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MotS&G #MOTSAGRising Buckeyes-Hoosiers Preview by Mike Scharf
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#MOTSAGRising Buckeyes-Hoosiers Preview by Mike Scharf
Mike via our good friends at Men of the Scarlet and Gray
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
The Buckeyes and Hoosiers are set to clash in a top-10 battle this Saturday in the ‘Shoe.
Buckeye football is back in action, after last week’s game being canceled due to a coronavirus outbreak within the Maryland program. As of now, the Hoosiers are first in the Big East Division because of the extra game and the Buckeyes are ready to attack the objective this weekend and keep their championship hopes alive.
When the Big Ten reinstated the season, and the shortened schedule was announced, no one had eyes on the Hoosiers coming into Columbus. Frankly, this noon kickoff on FOX against the 9th ranked Hoosiers is the biggest regular-season game for the Buckeyes.
THE HOOSIERS
Tom Allen, and his enthusiastic Hoosiers started their season off with a thrilling 36-35 overtime victory against Penn State and have not looked back since. Winning their next three games against Rutgers, Michigan, and Michigan State convincingly with a combined score of 99-41.
The Hoosiers offense is led by Sophomore quarterback Michael Penix Jr. who has looked like a true leader throwing for 1070 yards to go with 9 touchdowns this season. Penix threw for 25-38, 320 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 2 INTs last weekend vs the Spartans.
The key matchup to watch is how the Buckeye secondary covers star wide receiver Ty Fryfogle. Fryfogle was last week’s Big Ten offensive Player of the Week after having 11 receptions for 200 yards, and 2 touchdowns. Fryfogle also had a monster game against the Wolverines the week before with 7 receptions, 142 yards and 1 touchdown.
Along with the offense, this Hoosiers defense is no joke as they lead the Big Ten in interceptions (10), and sacks (12). The Hoosiers are tied for second nationally in turnover margin at plus-2 per game.
THE BUCKEYES
Fryfogle, and the Indiana receivers have been a huge threat for opposing defenses all year long. The Buckeye secondary has received criticism for their play in this early season, but look for Shaun Wade, Sevyn Banks, and the rest of the Buckeye secondary to respond in a major way with a big task ahead.
As we know, Justin Fields is off to an astonishing start to the 2020 season, having the same number of touchdowns as he has incompletions (11), with a near perfect 87 percent completion. Heisman hopeful Fields looks to improve his resume against a talented Hoosier defense.
The Buckeyes are waiting for a running game to emerge at a high level with both running backs still splitting carries. Master Teague III and Trey Sermon are both averaging a little 5 yards per carry (Teague 4.5, Sermon 4.8), but neither has established as the main back for the Buckeyes.
With that being said, left guard Harry Miller, and the offensive-line look to improve this week from the multiple penalties they were called for against the Scarlet-Knights two weeks ago. Miller was called for holding on multiple occasions but is learning and teammates look for him to bounce back. Center Josh Myers met with the media this week saying. “It’s not an easy thing to do, to be a young guy starting,” Myers said. “It took our offensive even last year a couple weeks to get rolling and looking like a solid unit together.”
THE GAME
The Buckeyes have won 24 straight games over Indiana. The Hoosiers last victory against the Buckeyes came in the year of 1988. The Buckeyes have averaged 42.2 points per game in the past 10 meetings with the Hoosiers. Although this is IU’s highest rank (9) ever facing the Buckeyes look for Ryan Day and his team not to take this game lightly and come out hungry.
PREDICTION
47-24
Continue reading...
Mike via our good friends at Men of the Scarlet and Gray
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
The Buckeyes and Hoosiers are set to clash in a top-10 battle this Saturday in the ‘Shoe.
Buckeye football is back in action, after last week’s game being canceled due to a coronavirus outbreak within the Maryland program. As of now, the Hoosiers are first in the Big East Division because of the extra game and the Buckeyes are ready to attack the objective this weekend and keep their championship hopes alive.
When the Big Ten reinstated the season, and the shortened schedule was announced, no one had eyes on the Hoosiers coming into Columbus. Frankly, this noon kickoff on FOX against the 9th ranked Hoosiers is the biggest regular-season game for the Buckeyes.
THE HOOSIERS
Tom Allen, and his enthusiastic Hoosiers started their season off with a thrilling 36-35 overtime victory against Penn State and have not looked back since. Winning their next three games against Rutgers, Michigan, and Michigan State convincingly with a combined score of 99-41.
The Hoosiers offense is led by Sophomore quarterback Michael Penix Jr. who has looked like a true leader throwing for 1070 yards to go with 9 touchdowns this season. Penix threw for 25-38, 320 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 2 INTs last weekend vs the Spartans.
The key matchup to watch is how the Buckeye secondary covers star wide receiver Ty Fryfogle. Fryfogle was last week’s Big Ten offensive Player of the Week after having 11 receptions for 200 yards, and 2 touchdowns. Fryfogle also had a monster game against the Wolverines the week before with 7 receptions, 142 yards and 1 touchdown.
Along with the offense, this Hoosiers defense is no joke as they lead the Big Ten in interceptions (10), and sacks (12). The Hoosiers are tied for second nationally in turnover margin at plus-2 per game.
THE BUCKEYES
Fryfogle, and the Indiana receivers have been a huge threat for opposing defenses all year long. The Buckeye secondary has received criticism for their play in this early season, but look for Shaun Wade, Sevyn Banks, and the rest of the Buckeye secondary to respond in a major way with a big task ahead.
As we know, Justin Fields is off to an astonishing start to the 2020 season, having the same number of touchdowns as he has incompletions (11), with a near perfect 87 percent completion. Heisman hopeful Fields looks to improve his resume against a talented Hoosier defense.
The Buckeyes are waiting for a running game to emerge at a high level with both running backs still splitting carries. Master Teague III and Trey Sermon are both averaging a little 5 yards per carry (Teague 4.5, Sermon 4.8), but neither has established as the main back for the Buckeyes.
With that being said, left guard Harry Miller, and the offensive-line look to improve this week from the multiple penalties they were called for against the Scarlet-Knights two weeks ago. Miller was called for holding on multiple occasions but is learning and teammates look for him to bounce back. Center Josh Myers met with the media this week saying. “It’s not an easy thing to do, to be a young guy starting,” Myers said. “It took our offensive even last year a couple weeks to get rolling and looking like a solid unit together.”
THE GAME
The Buckeyes have won 24 straight games over Indiana. The Hoosiers last victory against the Buckeyes came in the year of 1988. The Buckeyes have averaged 42.2 points per game in the past 10 meetings with the Hoosiers. Although this is IU’s highest rank (9) ever facing the Buckeyes look for Ryan Day and his team not to take this game lightly and come out hungry.
PREDICTION
47-24
Continue reading...
LGHL Big Ten teams as Thanksgiving dishes
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Big Ten teams as Thanksgiving dishes
Tia Johnston via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images
Happy Thanksgiving!
Thanksgiving probably looks a bit different this year for many of us. I hope that you are still finding a safe way to eat good food, spend time with family and watch a whole lot of football.
In the mean time, here are some comparisons that absolutely no one asked for.
Ohio State — Pumpkin Pie
Pumpkin pie is what everyone is really thinking about while they consume the other dishes. There’s also many people who despise pumpkin pie, and the people who hate pumpkin pie never shut up about how they hate pumpkin pie.
Michigan — Jello
Jello hasn’t been good since you were a kid but your grandma keeps making it and hyping it up because she still thinks it’s a good dish.
Nebraska — Corn
I don’t need to explain this.
Penn State — Turkey
Turkey so desperately wants to rival Pumpkin Pie as the main event of the day. But every single year, we take that first bite of turkey and we’re like...okay, I’m done. Where’s the pie?
Indiana — Brussels Sprouts
Sometimes, brussels sprouts are one of the most underwhelming dishes on the table. But when they’re cooked just right— roasted, crispy, buttery, crispy, perfectly seasoned— they become pretty hard to beat.
Northwestern — Gravy
You truly never know what you’re gonna get with gravy. Oftentimes, gravy is pretty bland, but when its good, it makes the entire Thanksgiving eating experience much more interesting.
Wisconsin — Mashed Potatoes
A solid, consistently good side dish (when made correctly). However, some years they turn out lumpy and unseasoned. Enter: Gravy.
Illinois — Bread Rolls
You kind of forget about them until they’re put on the table. There’s certainly nothing bad to say about bread rolls, but they’re...nothing to write home about.
Minnesota — Glazed Carrots
Like, its not the worst side on the table but it’s certainly not the best.
Michigan State — Green Bean Casserole
When you think of casseroles, you usually think of a big hearty pan of deliciousness, right? There’re mac and cheese casseroles, chicken alfredo casseroles, enchilada casseroles, buffalo chicken casseroles, etc. Yet every single year, the casserole that shows up to the table is a...green bean casserole?
Maryland — Stuffing
On paper, stuffing doesn’t seem like it would be very good. However, it usually ends up being okay under the right circumstances (cook, texture, etc.). Like, I’ll have a helping, but I’m not going back for seconds.
Purdue — Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese is kind of a flaky side. It isn’t served every year, but when it does show up, it always takes over the spotlight for a hot sec, which sometimes has the potential to humble pumpkin pie fans.
Iowa — Sweet potatoes
Sweet potatoes are good, but they have to work for it. They have to have the brown sugar, marshmallows, etc. If they don’t, it’s hard to consider them the best type of potato on the table.
Rutgers — Cranberry Sauce
I feel like we keep serving cranberry sauce on Thanksgiving because the people who started Thanksgiving did. It’s tradition. And it’s not like we hate it, but the other dishes don’t really need it to make their statement as the best dish on the table. But hey, it can’t be worse than green bean casserole!
Continue reading...
Tia Johnston via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images
Happy Thanksgiving!
Thanksgiving probably looks a bit different this year for many of us. I hope that you are still finding a safe way to eat good food, spend time with family and watch a whole lot of football.
In the mean time, here are some comparisons that absolutely no one asked for.
Ohio State — Pumpkin Pie
Pumpkin pie is what everyone is really thinking about while they consume the other dishes. There’s also many people who despise pumpkin pie, and the people who hate pumpkin pie never shut up about how they hate pumpkin pie.
Michigan — Jello
Jello hasn’t been good since you were a kid but your grandma keeps making it and hyping it up because she still thinks it’s a good dish.
Nebraska — Corn
I don’t need to explain this.
Penn State — Turkey
Turkey so desperately wants to rival Pumpkin Pie as the main event of the day. But every single year, we take that first bite of turkey and we’re like...okay, I’m done. Where’s the pie?
Indiana — Brussels Sprouts
Sometimes, brussels sprouts are one of the most underwhelming dishes on the table. But when they’re cooked just right— roasted, crispy, buttery, crispy, perfectly seasoned— they become pretty hard to beat.
Northwestern — Gravy
You truly never know what you’re gonna get with gravy. Oftentimes, gravy is pretty bland, but when its good, it makes the entire Thanksgiving eating experience much more interesting.
Wisconsin — Mashed Potatoes
A solid, consistently good side dish (when made correctly). However, some years they turn out lumpy and unseasoned. Enter: Gravy.
Illinois — Bread Rolls
You kind of forget about them until they’re put on the table. There’s certainly nothing bad to say about bread rolls, but they’re...nothing to write home about.
Minnesota — Glazed Carrots
Like, its not the worst side on the table but it’s certainly not the best.
Michigan State — Green Bean Casserole
When you think of casseroles, you usually think of a big hearty pan of deliciousness, right? There’re mac and cheese casseroles, chicken alfredo casseroles, enchilada casseroles, buffalo chicken casseroles, etc. Yet every single year, the casserole that shows up to the table is a...green bean casserole?
Maryland — Stuffing
On paper, stuffing doesn’t seem like it would be very good. However, it usually ends up being okay under the right circumstances (cook, texture, etc.). Like, I’ll have a helping, but I’m not going back for seconds.
Purdue — Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese is kind of a flaky side. It isn’t served every year, but when it does show up, it always takes over the spotlight for a hot sec, which sometimes has the potential to humble pumpkin pie fans.
Iowa — Sweet potatoes
Sweet potatoes are good, but they have to work for it. They have to have the brown sugar, marshmallows, etc. If they don’t, it’s hard to consider them the best type of potato on the table.
Rutgers — Cranberry Sauce
I feel like we keep serving cranberry sauce on Thanksgiving because the people who started Thanksgiving did. It’s tradition. And it’s not like we hate it, but the other dishes don’t really need it to make their statement as the best dish on the table. But hey, it can’t be worse than green bean casserole!
Continue reading...
LGHL Ohio State looks to hold on to Illibuck in Week 6’s Big Ten action
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- 0 Replies
Ohio State looks to hold on to Illibuck in Week 6’s Big Ten action
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 Jamie Sabau/Getty Images
The Buckeyes have their sights on their 10th-straight win over Illinois. Northwestern will try and stay perfect, while Penn State and Michigan meet in a Big Ten East tickle fight.
Last week ATS: 9-4 (4-2 B1G, 5-2 National)
Season ATS: 56-46-2 (17-12-2 B1G, 39-34 National)
Last week got off to a rough start with Purdue getting robbed by the refs against Minnesota. The result on Friday night had me wondering if a tough week was ahead for MC&J, but luckily there wasn’t too much more than went wrong on Saturday. Hopefully last week provides a little momentum for the holiday weekend, which has some meaty matchups on tap. First we tackle the Big Ten games.
B1G games (All games Saturday unless otherwise noted):
Nebraska v. Iowa (-13.5) - Friday 11/27 1:00 PM EST - FOX
Good thing Nebraska fought so hard for football this year. The Cornhuskers are really making the most of their opportunity! Nebraska not only lost to Illinois last week, the Cornhuskers lost by 18 points. What disrespect by the Fighting Illini to do that to Nebraska on Scott Frost Day!
After starting the season 0-2, Iowa has really turned their season around, outscoring their opponents 125-35 in the last three games. While the Hawkeyes aren’t going to wow people with what they do on the field, Iowa does a lot of the little things really well. Quarterback Spencer Petras is starting to find a little more comfort behind center, while Mekhi Sargent and Tyler Goodson provided a solid combo at running back.
Last week Iowa saw both Sean Clifford and Will Levis at quarterback for Penn State, and the Hawkeyes had little trouble shutting both down. Iowa could see a similar situation this week with Luke McCaffrey and Adrian Martinez. Whoever lines up at quarterback for Nebraska is going to be in for a long day against the Iowa defense. The Cornhuskers have way too much uncertainty at quarterback right now for me to trust backing them. Iowa continues their strong play with an easy win over their neighbors.
Iowa 38, Nebraska 20
Maryland v. No. 12 Indiana (-11.5) - 12:00 PM EST - ESPN2
One of the games is going to make no sense this week. This feels like the game it could be. Maryland hasn’t played in two weeks because of COVID-19 issues, and the stoppage came at the worst possible time for the Terrapins. Last time we saw Maryland, the Terrapins were running all over Penn State. Taulia Tagovailoa had accounted for eight total touchdowns in the last two games, both wins for Maryland.
We know what Indiana is about. Even though the Hoosiers trailed Ohio State 28-7, Indiana never gave up, pulling to within a touchdown of the Buckeyes. Ty Fryfogle has recorded back-to-back 200-yard receiving games, while Michael Penix Jr. already has 14 touchdown passes this season. About the only hiccup in Indiana’s game so far this year is they are getting pretty much nothing on the ground.
Indiana doesn’t lose their second straight game, but Maryland at least keeps it closer than the experts think. The defense of the Terrapins is leaky, which is why I’m not picking them to upset Indiana. The younger Tagovailoa continues his recent outstanding play, which allows Maryland to at least hang around on Saturday.
Indiana 41, Maryland 34
Penn State v. Michigan (-2) - 12:00 PM EST - ABC
Penn State-Michigan has the chance to be the best comedy film of 2020. The Nittany Lions and Wolverines have combined to go 2-8 so far this season. The only thing that would have made this game even funnier is if Michigan hadn’t been able to defeat Rutgers in overtime last week.
Sean Clifford or Will Levis? Does it even matter? Penn State can’t run the football since both Journey Brown and Noah Cain are already out for the season. The passing game for Penn State isn’t much better. Jahan Dotson has been great, but the Nittany Lions took a huge hit when it was announced Pat Freiermuth won’t play again this season after suffering an injury against Ohio State.
If Joe Milton sees the field again this season, Jim Harbaugh should be fired on the spot. Obviously Milton isn’t the answer at quarterback, leaving Cade McNamara to start. McNamara was efficient after taking over for Milton, throwing for 260 yards and four touchdowns in the win over Rutgers.
Michigan at least will get back to .500 this week. I’m still skeptical about the Michigan defense, but I do at least have a little more confidence with their ability to move the football with McNamara taking the snaps. Penn State will be lucky to win a game this year, and even if the Nittany Lions don’t go winless, they won’t get the win this weekend.
Michigan 31, Penn State 17
No. 8 Northwestern (-13.5) v. Michigan State - 3:30 PM EST - ESPN2
The only thing that worries me about taking Northwestern here is the offense of the Wildcats. Can Northwestern score enough points to cover? After defeating Maryland 43-3 in the season opener, the Wildcats have won their other four games by a combined 26 points.
An unexpected week off came at just the right time for Michigan State. After beating Michigan, the Spartans have lost their next two games by a combined score of 73-7. Michigan State can’t run the football, putting even more pressure on quarterback Rocky Lombardi. The junior answered the call against Michigan, but hasn’t come anywhere close to matching that success since.
Northwestern and Peyton Ramsey have the advantage in pretty much every area of the game. Having said that, the Wildcats just don’t blow opponents out with any regularity. We have seen in the past how tough trips to East Lansing can be, even when Michigan State isn’t playing well. The Spartans frustrated Northwestern, but they don’t have enough to hand the Wildcats their first loss of the season.
Northwestern 21, Michigan State 13
Rutgers v. Purdue (-11.5) - 4:00 PM EST - FS1
What a season debut it was for Rondale Moore. The Purdue wide receiver caught 15 passes for 116 yards against Minnesota. The only thing missing from Friday night’s game for Purdue was a victory. Jack Plummer stepped in for an injured Aidan O’Connell, nearly leading the Boilermakers to victory before the refs stole the game from Purdue with a phantom offensive pass interference call.
Rutgers threw everything they had at Michigan last week, almost beating the Wolverines before falling in triple overtime. The Scarlet Knights have earned plenty of moral victories for some of their performances this year, but it’s not translating to wins on the field. Rutgers still has turnover issues, as Noah Vedral has already thrown eight interceptions this season.
Purdue always finds a way to make a mountain out of a mole hill. All four Purdue games this season have been decided by seven points or less. The Boilermakers will also be without defensive standout George Karlaftis, who tested positive for COVID-19 earlier this week. I can already see this game playing out in the most beautifully stupid way possible. Take the points.
Purdue 31, Rutgers 27
No. 4 Ohio State (-28) v. Illinois - 12:00 PM EST - FS1
Ohio State knows what they have to do these next few weeks. Not only do the Buckeyes have to win, they have to win big. The Buckeyes were slotted in the fourth spot in the first College Football Playoff rankings, which is about where they belong. Ohio State has been impressive in the first half of games, while sleepwalking through the second half. To really sway the voters into thinking Ohio State might deserve a higher ranking than fourth, the Buckeyes need to put together a complete game.
Just how spoiled are Ohio State fans? A 300-yard passing performance with three total touchdowns has some asking what was wrong with Fields last week. Indiana is a good team with a solid defense. If anyone thought Fields was going to finish the season with more touchdown passes than incompletions, then you might want to get a mental evaluation. Fields is still one of the favorites to win the Heisman Trophy, so the sky is not falling like some Buckeye fans seem to think it is.
What was really good to see on Saturday was how effective the Buckeyes were running the football. Master Teague ran for 169 yards to lead Ohio State, who rolled up over 300 yards on the ground against the Hoosiers. The Buckeyes should be able to have another big day rushing the football against an Illinois defense that is giving up nearly 200 yards per game on the ground.
Illinois is coming off one of their best performances during Lovie Smith’s time in Champaign. The Fighting Illini not only saw Brandon Peters throw for 205 yards and a touchdown in his return to the field, but Illinois also received 100-yard rushing efforts from Mike Epstein and Chase Brown. Illinois has now won two-straight games after beating Rutgers by a field goal the week before.
Ohio State should have no issue keeping ownership of Illibuck. Since losing to Illinois in 2007 in Columbus, the Buckeyes have beaten the Fighting Illini in nine-straight meetings. While trips to Champaign always seem to contain at least some shenanigans, I don’t think we’ll see much of that this year. Ohio State has to feel a little slighted being only ranked fourth in the country, but they also know they have to play better football. We see a more complete performance from the Buckeyes on Saturday.
Ohio State 54, Illinois 17
Continue reading...
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 Jamie Sabau/Getty Images
The Buckeyes have their sights on their 10th-straight win over Illinois. Northwestern will try and stay perfect, while Penn State and Michigan meet in a Big Ten East tickle fight.
Last week ATS: 9-4 (4-2 B1G, 5-2 National)
Season ATS: 56-46-2 (17-12-2 B1G, 39-34 National)
Last week got off to a rough start with Purdue getting robbed by the refs against Minnesota. The result on Friday night had me wondering if a tough week was ahead for MC&J, but luckily there wasn’t too much more than went wrong on Saturday. Hopefully last week provides a little momentum for the holiday weekend, which has some meaty matchups on tap. First we tackle the Big Ten games.
B1G games (All games Saturday unless otherwise noted):
Nebraska v. Iowa (-13.5) - Friday 11/27 1:00 PM EST - FOX
Good thing Nebraska fought so hard for football this year. The Cornhuskers are really making the most of their opportunity! Nebraska not only lost to Illinois last week, the Cornhuskers lost by 18 points. What disrespect by the Fighting Illini to do that to Nebraska on Scott Frost Day!
After starting the season 0-2, Iowa has really turned their season around, outscoring their opponents 125-35 in the last three games. While the Hawkeyes aren’t going to wow people with what they do on the field, Iowa does a lot of the little things really well. Quarterback Spencer Petras is starting to find a little more comfort behind center, while Mekhi Sargent and Tyler Goodson provided a solid combo at running back.
Last week Iowa saw both Sean Clifford and Will Levis at quarterback for Penn State, and the Hawkeyes had little trouble shutting both down. Iowa could see a similar situation this week with Luke McCaffrey and Adrian Martinez. Whoever lines up at quarterback for Nebraska is going to be in for a long day against the Iowa defense. The Cornhuskers have way too much uncertainty at quarterback right now for me to trust backing them. Iowa continues their strong play with an easy win over their neighbors.
Iowa 38, Nebraska 20
Maryland v. No. 12 Indiana (-11.5) - 12:00 PM EST - ESPN2
One of the games is going to make no sense this week. This feels like the game it could be. Maryland hasn’t played in two weeks because of COVID-19 issues, and the stoppage came at the worst possible time for the Terrapins. Last time we saw Maryland, the Terrapins were running all over Penn State. Taulia Tagovailoa had accounted for eight total touchdowns in the last two games, both wins for Maryland.
We know what Indiana is about. Even though the Hoosiers trailed Ohio State 28-7, Indiana never gave up, pulling to within a touchdown of the Buckeyes. Ty Fryfogle has recorded back-to-back 200-yard receiving games, while Michael Penix Jr. already has 14 touchdown passes this season. About the only hiccup in Indiana’s game so far this year is they are getting pretty much nothing on the ground.
Indiana doesn’t lose their second straight game, but Maryland at least keeps it closer than the experts think. The defense of the Terrapins is leaky, which is why I’m not picking them to upset Indiana. The younger Tagovailoa continues his recent outstanding play, which allows Maryland to at least hang around on Saturday.
Indiana 41, Maryland 34
Penn State v. Michigan (-2) - 12:00 PM EST - ABC
Penn State-Michigan has the chance to be the best comedy film of 2020. The Nittany Lions and Wolverines have combined to go 2-8 so far this season. The only thing that would have made this game even funnier is if Michigan hadn’t been able to defeat Rutgers in overtime last week.
Sean Clifford or Will Levis? Does it even matter? Penn State can’t run the football since both Journey Brown and Noah Cain are already out for the season. The passing game for Penn State isn’t much better. Jahan Dotson has been great, but the Nittany Lions took a huge hit when it was announced Pat Freiermuth won’t play again this season after suffering an injury against Ohio State.
If Joe Milton sees the field again this season, Jim Harbaugh should be fired on the spot. Obviously Milton isn’t the answer at quarterback, leaving Cade McNamara to start. McNamara was efficient after taking over for Milton, throwing for 260 yards and four touchdowns in the win over Rutgers.
Michigan at least will get back to .500 this week. I’m still skeptical about the Michigan defense, but I do at least have a little more confidence with their ability to move the football with McNamara taking the snaps. Penn State will be lucky to win a game this year, and even if the Nittany Lions don’t go winless, they won’t get the win this weekend.
Michigan 31, Penn State 17
No. 8 Northwestern (-13.5) v. Michigan State - 3:30 PM EST - ESPN2
The only thing that worries me about taking Northwestern here is the offense of the Wildcats. Can Northwestern score enough points to cover? After defeating Maryland 43-3 in the season opener, the Wildcats have won their other four games by a combined 26 points.
An unexpected week off came at just the right time for Michigan State. After beating Michigan, the Spartans have lost their next two games by a combined score of 73-7. Michigan State can’t run the football, putting even more pressure on quarterback Rocky Lombardi. The junior answered the call against Michigan, but hasn’t come anywhere close to matching that success since.
Northwestern and Peyton Ramsey have the advantage in pretty much every area of the game. Having said that, the Wildcats just don’t blow opponents out with any regularity. We have seen in the past how tough trips to East Lansing can be, even when Michigan State isn’t playing well. The Spartans frustrated Northwestern, but they don’t have enough to hand the Wildcats their first loss of the season.
Northwestern 21, Michigan State 13
Rutgers v. Purdue (-11.5) - 4:00 PM EST - FS1
What a season debut it was for Rondale Moore. The Purdue wide receiver caught 15 passes for 116 yards against Minnesota. The only thing missing from Friday night’s game for Purdue was a victory. Jack Plummer stepped in for an injured Aidan O’Connell, nearly leading the Boilermakers to victory before the refs stole the game from Purdue with a phantom offensive pass interference call.
Rutgers threw everything they had at Michigan last week, almost beating the Wolverines before falling in triple overtime. The Scarlet Knights have earned plenty of moral victories for some of their performances this year, but it’s not translating to wins on the field. Rutgers still has turnover issues, as Noah Vedral has already thrown eight interceptions this season.
Purdue always finds a way to make a mountain out of a mole hill. All four Purdue games this season have been decided by seven points or less. The Boilermakers will also be without defensive standout George Karlaftis, who tested positive for COVID-19 earlier this week. I can already see this game playing out in the most beautifully stupid way possible. Take the points.
Purdue 31, Rutgers 27
No. 4 Ohio State (-28) v. Illinois - 12:00 PM EST - FS1
Ohio State knows what they have to do these next few weeks. Not only do the Buckeyes have to win, they have to win big. The Buckeyes were slotted in the fourth spot in the first College Football Playoff rankings, which is about where they belong. Ohio State has been impressive in the first half of games, while sleepwalking through the second half. To really sway the voters into thinking Ohio State might deserve a higher ranking than fourth, the Buckeyes need to put together a complete game.
Just how spoiled are Ohio State fans? A 300-yard passing performance with three total touchdowns has some asking what was wrong with Fields last week. Indiana is a good team with a solid defense. If anyone thought Fields was going to finish the season with more touchdown passes than incompletions, then you might want to get a mental evaluation. Fields is still one of the favorites to win the Heisman Trophy, so the sky is not falling like some Buckeye fans seem to think it is.
What was really good to see on Saturday was how effective the Buckeyes were running the football. Master Teague ran for 169 yards to lead Ohio State, who rolled up over 300 yards on the ground against the Hoosiers. The Buckeyes should be able to have another big day rushing the football against an Illinois defense that is giving up nearly 200 yards per game on the ground.
Illinois is coming off one of their best performances during Lovie Smith’s time in Champaign. The Fighting Illini not only saw Brandon Peters throw for 205 yards and a touchdown in his return to the field, but Illinois also received 100-yard rushing efforts from Mike Epstein and Chase Brown. Illinois has now won two-straight games after beating Rutgers by a field goal the week before.
Ohio State should have no issue keeping ownership of Illibuck. Since losing to Illinois in 2007 in Columbus, the Buckeyes have beaten the Fighting Illini in nine-straight meetings. While trips to Champaign always seem to contain at least some shenanigans, I don’t think we’ll see much of that this year. Ohio State has to feel a little slighted being only ranked fourth in the country, but they also know they have to play better football. We see a more complete performance from the Buckeyes on Saturday.
Ohio State 54, Illinois 17
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LGHL Potential BOOMs coming for the 2021 and 2022 class?
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Potential BOOMs coming for the 2021 and 2022 class?
Caleb Houser via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Ohio State’s momentum on the recruiting trail looks to be continuing.
First and foremost, wishing a Happy Thanksgiving to all of Buckeye nation. Even in a difficult year that 2020 has been at times, there is still much to be thankful for.
In regards to Ohio State football, there’s even more to be thankful and excited about. The Buckeyes are currently undefeated, sit in the top four in the first College Football Playoff rankings, and even with team aspects that need fixing, it doesn’t look like anyone left on the regular season schedule can take down Ryan Day and this year’s Buckeye team.
Looking to other areas of thanks, you can just look at recruiting. What Ohio State is doing right now on the trail is literally incredible and realistically never seen before from this program’s standpoint. The 2021 class will be pretty much wrapped up within a few weeks and still has a chance to be the top class overall when all is said and done. Somehow, the 2022 class looks to be setting an even higher expectation, as there’s momentum in that cycle that really doesn’t look to be stopping any time soon.
Overall, there is plenty to be thankful for when you’re an Ohio State fan.
Boom coming in 2021?
It feels like every other day now that Ohio State is receiving a huge boom to their 2022 class. The momentum the Buckeyes have in that recruiting cycle is beyond anything you can explain, and it looks as if more could be on the way. The interesting aspect is that more could be coming soon to the 2022 class of course, but also in the current 2021 cycle that really only has two or three spots left in the class overall.
Yesterday, current 2021 commit Jaylen Johnson tweeted to his future teammate and fellow Buckeye commit Jordan Hancock that “we might be having a boom in the ‘21 class”. As it always does when current commits tweet potential recruiting news, Twitter began to take off with the guess of who it could be that Johnson was talking about.
Knowing too that Johnson is on the defensive side of the ball, one would think he’d be referring to another defensive player. J.T. Tuimoloau being one of the very few guys Ohio State is still in on is a possible guess, but the nation’s second-best player has long been a prospect who is going to take his time in deciding all of the way to the February signing period.
@jordanhancock_7 we might be having a BOOM in the 21’ class pic.twitter.com/0SXPsSqLga
— Jaylen Johnson (@JaylenJohnson21) November 25, 2020
It really could be anyone’s guess, but as everyone who follows Ohio State recruiting knows there’s two Washington-based guys the Buckeyes are still in great position for, with one being the aforementioned Tuimoloau and the other the top receiver in the country for his 2021 class, Emeka Egbuka. The Buckeyes are clearly in the lead for Egbuka, and there is a chance he could commit soon, but he really wants to make a visit to Oklahoma before making his final decision.
Beyond those two guys, it’s not real clear who Johnson could have been talking about, but with three weeks until the early signing period, it could present itself sooner rather than later. It is possible he could have been talking about the 2022 cycle, but one would really think he’d be referring to his own class, as that is how these things have played out for the most part.
What about 2022?
Jumping right into it, Twitter was abuzz yesterday per usual in regards to Ohio State recruiting efforts in 2022. Five-star cornerback Domani Jackson gave some insight that later today there could be some news coming regarding his recruitment. Whether it’s an actual decision or just an update such as a final schools list announcement nobody can be sure, but still something is brewing in regards to the nation’s third-ranked prospect and top corner in the class.
Yes, Jackson is fresh off a trip to rival TTUN and has made it clear that as a youngster he was a Michigan fan, but there’s obviously been pro-Ohio State news for the California native in recent weeks. Crystal Ball predictions did come in at a rapid rate for him and the Buckeyes just a few weeks ago, and it is unclear whether the visit to Ann Arbor has swayed him. It is true that Jackson and top Michigan native defensive back Will Johnson would love to be a package deal, and with Johnson’s father being a former Wolverine himself, Michigan is the clear leader in that recruitment.
As Ohio State tries to sway Johnson to wait and visit Columbus before making a pledge, it’s important to understand that package deal recruitments, while popular, rarely happen. Hancock and linebacker Barrett Carter were thought to be a package in 2021, and now one is committed to OSU and the other Clemson. We’ll have to wait and see what today holds for Jackson, and here’s to hoping for one extra reason to be thankful.
In addition to the Jackson tweet, “Captain Buckeye” C.J. Hicks, Ohio State’s fourth-ranked player in their 2022 class, also took to his Twitter account yesterday to tease that another boom was coming for the Buckeyes. In his tweet he mentioned the word “sleeper” which tends to make you think this is a prospect not of the typical four and five-star status the 2022 class has grown so accustomed to.
Without going into too much thought, the name that pops up is 2022 receiver Kyion Grayes. A three-star receiver currently committed to his home state school Arizona, Grayes has made it no secret that he’s highly interested in Ohio State after being offered by the Buckeyes. In fact, when the recruiting dead period is lifted, Graves has said his first visit would be to Columbus.
Just a guess as to who Hicks was talking about, it’s worth mentioning that with the Buckeyes loading up on receivers, there could be potential motivation for Graves to flip his pledge to OSU soon to reserve his spot. Three-star or not, his film alone proves he’s Ohio State caliber, and he is a prospect the coaching staff very much views as a diamond in the rough a la Chris Olave in 2018.
Four-star DT includes OSU on short list
There’s not a position Ohio State doesn’t seem to be recruiting well these days, and with position coaches like the Buckeyes have, it’s pretty easy to see why the continuous trend of success in both recruiting and development keeps paying off.
On the defensive side of the ball specifically, Larry Johnson has been regarded as arguably the best defensive line coach in the country because of his incredible track record. Whether it be on the recruiting trail itself or looking at every single NFL Draft, top defensive line prospects all over the country know that if they have the opportunity to play for Johnson, more times than not it ends with a spot on an NFL roster.
With Ohio State benefiting from Johnson’s abilities time and time again, recruiting the top players at his position group every year typically pays off. Yesterday, the Buckeyes found themselves once again on a top schools list for a high-caliber defensive lineman.
IMG Academy’s Dominick James took to Twitter yesterday, releasing his top 11 schools he will be choosing from before making a final call. The 21st best defensive tackle in the class, James also checks in as the 240th player nationally per the 247Sports Composite rankings.
Making the cut for James included Penn State, Michigan, Nebraska, Auburn, Texas A&M, USC, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, and Ohio State. Looking at the 247Sports Crystal Ball for the 6-foot-2, 270-pound lineman, there’s yet to be a prediction, which likely means this recruitment is up for grabs.
Like with any southern prospect, it will be hard to pry the IMG Academy product from the SEC teams. Important to note though, James is originally from Alabama, so the Crimson Tide definitely are ones to watch here. If anyone can take this four-star out of the south though, Larry Johnson would be the one — especially with Ohio State’s success recruiting at IMG Academy in the past.
Quick Hits
2020 Ohio MaxPreps All-State high school football team.
The list includes eight Ohio State commits led by Massillon Washington's 4-star wide receiver @J_Ball21.
: https://t.co/9sIipfL88Y pic.twitter.com/ROML0Yxuhc
— MaxPreps (@MaxPreps) November 25, 2020
Continue reading...
Caleb Houser via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Ohio State’s momentum on the recruiting trail looks to be continuing.
First and foremost, wishing a Happy Thanksgiving to all of Buckeye nation. Even in a difficult year that 2020 has been at times, there is still much to be thankful for.
In regards to Ohio State football, there’s even more to be thankful and excited about. The Buckeyes are currently undefeated, sit in the top four in the first College Football Playoff rankings, and even with team aspects that need fixing, it doesn’t look like anyone left on the regular season schedule can take down Ryan Day and this year’s Buckeye team.
Looking to other areas of thanks, you can just look at recruiting. What Ohio State is doing right now on the trail is literally incredible and realistically never seen before from this program’s standpoint. The 2021 class will be pretty much wrapped up within a few weeks and still has a chance to be the top class overall when all is said and done. Somehow, the 2022 class looks to be setting an even higher expectation, as there’s momentum in that cycle that really doesn’t look to be stopping any time soon.
Overall, there is plenty to be thankful for when you’re an Ohio State fan.
Boom coming in 2021?
It feels like every other day now that Ohio State is receiving a huge boom to their 2022 class. The momentum the Buckeyes have in that recruiting cycle is beyond anything you can explain, and it looks as if more could be on the way. The interesting aspect is that more could be coming soon to the 2022 class of course, but also in the current 2021 cycle that really only has two or three spots left in the class overall.
Yesterday, current 2021 commit Jaylen Johnson tweeted to his future teammate and fellow Buckeye commit Jordan Hancock that “we might be having a boom in the ‘21 class”. As it always does when current commits tweet potential recruiting news, Twitter began to take off with the guess of who it could be that Johnson was talking about.
Knowing too that Johnson is on the defensive side of the ball, one would think he’d be referring to another defensive player. J.T. Tuimoloau being one of the very few guys Ohio State is still in on is a possible guess, but the nation’s second-best player has long been a prospect who is going to take his time in deciding all of the way to the February signing period.
@jordanhancock_7 we might be having a BOOM in the 21’ class pic.twitter.com/0SXPsSqLga
— Jaylen Johnson (@JaylenJohnson21) November 25, 2020
It really could be anyone’s guess, but as everyone who follows Ohio State recruiting knows there’s two Washington-based guys the Buckeyes are still in great position for, with one being the aforementioned Tuimoloau and the other the top receiver in the country for his 2021 class, Emeka Egbuka. The Buckeyes are clearly in the lead for Egbuka, and there is a chance he could commit soon, but he really wants to make a visit to Oklahoma before making his final decision.
Beyond those two guys, it’s not real clear who Johnson could have been talking about, but with three weeks until the early signing period, it could present itself sooner rather than later. It is possible he could have been talking about the 2022 cycle, but one would really think he’d be referring to his own class, as that is how these things have played out for the most part.
What about 2022?
Jumping right into it, Twitter was abuzz yesterday per usual in regards to Ohio State recruiting efforts in 2022. Five-star cornerback Domani Jackson gave some insight that later today there could be some news coming regarding his recruitment. Whether it’s an actual decision or just an update such as a final schools list announcement nobody can be sure, but still something is brewing in regards to the nation’s third-ranked prospect and top corner in the class.
Yes, Jackson is fresh off a trip to rival TTUN and has made it clear that as a youngster he was a Michigan fan, but there’s obviously been pro-Ohio State news for the California native in recent weeks. Crystal Ball predictions did come in at a rapid rate for him and the Buckeyes just a few weeks ago, and it is unclear whether the visit to Ann Arbor has swayed him. It is true that Jackson and top Michigan native defensive back Will Johnson would love to be a package deal, and with Johnson’s father being a former Wolverine himself, Michigan is the clear leader in that recruitment.
As Ohio State tries to sway Johnson to wait and visit Columbus before making a pledge, it’s important to understand that package deal recruitments, while popular, rarely happen. Hancock and linebacker Barrett Carter were thought to be a package in 2021, and now one is committed to OSU and the other Clemson. We’ll have to wait and see what today holds for Jackson, and here’s to hoping for one extra reason to be thankful.
In addition to the Jackson tweet, “Captain Buckeye” C.J. Hicks, Ohio State’s fourth-ranked player in their 2022 class, also took to his Twitter account yesterday to tease that another boom was coming for the Buckeyes. In his tweet he mentioned the word “sleeper” which tends to make you think this is a prospect not of the typical four and five-star status the 2022 class has grown so accustomed to.
Without going into too much thought, the name that pops up is 2022 receiver Kyion Grayes. A three-star receiver currently committed to his home state school Arizona, Grayes has made it no secret that he’s highly interested in Ohio State after being offered by the Buckeyes. In fact, when the recruiting dead period is lifted, Graves has said his first visit would be to Columbus.
Just a guess as to who Hicks was talking about, it’s worth mentioning that with the Buckeyes loading up on receivers, there could be potential motivation for Graves to flip his pledge to OSU soon to reserve his spot. Three-star or not, his film alone proves he’s Ohio State caliber, and he is a prospect the coaching staff very much views as a diamond in the rough a la Chris Olave in 2018.
Four-star DT includes OSU on short list
There’s not a position Ohio State doesn’t seem to be recruiting well these days, and with position coaches like the Buckeyes have, it’s pretty easy to see why the continuous trend of success in both recruiting and development keeps paying off.
On the defensive side of the ball specifically, Larry Johnson has been regarded as arguably the best defensive line coach in the country because of his incredible track record. Whether it be on the recruiting trail itself or looking at every single NFL Draft, top defensive line prospects all over the country know that if they have the opportunity to play for Johnson, more times than not it ends with a spot on an NFL roster.
With Ohio State benefiting from Johnson’s abilities time and time again, recruiting the top players at his position group every year typically pays off. Yesterday, the Buckeyes found themselves once again on a top schools list for a high-caliber defensive lineman.
IMG Academy’s Dominick James took to Twitter yesterday, releasing his top 11 schools he will be choosing from before making a final call. The 21st best defensive tackle in the class, James also checks in as the 240th player nationally per the 247Sports Composite rankings.
Making the cut for James included Penn State, Michigan, Nebraska, Auburn, Texas A&M, USC, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, and Ohio State. Looking at the 247Sports Crystal Ball for the 6-foot-2, 270-pound lineman, there’s yet to be a prediction, which likely means this recruitment is up for grabs.
Like with any southern prospect, it will be hard to pry the IMG Academy product from the SEC teams. Important to note though, James is originally from Alabama, so the Crimson Tide definitely are ones to watch here. If anyone can take this four-star out of the south though, Larry Johnson would be the one — especially with Ohio State’s success recruiting at IMG Academy in the past.
Quick Hits
- Four-star wide receiver C.J. Williams (Santa Ana, California/Mater Dei) will be narrowing down his top schools later today at 5 p.m. PT. With nearly 50 scholarship offers, Williams will have to work pretty hard to bring this list to a final few. Though Ohio State seems to be recruiting receivers at a record pace, odds are the Buckeyes will make the cut here.
- MaxPreps dropped their All-State selections for the state of Ohio yesterday that included eight current Ohio State commitments coming from both the 2021 and 2022 class.
2020 Ohio MaxPreps All-State high school football team.
The list includes eight Ohio State commits led by Massillon Washington's 4-star wide receiver @J_Ball21.
: https://t.co/9sIipfL88Y pic.twitter.com/ROML0Yxuhc
— MaxPreps (@MaxPreps) November 25, 2020
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LGHL Keys to the Game: Ohio State dominates Illinois State 94-67 in opener
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Keys to the Game: Ohio State dominates Illinois State 94-67 in opener
Gene Ross via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
The Buckeyes began their season with a big W on Wednesday afternoon.
We didn’t know if we would ever get here for certain with all the craziness that has been 2020, but college basketball is officially back! Chris Holtmann had to rebuild his roster this offseason, and we got to see the fruits of his labor in action for the first time on Wednesday afternoon, as Ohio State opened their season with a 94-67 win over Illinois State.
The Buckeyes came out of the gate with a vengeance, scoring the game’s first 22 points before the Redbirds even got on the board, and from there they really never looked back. Justice Sueing was phenomenal in his OSU debut, leading the team with 19 points on 8-of-9 shooting to go along with eight rebounds and three steals. As a team, Ohio State shot just under 50% from the floor, sharing the sugar all game long as they finished with 17 assists.
The starting five
We weren’t quite sure heading into the season who would crack the starting lineup for this new-look Ohio State roster. With Kaleb Wesson and Andre Wesson having moved on and a handful of transfers leaving in the offseason, spots have certainly opened up. Chris Holtmann has a lot of talented pieces to work with this year, and there is a lot of freedom in how exactly he will deploy them.
In game one of the new campaign, the Buckeyes rolled out a starting five of CJ Walker and Duane Washington Jr. in the guard spots — as expected — with the trio of Justice Sueing, E.J. Liddell and Kyle Young in the front court. For Sueing, it was his Ohio State debut after sitting out all of last season per NCAA transfer rules. No real surprises in the starting unit to begin the year, as the team also debuted its new jerseys for the first time.
Liddell slammed home of the first basket of the season, and we were underway.
The 2020-21 @OhioStateHoops season starts with a slam by @EasyE2432!
The dunk has led to a 13-0 start for the Buckeyes. pic.twitter.com/MUYxFVFD48
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) November 25, 2020Midseason form
Some teams may get out to a slow start in their first game of the season — especially after a weird start-and-stop, pandemic-induced offseason. That was not the case for Ohio State, as they opened up the floodgates right from the get-go.
The Buckeyes started the afternoon on a 22-0 run. On the offensive end, Liddell scored the team’s first five points on the opening dunk and an and-one layup shortly thereafter. OSU hit on three of their first five attempts from downtown, including Sueing and Washington each connecting on early 3-pointers. Sueing was the hot hand early, hitting his first three shots in a scarlet and gray jersey to help spark the run.
The defense looked unbreakable early on as well, forcing the Redbirds to start off shooting 0-for-9 from the field while also turning the ball over four times. Holtmann’s group was locking down with some aggressive man defense, actively talking and switching as they kept Illinois State in check for more than six minutes of action. It wasn’t until the 13:36 mark in the period that the Redbirds got their first point of the game at the free throw line.
Odell or Liddell? ️ @EasyE2432 | @OhioStateHoops pic.twitter.com/zr5V1Hjbho
— Ohio State on BTN (@OhioStateOnBTN) November 25, 2020Running out of steam
It was a strong half overall for Ohio State, but the team looked like they tired out just before the end of the opening period. Illinois State was able to head into the break on a 7-0 run, as the Buckeyes did not score for the final 2:57 of the first period. OSU hit just one of its last seven shots from the field before heading into the locker room, while the Redbirds hit 9-of-15 after their slow start.
Even still, the early run for Ohio State was far too much to overcome in the first 20 minutes, as Holtmann’s squad headed into the break leading 42-25. The story of the half was points in the paint, where the Buckeyes held a 24-6 advantage. OSU moved the ball really well in the period, finishing with eight assists while shooting 47% from the field. Seven different players had at least three points at the half.
Court is in session
Listen, excuse my puns, but if you’re going to throw a guy at me whose first AND last name are both courtroom words, you can’t expect me to hold back.
Justice Sueing transferred to Ohio State last year after being the best player at Cal in the 2018-19 campaign. In his last season with the Golden Bears, Sueing led the team with 14.3 points per game to go along with six rebounds and two assists per contest while shooting over 43% from the floor. Clearly Sueing is a great player, but would his skills transfer to Columbus and a different style of play in the Big Ten?
While Illinois State isn’t exactly the same rough-and-tough matchup you expect to see once you enter B1G play, Sueing passed his first test with the Buckeyes with flying colors. He was the team’s best player in the first half, going a perfect 5-for-5 from the field with 12 points, two boards and a steal in just 11 minutes of play. Ohio State knew they would need to find a new source of scoring with Kaleb Wesson off to pursue his NBA dreams, and Sueing showed signs in game one that he could potentially fill that void.
"I think it's safe to say @JusticeSueing's @OhioStateHoops debut has been successful."
Sueing has 17 points on 7-7 FG. pic.twitter.com/YkDIvFiz4K
— Ohio State on BTN (@OhioStateOnBTN) November 25, 2020Going hard in the paint
The front court was really the biggest question mark for Ohio State heading into this season. We’ve talked ad nauseam about the absence of the Wesson brothers, but we also didn’t quite know what to fully expect from the guys who were already on the roster. We hadn’t seen any of Sueing, Young has a history with lower body injuries, and Liddell was just a freshman a year ago. With Seth Towns on the shelf to begin the year, could the Buckeyes find ways to score the rock in the paint?
The answer was a resounding yes, as Ohio State’s bigs — and equally as impressively their guards — were able to score at will from underneath the basket. The Buckeyes outscored the Redbirds 50-14 in the paint. Liddell was really strong in his season debut, scoring 16 points on 5-of-9 shooting almost exclusively from inside 10 feet. Young also added eight points of his own, with most of his points from right around the rim as well.
Ohio State also did quite well in the rebounding department, especially on the offensive boards. The Bucks pulled down 14 offensive rebounds on the afternoon, out-rebounding Illinois State 43-33 overall.
OOP THERE IT IS!@ahrensjustin12 @cjwalk13 @kyle_young25! pic.twitter.com/76MhIf3xg1
— Ohio State on BTN (@OhioStateOnBTN) November 25, 2020First look at the freshmen
Even before we reached garbage time, coach Holtmann had no problem giving his freshmen some really decent minutes in the first game of the season.
Zed Key led the first-year guys with 12 points — one of five Buckeyes to reach double-digits on the afternoon. He played 17 minutes in the opener, hitting 3-of-4 from the field and knocking down 6-of-9 at the charity stripe. He also hauled in five boards.
Freshman guard Eugene Brown III got to see the floor a good amount as well, scoring three points and pulling down four rebounds in his first game action at Ohio State.
THE FRESHMAN!@iamzedkey picks up his first collegiate points. pic.twitter.com/GPm5z83LMK
— Ohio State on BTN (@OhioStateOnBTN) November 25, 2020
Continue reading...
Gene Ross via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
The Buckeyes began their season with a big W on Wednesday afternoon.
We didn’t know if we would ever get here for certain with all the craziness that has been 2020, but college basketball is officially back! Chris Holtmann had to rebuild his roster this offseason, and we got to see the fruits of his labor in action for the first time on Wednesday afternoon, as Ohio State opened their season with a 94-67 win over Illinois State.
The Buckeyes came out of the gate with a vengeance, scoring the game’s first 22 points before the Redbirds even got on the board, and from there they really never looked back. Justice Sueing was phenomenal in his OSU debut, leading the team with 19 points on 8-of-9 shooting to go along with eight rebounds and three steals. As a team, Ohio State shot just under 50% from the floor, sharing the sugar all game long as they finished with 17 assists.
The starting five
We weren’t quite sure heading into the season who would crack the starting lineup for this new-look Ohio State roster. With Kaleb Wesson and Andre Wesson having moved on and a handful of transfers leaving in the offseason, spots have certainly opened up. Chris Holtmann has a lot of talented pieces to work with this year, and there is a lot of freedom in how exactly he will deploy them.
In game one of the new campaign, the Buckeyes rolled out a starting five of CJ Walker and Duane Washington Jr. in the guard spots — as expected — with the trio of Justice Sueing, E.J. Liddell and Kyle Young in the front court. For Sueing, it was his Ohio State debut after sitting out all of last season per NCAA transfer rules. No real surprises in the starting unit to begin the year, as the team also debuted its new jerseys for the first time.
Liddell slammed home of the first basket of the season, and we were underway.
The 2020-21 @OhioStateHoops season starts with a slam by @EasyE2432!
The dunk has led to a 13-0 start for the Buckeyes. pic.twitter.com/MUYxFVFD48
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) November 25, 2020
Some teams may get out to a slow start in their first game of the season — especially after a weird start-and-stop, pandemic-induced offseason. That was not the case for Ohio State, as they opened up the floodgates right from the get-go.
The Buckeyes started the afternoon on a 22-0 run. On the offensive end, Liddell scored the team’s first five points on the opening dunk and an and-one layup shortly thereafter. OSU hit on three of their first five attempts from downtown, including Sueing and Washington each connecting on early 3-pointers. Sueing was the hot hand early, hitting his first three shots in a scarlet and gray jersey to help spark the run.
The defense looked unbreakable early on as well, forcing the Redbirds to start off shooting 0-for-9 from the field while also turning the ball over four times. Holtmann’s group was locking down with some aggressive man defense, actively talking and switching as they kept Illinois State in check for more than six minutes of action. It wasn’t until the 13:36 mark in the period that the Redbirds got their first point of the game at the free throw line.
Odell or Liddell? ️ @EasyE2432 | @OhioStateHoops pic.twitter.com/zr5V1Hjbho
— Ohio State on BTN (@OhioStateOnBTN) November 25, 2020
It was a strong half overall for Ohio State, but the team looked like they tired out just before the end of the opening period. Illinois State was able to head into the break on a 7-0 run, as the Buckeyes did not score for the final 2:57 of the first period. OSU hit just one of its last seven shots from the field before heading into the locker room, while the Redbirds hit 9-of-15 after their slow start.
Even still, the early run for Ohio State was far too much to overcome in the first 20 minutes, as Holtmann’s squad headed into the break leading 42-25. The story of the half was points in the paint, where the Buckeyes held a 24-6 advantage. OSU moved the ball really well in the period, finishing with eight assists while shooting 47% from the field. Seven different players had at least three points at the half.
Court is in session
Listen, excuse my puns, but if you’re going to throw a guy at me whose first AND last name are both courtroom words, you can’t expect me to hold back.
Justice Sueing transferred to Ohio State last year after being the best player at Cal in the 2018-19 campaign. In his last season with the Golden Bears, Sueing led the team with 14.3 points per game to go along with six rebounds and two assists per contest while shooting over 43% from the floor. Clearly Sueing is a great player, but would his skills transfer to Columbus and a different style of play in the Big Ten?
While Illinois State isn’t exactly the same rough-and-tough matchup you expect to see once you enter B1G play, Sueing passed his first test with the Buckeyes with flying colors. He was the team’s best player in the first half, going a perfect 5-for-5 from the field with 12 points, two boards and a steal in just 11 minutes of play. Ohio State knew they would need to find a new source of scoring with Kaleb Wesson off to pursue his NBA dreams, and Sueing showed signs in game one that he could potentially fill that void.
"I think it's safe to say @JusticeSueing's @OhioStateHoops debut has been successful."
Sueing has 17 points on 7-7 FG. pic.twitter.com/YkDIvFiz4K
— Ohio State on BTN (@OhioStateOnBTN) November 25, 2020
The front court was really the biggest question mark for Ohio State heading into this season. We’ve talked ad nauseam about the absence of the Wesson brothers, but we also didn’t quite know what to fully expect from the guys who were already on the roster. We hadn’t seen any of Sueing, Young has a history with lower body injuries, and Liddell was just a freshman a year ago. With Seth Towns on the shelf to begin the year, could the Buckeyes find ways to score the rock in the paint?
The answer was a resounding yes, as Ohio State’s bigs — and equally as impressively their guards — were able to score at will from underneath the basket. The Buckeyes outscored the Redbirds 50-14 in the paint. Liddell was really strong in his season debut, scoring 16 points on 5-of-9 shooting almost exclusively from inside 10 feet. Young also added eight points of his own, with most of his points from right around the rim as well.
Ohio State also did quite well in the rebounding department, especially on the offensive boards. The Bucks pulled down 14 offensive rebounds on the afternoon, out-rebounding Illinois State 43-33 overall.
OOP THERE IT IS!@ahrensjustin12 @cjwalk13 @kyle_young25! pic.twitter.com/76MhIf3xg1
— Ohio State on BTN (@OhioStateOnBTN) November 25, 2020
Even before we reached garbage time, coach Holtmann had no problem giving his freshmen some really decent minutes in the first game of the season.
Zed Key led the first-year guys with 12 points — one of five Buckeyes to reach double-digits on the afternoon. He played 17 minutes in the opener, hitting 3-of-4 from the field and knocking down 6-of-9 at the charity stripe. He also hauled in five boards.
Freshman guard Eugene Brown III got to see the floor a good amount as well, scoring three points and pulling down four rebounds in his first game action at Ohio State.
THE FRESHMAN!@iamzedkey picks up his first collegiate points. pic.twitter.com/GPm5z83LMK
— Ohio State on BTN (@OhioStateOnBTN) November 25, 2020
Continue reading...
LGHL Best in the B1G: Ranking basketball uniforms
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Best in the B1G: Ranking basketball uniforms
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 Lance King/Getty Images
Keeping in mind threads don’t win championships...
The Ohio State Buckeyes men’s basketball team got new threads ahead of the 2020-21 season. In fact, for the first time ever, both the men’s and women’s teams will don the same primary home and away uniforms (though there will be some throwbacks and yet to be determined alternates).
But where do the Buckeyes’ uniforms rank in the conference overall? Without further ado, let’s jump in…
14. Illinois
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Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images
The Illini’s Nike uniforms look vintage but not in a good way. The “Illinois” lettering across the chest looks outdated, and the blue neckline combined with the white side stripes (on the orange uniforms) or blue side stripes (on the white) is distracting.
In all, they give off the vibe of practice jerseys.
13. Minnesota
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22119489/1207242967.jpg)
Photo by Jeffrey Brown/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
When your colors are that shade of maroon and gold, it’s hard to do a lot with those uniforms. But the Gophers’ Nike jerseys aren’t the worst. In fact, somehow even the all gold jerseys aren’t total eyesores. The big knock I’d put on them are the awkward stripes on the shorts which, for some reason, meet in the front of the shorts instead of heading down the sides.
12. Purdue
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22119491/1207018446.jpg)
With colors like black and gold, you’d think the Boilermakers would pull off a solid and classic uniform. However, Purdue’s Nike basketball jerseys certainly leave something to be desired. The colorblock at the top of the shoulders and the stylized “Purdue” on the chest complicate what should be a smooth uniform. Boiler down on this look.
The Hammer Down Cancer alternates are baller, though, and they’re for a good cause.
11. Nebraska
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22119492/1207241230.jpg)
Photo by Jeffrey Brown/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The Huskers’ Adidas jerseys are new this season, with Nebraska eliminating the pinstripes from both their home and away uniforms. While the red away jersey is largely the same beyond said pinstripe removal, the white home jersey got the added word art treatment, with the program opting for a stylized “Huskers” in lieu of the traditional “Nebraska” emblazoned across the chest.
Overall, the pinstripes never really fit with the basketball motif (who do the Huskers think they are? The Yankees?) and it was a good move to ditch them. However, newly stylized wordmark on the chest is difficult to read, and perhaps the program should have stuck with its traditional block lettering.
10. Wisconsin
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Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images
The Badgers’ Under Armour uniforms manage to do a lot with what’s still a generally simple design, having been updated for the first time in nearly two decades ahead of last season. The stripes on the shorts, for example, start going horizontally down the leg before wrapping wholly around the thigh.
The neckline on the jersey is somewhat odd, with alternating color blocks from front to back, but the lettering across the chest is simple. Additionally, the numbers mirror those of the football jerseys, which is cool for the brand.
9. Rutgers
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22119475/1218083507.jpg)
Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images
The Scarlet Knights unveiled new uniforms ahead of last season. The red, black and white Adidas uniforms are simpler than their previous versions, eliminating detail on the shoulder straps. The Rutgers font on the uniforms is distinct, but the remaining elements of the uniform are pretty run-of-the-mill.
8. Northwestern
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22119477/1207242963.jpg)
Photo by Jeffrey Brown/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The Wildcats’ Under Armour uniforms are so on point for their brand. I can’t imagine a better getup for a preppy private school on the north shore of Chicago. The purple is tasteful, the font collegiate, the neckline conservative.
However, we’ve got to talk about Northwestern’s alternates, because those gothic script uniforms might be the best alternates in the conference. If only college basketball could be played on Halloween. Or in a Medieval town in France.
7. Michigan State
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22119484/1214994595.jpg)
Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images
As simple and (okay, I’ll just say it) boring as the Spartans’ football uniforms are, the Nike basketball unis have taken a different turn. In fact, if one were to turn on a Michigan State basketball game in recent years, one might think they were watching the likes of Oregon or Baylor given the near fluorescence of some of the uniform combos.
When it comes to their usual home whites, though, Michigan State provided a classical update (as in, quite literally, a Hellenistic throwback), adding a meander border to the sides of its jerseys and shorts as a bold connection to the Spartan mascot’s Greek roots. It’s an interesting take on tying the brand together through culturally relevant symbolism. But this isn’t an art history class.
6. Iowa
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22119498/1206471128.jpg)
Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images
While the Hawkeyes’ football uniforms are literal carbon copies of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ uniforms, the Nike basketball getups are much cooler (my bias against the Steelers aside). Iowa’s basketball jerseys do a good job of toeing the line between flashy and classic. They’re clearly Iowa, distinct from other black and gold unis, but the jerseys are simple enough not to be distracting.
That being said, the black uniforms are clearly the best, while the gold fall a little too far on the “flashy” side of things. The exception is Iowa’s throwback jersey with the script Iowa.
5. Penn State
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22119501/1202926424.jpg)
Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images
So simple. So classic. Like their football jerseys, but better. The Nittany Lions’ Nike basketball uniforms - both home and away - benefit from a lack of adornment. The simple blue jerseys have a white side stripe and a simple white wordmark across the chest. The whites are reversed. No fancy neckline. No weird iconography. No strange cuts.
The challenge, then, is that there is very little to distinguish Penn State’s jerseys, so it’s hard to put them too far up the list.
4. Ohio State
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22119472/mbb_wbb_uniforms_202021_32.jpg)
The Ohio State University
For fans of Ohio State athletics, the new Nike basketball uniforms are amazingly on-brand. The big change from the most recent uniforms is the addition of a token stripe along the side of the jerseys, continuing down the shorts. The “Ohio State” wordmark across the meshed chest is distinctive without being distracting. The new uniforms have managed to incorporate a lot of the branding elements that have come to distinguish the Buckeyes — like, in fact, the Buckeye decals on top of the waistline of the shorts.
3. Maryland
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22119473/1214469661.jpg)
Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images
The trim here is where it’s at — forget everything I said about simplicity being the way to go for basketball uniforms. While the University of Maryland deserves credit for boldly incorporating possibly the boldest state flag in the union into its uniforms, the Under Armour basketball jerseys manage to do what the football ones cannot: be tasteful. Add in the detail on the numbers and these jerseys are straight fire.
Plus, we must accept that these newcomers can back up their ridiculous patterns on the hardcourt in ways they have yet to show on the football field.
2. Michigan
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22119466/1084286110.jpg)
Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images
You’ll never convince me that “blue and yellow” look good together, but there’s no denying that the Wolverines have pretty sick basketball jerseys. While the jump man hasn’t exactly been a good icon for the football team (it’s literally a basketball logo), the Nike brand subsidiary certainly has found a natural fit for the basketball jerseys.
The neckline is probably the best part of the whole getup, and hails back to the Tune Squad’s jerseys in Space Jam with the striped detail around the neck and the arms. Somehow, the uniform collectively - especially the maze version - takes me back to the 90s, especially when players like Jordan Poole opt for the shorty shorts.
1. Indiana
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22119467/1207018436.jpg)
The Hoosiers’ Adidas uniforms are classic, timeless and perfect. Even though they were actually updated in recent years, they still look like the jerseys Ray Tolbert could have worn back in the day. Like Penn State’s football uniforms, Indiana’s jerseys harken back to a simpler time, like when Indiana dominated basketball in the Big Ten. The stripes around the waistband and the bottom of the shorts is whimsical without being overbearing, while toned down with a simple wordmark and clean neckline.
If there’s any fault in placing such a simple jersey at this point on the list, take the Hoosiers’ warmups as reason enough to put them higher. They set apart what could easily be the crimson and cream jerseys of Alabama, Oklahoma or Arkansas with something unique. They’re also like the pajama pants of my dreams.
Continue reading...
Meredith Hein via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Lance King/Getty Images
Keeping in mind threads don’t win championships...
The Ohio State Buckeyes men’s basketball team got new threads ahead of the 2020-21 season. In fact, for the first time ever, both the men’s and women’s teams will don the same primary home and away uniforms (though there will be some throwbacks and yet to be determined alternates).
But where do the Buckeyes’ uniforms rank in the conference overall? Without further ado, let’s jump in…
14. Illinois
The Illini’s Nike uniforms look vintage but not in a good way. The “Illinois” lettering across the chest looks outdated, and the blue neckline combined with the white side stripes (on the orange uniforms) or blue side stripes (on the white) is distracting.
In all, they give off the vibe of practice jerseys.
13. Minnesota
When your colors are that shade of maroon and gold, it’s hard to do a lot with those uniforms. But the Gophers’ Nike jerseys aren’t the worst. In fact, somehow even the all gold jerseys aren’t total eyesores. The big knock I’d put on them are the awkward stripes on the shorts which, for some reason, meet in the front of the shorts instead of heading down the sides.
12. Purdue
With colors like black and gold, you’d think the Boilermakers would pull off a solid and classic uniform. However, Purdue’s Nike basketball jerseys certainly leave something to be desired. The colorblock at the top of the shoulders and the stylized “Purdue” on the chest complicate what should be a smooth uniform. Boiler down on this look.
The Hammer Down Cancer alternates are baller, though, and they’re for a good cause.
11. Nebraska
The Huskers’ Adidas jerseys are new this season, with Nebraska eliminating the pinstripes from both their home and away uniforms. While the red away jersey is largely the same beyond said pinstripe removal, the white home jersey got the added word art treatment, with the program opting for a stylized “Huskers” in lieu of the traditional “Nebraska” emblazoned across the chest.
Overall, the pinstripes never really fit with the basketball motif (who do the Huskers think they are? The Yankees?) and it was a good move to ditch them. However, newly stylized wordmark on the chest is difficult to read, and perhaps the program should have stuck with its traditional block lettering.
10. Wisconsin
The Badgers’ Under Armour uniforms manage to do a lot with what’s still a generally simple design, having been updated for the first time in nearly two decades ahead of last season. The stripes on the shorts, for example, start going horizontally down the leg before wrapping wholly around the thigh.
The neckline on the jersey is somewhat odd, with alternating color blocks from front to back, but the lettering across the chest is simple. Additionally, the numbers mirror those of the football jerseys, which is cool for the brand.
9. Rutgers
The Scarlet Knights unveiled new uniforms ahead of last season. The red, black and white Adidas uniforms are simpler than their previous versions, eliminating detail on the shoulder straps. The Rutgers font on the uniforms is distinct, but the remaining elements of the uniform are pretty run-of-the-mill.
8. Northwestern
The Wildcats’ Under Armour uniforms are so on point for their brand. I can’t imagine a better getup for a preppy private school on the north shore of Chicago. The purple is tasteful, the font collegiate, the neckline conservative.
However, we’ve got to talk about Northwestern’s alternates, because those gothic script uniforms might be the best alternates in the conference. If only college basketball could be played on Halloween. Or in a Medieval town in France.
7. Michigan State
As simple and (okay, I’ll just say it) boring as the Spartans’ football uniforms are, the Nike basketball unis have taken a different turn. In fact, if one were to turn on a Michigan State basketball game in recent years, one might think they were watching the likes of Oregon or Baylor given the near fluorescence of some of the uniform combos.
When it comes to their usual home whites, though, Michigan State provided a classical update (as in, quite literally, a Hellenistic throwback), adding a meander border to the sides of its jerseys and shorts as a bold connection to the Spartan mascot’s Greek roots. It’s an interesting take on tying the brand together through culturally relevant symbolism. But this isn’t an art history class.
6. Iowa
While the Hawkeyes’ football uniforms are literal carbon copies of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ uniforms, the Nike basketball getups are much cooler (my bias against the Steelers aside). Iowa’s basketball jerseys do a good job of toeing the line between flashy and classic. They’re clearly Iowa, distinct from other black and gold unis, but the jerseys are simple enough not to be distracting.
That being said, the black uniforms are clearly the best, while the gold fall a little too far on the “flashy” side of things. The exception is Iowa’s throwback jersey with the script Iowa.
5. Penn State
So simple. So classic. Like their football jerseys, but better. The Nittany Lions’ Nike basketball uniforms - both home and away - benefit from a lack of adornment. The simple blue jerseys have a white side stripe and a simple white wordmark across the chest. The whites are reversed. No fancy neckline. No weird iconography. No strange cuts.
The challenge, then, is that there is very little to distinguish Penn State’s jerseys, so it’s hard to put them too far up the list.
4. Ohio State
For fans of Ohio State athletics, the new Nike basketball uniforms are amazingly on-brand. The big change from the most recent uniforms is the addition of a token stripe along the side of the jerseys, continuing down the shorts. The “Ohio State” wordmark across the meshed chest is distinctive without being distracting. The new uniforms have managed to incorporate a lot of the branding elements that have come to distinguish the Buckeyes — like, in fact, the Buckeye decals on top of the waistline of the shorts.
3. Maryland
The trim here is where it’s at — forget everything I said about simplicity being the way to go for basketball uniforms. While the University of Maryland deserves credit for boldly incorporating possibly the boldest state flag in the union into its uniforms, the Under Armour basketball jerseys manage to do what the football ones cannot: be tasteful. Add in the detail on the numbers and these jerseys are straight fire.
Plus, we must accept that these newcomers can back up their ridiculous patterns on the hardcourt in ways they have yet to show on the football field.
2. Michigan
You’ll never convince me that “blue and yellow” look good together, but there’s no denying that the Wolverines have pretty sick basketball jerseys. While the jump man hasn’t exactly been a good icon for the football team (it’s literally a basketball logo), the Nike brand subsidiary certainly has found a natural fit for the basketball jerseys.
The neckline is probably the best part of the whole getup, and hails back to the Tune Squad’s jerseys in Space Jam with the striped detail around the neck and the arms. Somehow, the uniform collectively - especially the maze version - takes me back to the 90s, especially when players like Jordan Poole opt for the shorty shorts.
1. Indiana
The Hoosiers’ Adidas uniforms are classic, timeless and perfect. Even though they were actually updated in recent years, they still look like the jerseys Ray Tolbert could have worn back in the day. Like Penn State’s football uniforms, Indiana’s jerseys harken back to a simpler time, like when Indiana dominated basketball in the Big Ten. The stripes around the waistband and the bottom of the shorts is whimsical without being overbearing, while toned down with a simple wordmark and clean neckline.
If there’s any fault in placing such a simple jersey at this point on the list, take the Hoosiers’ warmups as reason enough to put them higher. They set apart what could easily be the crimson and cream jerseys of Alabama, Oklahoma or Arkansas with something unique. They’re also like the pajama pants of my dreams.
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