Another week, another game. The basic difference between this week’s game against Cleveland State and last week’s versus Detroit Mercy is the shades of color on the uniform. While Ohio State was dispatching the Titans by a 19-3 score, Cleveland State was being butchered by the Pioneers of Denver University. The final tally was 20-1. There’s not much to really talk about, analyze or dissect. Cleveland State is probably a poorer team than Detroit. Their best player of the past 10 years transferred to Ohio State 3 years ago. The program doesn’t even have a full coaching staff, with Andy German holding only one assistant. Ohio State will have a poor outing if it allows 4-5 goals.
Offense
Cleveland State scored one goal. It was unassisted. Will Adair (#1) was the scorer. No one on Cleveland State’s roster is particularly noteworthy. None of them are particularly suited for DI success. Or DII success. The backups on defense will be in the game quickly, if Ohio State doesn’t fall on its face. | Defense
The Vikings gave a decent account of themselves, even if the numbers don't reflect it in obvious ways. Only 65% of Denver’s shots hit the net. That’s barely above average. The goalkeeping was utterly abysmal. As we'll cover. Ohio State should be able to score early and often. Denver was up 8-0 after a quarter last week. Ohio State will want to do the same.
Goalie
Two different goalies played for Cleveland State last week, each getting 9 half Either Oliver Vanyo (46) or Justin Datum (#35) will be im net at the opening whistle. Vanyo allowed fewer goals (7 vs 13), but only had 3 saves. Vanyo also enjoyed the luxury of playing the second half, where Denver was not trying to hit 40.
Faceoff
Cleveland State started Robbie Stewart (#21) who was a putrid 7-22 on faceoffs. That's not good. Obviously. Jack Oldman gave a good account of himself last week for the Buckeyes. He°ll probably be at 60% or more this week, too. The rub is that this series of early cupcakes won't help any of the FOGOs get up to snuff against really good players until Georgetown welcomes the Buckeyes. Going to be a sharp jump in competition with very little runway.
Overall
This is probably the most sparse 9 preview will be all year. It’s difficult to be chatty when the teams are so disparate in terms of talent, resources, and results. No one is going to pick Cleveland State as a tournament challenger. And no one is going to expect them to do much of anything in 2026. Dylan Sheridan being hired as Ohio State’s offensive coordinator began a program descent that has yet to bottom out for the Vikes. It’s unfortunate for them.
Obviously, the biggest news of the week was the revelation that Bobby Van Buren is done for the year. There will be no more of him in Columbus on the collegiate lacrosse field, I imagine. It’s a tremendous shame, and utterly awful for a player who is probably the best defender Ohio State has had since Ben Randall of 2017 fame. The Buckeyes still boast one of the most talented defensive units in the country. I couldn’t get a good handle on who actually started last week, but I believe that the best move would be to kick Jonny Cool down to close D, and rotate LSMs. Still everything to play for, but losing one of the 3 best defenseman in the country in 2025 is a massive blow. Everyone has to step up to get where Ohio State wants to go. No excuses.
Final Prediction: Ohio State 18, Cleveland State 4.
Go Buckeyes!
Game is tomorrow at 3 p.m. EST on B1G+.
Honestly, start your Super Bowl food prep tomorrow. This game will be a slog.
