Game Preview: Ohio State vs Wisconsin

Okay, so we’re now roughly a month into the college basketball season. We’re still early in the year, but also at the point where “team identity” is starting to be established. It’s also the point where we can maybe, possibly, start to wonder about…March. While we aren't going there yet, there are two teams who have caught our attention. They're both Big Ten teams, and one of them got a pretty big win over Duke several days ago. These two teams are both facing each other Saturday in a game that could be important, but may not be down the line. That’s the beauty of college basketball.

This is a game that can go either way. Both teams are doing a solid job at generating offense and creating their own shots. E.J Liddell is a player that gives Ohio State a sizable amount of weapons. The junior forward leads the team in scoring, but can also take a step back and let his teammates do the work if needed. Keep an eye out for Malaki Branham who appears to be finding his rhythm and way for the team. We talk a lot about “x-factors” in sports, and Branham could be the silent but not so silent one for the Buckeyes.

They could however run into issues with Wisconsin’s defense which has been tough as of late. That said, Wisconsin needs to be consistent with their production on offense if they want a shot at beating Ohio State. The Badgers do have Chucky Hepburn in their arsenal, with the 6-2 freshman recently securing the Big Ten co-Freshman of the Week award. Wisconsin will also need help from Tyler Wahl and Jonathan Davis in terms of getting a rhythm going offensively. If they get stops and stay locked in on offense, they could get the win.

Ohio State gets the win on Saturday. While Wisconsin will certainly put up a fight, OSU will have the edge offensively.