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You’re Nuts: What do you most want to see Ohio State improve during Improvement Week?
Everybody knows that one of the best parts of being a sports fan is debating and dissecting the most (and least) important questions in the sporting world with your friends. So, we’re bringing that to the pages of LGHL with our favorite head-to-head column: You’re Nuts.
In You’re Nuts, two LGHL staff members will take differing sides of one question and argue their opinions passionately. Then, in the end, it’s up to you to determine who’s right and who’s nuts.
Today’s Question: What do you most want to see Ohio State improve during Improvement Week?
Jami’s Take: Tight End Production
Maybe Matt and I are both nuts this week for focusing on room for improvement when the team is firing on pretty much all cylinders at the moment, offensive line aside.
But here we are, and because the offensive line is the obvious answer, I’m actually not going to take the low-hanging fruit.
In order for this team to reach their potential for greatness, they do need to fix some offensive line issues, but I also believe they have the capacity to look beyond that and dig a little deeper into more granular things, so they can square them away before they face real challenges in earnest.
Beyond the aforementioned O-Line factor, the most glaring issue for me (which, again, is getting nitpicky) is the untapped potential of the tight ends. While the tight ends have been effective as blockers, the Buckeyes haven’t fully figured out what to do with their receiving potential yet (in part because Ohio State doesn’t have to).
There are so many weapons already that it almost feels greedy to ask us to use more of them; plus using our tight ends as large blunt objects helps to fill some of the gap left by the offensive line, but allowing our tight ends to do more than block—particularly in these early games as we try to vary the reps guys are getting—could help some of these guys develop into true threats.
Week Two was an improvement on what we saw against Akron in Week 1—a game in which tight ends Gee Scott Jr., Will Kacmarek, and Jelani Thurman combined for 0 receptions—but clearing a bar of “zero” doesn’t say much.
During the Buckeyes’ routing of Western Michigan in Week 2, the tight end production improved: Gee had one reception, Kacmarek had two, and Patrick Gurd and Bennett Christian each had a catch (Christian’s was a 55-yard touchdown).
Now, low-ish production isn’t particularly new to the Buckeyes, but in the past, they’ve been more effective at using their tight ends holistically than what we’ve seen so far this season.
In particular, there is room for the Buckeyes to do more with their tight ends on the receiving front, which could be especially beneficial when the Buckeyes get into the meat of their season. Tight ends who can do it all have the potential to elevate an offense substantially – and this isn’t news to the Buckeyes, given their success with guys like Cade Stover.
Stover, for example, had 36 receptions for 406 yards in 2022 and 41 receptions for 576 yards in 2023. When you look at the Buckeyes’ current roster of tight ends, a guy like Thurman–who struggles more with the blocking side of things than his current counterparts–could pose a threat as a receiver if we let him really cook.
Kacmarek, for his part, isn’t necessarily going to be putting up bonkers receiving numbers, but he could do more than he’s been given the opportunity to currently. Having Kacmarek pose more of a dual threat could be dangerous for opponents, given his blocking abilities. He has the potential to do some heavy lifting to cover for offensive line deficits (which is admittedly where the Buckeyes need the help more this year), but I truly believe the guy can also help the team move the ball down the field if given the chance.
Albeit at a MAC school, Kacmarek totaled 42 receptions and two touchdowns in his last two seasons combined. These aren’t astonishing numbers by any means, but he has also shown throughout training camp his potential to grow into this role as a Buckeye, and I’d like to see him get more opportunities to pose a more dual threat.
If Ohio State can make better use of these guys on the field, it could be the thing that takes an already-top-caliber team all the way this season.
Matt’s Take: Offensive Line Play
Jami can call it “low-hanging fruit” all she wants, but it would be a dereliction of my journalistic duty if I didn’t call out of the offensive line play when discussing things that need to be improved by the Buckeyes. Admittedly, the hogmollies played better against Western Michigan than they did against Akron, but we know that there is going to be far more challenging opponents down the road, so there has to be improvement.
We came into the season knowing that the offensive line was going to be the biggest question mark for the Buckeyes, and I still contend that Ryan Day and Justin Frye needed to do more in the transfer portal to address this obvious weakness. Yes, they got Seth McLaughlin, and through two games, he has been close to excellent. However, the right side of the line was a question mark in January, and it is still one now.
Obviously missing a two-time first-team All-Big Ten selection like left guard Donovan Jackson for the first two games is going to throw things into a little bit of added chaos, but Austin Siereveld has done an admirable job in Donny’s stead, so the left side isn’t the final point of concern. Against Akron, right tackle Josh Fryar looked a bit at sea, although against Western Michigan, he seemed more at ease. Tegra Tshabola has been serviceable in his first two starts at right guard but hasn’t come out of the gate looking like a sure-fire stud at the spot.
According to Pro Football Focus’ grades — which at this point, I shouldn’t need to tell you to take these with a grain of salt — the Buckeyes have graded out as the 31st best run-blocking team in the FBS, so roughly in the top 25%. However, given that they have played two teams that are graded as No. 125 and 133 (out of 134) in terms of rush defense so far, that might not be as impressive as it otherwise would be. Of course, when there are so few data points to analyze, Ohio State is going to loom large in the grades for both Akron and WMU, but it’s worth noting nonetheless.
The Buckeyes do a bit better on pass-blocking where they are graded as the 22nd-best team in FBS. I would actually say that they have done a pretty good job in pass-blocking. OSU has only allowed two sacks, neither of which were against Will Howard or the starting offensive line. For what it’s worth, Akron is again No. 125 in pressure, while Western Michigan jumps to No. 109.
Here’s the thing, judging solely on the first two weeks of the season, it is a tad nit-picky to criticize the offensive line; they’ve been mostly fine. However, when you compare them to seemingly every other position group, their performance pales in comparison. The wide receivers — highlighted by the immediate ascension of Jeremiah Smith — have been national-tiitle quality. The defensive line — with an added sense of aggression missing in recent years — has been been national-tiitle quality. Even quarterback play — aided by Howard’s decision-making and ability to move in the pocket — has been been national-tiitle quality.
This team needs to have an offensive line that can live up to that standard if they want to finally reach any of the goals that have been avoiding them in the past three seasons. So I hope they did some improving over this past week.
Let us know who you are agreeing with:
Poll
Who has the right answer to today’s question?
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0%
Jami: Tight End Production
(0 votes)
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0%
Matt: Offensive Line Play
(0 votes)
0 votes total
Vote Now
Ohio
Is Ohio State football playing today? What’s next for Buckeyes in playoff schedule | Sporting News
It’s a college football Saturday, but Dec. 13 is just a little bit different.
Ohio State and all its other College Football Playoff competitors will be on the couch.
The Army-Navy game highlights the day.
There’s also the first bowl game, the LA Bowl between Boise State and Washington.
And the FCS Playoffs roll on, as well.
Is Ohio State playing today?
No, Ohio State isn’t playing on Saturday, Dec. 13.
The CFP isn’t underway, and the Buckeyes have a bye in that even when it gets started.
When is Ohio State’s next game?
Ohio State won’t play again until Dec. 31.
That’ll be the Cotton Bowl.
They don’t know their opponent yet, either. It’ll depend on the CFP opening round matchup between Miami and Texas A&M.
MORE: Donovan Mitchell ties Jayson Tatum on an NBA record list
How it Happened
125 – (1) Vincent Robinson (NCST) def. Brendan McCrone (OSU), MD, 12-3
Robinson opened the scoring with a takedown followed by a McCrone escape to send the bout to the second with NC State up 3-1. McCrone chose top to open the second after Robinson deferred choice. Robinson got the reversal to lead 5-2 after a McCrone escape. Robinson added a takedown to lead 8-2 after five minutes. Starting neutral, Robinson made it 11-2 with a takedown. McCrone escaped but with a point for riding time, Robinson won by major decision, 12-3.
133 – (2) Ben Davino (OSU) def. Zach Redding (NCST), D, 7-1
After two minutes, Davino scored the opening takedown for a 3-0 lead to go to the second. Davino chose bottom to start the second and quickly escaped for a 4-0 lead. Davino added a late takedown to lead 7-0 after two periods. Redding escaped to start the third to make it 7-1 Buckeyes. That’s the way if ended for a Davino win by decision, 7-1.
141 – (1) Jesse Mendez (OSU) def. (6) Ryan Jack (NCST), TF, 21-6
Mendez went on top 3-1 with a takedown and Jack escape. Mendez added another takedown on the edge of the mat to finish the period up 6-1. Mendez added three takedowns quickly to jump to a 15-4 advantage. Another pair of takedowns ended the match for a Mendez win by technical fall, 21-6.
149 – (6) Ethan Stiles (OSU) def. (7) Koy Buesgens (NCST), D, 4-3
There was no scoring in the opening the period. Stiles chose bottom to open the second and took the 1-0 lead with an escape for the only points of the middle period. Buesgens evened the bout at 1-all with an escape to open the third. Stiles was awarded a takedown that was challenged by NC State but upheld after video review for a 4-1 lead for the Buckeyes. Buesgens scored a late reversal but Stiles held on for a 4-3 win by decision.
157 – (4) Brandon Cannon (OSU) def. (11) Jackson Arrington (NCST), MD, 9-1
Cannon struck first with a late takedown for a 3-0 lead. Cannon chose bottom to start the second after Arrington deferred. Cannon scored a reversal for a 5-0 advantage after five minutes. The third period started neutral before a Cannon takedown made it 8-0. Arrington earned an escape but with a point for riding time, Cannon got the win by major decision, 9-1.
165 – (19) Will Denny (NCST) def. (11) Paddy Gallagher (OSU), SV-1, 6-5
Denny got on the board first with a takedown at the edge of the mat. Gallagher escaped to make it 3-1 Wolfpack at the end of the opening period. Gallagher closed the gap with an escape early in the second before taking the lead with a takedown to make it 5-4 after a Denny escape. The third started with Denny choosing bottom. He tied it at 5-all with an escape. The match then went to sudden victory. Denny got the win by decision, 6-5 when Gallagher was called for stalling.
174 – (5) Carson Kharchla (OSU) def. (3) Matthew Singleton (NCST), D, 8-4
Neither wrestler scored in the opening three minutes. Kharchla got the reversal for the first points of the match. Singleton then escaped to make it 2-1 Buckeyes. Kharchla scored a takedown to make it 5-2 after a Singleton escape. Singleton chose bottom to start the third and escaped to cut it to 5-3. Kharchla quickly added a takedown for an 8-4 advantage and a win by decision.
At 174, No. 5 Carson Kharchla (Ohio State) earns an 8–4 decision over No. 3 Matthew Singleton (North Carolina State). pic.twitter.com/Zz1SBQeaIT
— Saturday Night Lights (@WrestlingSNL) December 13, 2025
184 – (6) Dylan Fishback (OSU) def. Don Cates (NCST), MD, 12-1
Fishback opened the scoring with a takedown at the edge of the circle. Cates escaped before another Fishback takedown made it 6-1 before the end of the first. Fishback upped the lead with an early escape before adding another takedown for a 10-1 lead. Fishback finished off the match to win by major decision, 12-1.
197 – (14) Luke Geog (OSU) def. Cason Howle (NCST), MD, 17-4
Just a minute into the bout Geog scored the opening points with a takedown. Howle escaped before Geog added a takedown and a four-point nearfall to lead 10-1 after three minutes. Howle added an escape point to open the second. Geog, leading 10-2, escaped to open the third before adding a takedown for a 14-3 advantage. Another takedown got the win by major decision, 17-4.
HWT – (2) Isaac Trumble (NCST) def. (3) Nick Feldman (OSU), D, 5-1
Trumble jumped to a 3-0 lead with a takedown and built nearly 90 seconds of riding time before a Feldman escape make it 3-1. Trumble escaped to open the second to take a 4-1 lead into the third. Trumble finished off the match with a 5-1 win by decision with a point for riding time.
Up Next:
Ohio State will travel to Nashville Dec. 21 for the 2025 Collegiate Duals where they will take on Little Rock and No. 3 Iowa State.
| Wt. | No. 2 Ohio State vs. No. 9 NC State | OSU | NCST |
|---|---|---|---|
| 125 | (1) Vincent Robinson (NCST) def. Brendan McCrone (OSU), MD, 12-3 | 0 | 4 |
| 133 | (2) Ben Davino (OSU) def. Zach Redding (NCST), D, 7-1 | 3 | 4 |
| 141 | (1) Jesse Mendez (OSU) def. (6) Ryan Jack (NCST), TF, 21-6 | 8 | 4 |
| 149 | (6) Ethan Stiles (OSU) def. (7) Koy Buesgens (NCST), D, 4-3 | 11 | 4 |
| 157 | (4) Brandon Cannon (OSU) def. (11) Jackson Arrington (NCST), MD, 9-1 | 15 | 4 |
| 165 | (19) Will Denny (NCST) def. (11) Paddy Gallagher (OSU), SV-1, 6-5 | 15 | 7 |
| 174 | (5) Carson Kharchla (OSU) def. (3) Matthew Singleton (NCST), D, 8-4 | 18 | 7 |
| 184 | (6) Dylan Fishback (OSU) def. Don Cates (NCST), MD, 12-1 | 22 | 7 |
| 197 | (14) Luke Geog (OSU) def. Cason Howle (NCST), MD, 17-4 | 26 | 7 |
| HWT | (2) Isaac Trumble (NCST) def. (3) Nick Feldman (OSU), D, 5-1 | 26 | 10 |
| Attendance: 3,895 |
#GoBucks
CLEVELAND, Ohio — Ohio Goes to the Movies, the statewide film festival launching in February, is coming into focus. Organizers have released the initial schedule for the nearly yearlong event. Part of the state’s America 250 celebration, it will bring more than 280 screenings to all 88 counties. Each film is tied to the Buckeye State in some way, and all screenings are free.
“Ohio has played a significant role in the history of American film and continues to attract talent, productions and storytelling that resonate around the world,” Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said in a statement. “Ohio Goes to the Movies ensures that residents in every community can participate in the America 250 celebration and rediscover the films that connect us.”
From classic movies starring or made by Ohioans to Hollywood blockbusters shot in downtown Cleveland, the lineup highlights the depth of the state’s influence on the film industry. The festival is also meant to encourage movie fans to explore the state by attending screenings all over Ohio.
Here’s a list of events planned for Northeast Ohio’s seven-county region.
CUYAHOGA COUNTY
“Close Encounters of the Third Kind.” Feb. 12. Phoenix Theatres Great Northern Mall.
“Major League.” March 1. Cinemark Strongsville at SouthPark Mall.
“Draft Day.” March 1. Cinemark Valley View.
“Welcome to Collinwood.” March 12. Cleveland History Center.
“Major League.” April 5. Capitol Theatre.
“Cool Hand Luke.” April 12. Cedar Lee Theatre.
“Draft Day.” April 23. Atlas Cinemas at Shaker Square.
“Toy Story 2.” June 24. Chagrin Documentary Film Festival HQ.
“The Scarlet Letter.” July 11. Cleveland Silent Film Festival at Cleveland Public Library.
“Captain America: The Winter Soldier.” July 11. Great Lakes Science Center.
“More Than a Game.” Sept. 11. AMC Ridge Park Square.
“Superman.” Sept. 18. AMC Westwood Town Center.
“Passing Through.” Sept. 19. Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque.
“Kill the Irishman.” Oct. 6. Atlas Cinemas Lakeshore.
GEAUGA COUNTY
“A Christmas Story.” June 11. Mayfield Road Drive-In Theatre.
LAKE COUNTY
“White Boy Rick.” March 11. Regal Willoughby Commons.
“Superman.” April 8. Atlas Cinemas Great Lakes Stadium.
“Air Force One.” July 7. Atlas Cinemas Diamond Center.
LORAIN COUNTY
“The Princess Bride.” April 22. Apollo Theatre.
“The Hunger Games.” Sept. 18. Regal Cobblestone Square.
MEDINA COUNTY
“Major League.” March 7. Hickory Ridge Cinema.
“Draft Day.” Sept. 12. Regal Medina.
PORTAGE COUNTY
“Unstoppable.” Feb. 22. Atlas Cinemas Barrington.
“Dog Man.” March 8. The Kent Stage.
“The Philadelphia Story.” March 19. Kent State University Museum.
“A Christmas Story.” June 10. Midway Twin Drive-In Theatre.
SUMMIT COUNTY
“The Big Short.” Feb. 21. Regal Hudson.
“The Avengers.” April 12. Akron Civic Theatre.
“Howard the Duck.” May 21. The Nightlight Cinema.
“Down by Law.” June 13. Akron–Summit County Public Library Main.
For a complete guide, go to ohiogoestothemovies.org.
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