Man, I hope they're right, winning the last several games at Indiana, then MSU and Wisconsin is probably as hard as getting to the Final Four this year...it's like we've just done it to end the regular season and need to do it again. Hope they didn't peak too soon.
Defense can keep them in any game. One thing I think could hurt them is that this isn't B1G refs any more. There will be a lot more fouls called and Craft is likely to be the victim of some foul trouble.
It's a basketball game. Lace 'em up and go play how you know how to play. The only game this year, I felt Craft was unfairly called for fouls, was at Duke (big shock). Craft has played so many jr high, high school, AAU, college games, plus this will be his 9th (I believe) NCAA Tournament Game, I'm sure he can adjust a little to how the refs will call him.
He is one who can definitely adjust, but by adjusting he won't be quite as effective. We'll see what happens. The additional fouls could help DT when he goes inside. If Q can step up and Thomas can shake his recent shooting slump we will be a tough out for sure.
I agree that the officiating in the B1G isn't a style necessarily seen around other parts of the country. Aaron Craft is the one Buckeye who might be the most likely to picking up what we OSU fans believe are cheap fouls. However, good teams make adjustments during the game and AC has enough experience to figure things out. Go Bucks!
Craft has mentioned numerous times in interviews that he likes to toe the line a bit in regards to physical defense at the beginning of games, just to get an idea of what he's going to be allowed to do. I trust that he'll be fine even if games are called a bit tighter. If anything, with his newfound confidence taking the ball to the rack, I think he'd take even greater advantage of quick whistles when he's got the ball.
This is why the recent emergence of Shannon Scott is so important. Not only can we play two point guards together that are both more than capable of handling the ball against any sort of press or traps, but we have two guys that play intense on ball defense that takes the other team out of their rhythm that can facilitate the offense. If Craft gets in foul trouble, we aren't doomed because we have another McDonald's All-American point guard on the team.
This was my biggest fear as well. We've seen it before. We get so used to the style of game called in the B1G, where they allow a lot more and then get to the tourney and they're calling touch fouls all over the floor. Based on what I've seen so far (especially after watching Louisville) refs are really letting them play in the tourney this year.
I have Louisville, OSU, Miami, and Kansas in the Final Four. We could have OSU vs Miami for the title. I wonder what their excuse would be this time...pass interference won't work.
Gutsy call going with Minny, 43201. I like it. If Minny can return to their early-season form it could happen. I definitely think Georgetown can be beaten. Minny looked so strong to start the season.
Yeah, ATX, that's what I'm banking on - Minny returning to early-season form. This is a tough year to predict the bracket, there's really no clear-cut favorite dominant team. I feel like there will be at least one 5 or lower seed to make the Final 4. I've seen Minny's talent...they have it in them. Maybe there will be a few upsets to make their path more feasible.
Can't wait for the Big Dance to start...should be a great one.
But I like OSU's chances of getting to the final 4... the potential matchup w/ ND in the 2nd round kind of scares me, but if we get past them... I think OSU could have a chance to make some noise, especially the way we're playing right now... 8 wins in a row. 6 vs tourney teams... 1 win vs 1 seed, 2 wins vs 3 seed, 1 win vs a 5 seed, 1 win vs 7 seed and another vs 11 seed.. We're hot at the right moment.
tOSU has proven they can play with anyone in the country with games against KU and Duke out of conference, seeing that Marq. got a 3 seed... it would've been nice if we were able to play them on the Carrier Classic.. but oh well, 2 seed is great for this team and finally we get a good draw in terms of the region and teams we'd have too play.
Look for Florida Gulf Coast to put a real scare into Georgetown. This could be another 15 over 2 seed upset. At the least, I think it will go down to the final few minutes. FGC played a tough non-conf. schedule (VCU, Duke, Miami FL, St. John's, Iowa State), beat Miami FL, and G-town has choking potential.
ok, this is not so much me patting myself on the back, but more talking to myself: "WTF didn't you bet on F.G.C. for?!?"... Damn, should've have taken my own advice.
I'm calling round 2...F.G.C. will beat or at least cover against whoever they play (SDSU or Oklahoma)
We have a bit less talent this year than last year (no Sully) but there is no team like last year's UK. Peaking at the right time and have gutted out some tough game. This team could go all the way.
I like our chances to get to Atlanta, won't be easy but neither was the past month. If the d holds up and scoring steps up/stays consistent I think tOSU is in the discussion.
Good to hear the tv pundits showing respect, too bad some of the print media are not. Check out this write up off NBC, a top ten of potential winners:
If Amir would step up an act like the big man that he is, there's no doubt in my mind this ten can make a run an go all the way.. In my opinion, I thought we played better with a "smaller" line up late in the game yesterday..
I think LSJ may be the key to a deep run. If he can knock down 2 or 3 tre's a game, this team will be really tough to beat. I think he's due to have a couple good shooting performances.
yes...the one team I was somewhat worried about in our region was Gonzaga. Arizona and Iowa State are pretty good, but as long as we don't beat ourselves -- we should win.
ISU is athletic, quick, and can shoot the 3-ball. However, Notre Dame's lack of athletic ability on defense made ISU look better. Craft's and Scott's ball pressure combined with the length/athletic ability of Smith, Jr. and Thompson will give ISU frustration and difficulty. OSU wins by about 8-10 points.
Yes. This team finished the season as strong as anyone in the country. If they stay together and play together, they'll put the banner in the rafters.This is the year.
An angry fan...rooting for an angry team...led by angry coaches
Every team that has beat Iowa State has gone on to win the national title.
2000 Michigan St
2005 UNC
2012 Kentucky
2013 ????????
I like where this is going! Hope that Iowa State magic dust rubs off on us!
Ohio State's band SLAUGHTERED Michigan's band. If this were a football game, it would have been Florida State vs. Savannah State. - SB Nation following OSU vs. UM 2012
I believe the correct stat is: The last 3 single-digit seeded teams to beat Iowa State went on to win the national championship. Big difference. But regardless, I obviously hope we can make it 4!
Brady Hoke's reaction to the Urban Meyer hire: "Not good."
Man, I hope they're right, winning the last several games at Indiana, then MSU and Wisconsin is probably as hard as getting to the Final Four this year...it's like we've just done it to end the regular season and need to do it again. Hope they didn't peak too soon.
D. Anthony
Defense can keep them in any game. One thing I think could hurt them is that this isn't B1G refs any more. There will be a lot more fouls called and Craft is likely to be the victim of some foul trouble.
I really hope your wrong!
It's a basketball game. Lace 'em up and go play how you know how to play. The only game this year, I felt Craft was unfairly called for fouls, was at Duke (big shock). Craft has played so many jr high, high school, AAU, college games, plus this will be his 9th (I believe) NCAA Tournament Game, I'm sure he can adjust a little to how the refs will call him.
He is one who can definitely adjust, but by adjusting he won't be quite as effective. We'll see what happens. The additional fouls could help DT when he goes inside. If Q can step up and Thomas can shake his recent shooting slump we will be a tough out for sure.
I agree that the officiating in the B1G isn't a style necessarily seen around other parts of the country. Aaron Craft is the one Buckeye who might be the most likely to picking up what we OSU fans believe are cheap fouls. However, good teams make adjustments during the game and AC has enough experience to figure things out. Go Bucks!
Craft has mentioned numerous times in interviews that he likes to toe the line a bit in regards to physical defense at the beginning of games, just to get an idea of what he's going to be allowed to do. I trust that he'll be fine even if games are called a bit tighter. If anything, with his newfound confidence taking the ball to the rack, I think he'd take even greater advantage of quick whistles when he's got the ball.
"What we do in life echoes in eternity"
This is why the recent emergence of Shannon Scott is so important. Not only can we play two point guards together that are both more than capable of handling the ball against any sort of press or traps, but we have two guys that play intense on ball defense that takes the other team out of their rhythm that can facilitate the offense. If Craft gets in foul trouble, we aren't doomed because we have another McDonald's All-American point guard on the team.
This was my biggest fear as well. We've seen it before. We get so used to the style of game called in the B1G, where they allow a lot more and then get to the tourney and they're calling touch fouls all over the floor. Based on what I've seen so far (especially after watching Louisville) refs are really letting them play in the tourney this year.
I have Louisville, OSU, Miami, and Kansas in the Final Four. We could have OSU vs Miami for the title. I wonder what their excuse would be this time...pass interference won't work.
Class of 2010.
I've got: OSU, Duke, Miami and Minnesota...with OSU over Miami in the championship.
"You win with people." - Woody Hayes
OSU, Miami, Duke, Georgetown. OSU over Miami in the final.
Gutsy call going with Minny, 43201. I like it. If Minny can return to their early-season form it could happen. I definitely think Georgetown can be beaten. Minny looked so strong to start the season.
Yeah, ATX, that's what I'm banking on - Minny returning to early-season form. This is a tough year to predict the bracket, there's really no clear-cut favorite dominant team. I feel like there will be at least one 5 or lower seed to make the Final 4. I've seen Minny's talent...they have it in them. Maybe there will be a few upsets to make their path more feasible.
Can't wait for the Big Dance to start...should be a great one.
"You win with people." - Woody Hayes
You need to go play the lottery right now.
Why not us?
"Don't put syrup on shit, and tell me it's pancakes"
No matter how sh*tty the tour is, it's always tough to leave.
Defense wins championships. I don't know if this holds true for basketball, but that's what I'm going to tell myself.
defense and good guard play can take you far in the tournament. In that regard, OSU stacks up well.
Just think if we still had Sully on this team!!
But I like OSU's chances of getting to the final 4... the potential matchup w/ ND in the 2nd round kind of scares me, but if we get past them... I think OSU could have a chance to make some noise, especially the way we're playing right now... 8 wins in a row. 6 vs tourney teams... 1 win vs 1 seed, 2 wins vs 3 seed, 1 win vs a 5 seed, 1 win vs 7 seed and another vs 11 seed.. We're hot at the right moment.
tOSU has proven they can play with anyone in the country with games against KU and Duke out of conference, seeing that Marq. got a 3 seed... it would've been nice if we were able to play them on the Carrier Classic.. but oh well, 2 seed is great for this team and finally we get a good draw in terms of the region and teams we'd have too play.
For some reason I am just feeling that this is the year.
vitale has michigan (4 seed) and kansas (1 seed) in the elite 8. because they aren't scheduled to play in the sweet 16 or anything...espn fail
the kids are playing their tail off, and the coaches are screwing it up! - JLS
He also had 3 B1G teams in the final 4 haha... tOSU, tsun, and Pretendiana.
Look for Florida Gulf Coast to put a real scare into Georgetown. This could be another 15 over 2 seed upset. At the least, I think it will go down to the final few minutes. FGC played a tough non-conf. schedule (VCU, Duke, Miami FL, St. John's, Iowa State), beat Miami FL, and G-town has choking potential.
"You win with people." - Woody Hayes
ok, this is not so much me patting myself on the back, but more talking to myself: "WTF didn't you bet on F.G.C. for?!?"... Damn, should've have taken my own advice.
I'm calling round 2...F.G.C. will beat or at least cover against whoever they play (SDSU or Oklahoma)
"You win with people." - Woody Hayes
They have a solid chance at beating either team
yes, thank you
got 'em again!
"You win with people." - Woody Hayes
You also need to play the lottery
dually noted brother
"You win with people." - Woody Hayes
We have a bit less talent this year than last year (no Sully) but there is no team like last year's UK. Peaking at the right time and have gutted out some tough game. This team could go all the way.
I see no dominate team. Buckeyes playing very good defense. I like the buckeyes chances for a deep run, all the way to the big dance trophy.
I like our chances to get to Atlanta, won't be easy but neither was the past month. If the d holds up and scoring steps up/stays consistent I think tOSU is in the discussion.
Good to hear the tv pundits showing respect, too bad some of the print media are not. Check out this write up off NBC, a top ten of potential winners:
http://collegebasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/03/17/ten-teams-capable-...
I'm still laughing at one of the entries.
And still laughing.
"Success - it's what you do with what you got" - Woody Hayes
If Amir would step up an act like the big man that he is, there's no doubt in my mind this ten can make a run an go all the way.. In my opinion, I thought we played better with a "smaller" line up late in the game yesterday..
The next potential six games for the Buckeyes can't be more grueling than the last eight we just won. What the hell, Let's Do It!!
~Naples Buckeye - "May God have mercy upon my enemies, because I won't." - General George S. Patton, Jr.
How awesome would it be to see Lenzelle come alive and start shooting the ball better? He has the potential to be a difference maker in a big game.
I think LSJ may be the key to a deep run. If he can knock down 2 or 3 tre's a game, this team will be really tough to beat. I think he's due to have a couple good shooting performances.
There has never been a bracket I didn't pick OSU to win it all.
Now that's logic that's hard to argue with. Spoken like a true fan STEENSN.
An angry fan...rooting for an angry team...led by angry coaches
OSU vs. Louisville could be a classic if it all works out. These are the 2 highest effort teams I've seen all year.
Brandon OSU and Louisville could be a great matchup two teams that play great D
Right now, I just want to get past the ND-ISU winner.
Who do you think wins that game? I really hate ND
Ditto, but not sure I want ISU.....38% from beyond the arc. Going to need stout defense to clamp down on that.
It's going to be who it's going to be.
"Success - it's what you do with what you got" - Woody Hayes
I think we match up very well vs either team
yes...the one team I was somewhat worried about in our region was Gonzaga. Arizona and Iowa State are pretty good, but as long as we don't beat ourselves -- we should win.
"You win with people." - Woody Hayes
gotta win 1 before you can win 5. patience.
edit: but the hell with it, it's our turn for that goddamn banner.
Not to steal from Urban Meyer but the great thing about being 1-0 in the tournament is the chance to be 2-0.
ISU is athletic, quick, and can shoot the 3-ball. However, Notre Dame's lack of athletic ability on defense made ISU look better. Craft's and Scott's ball pressure combined with the length/athletic ability of Smith, Jr. and Thompson will give ISU frustration and difficulty. OSU wins by about 8-10 points.
"You win with people." - Woody Hayes
Yes. This team finished the season as strong as anyone in the country. If they stay together and play together, they'll put the banner in the rafters.This is the year.
An angry fan...rooting for an angry team...led by angry coaches
T.I.T.
Trust In Thad
"You win with people." - Woody Hayes
Fun Fact
Every team that has beat Iowa State has gone on to win the national title.
2000 Michigan St
2005 UNC
2012 Kentucky
2013 ????????
I like where this is going! Hope that Iowa State magic dust rubs off on us!
Ohio State's band SLAUGHTERED Michigan's band. If this were a football game, it would have been Florida State vs. Savannah State. - SB Nation following OSU vs. UM 2012
This isn't true. They have a MUCH longer tournament history than that. They also were upset by Hampton when they were a 2 seed in 2001.
I believe the correct stat is: The last 3 single-digit seeded teams to beat Iowa State went on to win the national championship. Big difference. But regardless, I obviously hope we can make it 4!
Brady Hoke's reaction to the Urban Meyer hire: "Not good."