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Ohio State vs. Kansas: TV Schedule, Live Stream, Spread Info and More

Thad Novak
Dec 9, 2011

Two of the nationโ€™s most battle-tested teams face off on Saturday afternoon when the No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes visit the No. 13 Kansas Jayhawks. Each team will be facing its third ranked opponent of the year in a matchup loaded with future NBA talent.

Where: Phog Allen Fieldhouse

When: 3:15 p.m. ET

Watch: ESPN, or live stream at espn.com

Listen: Ohio State, ESPN 1460โ€”Kansas, KLWN-AM 1320

Betting Line: Ohio State at -2.5, according to sportswagersource.com.

Assuming Jared Sullinger plays, the Buckeyes should win, which is really all itโ€™ll take to cover this spread.

Key Injuries

Ohio State PF Jared Sullinger (back), questionable

Kansas PG Tyshawn Taylor (knee), probable

Whatโ€™s At Stake?

The Buckeyes are looking for a win in their first game away from home, which would be their third victory over a ranked team, and all but lock up a No. 1 seed. Kansas, if they can beat their first-ranked foe in three tries, would elbow their way into the top-seed discussion pending their performance in Big 12 play.

What Theyโ€™re Saying

Ohio State coach Thad Matta looks forward to his team facing its first hostile crowd, telling The Washington Post, "In terms of that type of atmosphere affecting you, youโ€™ll find out a lot about your teamโ€ฆThis will be a great opportunity."

Kansas coach Bill Self has no desire to get any advantage from Sullinger missing the game. He told the Post, "I hope everybodyโ€™s healthy and everybody plays and itโ€™s an unbelievable game where you have two terrific teams and sets of players going after each other."

Ohio State Player to Watch

SG William Buford has been the Buckeyesโ€™ second-leading scorer at 16 points per game. If Sullinger is less than 100 percent, the pressure will be on the three-point-shooting Buford to pick up the slack.

Kansas Player to Watch

PG Tyshawn Taylor has stepped up as a scorer in his senior year (16.8 points a night). Heโ€™ll need to have his wits about him against quick-handed Aaron Craft of the Buckeyes.

Key Matchup

Ohio State PF Jared Sullinger vs. Kansas PF Thomas Robinson. The two best in the nation at their position, this duo will be the focus of the offense on both ends of the floor. A big advantageโ€”and if Sullingerโ€™s out, Robinson will have oneโ€”in scoring either way, will be all it takes to settle this game.

Prediction

If Sullinger is out, Robinson will overwhelm whatโ€™s left of the Buckeyes' front line. More likely, though, Sullinger will play, and play well, in a close OSU victory.