Buckeye Bits: Musa Jallow is a game-time decision, Illinois OC says there isn’t a weakness on Ohio State’s defense (insert Bosa shrug here?), more

Happy Monday! Hopefully this is a short week for most of you. Thanksgiving is going to look a bit different this year, but I hope you find a way to make it memorable and special regardless! However, don’t let Turkey Day overshadow the second biggest event happening this week. The Ohio State men’s basketball team tips off their season against Illinois State at 2:00 p.m. ET on Wednesday, and we’ve got you set with lots of preseason coverage here at Land-Grant Holy Land, which I’ve listed below along with the rest of the day’s headlines. Let’s get into it!

Get caught up before tip off...

How the Buckeye NutHouse is handling a fan-less season

Connor Lemons, LGHL

Connor caught up with Dan Pitts, who has been the director of the Buckeye Nuthouse for the last two seasons, to get an idea for how the infamous Ohio State basketball student section will adjust to a season without fans.

Column: Starting Justin Ahrens is still smart and fun

Connor Lemons, LGHL

With Seth Towns out indefinitely due to injury, Connor explains why letting Justin Ahrens get some early playing time until Towns can return makes sense. Ahrens may be a one trick pony, but when that one trick is shooting three-pointers, why not let him get some reps in?

Ohio State basketball: New guys in town

Gene Ross, LGHL

Gene took a look at all the new faces on this season’s roster so you won’t miss a beat.

Ohio State basketball 2020-21 stats preview

Gene Ross, LGHL

And he also took a look at the data to determine how productive the Buckeyes will be with their returners and what exactly they lost the most in departures.

Listen to this...

Per usual, we have some awesome podcast episodes for you to start your week.

Podcast: Uncut audio from Fields, Day, Wade, Teague, more in Indiana post-game

Matt Tamanini, LGHL

First, listen to the uncut audio from the Buckeyes’ post-game presser.

Podcast: Kirk Herbstreit discusses Justin Fields, TTUN, more

Matt Tamanini, LGHL

Next, Matt sat down with Kirk Herbstreit to discuss Fields, Michigan and all things college football.

What Chris Holtmann is saying...

During his media availability this afternoon, Holtmann addressed some injuries, starting with the redshirt junior wing, Musa Jallow, who underwent season-ending reconstructive ankle surgery last January.

As for the redshirt junior forward, Seth Towns, the answer is a little less clear. Towns is recovering from a January surgery for a knee injury he endured in the 2018 Ivy League championship game, and while he’s making “good progress,” Adam Jardy of the Columbus Dispatch expects him to return “December- Januaryish.”

In regards to the possible effects on the season due to COVID-19, Holtmann said the team understands that games will more than likely be canceled or postponed, and that it’s helped to observe other sports going through this.

For more on the Hoops’ season starting up, check out Ohio State Athletics’ season previews for both the men and women’s teams.

What Illinois is saying...

On preparing to play Ohio State this Saturday, Illinois coach Lovie Smith said they’re “getting ready to play who a lot of people would say is the best team in college football,” while also naming Justin Fields “one of the best athletes in college football”

He went on to discuss the Buckeyes’ defense, saying they’re not going to throw the ball 70 times a game (even though I think that would be more efficient? But hey, what do I know).

Next at the podium was Illinois OC Rod Smith, who may have been given last year’s tape on accident?

Last but not least, Illinois QB Brandon Peters— the realist of the group.

That’s the stuff...

Ohio State will sport an all-white uniform against The Fighting Illini on Saturday. What do we think?

Players of the game...

Ohio State announced their champions from Saturday’s win over Indiana. It’s not often you see one of these without Justin Fields’ name at the top.

Mark your calendars...

I am a fan of this week’s lineup. Inject Penn State/Rutgers into my veins.

I guess you don’t really have to mark your calendars because its pretty easy to remember. Noon kickoffs the rest of the way, folks! As someone who goes to bed at 8:00 p.m. every night, this is fantastic news.

The Big Ten released its women’s basketball schedule just two days before Ohio State’s season opener against Akron. The Buckeyes will play 20 Big Ten games and open up conference play against Iowa on Dec. 19 in Columbus.

From around the league...

This section is not a happy one. My heart absolutely breaks for Joe Burrow.

And after a great game against the Titans on Sunday, J.K. Dobbins has tested positive for COVID-19, meaning he will not take the field on Thanksgiving Day.