SportsStreet Ohio

Watching the Cavs come up short against the red-hot Phoenix Suns Sunday afternoon demonstrated why this year’s team will have a hard time topping last season’s accomplishments - it’s pretty much the same roster and too many guys defer to LeBron James when the game hangs in the balance. They simply lack the requisite firepower to overcome premier opponents.

On Monday night, albiet against the much weaker Golden State Warriors, the Cavs thumped the Warriors 124-97 with eight guys scoring double-figures. The Cavs are 8-2 without LeBron James the past two seasons. They are not a better team without King James. But you have to wonder how the team’s approach changes with James on the floor. Do they become too passive on offense? There seems to be quite a bit of standing around when the ball is in James’ hands. James casts quite a large shadow - and the Cavs need to find a way to become more than just LeBron’s team.

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Three things to watch in tonight’s matchup:

1. The Sideline. Both Ohio State’s Jim Tressel and Florida’s Urban Meyer have adopted wide-open attacks, but while this fits Meyer’s style of play, Tressel has had to adapt to the talent on the field. Both coaches will have a few tricks up the sleeve as they’ve had quite a bit of time to prepare, but Tressel’s defensive game plan against Meyer’s attacking style offense will make or break the Buckeyes.

2. The Pocket. Baring injury, Troy Smith will be the only Buckeye lining up behind center tonight for Ohio State. Florida, on the other hand, will use a mix of Chris Leak and Tim Tebow to confuse the defense and exploit mismatches. Smith’s Heisman Trophy indicates superiority, but the two quarterbacks from Gainesville can get after it as well. Expect points to be scored.

3. The Secondary. Florida claims Ohio State has yet to see speed like the Gators. I’m sure no one in the SEC has jets like Ted Ginn, Jr. Both defensive backfields will be tested and the one that best handles the pressure may just win the title.

Prediction: Ohio State 32, Florida 24.

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