The Browns’ upcoming matchup vs Pittsburgh will define who they are
November 26, 2019
Rivalry Weekend: While We’re Waiting
November 27, 2019After beating Villanova and moving all the way up to No. 10 last week, there was very little movement in this week’s AP Top 25. With the Ohio State Buckeyes taking care of business against Stetson and Purdue Fort Wayne, the scarlet and gray once again checked in at No. 10 in the recept poll. It’s the first time this season that the Buckeyes have not moved in the poll.
In fact, there wasn’t much movement at all in the top-16, as just two teams (Maryland jumped North Carolina) had a different ranking than they did last week. With a perfect 6-0 record, the Buckeyes are just behind Kentucky, who were upset by Evansville a couple of weeks ago.
Ohio State is joined by just two other Big Ten teams in the top 25, with Michigan State (No. 3) and Maryland (5) also ranked. The conference might have three top-10 teams, but the fact that it only has three ranked teams isn’t ideal, especially considering the Big Ten is always one of the deepest conferences in college basketball.
To make matters worse for the conference, the Spartans were upset by Virginia Tech Monday night in the Maui Invitational, meaning that Michigan State will slide down the rankings next week. Then again, the Buckeyes continue to win, and that’s really all that matters.
In terms of ESPN’s Power Rankings this week, Ohio State is once again No. 8 this week, much like they were last week.
Word coming out of Columbus in the preseason was that Kyle Young was making himself a real factor in Ohio State’s frontcourt, bringing energy and relentlessness on the offensive glass. Through five games, the preseason hype has been warranted. Young moved into the starting lineup this season after coming off the bench for most of Big Ten play last season, and he has been a much-needed dose of toughness and aggressive around the rim. Young is one of the best offensive rebounders in the country, grabbing 12 so far this season — including seven in the season opener against Cincinnati.
After beating Kent State, 71-52, Monday night, the No.10 Buckeyes will play Morgan State Friday night to close out the week.
