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On episode 202 of the Bucketheads Podcast, Justin and Connor are back to discuss the newest Ohio State men’s basketball transfer portal signee Jimmie Williams and what the roster looks like as of April 21.

With the addition of Williams, the Buckeyes bench depth is starting to take shape. We talk about what he did well at Duquesne, what he struggled with, and what the main things are that he brings to Ohio State.

Now, what is left for Jake Diebler and the staff to add? And who are the main players to look out for? And what do we think the rotation will look like next season?

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On episode 201 of the Bucketheads Podcast, Justin and Connor are back to discuss the Ohio State men’s basketball transfer portal signees so far and the outlook moving forward.

First of all, the Buckeyes signed guard Justin Pippen from California and center Andrija Jelavic from Kentucky. While both of these guys are decent players, they are not needle movers like Rob Wright and Jalen Haralson. Is that a problem? Or do these guys plus the retained roster make a solid team?

Also, who should the Buckeyes target moving forward to fill out the roster? And we answer some social media questions to close the episode.

Remember to like and subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen, leave a comment, and review! We have episodes every Thursday morning.

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March Madness has wrapped up, a national champion has been crowned, and now everything shifts toward response. The conversation is no longer about what Ohio State was. It is about what comes next, and how quickly the Buckeyes can close the gap between where they are and where they want to be.

The headline is unavoidable. The Michigan Wolverines cut down the nets, defeating the UConn Huskies to win the national championship and deliver the Big Ten its first title since 2000.

That changes the conversation. For years, the Big Ten has faced criticism for falling short in March. This run pushes back on that narrative, but for Ohio State, it also raises the stakes. Michigan is not going anywhere, and its success adds another layer to the evaluation of where Ohio State stands within the conference.

It also inevitably brings coaching decisions back into focus. Ohio State chose to move forward with Jake Diebler rather than pursue alternatives like Dusty May, and with Michigan now at the top of the sport, those choices will continue to be part of the conversation moving forward.

The takeaway is simple. The path is there. The Big Ten just proved it can be done. Now Ohio State has to build a roster capable of following it.

While the tournament played out, Ohio State’s roster began to shift quickly. Taison Chatman, Devin Royal, Colin White, Gabe Cupps, and Mathieu Grujicic all entered the transfer portal, signaling a clear reset in parts of the rotation.

At the same time, the Buckeyes added key pieces. Justin Pippen arrives with proven production after averaging over 14 points, five rebounds, and four assists last season, giving Ohio State another experienced ball handler. Andrija Jelavic adds size and frontcourt depth, bringing a different physical element to the roster.

And the work is not finished. Ohio State remains in the mix for Jalen Haralson, while continuing to evaluate additional portal options after missing out on other targets.

The early shape of next year’s roster is starting to come into focus. John Mobley Jr. and Justin Pippen headline the backcourt, while Amare Bynum and Anthony Thompson anchor the frontcourt alongside pieces like Josh Ojianwuna. It is a group that, if it comes together, has balance and versatility.

But like most modern rosters, it is still evolving in real time.

As basketball reshapes its roster, spring football is quietly building toward the 2026 season.

Several transfers have already earned early trust by losing their black stripes, including Dominick Kelly, John Walker, Mason Williams, James Smith, Devin McCuin, Qua Russaw, and Christian Alliegro. That early validation typically signals players who are expected to contribute sooner rather than later.

One of the more notable developments is Brock Boyd becoming the first true freshman to lose his black stripe, a sign that he could push for early playing time.

At wide receiver, Jeremiah Smith continues to generate attention, both for his on-field dominance and his growing profile within the sport.

With the spring game approaching, Ohio State is beginning to move from projection to evaluation. It will not answer every question, but it will start to reveal which battles matter most.

March Madness ends with a Big Ten breakthrough and a new standardPortal movement and roster construction take center stageSpring football notes: Early trust and rising momentum

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On episode 200 of the Bucketheads Podcast, Connor and Justin are back to discuss the recent transfer portal news, the history of Ohio Mr. Basketball winners and maybe we should have done something special for episode 200?

Taison Chatman, Gabe Cupps and Colin White have all entered the portal since our last episode, who do we think is the biggest loss? And what does this mean for the Buckeyes transfer portal strategy?

Also, top transfers Rob Wright and Jalen Haralson have been linked to the Buckeyes and conducted zoom meetings, so do we think these are good fits? Or do you take the best players and figure out the fit later?

Remember to like and subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen, leave a comment, and review! We have episodes every Thursday morning.

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On episode 199 of the Bucketheads Podcast, Connor and Justin are back after two weeks to recap a chaotic last 72 hours for the Ohio State men’s basketball team.

Devin Royal has hit the transfer portal, Amare Bynum is coming back to school and John Mobley Jr. is entering the NBA draft with the option to return to school. If he does return to school, he will be back in Columbus and not enter the transfer portal. We recap and discuss it all.

Plus, we talk about Joel Justus leaving for Vanderbilt and play a game featuring possible transfer guards.

Remember to like and subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen, leave a comment, and review! We have episodes every Thursday morning.

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Ohio State had its annual Pro Day, and although we don’t pay tons of attention to it, you couldn’t miss the video of Arvell Reese doing Arvell Reese things. Carnell Tate doesn’t have to run a 40 for people to know he’s a good wide receiver worthy of a high draft selection spot. We touch on those and other things from Pro Day.

There’s an unbelievable rate of players in spring ball this year as almost the entire class is already on campus. Some of those players are already making their mark, as two guys out of the transfer portal had their black stripes removed after Saturday’s practice. We discuss who, and why it’s a good sign for the roster heading into 2026.

One of the annual things that takes some getting used to is figuring out who is who when departing players open up their jersey numbers for the generations of players behind them. We discuss the interesting case of Kenyatta Jackson, who has a new number, may be eyeing another number instead, and how that could have a ripple effect through the rest of the roster. Smart money is on wearing a number left behind by a star player if you want playing time. Hey, Ryan Day has a lot on his mind. Maybe he’ll send you onto the field thinking you’re Caleb Downs. Stranger things have happened.

Somehow, we ended up on a tangent about Lou Holtz. I don’t know how these things happen.

Day added a couple more coaching consultants since our last show, and to no one’s surprise, they have NFL experience. What does it mean for the Buckeyes? We discuss how nothing bad can happen. It can only good happen.

NOTE: We are in our offseason schedule, which normally means we are back at least monthly, with the understanding that we may convene if we line up a guest, get some unexpectely big news, or just get a whole lot of noteworthy things to talk about. However, in this episode, we announced our intention to call it quits after our April show, which will feature news from the OSU Spring Game and the NFL Draft. It’s been our pleasure to bring you this show over the years and we’ve enjoyed discussing Ohio State football with each other and with you. But for reasons we go into during this show, it is time. We hope you’ll join us for next month’s finale.

We would love to hear from you, so please reach out with your feedback and questions below in the comments section or send us an email to silverbulletspod@gmail.com. Any questions directed toward us will be answered on our final show.

As always, thanks for listening!

0:20 - We open with an announcement about the show and also there was an OSU Pro Day.

26:09 - Number changes can test your brain early in a college football season. Ohio State had some changes.

41:47 - Ohio State looks for some advantages by adding a few new coaching consultants.

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Episode 29 of Off-Script Ohio shifts from heartbreak to projection. With a chaotic NCAA Tournament unfolding, key roster decisions ahead, and even a few football storylines creeping in, this week felt like a turning point. Not the end of the season, but the beginning of what comes next.

March Madness: chaos continues and brackets take shape

The Final Four is officially set, and like most years, it is not what anyone fully expected. Illinois, UConn, Michigan, and Arizona remain standing, with two Big Ten teams breaking through and reshaping the narrative around the conference. For all the criticism the Big Ten takes in March, this run matters.

From a prediction standpoint, it has been a mixed bag. Joey sits at two of four Final Four teams correct, while Cole managed just one. That is March. Even when you think you see the bracket clearly, it shifts.

The UConn versus Duke matchup stood out as a defining game. High level execution, late game shot making, and the kind of intensity that reminds you what separates contenders from everyone else.

Then there is Iowa. The Hawkeyes’ run has been nothing short of improbable, stringing together wins in a way that did not seem realistic even a week ago. It is another reminder that March is less about resumes and more about timing.

Even with the season over, Ohio State basketball is still very much in motion.

The biggest development is Devin Royal entering the transfer portal. It is a move that raises questions about fit and direction. Royal showed flashes, but never fully carved out a consistent role. Now, Ohio State has to evaluate whether this is simply roster turnover or a sign of something deeper in terms of rotation and development.

At the same time, the priority is obvious. Bring back Amare Bynum. Bynum’s late-season emergence changed the identity of the team. His presence inside, combined with improved confidence and production, gave Ohio State a different look offensively and defensively. If the Buckeyes want continuity heading into next season, it starts there.

On the women’s side, Ohio State’s run came to an end in the Sweet 16 against Notre Dame. It is a tough exit, but still a strong showing and another step forward for a program that continues to stay relevant deep into March.

Spring football does not usually dominate the conversation this time of year, but there are a few notes worth paying attention to.

Kyle Parker and Earl Little both lost their black stripes, a sign of early trust from the coaching staff. Parker earning that recognition before some others raised eyebrows, but it aligns with what has been heard. The wide receiver room has seen heavy rotation, with multiple players getting reps across different spots. That kind of flexibility is notable. It suggests the staff is still evaluating roles rather than locking into a set depth chart.

Up front, one name continues to generate buzz. Ian Moore. Early praise from within the program has been significant, with some already labeling him as a future first round pick. It is early, and those projections can shift quickly, but it speaks to both his physical tools and how he has looked in early action.

This is the strange part of the calendar. The games are gone, but the momentum is not.

Ohio State basketball has real decisions to make. The portal, player development, and roster continuity will define whether this past season was a stepping stone or just a brief return to relevance.

At the same time, March Madness continues to reinforce a simple idea. There is no perfect blueprint. Teams get hot, rotations tighten, and opportunities open.

Ohio State saw that firsthand. Now the challenge is building a roster that can take advantage of it next time.

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Episode 28 of Off-Script Ohio captured that tension. Progress and frustration, both real, both true, and both defining how this season will ultimately be remembered.

A season that earned March, and a finish that stings

Ohio State’s loss to TCU was not a collapse. It was a reminder. Down 15 at halftime, the Buckeyes responded with urgency and composure, flipping the game and taking a 55–50 lead with six minutes to play. Every starter finished in double figures, with John Mobley Jr. leading the way with 15 points and Amare Bynum delivering one of his most complete performances with 12 points and 9 rebounds, including several clutch moments late.

That is what makes the ending harder to process. Ohio State had control. It had momentum. And then, in the final seconds, the execution simply was not there. A disjointed final possession ended without a clean look, closing the door on what felt like a very real opportunity to advance.

And that is the lingering thought. Not just that Ohio State lost, but that the path ahead, potentially a matchup with Duke, felt more open than expected.

Grading the season: progress with perspective

The final record tells a straightforward story. 21–13 overall. Eighth in the Big Ten. An NCAA Tournament appearance.

But the context adds weight. Ohio State spent much of the season hovering around the bubble, navigating close losses, inconsistency, and questions about identity. Then, late in the year, everything shifted. Wins over Purdue, Penn State, Indiana, and Iowa reshaped the resume and gave the Buckeyes real momentum entering March.

Making the tournament mattered. It ended a three-year absence and reestablished a baseline expectation for the program. At the same time, the TCU loss reinforces how much room there still is between back in the field and built to advance.

There is also a broader truth. This team was a handful of possessions away from looking very different. Flip a few of those close losses earlier in the season, and Ohio State is not an 8-seed. It is a top-25 team, maybe even playing for seeding instead of survival. That duality defines the evaluation. Encouraging, but not complete.

Around March Madness: chaos, near-misses, and shifting picks

Beyond Ohio State, the tournament delivered exactly what it always does. Chaos. Duke survived a major scare against Siena. High Point delivered a game winner against Wisconsin. VCU knocked off North Carolina in overtime. Kentucky needed a half-court shot just to extend its game before eventually advancing. And Vanderbilt’s season ended on a full-court heave that nearly forced overtime.

Even the favorites have looked vulnerable, which only amplifies the frustration for Ohio State. This was not a bracket defined by invincible teams. It was one defined by opportunity.

Final Four predictions are already shifting. Joey is reconsidering Duke’s path and eyeing Michigan State as a potential replacement. Cole is doubling down on St. John’s, with Florida, Arizona, and Iowa State rounding out the picture. The only certainty is uncertainty. March remains what it always is. Unpredictable and unforgiving.

Looking ahead: momentum, expectations, and the next step

Despite the early exit, the trajectory matters. Ohio State found something late in the season. A more balanced offense, a clearer rotation, and the emergence of Amare Bynum as a legitimate frontcourt presence changed how this team functioned. That version of the Buckeyes looked sustainable, not just dangerous.

The question now is whether that becomes the foundation or the peak. Jake Diebler did enough to stabilize the program and earn another year. The next step is clear. Move from making the tournament to winning in it. From competitive to consistent. From flashes to identity.

The goals reflect that shift. A top-six seed. At least one NCAA Tournament win. A top-five finish in the Big Ten. That is the new baseline. Ohio State is no longer trying to get back. It is trying to move forward.

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On episode 198 of the Bucketheads Podcast, Connor and Justin are back for the final episode of the season and the first episode of the offseason as the Ohio State men’s basketball team falls to TCU 66-64 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament and the season has now come to an end.

First off, we break down the TCU game, what went wrong in the first half, the final play and why some common themes from the season popped up in this game.

After that, we take a lot at the priorities for the offseason. Where do the Buckeyes have to upgrade? Who could they bring in as a GM? And is the talent evaluation all on Jake Diebler?

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On episode 62 of Hangout in the Holy Land, Alex is out again so Justin is joined by Land-Grant Holy Land women’s basketball beat writer Thomas Costello to break down the women’s NCAA tournament.

First off, what did the Buckeyes do in the Big Ten Tournament to earn a three seed? And what is the matchup like against Howard and Notre Dame? Will we get to see Jaloni Cambridge against Hannah Hidalgo

After that, we discuss the Buckeyes path to the Final Four, which would include an elite eight matchup with UConn. Is it even possible to defeat UConn? And if so, how do you do it?

We will be back with another episode next week, and once a week in the offseason every Wednesday morning. Remember to like and subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen, leave a comment, and review!

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8-seed Ohio State Buckeyes (-2.5, 145.5 total points) vs. 9-seed TCU Horned Frogs| KenPom predicts: Ohio State by 3

Game Date/Time: Thursday, Mar. 19, at 12:15 p.m. ET
Location: Greenville, South Carolina
TV: CBS
Radio: 97.1 FM/ 971thefan.com

The Ohio State men’s basketball team (21-12) has earned the 8-seed in the East Regional of the men’s NCAA Tournament, and will face 9-seed TCU (22-11) Thursday afternoon in the first round. It’ll be the first game of the round of 64, which means the loser of this game will be the first team eliminated from the round of 64.

Both teams enter the NCAA Tournament playing their best basketball of the season. Ohio State won its final three games of the regular season, and then went 1-1 in the Big Ten Tournament. TCU won its last five games of the regular season before going 1-1 in the Big 12 Tournament.

While Ohio State has the nation’s 16th-best offense according to KenPom, TCU brings the 23rd-ranked defense to this game, as well as one of the best shot blockers in the Big 12 in sophomore forward David Punch. The Horned Frogs are 15-0 this season when holding teams to 65 points or fewer. Ohio State scored at least 65 points in 27 of its 32 games so far this season.

Connor’s prediction: Ohio State 74, TCU 68

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On episode 197 of the Bucketheads Podcast, Connor and Justin are back for the second episode this week and this time, we have a full preview for the Ohio State and TCU matchup.

As the Buckeyes prepare for their first round matchup, we get in the film room and dissect the Horned Frogs (get it?). What does TCU do well? What does TCU struggle with? And where do the Buckeyes have an advantage?

We then give our picks for the game, the score and who we think will be the MVP for both teams. We then finish the episode with a programming note on if the Buckeyes win and advance to the Round of 32.

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On episode 196 of the Bucketheads Podcast, Connor and Justin are back and we will have a two episode week for everyone this week as the Ohio State men’s basketball team is back in the tournament.

For this special episode, we fill out our full brackets, picking all the upsets and going all the way to our Final Four and eventual national champions. Every game will be predicted with our reasons why,

For a programming note, we will have a full TCU preview episode coming out Wednesday morning so while we will pick who we think we will win the game in this episode, we will go more in depth in the preview episode.

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Episode 28 of Off-Script Ohio captured a program moving in two directions at once. On the hardwood, Ohio State is playing its best basketball at the right time. On the football field, spring practice has begun revealing early hints about how the 2026 roster could take shape.

Ohio State’s late-season run changed everything. The win over top-ten Purdue was the spark, but the Buckeyes followed it up by beating Penn State and Indiana, then adding another victory against Iowa in the Big Ten Tournament before falling to Michigan in the quarterfinals.

That stretch was enough to push Ohio State safely into the NCAA Tournament field. The Buckeyes now face a 21–11 TCU team that finished sixth in the Big 12. The Horned Frogs are built around defense, ranking 22nd nationally in defensive efficiency according to KenPom, and they arrive in strong form after winning nine of their last eleven games.

But the analytics lean Ohio State’s way. The Buckeyes rank 26th in KenPom, making them the highest-rated 8-seed in the bracket, while TCU sits 43rd overall. As a result, Ohio State opened as roughly a 2.5-point favorite.

If the Buckeyes advance, the likely reward is a second-round matchup with No. 1 overall seed Duke, led by projected top NBA Draft pick Cameron Boozer. Duke remains a title contender, though injuries late in the season created a few unexpected close calls in the ACC Tournament.

For now, Ohio State’s focus remains simple, beat TCU and give themselves the chance.

The Buckeyes’ late surge has not happened by accident. The starting lineup has stabilized, and Amare Bynum’s emergence in the frontcourt has added balance to a roster that already relied heavily on guards Bruce Thornton and John Mobley Jr.

Ohio State is also finally getting healthier, allowing Jake Diebler to build a more consistent rotation. And then there is Thornton. Already Ohio State’s all-time leading scorer, the senior now has a chance to extend that legacy on college basketball’s biggest stage.

While basketball commands the spotlight, spring football has quietly begun in Columbus. Early practice notes show a projected first-team offensive line of Austin Siereveld, Luke Montgomery, Carson Hinzman, Gabe VanSickle, and Phillip Daniels, a group with both experience and upside.

On defense, Kenyatta Jackson Jr. and Beau Atkinson have taken early first-team reps at defensive end, with Alabama transfer Qua Russaw working primarily with the defensive line.

At wide receiver, Jeremiah Smith, Brandon Inniss, and transfer Devin McCuin have been working with the first-team offense, hinting that McCuin could be a serious contender for the WR2 role.

And one name generating early buzz, Legend Bey, whose speed has already caught attention during the first practices.

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No 8. Ohio State Buckeyes vs. No. 1 Michigan Wolverines (-12.5, total points 154.5)| KenPom predicts: Michigan by 12

Game Date/Time: Friday, Mar. 13, at 12:00 p.m. ET
Location: Chicago, IL
TV: BTN
Radio: 97.1 FM/ 971thefan.com

The Ohio State men’s basketball team (21-11, 12-8) will face top-seeded Michigan (29-2, 19-1) in the Big Ten quarterfinals Friday afternoon at Chicago’s United Center. The Buckeyes are looking to extend their winning streak to a season-long five games. Michigan will try to add a third win over the Buckeyes to their resume, having already beaten them by double-digits in Ann Arbor and in Columbus. The last time Ohio State or Michigan swept the other in a season series that consisted of three or more games was the 2010-11 season, when Ohio State went 3-0 against Michigan.

The Buckeyes avenged a 17-point loss to the Iowa Hawkeyes last month by beating Iowa by three on Thursday afternoon. Bruce Thornton led Ohio State with 24 points on a hyper efficient 10-for-14 shooting night.

While Thornton was named All-Big Ten Second Team this week, Michigan’s Yaxel Lendeborg was named both First Team and was also named the conference’s player of the year. 60% of the Big Ten’s All Defensive Team was made up of Wolverines, with Lendeborg, Aday Mara, and Morez Johnson each being named.

The winner of this game will advance to play the winner of Wisconsin and Illinois Saturday at noon. That game will be broadcast on CBS.

Connor’s prediction: Michigan 84, Ohio State 74

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On episode 195 of the Bucketheads Podcast, Connor and Justin are back to preview Ohio State’s rematch against the Iowa Hawkeyes and preview the conference tournament as a whole.

First off, we break down the Iowa matchup on Thursday afternoon. What can Ohio State do to change the outcome from the blowout loss two weeks ago? Will having Christoph Tilly and possibly Brandon Noel back make a difference? And is it ever okay to root against your favorite team for the greater good?

After that, we break down the conference tournament bracket and make our predictions for who will be playing for a trophy on Sunday in Chicago.

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No. 9 Iowa Hawkeyes vs. No. 8 Ohio State Buckeyes (-1.5, total points 139.5)| KenPom predicts: Iowa by 1

Game Date/Time: Thursday, Mar. 12, at 12:00 p.m. ET
Location: Chicago, IL
TV: BTN
Radio: 97.1 FM/ 971thefan.com

The Ohio State men’s basketball team (20-11, 12-8) rides a three-game winning streak into the Big Ten Tournament, where it will square off with one of the two teams that beat the 8th-seeded Buckeyes by at least 15 points this season. Iowa (21-11, 10-10) is the 9-seed in the Big Ten Tournament, earning a third round game with the Buckeyes by beating 17-seed Maryland on Wednesday afternoon, 75-64.

Iowa beat Ohio State 74-57 back on February 25 in Iowa City. The Hawkeyes got 22 points from First Team All-Big Ten honoree Bennett Stirtz on 8-for-11 shooting. As a team, Iowa shot 22-for-29 (75.9%) from two-point range, and led by as much as 23 during the second half.

Since that loss, Ohio State has rattled off three consecutive wins over Purdue, Penn State, and Indiana. The Buckeyes are averaging 89 points per game during the win streak and won those three games by an average margin of 17.7 points.

The winner of this game will advance to play top-seeded Michigan on Friday at Noon (ET).

Connor’s prediction: Iowa 68, Ohio State 67

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On episode 61 of Hangout in the Holy Land, Alex is back to co-host and him and Justin are discussing the scouting combine and the most recent social media discourse around Carnell Tate and Julian Sayin.

To start, we discuss the scouting combine and how the top Ohio State prospects performed. Who was the standout and where do we want them to go in the draft?

After a quick break, we discuss the recent social media discourse around Julian Sayin. Is there a reason to be concerned? Or are we set on him being the QB1 this season?

We will be back with another episode next week, and once a week in the offseason every Wednesday morning. Remember to like and subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen, leave a comment, and review!

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On episode 194 of the Bucketheads Podcast, Connor and Justin are both back from Bruce Thornton day against Indiana, where Thornton broke the all-time scoring record and Ohio State all but clinched a spot in the NCAA tournament after taking down the Hoosiers 91-78 on senior night.

We open the episode by talking about how great the atmosphere was at the game Saturday, how awesome the fans were and how it was the perfect moment for Thornton, who deserved all the praise he received. We also discussed Jake Diebler’s press conference and a question Connor has been holding for Bruce for three years.

After that, we talk about the Penn State and Indiana games and what happened on the court and how the Buckeyes have turned it around since the Iowa loss last week. To close, we briefly discuss the Big Ten Tournament, but we will have a full preview of that out Thursday morning.

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Indiana Hoosiers at Ohio State Buckeyes (-4.5, total points 153.5)| KenPom predicts: Ohio State by 5

Game Date/Time: Saturday, Mar. 7, at 5:30 p.m. ET
Location: Columbus, OH
TV: FOX
Radio: 97.1 FM/ 971thefan.com

The Ohio State men’s basketball team (19-11, 11-8) will send off seniors Bruce Thornton, Christoph Tilly, and Brandon Noel Saturday night as they also try to snap a five-game losing streak against the Hoosiers (18-12, 9-10) that stretches back to the 2022-23 season.

Last year, Ohio State visited Bloomington on Indiana’s senior day on March 8, falling to the host Hoosiers, 66-60.

For the Buckeyes, today’s game is likely a “win and you won’t have to play in the Dayton First Four” game. For Indiana, it truly might be a “win and you’re in” game.

Bruce Thornton enters Saturday’s game 12 points away from passing Dennis Hopson to become Ohio State’s all-time leading scorer. Hopson, along with other Ohio State legends including Michael Redd, are expected to be in attendance. It is also Bruce Thornton bobblehead day at the Schottenstein Center for the first 2,000 fans in the building.

Connor’s prediction: Ohio State 77, Indiana 74

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On episode 193 of the Bucketheads Podcast, Connor and Justin are joined by Jason Carmello of Big Underdog Bracketology to talk about the bracket because we are officially in March and the bracket is all that matters.

Carmello is an Ohio State grad so open the episode by discussing the loss against Iowa and the win over Purdue to put Ohio State on the right side of the bubble. What went right against Purdue that went wrong against Iowa? We also preview Penn State and Indiana.

After that, we talk about every possible scenario that can happen for the Buckeyes this week and where that puts them in the bracketology conversation. Can they afford a loss? And what happens if they win both? We end the episode with some national talk and teams we hate and love heading into March.

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Ohio State Buckeyes (-7.5) at Penn State Nittany Lions (Total Points 153.5)| KenPom predicts: Ohio State by 8

Game Date/Time: Wednesday, Mar. 4, at 7:30 p.m. ET
Location: State College, PA
TV: Peacock
Radio: 97.1 FM/ 971thefan.com

The Ohio State men’s basketball team (18-11, 10-8) heads to State College, PA after scoring a massive upset win over Purdue Sunday afternoon that vaulted them back onto the right side of the NCAA Tournament bubble. The Buckeyes have two regular season games remaining, the first of which is a road test at last-place Penn State (12-17, 3-15).

As of Tuesday night, Ohio State was listed as the second-highest 11-seed on Bracket Matrix. If they win their last two games, the Buckeyes should feel pretty good about their spot. KenPom currently gives Ohio State as 51% chance to win out, which would put them at 20-11 overall and 12-8 in the Big Ten.

Penn State started the season 0-10 in the Big Ten but has won 3 of its last 8, including a 71-69 win over Iowa on Saturday. The Nittany Lions are fifth in the Big Ten in team field goal percentage at 47.1%, but are dead last in opponent field goal percentage at 79.1%.

Bruce Thornton is 30 points away from passing Dennis Hopson to become the all-time leading scorer in Ohio State history.

Connor’s prediction: Ohio State 80, Penn State 75

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At the NFL Combine, the Buckeyes didn’t just show up. They took over. On the hardwood, the basketball team absorbed a damaging loss and then delivered one of its biggest wins of the season. And as March looms, Ohio State finds itself exactly where drama lives best, on the bubble.

Episode 27 of Off-Script Ohio felt less like a recap show and more like a temperature check on the entire athletic department.

The headline performance belonged to Sonny Styles.

At 6-foot-5 and 244 pounds, Styles did not simply test well for a linebacker. He tested historically. His 43.5 inch vertical was the best at this year’s combine and the best ever recorded for a linebacker. His 11-foot-2 broad jump landed in the 99th percentile for the position. Then came the 4.46 40-yard dash, good for the 98th percentile, and a 1.58 10-yard split that graded in the 94th percentile.

Put it all together and the Relative Athletic Score model had Styles as the fourth most athletic linebacker tested since 1987. Fourth out of 3,216. That is not just impressive. That is rare air.

And he was not alone. Lorenzo Styles Jr. blazed a 4.27 in the 40, adding even more buzz to the family name. Arvell Reese also ran a 4.46 at 6-foot-4, 241 pounds, further reinforcing what Ohio State fans already knew, the athletic profile in that room is different. Carnell Tate’s workout drew a more measured reaction, but even that sparked real draft debate.

The fun part of combine week is projecting chaos.

Joey went bold with Arvell Reese at No. 3 overall to Arizona, Sonny Styles at No. 6 to Cleveland, Caleb Downs at No. 10 to Cincinnati and Carnell Tate at No. 13 to the Rams.

Cole countered with even more heat. Arvell at No. 2 to the Jets. Sonny at No. 4 to Tennessee. Carnell at No. 5 to the Giants. Caleb Downs at No. 10 to the Bengals. And Kayden McDonald sneaking into the first round as well.

Whether those exact landing spots happen is almost beside the point. The larger takeaway is this, Ohio State once again looks like it will flood the early rounds with premium athletes. And after the combine, it is hard to argue against that momentum.

If the combine was all fireworks, the hardwood was emotional whiplash.Ohio State’s 57-74 loss to Iowa was as damaging as any result on the resume this season. It was the kind of defeat bubble teams simply cannot afford.

And then came Purdue. An 82-74 win that may ultimately define the season. Bruce Thornton poured in 20 points. Juni Mobley added 21. Devin Royal delivered 12 points and nine rebounds. Jake Diebler improved to 3-0 against Purdue in his career.

That was not just a win. That was a response. The Buckeyes now sit at 18-11 overall and 10-8 in Big Ten play. The NET ranking sits at 34. The resume is uneven but workable:

2-10 in Quad 1 with wins over Purdue and Northwestern
6-1 in Quad 2 with a loss to Pittsburgh
4-0 in Quad 3
6-0 in Quad 4

BracketMatrix currently shows Ohio State in 91 of 105 projected brackets, slotted as an 11 seed. Most bracketologists have the Buckeyes among the Last Four In. In other words, they are breathing, but barely.

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On episode 60 of Hangout in the Holy Land, Alex is away for a couple weeks, so for the second straight week Justin is joined by Land-Grant Holy Land’s women’s basketball beat writer Thomas Costello to talk about the Ohio State women’s team.

To begin the episode, Justin goes over the top performers for the Buckeyes at the scouting combine and how the Styles brothers lit up the internet with their performances. Also, some news and notes from the program.

After that, Justin and Thomas discuss an interesting past week for the Ohio State women’s basketball team, which included an overtime loss to No. 8 Michigan and a blowout win over No. 15 Michigan State. To close the episode, we preview the conference tournament and the Buckeyes path to a conference title in Indianapolis.

We will be back with another episode next week and once a week in the offseason every Wednesday morning. Remember to like and subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen, leave a comment, and review!

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Purdue Boilermakers (-6.5) at Ohio State Buckeyes| KenPom predicts: Purdue by 4

Game Date/Time: Sunday, Mar. 1, at 1:30 p.m. ET
Location: Columbus, OH
TV: CBS
Radio: 97.1 FM/ 971thefan.com

The Ohio State men’s basketball team (17-11, 9-8) has one last chance to make a power move and thrust themselves into the NCAA Tournament field against the No. 8 Purdue Boilermakers (22-6, 12-5) Sunday afternoon.

As of Saturday night, Ohio State was projected as the third team out of the NCAA Tournament according to Bracket Matrix. Purdue is a projected 3-seed, and is also No. 7 in the NET, making this Ohio State’s final Quad-1 game of the regular season.

Purdue has lost two of its last three games, having just lost to No. 13 Michigan State Thursday night at Mackey Arena. Ohio State’s loss to Iowa on Wednesday night represented their first losing streak of the season — a loss to Purdue would become the program’s first three-game losing streak since losing to Michigan, Northwestern, and UCLA in February 2025.

Ohio State’s Bruce Thornton is 50 points away from becoming the all-time leading scorer in program history. Purdue’s Braden Smith is 73 assists away from becoming the all-time assists leader in college basketball history.

Connor’s prediction: No. 8 Purdue 82, Ohio State 70

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On episode 192 of the Bucketheads Podcast, Connor and Justin are back to discuss the Buckeyes loss to Michigan State on Sunday and preview a huge showdown in Iowa City tonight.

Despite a valiant shorthanded effort with two of its three best scorers out and a herculean performance from Bruce Thornton, Ohio State fell to Michigan State 66-60. Does it matter who was out for the Buckeyes? Or is a loss a loss this late in the season?

After that, we preview the huge showdown looming at Iowa, where the Buckeyes have a great chance to get their first quad one win. What advantages and disadvantages do the Buckeyes have against the Hawkeyes? And how do you slow down Bennett Stirtz.

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Ohio State Buckeyes at Iowa Hawkeyes (-6.5)| KenPom predicts: Iowa by 4

Game Date/Time: Wednesday, Feb. 25, at 9:00 p.m. ET
Location: Iowa City, Iowa
TV: Big Ten Network
Radio: 97.1 FM/ 971thefan.com

The Ohio State men’s basketball team (17-10, 9-7) is sitting just on the outside of the NCAA Tournament field according to the Bracket Matrix, but after several fellow bubble-dwellers took losses on Tuesday evening, Ohio State has an opportunity to get some clarity and get back on the right side of things with a win in Iowa City.

The Hawkeyes (19-8, 9-7) rattled off six straight wins starting in mid-January but have since lost three of their last four games, including a seven-point loss at Maryland. Ben McCollum’s team isn’t in danger of missing out on the NCAA Tournament just yet — they probably need to win one of their final four games to stamp a ticket.

Iowa is elite at forcing turnover, but Bruce Thornton played all 40 minutes against Michigan State on Sunday without committing a single turnover. The senior guard is now 60 points away from becoming Ohio State’s all-time scoring leader.

Thornton and Iowa’s Bennett Stirtz are the Big Ten’s leaders in minutes per game, with Stirtz at the top averaging 36.9 and Thornton just behind at 36.3.

Connor’s prediction: Ohio State 75, Iowa 73

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On episode 59 of Hangout in the Holy Land, Alex is away for a couple weeks so Justin is joined by Land-Grant Holy Land’s women’s basketball beat writer Thomas Costello for an update and discussion on the women’s hoops team.

We preview the upcoming showdown with Michigan and discuss what the Buckeyes have to do to secure a top ten road win. Also, how good has Jaloni Cambridge and does she get the national attention she deserves?

After that, we discuss the Buckeyes ceiling this season and what they can do in March. And what do they have to do to host an NCAA tournament game?

We will be back with another episode next week and once a week in the offseason every Wednesday morning. Remember to like and subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen, leave a comment, and review!

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We also covered a whole lot of offseason topics, with one of the primary ones being the hiring of Arthur Smith as the team’s new offensive coordinator. We discussed how it may affect the passing game and help Bo Jackson and the running game in 2026. We still expect the deep ball to Jeremiah Smith to be part of the offense, but you may experience some new flavors this year.

There are more than 300 players heading to the NFL Combine and 11 of them are Buckeyes. We talk about who is going and the entire pre-draft process.

Our discussion of Ohio State’s 2026 schedule includes the complete slate of games, and this fall looks to be a true gauntlet for the men of the scarlet & gray. The Buckeyes will have their hands full, with a lot of difficult road tests in hostile environments, and a lot of top-quality teams. If Day can navigate those turbulent waters to another College Football Playoff appearance, his team will be battle tested.

There are a lot of new arrivals in the transfer portal, and we give a rundown of who’s new. There are exciting new arrivals on offense, defense, and special teams, and it seems Day has prioritized that third phase of the game in this offseason.

NOTE: We are in our offseason schedule, so we will be back at least monthly, with the understanding that we may convene if we line up a guest, get some unexpectely big news, or just get a whole lot of noteworthy things to talk about. If not, we’ll see you next month.

We would love to hear from you, so please reach out with your feedback and questions below in the comments section or send us an email at silverbulletspod@gmail.com. Any questions directed toward us will be answered on our next show.

Be sure to subscribe, rate, review, share, and follow the show over on Twitter at @SilvrBulletsPod.

As always, thanks for listening!

0:20 - We open with a letter from a listener and our lengthy discussion about it.

22:32 - Arthur Smith will run the Ohio State offense. What will that be like?

33:28 - The Buckeyes at the NFL Combine, the 2026 OSU schedule is a difficult one, and we discuss the transfer portal arrivals.

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Ohio State Buckeyes at No. 15 Michigan State Spartans| KenPom predicts: Michigan State by 9

Game Date/Time: Sunday, Feb. 22, at 1:00 p.m. ET
Location: East Lansing, Michigan
TV: CBS
Radio: 97.1 FM/ 971thefan.com

The Ohio State men’s basketball team (17-9, 9-6) travels north on Sunday afternoon to take on Tom Izzo’s 15th-ranked Michigan State Spartans (21-5, 11-4). Both teams have gone 2-2 over their previous four games. Michigan State is looking to cement itself in the top-four of the Big Ten and earn the new, coveted “triple bye” in the Big Ten Tournament. Ohio State is on the hunt for its first Quad-1 win of the season — which for now is the biggest mark against the NCAA Tournament resume.

As of Saturday, Ohio State was listed as the first team out of the NCAA Tournament according to Bracket Matrix. A win over the Spartans would assuredly leapfrog them over several teams, but the Buckeyes have also only won in East Lansing once in the last decade. Ironically, that was two years ago, with Dale Bonner’s prayer at the buzzer stunning the green and white faithful on February 25, 2024.

Second-leading scorer John Mobley Jr. has not been ruled out yet for Sunday’s game. The sophomore is averaging 15.1 points per game, but has missed Ohio State’s last two games as he recovers from hand surgery from an injury suffered during Ohio State’s win over USC 10 days ago.

Connor’s prediction: No. 15 Michigan State 74, Ohio State 70

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On episode 191 of the Bucketheads Podcast, Connor and Justin are back to discuss the Buckeyes going 1-1 last week, but are coming off their best win of the season after beating Wisconsin 86-69 on Tuesday night.

After a disappointing loss to No. 15 Virginia in Nashville, Ohio State bounced back and beat No. 24 Wisconsin handily at home. What was the difference between the two games and how did the Buckeyes put the Badgers away?

After that, we preview a huge matchup Sunday at Michigan State and have a bubble discussion. We also make our predictions for where the Buckeyes will finish and a PSA for Bruce Thornton day.

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On episode 58 of Hangout in the Holy Land, Justin and Alex are back to talk about the 2026 schedule and the recent NIL comments made by Gus Johnson and men’s basketball head coach Jake Diebler.

A big talking point in 2025 was the ease of the Buckeyes schedule and in turn, they were not as battle tested as other teams were when December and January came around. Will they be more prepared in 2026 for the postseason with a schedule that seems much more difficult? Or will it end up being easier than we think?

Then after a quick break, we discuss the comments about Ohio State’s NIL made by Gus Johnson during the Ohio State and Virginia men’s basketball game. Do we agree with his comments? And how can coach Diebler and the staff maximize the NIL they are allotted?

We will be back with another episode next week and once a week in the offseason every Wednesday morning. Remember to like and subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen, leave a comment, and review!

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Wisconsin Badgers (-1.5) at Ohio State Buckeyes| over/under 157.5

Game Date/Time: Tuesday, Feb. 17, at 8:30 p.m. ET
Location: Columbus, OH
TV: FS1
Radio: 97.1 FM/ 971thefan.com

It’s officially danger zone time for Ohio State (16-9, 8-6). After spending the majority of the season on the right side of the NCAA Tournament bubble, losing three of their last five games has them on the outside looking in as the No. 24 Badgers (18-7, 10-4) visit. Ohio State has not beaten a ranked team all season, but the Buckeyes also have not lost back-to-back games all year, so one of those odd trends will be broken on Tuesday night.

Wisconsin comes into this game scalding hot, having upset two top-10 teams in a span of four days. The Badgers have finally broken into the AP Top-25 poll, and are very much in play for a double (triple?) bye in the Big Ten Tournament. Wisconsin’s guard duo of John Blackwell and Nick Boyd combined to score 43 points the first time these teams met.

Bruce Thornton is 13 points away from passing Jerry Lucas and William Buford for 3rd all-time in scoring in program history. He is 34 points away from passing Herb Williams to move into 2nd all-time.

Connor’s prediction: No. 24 Wisconsin 82, Ohio State 76

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Five favorite Buckeyes of the Ryan Day era

We started with our five favorite Buckeyes from 2019 to present, and it became clear fast that this era has produced a very specific kind of star. Quarterbacks who can carry a season, receivers who feel inevitable, and defensive talents who change the geometry of a game.

Joey’s list featured Justin Fields, Will Howard, Caleb Downs, Chase Young, and Jeremiah Smith. Cole’s opened the same way with Fields, then went C. J. Stroud, Jaxon Smith Njigba, Chase Young, and then the toughest call, Jeremiah Smith with a real argument for Jeff Okudah depending on what you value more.

What stood out is how much of the Ryan Day era identity still comes back to skill talent and decision makers. That is the defining through line. Quarterback play that raises the floor, receiver play that raises the ceiling, and just enough defensive game breakers to flip the biggest moments.

Then we made it practical. If you could take one Buckeye from 2025 and one from 2024, on offense and defense, and add them to the 2026 team, who are you grabbing?

Joey’s picks were clean and logical. On offense from 2025, Max Klare. On defense from 2025, Caleb Downs. From 2024, Treyveon Henderson on offense and Tyleik Williams on defense. It is the kind of list that prioritizes reliability and proven snap to snap value, which is usually how championship rosters are built.

Cole went a little more fit based. From 2025, Carnell Tate on offense and Arvelle Reese on defense. From 2024, Josh Simmons on offense and J. T. Tuimoloau on defense. The logic is simple, if you are building a 2026 team, you are trying to stack answers. You want another difference making target, another defensive piece that can live in the chaos, and more stability at premium positions.

On the hardwood, the week summed up Ohio State basketball in two games.

The Buckeyes beat USC Trojans men's basketball 89 to 82, an offensive performance that reminded you why people keep believing this group can make noise. They played with pace, confidence, and just enough shot making to control the game without feeling like they needed a miracle stretch.

Then they lost 70 to 66 to Virginia Cavaliers men's basketball, and you could feel the familiar frustration. The possessions that get tight, the stretches where scoring becomes work, and the defensive moments that are fine until they are not. This team keeps living in that uncomfortable space between “good enough” and “not quite stable.” The ceiling flashes, and then the floor shows up right after.

Now the schedule turns into a pressure test. Tuesday night at home against Wisconsin Badgers men's basketball, then Sunday afternoon on the road at Michigan State Spartans men's basketball. Two games that can either steady the narrative or sharpen the questions.

And that is the theme of the episode, honestly. Whether it is ranking your favorite stars, building the best possible 2026 roster in your head, or trying to make sense of hoops week to week, Ohio State stays in the same cycle. The talent is obvious, the outcomes are not. The next step is always there, the challenge is making it consistent.

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Virginia Cavaliers (-4.5) vs. Ohio State Buckeyes| over/under 148.5

Game Date/Time: Saturday, Feb. 14, at 8:00 p.m. ET
Location: Nashville, TN
TV: FOX
Radio: 97.1 FM/ 971thefan.com

The Ohio State men’s basketball team (16-8, 8-6) faces off with the 15th-ranked Virginia Cavaliers (21-3, 10-2) Saturday night in a Valentine’s Day, Big Ten-ACC showdown in the Music City. It’s the first time Ohio State has played a non-conference game this late into the season since the 1986-1987 season.

Jake Diebler said in the fall that he wanted to schedule an NCAA Tournament-caliber team in February “to simulate the NCAA Tournament,” for his team. Now, Ohio State has an opportunity to earn its second Quad-1 win of the season, but also forfeited a five-day break they could’ve had in between Big Ten games if they had not scheduled this game.

Virginia enters this game as winners of 10 of its last 11 games. The Cavaliers are holding teams to 67.5 points per game, 29.4% from three-point range, and 45.2% on two-point shots this season. They’re also one of the best shot blocking teams in the ACC, averaging 5.8 blocks per game with two of the ACC’s top-three shot blockers on the team in Johann Grunloh and Ugonna Onyenso.

Connor’s prediction: Ohio State 78, No. 15 Virginia 74

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On episode 57 of Hangout in the Holy Land, Justin is playing his flu game as he and Alex are back to talk about another coaching hire and the transfer portal additions and departures.

We start by discussing the Buckeyes hiring of assistant tight ends coach Thomas Morton, a rising star in the coaching world. That makes three offensive hires this offseason, and what do we think of the hiring cycle in general?

After a quick break, we discuss our three favorite transfer portal additions and three least favorite departures. Who do we think will have the biggest impact next season?

With the season now over, we will be back with another episode next week and once a week in the offseason every Wednesday morning. Remember to like and subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen, leave a comment, and review!

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At the NFL level, the program’s influence was impossible to ignore. Jaxon Smith-Njigba captured Offensive Player of the Year honors, a landmark achievement that reinforces Ohio State’s wide receiver pipeline at the highest level. Mike Vrabel added Coach of the Year to his resume, another reminder of the Buckeye imprint across the league. And when the Seahawks lifted the Lombardi Trophy, Smith-Njigba stood as the lone former Buckeye on the roster, but a very visible one. The NFL validation matters in Columbus. It fuels recruiting, reinforces development narratives, and strengthens the program’s long-standing pitch. Come here, and Sundays follow.

On the hardwood, the mood remains more complicated.

Ohio State basketball continues to live in the gray area between “dangerous” and “disappointing.” The flashes are there. But consistency, particularly defensively, remains elusive. Every week feels like a referendum on tournament viability, and every result carries weight. The margins are thin, and the schedule is unforgiving. The Buckeyes are good enough to beat most teams they face. They just haven’t proven they can do it often enough in high-leverage spots. That tension defines the stretch ahead.

An early look at the defensive depth chart provides clarity about where Ohio State stands entering the offseason grind. On the edge, Kenyatta Jackson anchors one side, with Qua Russaw and Zion Grady battling for the opposite starting role. The depth behind them, Beau Atkinson, Epi Sitanlei, Khary Wilder, suggests long-term upside, but the top-end reps will matter most early.

Inside at defensive tackle, James Smith and Eddrick Houston headline a room built on physicality and rotation. Jason Moore, John Walker, and Will Smith provide depth, and the staff clearly believes the interior will be a strength again. It’s not flashy. It’s foundational.

Linebacker may be the most intriguing group. The top tier, Payton Pierce, Riley Pettijohn, and Christian Alliegro gives Ohio State versatility and range. Behind them sits a second wave of Tarvos Alford, Cincere Johnson, and Garrett Stover, names that could climb quickly with a strong spring. It’s a room with athletic upside and schematic flexibility.

At corner, Jermaine Matthews and Devin Sanchez project as perimeter staples, with Earl Little likely factoring heavily into the nickel role. Behind them, Dominick Kelly, Jay Timmons, and Cam Calhoun represent a blend of youth and transfer talent that feels promising, if still somewhat projection-based.

Safety closes the back end with Jaylen McClain and Terry Moore penciled in as starters, supported by a deeper rotation of LeRoy Roker, Blaine Bradford, Simeon Caldwell, and Deshawn Stewart. The unit lacks the single headline name of a Caleb Downs, but it compensates with experience and balance.

When grading the rooms collectively, the defensive line feels sturdy. Linebacker feels athletic and ascending. The secondary feels talented, if still dependent on internal development taking another step.

Across football and basketball, the pattern remains consistent. The ceilings are visible. The questions are too. The difference between a good year and a defining one won’t hinge on splash. It will hinge on growth, steady, structural, and sustained.

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On episode 190 of the Bucketheads Podcast, Connor and Justin are back to recap a disappointing loss to Michigan and preview two possibly must win games over USC and Virginia.

To open the episode, the Buckeyes went 1-1 last week, with a win over a struggling Maryland team and a blowout loss to No. 2 Michigan. What went wrong in the second half against the Wolverines and what should the takeaway be?

This week, the Buckeyes have USC and Virginia on the schedule. What do they have to do to bounce back? And how must win are these two games? We close the episode with that discussion.

Remember to like and subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen, leave a comment, and review! We have episodes every Thursday morning.

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Ohio State Buckeyes (-7.5) vs. USC Trojans| over/under 151.5

Game Date/Time: Wednesday, February 11, at 6:30 p.m. ET
Location: Columbus, Ohio
TV: Big Ten Network
Radio: 97.1 FM/ 971thefan.com

For the first time all season, we’ll see how Ohio State (15-8, 7-6) bounces back from getting their rear ends handed to them. After a 21-point shellacking at the hands of No. 2 Michigan Sunday afternoon, the Buckeyes have no choice but to pick themselves up and lock back in with another NCAA Tournament team — USC — heading to town.

The Trojans (18-6, 7-6) have mostly won the games they’ve needed to win to position themselves to make the NCAA Tournament. Currently a projected 10-seed, a few more wins would make the Trojans feel a bit more secure about their spot in the bracket.

USC is already out their leading scorer, Rodney Rice, and may also be without their second leading scorer, Chad Baker-Mazara, who is day-to-day with an MCL sprain in his knee.

Connor’s prediction: Ohio State 80, USC 77

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Michigan Wolverines (-9.5) vs. Ohio State Buckeyes| over/under 159.5

Game Date/Time: Sunday, February 8, at 1:00 p.m. ET
Location: Columbus, Ohio
TV: CBS
Radio: 97.1 FM/ 971thefan.com

Ohio State (15-7, 7-5) gets another shot against No. 2 Michigan (21-1, 11-1) Sunday afternoon in Columbus. The Wolverines won the first matchup last month, 74-62, as the Buckeyes briefly held a second-half lead in Ann Arbor but fizzled out over the final seven or so minutes.

Michigan is enjoying its best start in program history, is No. 1 in the NET rankings and No. 2 in both the AP Poll and KenPom. The Wolverines lead the Big Ten in points per game and field goals made per game, and scored 110 in their most recent victory over Penn State on Thursday night. Dusty May would improve to 3-0 against Jake Diebler with a win, and former Buckeye Roddy Gayle would improve to 3-0 against his former teammate and close friend Bruce Thornton.

Thornton is 22 points away from passing Kelvin Ransey to become 5th all-time in scoring in program history.

Connor’s prediction: No. 2 Michigan 80, Ohio State 75

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On episode 189 of the Bucketheads Podcast, Connor and Justin are back to recap Ohio State’s 92-82 loss to Wisconsin on Saturday and preview the upcoming week.

On Saturday, the Buckeyes missed another opportunity for a quad one win against Wisconsin and a chance for the signature win of the season. Is the season getting too close to the end for the Buckeyes? And what is going on with the defense and strategy?

After the Wisconsin talk, we preview the Maryland game and Michigan game. What do the Buckeyes have to do to avoid a let down in college park? And how do you beat Michigan to get that much needed signature win?

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Ohio State Buckeyes (-6.5) vs. Maryland Terrapins| over/under 151.5

Game Date/Time: Thursday, February 5 at 8:30 p.m. ET
Location: College Park, Maryland
TV: FS1
Radio: 97.1 FM/ 971thefan.com

Ohio State (14-7, 6-5) travels to the house of horrors known as the Xfinity Center on Thursday night to tangle with the 16th-place Maryland Terrapins (8-13, 1-9). The Buckeyes are 1-6 at the Xfinity Center in its last seven trips, including a 24-point beatdown in last year’s Big Ten opener.

The Terrapins are 2-10 in their last dozen games and are struggling through one of the most difficult seasons in program history in Buzz Williams’ first year at the helm. Maryland has lost its last two games by a combined 73 points.

This game will be a Quad-3 game for Ohio State. A win would do very little to improve Ohio State’s NCAA Tournament resume, but a loss would put them in a nearly impossible position moving forward.

Connor’s prediction: Ohio State 83, Maryland 79

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For episode 56 of Hangout in the Holy Land, Justin and Alex are back and we have another coaching hire and a schedule to discuss .

To open the episode, we talk about Ohio State hiring Illinois special teams coordinator Robby Discher to the same position. Does this mean Ryan Day is taking special teams seriously? And what does this mean for next season? We also talk about Ryan Day’s comments about Legend Bey.

After a quick break, we break down the Buckeyes schedule for next year. What are our record projections and where could the Buckeyes slip up?

With the season now over, we will be back with another episode next week and once a week in the offseason every Wednesday morning. Remember to like and subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen, leave a comment, and review!

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On the hardwood, margins remain anything but quiet. Ohio State’s week captured the full spectrum of bubble life. The 84–78 win over Penn State was uncomfortable, uneven, and absolutely necessary, the type of result that keeps a season breathing without convincing anyone it’s healthy. The trip to Madison reinforced the concern. An early lead against Wisconsin dissolved into a 92–82 loss where defensive resistance never arrived.

Offensively, the pieces were there. Bruce Thornton and Amare Bynum each scored 18, Devin Royal added 16, and Taison Chatman continued his upward trend with 14 points, marking back-to-back strong performances that offer real optimism. But John Mobley Jr.’s regression, nine points on 4-of-12 shooting, exposed how thin Ohio State’s margin remains when one of it’s most reliable scorers cools. The inability to get stops wasn’t situational. It was structural.

That reality sharpens the week ahead. Thursday’s road trip to Maryland is a must-win by any reasonable definition. The Terrapins are 8–12 overall and 1–8 in the Big Ten, with their lone conference win coming against Penn State. Ohio State doesn’t need style points, but it cannot afford slippage. Especially not with Michigan looming.

Sunday brings a 20–1 Michigan team to Columbus playing with momentum and confidence. Since the last Ohio State–Michigan meeting, the Wolverines have beaten top-10 Nebraska and top-20 Michigan State in East Lansing, with another test against Penn State ahead. On paper, it’s a mismatch. In context, it’s a pivot point. A win would not simply help Ohio State’s resume, it would reset the emotional and mathematical trajectory of the season.

Football, meanwhile, offered a different kind of clarity through an early look at the offensive depth chart. Cole and Joey go through position by position on offense and talk about how they expect to start at each spot and what they grade each positon group.

Across football and basketball, the pattern is the same. Ohio State isn’t searching for direction anymore. The fixes are being made, and the weaknesses are visible. The stakes are no longer abstract. What remains is whether those quiet decisions, and some of those loud tests, finally start to tilt the margins back in Ohio State’s favor.

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Wisconsin Badgers (-4.5) vs. Ohio State Buckeyes| over/under 156.5

Game Date/Time: Saturday, January 31 at 2:00 p.m. ET
Location: Madison, Wisconsin
TV: FOX
Radio: 97.1 FM/ 971thefan.com

Ohio State (14-6, 6-4) travels to Madison on Saturday afternoon to tangle with Wisconsin (15-6, 7-3) at the Kohl Center. The Buckeyes have struggled there in recent years, losing four out of its last five in Madison, with its lone win coming during the 2020-21 season when there were no fans in the arena.

It’ll be a battle of two of the nation’s best backcourts — Bruce Thornton and John Mobley Jr. are currently scoring a combined 35.7 points per game, while Wisconsin’s John Blackwell and Nick Boyd are putting up 38.4 points per game together.

Thornton is two points away from passing Michael Redd for sixth all-time on Ohio State’s all-time scoring list.

As of Friday, sophomore guard Gabe Cupps and senior forward Christoph Tilly were both questionable for this game.

Connor’s prediction: Wisconsin 78, Ohio State 74

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On episode 188 of the Bucketheads Podcast, Connor and Justin are back to recap the Buckeyes loss in Ann Arbor against Michigan and win in Columbus over Penn State.

We first talk about the Michigan and what happened in the second half to help Michigan pull away. How do the Buckeyes put together 40 minutes of basketball to compete with the top teams?

After that, we discuss the win over Penn State. Are we concerned about letting an 18 point lead slip? Or is every win in the Big Ten a good win? To close the episode, we preview the upcoming Wisconsin game. Is this the biggest game of the season?

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For episode 55 of Hangout in the Holy Land, Justin and Alex are back and this week we have an offensive coordinator hire to talk about.

Last week we talked about options the Buckeyes could hire and they went with former Falcons head coach and Titans and Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. We give our thoughts and feelings on the hire.

What does this mean for Ohio State’s offense? And what does this mean for Ryan Day? At the end of the episode, we discuss Ohio State’s recruiting class and some interesting tidbits about the 2026 class as a whole.

With the season now over, we will be back with another episode next week and once a week in the offseason every Wednesday morning. Remember to like and subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen, leave a comment, and review!

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That clarity extends beyond dates. Ohio State opens the offseason tied with Notre Dame for the best national championship odds on FanDuel at +650, a reflection of both roster talent and quarterback optimism. Jeremiah Smith and Julian Sayin sitting among the top five Heisman odds underscores the expectation, this offense will drive the season’s ceiling.

The biggest offseason shift came with the hiring of Arthur Smith as offensive coordinator. Ohio State now pairs two former NFL head coaches at coordinator spots, a rare alignment that signals a heavier professional influence across game planning and development. Smith’s role is notable not just for his resume, but for its structure. He does not count toward the 10 coach recruiting limit, leaving Ohio State flexibility to make one final strategic hire, a subtle but meaningful advantage as the staff takes shape.

Recruiting momentum followed suit. Several 2026 commitments climbed significantly in national rankings, pushing Ohio State to five five stars on Rivals and a top four overall class nationally when transfers are included, per 247Sports. The class reflects balance more than flash, edge rushers, defensive backs, linebackers, and receivers, reinforcing a roster designed to sustain elite play rather than spike temporarily.

On the court, Ohio State basketball continues to live in narrow margins. A loss at Michigan followed a familiar script. Competitive stretches, flashes of resistance, but a clear gap against one of the nation’s best teams. John Mobley’s scoring surge remained a constant, even as other offensive options struggled to find rhythm. The response mattered more. Monday’s win over Penn State was messy, tense, and essential, the kind of game bubble teams must survive to stay relevant.

At 14–6, Ohio State remains firmly in the NCAA tournament conversation, hovering around the last teams receiving byes. Saturday’s trip to Wisconsin now looms as a defining Quad 1 opportunity, and one that could stabilize the profile or deepen the uncertainty.

Across football and basketball, the theme is convergence. Expectations are no longer theoretical. The schedule is known. The staff is nearly set. The roster is fortified. For hoops, the math is tightening by the week. Ohio State isn’t guessing anymore. The next stretch, on the field and on the floor, will determine whether preparation turns into separation.

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Ohio State Buckeyes (-12.5) vs. Penn State Nittany Lions| over/under 154.5

Game Date/Time: Monday, January 26 at 7:00 p.m. ET
Location: Columbus, Ohio
TV: FS1
Radio: 97.1 FM/ 971thefan.com

Weather permitting, Ohio State (13-6, 5-4) will return to the hardwood Monday night against Penn State (9-10, 0-8) after taking a tough loss on the road Friday night against rival Michigan. The Buckeyes had a 48-47 lead over the No. 3 Wolverines with 10:45 remaining in the game, but were overwhelmed by Michigan’s size and ultimately ran out of gas, losing by double-digits to the team up north.

Penn State is riding a six-game losing streak, having lost each of their last two games by 20+ points. Dating back to last season, the Nittany Lions are 6-22 in their last 28 Big Ten games.

As of early Monday morning, Franklin County was still under a Level 3 snow emergency, which means only emergency personnel and law enforcement are allowed on the roads. Penn State traveled to Columbus Saturday evening in anticipation of the storm.

Connor’s prediction: Ohio State 88, Penn State 70

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Michigan Wolverines (-15.5) vs. Ohio State Buckeyes| over/under 162.5

Game Date/Time: Friday, January 23 at 8:00 p.m. ET
Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan
TV: FOX
Radio: 97.1 FM/ 971thefan.com

Ohio State (13-5, 5-3) is looking to secure one of the biggest upsets in program history Friday night when they take on the No. 3 Michigan Wolverines (17-1, 7-1) in Ann Arbor. The Buckeyes have won three of their last four games and are two games over .500 in Big Ten play for the first time since January 2023.

Michigan has been the most dominant team in the sport this year, winning eight games by at least 30 points this season. The Wolverines are No. 1 in KenPom, No. 1 in the NET rankings, and are the betting favorite to win the national championship. They lead the Big Ten in several offensive categories, including points per game and field goal percentage.

Ohio State fans may see the debut of Puff Johnson Friday night. The 6-foot-8 forward who last played at Penn State was ruled eligible by a Franklin County court late last week. Johnson did not play in Ohio State’s wins over UCLA or Minnesota based on coaches’ decision.

Connor’s prediction: Michigan 88, Ohio State 65

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On episode 187 of the Bucketheads Podcast, Connor and Justin are back to talk about the Buckeyes two wins this week at home, one dominating win over UCLA and a much closer overtime win over Minnesota.

What helped the Buckeyes have the best game of the season against UCLA? And how were they able to survive in a grind it out game against Minnesota?

To close the episode, we preview the Buckeyes showdown on Friday night in Ann Arbor against the No. 3 Michigan Wolverines.

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On episode 54 of Hangout in the Holy Land, Justin and Alex are trying to find the next Ohio State offensive coordinator.

We have eight different options, some reasonable and some out of the box, and we rank who we want the most to be the Buckeyes play caller next season.

In addition to that, we discuss Ross Bjork’s transfer portal and NIL comments and more transfer portal additions this week to next season’s roster.

With the season now over, we will be back with another episode of Hangout in the Holy Land next week and once a week in the offseason every Wednesday morning. Remember to like and subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen, leave a comment, and review!

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Ohio State Buckeyes (-8.5) vs. Minnesota Golden Gophers| over/under 144.5

Game Date/Time: Tuesday, January 20 at 6:30 p.m. ET
Location: Columbus, Ohio
TV: BTN
Radio: 97.1 FM/ 971thefan.com

Ohio State (12-5, 4-3) welcomes a struggling Minnesota Golden Gophers (10-8, 3-4) team to the Schottenstein Center on Tuesday night for the team’s second home game in four days.

After scoring 86 points on UCLA over the weekend, the Buckeyes will look to out-run a Minnesota team that is the slowest team in the conference in adjusted tempo (351st in the nation) and is 17th in the Big Ten in points per game (72.8).

Minnesota has averaged 70.3 points per game during its three-game losing streak, although those three losses have come by an average of 4.7 points. Among the Gophers’ three Big Ten wins are ranked wins over Indiana and Iowa.

This game will feature two of the Big Ten’s three best scorers — Bruce Thornton (20.5 PPG) and Cade Tyson (20.8 PPG). Thornton and Tyson are also tied for the lead in minutes per game this season at 36.4 per contest.

Connor’s prediction: Ohio State 78, Minnesota 68

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Ohio State now becomes part of that reality, traveling to Bloomington on October 17 next season for a matchup that already projects as one of the biggest games of the year.

While the spotlight stayed on the playoff, Ohio State quietly finished assembling one of the nation’s most complete transfer classes. The Buckeyes now sit with the No. 3 overall incoming class for 2026 and the top-ranked transfer class in the Big Ten, addressing depth and flexibility across the roster rather than chasing quick fixes. The secondary received an SEC flavored overhaul with additions like Dominick Kelly, and Cam Calhoun, while James Smith and Qua Russaw bolster the defensive front. On offense, Ohio State added complementary pieces at wide receiver, tight end, and running back, and finally stabilized special teams with Baylor kicker Connor Hawkins, whose range and consistency immediately raise the floor.

The takeaway from portal season is clear. Ohio State didn’t rush the process, but it closed strong, filled holes, and built insulation across the depth chart.

On the hardwood, Ohio State basketball continued its steady climb. Wins over UCLA and Minnesota pushed the Buckeyes to 13–5 overall and 5–3 in Big Ten play, with John Mobley headlining both performances. The resume is quietly solid, defined by narrow losses and consistent competitiveness rather than blowout defeats.

That progress now faces its sternest test. A trip to Ann Arbor to face No. 3 Michigan looms Friday, offering a measuring stick for a team that remains very much in the NCAA tournament picture.

Across football and basketball, Ohio State isn’t chasing hype. It’s building momentum, and the next stretch will determine just how real it is.

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Ohio State Buckeyes (-4.5) vs. UCLA Bruins| over/under 148.5

Game Date/Time: Saturday, January 17 at 1:00 p.m. ET
Location: Columbus, Ohio
TV: CBS
Radio: 97.1 FM/ 971thefan.com

Ohio State (11-5, 3-3) needs to pick up some wins at home over the coming weeks as January comes to a close, because February is going to be a gauntlet for the Buckeyes. That all starts on Saturday, as Jake Diebler’s Buckeyes welcome Mick Cronin’s UCLA Bruins (12-5, 4-2) to Columbus.

Both Ohio State and UCLA have feasted on the bottom of the Big Ten so far this year, with neither team beating a fellow Big Ten team that’s in the top half of the conference standings. For Ohio State, Saturday’s game is a Quad-2 opportunity, for UCLA, it’s a Quad-1 game.

Ohio State will be without senior forward Brandon Noel, while senior center Christoph Tilly will likely be listed as questionable after being treated for a head injury suffered last weekend at Washington. Ohio State’s newest player, former Penn State forward Puff Johnson, may be on the bench Saturday, but is not expected to suit up one day after being ruled eligible by a court in Franklin County.

Following Saturday’s game, Ohio state will face Minnesota at home, Michigan on the road, and Penn State at home.

UCLA will likely be without guard Skyy Clark, who averages 13.5 points per game and is sooting 48.6% from three this season, as he recovers from a hamstring injury.

Connor’s prediction: UCLA 74, Ohio State 70

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On episode 186 of the Bucketheads Podcast, Connor and Justin are back to talk about the Buckeyes west coast trip, which included a win over an injured Oregon team and a missed opportunity at Washington.

We talk about the takeaways from both games. Are John Mobley and Devin Royal doing enough? Is Ivan Njegovan becoming a capable backup center?

Also, we discuss how bad is the Christoph Tilly injury and how should the Buckeyes handle the lineup moving forward? Also, we preview a huge home stand against UCLA and Minnesota.

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On episode 53 of Hangout in the Holy Land, Justin and Alex are back to try and break down all of the transfer portal chaos.

It has been a great week for Ohio State, bringing in some of its top targets and filling some huge positional needs. We discuss our favorite additions and some needs that still have to be addressed.

Also, Max Klare is heading for the NFL draft and we preview the national championship. And Bo Jackson is back after rumors he was hitting the transfer portal.

With the season now over, we will be back with another episode of Hangout in the Holy Land next week and once a week in the offseason every Wednesday morning. Remember to like and subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen, leave a comment, and review!

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The transfer portal continues to redraw Ohio State’s defensive identity. The headline addition is a proven ACC defensive back with all-conference credentials, a move that immediately stabilizes a secondary in flux. On offense, speed arrives at wide receiver, likely filling a depth role but adding an element this roster has lacked behind its top options. Linebacker depth was also addressed with a Big Ten transfer, signaling a desire for experience over projection. Just as important, Ohio State retained a key returner on offense despite persistent rumors, a quiet win in a cycle defined by exits as much as entries.

Still, the misses sting. Several defensive targets landed with conference rivals, and a handful of Buckeyes followed familiar coaching pipelines elsewhere. The takeaway is not panic, but reality. This roster is improving at the margins, not flipping overnight. Development and internal growth will still decide the ceiling.

The playoff picture clarified itself violently. One semifinal was over by halftime, a reminder of what elite execution looks like when all three phases align. Precision offense, mistake-free football, and relentless pressure left no room for debate. This is what championship-level football looks like when everything clicks.

The other semifinal delivered drama instead. Late-game execution, star power, and composure under pressure defined the difference. The result is a national championship matchup that few predicted but feels earned. The lesson is unavoidable. Reputation does not survive January, only performance does.

Ohio State basketball remains frustratingly relevant. A narrow loss against an undefeated opponent felt like a missed opportunity that could linger in March conversations. A strong road win followed, showing balance and resilience. Then another road loss arrived, fueled by defensive lapses and late-game breakdowns.

The profile is what it is. A bubble team with metrics that justify belief, and results that invite skepticism. Nationally, the Buckeyes sit in the mid-to-late 30s in both KenPom and NET, almost identical to their next opponent. It is early, but it is not nothing. This team still controls its path, and whether it steadies or slips will define the season.

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The College Football Playoff Semifinals delivered two contrasting games, but they also revealed a lot about why the Buckeyes were ousted in the CFP Quarterfinals. Alex Frank and Ryan Weckstein discuss what Indiana and Miami have revealed about what the Buckeyes need to adapt and revert back to if they’re going to make a deeper run in the College Football Playoff next season.

On the hardwood, the Buckeyes are looking to build momentum going into the meat of their schedule. Alex and Ryan discuss how the Big Ten could be the best conference in college basketball right now.

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Washington Huskies (-2.5) vs. Ohio State Buckeyes| over/under 152.5

Game Date/Time: Sunday, January 11 at 6:00 p.m. ET
Location: Seattle, Washington
TV: Peacock
Radio: 97.1 FM/ 971thefan.com

Ohio State (11-4, 3-2) will try to sweep their Pacific Northwest road trip this evening as they battle with the Washington Huskies (9-6, 1-3) in Seattle. A win for Ohio State would also make them 4-0 in Big Ten road games for the first time since the 2017-18 team, which won its first five Big Ten road games.

With Brandon Noel out for the foreseeable future with an unspecified foot injury, Gabe Cupps stepped up for Ohio State against Oregon, scoring nine points on 3-of-4 shooting in 23 minutes. Devin Royal registered his third double-double of the season, scoring 14 points and grabbing 10 rebounds in 36 minutes.

The Huskies could be without two of their four leading scorers on Sunday night, but their availability won’t be known until closer to game time. Senior guard Desmond Claude is currently away from the team due to a personal matter, and was not at practice on Saturday. Sophomore guard Wesley Yates has missed Washington’s last four games with a wrist injury, and will be a game-time decision on Sunday night. Washington coach Danny Sprinkle has not ruled either player out, but said that if Yates plays, his minutes will be limited.

Connor’s prediction: Ohio State 78, Washington 74

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On episode 185 of the Bucketheads Podcast, Connor and Justin are back to discuss the Buckeyes 1-1 week after taking down Rutgers Friday night but falling to Nebraska Monday night.

After going down by 15 points in the first half, Ohio State came back to defeat Rutgers, but could not overcome a 14-point deficit against Nebraska.

What can the Buckeyes do to stop these early lulls? And what happened on the final shot against Nebraska? We close the episode discussing the west coast trip to Oregon and Washington this week and how important it is.

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Oregon Ducks (-2.5) vs. Ohio State Buckeyes| over/under 153.5

Game Date/Time: Thursday, January 8 at 10:30 p.m. ET
Location: Eugene, Oregon
TV: BTN
Radio: 97.1 FM/ 971thefan.com

Ohio State (10-4, 2-2) travels to the great Pacific Northwest to battle with the Oregon Ducks (8-7, 1-3) Thursday night in Eugene. It’s a tip time that would make Bill Walton smile, but will make many Buckeye fans wake up Friday morning with bloodshot eyes as the Big Ten tries to accommodate its new west coast members.

The Buckeyes are coming off a three-point loss to Nebraska on Monday night — their third one-possession loss of the season.Ohio State overcame a 14-point deficit to take the lead late, but did not survive a final push from the undefeated Cornhuskers. Oregon is fresh off an overtime loss to Rutgers on Monday night in New Jersey, which actually took place at the same time as Ohio State’s game against Nebraska.

Ohio State will be without Brandon Noel (7.4 PPG for the foreseeable future after suffering a foot injury Monday night that left him in a boot. Oregon’s Jackson Shelstad (15.6 PPG) will likely be a gametime decision as he nurses a hand injury, but Jake Diebler did say on Wednesday afternoon that he expects the Ducks to be at full strength come game time.

Connor’s prediction: Ohio State 80, Oregon 75

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On episode 52 of Hangout in the Holy Land, Justin and Alex are back after taking a week off since the Ohio State loss to Miami in the Cotton Bowl.

We give our final thoughts on the season and where the Buckeyes need to go from here to stay on the right track.

After that, we discuss the recently opened transfer portal and discuss some of the transfers that are leaving and some of the ones that are coming in.

With the season now over, we will be back with another episode of Hangout in the Holy Land next week and once a week in the offseason. Remember to like and subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen, leave a comment, and review!

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We break down a disappointing Cotton Bowl performance that added another layer to our lack of enthusiasm for New Year’s Eve games. We looked back at the key moments in Ohio State’s 24-14 loss to the Miami Hurricanes, checked in on our picks to click, and didn’t even bother to entertain who “won” in our game predictions.

After our Cotton Bowl rewind, we looked at one former OSU offensive coordinator returning to the Big Ten — but not to Columbus — and Brian Hartline’s successor as the receivers coach for Ohio State. Where does the best school at producing NFL wide receivers turn? To the second-best school at producing wide receivers, naturally. But who is going to call the plays for those receivers? [thinking face emoji goes here]

Finally, we looked at the insanity that is the transfer window. Seemingly everyone who didn’t start for Ohio State in 2025 is going in, which is weird when you consider how many starters are leaving, but who knows how it will all work out. There are some successful OSU transfer stories, and a bunch of not-so-good ones. But there aren’t just players leaving. Some are already arriving as well, and we discuss what is almost certainly an out-of-date list by the time you hear this podcast.

NOTE: We are in our offseason schedule, so we will be back at least monthly, with the understanding that we may convene if we line up a guest, get some unexpectely big news, or just get a whole lot of noteworthy things to talk about. If not, we’ll see you next month.

We would love to hear from you, so please reach out with your feedback and questions below in the comments section or send us an email at silverbulletspod@gmail.com. Any questions directed toward us will be answered on our next show.

Be sure to subscribe, rate, review, share, and follow the show over on Twitter at @SilvrBulletsPod.

As always, thanks for listening!

0:20 - Buckeye football season comes to a premature conclusion after a costly slow start in the Cotton Bowl.

22:36 - The college coaching carousel sees a familiar name headed to Northwestern and a new face succeed Brian Hartline as wide receivers coach.

26:17 - Ohio State has plucked a couple of guys out of the transfer portal, but there are a lot more Buckeyes going into the portal.

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Despite the final score, the defense largely did its job. Holding Miami to 17 offensive points should have been enough to win a playoff game. The problem was everything happening in front of it. The offensive line turned in one of its worst performances in recent memory, and Sayin, clearly rattled by constant pressure, played far more timid than he had all season. Ohio State was the better team for stretches in the second half, but with only three or four possessions while down two scores, the margin for error was nonexistent. The offense came alive too late, and Ryan Day’s conservative pacing only magnified the issue.

The loss exposed several familiar issues. Sayin struggled again against a high-level pass rush, the offensive line collapsed in both run and pass protection, and Ohio State generated little to no pass rush of its own. On the back end, soft coverage allowed Miami to live on short, quick completions that kept the chains moving and the Buckeyes chasing. It was a frustrating, disjointed performance in a game where execution mattered more than scheme.

Now, the focus shifts entirely to the offseason and building the 2026 roster. Coaching changes are already underway, with Brian Hartline gone and Cortez Hankton stepping in as wide receivers coach. The offensive coordinator role remains unresolved, and there are reports that Matt Patricia could pursue an NFL defensive coordinator opportunity. Stability will matter, but so will aggressive roster management.

The transfer portal will be critical, as Ohio State has already seen significant departures across nearly every position group. The Buckeyes need help everywhere, but edge rusher, starting offensive tackle, and starting cornerback stand out as the most urgent priorities. The defensive end and cornerback rooms in particular are thin and inexperienced heading into 2026, and both will require immediate upgrades. Ohio State has already landed tight end Mason Williams from Ohio, but offensive line reinforcements and impact defensive additions must follow. The staff has also been aggressive in evaluating wide receivers, especially with multiple young players exiting the program.

Around the playoff, chaos continued. Indiana dominated Alabama 38–3, Oregon shut out Texas Tech, and Ole Miss outlasted Georgia in the game of the postseason. Looking ahead, Oregon versus Indiana and Miami versus Ole Miss will determine who advances, but for Ohio State, the postseason is already over. The New Year’s Eve loss wasn’t just a defeat. It was a warning. Talent alone is no longer enough. Execution, depth, and trench play will define whether the Buckeyes and Ryan Day take the next step to creating a dynasty or remain stuck asking the same questions next December.

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After a dominant regular-season, the Buckeyes came crashing down in the Postseason. First, it was a blip in the Big Ten Championship against Indiana. If only it was just a blip. Unfortuantely, it was a sign of things to come in the College Football Playoff against Miami.

Alex Frank and Ryan Weckstein discuss what went wrong on New Year’s Eve and how disappointing this season became by not even advancing for an opportunity to play in the national championship, let alone play to win a national championship. They also discuss how much blame Ryan Day deserves for this loss, special teams coming up short again, and the running game not being able to get going. Plus, has our opinion on Julian Sayin changed at all?

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Ohio State Buckeyes (-2.5) vs. Nebraska Cornhuskers| over/under 155.5

Game Date/Time: Monday, January 5 at 6:30 p.m. ET
Location: Columbus, Ohio
TV: FS1
Radio: 97.1 FM/ 971thefan.com

Ohio State (10-3, 2-1) welcomes the undefeated, No. 13 Nebraska Cornhuskers (14-0, 3-0) to the Schottenstein Center Monday night. The Buckeyes are looking for a signature win to add to their resume that to this point severely lacks signature wins. Nebraska is hoping to improve on its already program-best 14-0 start to the season, which has included Big Ten wins over Illinois and Michigan State.

Last season when these two teams played in Columbus, the Buckeyes prevailed 116-114 in double overtime. It turned out to be Ohio State’s final win of the season, as they lost the season finale at Indiana and were booted from the Big Ten Tournament in the first round by Iowa, and then declined an invitation to the College Basketball Crown Tournament.

Nebraska averages over 30 three-point attempts per game, which leads the Big Ten. Ohio State has held opponents to 29.9% shooting from beyond the arc, which ranks 38th in the nation.

Ohio State plays four of its first six Big Ten games on the road this season. After Monday’s game, Ohio State’s next two Big Ten games will be in the pacific northwest against Oregon and Washington on Jan. 8 and Jan. 11.

Connor’s prediction: Ohio State 79, Nebraska 76

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Ohio State Buckeyes (-9.5) at Rutgers Scarlet Knights| over/under 150.5

Game Date/Time: Friday, January 2 at 8:00 p.m. ET
Location: Piscataway, New Jersey
TV: Peacock
Radio: 97.1 FM/ 971thefan.com

Ohio State (9-3, 1-1) heads to Piscataway, New Jersey on Friday to face Rutgers (7-6, 0-2) and try to start 2-1 in Big Ten play. If Ohio State wins Friday, the Buckeyes will have started 2-1 (or better) in conference play in four of the last five seasons.

By any metric, Rutgers has been the worst Big Ten team so far this season, having lost to Central Connecticut State at home and sitting between 150-200 in both the NET and KenPom. They average the fewest points per game in the Big Ten (68.7) and have the lowest field goal percentage in the conference (40.3%). They struggle shooting it from two and from three, and struggle to keep their opponents off the offensive glass.

The Scarlet Knights play slow, and their path to victory Friday night is probably to limit total possessions and make sure the game is played in the 50’s or 60’s rather than the 70’s or 80’s. The RAC has claimed bigger victims before, so even a lesser Rutgers team shouldn’t be taken lightly when playing in Piscataway.

Connor’s prediction: Ohio State 71, Rutgers 60

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On episode 184 of the Bucketheads Podcast, Connor and Justin are joined by Land-Grant Holy Land’s women’s basketball beat writer Thomas Costello to give us an update on the women’s hoops team.

How has Jaloni Cambridge played? How have the Buckeyes replaced Cotie McMahon? And how good is UConn?

Before we talk to Thomas, we break down and preview the Rutgers game that will tip off 2026 and why it is a must win to start 2-1 in conference play.

Remember to like and subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen, leave a comment, and review!

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On episode 51 of Hangout in the Holy Land, Justin and Alex are back to recap Ohio State’s 24-14 loss to the Miami Hurricanes in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals and the Buckeyes season ends in the Cotton Bowl.

Miami jumped out to a 14-0 lead after a pick six by Keionte Scott and were never able to recover, even after cutting the Miami lead to 17-14 in the fourth quarter.

What went wrong for the Buckeyes? Was the play calling or execution more of a problem? And is our opinion of Julian Sayin changed at all?

We will be back on Sunday morning with another episode of Hangout in the Holy Land to break down the Ohio State season and the way it ended. Remember to like and subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen, leave a comment, and review!

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Before we get into our preview, we discuss the latest Ohio State players to have their black helmet stripes removed. Practices between the end of the regular season and the bowls is always vital, and so it was for linebacker Eli Lee and tight end Brody Lennon, who both became “official” Buckeyes just two days before Christmas. That’s a pretty cool gift from Santa. 

Following our OSU camp news, we dive into Michigan’s hiring of former Utah coach Kyle Whittingham. As far as trying to erase the stench of the scandal-filled Jim Harbaugh and Sherrone Moore years, that school up north could hardly have found a better candidate to lead the football team in the right way. Whittingham’s teams are always hard-nosed, physical teams that run the ball and play sound defense.

That said, will he be a good fit in the midwest? He hasn’t exactly moved around as a head coach, so it will be interesting to see how he adapts to Ann Arbor (and how the Wolverines adapt to him). Urban Meyer now has branches of his coaching tree on both sides of the greatest rivalry in college football. 

Finally, we go into a lengthy discussion of the Miami Hurricanes, who will present some challenges for Ohio State, especially when the Buckeyes have the ball. Indiana sacked Julian Sayin five times, and the Hurricanes’ strength is on the defensive line, so the slobs up front for Ohio State will have their work cut out for them.

We talked briefly about Miami’s win at Texas A&M, broke down many of the key players Buckeye fans should watch out for, and discussed the critical matchups. We also provide our Ohio State player picks to click and tried our hand at predicting the final score of the Cotton Bowl. 

We’ll be back next week to see how we — and the Buckeyes — made out. 

We would love to hear from you, so please reach out with your feedback and questions below in the comments section or send us an email at SilverBulletsPod@gmail.com. Any questions directed toward us will be answered on our next show.

Be sure to subscribe, rate, review, share, and follow the show over on Twitter at @SilvrBulletsPod.

As always, thanks for listening! 

0:20 - Buckeye black stripe removals and Michigan has a new coach. 

15:15 - Our lengthy look ahead to Wednesday night’s showdown with Miami in the Cotton Bowl

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With the expanded playoff narrowing and nothing left to hide behind, Ohio State enters this stage knowing exactly what it is and what it still must prove. Miami represents the kind of opponent that doesn’t allow shortcuts. A defense built to stress protections, muddy reads, and punish mistakes.

Miami arrives with one of the most balanced resumes left in the field. Offensively, the Hurricanes average 31.2 points per game, leaning more heavily on the pass than the run, but showing a clear ability to shift identities depending on opponent. Against Notre Dame, Florida, and Texas A&M, Miami proved it can find balance when necessary, pairing explosive runs with timely throws and staying ahead of the chains.

Quarterback Carson Beck brings experience and steadiness. Completing roughly 75 percent of his passes with 26 touchdowns. His favorite target, freshman Malachi Toney, has emerged as one of the most dangerous young receivers in the country, leading Miami in catches, yards, and touchdowns. CJ Daniels adds a vertical element, while Mark Fletcher Jr. gives the Hurricanes a physical, efficient runner.

Defensively, Miami’s identity is clearer and more dangerous. This is a top-five scoring defense and a top-10 run-stopping unit anchored by an elite defensive line. Reuben Bain and Akheem Messidor are both NFL-caliber edge rushers, the kind of players who don’t need blitz help to wreck a game. The secondary has been more vulnerable, especially against elite receivers, but Miami’s ability to collapse pockets and erase early-down runs allows them to dictate terms.

That combination makes this the best defensive front, in my opinion, Ohio State has faced all season.

For Ohio State, the stress points are obvious. Protecting Julian Sayin against a relentless pass rush is non-negotiable, especially with right guard Tegra Tshabola unlikely to be available. The rotation of Gabe VanSickle and Josh Padilla will be under a microscope, not just in pass protection, but in sustaining drives against a front that thrives on second/third-and-long.

This is also where Ryan Day’s postseason tendencies come into focus. Last season, Ohio State played methodical football through the regular season before dramatically increasing tempo and aggressiveness in the playoff. There’s little reason to believe this year will be different. Expect quicker decisions, early shots, and an offense willing to put pressure back on Miami’s secondary, particularly with receivers like Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate capable of winning 1 on 1 matchups.

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Game week is finally here! The Buckeyes take on the Miami Hurricanes in the College Football Quarterfinals at the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic on New Year’s Eve Night.

Alex Frank and Ryan Weckstein preview Wednesday night’s matchup in Dallas and how the Buckeyes can attack Miami’s stout defense and if they are prepared to do so. Did playing Indiana prepare the Buckeyes for the physicality of Miami?

Ryan Day is taking over play-calling on offense, and Alex and Ryan both think that’s a good thing. But what must the Buckeyes do better Wednesday night that they didn’t do in the Big Ten Championship? It could be the difference in the Cotton Bowl.

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On episode 50 of Hangout in the Holy Land, Christmas time has passed and that means we are almost to New Years Eve and the quarterfinals of the College Football Playoffs.

We go through our full Miami preview, including where we feel Miami has the advantage and where Ohio State has the advantage? Also, how good is the Miami defense and can Carson Beck be trusted in key moments?

We give our factors for the game, our official predictions and briefly talk about Michigan hiring Kyle Whittingham.

We will be back with an instant recap of the Miami game right after the final snap. Remember to like and subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen, leave a comment, and review!

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On episode 49 of Hangout in the Holy Land, Justin and Alex are back to preview every College Football Playoff quarterfinal game that isn’t Miami and Ohio State.

There are three games (Oregon and Texas Tech, Alabama and Indiana and Ole Miss and Georgia) on New Years Day and we are here to preview all of them. We will drop our Miami game preview this weekend but this is the episode focused on the other three.

Can Ole Miss get revenge on Georgia? Can Curt Cignetti beat his old team? And how good is Texas Tech’s defense?

We will be back on Sunday morning with another episode of Hangout in the Holy Land recapping the first round of the College Football Playoff. Remember to like and subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen, leave a comment, and review!

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On episode 183 of the Bucketheads Podcast, Connor and Justin are recapping the Buckeyes 71-70 loss to No. 12 North Carolina in Atlanta in the CBS Sports Classic last Saturday.

What did the Buckeyes do well? And what did the struggle with? And what went wrong in the final minute of the game for the Buckeyes to blow a three point lead.

Also, was Bruce Thornton inbounding the ball the right choice on the final shot? And should Christoph Tilly stop shooting three-pointers?

Remember to like and subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen, leave a comment, and review!

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Ohio State Buckeyes (-27.5) vs. Grambling State Tigers | over/under 150.5

Game Date/Time: Tuesday, Dec. 23 at 2:00 p.m. ET
Location: Columbus, Ohio
TV: BTN
Radio: 97.1 FM/ 971thefan.com

After another one-point loss, this time at the hands of the North Carolina Tar Heels, Ohio State returns home to play one final “bye” game before Christmas break and then the remaining 18 Big Ten games after that. The Buckeyes are 8-3, but have not shot the ball particularly well lately, hitting just 26% of their three-pointers over the past five games.

Grambling comes into Tuesday’s game as winners of each of their last two games, bringing their season record to 5-6. They are one of the very worst teams in the nation at taking care of the basketball, turning the ball over on 21.8% of their possessions. While they can be disruptive on the defensive end, they also struggle to take care of it themselves. This is the second meeting every between the two programs, with Ohio State having won the first game in 2015.

The Buckeyes have fallen to 16th in the Big Ten in three-point shooting at 33.7%. The last time Ohio State shot 33.7% or lower as a team from three-point range was the 2015-16 season, when OSU shot 33.4%.

Connor’s prediction: Ohio State 94, Grambling State 62

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The CFP’s first round quickly reminded everyone that point spreads and reputations mean little in December. Alabama became the first road team to win a first-round playoff game, rallying from a 17–0 deficit to beat Oklahoma 34–24 despite averaging just 1.1 yards per carry. The Sooners outgained Alabama by more than 100 yards, but turnovers and missed opportunities flipped the outcome, reinforcing a familiar postseason truth. Efficiency matters more than dominance. Alabama now advances to face Indiana, a matchup that raises serious questions about whether the Crimson Tide can function offensively if they’re forced into a pass-heavy script.

Ole Miss made the strongest statement of the round, overwhelming Tulane 41–10 in Oxford. The game was effectively decided early, as the Rebels controlled both lines of scrimmage and cruised into a New Year’s Day meeting with Georgia. Oregon’s win over James Madison came with an asterisk of concern. The Ducks led 34–6 at halftime, then allowed 34 points and more than 500 yards, an alarming defensive performance even with backups involved. Oregon now heads into a coin-flip matchup with Texas Tech, a team built to punish defensive slippage.

Miami’s 10–3 win over Texas A&M was the opposite of fireworks. It was a game defined by wind, missed field goals, and defensive pressure. The Hurricanes leaned on explosive runs and a dominant pass rush, recording seven sacks and sealing the game with a late interception at the goal line. It wasn’t pretty, but it was also telling that Miami is comfortable winning ugly, a trait that travels well into December.

For Ohio State, Miami represents a very real stress test. The Hurricanes’ defensive front, led by Reuben Bain, is capable of wrecking games, and that reality looms larger with right guard Tegra Tshabola likely sidelined for the Cotton Bowl. Ohio State will need a steady combination of Gabe VanSickle and Josh Padilla to hold up against one of the most disruptive defensive lines left in the country. Protecting Julian Sayin and sustaining drives will be a must.

At the same time, Miami’s offensive limitations present opportunity. Their struggles finishing drives, combined with reliance on explosive runs, mirror issues Ohio State’s defense has handled well for most of the season. If the Buckeyes control early downs and limit chunk plays, the matchup tilts toward a game Ohio State can dictate.

For Ohio State, the formula remains unchanged. The Buckeyes have the talent, depth, and postseason experience to win it all. But the same themes keep resurfacing, red-zone execution, offensive line consistency under pressure, and maximizing possessions against elite defensive fronts. Those issues haven’t ended Ohio State’s season, yet, but the margin for error is now razor thin.

With Miami ahead and a potential semifinal beyond that, Ohio State’s bye week has functioned less as a break and more as a final preparation. The answers will come quickly on New Year’s Eve, when preparation gives way to execution and the Buckeyes’ championship ambitions are tested under the brightest lights of the season.

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Ohio State will play the Miami Hurricanes in the College Football Playoff Quarterfinals at the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic. It’s a rematch of the 2002 Tostitos Fiesta Bowl, when the Buckeyes beat the Hurricanes 31-27 to win the National Championship.

Alex Frank explains the one concern he has going into this matchup, but he also explains why he believes the Buckeyes should win this game comfortably. In addition, Alex recaps the First Round of the Playoff and what to expect in the Quarterfinals next week.

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On episode 48 of Hangout in the Holy Land, Justin and Alex are back to recap the first round of the College Football Playoff and the path Ohio State now has to a national championship.

Ole Miss and Oregon roll over Tulane and James Madison while Alabama comes back to defeat Oklahoma and Miami wins a defensive matchup over Texas A&M in College Station.

Should Ohio State be happy about its matchup against Miami? And what did Miami do to pull off the upset over Texas A&M? And is it possible for Alabama to take down Indiana in the Rose Bowl?

We will be back on Wednesday morning with another episode of Hangout in the Holy Land. Remember to like and subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen, leave a comment, and review!

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No. 12 North Carolina Tar Heels (-2.5) vs. Ohio State Buckeyes| over/under 152.5

Game Date/Time: Saturday, Dec. 20 at 3:00 p.m. ET
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
TV: CBS
Radio: 97.1 FM/ 971thefan.com

Sitting at 8-2, Ohio State is in Atlanta this afternoon looking for the program’s first win over North Carolina in the CBS Sports Classic. Despite a good overall record in the event, the Buckeyes are 0-3 against the Tar Heels, most recently losing to Carolina during the 2022 CBS Sports Classic.

To win, Ohio State will have to overcome North Carolina’s abnormally tall lineup, with three starters measuring 6-foot-10 or taller. North Carolina is a strong rebounding team that will try to secure offensive rebounds and limit Ohio State’s possessions, much like Pitt did last month — the Panthers wound up taking 15 more shots than the Buckeyes, and won by one point.

North Carolina is expected to have senior guard Seth Trimble back in the lineup for the first time since breaking his wrist in a freak weight room accident in early November. In two games this season, Trimble is averaging 14,5 points per game on 44% shooting.

Ohio State has shot 28.8% from three-point range over the last four games, and will need to improve on that mark considerably on Saturday if they want a chance to upset the 12th-ranked Tar Heels.

Connor’s prediction: North Carolina 79, Ohio State 73

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On episode 182 of the Bucketheads Podcast, Connor is back from vacation as the guys welcome on Tate Frazier from the Ringer, One Shining Podcast and North Carolina alum to preview the Buckeyes big game Saturday against the Tar Heels

To open the episode, we break down the Buckeyes double overtime win over West Virginia in Cleveland last Saturday. Was this the Amare Bynum breakout game? What did we learn from the Buckeyes in this game? And what has to change moving forward?

After a quick break, we welcome on Tate to discuss Caleb Wilson, the Tar Heels frontcourt, Bruce Thornton and much more. Also, what is his Cookout order?

Remember to like and subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen, leave a comment, and review!

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On episode 47 of Hangout in the Holy Land, Justin and Alex are back after taking a break over the weekend to regroup and come back sharp.

To open the episode, we discuss the Heisman Trophy ceremony and Julian Sayin finishing fourth overall. Also, Jeremiah Smith and Caleb Downs finished in the top ten. Are Saying and Smith the favorites heading into next season?

After that, we give out our regular season position grades for every position group and the coaches. Where was the main strength? And which group was the weakness?

We will be back on Sunday morning with another episode of Hangout in the Holy Land recapping the first round of the College Football Playoff. Remember to like and subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen, leave a comment, and review!

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THE Ohio State Buckeyes are the No. 2 seed in the College Football Playoff. While they enter the Playoff as the most talented team in the country, not being the No. 1 seed could make their road to the National Championship a little more difficult.

Alex Frank and Ryan Weckstein discuss what they believe the Buckeyes’ best path is in the College Football Playoff. How much nervousness would there be if they had to play No. 3 Georgia in the Semifinals?

Julian Sayin has been really good all season, but there is one concern Alex has about him that could present itself in the College Football Playoff. Should Buckeyes’ fans also be concerned about it?

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Following our walk through the postseason awards, we turned our attention to the coaching carousel. Former Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles only worked at Penn State for one season and is now headed to Tennessee. It’s a bit ironic that his last outing before being hired by Tennessee was to give up 500+ yards to Greg Schiano’s Rutgers Scarlet Knights. After all, Schiano was supposed to become the Vols’ head coach until the fanbase pushed back hard against the choice.

Mike Jacobs, who played for Ohio State on the offensive line in the late 1990s and early 2000s is the new head coach at Toledo. I can honestly say I don’t remember him as a Buckeye, but now he’s back in the Buckeye State and has a solid job in the MAC.

Finally, we discussed the bizarre case of Sherrone Moore and the ongoing issues at Michigan. While Moore’s wife and kids never asked to be put in this position, here they are. It may not be fair to them, but it will probably be some time before this matter is put to rest. The University of Michigan is investigating its athletic department’s response to previous school scandals, and there doesn’t seem to be a way for Warde Manuel to keep his job (nor should there be). We discuss the matter without getting into the salacious details or diving into reports and speculation, and perhaps the best plan forward for Ohio State’s rival is to cut all ties with the Jim Harbaugh era and start fresh.

We’re taking next week off, but we’ll be back on Dec. 30 to preview Ohio State’s next opponent in the College Football Playoff. We’ll be watching the Miami-Texas A&M game with great interest.

We would love to hear from you, so please reach out with your feedback and questions below in the comments section or send us an email at silverbulletspod@gmail.com. Any questions directed toward us will be answered on our next show.

Be sure to subscribe, rate, review, share, and follow the show over on Twitter at @SilvrBulletsPod.

As always, thanks for listening!

0:20 - Some Buckeyes won some awards, but some of those Buckeyes didn’t win some of the awards that they should have. Also, some Buckeyes may have been honored in ways that didn’t quite make sense.

20:26 - Knowles moves on to Rocky Top and Mike Jacobs returns home to northwest Ohio.

28:05 - The Sherrone Moore saga is odd and fascinating and sad. Michigan needs a reset.

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National recognition followed. CBS Sports named Jeremiah Smith, Kayden McDonald, Arvell Reese, and Caleb Downs as first team All Americans. Downs added another major accolade by winning the Jim Thorpe Award, cementing his status as one of the nation’s premier defensive backs. Smith finished second in the Biletnikoff voting but was named Big Ten Receiver of the Year, an outcome that underscored both his dominance and the depth of elite receivers nationally this season.

One of the quieter developments of the week came on the coaching carousel, as Jim Knowles moved on after Penn State chose not to retain him, ultimately landing at Tennessee as the Volunteers’ defensive coordinator. The timing was unusual, but the move effectively closed his chapter in the Big Ten and allowed both programs to turn the page heading into the postseason and offseason.

Across the rivalry, the news was anything but quiet. Michigan formally dismissed Sherrone Moore with cause, a stunning outcome tied to the latest chapter in a growing list of program scandals that have engulfed the Wolverines over the past half decade. What was once framed as continuity and stability quickly unraveled, as investigations and institutional fallout exposed deeper leadership and cultural issues within the program. Moore’s firing leaves Michigan searching yet again for direction, credibility, and a reset button that has proven elusive. The situation adds further turbulence to an already chaotic Big Ten offseason and underscores the widening divide between Ohio State’s playoff focus and a rival still reckoning with the consequences of its own failures.

With conference championships complete, attention naturally shifted to the playoff bracket and the broader bowl slate. Early betting lines set expectations across the country, with programs like Texas A&M, Ole Miss, Oregon, and Oklahoma opening as first-round favorites, while a thinner non-playoff bowl schedule still offers intrigue in matchups such as Michigan vs. Texas, Iowa vs. Vanderbilt, and Georgia Tech vs. BYU.

For the football program, however, the focus has sharpened. Internal evaluations and team awards reinforced both the roster’s star power and its growth areas. Caleb Downs, Jeremiah Smith and Julian Sayin stood out as MVP-caliber pillars, while Arvell Reese, Caden Curry, Kayden McDonald, Sonny Styles, Austin Sierveld and Carnell Tate were recognized for significant development. Transfer additions such as Max Klare and Phillip Daniels also earned praise for steadying key positions of need.

As Ohio State turns fully toward its New Year’s Eve semifinal, the formula is simple but unforgiving. Red-zone execution and offensive line consistency remain the defining variables. The Buckeyes possess the talent, depth, and accolades of a national champion, but in the postseason, precision and execution in the game’s smallest moments will determine whether this season is remembered as another deep run, or the one that ends with a repeat national title.

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On episode 181 of the Bucketheads Podcast, Justin is running a solo episode with Connor on vacation and there are two games to recap and one to preview.

The Buckeyes split the early conference games, winning a key game at Northwestern but falling at home to No. 13 Illinois. What did the Buckeyes do well? And how good has Bruce Thornton been this season so far?

After a quick break, we talk about the bigger picture with the games the Buckeyes have coming up and preview the West Virginia game in Cleveland, a winnable game for Ohio State.

Remember to like and subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen, leave a comment, and review!

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On episode 46 of Hangout in the Holy Land, Justin and Alex are back for the first midweek episode without a game or college football slate to preview since August as the Buckeyes are off until New Years Eve.

To open the episode, we give our final thoughts on the Indiana loss, discuss Brian Hartline and Ryan Day’s recent comment and Julian Sayin being named as a Heisman finalist.

After a quick break, we break down Ohio State’s path to the national championship and fully predict the College Football Playoff, including who we think will lift the trophy this season.

We will be back on Sunday morning with another episode of Hangout in the Holy Land. Remember to like and subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen, leave a comment, and review!

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We break down a frustratingly preventable loss, check back on our picks to click, and review our score predictions to see how close we came (we did not come close).

It was the end of a week full of distractions, and we’ll never know if they did or did not affect the team on Saturday, but after a brief detour to figure out who came the closest to predicting the final Big Ten standings, we followed our game breakdown by discussing Brian Hartline’s impending departure to the University of South Florida. We also touched on some of the coaching changes and the Penn State situation. Although we’re not recruiting guys, we also touched on some of the distracting National Signing Day activities that may or may not have also given the offensive coaches less time than they would have liked to work on some of the Indiana game details.

Finally, we talked about Ohio State’s bowl destination to kick off the team’s 2025 College Football Playoff run. The Buckeyes are going back to the Cotton Bowl, where they’ll have a difficult first opponent, taking on the winner of Texas A&M and Miami. Both teams present challenges, and the reward for getting past the winner of that game will most likely be Georgia. We’ll have more on the next Ohio State game when an opponent emerges.

We would love to hear from you, so please reach out with your feedback and questions below in the comments section or send us an email at silverbulletspod@gmail.com. Any questions directed toward us will be answered on our next show.

Be sure to subscribe, rate, review, share, and follow the show over on Twitter at @SilvrBulletsPod.

As always, thanks for listening!

0:20 - Jayden Fielding gave Ohio State fans another missed field goal to discuss, but it shouldn’t have come down to what would only have been a game-tying kick. Our B1G title game breakdown.

30:46 - Deciphering our Big Ten finishing predictions, the Penn State situation, Hartline to USF, and National Signing Day drama.

54:04 - The College Football Playoff bracket is difficult for Ohio State but it could have been worse.

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Indiana continued its remarkable two-year ascent under Curt Cignetti, controlling the pace with a disruptive front that shut down Ohio State’s run game and kept Julian Sayin under constant pressure. Sayin never found a rhythm behind an offensive line that particularly struggled on the right side, speeding up the quarterback’s internal clock and limiting the passing attack to quick throws and conservative concepts.

Ohio State’s offensive approach amplified the problem. The game plan leaned heavily conservative, including a scoreless drive before halftime where the Buckeyes showed little urgency to push for points. Inside the red zone, issues that had been masked throughout the season finally cost them. Play calling became predictable, third and short situations were not excecuted well, and repeated quarterback sneaks with Sayin have produced little success. Critical downs also featured puzzling personnel decisions, including snaps without star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith on the field.

Defensively, Ohio State delivered a strong performance, holding Indiana to 13 points and making life difficult for quarterback Fernando Mendoza. While the secondary had an uncharacteristically shaky game with several miscommunications and missed plays from Jermaine Matthews and Lorenzo Styles the unit as a whole limited explosive plays and forced Indiana to grind out drives. The front seven, led by continued strong play at linebacker, again set the tone.

Across the country, the postseason picture shifted dramatically. Tulane and James Madison each secured historic College Football Playoff berths, Georgia dismantled Alabama in a game that highlighted the programs’ opposite trajectories, Texas Tech rolled BYU behind a surging defense, and Duke captured the ACC title in overtime despite five losses. The latest CFP rankings raised questions, particularly regarding Alabama’s lack of downward movement and Miami’s leap over idle Notre Dame, creating a wide range of potential first-round matchups.

For Ohio State, the path forward remains intact. The Buckeyes are now at No. 2 in the playoff rankings and await a semifinal matchup in the Cotton Bowl against either Miami or Texas A&M. On the other side of the bracket, Georgia will face Ole Miss in the Fiesta Bowl after reclaiming dominant form behind a resurgent late-season push.

Meanwhile, Ohio State basketball delivered a much-needed lift with an 86–82 Quad 1 road win over Northwestern. Brandon Noel led the way with 29 points as the Buckeyes look ahead to a challenging stretch that includes Illinois, West Virginia, and North Carolina.

With two weeks before the next football game and one week before the playoff slate begins, Ohio State has time to address critical issues particularly in the red zone and short-yardage situations. Postseason awards will also come into focus, with several Buckeyes in contention, including Jeremiah Smith for the Biletnikoff, Arvelle Reese for the Butkus, and Caleb Downs for the Thorpe.

Despite the disappointment in Indianapolis, Ohio State remains firmly in the national title hunt. The Buckeyes will need to recalibrate the offense, trust their playmakers, and adopt a more aggressive approach to maximize their postseason opportunity when they return to action on New Year’s Eve at 7:30 PM.

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After a week that included Brian Hartline getting hired as the USF head coach and wondering where Chris Henry Jr. would be playing college football next season, the Buckeyes fell in the Big Ten Championship 13-10 to Indiana. Alex Frank and Ryan Weckstein react to the Buckeyes' struggles on offense and break down the key mishaps in in-game management and play-calling that may have played a large role in the outcome of the game.

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On episode 45 of Hangout in the Holy Land, Justin and Alex are back for the first losing instant recap of the season, as the No. 1 Buckeyes (12-1, 9-1) fall 13-10 to the Indiana Hoosiers (13-0, 10-0) in the Big Ten Conference championship.

We start the episode with a brief recap of the game, discussing the two key third-and-1’s that the Buckeyes were unable to convert and why the play calling let the Buckeyes down in this one. We also discuss the defense and where the Hoosiers were able to find some weaknesses.

After that, we talk about the bigger picture and how the Buckeyes bounce back from this. They lost last year 13-10 to end the season, and then won a national title. Can they do it again?

We will be back on Wednesday morning with a College Football Playoff preview episode of Hangout in the Holy Land. Remember to like and subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen, leave a comment, and review!

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Ohio State Buckeyes (-1.5) at Northwestern| over/under 152.5

Game Date/Time: Saturday, Dec. 6 at 2:00 p.m. ET
Location: Evanston, Illinois
TV: BTN
Radio: 97.1 FM/ 971thefan.com

With a full week to recover from yet another gut-wrenching loss at the hands of the Pittsburgh Panthers, the Ohio State men’s basketball team travels to Evanston on Saturday afternoon to take on the Northwestern Wildcats in their Big Ten opener.

Ohio State got bodied on the glass in their last game, ceding 16 offensive rebounds to Pitt that led to a 15-shot disparity between the two teams. The way Pitt dominated time of possession — to use a football term — limited Ohio State’s opportunities to shoot, and in the end, was enough for the Panthers to have a chance to win it at the horn, which they did.

By adding seven-footer Christoph Tilly and moving Devin Royal from power forward to small forward, Ohio State thought they were improving their size, physicality, and toughness. It did not show last Friday, and now the Buckeyes are tasked with winning on the road yet again.

Northwestern found themselves down 23 to Wisconsin at halftime on Wednesday night, as the Badgers capitalized on key Wildcat turnovers and hit 11 three-pointers in a 12-point Wisconsin win. The Wildcats will look to build off of recent success against Ohio State — they’ve won each of the last two meetings with Ohio State by 20+ points.

Connor’s prediction: Northwestern 70, Ohio State 67

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On the new episode of Land-Grant Podcast Network’s “No Fall Weddings,” Jami Jurich and Matt Tamanini discuss whether or not, in the 12-team playoff era, conference title games are really necessary anymore. Ohio State and Indiana could play on Saturday and not have it impact their College Football playoff ranking, while the best-ranked in the ACC, Miami, doesn't have a chance to play for the league's crown.

They debate alternatives, whether or not there is any benefit to losing to IU on Saturday, and much more.

Then, as always, the duo breaks down their top-12 teams in college football, makes their chaos picks of the week, and recommends something from outside the world of college football that you should check out.

Connect with Jami Jurich

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On episode 180 of the Bucketheads Podcast, Justin and Connor are back to discuss the Buckeyes disappointing buzzer beater loss to the Pittsburgh Panthers on Black Friday.

This was a game the Buckeyes wanted to have, but a slow start and a ten point deficit at the half proved to be too much to overcome. We break down the game and discuss the key moments, including the decision for the Buckeyes not to guard the in bounder with three seconds left.

Then we talk about where they go from here? What happens when you lose a must win? And is Saturday’s game at Northwestern a must win? We also break down and preview the Wildcats.

Remember to like and subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen, leave a comment, and review!

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On today’s episode of “Land-Grant Uncut,” we are bringing you unedited audio from the Wednesday, Dec. 3 National Signing Day press conference from the Woody Hayes Athletic Center.

The day ended up being more dramatic than likely anyone at Ohio State would have liked, thanks to the announcement that wide receiver coach and offensive coordinator Brian Hartline would be leaving following the postseason to take the job as the head coach at USF.

While that led to at least one flip (with another receiver still weighing his options), Day and Pantoni were still incredibly excited about the players who were confirmed to be a part of the class as of the press conference.

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On episode 44 of Hangout in the Holy Land, Justin and Alex are back for the first Big Ten Championship preview since 2020. The No. 1 ranked Buckeyes are 12-0 and heading to Indianapolis for a showdown with the No. 2 Indiana Hoosiers (12-0, 9-0).

Before we discuss the game, we talk about why the current coaching carousel makes us thankful for Ryan Day and we wrap up the discussion from the Michigan game. We also talk about the rumors surrounding Chris Henry Jr’s commitment.

After a quick break, we break down the championship game. What does Indiana do well? What do they struggle with? And why is this Indiana team different than last year’s team. Plus, we give our players to watch and make our official predictions

We will be back on Sunday morning with a Big Ten Championship recap episode of Hangout in the Holy Land. Remember to like and subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen, leave a comment, and review!

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On today’s episode of “Land-Grant Uncut,” we are bringing you unedited audio from the Tuesday, Dec. 2 Big Ten Championship Week press conference from the Woody Hayes Athletic Center.

Ohio State head football coach Ryan Day discussed Saturday's matchup with the No. 2 Indiana Hoosiers and praised their coach, Curt Cignetti, quarterback Fernando Mendoza, their team's talent and toughness, and more.

He also talked about last Saturday's win over Michigan, including how they prepared just in case something funky happened with their wireless communications in the Big House.

Day also confirmed that wide receivers Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate are both healthy and expected to practice all week.

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We fondly recapped a great day for the Buckeyes, looked back at our score predictions and picks to click, and poured over the game stats. When Bo Jackson outgains the entire Michigan offense, the stats do not lie.

After our walk through the greatest rivalry in sports, we looked around the rest of the Big Ten to see how others made out. It was heartbreak for Rutgers in the matchup with Penn State for bowl eligibility, as an unforced error (and a terrible play call) combined to give the Nittany Lions the bowl berth. Iowa blasted Nebraska in Farmageddon on Black Friday. Wisconsin was driving but a turnover helped Minnesota win Paul Bunyan’s axe. Northwestern likewise imploded against Illinois as the Fighting Illini won Lincoln’s hat. Other than that, the weekend went as expected.

We touched on Michigan State firing Jonathan Smith and the reports about Pat Fitzgerald, which was not official at the time of our recording session. Seems like the Spartans are going back to basics. We also ran down the final Big Ten standings briefly and each of us correctly predicted the exact finishing position of four of the 18 teams. Not great!

Finally, we ahead to Saturday’s matchup with Indiana in the Big Ten title game. The Hoosiers might be the best team the Buckeyes will play all season and we’re taking nothing for granted, including the possibility of a rematch in the College Football Playoff. Everyone knows about Fernando Mendoza, but Indiana’s defense isn’t getting enough credit. The Buckeyes will need to be better against the Hoosiers than they were at Ann Arbor to be successful, and they were fairly dominant up there.

We discuss the matchup, make our picks to click, and do our best to predict the final score. I know we said The Game would be close, but we’re doubling down this week. This will be a close game.

We would love to hear from you, so please reach out with your feedback and questions below in the comments section or send us an email at silverbulletspod@gmail.com. Any questions directed toward us will be answered on our next show.

Be sure to subscribe, rate, review, share, and follow the show over on Twitter at @SilvrBulletsPod.

As always, thanks for listening!

0:20 - Headbutting an official is perfectly fine, and other things we learned from The Game.

35:10 - The games around the B1G weren’t all good this weekend, but some of them were quite good.

1:02:20 - The Buckeyes and Hoosiers have a lot of things riding on Saturday night’s game in Indy.

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The game opened with Michigan landing a few early punches. Two explosive runs, a sudden interception, and a quick 6–0 hole. But Ohio State’s defense held firm in the red zone, forcing field goals and buying time for the offense to settle in. Once they did, the entire afternoon flipped. Sayin rebounded from his early mistake and was nearly perfect the rest of the way, finishing 19-for-26 for 233 yards and three touchdowns, all in the snow, in his first trip to the Big House. His deep strikes to Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate came at the exact moments the Buckeyes needed them, and the offensive line gave him a clean pocket all game. But the offense ran through Bo Jackson, who bulldozed Michigan for 117 rushing yards and added 49 receiving yards, nearly cracking 200 total. His physicality drained Michigan snap by snap and powered a 12-minute drive that effectively ended the game.

Defensively, Ohio State delivered one of its most complete rivalry performances in years. Michigan mustered only 63 passing yards, and freshman Bryce Underwood spent the afternoon under pressure and out of rhythm. Outside of two early chunk plays, the Wolverines ran for just 42 yards on 22 carries, a staggering 1.9 yards per attempt. Kayden McDonald dominated the interior, Caden Curry and Kenyatta Jackson controlled the edges, and the linebacker duo of Sonny Styles and Arvelle Reese turned in one of their best combined games of the season. Andrew Marsh, Michigan’s rising star, finished with zero catches. The Buckeyes didn’t just win this game, they suffocated Michigan.

Around the country, chaos continued to unfold with Alabama surviving Auburn, Oregon locking in a home CFP game, Vanderbilt beating Tennessee, and the ACC descending further into tiebreaker madness. Meanwhile, Ohio State basketball split its week with a 113–60 blowout of Mt. St. Mary’s followed by yet another heartbreaking one-point loss to Pitt.

Now all focus shifts to Indianapolis, where No. 1 Ohio State faces No. 2 Indiana in a Big Ten Championship that doubles as a playoff preview. The matchup is everything the numbers suggest, Indiana boasts a top-five offense and top-three defense, while Ohio State leads the nation in nearly every major defensive category. Both teams dominate third downs on both sides of the ball. Add in a Heisman showdown between Mendoza and Sayin, with Sayin poised to take the lead if Ohio State wins, and the stakes couldn’t be clearer. Cole and Joey both picked the Buckeyes to win a tight one, each predicting a seven-point margin and trusting Ohio State’s receivers and defense to outlast Indiana inside the dome.

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After 2,191 days, the infamous streak is finally over. THE Ohio State Buckeyes went into Ann Arbor and smacked the Michigan Wolverines in a revenge game six years in the making.

Alex Frank and Ryan Weckstein recap the Buckeyes' 27-9 win over the Wolverines to complete an undefeated regular season. Julian Sayin was spectacular on Saturday, overcoming some early adversity to throw for three touchdowns. Sayin's progression from Game 1 to Game 12 is incredibly commendable, and Alex and Ryan explain how it's also Brian Hartline's growth as a first-year offensive play-caller that's allowed Sayin to emerge as a frontrunner for the Heisman Trophy.

Not only did the Buckeyes beat the Wolverines with their explosive passing game, but they also dominated in the trenches and in the running game. This Buckeyes team is running the football at a high level at the right time.

Next up for the Buckeyes is the Big Ten Championship against Indiana in Indianapolis. Alex explains why he vehemently disagrees with the notion that this is the least-anticipated No. 1 vs. No. 2 matchup in college football history. This matchup could be an instant classic.

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On today’s episode of “Land-Grant Uncut,” we are bringing you unedited audio from the official Big Ten Championship Game virtual press conference from Sunday, Nov. 30. The two B1G title game coaches, No. 2 Indiana's Curt Cignetti and No. 1 Ohio State's Ryan Day were available to answer media questions.

The coaches talked about how important it was for their teams to make the conference championship game, their opponent in Saturday's matchup, their respective seasons to this point, the impending College Football Playoff, and more.

Contact Matt Tamanini

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On episode 43 of Hangout in the Holy Land, Justin and Alex are back for the final regular season recap of the Ohio State season and it’s the best one of them all. The top ranked Buckeyes went into Ann Arbor and defeated the Michigan Wolverines 27-9 to end the four year losing streak and end the regular season undefeated.

There is a lot to get too in this one, but we start with the shaky start for Ohio State and discuss how Julian Sayin bounced back to finish with 240 yards and three touchdowns.

We also discuss Bo Jackson, the Ohio State defensive effort, Bryce Underwood and some unsung heroes from the game. We end the episode with our players of the game.

We will be back on Wednesday morning with a Big Ten Championship and Indiana preview episode of Hangout in the Holy Land. Remember to like and subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen, leave a comment, and review!

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No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes (-10.5) vs. M*ch*g*n | over/under 43.5

Game Date/Time: Saturday, Nov. 29 at 12 noon ET

Location: Ann Arbor, M*ch*g*n

TV: Fox

Radio: 97.1 FM/1460 AM

Matt’s Predictions: Ohio State 38, TTUN 9

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On the new episode of Land-Grant Podcast Network’s “No Fall Weddings,” Jami Jurich and Matt Tamanini discuss their confidence levels in their beloved Buckeyes as they head up to Ann Arbor, Michigan on Saturday, Nov. 29 in an effort to end the regular season undefeated and vanquish the dragon that has haunted them for the past four football seasons.

They talk about the injured wide receivers, the trend of the leading rushing team winning the game, Ohio State's dominant defense, and more.

Then, as always, the duo breaks down their top-12 teams in college football, makes their chaos picks of the week, and recommends something from outside the world of college football that you should check out.

Connect with Jami Jurich

Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@JamiJur⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ich⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Connect with Matt Tamanini

Online Portfolio: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://authory.com/MattTamanini⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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On the show today, Matt Tamanini is in conversation with one of the best covering Ohio State football, Doug Lesmerises. The pair discusses the injury situation with Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate and the secrecy surrounding it.

They also get into the recently competent-looking Ohio State running game, Michigan’s ground-focused attack with Bryce Underwood and Andrew Marsh livening things up in the passing game, and the possibility of Chip Kelly finding his way back onto Ohio State’s staff for the playoff run.

They wrap up with Doug talking about just how special and unique this Ohio State defense is and how, despite the fact that they have not been challenged in over a month, it is difficult to imagine the Wolverines doing enough to outscore Ohio State’s offense, given the challenge they will have in the Silver Bullets.

Connect with Doug Lesmerises

Substack: https://billanddougosu.substack.com

Twitter: @DougLesmerises

YouTube: ⁠@TheBillandDougShow

⁠

Connect with Matt Tamanini

Twitter: ⁠⁠@BWWMatt⁠⁠

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Ohio State Buckeyes (-5.5) vs. Pitt | over/under 146.5

Game Date/Time: Friday, Nov. 28 at 7:00 p.m. ET
Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
TV: ESPN
Radio: 97.1 FM/ 971thefan.com

Ohio State will try to exact revenge on the Pitt Panthers Friday night at the Petersen Events Center after suffering a heartbreaking loss to them last year on Black Friday, 91-90. Last year’s game saw Ohio State flounder away leads in the final 90 seconds of regulation and overtime to eventually lose on a long three-point buzzer beater at the end of overtime. That loss was followed by the Ohio State football team’s fourth consecutive loss to Michigan less than 24 hours later.

While Ohio State is the betting favorite in this game, roads wins have not come easy for the Buckeyes in recent years. And with Pitt’s early season struggles, this game against the Panthers is no longer the marquee road game that it looked like a year ago when it was put on the schedule. Ohio State will need to take care of the ball and prevent any long scoring runs from the Panthers on their home floor if they want to improve to 7-0 on the season leading into Big Ten play.

Ohio State’s Christoph Tilly did not play the second half of the Buckeyes’ 113-60 win over Mount St. Mary’s with what Jake Diebler called a “nagging lower leg injury” but he did not seem concerned it would impact his availability for Friday’s game. Pitt’s second-leading scorer Brandon Cummings missed the Panthers’ loss to Quinnipiac with what was described as a “lower body injury” and he is considered day-to-day.

Connor’s prediction: Ohio State 72, Pitt 70

Connect with Connor:
Twitter: @lemons_connor

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On this new episode of the Land-Grant Podcast Network's "Lunatic Fringe," Gene Ross and Matt Tamanini dive into Saturday's rivalry game as only two obsessive Ohio State alums can.

Obviously, they discuss the impact that the injuries to wide receivers Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate could have on The Game... if they are actually injured at all. They also get into Ryan Day's mentality heading into the trip to Ann Arbor, and Gene dives into the first-quarter stats over OSU's four-game losing streak to TTUN.

Then, as always, both Gene and Matt fire off the hottest take they have for the game and give their respective score predictions.

Connect with Gene:

Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Gene_Ross23⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Connect with Matt:

Online Portfolio: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://authory.com/MattTamanini

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On the show today, Matt Tamanini is in conversation with college football analyst, Big 12 color-commentary man for Warner Bros. Discovery, former podcast host, and former Notre Dame offensive lineman Mike Golic Jr.

In their conversation, Golic Jr. breaks down Saturday's upcoming Ohio State vs. Michigan game, including how the availability and health situations of wide receivers Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate will impact how the game is played. He also goes on the record to pick the game, and Buckeye fans will likely be happy with his prediction.

He also pulls back the curtain on how not knowing who is going to play for your opponent can impact how you prepare throughout the week. Then he talks about the roller coaster season for his beloved Notre Dame Fighting Irish, how much fun he has had calling Big 12 football this season, and (of course) his favorite Thanksgiving dishes.

Connect with Mike Golic Jr.

Twitter: ⁠@mikegolicjr⁠

Connect with Matt Tamanini

Twitter: ⁠@BWWMatt⁠

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On episode 179 of the Bucketheads Podcast, Justin and Connor are back to discuss the Buckeyes 113-60 win over Mount St. Mary’s and for a Pittsburgh preview.

The Buckeyes (6-0) ran away from Mount St. Mary’s early and never looked back, getting a career game from John Mobley Jr. and Ivan Njegovan. Even though Mount St. Mary’s is not a good team, is a 53 point win a statement?

To close the episode, we preview the Pittsburgh game. The Buckeyes lost at home to Pitt last season 91-90 in overtime in a game where Ohio State led by 12 in the second half. What do the Buckeyes have to do to finish the job this season? And of course, we make our predictions for “The Game”.

Remember to like and subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen, leave a comment, and review!

Connect with the Podcast:
Twitter: @BucketheadsLGPN

Connect with Connor:
Twitter: @lemons_connor

Connect with Justin:
Twitter: @justin_golba

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On this episode of "Land-Grant In Conversation," Matt Tamanini talks to The Athletic beat writer covering the Michigan Wolverines, Austin Meek. In their conversation, Austin gives Matt the latest on TTUN's injury situation, noting that running back Jordan Marshall is almost assured of playing.

Then, they get into the maturation of freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood, how the Wolverine defense is similar and different from the other versions that of beaten OSU in recent seasons, and what the game means to Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore.

Connect with Austin Meek

⁠https://theathletic.com/author/austin-meek⁠

Twitter: ⁠@byaustinmeek

Connect with Matt Tamanini

Online Portfolio: ⁠⁠⁠https://authory.com/MattTamanini⁠⁠⁠

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On today’s episode, Matt is in conversation with one of the best and brightest on the Buckeye Beat, Bill Landis. Speaking shortly after Tuesday's press conference with head coach Ryan Day, Bill broke down all of the news and vibes that came out of the media session.

He gets into what he expects to happen with the injured wide receivers, how the offensive line has improved in recent weeks, and whether any of that really matters given Ohio State's defensive dominance.

Connect with Bill Landis

Substack: https://billanddougosu.substack.com/

Twitter: @BillLandis25

YouTube: @TheBillandDougShow

Connect with Matt Tamanini

Online Portfolio: ⁠⁠https://authory.com/MattTamanini⁠⁠

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On episode 42 of Hangout in the Holy Land, Justin and Alex are back for the final regular season preview of the season, as the best week of the season is finally here once again.

There is a lot to discuss when it comes to The Game, but we start with an injury update, as key players for both teams are on the injury report this week. Who do we think will play? And what impact will they have?

After a quick break, we discuss the Michigan offense and defense. What do they do well? And what do they struggle with? Also, what do the Buckeyes have to do to flip the script this time in Ann Arbor.

We will be back on Sunday morning with a recap episode of Hangout in the Holy Land against The Team Up North. Remember to like and subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen, leave a comment, and review!

Connect with the podcast:
Twitter: ⁠@HolyLandPod⁠

Connect with Justin Golba:
Twitter: ⁠@justin_golba⁠

Connect with Alex Frank:
Twitter: ⁠@frankie_nnati

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Following Ohio State’s lopsided 113-60 win over Mount St. Mary’s on Tuesday night, the media spoke with John Mobley Jr., Ivan Njegovan, and head coach Jake Diebler about the win and the upcoming road game against Pitt.

Mobley said that he has a “bad taste in his mouth” from last year’s Pitt loss (Ohio State lost 91-90 in overtime last year) and that he “can’t wait” to play the Panthers again. He also said that the mid-range shots “really weren’t there” for him over the last several games, but Mount St. Mary’s playing a drop coverage defense opened up the middle for him on Tuesday, opening up those types of shots and helping him score 26 points on 10-of-15 shooting.

Diebler said that he’s glad some of the team had that experience with Pitt last season, but that it is a new group and he “doesn’t need to manufacture motivation” for Friday’s game. He also said that he is confident that the high-level offense that Ohio State has been exhibiting through the first six games of the season will translate against a power conference team on the road.

Connect with Connor:
Twitter: @lemons_connor

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On today’s episode of “Land-Grant Uncut,” we are bringing you unedited audio from the Tuesday, Nov. 25 Michigan Week press conference from the Woody Hayes Athletic Center.

A surprisingly loose Ohio State head football coach, Ryan Day, did provide injury updates on tight end Will Kacmarek and nickleback Lorenzo Styles Jr., but declined to provide much insight into the health statuses of wide receivers Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate.

He also praised Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood, discussed the plan to pick up the offensive tempo, and confirmed that Caleb Downs' podcast was the best injury information source on the Buckeye beat.

Contact Matt Tamanini

Online Portfolio: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://authory.com/MattTamanini⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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On today’s episode, Matt is in conversation with one of our oldest friends here at Land-Grant, the assistant sports editor of The Columbus Dispatch and Central Ohio sports reporting legend, Lori Schmidt. In the episode, Lori says that while she can't guarantee anything, she "would be shocked not to see [Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate] on the field" against Michigan on Saturday.

She discusses how important this game is to them individually, as well as to the team as a whole. They also talk about what this game means to Ryan Day and whether or not we will see this new version of the Ohio State head coach, or if he will revert to his previous rivalry game form.

Connect with Lori Schmidt

⁠https://www.dispatch.com/staff/7714074002/lori-schmidt/⁠

Twitter: ⁠@LoriSchmidt⁠

Connect with Matt Tamanini

Online Portfolio: ⁠https://authory.com/MattTamanini⁠

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As we normally do, we checked our score predictions from last week, broke down all the key players, moments, and stats from the game, and checked on our picks to click to see how they performed.

Following our Rutgers rewind, we discussed the other results around the Big Ten. Once again, Wrigley Field delivered a solid game, as Northwestern reached bowl eligibility when Minnesota missed its last-second field goal. USC couldn’t stop Oregon’s offense in what we thought was going to be a good game. Iowa had to stage a furious fourth-quarter comeback to beat Sparty at home. Nebraska was a no-show in Happy Valley. UCLA is bad again, while Maryland remains bad.

There are a lot of good rivalry games this week in the Big Ten, and we’re particularly excited about Farmageddon on Friday as well as the Oregon-Washington battle in Seattle. Rutgers and Penn State will meet with bowl eligibility going only to the winner, and we don’t expect that to be the Scarlet Knights.

Finally, we looked forward to The Game Saturday at noon. Everyone with any sense of taste is tired of hearing about the current streak, but there’s only one way to shut those yaps, and that is to win the game in the greatest rivalry in sports. Ohio State will have to shut down the run and make life difficult for Bryce Underwood while hopefully Julian Sayin will have his primary weapons because the Wolverines have a stout run defense but have had issues defending the pass. We discuss the matchup, make our picks to click, and try to predict the final score. We think it will be a tightly contested game.

We would love to hear from you, so please reach out with your feedback and questions below in the comments section or send us an email at silverbulletspod@gmail.com. Any questions directed toward us will be answered on our next show.

Be sure to subscribe, rate, review, share, and follow the show over on Twitter at @SilvrBulletsPod.

As always, thanks for listening!

0:20 - Rutgers fought hard but was outmatched on Saturday. Ohio State rested some players and hopefully that will pay off in the big rivalry game coming up.

20:23 - The rest of the Big Ten offered up only a couple of close games, and the best of those was (surprisingly) Minnesota vs. Northwestern.

48:37 - The Buckeyes have a series of scores to settle. We’ll find out on Saturday if they can settle them.

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Ohio State Buckeyes (-26.5) vs. Mount St. Mary’s | over/under 148.5

Game Date/Time: Tuesday, Nov. 25 at 6:30 p.m. ET
Location: Columbus, Ohio
TV: Big Ten Network
Radio: 97.1 FM/ 971thefan.com

Ohio State will try to smoothen out some things and improve their record to 6-0 for the first time since 2019, as they welcome the Mount St. Mary’s Mountaineers out of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference to Columbus for the first time since 2015.

Mount St. Mary’s is 1-5 on the season, but has played in close games with nearly everyone on their schedule thus far, except (ironically) Western Michigan. The Mountaineers were close at halftime or later against West Virginia, Bucknell, Cincinnati, and Maryland so far, and even went to overtime against the Terrapins in College Park last week. They shoot a lot of threes, make a decent amount of them, but also turn the ball over at a debilitating rate, many of which are unforced. Mount St. Mary’s did make it to the NCAA Tournament last year as a 16-seed, beating American in the 16-16 play-in game in Dayton before getting destroyed by No. 1-seed Duke right after.

Jake Diebler said on Thursday night that he was intentionally involving his bench early in the win over Western Michigan. With the talent disparity in this game, look for him to get guys like Colin White, Gabe Cupps, and Mathieu Grujicic in the game early on Tuesday night as well.

Connor’s prediction: Ohio State 92, Mount St. Mary’s 60

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Twitter: @lemons_connor

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Ohio State bullied Rutgers on the ground from the opening snap, averaging 7.05 yards per carry. Bo Jackson hit the 100-yard mark again, Isaiah West added efficient bursts when he came into the game, and James Peoples broke the game open with an explosive 50+ yard touchdown. The passing attack, however, revolved almost entirely around Max Klare. The junior tight end caught seven passes for 105 yards and a score, while David Adolph, finished as the next leading receiver. With Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate still sidelined, the offense once again leaned heavily on Klare and the run game.

Defensively, Ohio State suffocated Rutgers. Caden Curry delivered another breakout performance with two sacks and a strip-sack recovery, while the secondary put together another elite performance. Devin Sanchez responded well after last week’s struggles, and a Davison Igbinosun interception was negated by a penalty, one of the few mistakes of the afternoon.

Cole and Joey also touched on a strong week for Ohio State basketball, now 5–0 after a 91–58 win over Western Michigan. Christoph Tilly led with 17 points, while Amare Bynum continued his impressive rise with a 12-point, 10-rebound performance. With Pitt looming on Friday, Joey predicted that a win should put the Buckeyes in the Top 25.

Nationally, Oregon outlasted USC, Oklahoma stifled Missouri, Pitt shocked Georgia Tech, and Michigan handled Maryland behind one of Bryce Underwood’s best outings of the season. Freshman star Andrew Marsh continues to emerge as the Wolverines’ top weapon. On the other side of the ball, Maryland did find success through the air which will be something to monitor with Ohio State’s passing attack potentially undermanned.

That leads directly into this year’s rivalry showdown. Ohio State enters as a 10.5-point road favorite, but the injury report hangs over everything. Smith and Tate remain day-to-day, and no update has been given on Lorenzo Styles. Michigan expects running back Jordan Marshall back, though Justice Haynes will not play. Statistically, Michigan’s defense remains strong against the run but vulnerable on the perimeter, making the availability of Ohio State’s top receivers a deciding factor. USC and Oklahoma both attacked Michigan’s corners successfully, posting big passing numbers in their matchups.

A Buckeye win would send Ohio State to the Big Ten Championship for the first time since 2020 and all but guarantee a first-round bye in the College Football Playoff. A Michigan win, on the other hand, keeps the Wolverines’ playoff hopes alive and opens a path to Indianapolis with help from Washington.

Joey predicted a 27–17 Ohio State win, leaning on Bo Jackson, and Caleb Downs to make the difference. Cole called it 24–14, believing the Buckeye defense is too complete for Michigan to sustain drives and predicting a “Jeremiah Smith statement game” if he’s healthy. Both highlighted the edges as well, Caden Curry and Kenyatta Jackson, as potential game-changers in a matchup where Michigan’s offensive tackles have struggled for a lot of the season.

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On today’s episode, Matt Tamanini is in conversation with The Athletic's college football editor-in-chief, Stewart Mandel. The pair discusses this Saturday's Ohio State vs. Michigan game, and even though Stewart has been burned in the past, he makes a prediction for The Game.

They also break down the state of the College Football Playoff and Heisman Trophy races, and more.

Connect with Stewart Mandel

⁠⁠⁠https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/author/stewart-mandel/⁠⁠⁠

Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠@slmandel⁠⁠⁠

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Online Portfolio: ⁠⁠⁠https://authory.com/MattTamanini⁠⁠⁠

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Alright, business was taken care of Saturday against Rutgers. Now, we're on to The Game.

Alex and Ryan share their excitement for The Game and why they're confident this time around will be different. Ryan Day is 1-4 against TTUN, but he sounds like a much different head coach after last season and the Buckeyes' run to the national championship.

Both Alex and Ryan are confident Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate will play Saturday, and Alex explains why he feels there is NO WAY either of them will miss this game.

Of course, there is going to be some nervousness going into The Game. Alex and Ryan share what gives them the most concern and what they're most confident in going into Saturday, including how we'll learn a lot about Julian Sayin on Saturday and these next several weeks.

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On today’s episode of “Land-Grant Uncut,” we are bringing you unedited audio from the Saturday, Nov. 22 Rutgers postgame press conference from the Woody Hayes Athletic Center.

Head football coach Ryan Day did not provide any substantive updates on the injuries to Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate, but did refer to them as day-to-day. He did discuss some of his offense's struggles and his defense's dominance against Rutgers while looking forward a bit to The Game next weekend.

Then, tight end Max Klare came to the podium to discuss his best day in an Ohio State uniform, going for 7 catches, 105 yards, and 1 touchdown.

Contact Matt Tamanini

Online Portfolio: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://authory.com/MattTamanini⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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On episode 41 of Hangout in the Holy Land, Justin and Alex are back for the eleventh recap episode of the season as the No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes (11-0, 8-0) take down Rutgers (5-6, 2-6) 42-9 to enter the best week of the season undefeated.

To open the episode, we discuss the James Franklin hiring to Virginia Tech and the upcoming Lane Kiffin press conference. We also discuss Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate not playing in this game and what we think the status of the pair is heading into next week.

After a quick break, we break down the Buckeyes dominant performance against a talented Rutgers offense and give our players of the game.

We will be back on Wednesday morning with a Rutgers preview episode of Hangout in the Holy Land. Remember to like and subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen, leave a comment, and review!

Connect with the podcast:
Twitter: ⁠@HolyLandPod⁠

Connect with Justin Golba:
Twitter: ⁠@justin_golba⁠

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Twitter: ⁠@frankie_nnati

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No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes (-32.5) vs. Rutgers | over/under 54.5

Game Date/Time: Saturday, Nov. 22 at 12 noon ET

Location: Columbus, Ohio

TV: Fox

Radio: 97.1 FM/1460 AM

Matt’s Predictions: Ohio State 38, Rutgers 13

Connect with Matt Tamanini

Online Portfolio: ⁠⁠⁠⁠authory.com/MattTamanini⁠⁠⁠⁠

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On this new episode of the Land-Grant Podcast Network's "Lunatic Fringe," Gene Ross and Matt Tamanini break down the Carnell Tate and Jeremiah Smith injuries from every imaginable lunatic fringe angle. Then they discuss whether or not it would be better to sit the WRs against Indiana in the Big Ten Championship, assuming they make it through The Game with a victory.

But things get really spicy when Gene asks Matt if he would prefer to beat Michigan, but not win a second-straight national title, or lose The Game for the fifth-straight year, but win back-to-back natties.

Then, as always, both Gene and Matt fire off the hottest take they have for the game and give their respective score predictions.

Connect with Gene:

Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@Gene_Ross23⁠⁠⁠⁠

Connect with Matt:

Online Portfolio: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://authory.com/MattTamanini

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On today's episode, Matt Tamanini is in conversation with the Ohio State beat writer for The Athletic, Cameron Teague Robinson. In the conversation, they break down the Buckeyes' injury situation with two games left in the regular season.

They also talk about what OSU hopes to do against Rutgers in order to prepare for Michigan, whether or not the offense will pick up its tempo in the postseason, and whether or not Matt Patricia will be back for a second season as the team's defensive coordinator.

Connect with Cameron Teague Robinson

Twitter: ⁠@cj_teague⁠

Read his work here: ⁠https://theathletic.com/author/cameron-teague-robinson⁠

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Online Portfolio: ⁠https://authory.com/MattTamanini⁠

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On the new episode of "Buckeye Breakdown," Land-Grant's schematic guru Justin Whitlatch and Matt Tamanini get into the strategic and schematic impacts of injuries to wide receivers Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate.

They discuss what head coach Ryan Day might be thinking from a message control standpoint, as he doesn't want to give Michigan any information that he doesn't have to before The Game. But then, Justin breaks down OSU's next crop of wide receivers and how the offensive game plan would likely change with them in the game.

They also talk about the progress of the running backs, the right guard rotation, and much more.

Connect with Justin:

Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@WingT_Football⁠⁠⁠⁠

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@justinwhitlatch2531

Contact Matt Tamanini

Online Profile: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://authory.com/MattTamanini⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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On episode 178 of the Bucketheads Podcast, Justin and Connor are back to discuss the Buckeyes last second win over the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Christoph Tilly and Bruce Thornton led Ohio State to a 64-63 win with a late basket by Tilly.

We discuss the game and why we think in past years, this is a game that Ohio State has lost and has hurt them come March. Is this win a signal that things could be turning for the better in Columbus for the men’s hoops team.

We then preview the Western Michigan game, discuss Jake Diebler’s post game press conference and quickly touch on the Ohio State women’s basketball team losing to UConn.

Remember to like and subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen, leave a comment, and review!

Connect with the Podcast:
Twitter: @BucketheadsLGPN

Connect with Connor:
Twitter: @lemons_connor

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Twitter: @justin_golba

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Ohio State Buckeyes (-27.5) vs. Western Michigan | over/under 156.5

Game Date/Time: Thursday, Nov. 20 at 8:00 p.m. ET
Location: Columbus, Ohio
TV: Big Ten Network
Radio: 97.1 FM/ 971thefan.com

Ohio State will try to carry on a long winning streak against the MAC that goes all the way back to 1998 Thursday night when it hosts the Western Michigan Broncos at the Schottenstein Center. The Buckeyes have won 18 consecutive games against MAC opponents, and are 4-0 all-time against WMU as well.

Senior guard Bruce Thornton is 10 points away from passing Robin Freeman for 12th all-time on the Ohio State program scoring list, and is 34 points away from cracking the top-10. Thornton is coming off of a 24-point game against Notre Dame in Ohio State’s 64-63 win. Thornton won Big Ten Player of the Week the first week of the season after averaging 32 points per game in wins over IU Indy and Purdue Fort Wayne.

Western Michigan is the most turnover-prone team in the MAC, giving the ball away over 16 times per game through five games.

Head coach Dwayne Stephens was previously an assistant at Michigan State for 20 seasons under Tom Izzo, and was the associate head coach for the final 10 seasons he was there. He has yet to break through at WMU, amassing a record of 34-66 thus far.

Connect with Connor:
Twitter: @lemons_connor

Connor’s prediction: Ohio State 88, Western Michigan 68

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On the new episode of Land-Grant Podtcast Network’s “No Fall Weddings,” Jami Jurich and Matt Tamanini discuss their respective levels of existential dread surrounding the injury statuses of Ohio State wide receivers Carnell Tate and Jeremiah Smith.

They each share how they would approach the Rutgers game from an injury standpoint, with a trip to Ann Arbor set for next week. The pair also gets into what the possibility of playing without one or both of the WRs would mean for the team.

Then, as always, the duo breaks down their top-12 teams in college football, makes their chaos picks of the week, and recommends something from outside the world of college football that you should check out.

Connect with Jami Jurich

Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@JamiJur⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ich⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Connect with Matt Tamanini

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On episode 40 of Hangout in the Holy Land, Justin and Alex put a bow on the UCLA game and give their final thoughts on the 48-10 win.

Also, we recap the past week in the Big Ten and nationally and how it affects the Buckeyes and the College Football Playoff.

After a quick break, we break down this week’s matchup against Rutgers. What do they do well? And what do they poorly? And could the Buckeyes get caught looking ahead to Ann Arbor? Then, we give our official game predictions and players to watch.

We will be back on Sunday morning with a Rutgers recap episode of Hangout in the Holy Land. Remember to like and subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen, leave a comment, and review!

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Twitter: ⁠@HolyLandPod⁠

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On today’s episode of “Land-Grant Uncut,” we are bringing you unedited audio from Ryan Day's Tuesday, Nov. 18 press conference from the Woody Hayes Athletic Center. Despite being asked multiple questions on the topic, the Ohio State head coach declined to discuss the injury statuses of wide receivers Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate or offensive lineman Joshua Padilla.

However, he did say that Smith and Tate are in good spirits and are working to get back on the field soon. On the o-line, he noted that whether or not Padilla plays, they will look to rotate three players at right guard. If Padilla is available on Saturday, that means Tegra Tshabola will likely rotate with either Padilla or Gabe VanSickle.

Day also talked about the changes that have allowed OSU to have a recent flurry of success on the recruiting trail, what Rutgers will look to do on Saturday, and more.

Personally, I felt that Day was a little more prickly than normal in the press conference. While he has been incredibly focused and business-like since the start of last year's postseason, he seemed demonstrably more angry, or even annoyed. Of course, I couldn't help but wonder if that had anything to do with his team's injury situation, or if it was just a byproduct of getting down to the end of the regular season, with The Game just a week and a half away.

As always, the press conference audio supplied by Ohio State struggles when it comes to media members asking questions. However, the audio quality from the podium is crystal clear.

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We looked back at our score predictions, broke down all the key players/moments/stats from the game, and checked on our picks to click to see how they performed. (Spoiler: they did well.)

After yapping about the Buckeyes for a bit, we turned our attention to the rest of the Big Ten. There were some top-notch games over the weekend, including Iowa at USC and Michigan needing a last-second field goal to avoid a loss to Northwestern at Wrigley Field. Penn State got its first Big Ten win, while Michigan State and Purdue did not.

We looked ahead to this weekend’s slate of games in the conference, and USC-Oregon is a critical game for the Trojans’ hopes of reaching the College Football Playoff. Northwestern will be playing for bowl eligibility.

Finally, we looked forward to Saturday at noon, when the Rutgers Scarlet Knights visit Columbus. Greg Schiano’s defense has not been up to its usual standard this year, and we expect the OSU offense to continue to put points on the board. Hopefully, the Buckeyes will be able to rest some key starters for most or all of the game, but it’s important to maintain momentum heading into The Game.

We look at Rutgers offensive weapons and defensive rankings, make our picks to click, and try our best to predict Saturday’s final score.

We would love to hear from you, so please reach out with your feedback and questions below in the comments section or send us an email at silverbulletspod@gmail.com. Any questions directed toward us will be answered on our next show.

Be sure to subscribe, rate, review, share, and follow the show over on Twitter at @SilvrBulletsPod.

As always, thanks for listening!

0:20 - UCLA with Nico Iamaleava might have been interesting at times, but with a backup quarterback, it was almost over before it started.

21:31 - A look around the rest of the B1G. Penn State finally won a league game.

42:25 - The Buckeyes host their last game of the regular season when Rutgers comes to town.

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Defensively, Ohio State overwhelmed a UCLA offense led by a first-time starting quarterback, holding the Bruins to short throws and predictable calls all afternoon. True freshman Devin Sanchez was targeted often, giving up a few plays, but Cole emphasized that the learning curve is normal and his upside remains sky-high. The bigger concern was injuries, Jeremiah Smith was questionable coming into the game and Carnell Tate was out. C.J Donaldson also did not play in this game, and several defensive players played limited snaps.

Nationally, chaos defined the weekend. Notre Dame rolled Pitt behind another dominant showing from Jeremiah Love, Oklahoma stunned Alabama with a defensive-heavy win, USC edged Iowa, and Georgia dismantled Texas in a late-game surge. Texas A&M pulled off a stunning 31–30 comeback after trailing 30–3 at halftime, while Michigan barely escaped Northwestern and we found out they’ve lost Justice Haynes for the season, a major development ahead of The Game.

On the basketball front, Ohio State followed a shaky start against App State with a strong second half to win 75–53, then survived Notre Dame 64–63 behind 24 points from Bruce Thornton and a game-winning bucket from Christoph Tilly. Rebounding remains a concern, but the defense looked significantly improved, especially against ND star Markus Burton. Cole tripled down on his prediction that Thornton will be an All-American.

Looking ahead, Ohio State hosts a 33-point-underdog Rutgers team that has a respectable offense but one of the worst defenses in the country. With SEC “cupcake week” limiting national matchups, all eyes remain on November 29. For now, the Buckeyes keep rolling, but the health of the roster may define how far this team can ultimately go.

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Ohio State Buckeyes (-8.5) vs. Notre Dame | over/under 151.5

Game Date/Time: Sunday, Nov. 16 at 12:30 p.m. ET
Location: Columbus, Ohio
TV: FS1
Radio: 97.1 FM/ 971thefan.com

After sharpening the defense against Appalachian State and seeing a few new lineup combinations that included more of Colin White and Gabe Cupps as on-ball “stoppers”, the Buckeyes now face their first legitimate challenge of the season, as the Notre Dame Fighting Irish invade the Schottenstein Center.

Senior guard Bruce Thornton is three points away from passing Terrence Dials for 14th on Ohio State’s all-time scoring list, as he inches closer and closer to Dennis Hopson’s record of 2,096 career points.

Notre Dame head coach Micah Shrewsberry has beaten Ohio State multiple times in his career from his time at Penn State, most recently winning when the Nittany Lions beat the Buckeyes in Columbus, 75-71 on February 23, 2023.

Penn State junior guard Markus Burton is averaging 19.3 points per game this season, including 20-point performances in two of Notre Dame’s three games. Shrewsberry’s son, Braeden, is averaging 13 points per game and hit six three-pointers in Notre Dame’s 78-58 win over Eastern Illinois this week.

Connor’s prediction: Ohio State 82, Notre Dame 77

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On episode 39 of Hangout in the Holy Land, It is a solo recap episode for Justin as Alex is on vacation. The top ranked Ohio State Buckeyes (10-0, 7-0) defeated the UCLA Bruins (3-7, 3-4) 48-10 behind 222 yards rushing.

Similar to last game against Purdue, the Buckeyes went ahead early and never looked back, scoring on the first five possessions and all of their first half possessions.

The second half was a little more bumpy, but Lorenzo Styles recorded their first kickoff return for a touchdown in 15 years. After the game breakdown, we give some players of the game and hit on some of the storylines from the game.

We will be back on Wednesday morning with a Rutgers preview episode of Hangout in the Holy Land. Remember to like and subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen, leave a comment, and review!

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No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes (-31.5) vs. UCLA | over/under 47.5

Game Date/Time: Saturday, Nov. 15 at 7:30 p.m. ET

Location: Columbus, Ohio

TV: NBC

Radio: 97.1 FM/1460 AM

Matt’s Predictions: Ohio State 49, UCLA 3

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On the new episode of Land-Grant Podtcast Network’s “No Fall Weddings,” Jami Jurich and Matt Tamanini discuss the continued offensive line woes, and whether or not the right side could cost Ohio State a national championship.

Both Jami and Matt break down what they would do with the right guard and tackle positions the rest of the season, while also contemplating if the line is really as bad as they think, or if they are just hyper-focused on it, because the rest of the team is near perfect.

Then, as always, the duo breaks down their top-12 teams in college football, makes their chaos picks of the week, and recommends something from outside the world of college football that you should check out.

Connect with Jami Jurich

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Connect with Matt Tamanini

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On episode 177 of the Bucketheads Podcast, Connor and Justin have an instant reaction to the Buckeyes moving to 3-0 on the season after a 75-53 win over App State. It was a slow start where the Buckeyes shot 2-for-16 from three-point range in the first half, but Ohio State’s defense helped them secure this win.

Is it time to panic about the Buckeyes? What happened in the first half? And are they only 3-0 because of the schedule so far? The boys get into why it is okay to not overreact to one bad half.

To close the episode, we discuss the post game press conference and preview the first test of the season as the Notre Dame Fighting Irish come to town on Sunday.

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On episode 38 of Hangout in the Holy Land, Justin and Alex have the tenth preview episode of the season as the No. 1 Buckeyes (9-0, 6-0) welcome in the UCLA Bruins (3-6, 3-3) for another night game in the shoe.

To start the episode, we recap an interesting week 11 in the Big Ten as Oregon survives Iowa, Wisconsin upsets Washington and USC continues to linger in the playoff picture.

After a quick break, we preview the UCLA game. What changed with the Bruins after firing their head coach? What do they do well? And what do they struggle with? To close, we make our official game predictions.

We will be back on Sunday morning with a UCLA recap episode of Hangout in the Holy Land. Remember to like and subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen, leave a comment, and review!

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Following Ohio State’s 75-53 win over Appalachian State, Gabe Cupps and Brandon Noel spoke to the media about the Buckeyes’ collective team defense and their slow offensive start. Noel said he thought the Buckeyes were getting good shots early in the game, but they just weren’t falling until the end of the half. Noel also said that defensive “momentum” is a thing, and that Ohio State is trying to get better at defending for entire possessions as the shot clock dwindles.

Cupps said that the reason he blew a wide-open layup in the second half of the game was because he was intending on dunking it, but at the last second he felt the defender coming and tried to lay it off the glass instead. It was too late, and he didn’t make up his mind fast enough, and he missed the layup. He said Diebler, Devin Royal, and his own father were already giving him a hard time about it.

Diebler explained that Colin White was his pick to start in place of Devin Royal because he wanted to keep the substitutions consistent, mainly keeping Cupps as the first guard off the bench. But he also said Colin White had a “very good few days of preparation” for Tuesday’s game, and that it’s been a “rollercoaster of a 12 months for him.” Diebler said he trusts Colin to always make “the play that’s best for the team.”

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The Ohio State Buckeyes dispatched the Purdue Boilermakers with one starting wideout and one starting offensive tackle tied behind their backs, winning 34-10 on the road in West Lafayette, Indiana. Ohio State luckily avoided some of the nasty weather we saw in other games around the Big Ten on Saturday, but it wasn’t one of the prettier games we’ve seen in the Ryan Day era. Then again, that can happen at Purdue.

We looked back at the Buckeyes’ road win, discussed the key players, moments, and plays, and checked back on our picks to click and our final score predictions.

After dissecting Ohio State’s win over the Boilermakers, we took a quick spin around the rest of the B1G to see how other teams fared. Indiana looked to be in trouble against Penn State on the road, but the Nittany Lions stayed true to their nature and found a way to lose a close game against a top 10 team. We saw a few familiar things from Jim Knowles’ defense on the decisive drive. Elsewhere, Nebraska’s new quarterback had himself a nice game on the road as the Huskers beat UCLA out west. Oregon struggled in Iowa, but the Ducks pulled out a late win, with an untimely fumble by the Hawkeyes helping the visitors avoid a Kinnick Stadium upset. Rutgers got a vital win in a bid for bowl eligibility but the Scarlet Knights will still have a tough road to get to six wins. And, what do you know? Wisconsin won in conference play.

We also looked ahead to the matchups coming up this weekend. The Badgers will probably not win two in a row when they visit Bloomington. Probably. Meanwhile, Iowa will have a tough time bouncing back when they visit USC. There are some fun matchups coming up in Week 12.

Finally, we previewed Ohio State’s home game against UCLA. The Bruins’ quarterback has played a night game at Ohio Stadium within the past year, and this trip to Columbus doesn’t seem likely to yield a much better result. A raucous Horseshoe crowd, the nation’s most efficient quarterback, and a bad Bruin defense don’t seem to make for a good combination. We break down the matchup and provide our picks to click on Saturday on both sides of the ball and make our score predictions.

We would love to hear from you, so please reach out with your feedback and questions below in the comments section or send us an email at silverbulletspod@gmail.com. Any questions directed toward us will be answered on our next show.

Be sure to subscribe, rate, review, share, and follow the show over on Twitter at @SilvrBulletsPod.

As always, thanks for listening!

0:20 - An easy but boring day in West Lafayette.

26:05 - A look around the B1G. Penn State ain’t gonna not Penn State, but maybe Saturday things will get better for the Nittany Lions.

47:03 - The Buckeyes host UCLA in a rare November night game. We discuss.

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Ohio State Buckeyes (-24.5) vs. Appalachian State | over/under 148.5

Game Date/Time: Tuesday, Nov. 11 at 6:30 p.m. ET
Location: Columbus, Ohio
TV: Big Ten Plus
Radio: 97.1 FM/ 971thefan.com

The nation’s leading scorer Bruce Thornton and the Ohio State Buckeyes welcome the Appalachian State Mountaineers to Columbus on Tuesday for the first time since the 2017-18 season. Ohio State last lost to a Sun Belt team in 2015, when UT-Arlington was still in the conference, and Jake Diebler’s team will look to keep that decade-long slate clean on Tuesday against the boys from Boone, North Carolina.

Appalachian State has struggled shooting the ball this season, knocking down 30% of their three-pointers and roughly 61% of their free throws. However, they’ve been menaces on the offensive glass, grabbing nearly 50% of their own missed shots through their first three games. That’s going to be a challenge that Christoph Tilly, Brandon Noel, and the Ohio State bigs must accept head-on, because the Mountaineers at this point are expecting to get second and third chances half the time.

It will be a battle of two contrasting styles on Tuesday night, App State is one of the 10 slowest-moving teams in the country, according to KenPom, while Ohio State is averaging over 100 points per game thus far.

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Connor’s prediction: Ohio State 92, Appalachian State 70

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Joey noted that the only reason the game didn’t get out of hand early was because of that disallowed touchdown. Purdue’s offense was completely bottled up, Caleb Downs forced a Jermaine Matthews Jr interception and laid a crushing hit on a screen pass, while the front seven controlled the line all afternoon. Sayin threw with his usual precision, finishing with another efficient stat line, though he did make one mistake when he forced a red-zone ball to Jeremiah Smith, wh set a new single-game career high in receptions. Max Klare also added five catches in his return to West Lafayette, though Cole admitted he expected more from the former Boilermaker in a potential “revenge game.” Even without Carnell Tate, who missed the matchup due to injury, Ohio State’s passing attack looked unstoppable.

On the defensive side, the Buckeyes continued to show why they’re the best unit in the country. Eddrick Houston looked dominant again, Payton Pierce filled in seamlessly when Arvelle briefly left the game, and the cornerback duo of Jermaine Matthews and Davison Igbinosun have been quietly playing at an All-American level. Cole pointed out that those two might be the most underappreciated corners in America.

Injuries were a major storyline. Because of Tate’s absence, receivers Bryson Rodgers and Mylan Graham saw more snaps than usual. Both Phillip Daniels and Josh Padilla missed the game as well, leading to Ian Moore’s first start and a rotation with Gabe VanSickle up front at RG. Arvell Reese missed several series, and Tywone Malone saw limited action also. One bright spot came from the Lincoln Kienholz red-zone package, which worked perfectly.

The conversation then shifted to basketball, where the Buckeyes opened the season 2–0 with offensive fireworks. Ohio State topped IU Indy 118–102 behind Christophe Tilly’s 28 points and a pair of 20-point performances from Bruce Thornton and Devin Royal, then followed that with a 94–68 win over Purdue Fort Wayne in which Thornton exploded for a career-high 38.

Next up, Ohio State basketball hosts App State on Tuesday and Notre Dame on Sunday in what could be an early measuring-stick game against Markus Burton and the Irish. On the football side, UCLA heads to Columbus for a primetime matchup under the lights in the Shoe. Joey predicted a 42–10 win, while Cole went with 38–6.

To close the show, Cole and Joey posed a few big-picture questions: What’s the one weakness on this Ohio State team that could keep them from reaching their goals of beating Michigan, winning the Big Ten, and claiming a national title? If you could trade Sayin for a second-year Justin Fields or C.J. Stroud, would you do it?

For now, Ohio State continues to roll. The defense looks championship-ready, Sayin’s Heisman campaign remains alive and well, and another night game in Columbus is up next. November football is here, and the Buckeyes are right where they want to be.

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Without Carnell Tate, Jeremiah Smith reminded the whole country why he is the best wide receiver in college football. Alex Frank and Ryan Weckstein discuss what Smith’s performance on Saturday does for his Heisman Trophy candidacy.

Smith wasn’t the only player leading the Buckeyes to a big offensive day even with Tate’s absence. The Buckeyes found success in the running game, which has made progress the last two weeks. With the embarassment of riches the Buckeyes have on offense, having the specific kind of running game the Buckeyes have is a luxury.

The Buckeyes return home for their final two games of the regular season, beginning with a Saturday night home game against the UCLA Bruins. Alex and Ryan discuss what they want to see over the next two games before The Game on November 29th.

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On episode 37 of Hangout in the Holy Land, Justin and Alex are back with a ninth recap episode as the No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes (9-0, 6-0) went to West Lafayette and came out with a 34-10 win over the Purdue Boilermakers (2-8, 0-7)

The Buckeyes went up early and put it in cruise control, scoring on six of their nine possessions and holding Purdue to just 186 total yards.

To start the episode, we break down the scoring drives for the Buckeyes and what went well early in the game. After a quick break, we discuss some storylines from the game, Heisman odds and give our players of the game.

We will be back on Wednesday morning with a UCLA preview episode of Hangout in the Holy Land. Remember to like and subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen, leave a comment, and review!

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No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes (-29.5) vs. Purdue | over/under 49.5

Game Date/Time: Saturday, Nov. 1 at 12 noon ET

Location: Columbus, Ohio

TV: Big Ten Network

Radio: 97.1 FM/1460 AM

Matt’s Predictions: Ohio State 42, Purdue 0

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Ohio State Buckeyes (-22.5) vs. Purdue Fort Wayne | over/under 163.5

Game Date/Time: Friday, Nov. 7 at 6:30 p.m. ET
Location: Columbus, Ohio
TV: Big Ten Network
Radio: 97.1 FM/ 971thefan.com

While the final score clearly indicated Ohio State won their season opener over IU Indy on Monday night, the fact that they gave up a whooping 102 points to a Horizon League opponent hung over the fanbase like a thick, stinky fog. Fans are eager to see this Ohio State offense get back to work on Friday, but also to see if they can shore things up defensively to alleviate those concerns.

Their first chance to do so comes tonight, with another Horizon League opponent — the Purdue Fort Wayne Mastodons — coming to town. PFW is another fast-paced team, so expect another high scoring contest, but perhaps not in the 100’s on both sides like we saw on Monday. The Mastodons gave up 90 points to Grand Canyon, so the Buckeyes creeping towards 100 once again doesn’t seem impossible.

I expect Ohio State to run up the points on Friday night, and to shore up some of the defensive communication mishaps that caused them to allow so many wide-open looks on Monday against IU Indy. This Buckeye team may not be elite defensively, but I do think there’s more there than what we saw on Monday.

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Twitter: @lemons_connor

Connor’s prediction: Ohio State 96, Purdue Fort Wayne 74

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On episode 176 of the Bucketheads Podcast, we finally have a real basketball game to discuss. The Buckeyes defeated IU Indy in the season opener 118-102 in a game that you may only ever see once in your life.

Is the Buckeyes defense something to worry about? Or was this a game that was so out of the ordinary that you can take it with a grain of salt? Also, who is Ben Howlett and why does his success at West Liberty matter?

At the end, we preview Friday’s matchup with Purdue Fort-Wayne and discuss the Buckeyes press conference after IU Indy.

Remember to like and subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen, leave a comment, and review!

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On episode 36 of Hangout in the Holy Land, Justin and Alex are back for the ninth preview episode of the season as the Buckeyes (8-0, 5-0) head to West Lafayette to take on the Purdue Boilermakers (2-7, 0-6) at 1 p.m. on Big Ten Network.

To kick off the episode, we talk about the upcoming College Football Playoff rankings, what we think they should look like and which teams have impressed us.

After a quick break, we discuss the Purdue matchup in depth. What do they do well, what do they struggle with and how does the Devin Mockobee affect Purdue for the rest of the season?

We will be back on Sunday morning with a Purdue recap episode of Hangout in the Holy Land. Remember to like and subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen, leave a comment, and review!

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We broke down the Buckeyes’ 38-14 win over the Nitts, which could have been even more lopsided had forward progress been a thing or if C.J. Donaldson had been a bit more possessive of the pigskin. We checked to see how our picks to click performed on Saturday, and we looked back to see how our final score predictions panned out.

After our Penn State rewind, we looked around the rest of the B1G to see how the other teams in the conference made out over the weekend. The surprise banger was Michigan State at Minnesota. I didn’t say it was a brilliant game, but it was entertaining, at least toward the end. Indiana got some initial resistance from Maryland and then blew the Terps away. USC handled Nebraska on the road, but even with an injured Dylan Raiola it wasn’t easy. Purdue also didn’t make things easy on Michigan in Ann Arbor.

Once again, there are plenty of intriguing matchups coming up this weekend as the Big Ten season enters its final trimester.

Finally, we previewed Ohio State’s visit to West Lafayette, Indiana. Weird things happen in the negative energy field at Ross-Ade Stadium, so the Buckeyes will need to overcome whatever strange contraptions the engineers at Purdue have come up with to level the playing field for their Boilermakers. We selected the players we are picking to click against Purdue on Saturday on both offense and defense and tried once again to predict the final score. We’re expecting the Boilermakers to put up a battle on Saturday but the Buckeyes should prevail as long as they don’t help their hosts.

We would love to hear from you, so please reach out with your feedback and questions below in the comments section or send us an email at SilverBulletsPod@gmail.com. Any questions directed toward us will be answered on our next show.

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As always, thanks for listening!

0:20 - A comfortable win over Penn State hasn’t been the norm in recent years, so the second half was a nice change of pace on Saturday.

27:40 - There was plenty of other action all around the B1G and we dive into it.

46:15 - The Buckeyes head to Indiana to take on Purdue. We preview the matchup.

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