Who thinks we have a shot vs. the Buckeyes?

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SelectionSunday

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I do.

Extremely difficult task, but every college basketball season there are 3-4 games where someone goes into the venue of a highly ranked (and in this case undefeated) team and pulls off a completely unexpected & perhaps defining win. Why not the Gophers? We're not so bereft of talent that we can't steal one from the Buckeyes. Certainly one benefit of a win in Columbus would be (at least temporarily) stopping this place from becoming a morgue.

No question it'll take everyone's best effort to beat the Buckeyes. Most importantly, our three junior big guys (RS III, Colton & Trevor) need to make life as difficult as possible for Sullinger. I'm thinking most specifically RSIII and Colton. If those two guys don't bring it on Sunday, there's a good chance they're going to get embarrassed. I suspect both guys have quite a bit of pride, so I expect a spirited effort out of both of 'em. If we don't get it, it has the potential for a long day. I'm banking we'll see their best Sunday.
 


It's the big ten so any team almost always has a chance. Most games are tight so we should have a chance to steal one.
 

Of course we do. Physically, we can hang with any team in the country. We have a point guard who can put pressure on the opposition on both sides of the floor with his ability to get into the paint, as well as pressure the ball handler. We have a shooting guard who is probably a top 5 shooter in the entire country and is learning how to get shots in other spot than besides just beyond the arc. We have a small forward who is one of the most athletic players in the country and when engaged can be a big factor on defense. We have a power forward among the best on the boards, a physical presence in the paint. We have a skilled center who, when motivated and zoned in, can make things difficult for opposing centers. The bench is small however, and young, which is a issue.

One of our problems this season has been the inconsistency throughout a game, especially offensively. Too many scoring droughts. Also too many lapses on the perimeter on defense giving up open deep balls. If they can stay locked in mentally, we could potentially score the upset. Being in Columbus though, I wouldn't be much on it. If this were at the Barn, I'd actually be very close to calling an upset. I just can't do it on the road yet, this team hasn't shown me it's capable of winning tough ones on the road in hostile environments.
 

It will probably come down to how hot they are shooting it from 3. They can bury a bunch from beyond the arc, but if they go cold we can bang with 'em down low and keep it "our" kind of game. I think our chances aren't GREAT of that happening, but we do have a shot.
 


Monty519 said:
Of course we do. Physically, we can hang with any team in the country. We have a point guard who can put pressure on the opposition on both sides of the floor with his ability to get into the paint, as well as pressure the ball handler. We have a shooting guard who is probably a top 5 shooter in the entire country and is learning how to get shots in other spot than besides just beyond the arc. We have a small forward who is one of the most athletic players in the country and when engaged can be a big factor on defense. We have a power forward among the best on the boards, a physical presence in the paint. We have a skilled center who, when motivated and zoned in, can make things difficult for opposing centers. The bench is small however, and young, which is a issue.

One of our problems this season has been the inconsistency throughout a game, especially offensively. Too many scoring droughts. Also too many lapses on the perimeter on defense giving up open deep balls. If they can stay locked in mentally, we could potentially score the upset. Being in Columbus though, I wouldn't be much on it. If this were at the Barn, I'd actually be very close to calling an upset. I just can't do it on the road yet, this team hasn't shown me it's capable of winning tough ones on the road in hostile environments.
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Based on your post, the Gophers better have a chance to win. Why wouldnt they? By the way, I agree with your first paragraph. And your second.

Fan expectations for this team seem to be low and decreasing. With the experienced team on the floor and the coach in place, expectations should be high and increasing.

Time for the team to step up and win.
 

We'll be the best team they have faced in a quite a while. Anything can happen.
 

I agree. OSU hasn't really been tested yet. Maybe we catch them off-guard. I expect the usual Big Ten road officiating, with Matta turning purple as usual. This 6 or 7-on-5 will make it tough.
 





It will be closer than some are thinking. IMO, this team seems to play to their level of competition and rise up for the bigger games. RSIII is going to have to play bigger than he has the past month. Personally, I would rather see Colt out there more. I think Colt has more of a killer instinct and wouldn't be afraid to mix it up with Sullinger.
 

On a more serious note-

I absolutely believe the Gophers can win. It's certainly a tall task but everything being equal this is three games over Matta's best start in his history at tOSU.

The 14-0 record to begin the season is the best start for Thad Matta at Ohio State (previous best was in 2005-06, when the team began 11-0) and his first time completing a non-conference schedule undefeated.
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They're also getting near pretty rarified air in their history-

The 14-0 overall record is the fourth-best start in Ohio State history (1960-61, 27-0; 1961-62, 22-0; 1990-91, 17-0).
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They will lose a game for no other reason than they're due to lose. Quite a forensic analysis I know but sh-t happens and the Gophers win. Why not?
 

I think we can win IF Ralph can somehow get fired up and have a good game and we can somehow stop their 3 point shooting....Two very big IF's...I honestly don't see the first one happening
 



I just lost my nearly finished analysis. :mad: So here is what I can remember...

We all know that it is very difficult to go into another Big Ten team's venue and steal a game, especially with that team being #2 Ohio St. But as others have suggested, and is proven every year, there are always wins that come when you least expect it. Ohio state is 15-0 and has all but embarrassed most of their opponents this season. I feel they have the makeup of a final four contender team with the experienced backcourt in Diebler, Lighty and Buford and the Big Ten freshman of the year, Jared Sullenger (averaging 18-10) manning the blocks with defensive specialist Lauderdale. I believe there are two keys that will make or break us in this game:

1. Our Bigs: - 15 fouls to give.
Plain and simple, Ralph needs to show up for this game. When he's aggressive, he can be a joy to watch (Purdue, last year). When he looks like he's just going through the motions, he can be the most aggravating player on the floor and get dominated by shorter players. Ralph needs to be aggressive. When he's on the block he needs to get a seal on his defender and establish his position early on in the possession. When he's at the free throw line in the high low he needs to be smart with the basketball.

Mbakwe- Keep doing what you're doing.

Colton- I expect big things from Colton in this game. I really think this game fits his style of play. It'll be a physical battle with Lauderdale, and a footwork contest with Sullenger. I like Colton against Lauderdale on both ends of the floor and I'm optimistic for the battles against Sullenger. Move your feet big man.

I really think we're going to miss Mo Walker's body and aggressive style of play in this one.

HEDGE ON SCREENS! Force the ball out behind the three point line - make the entry passes to Sullenger difficult.

2. Perimeter Defense: - This is where I'm less optimistic.
For the love of everything that is holy, please don't send a double team down on Lauderdale. I understand that Tubby's defensive scheme calls for guards doubling down on the post to cause turns and deflections, but the only time we need to send a double is when the ball goes down to JS. Period.
We're going to have a difficult time hanging with Lighty, Diebler and Buford. We can't let Diebler go off for 30. He'll get his but we really need to contain him. Because when Diebler is hot, he is lights out. This will be a good test for Rodney on the defensive side of the ball. Fighting through screens, etc.

As for Lighty and Buford. Lighty has made himself into a nice player since developing a jump shot. I am looking for a lock down defensive performance from Nolen, disrupting Lighty and not letting him feel comfortable.

Blake's gotta move those feet.

My prep period is over, gotta go.
 

Yes we can

I would love for Al to beat the sh$t out of their PG in every play. He came from UT. He thinks that he is all that.

Go Gophers
 

I dont think MN will win, but they do have a chance. I would put it at about 25-30%, just my opinion...I hope they can pull it out, it would make up for the two losses to begin the saeson and then some.
 

SelectionSunday said:
I do.

Extremely difficult task, but every college basketball season there are 3-4 games where someone goes into the venue of a highly ranked (and in this case undefeated) team and pulls off a completely unexpected & perhaps defining win. Why not the Gophers? We're not so bereft of talent that we can't steal one from the Buckeyes. Certainly one benefit of a win in Columbus would be (at least temporarily) stopping this place from becoming a morgue.

No question it'll take everyone's best effort to beat the Buckeyes. Most importantly, our three junior big guys (RS III, Colton & Trevor) need to make life as difficult as possible for Sullinger. I'm thinking most specifically RSIII and Colton. If those two guys don't bring it on Sunday, there's a good chance they're going to get embarrassed. I suspect both guys have quite a bit of pride, so I expect a spirited effort out of both of 'em. If we don't get it, it has the potential for a long day. I'm banking we'll see their best Sunday.
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Gophers have a chance to W (or L) every game the rest of 2011 season.

If players and coaches don't take that approach, they should forfeit.

Example http://www.bigbluehistory.net/bb/Statistics/Games/19550108GeorgiaTech.html here.
 

Of course we have a chance. If OSU goes cold, we can absolutely beat them, even on the road. I think the key is going after Sullinger early. If he's not beasting, we'll absolutely have the ability to control things down low. Remember, we beat OSU last year in Turner's first game back, and looked reasonably good doing so, especially because Nolen was very disruptive. Rodney also is going to have to do a good job on both ends. I really hope Colt gets a lot of minutes and is aggressive. This is the sort of physical game he should be able to thrive in. If he gets back to last year's aggressive moves to the basket, not fading away, and if he makes his layups, he could be a factor.
 

Yep, we have a chance, but just like the Wisky game it is really tough to win on the road. I agree with earlier post that we have ~30% chance of winning.
 

It will come down to if OSU hits outside shots and our turnovers.

OSU doesn't even need to go 50% from 3, probably 30% will get the job done. If we limit our turnovers (so they don't get easy transition points) and if OSU (especially Diebler and Lighty) is really cold from 3 (see; Diebler 1-8 from 3 at the Barn last winter), we have a chance. To the delight of Dboy, Sullinger will not be able to dominate down low like in previous BT games, mostly because he will get doubled every time he touches the ball unless he turns quickly to the baseline every time. The defensive strategy Tubby plays will limit Sullinger on philosophy alone. That's why our games usually come down to if the other team makes 3's.
 

jmag21 said:
Of course we have a chance. If OSU goes cold, we can absolutely beat them, even on the road. I think the key is going after Sullinger early. If he's not beasting, we'll absolutely have the ability to control things down low. Remember, we beat OSU last year in Turner's first game back, and looked reasonably good doing so, especially because Nolen was very disruptive. Rodney also is going to have to do a good job on both ends. I really hope Colt gets a lot of minutes and is aggressive. This is the sort of physical game he should be able to thrive in. If he gets back to last year's aggressive moves to the basket, not fading away, and if he makes his layups, he could be a factor.
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Turner didn't play in that game. Someone else wore his jersey number and nearly put up a triple-double.

The reason we won last year was outside shooting. Blake went off, Diebler was 1-8. End of story.
 

Thanks for clueing me in FOT, I wasn't aware the Gophers had a chance on Sunday and in the rest of their games this season.

Conversation starter. Get it?
 

josh087 said:
It will come down to if OSU hits outside shots and our turnovers.

OSU doesn't even need to go 50% from 3, probably 30% will get the job done. If we limit our turnovers (so they don't get easy transition points) and if OSU (especially Diebler and Lighty) is really cold from 3 (see; Diebler 1-8 from 3 at the Barn last winter), we have a chance. To the delight of Dboy, Sullinger will not be able to dominate down low like in previous BT games, mostly because he will get doubled every time he touches the ball unless he turns quickly to the baseline every time. The defensive strategy Tubby plays will limit Sullinger on philosophy alone. That's why our games usually come down to if the other team makes 3's.
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We can do this. If we double Sullinger every time I think we will get absolutely torched from the 3 point line. I hope we pick our spots. On offense- Nolen and Williams need to drive to the hoop non-stop.
 


Put our chances at about 20%. Regardless, really looking forward to Trevor and Sullinger clashing. Would love to have had Mo's 300 lbs. and minutes available.
 

5% chance. As in, play this game 100 times, Gophers win 5.

Pretty bad matchup. Out-talented. On the road. Gophers don't have their usual advantage in the paint, and tOSU is a team with multiple 3 pt threats.
 

A lot depends on when you play a team. OSU probably had their worst game at Iowa - barely hanging on - I think we are playing them at the right time. Al had his best half of the year and so did Rodney. I agree with an earlier post that Ralph could be the difference. Put some arch on those little hooks - knock down those open jump shots and make 2 out 2 free throws!!!
 

When Tubby was at Kentucky he had a 50% chance to win every game.
 

They can win this game, Trevor covers Sullinger, Sullinger sits, Mbwake sits etc.. Don't double down from the guards so you don't give them open 3's. Play them straight up man and see what happens.
 

USAFChief said:
5% chance. As in, play this game 100 times, Gophers win 5.

Pretty bad matchup. Out-talented. On the road. Gophers don't have their usual advantage in the paint, and tOSU is a team with multiple 3 pt threats.
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I have you covered.
 

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