With the release of Monday’s ESPN/USA Today college basketball rankings, Ohio State stepped into the number one position in both basketball and football–an accomplishment that has only happened twice in the history of college sports. Only USC and Notre Dame have reached this pinnacle and it hasn’t been done since 1974.Neither team was able to hold the position for more than a week. It is also the first time Ohio State Mens’ Basketball has been ranked #1 since 1962.
While the AP has Ohio State ranked #3, a win over North Carolina (#7) tonight could secure the #1 position in both polls. The question is, can Ohio State beat North Carolina in North Carolina?
The Buckeye’s will take the floor with one of the country’s top ranked recruiting classes and the “Thad Five,” as they’ve become known, have proven themselves so far this season. And they remain unbeaten with top recruit Greg Oden on the sidelines recovering from wrist surgery.
While you would think that all of this would bode well for the Buckeyes, Ohio State will meet another top ranked recruiting class in North Carolina. (many called Ohio State/North Carolina the top two recruiting classes this year). The biggest difference between the two teams is that this year’s North Carolina recruits join last year’s number one recruiting class giving NC a big advantage in depth.
Buckeye coach Thad Matta agreed that North Carolina’s depth is a big threat. “The depth they have at all positions is obviously a challenge. Those guys inside are a force you have to be concerned with and guys on the outside on the perimeter. That’s what makes them special. You have to pick you poison and hope they don’t have a breakout game,” Matta commented.
While depth may be in issue, don’t expect our Buckeye freshmen to be intimidated.Coach Matta said, many of them have already played with and against many of the NC freshmen. OSU Freshmen point guard Mike Conley Jr. added, “I think since we are familiar with some of the guys, we aren’t as intimidated. We are just trying to come in and stick to our game.”
Win or lose tonight this will be a big step in the development of the Ohio State Basketball team. Although undefeated, the trip to NC will give them the opportunity to play a tough game in a hostile environment. The experience, win or lose, this early in the season should only help when it comes time for the big dance in March. And by March, Oden will be back to help out under the rim.
Many out there are saying that we should savor this #1/#1 while we can and that it may be fleeting. I’m confident. We have at least a month of football at the top and I don’t see them losing to whoever they meet in Jan. We may slip out of first tonight but even if we don’t get back, will be knocking at the door.
It’s a great time to be a Buckeye!
