I haven't had a chance to watch any of OSU's games this year. What will Sunday's game come down to?
-Craft containing Burke
-Craft shutting Burke down
-Thomas having a big scoring night
-Other than Thomas scoring
-Other (explain)
Prediction: ___________
I think Michigan finds a way for the first time in 11 trips to Columbus. Michigan 76-69.
This might get ugly. I think we need to control the pace and not let these guys run. They are almost impossible to stop in transition. It will all depend on 3 point shooting IMO. Last year we shot horrible from outside in Ann Arbor. We make threes, they don't....we win.
87-69.....m*ch*gan...not even kidding. I don't get what Matta is thinking. Ross NEEDS to see more time on the court. He has the potential to be a serious problem for defenses and bring a 2nd TRUE scorer to the floor. Hell, we usually do better with scott on the floor instead of craft, but thank the God's craft remembered he was the man last night.
"Winter is coming" - Urban Meyer
I like Ross and he seems like he could really help this team by playing more. And I've been wondering what the reason could be for Matta not playing Ross more. It seems like he just doesn't trust Q. Maybe it's his defense. That has been the knock on him. But I don't know that he gets lost on D or beat anymore so than Thomas does. When Q is in though, I think he has a tendency to force things on offense (but no more than Thompson or Scott). The problem for me is that we don't ever see eough of the kid to know how good he is. I just have to think that Matta sees the guy in practice every day and knows more than we do.
For every basket Ross makes, he makes a mistake. With a 10+ point lead, the 2nd half was played with defense as a focal point. Everytime a Purdue player easily drove the the basket I'd ask myself who was the defender....Ross.
The good news for OSU is they might have the best perimeter defense in the country (sans Illinois when they were not "playing Ohio State basketball"). Limiting Burke/Stauskas/Hardaway/GR3 should be the game plan and I think they are capabale. I don't think UM is good enough inside to neutralize OSU's weakness there, so it may come down to which team is turning the ball over the least and which team is taking (and making) more high % shots, as well as who had the edge on the FT line.
I don't have a great feeling about this game, but maybe the momentum from the win at Purdue carries over and the home crowd (first game students back for) helps spur a win for the Bucks.
I think this will be a close battle and can really see it going either way.
Well, I always say it's tough to win on the road in the BigTen, but a few things are going to have to happen for OSU to win:
- Thomas not having an off night, meaning we need 20+ from him
- Someone, anyone, besides Thomas also scoring 15+
- Craft slowing Burke down, more importantly Scott and Smith slowing Burke down when Craft is off him or off the floor
- Michigan not having a hot 3pt night, particularly that Canadian kid Straskus or whatever
If most or all of that happens, we should win. I'm not highly hopeful though quite honestly.
“Any time you give a man something he doesn't earn, you cheapen him. Our kids earn what they get, and that includes respect.” - Woody
Buckeyes take this one. Watch and see.
Class of 2010.
I hope you're right.
“Any time you give a man something he doesn't earn, you cheapen him. Our kids earn what they get, and that includes respect.” - Woody
The game will boil down to whether or not Ohio State can contain *ichigan outside of the three point line.
And limiting Michigan on the offensive glass. And limiting turnovers.
If OSU can play in your face defense on the perimeter, force Michigan into contested jumpers, and win the battle on the boards, they can win. Combine that with taking care of the basketball (which would not allow Michigan to get out on the break, where Burke is unstoppable).
"What we do in life echoes in eternity"
Really close game that will come down to the end. Here are my keys to the game.
1) Turnovers. OSU has struggled at times (especially Amir and Q) and they can't give ttun easy baskets. Craft gave Burke fits last year, and could really force ttun out of the half court offense.
2) Foul trouble. If Thomas gets in foul trouble, we are screwed. Other key players who may shift the game if they get in foul trouble are Morgan, Burke, Craft and Ravenel.
3) Free throws. This is the area I am really worried about. OSU has not shot the ball well (in general) but especially from the line. Close games are often decided on the line. Michigan has a good free throw shooting team.
4) Officiating. Reffing is hard, and I try to give the refs the benefit of the doubt. If this game is called close (meaning a lot of fouls) I think it is a huge advantage for ttun. If they let us play, Scott and Craft will harass ttun, and could be the difference in the game.
Worried about this one, but cautiously optimistic following a good performance at purdue.
Agree.
Given UM personnel, this is the game where Craft and Scott play together for 15 minutes. If they play together, Rqvenalk becomes all that more important. If Craft plays like he did last night and Ravenal can score 8, we win.
Unfortunately, that ttun is more talented right now. If I have money it, I swallow whatever the points are and take scum (how did I just type that??). They have a bunch of good freshmen. They're dominating right now. Bucks have to slow it down and keep it below 70. Thankfully osu michigan basketball games are often ugly and won in the 50's or low 60's. students back is huge. Craft needs a 2012 big ten tourney performance on Burke.
This isn't a typical college or BIG offense...we will need to bring the D and score over 75 to have a chance. Hate to say it but I think they are better than Duke and way better than Illinois... We need to play are best and hope they are a little off.
D. Anthony
They are definitely better than Illinois and I think I have to agree that they may even be better than Duke. But this is at home. I feel like OSU needs a better home court advantage, the students need to bring it.
“Any time you give a man something he doesn't earn, you cheapen him. Our kids earn what they get, and that includes respect.” - Woody