The Ohio State Buckeyes head to Wisconsin today for what could prove to be the toughest game of the season. You can probably count the number of times Wisconsin has lost in the Kohl Center on one hand and with an undefeated Ohio State coming to visit, you know the crowd will be wound up.
At this point, even the boys in Vegas have no idea on this one. When I checked one of the NFL betting sites this morning, I watched the spread change from even to +1 Buckeyes to -1 Buckeyes all within a 2-3 minute period.
If the Buckeyes can get through the afternoon unscathed, they stand a good shot at running the season. The biggest chance for an upset after Wisconsin would most likely come from a let down game as opposed to one of our bigger opponents.
The Buckeyes have excelled this year against ranked teams but the 14th ranked Wisconsin will be ready and say that they plan to make the Buckeyes “uncomfortable.” Taking the Buckeyes out of their comfort zone isn’t easy these days but that is what it will take for the Badgers to pull of a win.
Here’s my key’s to the game:
1) Take out the crowd early
Buckeyes caught Minnesota off guard early and never really let the crowd get into the game. These cheesheads will be a little harder to quiet though. The Buckeyes need a big dunk, a big steal or something big early to get a jump on the crowd.
2) Control the tempo
The Buckeyes have gotten into the most trouble when they let the opponent control the tempo. The Buckeye need to set the pace and make this their game.
3) 3 Point Shots
Diebler is one of the best three-point shooters in the country but Wisconsin’s Keaton Nankivil isn’t to shabby himself. Being able to step back and drop the big points when needed will be crucial.
4) Sullinger
So far this season, Sullinger has been unstoppable. In order to keep him under control, Wisconsin (as everyone else) will double team him. Can they throw him a look that he hasn’t seen or that makes him uncomfortable. So far, nobody has figured out how to do it. I’m sure the Badgers have been watching the tapes and at least think they’ve got a shot at it.
5) Force the Turnovers
Wisconsin is stingy with the turnover. If the Buckeyes can force a few turnovers, it might be enough to get them off balance. The Buckeyes can make big strides by shaking their confidence.
6) Foul shooting
This is going to be a physical game. The Buckeyes have done well at drawing the fouls while staying out of foul trouble themselves. Problem is, they can’t seem to hit anything from the line. Up until now, the Buckeyes have been able to compensate elsewhere. This time, they can’t afford to leave points laying at the foul line.
7) Take out the crowd
Did I mention that one already? Needs to be said again. Take out the crowd and take them out early. Don’t give them a chance to get back in it. Don’t let them get the momentum going.
This is the big one folks. We get through this and…well, I don’t want to jinx it any more than I already have.
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Ohio State is shooting 68.5% from the line. Wisky is leading the freaking country from the stripe at 82.9%.
Remove Lauderdale and Lighty from the foul line and the Bucks are shooting around 78%. The problem as of late is the “Hack a Sully” attack. Sullinger was shooting above 72% prior to the Michigan game and then went 5 for 11 from the line. He’s a very good free throw shooter but when you are averaging 32 minutes a game and as of late playing more than that and battling like he does, he’s got to get tired. Lofting up the FT has got to feel like throwing up a medicine ball at some point after getting pounded all game long.
Bucks have to hit the front end of one on ones as well. The other thing I’ve noticed is that we don’t really line up for a rebound when we shoot free throws. Sully is standing at mid-court with Craft. I get it that this saves some of Sully’s energy and maybe even keeps him out of foul trouble. But maybe it’s time to load up the paint and get a missed rebound?
Let’s go Bucks. Don’t let Wisky take #1 from us like they did in football!
Just like football (in that one of the teams will likely have a much more successful postseason, and I don’t mean Wisconsin).
LIKE! And pay backs a bitch. See you on March 6 in C-bus, wisky!