Statistics from the US Department of Transportation show more than 700,000 registered motor carriers are traversing our highways and roads. These trucks, which can be packed with everything from bricks and stone to dog food and grocery items, keep thousands of American businesses afloat. For business owners shipping these products across the country, precise planning and high-level tracking are required. But with increasing rates and a wide range of delays to overcome, overseeing a shipment of LTL freight is easier said than done.
For overworked business owners, managing multiple shipments can seem impossible in today's freight landscape. But the reality is that many businesses rely on less-than-truckload shipments to keep their doors open. When these shipments are compromised, their business is too. But there's a viable solution: LTL freight brokers in Columbus, OH like RelyEx provide reliable solutions to common LTL shipment problems, eliminating the stress and worry of LTL shipping.
With more than 30 combined years of LTL experience and a solutions-oriented team, RelyEx is your go-to choice for streamlined, efficient LTL shipping services. To understand the true value of RelyEx's less-than-truckload shipping options, it helps to understand first what LTL shipping is and why it's used.
In the freight industry, LTL stands for "less-than-truckload." It is a widely-used method of transportation for smaller shipments that don't require the space of a full truckload. In an LTL shipment, several customers' loads are placed onto one truck, which helps reduce how much it costs to ship those products.
In fact, if your freight doesn't fill an entire trailer but weighs 150-15,000 lbs., LTL freight shipping in Columbus, OH, may be the most efficient, cost-conscious way to transport your products. That's because, in an LTL setup, you're only paying for the space your freight takes up. LTL shipping companies like RelyEx optimize LTL loads by choosing the most efficient routes at the best rates so your cargo gets to where it needs to go without any issues.
Business owners often choose LTL freight services in the following circumstances:
When it comes to LTL delivery options, there are a lot to choose from. But not every LTL broker is created equally. Some LTL companies do not have the tools or technology to track your shipments and optimize your routes. In worst-case scenarios, they may not be insured or reliable. If you're looking for an experienced LTL carrier that exceeds expectations with time-tested strategies and innovative technologies, look no further than RelyEx.
With more than two decades of experience in LTL operations, our team utilizes the power of GlobalTranz to compare rates across hundreds of approved carriers in the blink of an eye, while also providing the most cost-effective options for moving your freight. When you choose RelyEx for LTL shipping, you can leverage our expert team to handle your shipments. You can also manage the process yourself via GTZShip, which is Globaltranz's user-friendly management system. With GTZShip, you can access and compare LTL shipping rates, track your shipments, and manage your financials, all from one intuitive platform.
When it comes to LTL freight in Columbus, OH, clients trust their products with RelyEx for many reasons, including the following:
Because GTZShip keeps outsized freight available, it can negotiate the best LTL rates on your behalf. Our clients can access these extra-low rates in one of two ways:
Regardless of the option you choose, RelyEx's knowledgeable customer care reps will cover all of your LTL shipping options, so you can make an informed shipping and purchasing decision for your freight.
Yes, you read that right - in addition to giving you access to industry-leading rates, RelyEx's partnership with GTZShip gives you full management of your freight. We're talking about access to reporting, tracking, and much more. This extensive visibility is essentially a one-stop shop for everything related to the status of your freight.
Unlike some LTL shipping software, this system requires no contracts or signup fees, making it simple to provide quotes and book immediately when you're ready. Whether you use GTZShip directly or rely on our team to book your freight, your company will always have access to this free technology.
While it's true that RelyEx provides customers with the best rates and technology in the LTL industry, we go above and beyond the normal call of duty. Why? Because we strive to treat your shipment as if it's our most important one. Put simply, we put a lot of time and effort into making sure we do things right the first time around. Our fierce commitment to the customer and to quality protects not only your reputation, but your bottom line by preventing lost customers and sales.
RelyEx excels at LTL shipping because we are:
From dedicated LTL solutions to transactional relationships, RelyEx is here to help. Unlike other LTL companies, we get the job done right with customer-focused service, industry expertise, and Globaltranz's industry-leading Transportation Management System.
Our dedicated team of LTL specialists provides you with the best freight visibility available, whether you need a few shipments a week or you need hundreds. In order to do so, we communicate with carriers throughout the entire shipping process, so you know your items are delivered on time. Though rare, if we spot an issue, we'll provide you with an alternative solution immediately.
Plus, if you have large quantities that need to be shipped, our team is happy to provide you with customized reporting for free. That way, you can access at-the-moment updates and important shipment documentation with a few clicks or taps.
When your freight is too light for full truckloads but too heavy for basic parcel carriers like UPS, LTL shipping is a great option to consider. When you use an LTL shipping company like RelyEx, you get even more value. We've been over some of the basics associated with LTL freight shipping - now let's touch on some of the biggest benefits of using a company to handle logistics from start to finish.
One of the most common reasons clients use LTL services is because they're able to save money. LTL shipping is much less expensive than the alternative, which is to hire a private driver and truck. When you go in on LTL services with other shippers, you can have your products delivered at a fraction of the cost of going private. In this setup, you pay for space you use, not the space you don't use, which is common in full truckload freight shipping.
As an added benefit, relying on an LTL freight company like RelyEx can lower your warehouse costs since more shipments can be sent at a time. That means you don't have to wait weeks or even months for a trailer to fill up.
When you use a parcel carrier like FedEx, you can only ship up to 150 pounds at a time. That means you'd have to break down your shipment into separate boxes in order to ship. With LTL freight shipping, your packages can be palletized and shrink-wrapped so they're shipped in a single load.
At RelyEx, our team knows how important your shipment is, whether you're sending thousands of pounds of products or a single pallet. That's why we ensure your products are packaged correctly and have security protocols baked into every service we offer. Plus, by keeping your freight together, we decrease the chance of damaging your cargo, which pleases your clients and boosts your customers' satisfaction.
The magic of LTL shipping lies in the fact that we fill fewer trailers with more freight. Doing so reduces global emissions and makes the process much quicker. Imagine using a semi-truck to haul products that only fill a quarter of the trailer. It would waste money, time, and space that could be used for other products. With LTL shipping, you're protecting the environment and reducing the number of partially-filled trucks on the road. This, in turn, saves you money and makes you an eco-friendly company - something you can use as a selling point for your business.
LTL providers like RelyEx use advanced logistics technology to ensure your cargo arrives on time and without damage. By investing in technology like GlobalTranz, we save our clients from doing so themselves. With GlobalTranz, our clients gain access to robust tracking options like real-time freight locations, so you can monitor your shipment's progress. With GlobalTranz, you get more than just a way to book your LTL cargo â you benefit from our qualified network of carriers, expert logistics support, and leading technology features.
It's impossible to say exactly how much your LTL shipping may cost because the NMFC, or National Motor Freight Classification, determines those prices. Using this standard, pricing is dictated for commodities moving in intrastate, interstate, and foreign commerce. Items are grouped into 18 different classes, based on four characteristics:
If you're shipping a product that is more likely to be damaged, stolen, or cause damage to other items, it may affect LTL shipment pricing.
Does your product require specific care or handling instructions? If so, you can probably expect higher prices.
This factor accounts for how much space your item occupies in relation to its weight or the weight per cubic foot for each piece of freight you are shipping.
How easy is it to load and transport your commodity? Can it be loaded and transported with other items?
When combined, these characteristics are used to establish an NMFC code for your LTL cargo. These codes are crucial, as they help your LTL carrier understand the challenges of shipping your products. If the item you need to ship has a high NMFC code, it's because it's more difficult to transport, which usually means it's more expensive to ship.
Depending on where and how often you ship LTL freight, your broker may choose a regional or national LTL carrier. Regional carriers often service a group of states within a region. National carriers have a larger footprint and can often eliminate the need to use several carriers for your shipments. RelyEx has the infrastructure and strategies for all of your LTL shipping - contact our office today to learn more about your options.
Though regional and national carriers are different, they often use similar models for shipping. Two of the most popular types of shipping methods include hub and spoke distribution and LTL consolidation.
In this traditional model, your shipments go through a network of warehouses, terminals, and hub facilities where your products are grouped with other shipments. Your freight then travels to local "spokes" (or terminals), where they are delivered. If you need to ship freight over short distances, this model may be a good choice to consider.
Some common benefits of the hub and spoke model include:
LTL consolidated shipping is a model where LTL carriers bring several shipments from different shippers to a final destination. Instead of using hubs and spokes along the shipping route to bundle freight and move cargo, LTL consolidation works by taking multiple shipments and turning them into a single truckload. This truck then makes multiple stops, where your products are delivered.
Some of the most common benefits of LTL consolidation include:
At RelyEx, our goal is to expertly manage the movement of your freight so you can focus on your core business. With more than 20 years of combined experience with LTL freight shipping in Columbus, OH, our team can select the most efficient and cost-effective model for your needs. That way, you can accomplish your day-to-day tasks while we handle the heavy lifting and any logistical challenges.
At RelyEx, we believe that trustworthy, comprehensive, and streamlined LTL shipping options are better for your business. And for us, what's better for your business is better for ours. That's why, when it comes to LTL shipping, we work tirelessly to ensure every aspect of your freight experience is embedded excellence. We take this unique approach because our management were once customers like you. They were people who, for one reason or another, had to deal with frustrating and often unsolved shipping and logistics challenges. Today, we take pride in solving those challenges and only partner with carriers who match our high standards.
If you're looking for an LTL company in Columbus, OH that prioritizes customer service, strong communication, and proactive thinking, we're here to help you avoid delayed shipments and missed expectations.
Taking your pup on a patio outing can be a carefully coordinated adventure. Is the patio dog-friendly? Or better yet, created with four-legged friends in mind? Well there’s soon to be one spot in Columbus where the answer is a resounding yes.Bumble’s Backyard will take over ice cream shop Double Happy at 1280 Brown Rd. in southwest Columbus.First, Bumble’s a real pup and his humans, Lauryn and Evan Betterton, are behind the dog park/bar/coffee shop. Second, ice cream’s not going anywhere – this sum...
Taking your pup on a patio outing can be a carefully coordinated adventure. Is the patio dog-friendly? Or better yet, created with four-legged friends in mind? Well there’s soon to be one spot in Columbus where the answer is a resounding yes.
Bumble’s Backyard will take over ice cream shop Double Happy at 1280 Brown Rd. in southwest Columbus.
First, Bumble’s a real pup and his humans, Lauryn and Evan Betterton, are behind the dog park/bar/coffee shop. Second, ice cream’s not going anywhere – this summer or beyond.
“We feel like taking ice cream away from people in the summer is a cruel and unusual punishment,” Lauryn jokes.
Bumble’s Backyard was actually spurred by the couples’ pandemic experience. Dog parks were closed, social distancing was in order, and Bumble was keeping them afloat. Once a week they would order from Paulie Gee’s, invite friends with pups over, and hang out in the backyard, eat pizza and let the dogs run around. Dubbed backyard hangs, Lauryn says it was the best part of the week.
“This is the community we’ve been missing,” she says.
As the world emerged from its shell, a trip to the dog park kicked into gear all that was missing from the experience. Then, a foray to Schiller Park watching everyone with their dogs, some with beverages in hand, really solidified the idea – how could they do this better and put their own Columbus spin on it?
The couple got to work putting plans in order so that as soon as they found the right location, they could hit the ground running.
Lauryn says they knew they wanted to be in an area with a community feel, that was walkable and inside the 270 loop – and that they could afford. On the borders of the Hilltop and Franklinton, the area of Double Happy wasn’t initially on their list of target neighborhoods, but after one trip the location made sense. They saw people walking up and riding their bikes to the shop – it was exactly what they had been looking for.
After five years, Double Happy’s owners put the land and the business up for sale at the end of last season, and the Bettertons sealed the deal earlier this week.
As the business continues to operate as Double Happy for the summer, work will begin behind the scenes to get things ready for the transition at the end of the season (likely October). In the meantime, there will be some pop-ups on Double Happy’s grassy areas to help introduce the neighborhood to Bumble’s as well.
The structure on the site will remain, but see some interior upgrades to better accommodate a more robust coffee service and craft beer selection.
Local is the focus for the coffee, beer and ice cream. Double Happy already makes their own soft serve with milk from Indian Creek Creamery and their espresso is from Stauf’s. As they continue to manage the shop over the summer, Lauryn says they’ll look for even more ways to incorporate local products.
She’s also excited to start collecting brewery partners and says Columbus’ beer scene has it all, so why source from anywhere else?
“This will be a place that highlights the best of Columbus,” she says.
That Columbus love will extend in even more directions – from the designers working on the space, to furniture makers and local artists who will liven up the space with some murals.
As for accommodations for their four-legged clientele, Bumble’s will be blanketed in artificial, dog-friendly turf. What makes it dog friendly? It doesn’t absorb heat in the warmer months and it has good drainage for when nature inevitably calls.
Bumble’s will also employ “barktenders” – staff trained in dog behavior that can be an extra set of eyes, ears and hands to help with everything from cleaning up messes to addressing scuffles.
As dog-friendly gathering place, all seating for humans will be outdoors, but Bumble’s is working on design elements like sun shades in the summer and over head heating elements in the winter to keep things comfortable year-round.
Lauryn says they take the backyard name literally. They want it to feel just like hanging out at a friend’s house. There will be a variety of seating, a projector for watching sports and more.
“We want this to be a space that’s very welcoming, very friendly,” she says.
Bumble’s pop-ups will start in June or July, with the full-scale version debuting next spring. Hours are still coming together but Lauryn expects they will be open daily, from coffee in the morning to happy hour after work.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Earlier this week, Columbus City Council approved $250,000 for 14 faith-based and community organizations.The first-time grant is to help the organizations either start or continue the work they’re doing throughout the city.The ...
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Earlier this week, Columbus City Council approved $250,000 for 14 faith-based and community organizations.
The first-time grant is to help the organizations either start or continue the work they’re doing throughout the city.
The City of Grace Church and We Are Linden are two of the organizations receiving funding from the city. Both said they are grateful for the money and ready to continue giving back to the communities they serve.
“Our reality is we were going to do the work with or without the funding, but what this helps us do is helps us do it in a greater way,” said City of Grace Church Lead Pastor Michael Young.
Young has been pastor at City of Grace for almost 10 years now. He said they’re constantly doing work in the community, but often time, on their own.
“It’s usually self-funded, so to have this collaboration with city council is something City of Grace is ecstatic about,” Young said.
Columbus City Councilmember Nick Bankston said many of the 14 organizations receiving the funding are first-time recipients.
“They touch, really, a niche in our community, right?” he said. “Families and youth that sometimes are overlooked or don’t get served by traditional organizations.”
Organizations like City of Grace, which invest in the city’s young people.
“We want to bring in people who can help cast vision for them and give them guidance and influence in it,” Young said. “We have a financial literacy component. We have an athletics component and then we also have a mental health piece that’s going to be tied in as well.”
And grassroots organizations like We Are Linden, which aims to actively restore and empower the community.
Ralph Carter, founder and CEO of We Are Linden, said it has a youth ambassador program, which these funds will support.
“It’s meeting the youth where they are at, challenging them to be good stewards of their community, providing safe havens and a safe space,” he said.
The group’s investment in the youth is a long-term investment.
“It’s just grabbing ahold of the youth that want to change and let them be the focal point and the next change agents of their generation is what this program is all about,” Carter said.
It’s a mission Young is glad to see other organizations supporting.
“Community collaboration, other organizations, not just City of Grace, that are creating positive atmospheres and are identifying those children which cause them to see that and not necessarily get involved in some of these other activities,” Young said.
Bankston said he encourages anyone interested in giving back to follow the city’s lead and invest in the youth because by doing that, you’re investing in the community.
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Ohio State men’s hockey alumnus Paul Kirtland is returning to his alma mater as an assistant coach, Buckeye head coach Steve Rohlik announced Wednesday. Kirtland, who skated with the Buckeyes from 2009-12, spent the last two years on the staff at Minnesota State.“We are excited to add Paul to our staff,” Rohlik, who has been at the helm of the Buckeyes for 10 seasons, said. “His character, work ethic and ability to develop players will be a huge asset to our program.&rdqu...
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Ohio State men’s hockey alumnus Paul Kirtland is returning to his alma mater as an assistant coach, Buckeye head coach Steve Rohlik announced Wednesday. Kirtland, who skated with the Buckeyes from 2009-12, spent the last two years on the staff at Minnesota State.
“We are excited to add Paul to our staff,” Rohlik, who has been at the helm of the Buckeyes for 10 seasons, said. “His character, work ethic and ability to develop players will be a huge asset to our program.”
During Kirtland’s tenure with the Mavericks, the squad made two NCAA Tournament appearances, including a trip to the 2022 NCAA Frozen Four championship game. Minnesota State won back-to-back Central Collegiate Hockey Association regular season and tournament titles.
“The Ohio State University is very special to my family and me,” Kirtland said. “I couldn’t be more excited to return to a place that has positively impacted my life in countless ways. I want to thank Coach Rohlik for this incredible opportunity. I cannot wait to get to campus and get started.”
A native of Vernon, Conn., Kirtland spent the 2020-21 campaign at Yale; the team did not compete during the season because of the Covid pandemic. He was on staff at Sacred Heart for two years before making the move to Yale. During his time with the Pioneers the program produced two of the best seasons in school history, including a second-place finish in Atlantic Hockey in 2019-20. The squad was third nationally in scoring offense and second in shorthanded goals that season.
Kirtland has coaching experience in both the NAHL (Fairbanks, 2013-15) and the USHL (Dubuque, 2017-18), as well as at Division III Trinity College (2015-17). The Ice Dogs won the 2014 USA Hockey Tier II National Championship and at Trinity he helped guide the Bantams to two NESCAC Tournament titles and a runner-up finish in the 2017 NCAA Tournament.
A three-year letterwinner for the Buckeyes who skated in 49 games, Kirtland was an Academic All-Big Ten choice and an Ohio State Scholar-Athlete. He earned his degree in business administration from Ohio State in 2013. He played a year in the ECHL before beginning his coaching career.
Kirtland and his wife, Colleen, who was an All-American gymnast for the Buckeyes (2009-13), are the parents of a son, Cian.
The 2022-23 Buckeyes were 21-16-3 and finished third in the Big Ten with an 11-11-2-0-0-1 ledger. The squad earned an at-large bid into the NCAA Tournament, posting an 8-1 win over Harvard in the opening round before a 4-1 loss to eventual national champion Quinnipiac in the regional final. Ohio State led the nation on the penalty kill (.887) and in shorthanded goals (10) and ranked in the Top 17 in scoring offense (3.28 goals per game), scoring defense (2.52 goals allowed per game) and power play (.218).
Policy aligns with university’s Shared Values, including commitment to diversity and innovation The Ohio State University Editor's note: The full Board of Trustees voted to adopt the campus free speech policy and the resolution reaffirming the foundational values of intellectual diversity today (May 18). The Ohio State University Board of Trustees Academic Affairs and Student Life Committee voted Wednesday to adopt a new campus free speech policy.T...
The Ohio State University |
Editor's note: The full Board of Trustees voted to adopt the campus free speech policy and the resolution reaffirming the foundational values of intellectual diversity today (May 18).
The Ohio State University Board of Trustees Academic Affairs and Student Life Committee voted Wednesday to adopt a new campus free speech policy.
The university’s full board will consider the proposal today to align with state law concerning campus free speech. The law requires universities in Ohio to adopt a policy affirming several principles of campus free speech and a process under which a student, student group or faculty member may submit a complaint about an alleged violation of the policy.
Today, the board will also consider a resolution reaffirming the foundational values of intellectual diversity. In a unified statement of opposition to Senate Bill 83, the trustees shared their commitment to free speech, open dialogue and the importance of diverse views. They pointed out the university is already taking steps to emphasize that all viewpoints are welcome and respected on Ohio State campuses.
“I think that it has undergone a thorough review from us, from the faculty, from the administration, and I think we are all feeling pretty good about the fact that it does underscore our commitment to free expression and free speech,” said trustee Jeff Kaplan.
Ohio State trustees initially passed an interim free speech policy and process at their August 2022 meeting.
Following the 2022 approval, the university reviewed the interim policy through the established university policy process, including by soliciting feedback from students, faculty and staff to ensure that the policy emphasizes the value of free speech and promotes its application through established university rules, procedures and practices.
Some of the key principles of the policy include:
The policy aligns with the university’s Shared Values, which include a commitment to diversity and innovation. Ohio State promotes a culture of welcoming differences, making connections among people and ideas, and encouraging open-minded exploration, risk-taking and freedom of expression.
As a land-grant institution, the university takes seriously its role in promoting and supporting public discourse. The university is steadfastly committed to protecting the First Amendment right to free speech and academic freedom on its campus, and to upholding the university’s academic motto – “Education for Citizenship.”
Students, student groups and faculty members of Ohio State may submit a complaint about an alleged violation by a university employee of the campus free speech policy.
Complaints about alleged violations of this policy by university employees must be made to the Office of University Compliance and Integrity at compliance-integrity@osu.edu or through the university’s anonymous reporting line at 866-294-9350 or ohio-state.ethicspoint.com.
247Sports Embed ResourceDot LoaderIn some seasons, it's easy to predict Ohio State's record as 11-0 heading into the final game of the regular season against rivals Michigan. While the Big Ten always presents challenges, the Buckeyes have proven to be a step above most of the teams in the conference, certainly those in the East division, in recent years, with the Wolverines being the only relevant exception.This may not be as easy to do in 2023. The Scarlet and Gray don't have the clear path to 11 wins that the team has ...
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In some seasons, it's easy to predict Ohio State's record as 11-0 heading into the final game of the regular season against rivals Michigan. While the Big Ten always presents challenges, the Buckeyes have proven to be a step above most of the teams in the conference, certainly those in the East division, in recent years, with the Wolverines being the only relevant exception.
This may not be as easy to do in 2023. The Scarlet and Gray don't have the clear path to 11 wins that the team has had in the past. This isn't to say that a talented Ohio State team can't head to Ann Arbor undefeated in late November, especially if questions surrounding the offensive line, quarterback and secondary are answered early on, but just that it may be a bit more difficult this fall than it has in the past because of the team's more challenging schedule.
While the Buckeyes will have to go to Notre Dame in Week 4 and Michigan to end the year, the most difficult stretch of the season for the Scarlet and Gray will come in October. On consecutive Saturdays, Ohio State will play at Purdue, welcome Penn State to Ohio Stadium and travel to Wisconsin, the latter two of which could be ranked for those games.
This stretch could be the determining factor in how successful the 2023 season winds up being.
Steve Helwagen joins to talk Ohio State & Georgia, shushing staff whispers and what to do about B1G expansion.
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As it stands, Buckeye fans may not be concerned about a trip to West Lafayette, but all will certainly remember the last road game against the Boilermakers when the Scarlet and Gray were upset 49-20. The key players from that game are all gone, including both head coaches, so really what happened in 2018 has nothing to do with what will happen in 2023, but it's still worth bringing up because Ohio State can't be caught just expecting to roll out the footballs and win at Ross-Ade Stadium again.
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Remember, this is a Purdue team that won the Big Ten West last year with a 6-3 conference record and played Michigan tight for the first half of the Big Ten Championship Game. While a number of the pieces from that team are no longer in West Lafayette, especially on an offense that was top five in the conference last season, the Boilermakers have added some interesting pieces, including Texas transfer Hudson Card at quarterback and offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Graham Harrell.
While it will be Ryan Walters' first year as the head coach at Purdue, he proved what he can do with an Illinois defense that ranked No. 1 in the country in points allowed and No. 3 in yards given up last year and had three players selected in the first three rounds of the 2023 NFL Draft. If Walters is able to get a Boilermaker defense that gave up 27.4 points per game in 2022 playing anywhere close to what he had in Champaign, Illinois last year, this team could be dangerous once again.
This is a Purdue team that has a projected win total of five by Caesars and ESPN's FPI has the Boilermakers ranked inside the top 50 nationally, meaning this team isn't expected to be a complete pushover.
By Week 7 of the season, Purdue will have settled in and could be a trickier-than-expected opponent for Ohio State if the Buckeyes are caught looking ahead.
And it wouldn't be out of the question for the Scarlet and Gray to look ahead with the Nittany Lions coming to Columbus on Oct. 21. This is a Penn State team that gave Ohio State trouble last year on the road -- the visitors were largely saved by a historic performance from defensive end J.T. Tuimoloau -- and is expected to be even better this season, some believe the dark horse to come out of the Big Ten East.
The Buckeyes got a taste of what this Nittany Lions' backfield can be at Beaver Stadium last fall when Kaytron Allen and Nick Singleton rushed for 121 combined yards and a touchdown in what was a nervy 44-31 win for the Scarlet and Gray. Those two running backs were just freshmen then and now have a full year of experience under their belt. And given that many in Happy Valley called for quarterback Drew Allar to start as a freshman as well last year, believing Sean Clifford held the offense back, this could be a more explosive offense than the one that put up 482 total yards on Ohio State last season.
Penn State will have to retool the defense in 2023 after defensive tackle PJ Mustipher, cornerback Joey Porter Jr. and safety Ji'Ayir Brown all departed a group that was top 10 in scoring defense and top 20 in total defense. The return of sophomore linebacker Abdul Carter is a bonus but others will need to step in order for the Nittany Lions to be a factor in the division.
It's been since 2011 that Penn State came into the Horseshoe and won a game but this may be as talented of a Nittany Lions team, especially on offense, that head coach James Franklin has had. There's no doubt this will be a motivated group after playing third fiddle to the Buckeyes and Wolverines for so many years and Penn State will certainly be a test for the Scarlet and Gray in Week 8.
This stretch of games ends with a trip to Madison to face the Badgers. Playing in a rocking Camp Randall Stadium, in what is likely to be a primetime game, is never easy and Ohio State upsets have happened there before. Then add in some motivating factors and this could be the most difficult test for the Buckeyes of this stretch.
Those motivating factors start with Luke Fickell taking over the Wisconsin program. Fickell, the former Scarlet and Gray defensive lineman, assistant coach and interim head coach, left Cincinnati this offseason to move to the Big Ten, something most people didn't believe would happen unless Ohio State was the school interested in his services again. There is no doubt that Fickell, who went 0-1 against Ryan Day and the Buckeyes during his time with the Bearcats, and his staff, which features others with connections to the Scarlet and Gray, would love nothing more than to knock off Ohio State in Year 1 with the Badgers.
Then there's the on-field factor.
While Fickell is a defensive coach by nature, he hired Phil Longo -- most recently at Ole Miss and North Carolina -- to be his offensive coordinator. Wisconsin added three quarterback transfers this offseason after the passing attack was No. 11 in the Big Ten last year. The Badgers will still lean on running back Braelon Allen who rushed for 1,242 yards and 11 touchdowns as a freshman in 2022.
Defensively, Fickell's fingerprints will be all over that side of the ball. His Cincinnati teams were consistently in the top 20 in total defense and it was a big reason the Bearcats were the first Group of 5 team to make the College Football Playoff. Wisconsin's defense was one of the best in the Big Ten last year and although the team lost linebacker Nick Herbig, there remains talent for Fickell to work with and improve.
However this game goes, it could be the first of two meetings between the Buckeyes and the Badgers in 2023, with a rematch coming in the Big Ten Championship Game in December.
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If history is any indication, the Scarlet and Gray will manage this three-game stretch appropriately and come out of it unscathed. In the last five seasons, Ohio State only has one loss to a Big Ten team not named Michigan, that being the upset loss at Purdue. What that tells us is the Buckeyes generally handle even the toughest of Big Ten opponents.
But there is certainly room for a slip up on the 2023 schedule. The Boilermakers may not have the talent of the Scarlet and Gray but will certainly put up a fight at home. Ohio State has home field advantage against Penn State, but the Nittany Lions will want revenge for letting last year's game in State College get away and could make a statement with a win in Columbus. Fickell's Badgers shouldn't need the extra motivation the staff with connections to the Buckeyes will give them when the Scarlet and Gray come to town, but a talented team will have just that.
Ohio State will have to be ready for every game this fall to ensure a Big Ten title and a return to the Playoff. But this slate in the second half of the season will provide the most difficult challenge for the Buckeyes.