Eleven Warriors

Let me start by saying the crowd tonight was the best I've seen since the team moved to the Schott. The student section had a nice Block O rolling and even the old timers stood and/or got rowdy throughout the game. The game also marked the unveiling of the new electronic scorer's table (providing constant stats updates) and the new lighting accompanying the announcement of the starting lineups. Props to OSU for the renovations.

The game itself looked winnable early as John Diebler appeared to break out of his season long shooting slump connecting on 4 first half threes, including a bank job at the buzzer to give OSU a 32-29 lead going into the locker room.

Things looked even brighter as Kosta Koufos made a guest appearance hitting a jumper to put OSU up 39-37 at the 16:24 mark but the Buckeyes missed their next 17 FG attempts allowing UNC to take a 57-43 lead with just over 5 minutes remaining. To their credit, OSU responded with an 8-0 run to draw to 57-51 with 4 minutes left but couldn't get over the hump as the Tar Heels bullied the Buckeyes inside before the final buzzer sounded on a 66-55 loss.

The dreadful shooting night (19/70, 27%) wasn't helped by the fact OSU hoisted 33 treys, 3 shy of the all-time team record set against Florida A&M in January 2006. Of course, they didn't have much choice considering the floudering offensive efforts of bigs Koufos, Othello Hunter and Mark Turdwiggler. Yes, Da Turd has officially earned his nickname back after killing OSU tonight and last week against Texas A&M. He went 0-4 from the field including a freshman like decision to launch a three pointer with over 25 seconds left on the shot clock out of a timeout with OSU trailing 47-40. I refuse to believe that's what Matta had in mind for such a critical possession.

Wiggler was not alone as Koufos looked scared to challenge Tyler Hansbrough down low. He made a couple nice post moves but really never took the ball strong against Hansbrough instead settling for finesse hooks and turnaround jumpers. The kid has loads of talent but he's gotta toughen up and give OSU a lift at the offensive end to take some pressure off Jamar Butler. Koufos finished 1-10 from the floor and grabbed just 3 rebounds in 27 minutes.

Hunter was also a ghost at the offensive end scoring only 5 points but he did have a solid night defensively grabbing 10 rebounds and set a career high with 6 blocks. Though David Lighty (9) and Butler (8) tried to help on the glass, UNC dominated the boards 54-38 including 15 offensive caroms.

The stagnant offensive sets remain a concern. With Koufos neutralized and Hunter failing to deliver consistent post offense, the Tar Heels applied constant ball pressure on the perimeter taking away back cuts forcing long threes or the occasional dribble drive. So, while missing 17 shots in a row is a bit unlucky, it can't be overlooked that the type of shots they're taking is certainly influencing the FG droughts.

Even with all my bitterness, it should be noted the young Buckeyes did hang tough with the #1 team in the land for more than a half and it was nice to see Diebler get off the snide going 7-16 from the floor, good for a team high 19 points. Unfortunately, the schedule doesn't give OSU much time to recover with a tough road test at Butler set for Saturday night.

Ohio State 4-1, 0-0 Big Ten Roster | Schedule

November 28, 2007 9:00 PM ET ------ The Schott Columbus, Ohio

North Carolina 5-0, 0-0 ACC Roster | Schedule

Opponent: North Carolina invades The Schott tonight as part of the ACC/Big Ten Challenge, although it hasn't been much of a challenge for the ACC, winning all eight years (51-28). Carolina is looking to defeat the Buckeyes for the second straight year, posting a 98-89 victory.

UNC is the number one according to writers and number two in the coaches poll, winning all 5 of their games to start this season. The Tar Heels are a veteran group, losing only 2 key players from last year's elite 8 team and Roy has his boys playing 8 of their first 10 games away from home.

UNC is averaging 92 points a game, shooting 52 percent from the field and 40 percent from the arc. North Carolina doesn't have many weaknesses, beating their first five opponents by 17 points a game, but they only have 4 players 6'7" or taller and their 6.6 rebounding margin is evidence of that. They do create 21 TO's, but only have a 1.1 assists to TO margin for themselves.

Key Players:Tyler Hansbrough (#50 6'9" Jr.) once again leads the Tar Heels this season, averaging 23 points and 9 rebounds in 30 minutes of action. Tyler is well known to college basketball fans and it seems as if he has been in Chapel Hill for six years. He will bring intensity, skill and sharp elbows to the paint tonight and I will be interested to see if he can work behind Ohio State's zone defense.

Wayne Ellington (#22 6'4" So.), great-great grandson of Duke, is a dynamic second scoring option for Carolina. He's scoring 17 a game in 30 minutes, but hasn't posted good numbers in any other category (3 boards, 1 assists and 1 TO). Wayne-O will look to shoot from the outside (12-25), so Ohio State's length on the wing will could be a factor.

Ty Lawson and Danny Green are the two other Tar Heel's averaging double figures. Lawson (#5 5'11" So.) injured an ankle against BYU last game and may see limited action, but when healthy, he could be the fastest player end to end in the country. If he doesn't play, UNC will miss his 10.6 points and almost 5 assists per game. Green (#14 6'5" Jr.) is Carolina's 6th man, averaging 13 points in only 19 minutes.

The other two starters are Deon Thompson (#21 6'8" So.) and Marcus Ginyard (#1 6'5" Jr.), with Alex Stepheson (#32 6'9" So.) and Bobby Frasor (#4 6'3" Jr.) coming in as top reserves. This group of four averages over 22 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists a game and allows Roy Williams to rotate different combinations to keep the waves of pressure on their opponent.

Notes: Roy Williams is 529-131 in 20 seasons as a head coach, going 111-30 in his first five seasons in Chapel Hill... This is the first season he does not have a new scholarship player in his program... Hansbrough has attempted at least 10 free throws in 4 of the Heels 5 games, going 47-58.

Buckeye Breakdown: VMI didn't give quite the challenge I thought they would against Ohio State. Thad's boys clamped down on the defensive end, stretching their zone to beyond the 3 point line. VMI took 49 three pointers, making only 11, as the Buckeyes contested almost every shot. The Keydets were held to 45 points below their season average, shooting an overall 30 percent from the floor.

Obviously UNC rolls in with a few more athletes, so the defensive intensity must be there from the beginning. Ohio State can not afford to give up fast break and second chance points and they must be better than their +2.6 rebounding margin. If Jon Diebler can ever find his shot, Ohio State may be able to rise above their 46 percent shooting. It is going to take a near perfect effort from the Bucks and I truly hope the crowd can make a difference tonight, it has been pitiful thus far.

Key Players: When are the Buckeyes going to give me a chance to write about more than two players in this section? Othello Hunter played only 4 minutes last game due to an illness, Jon Diebler is now 4-35 overall, 2-24 from 3land and David Lighty continues to be a turd offensively, dropping down to 10 a game. Where would this team be without Koufos? I love Jamar Butler and I expected this high level of play from him, but without Koufos, this team would look like a team from O'Cheater's days. Kosta will get a chance to impress Dickie V. tonight, however he must stay out of foul trouble early or it could quickly turn into Texas A&M part duex and Dickie V. will be putting on his ACC kneepads.

Evan Turner played a good game against VMI and could be getting ready to break out. The tempo of tonight's game will give him a chance to equal his 10 point, 7 rebound effort against VMI, but he must stay under control and cut down on the turnovers. I love the extra length he gives the defense and would not be surprised to see him get a start soon.

Notes: Jamar Butler is now the career leader in 3 pointers made... Ohio State has won 6 out of the last 7 against #1 opponents, including their last three at home... The Buckeyes are 1-4 in the Big Ten/ACC challenge (we sucked so bad we were not allowed to play in the first 2)... The ACC leads 5-1 in 2007.

We're borrowing a page from Jeff and getting behind Bobby Stoops and the Sooners as best we can. We present, for a limited time only, Eleven Sooners.

Anthony Gonzalez of the Indianapolis Colts is being rewarded with 11W's Buckeye NFLer of the Week Award for Week 12. Gonzo caught 6 of Peyton Manning's passes for 105 yards. Gonzo's effort helped the Colts as they went on the road on Thanksgiving Day to beat the Atlanta Falcons 31-13. This marks Gonzo's 2nd Buckeye NFLer of the Week Award in 2007. He was Week 5's recipient as well.

The Colts entered week 12 in desperate need of healthy bodies at WR. Reggie Wayne has been outstanding this year as he leads the team in catches, receiving yards, and receiving TDs. But future Hall-of-Famer Marvin Harrison is still nursing a knee injury and has missed 6 weeks of action. So when 5th year WR Aaron Moorehead injured his back in Week 11, the Colts were delighted with the Week 12 return of the rookie Gonzo from a broken thumb injury that has held him out of the line-up for the past few weeks. Gonzo responded by leading the team in catches and receiving yards against the Falcons.

Various injuries has limited Gonzo to only 7 games so far in 2007. Gonzo is 4th on the team in catches for the Colts with 21 total. Gonzo also places 3rd on the team in receiving yards with 312.

Does anyone else have the feeling Gonzo's career is only beginning to blossom? Before you answer that, let me remind you, Peyton Manning is only 31 years old.

Look at all that movement at the top of the ballot. We have the Buckeyes ahead of West Virginia at #2 because there's no doubt in our minds who would win that matchup on a neutral field. Granted, a similar offense handed OSU its only loss of the season, but we're banking on the fact that the staff learned their lesson and would let the defense fly around instead of coming up with a react-scheme.

It's all moot, though because if the Mountaineers and Tigers both win this weekend, they will play each other for the championship. Should the Buckeyes have to settle for the Rose Bowl, the silver lining is that 2007 will be remembered as the year the BCS broke down for good.

Teams 1-12 on our ballot all have legitimate arguments to be in the title game.

1		Mizzou has earned it. If they can get past the Sooners, they're in. That's a big if.	2
2		From what we've seen this year, there's no doubt that this team could beat anyone in the field.	2
3		The Mountaineers sent a message by hanging 60+ on UConn. A meager Pitt stands in the way of a trip to New Orleans.	2
4		Georgia took care of Tech, but didn't get the help they needed from Kentucky. Mark Richt's team will be a tough bowl matchup.	2
5		The Sooners have mastered the art of when to lose -- they've hung around the top 5 all season. Big chance to spoil Mizzou's season this weekend, but beating a team twice is tough to do.	4
6		Another team that is playing about as well as anyone right now. The thought of Tebow as a junior next year scares the shit out of us.	5
7		If they're healthy they can play with anyone. Arizona State got a taste of that and more.	5
8		Remember last year when everyone thought OSU was invincible. And then this summer when USC was the team of ages. And then during most of the season when LSU..	7
9		Tough loss, but the Jayhawks can play some ball. If they get into a BCS game, they will cause some pain.	7
10		The Hokies took care of UVA and get a rematch with BC for the ACC Championship.	--
11		Why again do Big Ten fans have to watch other conferences for two weeks after the end of the season?	3
12		After maintaining the #21 spot all year on our ballot, Hawaii earned the big jump with the Boise win. Beat Washington this week, and they will crash the BCS.	9
13		The Trojans expsoed ASU and showed Erickson just how much more work he needs to do in the Pac 10.	6
14		You can't keep Biggie Fulmer down. Fans want him out, but here he is, off to play a (very beatable) LSU in the SEC Championship.	3
15		The Eagles did their patriotic duty and guaranteed the Hurricanes a losing season. Thank you.	3
16		It's tough to look bad when you don't play.	3
17		Clemson handed the OBC his 4th-straight loss since losing to Vandy and trash-talking the Buckeyes.	3
18		Pitt did score 37 on the Bulls, so there's a little hope for the WVU game.	5
19		BYU moved to 9-2 and can get that 10th win at San Diego State this weekend.	5
20		The Bearcats put half a Franklin and then some on Syracuse, but Kelly's players have to be wandering if that was coach's last game in the Queen City.	5
21		The Leaf experiment didn't last long and the Ducks suddenly look like one of the worst teams in the nation.	13
22		We keep saying that Mack Brown is the JHC of the Big 12. Texas fans are starting to finally figure that out.	9
23		Wake ended the season with a spanking of Vandy. If you've been paying attention this season, you know that's somewhat impressive.	NR
24		Boise State couldn't score enough points to stay in the game with Hawaii. At least they got a free vacation out of it.	8
25		Tough loss to the Hokies, but the Cavs have to be satisfied with their season.	10

DROPPED OUT: Connecticut (#22).

After the top two in the BCS fell in the same weekend for the 2nd time this season, Buckeye fans have to be liking their chances to get back to the championship game. With the team at a solid #3 in the latest BCS rankings, the team needs either a West Virginia loss to Pitt or a Missouri loss to Oklahoma this weekend to sneak in.

Being the rational fans that we are, and understanding just how bad of a couch Dave Wannstedt is, we realize that our only real hope lies with the Sooners in the Big 12 Championship game this weekend in San Antonio.

Oklahoma, of course, gave the Tigers their only loss of the season seven weeks ago in Norman. Missouri actually held a one point lead heading into the fourth quarter before surrendering 18-straight fourth quarter points to the Sooners. Chase Daniels had another great game (37/47 for 361), but the few mistakes he made (two interceptions) cost the Tigers dearly.

The Missouri offense is looking tough, but the Sooners can play with anyone and look good while doing so. As a Buckeye fan, you have to like the matchup.

This week, we are all Sooners. Jeff has gone as far as to rededicate the BBC. Ask us for details on sponsoring a Sooner fan to San Antonio.

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Elsewhere, did Michigan really offer the job to Kirk Ferentz? Wow. Just, wow.

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Finally, we bring you the first-ever inductee to the 11W Officiating Hall of Fame.

Ohio State 3-1, 0-0 Big Ten Roster | Schedule

November 25, 2007 8:00 PM ET ------ St. John Arena Columbus, Ohio

VMI 2-2, 0-0 Big South Roster | Schedule

Opponent: Strap up your running shoes, loosen up your neck muscles and say your prayers to Baby Jesus, because VMI is coming to town and they want a track meet with Ohio State. VMI enters this game as the nation's top scoring team, pouring in 102.3 per game. They bring back 4 starters from last year's 14-19 team and 10 players average double digit minutes.

VMI obviously uses an up-tempo style of play, fueling off opponent turnovers and taking advantage of unreal 3 point stats. The Keydets set NCAA marks last year in steals (490), three pointers made and attempted (442/1383) and 3 pointers made per game (13.4), while also leading the country in scoring (100.9) and assists (488).

After losing their first two game at the Air Force Classic, VMI has rebounded with back-to-back wins on their home court, putting up 135 points against West Virginia Wesleyan and 90 against James Madison. VMI has already attempted 136 three pointers in four games this season, making 39 of them, good for 25 percent.

Key Players: VMI is lead by the nation's second leading scorer, Reggie Williams (#55 6'6" Sr.). Reggie lead the NCAA in scoring last year at 28.1 points a game and is averaging 27.3 this season. He doesn't seem to be too much of a threat from long distance, hitting only 2-23 this year, but he will take his shots, as he attempted 27 in 20 minutes earlier this season.

Williams is joined by the Holmes twins, a product of their daddy John's movie career. Travis (#23 6'4" Jr.) is the team's second leading scorer at 16 a game, getting 7 points from the line, but only connecting on 3-20 from the arc. He lead the NCAA last year with 3.4 steals per game. Chavis (#3 6'4" Jr.) is the third leading scorer at 13.6 a game, but has also struggled from the floor this year, shooting only 34 percent. He was the nation's 4th leading thief last year with 2.8 a game.

VMI has used a variety of starting line-up this year, but Willie Bell (#2 6'5" Jr.) and Christian Hunter (#22 6'2" Fr.) also average in double figures. Bell is giving VMI 11.6 points and 6 rebounds a game. He will not shoot from 3land, but will be a menace on the offensive glass, averaging over 4 a game. Hunter (10.8/game) is a threeball specialist, who leads VMI in threes made and attempted (10-31). He has taken only 9 shots from inside the arc thus far, but leads the team with 5 assists per game.

As mentioned, VMI could bring as many as 7 players off the bench, with Austin Kenon (#10 5'11" Fr.), Hunter Houston (#34 6'6" Fr.) and Adam Lonon (#1 5'11" Fr.) seeing the most significant time.

Notes: VMI reached the Big South Conference title game last year, falling to Winthrop 84-81... VMI is located in Lexington, VA. and has the 3rd smallest D1 enrollment at 1,250... VMI is coached by Duggar Baucom, who is in his third season.

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Buckeye Breakdown: Ohio State is coming off a spanking at the hands of Texas A&M and Thad will have his boys looking for a bounce back victory tonight, before mighty UNC rolls in Wednesday.

Ohio State is playing their lone game in St. John Arena this year and Thad knew exactly what he was getting by scheduling this game after the NIT Tip-Off. Remember last years North Carolina's game? VMI doesn't have the horses North Carolina does, but they play with the same frantic pace and Ohio State will be more prepared for Wednesday's tilt.

I am not going to mention much about the lost to Texas A&M, those games can happen with young teams, but it will be interesting to see how the Buckeyes try and control this game. The only saving grace from Friday was Ohio State's 5 turnovers and the continued steady play of Jamar Butler. Ohio State will need to protect the ball again tonight and they should be able to control the paint. The Buckeyes have to improve upon their 44 percent FG shooting and negative rebounding margin (-2.7) and they will have plenty of opportunity tonight.

Key Players: The only two players that should get mention here are Jamar Butler and Kosta Koufos, but Ohio State desperately needs David Lighty, Jon Diebler and Othello Hunter to get going.

Koufos continues to lead the Buckeyes with 17.8 per game and Butler follows closely with 16.5 points and leads Ohio State with 5 assists per game. Lighty started hot, averaging 17 in his first two games, but scored only 6 points in the trip to New York and was a no-show against Texas A&M. Diebler has been even more miserable, shooting 3-27 from the floor and 2-20 from downtown. Hunter still leads the Buckeyes in rebounding at 8 a game and scores 10, but he has to improve upon his 1-9 outing last game.

VMI could be exactly what this struggling team needs, as there will be plenty of shots to go around. Ohio State put up 73 shots and 107 points against VMI last year. With the frantic pace expected tonight, Thad may give more minutes to his reserves hoping someone can step up and give him scoring options.

Notes: Jamar Butler has tied the all-time Buckeye mark with 153 three pointers... Ohio State is 427-151 at St. John Arena... Jamar Butler and Kosta Koufos were named to the NIT Season Tip-Off Tournament team.

At least LSU lost...

The Basketball Buckeyes went into last night's game looking to make a statement that would vault them into the national rankings but amazingly poor shooting and a lackluster defensive effort against a well balanced A&M squad resulted in a 70-47 sucker punch in the NIT Season Tip-Off in Madison Square Garden.

Thad Matta's group was actually lucky to trail just 31-25 at intermission after shooting a shaky 31% while surrendering no less than 8 layups/dunks as Othello Hunter and Kosta Koufos and the rest of OSU's front line had no answer for the Aggies down low. With both Hunter and Koufos picking up fouls in the first 90 seconds, Jamar Butler was forced to carry the offensive load and he responded with 15 first half points but the 22-12 rebound disadvantage and FG% were just a sign of things to come.

The Buckeyes started the second half missing 18 of 19 shots while A&M ran an offensive clinic resulting in a 23-5 run giving them a 54-30 lead with 9 minutes to play. The putrid offensive display continued as OSU managed to shoot just 18% in the second half (5/28) and it seemed to effect how the Buckeyes played defense, which was more depressing from my perspective.

Seriously, Texas A&M is a very good team but they looked like the Globetrotters in their heyday passing the ball all over a Buckeye defense that was more than a step slow and totally outmanned in the paint. I can understand Koufos getting abused a little inside considering his youth but it was highly disappointing to see Hunter and The Wiggler give virtually nothing on interior defense. Wiggler's 15 minute performance resulted in 0 points, 0 rebounds and 1 tongue lashing from Matta for getting beat down the floor on consecutive trips. Nice work, senior.

Hunter did lead OSU with 7 rebounds but he, Koufos and the rest of the D struggled to contain post ups and slashes to the basket contributing to 64% shooting on 2 point FG's by the Aggies.

Of course, playing defense like the Pistons' Bad Boys squads of the late 80's wouldn't have made a difference on this night as starters not named Jamar Butler combined to shoot 5/39 (12%) with David Lighty (0/5), Hunter (1/9) and John Diebler (0/9) combining to shoot a staggering 1/23.

Lighty was an absolute no-show in NYC with just 6 points in 2 games on 1/10 shooting and 6 turnovers in 56 combined minutes. If neither he or Hunter plan on being a consistent third scoring option behind Butler and Koufos, there are going to be a few more of these blowouts to watch but this is still a tournament team provided they realize you can always play defense.

On the bright side, the Buckeyes committed just 5 turnovers and host VMI Sunday night in St. John's. They'll need a bounce back victory to get some confidence before taking on the Tar Heels Wednesday night in the Schott.

Did Michigan do the Bucks the world's greatest favor by distracting Miles and the Tigers?

At any rate, we welcome Leslie to Michigan next year. The more I see of him in action, the more reckless and out of control he appears coaching. He's just been blessed with incredible talent and insane luck. Until today.

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Don't forget to turn it to ESPN2 to catch the Buckeyes taking on Texas A&M in hoops.

We're all Hog and Huskie fans this weekend.

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Hoops Tonight: OSU vs. #15 Texas A&M