Hey, Buckeyes fans!
It must be a pretty big week for Ohio State sports, and the OSU basketball team is firmly in the middle of it. We will get into the latest news herein, starting with probably the most awaited season opener against Texas, then touch some football highlights, as well.
Ohio State vs Texas: Season Opener
The Ohio State men's basketball team tips off the season against No. 20 Texas on November 4th in Las Vegas. And though there have been some minor dings and dents from a slew of spirited practices under first-year head coach Jake Diebler, the Buckeyes should be ready for the national showing of their skills. The anxious fans await how the team takes to the new head coach.
Key Players to Watch
One to watch is 7-1 Kentucky transfer Aaron Bradshaw, who returns after not playing in the exhibition game against Cincinnati because of an elbow injury. His presence should add depth to the Ohio State front-court. Junior guard Bruce Thornton is a candidate for the Jersey Mike's Naismith Trophy Men's College Player of the Year watch-list. With that consistent performance and leadership, Thornton will be crucial as the Buckeyes go up against Texas.
Jake Diebler's New Beginnings
This marks the first season with Jake Diebler as the head coach of Ohio State men's basketball. He has been exerting more effort to define roles and build chemistry in his players, most of whom are new in the program. The team is determined to play tough and to play hard as they want a good start for this season.
Health and Preparation
Diebler sounded confident about the health of the team as he stated that the team was "close to full strength" for the season opener. The Buckeyes have been engaged in some warm-up games and in-house scrimmages to better prepare them for the oncoming challenges. With most players getting back from minor injuries, the team is free and raring to go against Texas.
Football Highlights
Ohio State-Penn State Showdown
Where the men's basketball team is going to start its first game of this season this week, the football team is getting ready to play a big game against Penn State Nittany Lions this weekend. Moreover, this game is very crucial with respect to the Big Ten competition and the College Football Playoff. Ohio State is trying to avoid its second loss inside the conference. Ohio State is trying to avoid its second conference loss. On the other hand, Penn State seeks to stay undefeated.
Will Howard's Quest for Vindication
Ohio State quarterback Will Howard has a personal score to settle. A suburban Philadelphia product, he dreamed of playing at Penn State, but the Nittany Lions never offered a scholarship. Now, as a transfer from Kansas State, he is determined to prove himself against his childhood team.
Drew Allar's Injury Unacknowledged
Star quarterback Drew Allar, it is reported, is a game-time decision due to an injury in his left knee. If he is not good to go, then backup Beau Pribula will take over the duties again, just like he did in last week's victory over Wisconsin.
How It Will End
This will be a closely contested, hard-nosed affair. The recent trends may be in favor of Ohio State, but it should be considered that Penn State had an outstanding season and home-field advantage, which may make the difference. Penn State would be in a far better position to win if Allar starts, but if he is out, Ohio State pulls away.
Now is a perfect time to be a Buckeyes fan. The basketball team will face a ranked Texas team, and the football team must win against Penn State to maintain its playoff chances. The question is: do you think Ohio State will start out strong against Texas in the start of the basketball season and keep their football playoff hopes alive against Penn State?