Moment of truth for Buckeye Ballers

In a few days the OSU basketball team will tip off for a second straight showdown with the Michigan State Spartans. It's a bit amazing to think that after a national championship appearance that OSU is in need of tournament victories to ensure the spot. Yet due to a sub par season that included zero significant road victories (Syracuse is a neutral site game) here we are. While OSU kept its at large bid alive with wins over Purdue and MSU this past week, I have a few fears heading into this game. However these fears are more geared around what MSU can do and less about OSU.

It's imperative to remember that MSU needs wins as well. The Spartans roster from top to bottom stacks up well amongst the conference. In fact with Drew Neitzel and Raymar Morgan leading the charge, they may be the most talented team in the Big Ten. That means that in order to make a serious NCAA tourney run, the Spartans need to impress in this tourney. The skill is clear and with Tom Izzo's tourney resume, a legit run to perhaps the elite eight is plausible (though not likely as of now in my view). This team will have to conquer this weekends festivities to secure a solid ranking and they don't lose in there first round matchup much.

Now the biggest positive in my view is that OSU is finally playing confidently and well. They had the look of a scary team in November/December and are starting to get that swagger back. When they move the basketball around and somebody steps up in key situations, this team appears capable of playing with most teams in America. The talent is unquestioned and Matta also has a history of success in the tourney format.

I expect nothing less then a great basketball game, which is a huge positive for alumni, students and fans alike. Am I predicting an OSU victory? Its Tuesday so I'm going to have to wait on that one (probably a good career move). But I sure won't put one in the win column for the Spartans just yet. This my friends is just the beginning of March Madness. Hopefully it’s not also the end. Go Bucks!