No really Brutus. This time it's going to be all right.
Given a chance to process Saturday’s loss to Wisconsin, it didn’t take long to realize that other than the disappointment of seeing the 24-0 streak come to an end, it’s just not that bad. Unlike college football, chances are the Buckeye basketball team will retain their No. 1 ranking, will finish out their season strong and still land a No. 1 seed in the tourney. Because unlike college football (at least for now) basketball is all about second chances.
No question the Buckeyes played tough in a tough environment. When Jordan Taylor and the Badgers found their groove late in the second half, not only did the Buckeyes need to stop the momentum of a powerful run, they had to deal with a crowd that was not about to let up. Although the 15 point lead helped quiet the crowd for a short period, all it took was a basket or two to bring them right back into the game.
Reading the post game comments, the loss shouldn’t do anything more than fuel the Buckeyes through the final stretch of the season. Jared Sullinger, who had to be a little tired after the game, said he wanted to go back home and practice that night. Coach Matta also pointed out that the Buckeyes have much bigger goals than going undefeated.
So while comparisons will be made and metaphors dropped, when it comes down to it, the loss was about little more than style points.
ESPN definitely enjoyed the comparisons between the 1962 basketball team ending their streak at Wisconsin and this past fall’s loss in football. Good thing I watched the game at home. For those playing the drinking game, well, between that and Dicky V I hope it’s worn off by today.
But unlike Wisconsin when the knocked our football team out of first place, the Buckeyes finished out the rest of the season without a loss. Men’s Basketball has a good chance of doing the same. This was a great test for tourney time come March.
On Wisconsin’s behalf, they are getting pretty good at the role of spoiler in both basketball and football. Knocking off No 1 ranked teams (at home of course) is becoming something of a hobby for them. Remember this though folks, I’d much rather be the team that can get to No. 1 then the team that never had a shot. Wisconsin’s greatness of late is measured by their performance against Ohio State.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
I WATCHED THEM TAKE A 12 POINT LEAD AND HAD TO GO PLACES SO i MISSED THE BIG WISCONSIN RUN. I FIQURED THE BUCKEYES HAD THE GAME IN THE BAG. HEK, AT THAT TIME IN THE GAME ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS MATCH THEM BASKET FOR BASKET AND YOU WIN. i QUESS THE OFFENCE AND DEFENSE WENT COLD AT THE SAME TIME. GOOD THINGS MUST COME TO AN END. WHAT MAKES ME MAD IS THEY DROPPED TO THIRD IN THE POLL. A THREE LOSS TEXAS TEAM IS RANKED AHEAD OF THEM. THAT REALLY SUCKS. GOOD TEAMS PICK UP THE PIECES AND MOVE ON LET HOPE WE SEE IT FROM THE BUCKEYS.
I think Carl’s caps lock key is broken.
Seriously though, I want to win the Big Ten. I want to win the Big Ten tournament. I want to win the NCAA tournament.
This loss jeopardized NONE of that.
I agree 100% Joey. I can’t believe that about the polls though. The AP has them at No. 2 though behind Kansas who lost last night to KSU.
Keeping it close in an environment like that against a team like Wisconsin — they should have held their No. 1 ranking.
None of it matters though and that’s why I’m not all that excited about the idea of a play off in college football. Win the Big 10, win the NCAA tourney. Heck…lose three more games and I’ll be happy with that outcome.
Another solid showing against MSU last night and we’re back on track.
Finish out the season strong, go deep in the Big Ten tourney.. if not win it and take our number 1 overall seed in the big dance.
Sounds like a plan