Eleven Warriors

Butler leaves Chester Frazier in his wake
(Photo: AP Robert K. O'Daniell)

Wow. Those of us who follow OSU hoops closely know that Jamar Butler is something special but he took it to a whole different level in Ohio State's 74-58 pasting of Illinois tonight in Assembly Hall.

In a performance as fine as Erin Andrews' hind quarters, Butler poured in a career high 32 points to go along with 6 boards and 6 assists. JB was on fire from the floor hitting 10/17 field goals including 4/7 from distance and 8/8 at the stripe.

With both teams struggling offensively in the first half, Butler scored 9 of OSU's final 12 points including back to back layups to answer a 9-0 Illinois run to keep OSU within a point at the break, trailing 30-29. Butler's 13 first half points paced OSU as no other Buckeye eclipsed 4 points due to the return of a stagnant offense featuring little ball movement and poor decision making.

In fact, it looked like this would be another grind it out conference game with OSU shooting 36% in the first half including 18% (2/11) from beyond the arc leading to just 3 first half assists while Evan Turner-over led the way with 3 miscues en route to 5 for the game.

Othello Hunter started the second half strong after a weak opening stanza (4 pts, 1 reb) scoring 5 of OSU's first 7 points to turn the 30-29 halftime deficit into a 36-35 lead at the 15:37 mark. After a Brian Randle jumper put the Illini back in front at 37-36, Butler decided to put the Buckeyes on his back.

Over the next 5 minutes, Butler scored 15 straight points for the Buckeyes connecting on 3 triples, a jumper, a layup and two free throws following an intentional foul to single handedly outscore the Illini 15-2 to put OSU in the driver seat leading 51-39 at the 10:51 mark. It was truly a sick display from a complete basketball player that has yet to receive the national recognition he deserves.

Two possessions later, Butler showed how to work the two man game feeding Matt Terwilliger for back to back 3 pointers to keep OSU up twelve, 57-45, with 8:18 left.

In the throws of a death rattle, the Illini countered with a modest 7-1 run cutting the OSU lead to 58-52 but they would get no closer as the Buckeyes peeled off a 16-6 run over the final 5:06, including 6-6 at the stripe, earning their 16th straight regular season conference win.

Complementing Butler's career night, fellow veteran Hunter was the only other Buckeye in double figures contributing 15 points and 7 boards including 11 and 6 in the second half.

Kosta Koufos was so-so with 8 points (4/11 FG) and 5 boards with fellow baseliner Terwilliger adding 6 points on those back to back threes in addition to 3 rebounds. Ohio State moved to 27-0 in games were Da Wiggler scores at least 4 points. Told of this after the game, Matt offered up a "Damn, it feels good to be a gangsta" and proceeded to get called for a moving pick in the locker room. No wait, I just made that up.

Defensively, Hunter and the rest of the OSU big's shut down Illini center Scott Pruitt in the second half holding him to 2 points after a 10 point, 5 rebound first half and held the Illini to 39% shooting for the game including just 19% (4/21) from downtown. OSU did surrender 13 offensive rebounds but finished with only a -1 rebounding margin (33-32) while forcing 14 turnovers.

Offensively, OSU scored 74 points but there's still plenty of work to do considering Butler accounted for 43% of the offense (Butler/Hunter = 64%) and players not named Butler or Hunter combined to shoot 11/33 with 10 turnovers. The good news is OSU managed to earn 18 trips to the foul line, hitting 15, good for 83% and got a conference win on the road thanks to the pimp from Lima.

(OhioStateBuckeyes.com Photo)

With the team now in Nola, a lot of the talk has shifted to whether they and their opponent are, in fact, the two best teams in the nation.

After USC's annihilation of the Illini in the Rose and Georgia's throttling of Hawaii in the Sugar Bowl, the usual cast of slobbering bobble-heads are saying things like the Trojans or the Bulldogs may in fact be the best team in the nation.

No matter that a mere six months after Harbaugh supposedly angered Carroll by saying he'd be gone in a year, he followed it up by winning a game in which his squad was 40+ point underdogs.

No matter that the turning point in the Georgia season came when they stormed back to score 13 unanswered 2nd half points to slip by Vandy 20-17. Well, that wasn't exactly the turning point, but dancing on the Vandy logo at midfield probably did it.

But hey, they may be right. Unfortunately, for fans of the Trojans and Bulldogs, under the current system, the Buckeyes or the Tigers will be the ones appearing on SI commercials every 5 minutes for the next 4 months (but don't count out the AP on a splinter move).

It's a long season and teams play lights-out at different parts of the season. Some teams obviously sustain this longer than others, but at the highest levels, you have to be prepared to compete week-in and week-out. Take care of business and put yourself in position to play for the marbles at the end is all you can do. And nobody does this better than Jim Tressel.

So, USC and Georgia fans, instead of complaining about how you should have had the right to play for the championship or stating that your team is the best team in the nation, how about you channel that energy towards the early death of this BCS thing. So all teams have a chance to settle it where it should be settled. On the field.

Trust?

You know we're making strides around here because only weeks after utilizing our vast reader base of dozens to locate the whereabouts of former safety Tito Paul, we're now getting tips from "insiders".

This is not our normal tipster bum that sleeps behind a dumpster on Chittenden, so we have no way of verifying the following statements, but they're sure as hell fun to talk about:

In the last few practices in Columbus, the Buckeyes spent quite a good amount of time working in spread sets with Henton at quarterback.

Laurinaitis did not practice for two sessions and was on the sidelines, in sweats, for both sessions.

Overall, the defense is having trouble stopping the scout team offense. Lots of missed assignments, people out of position, folks forgetting their man and leaving them to make a perceived play, etc. They look earnest, and are focused, but are struggling defensively.

And:

The best receiver on the team, bar none, is Albert Dukes, but he's spending his time in the doghouse. He is faster, runs better routes, has better hands and makes better cuts than anyone else on the team.

Like we said -- absolutely no way to vouch for these statements so take them for what they're worth. Saying that, the Henton stuff wouldn't surprise us one bit -- the Shot-Ginn in the 2004 Alamo Bowl proved the Vest can mix it up just as well as Miles can. No idea what to make on the Dukes statement. Your thoughts?

Jamar has help jump start this team.

Ohio State 9-3, 0-0 Big Ten Roster | Schedule

January 03, 2008 8:00 PM ET ------ Assembly Hall Champaign, Illinois

Illinois 8-5, 0-0 Big Ten Roster | Schedule

Opponent: Illinois has had an up and down season thus far, still trying to find their identity after losing 2 starters and a key reservist from last year's 23-12 team. After placing 3rd in the Maui Invitational, they have come to the mainland and gone 4-4, losing to Arizona, Maryland, Miami (OH) and Tennessee St. in their last game.

However, it is Big Ten Hoops and Champaign is always a tough place to play, especially since their fans are required to wear orange and Ohio State is such a young team.

Illinois comes in averaging 67 points a game and have really struggled shooting all year, connecting on 50 percent of their shots only twice (both came in their first three games). For the season, the Illini have hit 43 percent of their shots and only 29 percent from downtown. However, their worst shooting comes from the line, where they are hitting a dismal 59 percent of their attempts.

With all of the missed shots, it is not surprising Illinois is grabbing almost 40 boards a game, with 15 of those coming from the offensive glass. They are not getting the dominate guard play as in years past and therefore are only dishing out 14 assists per game, while turning it over 13.5 times a contest. Their last game against Tennessee St. was a nutshell as to how this season has gone.

Key Players: The Fighting Illini will bring some height to this game and any type of early foul problems for Ohio State could be trouble. Shaun Pruitt (#55 6'10" Sr.) decided against the NBA and came back for his senior season. He has been inconsistent throughout his career and I wonder if the Illini are having trouble scoring, because he is their go to guy.

He comes in leading the team in points (12.9), rebounds (8.3) and blocks (0.6). Pruitt is only hitting 50 percent of his shots and shoots a Shaq-like 53.7 percent from the line. He might be able to have a big day if the Illini expose the baseline weakness of OSU's zone defense.

Trent Meacham (#1 6'2" Jr.) and Brian Randle (#42 6'8" Sr.) are the other two Illini players averaging in double figures, at 11.3 and 10.5 respectively. Meacham is Illinois lone 3point threat, coming in 27 of 65 (41.5%), making more threes than the next 3 guys combined. He also has the best A/T.O. ratio on the team at 2.2/1, but he only averages 3 dimes a game and shouldn't rebound too much.

Randle is one of those veteran Big Ten players who knows what it takes to win in the conference, but he left their last game with a mild concussion. His size and athleticism could cause Ohio State some problems, as he is grabbing over 5 boards a game and shooting over 50 percent from the floor. Brian will get into foul trouble though, so Ohio State can take him out of the game by driving right at him from the opening tip.

While Chester Frazier (#3 6'2" Jr.) doesn't score much, he leads the team in minutes (33.5), assists (4.0) and ranks second in rebounding (5.4) and 3pointers made (11 of 42). Ohio State should be able to press him full court and wear him down as the game goes on. OSU will also have to cut the driving lanes off and force him to shoot outside.

Rodney Alexander (#23 6'7" Jr.) or Calvin Brock (#25 6'5" Jr.) will be the other starter for Bruce Weber's team. Alexander is averaging 5.9 points and 3.7 rebounds per game, playing only 16 minutes per contest. Brock leads this team in steals and chips in with 7.4 points and 4 boards. Demetri McCamey is the only freshman that sees significant time, scoring 5 points in 20 minutes of play.

Notes: Illinois is 20-4 at Assembly Hall in Big Ten openers... Illinois opponents are only scoring 51.4 points and shooting 33.6 percent in the last five games... Bruce Weber is 120-33 in his five years at Illinois.

Buckeye Breakdown: Ohio State will be going for their 17th straight conference victory when they invade the Orange Crush Zone Thursday night. It has been refreshing to see this team gel over the last five games and lets hope their shooting touch doesn't resemble the weather.

The other Ohio State zone weakness was exploited last game against UMBC, as the Retrievers hit a record 17 three pointers. However tonight, they may have trouble defending the inside as Illinois will bring size Ohio State hasn't seen in a while. I think we may also see more press tonight, forcing Illinois to start their offense with less time on the clock.

Ohio State's defense hasn't allowed a team to shoot fifty percent since Texas A&M and Thad's boys have turned this zone defense into something special. There are a couple weak spots that can be exploited, but every shot gets contested and opponents are shooting only 37 percent against the Bucks this year, including 29.5 from deep.

Ohio State's offense is enjoying a revival from its early season woes, as five players are averaging in double digits the last few games. Thad has done another great coaching job and these players have settled into their roles, looking relaxed and finally playing ball. They will continue to learn the importance of playing a full forty minutes and I am excited to watch this team surprise the nation once again in conference play.

Key Players: At the end of his sophomore season, Jamar Butler was the best point guard in Big Ten play and perhaps it has taken him some time to get used to it again, but his play recently has helped this young team develop. His career high 12 assists against UMBC moved him up 3 spots on the career mark and he now is only 88 away from breaking the record. Lima's finest also recently became the first Ohio State guard to record 400 assists, 150 threes and 100 steals in his career. Let's just hope Jamar's legs can hold up, because no one else can handle the rock.

Thad has not been able to lengthen his bench beyond 7 players, which is a bit of a concern heading into conference play. However, as mentioned, his key players have been able to step up recently. Jon Threebler's emergence has finally happened, as he has hit 14 of his last 23 three point attempts, raising his season percentage to almost 31 percent. It is exciting to watch this kid shoot and I have a feeling Jamar's career 3point makes will be around for about three years.

Thad's key players are growing more comfortable with their roles and it is evident in their recent shooting touch. Koufos, Hunter, Lighty, Turner and Diebler have all shot over 50 percent their last four contest. Ohio State continues to get better at driving the ball, attempting a season high 31 free throws last game. This is a good sign, especially if Deibler and Butler can continue stretching defenses.

I have not seen as much Big Ten hoops yet this season, but I know this Ohio State team will compete for another title. The conference will once again come down to the big boys; Michigan St., Indiana, Wisconsin and Ohio State. What is your predicted finish for the Bucks?

Notes: Ohio State is 52-41 in Big Ten openers... Thad is now the leader in career winning percentage at OSU... 11W favorites Slick Steve Lavin and the lovely Erin Andrews (bonus links for the perceptive) will be doing the ESPN telecast tonight.

The New York Times checks in with 10 Stories Worth Following as we head into the game. At #3:

The Imperfect Quarterback — Plenty of observers are going to say that this Ohio State team is better than last season’s. Well, it’s not. The disparity at quarterback is enough of a reason, as the Buckeyes traded the Heisman Trophy winner, Troy Smith, for the immobile and not-so-accurate Todd Boeckman. L.S.U. has the solid-but-unspectacular Matt Flynn, which means that whichever quarterback makes the least mistakes will probably win.

That may be the single biggest story not being written about only 5 days from kickoff. Let's face it: the two starting quarterbacks that will square off on Monday night could be the least exciting pair to ever face each other in a BCS game. Their backups may bring a little more to the table, but how much will each play?

The Big Kat Was a Beast in '97

We know that Ohio State was defeated by Alabama in the 1978 Sugar Bowl 35-6, but we wanted to give our readers a synopsis of the Bucks last two appearances in the New Orleans Superdome. First up is the 1998 Sugar Bowl where Florida State beat Ohio State 31-14.

It was the final year of the Bowl Alliance. The ACC Champion and 4th ranked Seminoles entered the '98 Sugar Bowl 10-1, with their one loss to the Florida Gators. The Buckeyes entered the '98 Sugar Bowl 10-2, with losses to #1 ranked Michigan and former #1 ranked Penn State by a total of 10 points. The Bucks were tied for 2nd in the Big 10 with both Penn State and Purdue.

Andre Wadsworth and crew got their groove-on, sacking OSU QBs 6 times that night (Stan Jackson 4 times and Joe Germaine 2 twice). When the 'Noles weren't knocking Buckeye quarterbacks to the turf, they were chasing them out of rhythm. Ohio State was in the second and final year of the Jackson/Germaine starting debacle...um, tandem at QB. Neither one of them looked comfortable that night due to the constant pressure brought by the 'Noles pass rush.

"We got beat by an outstanding football team. They're a big, strong defensive football team and they kept relentless pressure on us the entire ballgame," said Ohio State coach John Cooper.

On the 'Noles offense, QB Thad Busby finished the day completing 22 of 33 passes for 334 yards. Although Busby threw for 2 INTs, he ran for a 9 yard score and threw for a 27 yard TD to E.G. Green. Green finished the game with the one score, 7 total catches for 176 yards, and the Sugar Bowl MVP trophy.

In what limited offense the Buckeyes could muster, Pepe Pearson finished with 60 yards on 22 carries, while Jackson & Germaine combined to go 16-of-36 for 207 yards with one TD and three interceptions.

You may also remember that the game saw a Dan Stultz to John Lumpkin trick-play touchdown nullified because Lumpkin failed to check-in properly with the officials prior to the play. Ah.. the JHC..

With the win, Florida State ended up 3rd in the final polls. They has also accomplished a few other amazing feats. Not only did they complete their 11th straight season with a top 5 ranking or better, but they also won the 12th out of their last 13 bowl games. Things like this grew the legend of Coach Bobby Bowden.

With the loss, Ohio State ended up 12th in the final AP poll. But the team showed signs of greatness, and there was a lot of potential for the next year. The Bucks and 'Noles seemed to be bound for another possible battle the next year. Maybe even, for it all.

Thanks to ever vigilant reader Lane for pointing this out to us, but the first three minutes of the "Take Home Talk", the smack compilation that Buckeye coaches compiled for the players to take home over Christmas break, have surfaced on YouTube:

Still waiting on that torrent...

... We're all Lemans today. Go Illini!

(And way to represent, Wolverines! Appalachian State > Michigan > Florida. Nice defense, Gators.)

Troy ended 2007 impressively

The final Buckeye NFLer of the Week goes to Troy Smith of the Baltimore Ravens. Starting at QB for the 2nd week in a row, Troy completed 16 of 27 passes for 171 yards and connected with Devard Darling for 15 yard TD pass in the 3rd quarter as the Ravens beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 27-21. Troy also had 5 rushing attempts for 23 yards.

Several key starters for Pittsburgh were inactive for the game as the Steelers were looking ahead to their playoff game next week. But with a victory against the Ravens, the Steelers could've secured the 3rd seed in the AFC Playoffs. Troy Smith's performance this past Sunday put an end to that possibility.

Troy's performance the last few weeks has turned some heads in Baltimore. Troy made his share of mistakes along the way, but showed much improvement with each appearance. The Ravens' future at QB is in disarray because the often-injured and aging Steve McNair and the continually ineffective Kyle Boller both had a disappointing 2007 season. Not to mention, the Ravens fired Coach Brian Billick on Monday. Troy seems to have a good chance as anyone to begin the 2008 season as the Ravens' QB.

Troy finished the 2007 season completing 40 passes out of 76 attempts for 452 yards. He threw for 2 TDs and no interceptions. He also ran the ball 12 times for 54 yards and one rushing TD.