How much of a difference will these guys make when they return to the lineup? When the Cavs were 9-2, I couldn’t figure out a place to get them some minutes, but now…I’m counting the days. I’m gonna guess that Damon Jones’ minutes are gonna take the biggest hit, even though neither of them are shooters. This team needs defense right now, not shooters.
For Oakland. I’m not sure that’s going to be a difference maker. Always have thought Collins was over-rated, so I’m gonna stick with my prediction that the Browns win this game….or did I predict they would lose this game? I can’t remember. Must not matter much. Anyway….today, I think they’ll win.
Behind Wade & A.I., which is the only place either player will beat Lebron one on one. Do they count kids’ jerseys? I got a few for my nieces for Christmas…shhhhh!
The Buckeyes are undefeated going into tonight’s game against Belmont and OSU should easily be able to extend their winning streak to six games. Ohio State is finally in the top 25, where they belong, but it’s tough to get a good gauge on this team. They are taking care of business so far, which is all you can ask, but their non-con schedule has been light. Their win over St. Joes was impressive and they have difficult games with Iowa State and LSU, but on the whole, this team shouldn’t have more than one or two losses heading into conference season. It will be in big 10 play that Thad will really earn his paycheck.
Despite sending three teams to the elite 8 last year, Big Ten basketball may be stronger overall this season. This is how OSU starts Big Ten play in the new year.
01/07 at #18 Indiana 4:00 PM
01/11 at Purdue *8:00 PM
01/15 #12 Mich St TBD
01/18 #24 Wisconsin 8:30 PM
01/21 at Penn State *12:00 PM
01/28 at #23 Iowa *8:05 PM
02/04 Minnesota *3:00 PM
02/09 at Michigan 7:00 PM
02/12 #8 Illinois 1:00 PM
02/15 at #24 Wisconsin *8:00 PM
02/18 N’western *12:00 PM
02/22 at #12 Mich St *8:00 PM
02/25 Michigan
Northwestern, Purdue and Penn State are all easy victories. The rest will be a dogfight. Even taking out the ranked teams, Minnesota is starting to play like people thought they would since Grier is healthy (Grier has often been called the toughest player to defend in the conference) and Michigan is also loaded wil talent.
The B10 sked is rough, no doubt, but by building the team’s confidence through the non-con schedule, the Buckeyes should have the talent and experience to be in the thick of the Big Ten race.