Injuries have affected IU this year, freshman guard Maurice Creek's knee fracture being the most harmful in the still early season.
Ohio State, though, was much more dependent on guard Evan Turner, who fractured his spine eight games into the year. Up to that point, he averaged 18.5 points, 11.4 rebounds and 5.8 assists.
The Buckeyes had only lost to North Carolina before Turner's injury. They are now 10-4 on the season and 0-2 in the Big Ten after a Jan. 3 loss to Michigan.
The difference is due largely to the fact that Ohio State had moved Turner to the point guard position. So, he not only scored the majority of his team's points and grabbed the most rebounds, he also began the offense and got his team cleanly into sets.
The absence of Turner in those areas has resulted in a drastic dip in the Buckeyes' offensive production.
Beforehand, Ohio State averaged 87.8 points per game and had surpassed 100 on three occasions. It has scored 63.8 points in Turner's absence and trailed by 8 or more in each of its three losses, with the worst coming in a 65-43 loss in Madison.
Missing Creek will still affect IU against Ohio State, but the Buckeyes are reeling and present IU with another upset opportunity.
After the Michigan loss, are the Buckeyes vulnerable enough for IU to defeat them?
