(1) Ohio State -4.5 vs. (5) Tennessee (O/U: 144.5)
After escaping against Xavier in Round 2, things don't get easier for TOBTTR (The only Big-10 team remaining). The Buckeyes face Tennessee in the 2nd Round and the Vols are hot. Tennessee has won 9 of its last 11 games, including big wins over Florida, Arkansas and Kentucky; and a tough 2nd-round victory over Virginia. Of course, Ohio State is hotter, winners of 19 straight, a winning streak that started on January 13th with a victory over, who else, the Tennessee Volunteers.
TOSU needed a big game from their guards to bail them out against Xavier and they got it, as Mike Conley took over down the stretch and in overtime to lead them to victory. But the game might have exposed Ohio State's greatest weakness, that Greg Oden can be somewhat neutralized if you open up the offense, spread the floor and run up-and-down the court.
This could play right into Tennessee's hands. The Vols love to play in transition, getting open 3 pointers and cuts to the basket. Look for them to utilize a lot of dribble penetration when they're forced into a half-court set to try and lure Greg Oden into foul trouble. Wayne Chism had a great game against Virginia, but won't be able to hold his own against Oden. However, Tennessee can attempt to draw Oden away from the rim by getting the ball to Chism early for a couple of his patented short jumpers.
Ohio State usually can adapt to their opponents and beat them at any pace. They might pull out a match-up zone in this one to try to cut off Tennessee's penetration lanes and keep Oden out of foul trouble. This is a very young Buckeyes team, and now that we've reached the big stage, they'll need solid coaching to keep them going. Can Thad Matta provide that? It's debatable.
Battle of the Mascots: This has to be the wussiest mascot battle of the 3rd Round. A droopy-eared hound vs. a giant fuckin' buckeye. I guess the dog would eat the buckeye and that would be that, huh? Edge: Tennessee
Battle of the Famous Alumni: Tennessee has its fair share of famous athletes (Peyton Manning, Reggie White, Justin Gatlin, Todd Helton). Also famous country singer Deanna Carter. Ohio State also has a laundry list of great athletes (Jerry Lucas, Jesse Owens, Cris Carter and Jack Nicklaus). And famous country singer Dwight Yoakam. So who would win in a fight, Deanna Carter or Dwight Yoakam? Your answer to that probably says a lot about you as a person. Edge: Ohio State
The play to make: It's hard to imagine Ohio State going down this early in the tournament, but they have had the closest call of any 1 seed thus far. The truth is, Tennessee is a dangerous match-up for the Buckeyes, this Vols team outgun Ohio State and Chris Lofton is playing like a man on a mission right now. If you're going to play Tennessee, definitely consider their money line as well. Play: Tennessee +4.5 (high confidence); Under 144.5 (low confidence)
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