The Bill and Doug Show: Ohio State vs. Grambling State Picks & Preview

Podcast by Blue Wire | Released: September 4, 2025
Hosts: Doug Lesmerises & Bill Landis

Overview

This episode centers on previewing Ohio State’s upcoming home game against Grambling State, touching on why the game was scheduled, what to expect on the field and around the stadium, and the cultural significance of Grambling State and its legendary coach Eddie Robinson. Doug and Bill provide both football analysis and a broader look at college football scheduling, traditions, and history, aiming their discussion at dedicated Ohio State fans while keeping it fun and insightful.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Why is Ohio State Playing Grambling State?

• The game was scheduled in summer 2024 after Ohio State canceled a previously scheduled matchup with UConn that was oddly set for mid-October—an unusual time for a non-conference game.
  • "They canceled a game against Yukon that was scheduled for October 18th of this year. So it's kind of weird that they had a game scheduled for the middle of Big Ten season which they almost never do." (03:02, Doug)
• Grambling State is being paid $1 million for the game, a sum Doug and Bill note is less than what some other opponents have received—especially when adjusted for inflation.
  • "I think Grambling maybe could have held out for more money. OU's getting 1.9 in week three...Inflation's more than that." (04:19, Doug)

2. The Fan Experience & Traditions

• Despite the lopsided matchup, Doug encourages fans—especially those who can rarely afford to attend—to come enjoy Ohio Stadium’s atmosphere, traditions, and the bands.
  • "Go take your kids. Go with your coworkers. Go round up people in the neighborhood...Go to the Shoe." (06:11, Doug)
• Both the iconic Ohio State Marching Band and Grambling’s celebrated "World Famed Tiger Marching Band" will perform, along with the OSU alumni band—a rare triple-band event.
  • "Three bands in attendance this week." (18:47, Bill)
• Mickey Joseph, Grambling’s head coach, jokes that the real competition will be between the bands:
  • "First of all, they've got a great band and we have a great band and we're going to compete as a band." (19:12, paraphrased from Doug relaying Joseph's quote)

3. Grambling State’s Football & Historical Significance

• Grambling Head Coach: Mickey Joseph, previously Nebraska’s interim head coach, brings Louisiana ties and a down-to-earth outlook.
• Legacy of Eddie Robinson:
  • Grambling’s legendary coach for 56 years, Robinson recorded 408 wins, playing a pivotal role in giving Black athletes college opportunities before programs in the South integrated.
  • "Eddie Robinson was offering opportunity to black football players to come play high quality college football. And he was dominating." (09:03, Doug)
• Notable Alumni: The school produced Doug Williams, Super Bowl-winning QB for the Washington franchise.
• Contextualizing Importance: Games like this offer a chance for fans to learn about lesser-known yet foundational chapters in college football.
  • "I do like the opportunity sometimes the games like this can present for people to like learn a little bit about the history of the game if you choose to." (10:35, Bill)

4. Eddie Robinson’s Legacy & Influence

• Robinson’s career intersected with Ohio State’s own legacy: Larry Johnson, OSU assistant, told the team about how Eddie Robinson inspired his coaching journey.
  • "Larry Johnson came to him and said, 'I'd like to speak to the team a little bit about Eddie Robinson.'" (12:32, Bill)
• The Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year Award, named in his honor, has been won by five different Ohio State head coaches—more than any other school.
  • "Do you know which school has the most winners ever of the Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year Award? ... It is the Ohio State Buckeyes. 5." (14:09, Doug)

5. Grambling State’s Team Preview

• Grambling comes off a win against NAIA Langston (55-7), playing two QBs: Xavion T-Set (mobile, 6:3) and Ashton Fry (bigger, 6:5), both expected to see time.
  • "Mickey Joseph said this week, expect both quarterbacks." (17:20, Doug)
• The running game rotates multiple backs, and overall, the team is not projected to be competitive in the SWAC.
  • "This Grambling team was picked to finish fifth out of six teams in the SWAC west." (23:51, Bill)

6. What to Watch For: Ohio State’s Game Plan & Rotations

• Expect a heavy rotation and early action from backups and highly touted young players, particularly WRs and RBs like Bo Jackson.
  • "Bo Jackson leads this team. Leads the team in carries. Or maybe Isaiah West, right?" (27:13, Doug)
• Emphasis on airing it out after a previous run-heavy game—a chance for backup QBs and younger receivers to shine.
  • "This is an opportunity, I think, to kind of let your receivers go have some fun and let Julian Sayin throw it around a little bit..." (24:43, Bill)
• Possible redshirt-freshman QB Tavien St. Clair could see limited action, and the game allows clear evaluation of second- and third-stringers.
  • "You're going to see all these guys. So get ready and pay attention. ... You get a sense of who really are the second team guys." (27:26, Doug)
• The game should be extremely lopsided, with all signs pointing to dominance from the opening snap.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On opportunity for fans:
  "It would be fantastic if some people who don't normally get to go to games get to go to this game." (06:23, Doug)

• On history and meaning:
  "If you're gonna do it, let it have meaning. So when Trestle played Youngstown State, that was cool. Having HBCUs come in here with their awesome bands...there's a reason." (21:07, Doug)

• On expectations for the game:
  "We will have a live postgame show right when this thing ends and we'll probably be talking about a lot of Ohio State backups." (01:33, Doug)
  "I think they're going to throw it a lot...you want to try to give them a little bit of a show. And obviously the way that Ohio State does that is by throwing the ball." (24:43, Bill)

• On score prediction:
  "What is your score prediction for this game?" (29:46, Doug)
  "63-0." (29:51, Bill)
  "Oh, come on. That's mine too." (29:53, Doug)

Important Segments & Timestamps

• Game scheduling & payment context: 03:01–05:47
• Fan experience, traditions, & bands: 06:07–07:44, 18:47–20:35
• Grambling State history & Eddie Robinson: 08:53–15:29
• Grambling team preview & Mickey Joseph: 16:47–18:47
• Ohio State’s strategy, players to watch: 24:43–27:26
• Roster/depth chart insights: 27:26–28:33
• Score predictions & blowout discussion: 29:46–31:35

Conclusion

Doug and Bill paint a full picture for fans: The football result isn’t in doubt, but the game offers a key moment to share college football’s rich history, appreciate traditions, and give opportunities to both fans and younger Buckeye players. The hosts’ easy rapport and deep knowledge combine analysis and affection for the culture of the sport, making the preview both fun and informative.