OHIO STATE 87 NU 54 (F)

The bad news is that NU started off B1G play with a thud when they were obliterated by Ohio State in Columbus.  The good news is that it was the last game was 2011, and NU can turn a new page in 2012 as it hosts woeful Penn State on New Year's day.

It is very difficult to find a silver lining from yesterday's game.  Maybe we could point to Dave Sobolewski holding his own against the #2 team in the land by being aggressive and attacking the rim (10 points including 5-7 on FTs).  That's a stretch and really is about it.  Things got very ugly for NU starting about 8 minutes into the game.  The final 2:30 of the game probably summarizes this game the best.  During this stretch NU's first string was outscored by the end of OSU's bench 6-0.  Woof!

Even though the Welsh is likely to be dead on Jan 1 this is just about as good a time as any for Penn State to visit the Welsh.  NU needs a shot of confidence, and the clawless Nittany Lions are just what the doctor ordered.  Since on paper this is the easiest W remaining on the schedule we are willing to allow that there is some urgency for a win on Sunday.  However with 17 games remaining plus the conference tourney this ain't a "must win" game even though we are certain others will attempt to paint it as such.  There is plenty of time remaining for NU to right the ship, and only something short of a 2-4 start to conference play would make us start to reach for the panic button. 

It's time to take care of business.  Show your mettle Johnny Shurna et al.!