Nebraska vs Ohio State Preview & Game Thread

Ohio State

Date: Saturday, February 20th

Time: 6:00pm

Location: Lincoln, NE

TV: Big Ten Network

Streaming: BTN2GO & Husker Sports Network

Radio: KLIN

Probable Starters

Nebraska: Andrew White III, Benny Parker, Glynn Watson Jr., Michael Jacobson, Jack McVeigh

Ohio State: Marc Loving, Jae'Sean Tate, Keita Bates-Diop, Trevor Thompson, JaQuan Lyle

Brew of the Game: Been in Mexico this week drinking a lot of stuff but mainly stuck to scotch to keep myself honest. One of the few beers that I did drink and like was Indio. A little bit darker and maltier than many beers you get down there but pretty good.

Ohio State Preview

Ohio State has had some what of a up and down season. While they were not looked upon as a contender for the crown, no one really expected them to take much of a slide back from last year. A decent non conference schedule should have set them up nicely to at least compete and pull off some upsets. Unfortunately, this was not the case.

They started out winning the first two games before dropping four straight at home in Columbus. Losing to Texas-Arlington, Louisiana Tech, Memphis, and Virginia. Most of these losses were relatively close and they even took Memphis to overtime. However, it wasn't looking too good for the Buckeyes early in the season. They went the rest of the way though the non conference with only one loss to a decent Connecticut team and ended it 8-5.

The conference slate has not been much better. They have beaten the bottom feeders and lost to the the big boys. Their best win of the season was actually to their BFF Michigan on Tuesday. The NCAA tournament is not exactly out of reach for the Buckeyes but it will take some effort against Iowa, Michigan State twice, and a win today in Lincoln. I would expect to see them in the NIT if all else fails.

Players to Watch

Marc Loving - Is the leading scorer for the Buckeyes with 12.6 ppg. His game seems to have been a little of the last couple of weeks but can be a problem if he gets hot.

Keita Bates-Diop - This forward is probably the best player on the team. He has been fairly reliable all season and has been clutch the times they needed him. Keita is second on the team with 11.9 ppg and is pulling down 6.6 rpg.

Jae'Sean Tate - Is leading the starting by shooting 52% from the floor and is just under Keita with 11.6 ppg. Nebraska can not let him get too warm on offense. If they do then we could be in for a long night.

What Will Probably Happen

This is basically a fight for the middle of the conference. Both teams are better than Rutgers, Illinois, Penn State, Minnesota, and probably Northwestern. It's not much to brag about and this is new territory for OSU but it can at least be looked upon as a starting point for next year for both young teams.

OSU likes to turn the ball over, and as you know Nebraska likes to steal. This could lead to an interesting matchup when the Husker are on defense. If Nebraska get's hot then the win could be in the cards for the Big Red. However, if the Indiana game was any indicator then the Huskers could have some problems if they go dry and OSU plays lights out. Jack McVeigh had a great game against the Hoosiers so let's hope that carries over and Watson will hopefully step up his playing a couple more levels. If things like that are added along with the greatness of Andrew White III then Nebraska can take it's next step in a "Shieldsless" world and pull off a win.

- GBR!