The Illinois Fighting Illini (8-6, 0-1) will be back in action on Sunday to face the Ohio State Buckeyes (9-5, 1-0) in Columbus. Illinois leads the all-time series between the two programs 104-74, but John Groce is only 1-4 against the Buckeyes since taking the job in 2012; that lone win came three years ago.
Whilst creating the first edition of my Big Ten basketball power rankings back in May, I noted that Ohio State, though very inexperienced, could have the most talented roster in the conference. I mean, 8/11 of the Buckeyes' players were former four-star prospects or better coming out of high school (would've been 9/12, but freshman guard Austin Grandstaff is transferring).