) Jaxon Smith-Njigba wants to get back on the field as soon as possible.

2) He’s not 100% healthy.

The first statement is pretty obvious to anyone watching, since he appeared to be in the ear of both Ryan Day and Brian Hartline all game with his helmet on trying to get back into the game. The second statement was also obvious given that he was clearly hobbled as he exited the field in the first half.

Day has downplayed the potential injury all week, saying that JSN not reentering the contest because his snaps were being limited. Of course, that probably was true to an extent, and obviously, the Buckeyes didn’t ultimately need him to win, but given the secrecy that Ohio State operates under in terms of injuries, I don’t have a really good idea as to whether the limping that we saw was just a momentary issue following a specific hit, or if it is something that could continue to linger.

I am confident that Smith-Njigba is going to continue to push to be on the field, I just hope that he doesn’t do so to the detriment of the team or himself (either short-term or long-term).

Question 3: How many points do you think Ohio State will score against Penn State?


Currently, the DraftKing Sportsbook betting odds for this game have Ohio State as a 15.5-point favorite and the total-points number at 61. So, if you do the math on that, Vegas is projecting the Buckeyes to win somewhere in the neighborhood of 38 to 23. Again, not to unfairly influence the voting, but I think oddsmakers and analytics have been undervaluing the Buckeye offense all season. So, I’m not saying, I’m just saying...........

Question 4: How many points do you think Penn State will score against Ohio State?


This will be interesting for me. The Nits aren’t exactly a prolific offense, but they’re solid — they’re 49th nationally in total offense. However, they should be able to do some things that the Buckeyes haven’t had to contend with yet this year.

they average 178.43 rushing yards and 245.1 passing yards per game; again, neither are incredibly impressive, but when combined with a defense that allows just 18.9 points per game, it stacks up to a formidable test — at least on paper.

I’m still not sure exactly what to make of James Franklin’s team, and part of me thinks they are more paper tigers than Nittany Lions, but what do you think?


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


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

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Wonder if Zone 6 is going to be renamed House of Dragons
cuz it sure looks like it will be for the next 5 years

All due respect to Bronson Arroyo, a solid 4th starter, but inducting him into the Redleg Hall of Fame is pretty embarrassing.

LGHL Uncut Podcast: Day, Knowles, Wilson talk injuries, Penn State game plan
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here



They also talk about some changes at different position groups.

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 audio from Tuesday afternoon’s football press conference that featured Ohio State head coach Ryan Day, defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, and offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson. The trio recapped last weekend’s Iowa game and provided insights into this coming Saturday’s game against Penn State.

Day discussed why they don’t script the opening drive on offense and how opposing defenses going against tendencies can impact playcalling. He also provides an update to the health of the running back room with TC Caffey being ruled out for the remainder of the season and what that means for Chip Trayanum and Palaie Gaoteote IV.

The defensive coordinator talks about the health and performance of cornerbacks Denzel Burke and Jordan Hancock and what they should be able to bring to the game this weekend.

Finally, Wilson talks about what Iowa did to slow down the running game and what the offense needs to do better against PSU this weekend to prevent that from happening again.

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


Contact Matt Tamanini
Twitter: @BWWMatt

Music by: www.bensound.com

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You’re Nuts: What player is most likely to surprise us on Saturday?
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Kyle Robertson/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK

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

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

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

Today’s Question: What player is most likely to surprise us on Saturday?

Jami’s Take: Denzel Burke


Cornerback Denzel Burke has had a rough season so far, but that hasn’t deterred the coaches from reiterating time and again how much confidence they have in him and how talented he is.

We know the talent is there – he was OSU’s top cover cornerback in his breakout 2021 freshman season. But until now, Burke has been hampered by injuries – first in the preseason and then a hand injury right before conference play. As you can probably guess, a hand injury for a corner is enough to scare anyone this Halloween weekend.

But Burke’s cast was off against Iowa, and both Ryan Day and Jim Knowles have continued to stand behind him, expressing how competitive he is and how much respect they have for his grit in the face of his setbacks.

Saturday’s game against No. 13 Penn State will be his chance to prove it. Don’t call it a comeback, but if you’re going to turn things around after an up and down start, a huge road game against a ranked opponent would be a good time to do so. Keep an eye on Burke to come out of the rut and surprise the naysayers who claim last season was a fluke.

Burke’s hand injury has caused him to struggle with man-to-man coverage on receivers, something that will be critical if we’re going to beat the Nittany Lions on Saturday.

But whether we’ve played football or not, how many of us have stepped up in life when it really mattered because someone we admired had faith in us? Day and Knowles have continued to support and encourage him, and I think they believe he will pull things off on Saturday. So why shouldn’t we? Neither have led us astray so far this season.

The beauty of a scattered first half is that Burke has nowhere to go but up. And he has proven he’s capable – last season didn’t seem like a blip, where the guy was just playing out of his mind in a way that can’t be replicated. No – it reflected consistency, focus. And those are the traits that help someone come out of a slump.

Knowles has been vocal about the fact that Burke has shown tremendous grit despite a challenging injury and that he stands by the fact that Burke deserves to work through those challenges. And Day has mentioned that Burke’s been on top of the plays but has struggled to finish the job this season, and that’s where they’ve been focusing. He’s almost there so much of the time, but we know almost isn’t good enough against a ranked opponent – it’s not even good enough against the likes of lesser teams.

Now, against the Nittany Lions, I expect he’s going to zero in and make sure the job gets done. He certainly has the confidence of his coaches and teammates behind him.

Injuries can be fickle, so all of this is assuming his hand is really back to normal and that he won’t hold back in fear of re-injury. But the Buckeyes lack depth at cornerback, and Cam Brown will likely be out again. So the pressure is on for Burke to step up, and I believe he has the drive to prove to himself, his coaches, his teammates, and the rest of us plebeians what he is really capable of.

Matt’s Take: Miyan Williams


I suppose the answer to this question depends on your definition of surprise. Given his level of production this year, I don’t think it is necessarily going out on a limb to say that Miyan Williams could have a big game during any given week. However, considering that he missed the Michigan State game due to injury and then after an off week, only managed 19 yards on 10 carries against Iowa, picking him to break out against the Nits does feel a bit adventurous.

But, when you take a look at PSU’s only loss of the season — a 41-17 drubbing at the hands of TTUN — the Weasels’ running backs absolutely dominated the game. While Blake Corum was steady — going for 166 yards on 28 carries — it was Donovan Edwards who stole the show, ripping off 10.8 yards per carry for 173 yards. Both backs were added by 60+ yard runs.

Now, Edwards and Williams are two very different backs, but they do have something fairly similar in common, their yards per carry average. Technically, Miyan leads the Big Ten with a 6.97 average, but Edwards is averaging 7.1 yards, though he doesn’t have enough carries on the year to officially qualify.

The Nits’ secondary is very good, and while I don’t think that there is a team outside the NFL that can completely shut down the Buckeyes’ passing game, I do think that they will be able to stymie them more than anyone else thus far this season.

So, on the assumption that Williams — and TreVeyon Henderson — are healthy for Saturday’s game, I can envision Ryan Day leaning heavily on the running game. Penn State is 10th in the conference in terms of rushing yards allowed per game at 140.29 — although their pass defense is only ninth in the league at 232.9.

The Hawkeyes completely shut down the Buckeye running game by loading the box in an effort to not give quarterback C.J. Stroud enough time to get through his progressions, and it worked in the first half. I don’t imagine that PSU will go that far, because of their talent on the backend. So, I imagine that the OSU backs will have a bit more room to run than they did last week, and given what we’ve seen from Chop in the past, he’s probably angry about his production last week, and opposing defenses wouldn’t like him when he’s angry.

Far be it for me to ever thank the Corn and Blue for anything, but I think that the Harboys might have just given the Buckeyes a roadmap to beating their Big Ten East rivals this week.

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Penn State Defensive Players to Watch: CB Joey Porter Jr., S Ji’Ayir Brown
Josh Dooley via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

This dynamic DB duo has not quite turned PSU’s secondary into a no-fly zone, but individually, they are among the best in the country at their respective positions.

As Ohio State prepares to step into the lion’s den that is Happy Valley, they should be keenly aware that Penn State’s defense is once again a formidable unit. Since 2016, the Nittany Lions have finished outside the top-25 in scoring defense just once, and that could be attributed to the awkward, pandemic-shortened 2020 season. They currently sit at No. 20, allowing 18.9 PPG.

Credit to new defensive coordinator Manny Diaz, as many (this guy) questioned his ability to pick up where former DC and current Virginia Tech head coach Brent Pry left off. Some coaches are simply meant to be coordinators, and perhaps Diaz is one of them. Sidebar: Remember when Diaz was the HC at Temple for 15 minutes? Tough beat for the Owls, but perhaps to the benefit of former OSU running backs coach Stan Drayton.

At any rate, Diaz has the PSU defense playing fairly well, despite the losses of Ellis Brooks, Brandon Smith, Jaquan Brisker, Arnold Ebiketie, and others. Those players helped the Nittany Lions finish 7th in PPG allowed last season, with shutouts of both Indiana and Rutgers. One could have expected a drop-off in performance, but new faces have stepped up, and the elite secondary has maintained their high level of play.

That secondary is a true difference-maker, and because I could not single out just one of the group’s leaders, I was forced to call an audible. Both Joey Porter Jr. and Ji’ayir Brown are among the best individual players in college football at their respective positions.

Combined, this cornerback/safety duo is up there with any other duo in the country — and perhaps better than all of them. They have shared the field since 2020, and each really began to elevate their game(s) during the 2021 season. They have now become leaders, and are showing their eventual replacements the way. Porter Jr. and Brown have played too well for too long (together), so it did not feel right to break them up in a column. They are this week’s first ever co-Defensive Players to Watch.

Starting with Porter Jr. at CB, this son of former NFL All-Pro Joey Porter should also find himself playing on Sunday(s) sooner than later. And don’t just take it from me, because you can find many glowing reviews from both NCAA and NFL talent evaluators. Blessed with Richard Sherman-esque size and above average speed, he has all the physical attributes of a future lockdown corner in the pros — in addition to a tremendous work ethic, according to PSU coaches. But oddly enough, if you only looked at box scores, you would never understand the hoopla surrounding this fourth-year defensive back.

Dan Rainville / USA TODAY NETWORK

That is because Porter Jr. is not a traditional stat guy. In 30 career games for the Nittany Lions, he has only has one interception! Even more surprising, is that he has “only” been credited with 20 pass breakups according to sports-reference, but 11 have come this season. The Thorpe Award candidate tallied 6 PBU during the first three weeks alone.

That pace has slowed, as teams are hesitant to throw in his direction, but his impact on PSU’s defense is still palpable. Similar to OSU’s Jeff Okudah, Porter Jr. does not need to intercept passes to make his presence known (or felt). He is able to blanket one side of the field by himself and/or handcuff the opponent’s top receiver, forcing those teams to play offense with only 50-75 percent of the field available to them.

Porter Jr. will now be tasked with the unenviable chore of covering Ohio State wide receivers. And he is likely to face two, three, or four of them throughout Saturday’s game. Because at 6-foot-2, the Penn State CB is an outside/boundary player. He is perfectly capable of going over the middle, but he rarely (if ever) sees the slot. That could ultimately work to the Buckeyes’ advantage, as I believe all of their WR can operate efficiently from the slot if called upon. But Porter Jr. will have an impact, there is no doubt in my mind. He will make life just a little more difficult for C.J. Stroud and his receivers, and may even be a constant thought in the back of the OSU QB’s mind. He is that good.

The other star in this PSU secondary is safety Ji’Ayir Brown. Originally an underrated recruit and two-year JuCo player, he worked his way up to the FCS level and has been a dynamic playmaker for James Franklin’s team. Unlike Porter Jr., Brown has been able to capitalize on his opponents’ mistakes more often. And that is not to say he is a better player, but as a center fielder of sorts, he is able to play over the top and break on passes with regularity. Since becoming a full-time starter in 2021, Brown has racked up an impressive nine INT and eight PBU.

Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

The safety is in his third season with the Nittany Lions, but rarely saw meaningful snaps in 2020. He then broke out in a major way last year, totaling 73 tackles and six INT. He also added one forced fumble and two recoveries. It was a bit of a surprise given Brown’s college career prior to 2021, but many players develop as “late bloomers”. And if you knew anything about him coming out of the JuCo ranks, you might have even expected this. Because the 5-foot-11, 208 pound playmaker snatched eight interceptions while at Lackawanna Community College in Scranton, PA (shoutout Dunder Mifflin and world’s best boss, Michael Scott).

Thus far in 2022, Brown has accumulated 41 tackles and three INT, leading the team in both. He is the plain clothes officer inside the club to Porter Jr.’s outside security. Meaning, if you make it past one, you still have to deal with the other. The two DB’s have really only contributed to one subpar performance (collectively) this season, and that came against Purdue in Week 1, when the Nittany Lions gave up 365 yards passing. We have also seen PSU struggle to stop the run at times, although that is not an indictment on Brown and Porter Jr.

The Buckeyes should (presumably) be looking to strike balance with their offense on Saturday, without leaning too heavily on one thing or another. If they are backed into a corner and forced to air it out for a majority of the game, the Penn State secondary – Porter Jr. and Brown in particular – could make things interesting. Let’s hope that Ryan Day’s game plan and OSU’s superior weapons are more than enough to get it done. Go Bucks!

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Column: Could Ohio State play for a different kind of trophy in the Big Ten Championship?
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 Jamie Sabau/Getty Images

And could this become more common in the future?

Before the season, if one asked who might win the Big Ten West, you might have said Wisconsin, Iowa or, if you were feeling spicy, Minnesota. Despite it being a relatively open race, Illinois probably wasn’t on your radar.

Now, Illinois is sitting at the top of the division. The Illini have the nation’s No. 1 total defense and scoring defense (granted, they played Iowa). Currently, they’re sitting at a surprising 6-1, including a 3-1 conference mark, with the only blemish on their record coming in a narrow loss to Indiana in Week 2. Somehow, on his second stint as a Big Ten head coach, Bret Bielema has already managed to turn around a team that’s struggled for the better part of two decades to find its footing in the conference.

Moreover, Illinois beat those aforementioned presumed Big Ten West champs in succession in the last three weeks: Wisconsin, Iowa, then Minnesota.

With the Big Ten East already hurtling toward the final week’s matchup of what are currently top-five Ohio State and Michigan teams, the story of their opponent from the West became a little less interesting as the division collapsed by the midway point of the season. At this point, Illinois is the only ranked team in the West (No. 17).

However, there are reasons to be excited about a possible postseason matchup with Illinois. One of the fun things about the Big Ten conference is its preponderance of trophy games, with 16 trophies currently in rotation (there will be 17 when USC and UCLA join and battle for the Victory Bell).

Ohio State has just a single trophy game: the longstanding Illibuck with Illinois, a tradition dating back to 1925. The Illibuck itself is a carved wooden turtle and the second-oldest trophy in the Big Ten behind the Little Brown Jug. It is arguably the cutest trophy, though Floyd of Rosedale is pretty adorable, too.

That trophy could get new meaning this year: Ohio State and Illinois could very reasonably face off for the Illibuck in the postseason for the first time ever. In fact, it would be the first time in the Big Ten that two teams played for a rivalry trophy in the conference title game.

(Caveat: this column is certainly forward-looking. There is a lot of football for Ohio State to play before the Buckeyes can secure a spot in the Big Ten Title!)

Of note, Wisconsin and Nebraska, who play annually for the Freedom Trophy, are the only two teams with a trophy game who have faced off in the Big Ten Championship (2012). However, the Freedom Trophy wasn’t implemented until 2014.

The Buckeyes and Illini played every season from 1914-2002, then again from 2005-2015. However, one of the victims of conference expansion, the last time the two teams played was in 2017. They were supposed to renew the rivalry in 2020, but COVID got in the way. The legend of the Illibuck has faded somewhat from memory given five seasons without play, which is something of a tragedy for the historic pairing. Playing with even more on the line could renew things in dramatic fashion, even if the championship game pairing seems a little dull at first glance.

Just this week, the Big Ten has said it would revisit the division question at a later time when USC and UCLA’s arrival is a little more imminent. Depending on how things shake out, given there are so many trophy games played between the conference’s members, we might encounter a Big Ten Championship/trophy game scenario more often henceforth, and maybe even trophies changing hands within mere weeks instead of an entire year.

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Big Ten stat leaders through Week 8
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

Nearly 2⁄3 of the way through the season, where do the Buckeyes stack up among conference leaders?

There is still a ton up for grabs in the Big Ten, as the winners of each division remain very much undecided. Illinois looks to be the best in the West, and Ohio State and Michigan appear to be on a crash course for a game that will decide the East, but there is a lot of football to be played. While the top teams remain in lockstep, some individual players are looking to separate themselves from the pack.

Let’s take a look at the statistical leaders in the B1G after Week 8.

Passing Yards

1. Aidan O’Connell, Purdue - 2,270
2. Connor Bazelak, Indiana - 2,099
3. C.J. Stroud, Ohio State - 2,023

Passing Touchdowns

1. C.J. Stroud, Ohio State - 28
2. Graham Mertz, Wisconsin - 17
3. Aidan O’Connell, Purdue - 15

Passing Efficiency

1. C.J. Stroud, Ohio State - 203.9
2. J.J. McCarthy, Michigan - 170.6
3. Graham Mertz, Wisconsin - 159.6

Rushing Yards

1. Chase Brown, Illinois - 1,059
2. Blake Corum, Michigan - 901
3. Braelon Allen, Wisconsin - 870

(Ohio State’s leader: Miyan Williams - 516 — 10th)

Rushing Touchdowns

1. Blake Corum, Michigan - 13
2. Mohamed Ibrahim, Minnesota - 10
3. Miyan Williams, Ohio State // Braelon Allen, Wisconsin - 9

Yards Per Carry (min. 50 attempts)

1. Miyan Williams, Ohio State - 7.0
2. Nicholas Singleton, Penn State - 6.8
3. Roman Hemby, Maryland - 6.5

Receiving Yards

1. Charlie Jones, Purdue - 840
2. Trey Palmer, Nebraska - 781
3. Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State - 735
4. Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State - 598

Receiving Touchdowns

1. Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State - 10
2. Charlie Jones, Purdue - 9
3. Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State - 7

Receptions

1. Charlie Jones, Purdue - 72
2. Trey Palmer, Nebraska - 47
3. Isaiah Williams, Illinois - 47

(Ohio State’s leader: Emeka Egbuka - 41 — 5th)

Total Tackles

1. Jack Campbell, Iowa - 71
2. Bryce Gallagher, Northwestern - 70
3. Aaron Casey, Indiana - 66

(Ohio State’s leader: Tommy Eichenberg - 57 — 7th)

Tackles for Loss

1. Jacoby Windmon, Michigan State - 10.5
2. Nick Herbig, Wisconsin - 9.5
3. Aaron Casey, Indiana - 9.0

(Ohio State’s leader: Mike Hall Jr. - 7.5 — 7th)

Sacks

1. Nick Herbig, Wisconsin - 6.0
2. Jacoby Windmon, Michigan State - 5.5
3. Mike Morris, Michigan - 5.0

(Ohio State’s leader: Mike Hall Jr. - 4.5 — 4th)

Interceptions

1. John Torchio, Wisconsin - 5
2. Kendal Smith, Illinois - 4
3. Five players tied with 3, including Tanner McCalister

Team Stats - Scoring Offense

1. Ohio State - 49.6 PPG
2. Michigan - 42.7 PPG
3. Maryland - 34.1 PPG

Team Stats - Scoring Defense

1. Illinois - 8.9 PPG allowed
2. Michigan - 12.1 PPG allowed
3. Ohio State - 14.9 PPG allowed

Team Stats - Total Offense

1. Ohio State - 517.4 YPG
2. Michigan - 473.6 YPG
3. Maryland - 454.4 YPG

Team Stats - Total Defense

1. Illinois - 222.1 YPG allowed
2. Ohio State - 239.9 YPG allowed
3. Michigan - 250 YPG allowed

BONUS - Updated Heisman Odds at midseason:


All lines courtesy of the DraftKings Sportsbook.

1. C.J. Stroud, QB Ohio State: +100
2. Hendon Hooker, QB Tennessee: +200
3. Caleb Williams, QB USC: +1400
4. Blake Corum, RB Michigan: +1400
5. Bryce Young, QB Alabama: +2200
6. Bo Nix, QB Oregon +3000
7. Stetson Bennett IV, QB Georgia: +3000
8. Drake Maye, QB UNC: +4000
9. Jahmyr Gibbs, RB Alabama: +4000
10. Spencer Sanders, QB Oklahoma State: +5000

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

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Why is this News? All the articles and tweets Buckeye fans need for October 26, 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 Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

All the Buckeye news thats fit to re-print.

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

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

You’re welcome!

For your Earholes...


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

Ask LGHL


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

On the Gridiron


Watch Ryan Day, Jim Knowles, and Kevin Wilson preview Penn State:


Presser Bullets: Ryan Day Previews Penn State, Says Jaxon Smith-Njigba Is Expected to Be Available, Chip Trayanum Moved to Running Back Due to TC Caffey Injury
Griffin Strom, Eleven Warriors

Chip Trayanum moves to running back after injury to TC Caffey, Palaie Gaoteote must step up at linebacker
Patrick Murphy, Bucknuts

Key Takeaways as Buckeyes dial up intensity for Penn State (paywall)
Austin Ward, Dotting the Eyes

Practice Report: What We Learned as confident Buckeyes gear up for Penn State
Spencer Holbrook, Lettermen Row

Day has done a really good job of building a team full of great players and great people.


The good, bad on injuries for Buckeyes: JSN, Robinson, Caffey, Hancock, Cam Brown, Proctor, Trayanum, Gaoteote
Dave Biddle, Bucknuts

Buckeyes plan on having Jaxon Smith-Njigba for pivotal Penn State trip
Spencer Holbrook, Lettermen Row

Day, Wilson Acknolwdge Run Game Difficulties Against Iowa
Jack Emerson, Buckeye Sports Bulletin

Ohio State working to clean up rushing attack after subpar game vs. Iowa (paywall)
Bill Landis, Dotting the Eyes

Column: Let’s discuss the running back situation
Megan Husslein, Land-Grant Holy Land

This seems good.


Ohio State’s defense has started forcing turnovers, but Jim Knowles thinks more are on the way
Stephen Means, cleveland.com

Will Jordan Hancock’s role in Ohio State football’s defense grow after his debut vs. Iowa?
Nathan Baird, cleveland.com

C.J. Stroud’s approach to playing QB came from a different sport, and it’s keeping Ohio State’s offense humming
Stephen Means, cleveland.com

It’s pretty incredible that I can come up with two, maybe three Nits that would start for the Buckeyes.


What Penn State’s James Franklin said about Ohio State, this week’s top-15 game
Patrick Murphy, Bucknuts

B1G Thoughts: Jim Knowles, the mad scientist
Jordan Williams, Land-Grant Holy Land

You’re Nuts: What is your favorite non-offensive Ohio State touchdown?
Brett Ludwiczak and Meredith Hein, Land-Grant Holy Land

On the Hardwood


Big Ten men’s basketball team previews: Michigan Wolverines
Justin Golba, Land-Grant Holy Land


Visiting Locker Room: Previewing Michigan Wolverines women’s basketball with Maize n Brew
Thomas Costello, Land-Grant Holy Land

Ohio State women’s basketball player preview: Rikki Harris
Thomas Costello, Land-Grant Holy Land

Outside the Shoe and Schott


Men’s Soccer: No. 13 Buckeyes Undefeated at Home with 2-1 Win vs. MSU
Ohio State Athletics

Rifle: Buckeye Defeat UTEP in Pair of Matches
Ohio State Athletics

Men’s Ice Hockey: Halliday Skates to Fast Start in Freshman Season
Matthew Levine, The Lantern

And now for something completely different...


Two trailers in as many days? Marvel fans are eating good.


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Hangout in the Holy Land Podcast: Will Ohio State finally be tested by 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 Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The Nittany Lions seem to always find a way to keep this game close.

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

Listen to the episode and subscribe:

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


On this week’s episode, Gene and Josh preview what should be one of two remaining tests for Ohio State during the regular season — at least we think. The Buckeyes have had a number of teams on the docket who could supposedly test them thus far, but none of them have. Penn State is really strong in some key areas, including the offensive skill positions and in the secondary, so maybe we can actually learn something about Ohio State’s defense this week. Will this be another close battle between these two schools, or will the Buckeyes finally pull away?

“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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2025 linebacker from Georgia talks Ohio State visit
Bret Favachio via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here


Mantrez Walker | 247Sports

The Buckeyes look to have positioned themselves nicely for a rising defender from the Peach State.

Despite it being a slow news day on the recruiting trail, an underclassmen defender from Georgia shared his thoughts on his visit to the Buckeyes campus this past weekend. The rising prospect from SEC territory was able to get a firsthand look at Jim Knowles defense in Columbus, and took in the home teams’ 54-10 victory over Iowa.

Walker talks weekend visit to Ohio State


The Buckeyes have had the luxury of hosting a few important recruiting weekends already this season, and while this past Saturday against the Hawkeyes wasn’t one of those, it still brought some intriguing talent to Ohio Stadium.

One of those being 2025 linebacker Mantrez Walker of Buford (GA), who self-reported an offer from the Buckeyes at the conclusion of his visit — which he certainly didn’t hold back about when discussing with Garrick Hodge of Eleven Warriors.

“It was the greatest experience I ever had,” Walker revealed to Hodge. “I loved the relationships built with the coaches, and I loved the history and game atmosphere. They have a great defensive scheme, and they really showed me how I would fit into it. I got some great takeaways from it. I’m definitely applying what I was taught into my game.”

Hodge notes that Walker, who also is a track and field athlete, was able to spend time with members of the defensive coaching staff including defensive coordinator Jim Knowles.

Now with the Buckeyes firmly in the race for Walker, they will join the likes of Arkansas, Florida, Florida State, South Carolina, Tennessee and more as early offers for the 6-foot-1, 215-pounder. According to his 247Sports profile, Georgia, Texas, and Texas A&M are also showing interest but have yet to offer to this point.

Quick Hits

• After backing off of his commitment to the Buckeyes last month, former Ohio State hoops pledge and 2023 four-star shooting guard George Washington III of Chaminade Julienne (OH) will be selecting his new school on Nov. 1, according to Jake Weingarten of Stockrisers.com. The 6-foot-2, 165-pounder Weingarten notes that Washington III has already taken an official visit to Michigan, and has a trip to see Wake Forest this weekend. Dayton, Louisville, and Virginia are also considered finalists.
• According to Mick Walker of Boiler Sports Report, Buckeye legacy prospect and 2025 athlete Jackson Wiley of Olentangy (OH) is piecing together an impressive campaign this season. Wiley, the son of former Ohio State running back Michael Wiley, has tallied 45 receptions for 553 yards and a half dozen touchdowns. Kentucky is the lone program to offer thus far, but Walker notes that Wiley has already taken a visit to Columbus and will be at Tennessee this weekend.

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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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