Behind super freshman Jared Sullinger, Ohio State is a likely number one seed in the 2011 NCAA Tournament. The difference between winning and losing close games along the way will come down to whether or not teams can gameplan for the Buckeyes intelligently and then execute.

Offensive Strengths

Ohio State features an excellent blend of inside and outside scorers, with Sullinger, William Buford, David Lighty, Jon Diebler and Deshaun Thomas each averaging at least nine points per game. The experienced guard play of Buford, Lighty and Diebler, coupled with the super frosh big of Sullinger is a definitive formula for success.

Thad Matta has a very good shooting team, with Buford, Lighty and Diebler each averaging better than 40% from beyond the arc. Diebler is making almost 50% of his attempts in a sample size well over 100. He was recruited to be a specialist and that is exactly what he is.

But Sullinger is the key to the offense, averaging better than 17 points per game at nearly a 60% clip from the floor. While there are questions still to be answered about exactly how well his game will translate to the NBA, he is the absolute real deal. The majority of his offense comes in the post where he has a wealth of go-to moves, excellent footwork and is remarkably fluid.

Sullinger scores most of his points in the halfcourt, but he has also been excellent when the Buckeyes have found him in the open floor.

Offensive Weaknesses

Ohio State doesn't have a real weakness that can be forced upon them on the offensive end of the floor.

Sullinger is almost impossible to contain no matter what the circumstance, but he clearly will have greater difficulty against zone defenses where he constantly has a man checking him. He is a good passer, which is always the counter against a good zone.

Attempting to take Sullinger out of the game, whether through fouls or by constant double and triple teams is imperative. Any coach would much rather gamble that perimeter shots from Buford, Lighty and Diebler aren't falling.

Defensive Strengths

While not quite as dominant as they are offensive, Ohio State features a strong man-to-man defense.

They are generally good in the halfcourt against teams that like to play a slower tempo and bang the ball inside. Sullinger and Dallas Lauderdale are each good post defenders and they have enough guys to contain ISO scorers.

Their transition defense isn't a huge strength, but this isn't a big area of concern, primarily because they score on so many of their possessions, which naturally makes things easier.

Defensive Weaknesses

The Buckeyes have a definitive weakness in terms of defending jump shooters. It is an across the board weakness for Ohio State and could leave them vulnerable in a second round game against a Northern Iowa type of school.

The inability to effectively defend opposing shooters is a fundamental problem and one of the most pronounced amongst college basketball's true elite teams.

Matta's team also struggles against well run motion offenses, another element usually possessed by potential Cinderellas.