The Bill and Doug Show: Ohio State Football Talk

Episode: Ohio State beats Rutgers, moves on to Michigan week, will the passing game be ready? Live Postgame
Date: November 23, 2025
Hosts: Doug Lesmerises and Bill Landis

EPISODE OVERVIEW

Theme:
Doug and Bill break down Ohio State's 42-9 win over Rutgers, discuss concerning trends in the Buckeyes’ passing game amidst key wide receiver injuries, analyze the readiness for the looming rivalry clash with Michigan, and dig into fan questions and reactions live from Ohio Stadium.

KEY DISCUSSION POINTS & INSIGHTS

1. Ohio State’s Performance vs. Rutgers

• The win: Ohio State moves to 11-0, eclipsing last year’s regular season total.
• Dominance expected, questions remain: Despite a comfortable scoreline, concerns linger, especially around the passing attack.

[01:31] - Setting the scene

"High atop Ohio Stadium after the Buckeyes 42 to nine win over Rutgers. Ohio State now 11 and oh, that's more regular season wins than last year."
– Doug Lesmerises

2. Injuries to Key Receivers: Jeremiah Smith & Carnell Tate

• Status: Both Smith and Tate did not play; officially “day-to-day” per Ryan Day.
• Vibe from coaches: Both Doug and Bill believe the staff expects them back for Michigan, citing Ryan Day’s relaxed attitude and how the players looked on the sideline.
• Depth issues exposed: The absence of Smith and Tate highlighted an alarming lack of receiver readiness and separation down the depth chart.

[02:54] - On the likelihood of their return

"I'm still thinking they're going to play...if they were in any way thinking they weren't going to have them for the Michigan game, I think you'd sort of be able to see it on Ryan Day's face. And I did not get that vibe."
– Bill Landis

3. Passing Game Concerns

• Stark drop-off: Without the top two receivers, Ohio State’s next men up combined for 4 catches (7 targets, 33 yards).
• Lack of separation: Doug and Bill observed, from the press box, that Ohio State's backup receivers "were not getting open."
• No apparent contingency: No young receivers stepped up, with particular concern about Mylan Graham’s limited snaps and lack of progression despite rotation opportunities.

[05:08] - On WR depth and development

"It's a bit jarring…he is the next like oldest five star in waiting. And maybe our expectations are just unrealistic because of all the success that Ohio State has had. But the lack of receiver depth is apparent to me."
– Bill Landis

[08:02] - On assumptions of 'endless' WR talent

"There is an assumption of Ohio State endless receiver depth, and it's not apparent right now."
– Doug Lesmerises

[09:23] - Stat rundown

• Max Claire (TE): 7 rec. / 8 tgt. / 105 yds
• David Adolf: 2 rec. / 3 tgt. / 23 yds
• Brandon Innis: 2 rec. / 4 tgt. / 10 yds
• Other receivers: minimal impact

4. Can OSU’s Offense Survive Without Smith/Tate?

• Short answer: Maybe vs. Rutgers, but big concern if both are out for Michigan or beyond.
• Point of emphasis: The Buckeye offense loses specialness without its elite receivers; if one or both are down, opposing defenses have no reason to fear the pass.

[13:54] - On the risks if both stars are out

"If it happens, I'm not sure if Ohio State's gonna be able to throw the ball. So that's where I am. It's probably not going to matter. But I'm a little surprised about how ineffective they were."
– Doug Lesmerises

5. The Running Game: Improvement at the Right Time?

• Boosted production: 38 carries, 254 yards (6.7 avg), 2 TDs for Bo Jackson (19 for 110), big plays from James Peoples.
• Line play: Tega Shabola got most reps at RG, VanSickle rotated but struggled on one drive.
• Explosiveness over pure efficiency: Bill would sacrifice some efficiency for chunk plays, which materialized in this game.

[17:08] - On the run game grade

"I'd probably give it like a B, only because there were probably too many negative runs still… But they also had like 11 or 12 runs of 10 yards or more and three runs of 20 yards or more."
– Bill Landis

[18:24] - Explosive plays matter

"I would sacrifice some efficiency to get more explosiveness."
– Doug Lesmerises

6. Experimentation: Lincoln Kienholz Wildcat/Package

• Usage: Kienholz featured more than usual—not just for goal-line runs but in the open field, attempting passes (1/3 for 19 yards).
• Mixed results: Athleticism evident, but passing execution inconsistent.
• Purpose: Debate on whether this is actual Michigan-week prep, or simply a ‘thank you’ for Kienholz’s service/last home game.

[29:46] – On whether Kienholz will be used vs. Michigan

“I think he will not play at all next week.” – Bill Landis
“I think they will try something with him and that there was purpose in this beyond giving Lincoln a farewell in the shoe.”
– Doug Lesmerises

7. Routine for Michigan Week: “Routine, Routine, Routine.”

• Ryan Day’s philosophy: Keep everything the same—practice times, media availabilities, etc.—treat it as much like any other week as possible to maintain focus and normalcy.
• Players echo the message: The entire program is “parroting” Day’s emphasis on routine in an effort to both avoid overhype and stay locked in.

[33:37] - On Ohio State's preparation philosophy

"Ryan Day is sort of staking his...viewpoint of the Michigan game on routine."
– Doug Lesmerises

[34:17] - On threading the emotional needle

"I do think there's a way to straddle the importance, the meaning, everything that goes into this rivalry with our weekly preparation is what fuels our greatness."
– Bill Landis

8. The Defense & Other Key Notes

• Defense dominates again: Only one TD allowed (to Rutgers backups late); held Rutgers QB to 81 yards (team averages 277/week).
• Notable injury: Lorenzo Styles Jr. (nickel/DB) left with an apparent shoulder injury; secondary adjusted but not fully stress-tested by Rutgers.
• Nickel substitution wrinkle: Bryce West played slot as Styles' replacement rather than moving Jermaine Matthews inside—shows evolving DB rotation schemes for depth.

9. Miscellaneous & Memorable Moments

• Carson Hinsman dyed his hair blonde: Fun team camraderie moment ahead of rivalry week ([41:46]).
• Fan frustration: Noted live chat annoyance, especially about lack of passing and some play calls.
• Defense "so good": Both hosts agreed defense is elite, shoulder the load if offense falters.

[41:30] - Julian Sayin’s performance

"He was more efficient today… They didn't really...call a ton downfield... But I just did not think he looked uncomfortable. I just think he sort of was running what they gave him today." – Bill Landis

IMPORTANT SEGMENTS & TIMESTAMPS

• [01:31] – Episode intro, OSU’s record, postgame field report
• [02:54] – Injury updates and vibes from Smith/Tate and staff
• [05:08] – Analysis of WR depth, Mylan Graham discussion
• [08:02–13:54] – Passing game struggles, WR separation, no clear contingency plan
• [15:01–18:41] – Running game evaluation, big-play rushes, O-line rotation insights
• [22:22–25:35] – Lincoln Kienholz’s expanded role and 'wrinkle' possibilities
• [33:37–36:07] – Michigan week prep: Routine, logistics, coaching mindset
• [39:58–44:45] – Defense and secondary rotations, Lorenzo Styles injury
• [41:46] – Carson Hinsman dyes his hair blonde
• [45:37] – Closing thoughts, the challenge ahead

QUOTES HIGHLIGHTS

• "The lack of receiver depth is apparent to me..." ([05:08] – Bill Landis)
• "There is an assumption of Ohio State endless receiver depth, and it's not apparent right now." ([08:02] – Doug Lesmerises)
• "If it happens, I'm not sure if Ohio State's gonna be able to throw the ball." ([13:54] – Doug Lesmerises)
• "I would sacrifice some efficiency to get more explosiveness." ([18:24] – Doug Lesmerises)
• "Routine, routine, routine." ([33:37] – Doug Lesmerises)

BOTTOM LINE

Ohio State beat Rutgers handily but remains anxiously poised as they head into the Michigan week. Injuries to the top two receivers have exposed a real concern in WR depth—one that “probably won’t matter” if Smith and Tate return healthy, but as Doug puts it: "if it does, it could be an issue." The run game and elite defense inspire confidence, but Michigan looms as a far more dangerous test. Ryan Day is doubling down on routine and keeping his team focused amid mounting pressure. All eyes now turn to “The Game”—will the Buckeyes’ strengths be enough, and will their weaknesses get exploited?

For continued deep coverage, analysis, and fan chat:
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Ohio State beats Rutgers 42-9, moves to 11-0, and next up is The Game—the rivalry that defines their season.