Ohio State goes on the road again, this time to Indianapolis to meet
Notre Dame in the Hall of Fame Classic. This will be the second ranked team the
Buckeyes will face on the road after defeating Miami (FL) in South Beach
on Tuesday.
By Steve Patterson
Opening Lucas Oil Stadium
Ohio State Head Coach Thad Matta
spoke with the media on Thursday about the match-up with Notre Dame and what it
will be like to be playing in the new Lucas Oil Stadium. “We’re obviously very
excited about the opportunity to come to Indianapolis and play in Lucas Oil
Stadium and be a part of the Hall of Fame Classic.” He said. “I think this is a
great event and I view this as an NCAA Tournament-type of atmosphere. To be a
part of opening up, as you think about all the great games that are going to
played in this building, to be the first one is very exciting.”
Upset Helps Early Mindset
The team is
off to good start with their upset of previously ranked #21 Miami. “For our team, we’re sitting at 4-0
with a long, long, long way to go. Getting the win at Miami the other night was important for us
and we know that we have a huge obstacle in front of us Saturday with Notre
Dame. They are a great basketball team and it should be a good challenge for
us.” Ohio State had the benefit of the Hurricane’s
leading scorer, Jack McClinton, being ejected in the first half of the game.
But the team played exceptionally well in the second half to come back from a
14 point deficit to win by 5.
Harangody Could Be Out
This weekend, the Buckeyes might
get the benefit of playing Notre Dame when their leading scorer, Luke
Harangody, will not be available due to injury. “It’s two great teams, I know
that. We are preparing that he will play.” Matta explained today. “I haven’t
heard otherwise. I think Luke brings something to that team with his inside
presence and rebounding. They’ve obviously done very well in the last few games
without him, which speaks volumes to how good they can really be.”
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