Minnesota at Ohio State

Minnesota began this month with upset victories against Northwestern and Iowa. Since then, the Gophers lost by one point in overtime to USC, suffered a 3-point loss to Wisconsin when the Badgers hit a long 3-pointer at the buzzer, and covered against Illinois in a 10-point loss this past Saturday. Minnesota has come close and is good enough to hang with Ohio State on the road. The Buckeyes don't have a signature win on their resume. Minnesota actually has two wins more than Ohio State, with victories over Indiana and Iowa. The Gophers match up physically well against the Buckeyes, who have a small backcourt. Minnesota doesn't have much depth, but neither does Ohio State. Minnesota ranks 24th defensively, allowing an average of 64.3 points a game. Ohio State is 98th defensively, giving up an average of 72.1 points per game, and has failed to cover in six of its last nine games. Take Minnesota.