Purdue

While it's too early in the season to say that the Purdue game tomorrow is a "must-win", it is pretty close to it.

After starting off the year 7-1, OSU has since lost 4 out of their last 8 games, and started off Big 10 play 1-3, currently tied for second to last place in the conference. 6 of these last 8 games have been without star player Evan Turner, and it is clear that the team does not have the same chemistry that they once had before Turner got injured.

Tomorrow night's contest at #6 Purdue provides the Bucks to regain some of their momentum. A victory on the road against a top 10 opponent would do wonders for a team that seems to be in a real funk right now. Confidence is something that is surely lacking, but could be regained in a swivel if they can take down Purdue.

A loss could put the team into a tailspin that they might not be able to get out of. After tomorrow's game against Purdue, the Buckeyes have #16 Wisconsin at home, face Northwestern, and then travel to #9 West Virginia. All 3 of these games are going to be tough.

Wisconsin already beat the Buckeyes 65-43 in the first Big 10 game of the season. Northwestern is a very good team that appeared in the top 25 at a point this season. And West Virginia is a top 3 Big East team, and their top 10 ranking speaks for itself. The Buckeyes could very well go 1-2, or possibly even 0-3 in this stretch of games, which is why the Purdue game is so important.