UNC vs Ohio State: 3 key storylines for ACC-Big Ten Challenge matchup

North Carolina and Ohio State face off on one of the signature matchups of the 2019 ACC-Big Ten Challenge. Here are the biggest storylines for the top-10 showdown.

North Carolina and Ohio State meet on Wednesday night in one of the headlining games of the 2019 ACC–Big Ten Challenge, a game that will also have major ramifications nationally.

The Tar Heels come into the game ranked No. 7 in the country following a third-place finish at the Battle 4 Atlantis last week. There, they suffered their first loss – a 73-64 defeat at the hands of now No. 4 Michigan – but rebounded to beat a ranked Oregon team. Led by freshman superstar Cole Anthony, they’re looking to prove that they still belong among the nation’s elite teams.

The same can be said for the Buckeyes, who are ranked one spot about UNC at No. 6. They have maintained a perfect record at 7-0 but, after beating Cincinnati in the season opener and blowing out Villanova a week later, Ohio State has played four games against lesser competition to prepare for this matchup.

Despite having three weeks between marquee games – and them playing away from Columbus for the first time – guard Duane Washington Jr. told reporters that the Buckeyes have stayed ready for stages like this.

"“We need to be prepared for the moment whenever it comes. We had a serious approach going into this year.”"

How Ohio State plays in their first road game of the year is something to watch on Wednesday night. What else should you be looking for? Here are the three biggest storylines for the game.