Ohio State Buckeyes: 31-0? Predictions for Their Last Nine Games

Survive and advance.

Those three words are usually reserved for March Madness. But they perfectly describe what the Ohio State Buckeyes must be feeling after escaping with a 58-57 win over the Northwestern Wildcats.

At 22-0, the Buckeyes can expect to get every opponent’s best effort. Their quest continues on Thursday night in Columbus against their arch-rival, the Michigan Wolverines.

With nine games left, here are some thoughts about, and predictions for, whether perfection is within reach. This is the toughest part of their schedule, and there are several games that could put an end to the dream of an undefeated regular season.

February 3: Michigan Wolverines

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INDIANAPOLIS - MARCH 12: Guard Darius Morris #4 of the Michigan Wolverines controls the ball during the game against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the quarterfinals of the Big Ten Men's Basketball Tournament at Conseco Fieldhouse on March 12, 2010 in Indiana

The Wolverines gave the Buckeyes a scare in Ann Arbor before succumbing 68-64 on January 12. Led by leading scorer Darius Morris, the Wolverines have been a tough out. Still, it’s hard to see them being the team to end this streak with the Buckeyes returning to their home court.

It could be said the Buckeyes will be looking ahead to a tough road trip. But after nearly being upset by Northwestern, this team should have Thad Matta’s full attention.

Prediction: Ohio State 72, Michigan 60

February 6: At Minnesota Golden Gophers

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MILWAUKEE - MARCH 19: Head coach Tubby Smith of the Minnesota Golden Gophers calls out in the first half during the first round of the 2010 NCAA men's basketball tournament against the Xavier Musketeers at the Bradley Center on March 19, 2010 in Milwauke

In their first meeting, the Golden Gophers got Dallas Lauderdale and David Lighty in foul trouble, which contributed to Minnesota making 24 out of 27 free throws, including 19-of-19 in the second half.

Without similar production, Tubby Smith will have a difficult time containing the Buckeyes, even on their home floor.

Prediction: Ohio State 68, Minnesota 61

February 12: At Wisconsin Badgers

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LAS VEGAS - NOVEMBER 20: Jon Leuer #30 of the Wisconsin Badgers looks to pass the ball inbounds as Derrick Jasper #5 of the UNLV Rebels defends during their game at the Thomas & Mack Center November 20, 2010 in Las Vegas, Nevada. UNLV won 68-65. (Photo

If the Buckeyes needed a tune-up for the Badgers, they got it from Northwestern. The Buckeyes will have to make sure they come prepared to play defense, because you know the Badgers will.

Wisconsin will be hoping that 6'10" senior forward Jon Leuer, who leads the team in both points and rebounds, will present a matchup problem.

I'm not expecting many open looks, so the Buckeyes will have to be patient. This looks to be an outstanding game, and I wouldn’t be surprised if the perfect season ended here.

Prediction: Ohio State 58, Wisconsin 55

February 15: Michigan State Spartans

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DURHAM, NC - DECEMBER 01: Head coach Tom Izzo of the Michigan State Spartans reacts to a call against the Duke Blue Devils during their game at Cameron Indoor Stadium on December 1, 2010 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

Sometimes, it’s better to be lucky than good. As good as the Buckeyes are, they are incredibly fortunate to only have to play the Spartans once this year. And they get them on their home court.

It’s never easy facing a Tom Izzo-coached team in February or March. That being said, this may be a Spartans team that doesn’t have a much higher ceiling.

Prediction: Ohio State 75, Michigan State 65

February 20: At Purdue Boilermakers

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WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - JANUARY 09: JaJuan Johnson #25 of the Purdue Boilermakers shoots the ball during the Big Ten Conference game against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Mackey Arena on January 9, 2011 in West Lafayette, Indiana. Purdue won 75-52. (Photo by Andy

Needless to say, Matt Painter will have this Purdue squad highly motivated. You have to expect a top effort from the Boilermakers who got a big effort from leading scorer JaJuan Johnson, but not much else, and were never really in the game against the Buckeyes on January 25th.

Was Ohio State 23 points better than Purdue? No. But even a 10-point swing on either side should be enough. Look for the Buckeyes to prevail in a tight one.

Prediction: Ohio State 74, Purdue 70

February 22: Illinois Fighting Illini

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CHAMPAIGN, IL - JANUARY 22: Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bruce Weber looks on in the first half against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Assembly Hall on January 22, 2011 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

Bruce Weber and the Illini will have to hope the Buckeyes have a letdown after their game against Purdue.

I’m thinking it won’t happen.

Prediction: Ohio State 76, Illinois 62

February 27: Indiana Hoosiers

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BLOOMINGTON, IN - DECEMBER 27: Tom Crean the Head Coach of the Indiana Hoosiers gives instructions to Verdell Jones III #12 during the Big Ten Conference game against the Penn State Nittany Lions on December 27, 2010 at Assembly Hall in Bloomington, Indi

Tom Crean’s team just doesn’t have enough firepower, yet.

However, playing a team on New Year’s Eve is different than playing them in late February. Undoubtedly, this team will be looking to gather some momentum for the Big Ten tournament. But in the end, the Buckeyes will be too much.

Prediction: Ohio State 82, Indiana 70

March 1: At Penn State Nittany Lions

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INDIANAPOLIS - MARCH 11: Guard Talor Battle #12 of the Penn State Nittany Lion stands on the court during the game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers in the first round of the Big Ten Men's Basketball Tournament at Conseco Fieldhouse on March 11, 2010

If you’re looking for an upset alert, this is the game for you. Ohio State escaped with a three-point victory in Columbus and now have to make what is always a difficult road trip to Happy Valley.

Led by 2009-2010 All-Big Ten senior Talor Battle, Penn State should be playing for a possible trip to the NCAA tournament. Getting the scalp of the Buckeyes would probably move them off the bubble, regardless of what happens in the tournament.

Be nervous Buckeye faithful. Be nervous.

Prediction: Ohio State 69, Penn State 68 (OT)

March 6: Wisconsin Badgers

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MILWAUKEE - MARCH 21: Dallas Lauderdale #52 and David Lighty #23 of the Ohio State Buckeyes box out Gani Lawal #31 of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets during the second round of the 2010 NCAA men's basketball tournament at the Bradley Center on March 21,

If the Buckeyes make it through that gauntlet of games at 30-0, their reward is a rematch with the Badgers in Columbus.

This will be the last home game for David Lighty, Dallas Lauderdale and the rest of the Buckeye seniors. You can bet Thad Matta will use that, and more, to squeeze every drop of emotion out of his squad.

Prediction: Ohio State 67, Wisconsin 60