The Front Row

We learned that Bdog covered the spread -7.5 and the over at 129 for another $405 son! Buford should have to run suicides till he pukes!

I think we have just misjudged what sort of player Buford is. Is there anytime in his career here at Ohio State he hasn't been a streaky shooter? Some nights he just goes off. Others he disappears. Maybe he never really has been the offensive super star we always hoped he would be. Star players don't crap out as often as Buford has especially in big games. In big games are where the stars shine. Maybe Buford has always been just a guy who can score.....sometimes. We have been waiting for four years for Buford to step up and be "The Man".

I don't think he ever was nor will he ever be. Whats more is I don't think Buford even wants to be "The Man". Not dogging on Buford like others do. I'm just simply saying maybe we all expect something out of this kid that he simply cannot deliver. The history certainly bears this to be true.

What a great team effort very proud. This team is a bunch of fighters I'm happy for them & all of Buckeye Nation! !! 3 more wins would be a dream come true .... One game at a time Syracuse showed alot of heart too!!

Its interesting that Thad Matta referred to the first half as Buford's best twenty minutes of defense all year and that was where he wanted his focus to be. Was that a cover or does anyone think he was that good on D?

Here is our game story with postgame videos with all 5 starters and a ton of notables:

http://ohiostate.247sports.com/Article/Buckeyes-Turn-Back-Cincinnati-81-66-66909

Elite Eight is next, we will have coverage of the interview sessions here on Friday.

Thank you, you are the best Steve! !! I cant wait til Saturday ...

Lets give Coach Matta some credit, In the dance having ball handlers in the back court is of the highest importance. Turnovers will kill you. I think in playing Scott he has been playing match ups. Sam T certainly is more athletic and probably better defensively but he certailnly isn't a great ball handler. Neither of them have scored much. Buford only plays big against little competition. Once the pressure is on he struggles. Its just William he is a quiet meek nice kid who isn't set up mentally for the high pressure stuff. Matta's statement in the press conference about the best 20 minutes of D is an attempt to build the kid up but he has two games left in his college career it be nice if he contributed something. In the mean time llets jump on the back of D Thomas and ride him to the championship.

The entire team played great defensively and we had great passing last night; big win.

AMEN!!

You guys have no idea when you've got it good.

Well , now we'll see what the Bucks are made of. Everything up till now has just been preseason . Saturday starts the real deal. I hope Buford shows up for a change. Unfortunately , our lack of bench playing time will rear its ugly head as fatigue sets in. Matta has had every opportunity to develop our overrated freshman class , but has failed . Sure wish we had Burke instead of Scott. I'll hold my breath and cheer like hell---GO BUCKS ! !

I think what we have to acknowledge that this is a problem with Buford's mental state. I've watched him play enough over the years and have had a chance to interact with him off the court. The skill is there and the will is there. He is a good kid and I wish him the best.