Ohio State Basketball: 3 reasons why the Buckeyes can win the Big Ten

3. The schedule is manageable

February 7 is circled on every calendar in Columbus. That’s when the Buckeyes travel to West Lafayette and play one of the top teams in the country, Purdue. Outside of that, however, Ohio State only has one currently-ranked team left on their schedule, a road trip to face the Michigan Wolverines. The Buckeyes are currently in the midst of a rare five-game homestand.

They already crushed Minnesota during this stretch, with games against Illinois, Indiana, Nebraska, and Penn State forthcoming. None of those opponents should strike fear into Buckeye hearts.

Additionally, two home games remain against Iowa and Rutgers who, with the Fighting Illini, find themselves in the basement of the Big Ten.

Purdue – the only other undefeated team in the conference – doesn’t have a daunting schedule but it’s a bit tougher. There are still three ranked games on the schedule, including a trip to the Spartans immediately after the Ohio State game.

Before the season, it was easy to count out the Buckeyes. Doing so is no longer possible.

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In the next month, it’s possible the Buckeyes revert to expectations. But it seems much more likely that the team will finish first or second in the Big Ten, setting themselves up for a postseason run.