wow. 1982 is like ancient history almost.

Is this game on Big 10 Network?

Yes it is................ Buckeyes struggling to hit anything after a quick 10-2 start

JMU on a 14-2 run. Bucks ice cold

I was really hoping things wouldn't look like last year but right now they do. When the Buckeyes are hot they are great. When they are cold it can seem to last forever. We have no rebounding ability right now. Lauderdale looks timid and rusty right now. The Buckeyes are going to need a lot of rebounding out of him this year.

Madsen has NO hands

Halftime .. OSU - 34 James Madison 25

I hate to see JMU to get into the middle of the zone as they have a few times.

ET is a beast.

24 pts 17 reb so far.

Final: Ohio State 72 ... James Madison 44

The Buckeyes seemed to wake up in the 2nd half and showed how dominating they can be.

Much better 2nd half defensively. Good tune up for NC.

Slow start to game, but OSU ends up winnning going away. JM was much better then Alcorn, but still not great. Turner is a PLAYER. I am not sure there is a better ALL around player in the country at this point in time. HE does it all, and does it at a high level. I know the first two opponents haven't been that good...but to do what he has done vs any D1 school is impressive.
What I like thus far, rebounding has been good and the energy on the defensive end has been very good as well. Not sure if they are going to beat UNC, but it will be a very good game. Rebounding will be key.

Turner is a beast. If Buford and Deibler are hitting from deep UNC could go down. How were the turnovers last night? I wasn't able to catch the game.

OneBuckeye wrote: Turner is a beast. If Buford and Deibler are hitting from deep UNC could go down. How were the turnovers last night? I wasn't able to catch the game.

Well, to beat a team like UNC, Buford and Deibler will HAVE to be hitting.
Turnovers were good. OSU just wasn't shooting well early, thus the somewhat close game at half.
I just like the looks of this team. They play well together, are unselfish, look like they are having fun together. All great signs.

Didn't look as well offensively last night but that will come. I really like how we have four experienced guards with lots of size. This will be a tough team to handle for UNC.

Somebody else needs to help Turner on the boards. OSU can't count on him for double digit rebounds every night. He will wear down.

Turner won't get reliable help on the boards all year, that's just reality. When you are relying heavily and looking forward to the return of Dallas Lauderdale, it says a lot, because he's an average player.

Turner is the real deal. I just hope he stays for another year.

Dallas Lauderdale, it says a lot, because he's an average player.

Average might be fine in this case. If Lauderdale can rebound and defend OSU will be just fine.They don't need points from that position.

They do need an interior threat to score though. And saying Lauderdale is average is probably giving him the benefit of the doubt.

There is no reason he shouldn't average 8-10 rebounds per game; and unfortunately I think he'll average around 4-5.

thedynasty1998 wrote: They do need an interior threat to score though. And saying Lauderdale is average is probably giving him the benefit of the doubt.

There is no reason he shouldn't average 8-10 rebounds per game; and unfortunately I think he'll average around 4-5.

I disagree. With the offensive players OSU has, and the type of slashing players to the basket like Turner, Lighty and even Buford....along with the up tempo offense they are playing this year, they don't need the inside threat.
As Prescot mentioned, OSU needs Lauderdale to rebound and play defense. And, his shot blocking ability is also a HUGE help.
I saw Turner in an interview, and he mentioned if "Dallas can get us 7pts and 7rbs a game, that will help out big time". And I totally agree with that statement. There is no reason, once his HAND is completely healed, that he cant' get 5-7pts, and 5-7 rebounds. Thats very realistic IMO. And thats all they need on any given nite.

"With the offensive players OSU has"?

When I think of offensive threats the only two guys I think of are Turner and Buford. Diebler is inconsistent and it's hard to rely on him. Lighty does the small things, I would hardly call him an offensive threat.

Who else is there that is going to scare you?

And there is a big difference from 5 and 5 compared to 7 and 7.

thedynasty1998 wrote: "With the offensive players OSU has"?

When I think of offensive threats the only two guys I think of are Turner and Buford. Diebler is inconsistent and it's hard to rely on him. Lighty does the small things, I would hardly call him an offensive threat.

Who else is there that is going to scare you?

And there is a big difference from 5 and 5 compared to 7 and 7.

Well, its quite obvious your a Diebler hater. I happen to think he has been just fine. He shot 42% on three's last year, avg. 11pts a game. One of the best shooters in the big ten, period. When you are the player he is, a 3pt shooter..you aren't going to be "on" every game from the perimeter. Call it inconsistant if you want. But he is what he is, a 3pt specialist taht teams are FORCED to guard and be aware of at all times whether he scores 2pts or 20pts. That alone opens things up for everyone else.
OSU is a VERY GOOD shooting team. They shot over 50% on the season last year, best in Big Ten.
I agree, OSU will need Diebler AND Buford to play well in big games. Lighty is capable of getting double digits as well. OSU has 3 guys who are able to create their own shots. Diebler a spot shooter, who fits in with that penetration from the others.
With Turner at the PG now, pushing the ball, passing it up as he is able to see the floor very well. I think This team is pretty good offensively.

I think this team could be very good defensively, but will struggle offensively.

You have some indivuals who have a lot of potential defensively in Hill, Turner, Buford, Light and Lauderdale. I'd say that's as good of a defensive 5 as anyone in the country, if they all buy into defense.

And yes, I am a Diebler hater, I don't like players who are soft, and that's how I think of him. And I know that not all will agree with that assessment.