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First and 10: Penn State brings Ohio State, Ryan Day now-or-never game earlier than expected

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First and 10: Penn State brings Ohio State, Ryan Day now-or-never game earlier than expected


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The finish line hasn’t changed for the best team money can buy.

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But hear me out: what if national championship or bust at Ohio State barely scratches the first week of November for embattled coach Ryan Day?

What if Ohio State’s all-in, $41 million gamble on the 2024 season ends this weekend in State College, Pennsylvania, long before the national championship game on January 20, 2025?

I don’t want to throw everything sideways before we even sniff the Michigan game, or the Big Ten championship game, or the College Football Playoff, but Ohio State and Day are staring down the barrel right now.

If Ohio State can’t beat Penn State Saturday in a top-five heavyweight game, Day won’t make it to 2025. And Ohio State will have wasted $41 million — on this season alone. 

Because if Penn State beats Ohio State, the CFP resume for the Buckeyes will consist of — in a perfect, win-out, 10-victory scenario — a defeat of suddenly surging Indiana. And nothing else.   

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All for the cool price of a $20 million player roster, and a coaching staff with a combined salary of $21.4 million. That’s $41.4 million — $20 million for players, $10 million for Day’s annual contract, and $11.4 million for assistant coaches.

Hey kids, you too can beat Akron, Western Michigan, Northwestern and a steady diet of nothing, all for the low, low price of $41 million!

In other words, Ohio State is one loss away from a rate of return that rivals new Coke.

In all of two months.

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2. Trust your process

The strangest part of this all-in moment at Ohio State – from the jump – was Day abandoning everything that made he and the program unique. 

All in the name of beating Michigan.

No one in college football coaches quarterbacks and the passing game better than Day. No one develops offenses, and recruits elite players to those offenses, and stresses defenses quite like Day since he arrived in Columbus in 2017 as Urban Meyer’s offensive coordinator.

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Before last season’s step back with Kyle McCord, Day’s quarterbacks were averaging 41 touchdown passes a season. Forty-one! 

But once Michigan won three in a row in the bitter series, once the Wolverines became the last Big Ten team to win a national title, Day buckled to pressure, hired his former coach and mentor and changed the offense. 

He wanted to be more physical, and wanted to run the ball and control the clock and — as crazy as this sounds — be more like Michigan. So he hired Chip Kelly away from UCLA, made him offensive coordinator and told him he wanted physicality. Period.

Then Ohio State spent millions to lure elite running back Quinshon Judkins from Ole Miss, center Seth McLaughlin from Alabama and quarterback Will Howard — a willing, dangerous runner — from Kansas State. 

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Fast forward to last weekend’s four-point win over Nebraska in Columbus: the Buckeyes rushed for 64 yards on 31 carries. The offensive line has underachieved, and was affected earlier this month by the season-ending injury to tackle Josh Simmons.

In four Big Ten games, Ohio State is averaging 148.3 yards per game.  In nine Big Ten games last season, Ohio State averaged 139.4. And now Day is talking about the need to push the ball downfield in the pass game.

Like he has done all along since 2017.

3. Ohio State’s all-in moment, The Epilogue

This isn’t just about Day and Ohio State and the pressure to win. If Ohio State can’t beat Penn State, the CFP selection committee suddenly joins the pressure-filled chat. 

That means The General — real, live former Lieutenant General and CFP director Rich Clark — and his selection committee will be eyeballing Ohio State through a unique lens.

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The Buckeyes are clearly one of the three most talented teams in the nation. Ohio State is a mega television brand.

Can you really have your first 12-team playoff, with all the hype and hoopla it brings, without Ohio State?

The first CFP poll is six days away, and a potential two-loss Ohio State — with losses in both of its most difficult games — would have no business in the top 12. But is there any doubt the Buckeyes will be there? 

More problematic for the CFP: while a loaded SEC beats up each other over the final month of the season, while the Big 12 and ACC could each have unbeaten teams in their championship games (more on that later), Ohio State will finish the season with games against Purdue, at Northwestern, surprising Indiana (who also hasn’t beaten anyone) and underachieving Michigan.

Woof. 

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Ohio State can end this meltdown scenario in an all-or-nothing season by beating Penn State, which could be without starting quarterback Drew Allar (knee).

Or it could lose to the Lions, and need the CFP selection committee to save its season. 

And Day’s job. 

4. Contender or pretender?

We’ve reached November, and it’s now time to break out the tried and true college football argument of “who have they beaten?”

Penn State (7-0) 

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The good: Lions are 7-0 for the first time since 2019.

The bad: The combined record of West Virginia, Bowling Green, Kent State, Illinois, UCLA, Southern California and Wisconsin is 25-30. 

Iowa State (7-0)

The good: The last time the Cyclones started a season 7-0 was 1938.

The bad: The combined record of North Dakota, Iowa, Arkansas State, Houston, Baylor, West Virginia and Central Florida is 29-27. 

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Indiana (7-0)

The good: Hoosiers are 8-0 for the first time since 1967.

The bad: The combined record of Florida International, Western Illinois, UCLA, Charlotte, Maryland, Northwestern, Nebraska and Washington is 26-37. 

Pittsburgh (7-0)

The good: The Panthers are 7-0 for the first time since 1982.

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The bad: The combined record of Kent State, Cincinnati, West Virginia, Youngstown State, North Carolina, California and Syracuse is 25-31.   

Clemson (6-1)

The good: Won six in a row since a Week 1 blowout loss to Georgia.

The bad: The combined record of Appalachian State, North Carolina State, Stanford, Florida State, Wake Forest and Virginia is 19-29.

5. The Weekly Five

The five most impactful games of November. 

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1. Tennessee at Georgia, Nov. 16.

2. Ohio State at Penn State, Nov. 2.

3. Texas at Texas A&M, Nov. 30

4. Kansas State at Iowa State, Nov. 30

5. Clemson at Pittsburgh, Nov. 16

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6. An NFL scout’s take on East Carolina CB Shavon Revel Jr.

An NFL scout analyzes a draft eligible player. The scout requested anonymity to protect the team’s draft preparation. 

“You’ve got a unique situation. He tore his ACL in September, and will be probably a couple of months from a full recovery during the draft. Before the injury, you could make the argument that he was the best cornerback in the draft. He’s 6-feet-3 and long and physical. He’s a flat-out burner. Everyone heals differently, and every ACL injury is different. How early in the first round do you take him? You might see someone take him in the first 16 picks. He’s that talented when completely healthy.”

7. Power Play: Notre Dame enters the field

This week’s CFP power poll and four on the outside, and one big thing.

1. Georgia: How many teams can go on the road and play the No.1 team, throw three interceptions, and win by 15? A hint: one.

2. Oregon: This Michigan game could get dicey if the Wolverines can slow tempo with its power-run game.

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3. Miami: The final month: Duke, at Georgia Tech, Wake Forest, at Syracuse. If Canes aren’t 12-0, something has gone very wrong.

4. Brigham Young: Two week to prepare for the Holy War against the worst Utah team since the early 2000s.

5. Ohio State: Beat Penn State, and likely get another shot at Oregon in the Big Ten championship game. 

6. Texas: Open week gives QB Quinn Ewers more time to completely heal from core injury. 

7. Penn State: Oregon beat Ohio State with an efficient pass game. That might be a problem for Penn State, with or without injured QB Drew Allar. 

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8. Tennessee: Get better in the pass game against Kentucky and Mississippi State — to get ready for Georgia.  

9. Texas A&M: A dangerous spot this week at South Carolina, which can rush the quarterback and hurry decisions (see: turnovers). 

10. Notre Dame: No other way to say it: can’t lose again and reach the CFP.

11. Indiana: A dangerous spot for the Hoosiers on the road against improving Michigan State. 

12. Boise State: One of CFB’s overlooked and critical players: QB Maddux Madsen, all 5-feet-10 of him.  

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13. Iowa State: When QB Behren Morton is on, Texas Tech is as dangerous as any team in the Big 12.

14. Clemson: We’ll have a better idea of Clemson (and Miami) after Louisville rolls into Death Valley.

15. Kansas State: Wildcats don’t necessarily do anything really well, but are 3-0 in one-possession games. 

16. Pittsburgh: The goal: affect electric SMU QB Kevin Jennings. Duke did it (3 INTs), and still lost last week. 

8. Mail bonding: Miami looks like Michigan, circa 2021

Matt: Do we really know how good Miami is? Will we know even if they’re 13-0 after running through the ACC? — David Drake, Orlando. 

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David:

Miami looks a lot like 2021 Michigan: a young and talented team figuring out a championship run for the first time in years. It doesn’t mean the Canes play like Michigan (they don’t), but it does mean they can cause problems for anyone. 

That Michigan team lost a game in late October, and hadn’t beaten a ranked team until the last game of the regular season when it finally broke an eight-game losing streak to Ohio State. 

The difference between that young Michigan team and Miami: Canes quarterback Cam Ward. He’s so dynamic and such problem for defenses, he can change games with one rare throw. 

Michigan had a caretaker (Cade McNamara) at the most important position on the field, and it showed in the CFP semifinal blowout loss to Georgia. With Ward, Miami won’t get blown out by anyone this season.  

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9. Numbers game

8. We’re not that far from having a championship Saturday where all eight power conference teams playing on the last weekend of the regular season are locks to make the CFP — win or lose.

But all four conference championship games in the SEC, Big Ten, ACC and Big 12 would still have significant impact on the 12-team CFP. Why? Seeding. 

Winners earn first-round byes, and one or more losers could fall far enough in the final CFP rankings (behind at-large SEC and Big Ten teams) and not host first round games.

How’s that for a day of importance?

The narrative that championship games will lose drama with the 12-team field isn’t remotely a reality. If anything, they’ve become the football version of conference basketball tournaments that lead to overall NCAA tournament seeding ― and the sweet symphony of controversy.

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10. The last word: Army’s CFP hopes

If you think Florida State had an argument to play in last year’s CFP, wait and see the angst if Army is 13-0 and American Conference champions.

The Cadets would be unbeaten in a less competitive conference than Boise State, and would have a better win (vs. Notre Dame) than the Broncos. 

But watch the CFP poll closely. Boise State will be the highest-ranked Group of Five team in next Tuesday’s first poll of the season. Army, whose combined opponent record is 18-35, will more than likely be the second — but much lower.

All it will take is a win over Notre Dame in Yankee Stadium on Nov. 23 to move Army to the No.12 position in the CFP poll — no matter what Boise State does. 

Matt Hayes is the senior national college football writer for USA TODAY Sports Network. Follow him on X at @MattHayesCFB.

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Ohio Lottery Powerball, Pick 3 Midday winning numbers for Nov. 9, 2024

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The Ohio Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Nov. 9, 2024, results for each game:

Powerball

Powerball drawings are held Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 10:59 p.m.

11-24-50-56-66, Powerball: 16, Power Play: 2

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

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Pick 3

Drawings are held daily, seven days a week, at 12:29 p.m. and 7:29 p.m., except Saturday evening.

Midday: 7-7-2

Evening: 3-4-8

Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Pick 4

Drawings are held daily, seven days a week, at 12:29 p.m. and 7:29 p.m., except Saturday evening.

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Midday: 6-5-4-3

Evening: 7-4-7-3

Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Pick 5

Drawings are held daily, seven days a week, at 12:29 p.m. and 7:29 p.m., except Saturday evening.

Midday: 2-3-0-8-1

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Evening: 4-0-3-3-9

Check Pick 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Rolling Cash 5

Drawings are held daily, seven days a week, at approximately 7:05 p.m.

07-17-22-35-38

Check Rolling Cash 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

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Classic Lotto

Drawings are held Monday, Wednesday and Saturday, at approximately 7:05 p.m.

15-16-28-41-42-43, Kicker: 6-1-7-2-2-8

Check Classic Lotto payouts and previous drawings here.

Lucky For Life

Drawings are held daily, seven days a week, at approximately 10:35 p.m.

04-07-19-36-39, Lucky Ball: 01

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Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Winning lottery numbers are sponsored by Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network.

Where can you buy lottery tickets?

Tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.

You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in these U.S. states and territories: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Texas, Washington, D.C., and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, see your ticket and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer.

Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 18+ (19+ in NE, 21+ in AZ). Physically present where Jackpocket operates. Jackpocket is not affiliated with any State Lottery. Eligibility Restrictions apply. Void where prohibited. Terms: jackpocket.com/tos.

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This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by an Enquirer digital news director. You can send feedback using this form.



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4 things we learned from Ohio State football’s 45-0 win over Purdue

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4 things we learned from Ohio State football’s 45-0 win over Purdue


Here are four things we learned from Ohio State’s 45-0 win over Purdue on Saturday:

Positive momentum continues

Ryan Day pointed to last week’s win at Penn State as a potential springboard for the Buckeyes.

The ascendance continued against the Boilermakers.

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Even if the drop-off in competition was steep, going from facing a potential College Football Playoff team to the last-place team in the Big Ten, they took care of business in convincing fashion.

Shutting out a conference opponent for the first time in Day’s coaching tenure, the Buckeyes asserted themselves in all three phases.

They scored six touchdowns, forced two turnovers and blocked a punt that set up their first trip to the end zone.

It would not have been too surprising if the Buckeyes suffered an emotional letdown returning from their hard-fought battle in Happy Valley.

They were a bit flat in a win over Nebraska last month, a close call that followed another big game at Oregon.

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But there was little clunky about their performance against Purdue and their upward trajectory continues.

The ‘Jack’ position returns

Defensive coordinator Jim Knowles introduced a hybrid defensive end and linebacker position known as the “Jack” with his arrival in 2022.

The Buckeyes have used it only sparingly in the succeeding years, leaning on a traditional front with four down linemen.

But they appeared to sprinkle it in a bit more against the Boilermakers, having Mitchell Melton or C.J. Hicks line up as a standup pass rusher along the edge of the line of scrimmage.  

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“It could be a weapon for us,” Day said. “It’s not easy to experiment in certain games, but we felt like it’s something that we have done previously.”

In the aftermath of their loss at Oregon, the Buckeyes reworked their defense to simplify the scheme, and it’s paid off. They have allowed only one offensive touchdown in a span of three games.

But going to the ‘Jack’ suggested they will still look to take advantage of opportunities to tinker and add packages to their defense during the second half of the season.

“There’s a lot more you can build on,” Day said.

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Fourth-down aggressiveness starts with Will Howard

The Buckeyes continue to go for it on fourth down more often than in previous seasons under Day.

Through nine games, they have sought to pick up the first down 18 out of 52 times (35%).

That includes two successful attempts on three fourth-down tries against Purdue. Day has cited the influence of analytics and game situations in shaping their decisions. But Howard’s role should not be overlooked.

The Kansas State transfer quarterback is a willing runner in short yardage and able to use his 6-foot-4 frame to grind tough yards.

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Howard’s keeper got the Buckeyes into the end zone in the first quarter when they faced a fourth-and-goal at Purdue’s 1-yard line.

A sneak in the second quarter on fourth-and-1 just past midfield allowed another touchdown drive to continue.

If not for Howard, the Buckeyes might be more hesitant in those situations. The aggressiveness sparked an early 14-0 lead.  

Offensive line avoids another setback

Carson Hinzman was down at Purdue’s 25-yard line grabbing his left knee late in the second quarter.

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It loomed as another potential setback for an offensive line beset by injuries in recent weeks.

But Hinzman was soon able to walk under his own power and returned to start at left guard for the second half, allowing the crowd that remained at Ohio Stadium to breathe a collective sigh of relief.  

Hinzman helped the Buckeyes stabilize their line a week earlier at Penn State, sliding in at left guard to replace Donovan Jackson, who had moved over to left tackle following injuries to Zen Michalski and Josh Simmons.

It was not until Ohio State pulled the rest of its starters in the fourth quarter before Hinzman again exited.

The injury scare was a reminder of how fragile the Buckeyes remain on their line. They were fortunate to remain largely healthy up front.

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Joey Kaufman covers Ohio State football for The Columbus Dispatch. Follow him on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, @joeyrkaufman or email him at jkaufman@dispatch.com.

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Chiefs scouting report: Ohio State Buckeyes CB Davison Igbinosun

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Chiefs scouting report: Ohio State Buckeyes CB Davison Igbinosun


The injury bug bit the Kansas City Chiefs hard this season, forcing backup cornerbacks Nazeeh Johnson and Joshua Williams into larger roles. Kansas City’s defense is still one of the league’s best, but the Chiefs should consider upgrading the depth in their cornerback room.

Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Igbinosun maximizes his size and length as one of the nation’s premier press-man corners. He deploys one-armed stabs and two-handed jams to stall or re-route receivers at the line of scrimmage. Igbinosun destroys outside releases by driving receivers out of bounds. He allows limited to no separation on slants and crossers.

Igbinosun’s playstyle comes with risks. He grabs and hand checks receivers throughout their routes. This aggressive coverage approach led to more than a dozen penalties since the start of the 2023 season. Igbinosun lacks elite vertical speed but is quick enough to carry most receivers downfield. He suffers from some hip stiffness that limits him against twitchy athletes.

Igbinosun’s vision and closing burst make him effective in zone coverage. He reads the quarterback’s eyes and tries to bait passers into poor throws. Igbinosun uses his arm length to play the ball at the catch point from odd angles and rake the receiver’s hands without fouling.

The Buckeyes come off their win against Penn State with a home game against the 1-7 Purdue Boilermakers on Saturday at 11 a.m. CST. No Purdue wide receivers have more than 230 receiving yards this season.





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