Big challenges ahead for the Buckeyes

ESPN's Joe Lunardi had projected Ohio State as a five seed before they beat Nebraska in the Big Ten Tournament on Friday. He kept them as a five even after they lost to Michigan on Saturday.

However, the committee ended up seeding them sixth in the South Region. Far more important than the seed, though, are the opponents they will face.

The Buckeyes will start with Dayton on Thursday afternoon. The Flyers are one of six teams from the Atlantic 10 that made it into the tournament. They are led by guard Jordan Sibert, who of course spent two seasons at Ohio State before tr
ansferring.

The early line has Ohio State favored by only five points. Make no mistake, it is going to be tough for the Buckeyes just to get through to the round of 32.

If they do, Syracuse will likely await them. Considering that they are a six seed, the Buckeyes really couldn't ask for a better opponent at that point than then Orange, who lost four of their last six regular season games before losing in their first ACC Tournament game. It would be an understatement to say that they are limping into this tournament. Their zone defense would give Ohio State's pedestrian offense some trouble, but it's the same zone that the Buckeyes were able to overcome in the Elite Eight two years ago.

Still, it would be a surprise if Ohio State got back to the Sweet 16 for a fifth consecutive year. If they do, Kansas would likely be their opponent.

So, temper your expectations. Losing in the Sweet 16 is usually a disappointment for Thad Matta's teams. This year, it would be a pretty big accomplishment.