The preseason talk in the Big Ten had Ohio State as the runaway favorite.
Now, forward Jared Sullinger's mounting health issues raise questions about the No. 2 Buckeyes' national dominance and could have some conference teams eyeing an opening.
Sullinger, a standout sophomore, will play against Lamar on Tuesday night despite suffering a left foot injury against South Carolina on Saturday. He previously had missed two games with back spasms.
Coach Thad Matta told reporters Monday that Sullinger injured a tendon in his ankle before leaving the game against the Gamecocks in the first half. Sullinger tried to assure Buckeyes fans by tweeting after the game, "#FYI I will be fine ppl.... Back at it tomorrow."
But the most reassurance came from sophomore forward Deshaun Thomas, who had 30 points and six rebounds at South Carolina without Sullinger.
Nagging injuries could change the national picture, so the quicker Sullinger heals, the better for the Buckeyes.