Jared Sullinger, Buckeyes Romp in First Big Test Against Gators

If there were any questions about Ohio State (and I had some) may they rest in peace.

Most teams don't peak in November, but after last night's performance against Florida, Thad Matta may wonder what to do for an encore.

How about the Big Ten title?

After a first half that was little more than a pick-up game, the Buckeyes displayed  some pizzazz at both ends of the court, and in the end, wound up crushing the Gators, 93-75.

Jared Sullinger was a force, scoring twenty-six points and adding ten rebounds to lead Ohio State. It was a surprisingly low margin of victory considering the Bucs shot 63 percent from the field. David Lighty scored 26 as well as the Gator defense, again, played matador to a top-flight offense.

As much as Ohio State impressed, Florida disappointed. Favorites to take the SEC East, the Gators, with much the same team as last season, played much the same way they did last season. The turnovers were awful, the defense was worse and one has to wonder if Alex Tyus and Vernon Macklin will ever be the "answer" for the Gator frontcourt. When your team shoots 61 percent, you really should expect to win, not lose by 20.

On the flip side, the Buckeyes are one Aaron Craft away from being exceptionally good. Craft was okay, with seven points and five assists, but committed three of the Bucs eight turnovers. No biggie, really, considering that eight turnovers in a college game is an anomaly.

If I was Billy Donovan I would have one word for this performance: Ouch.