Ohio State Basketball: 5 Games Not to Miss in 2014-15

An interesting matchup between ACC and Big 10 schools that does not take place as part of the annual ACC/Big 10 Challenge occurs on Dec. 20 in Chicago when the Buckeyes meet the Tar Heels in the CBS Sports Classic. The event is a made-for-TV doubleheader that also features UCLA vs. Kentucky. These teams haven't met since 2009, a neutral-site game in New York that North Carolina won, 77-73.

In what will be a matchup as part of the ACC/Big 10 Challenge, Ohio State faces just as tough a test as they do vs. North Carolina when traveling to Louisville to play the Cardinals. The hosts are making their big debut as part of the ACC in 2014-15 and will be looking to represent the league right by beating Ohio State. Louisville has been a national powerhouse of late, and this will be an excellent road test for the Buckeyes.

Another tough road test awaits for Ohio State once Big 10 play begins when the Buckeyes travel to Michigan State. The date and time for this game hasn't been set yet, but it's probably going to be a vital game in February or early March that will have a big impact on the Big 10 standings. These teams have split their last eight meetings, but the Spartans have held serve in the last two games played in East Lansing.

The home slate for Ohio State isn't lacking, either, especially in the Big 10. Another team that the Buckeyes will only play once during the regular season is Wisconsin, who will visit Columbus. The Badgers had a stellar campaign last season and, led by returning versatile big man Frank Kaminsky, should be a force to reckon with next season as well. Ohio State won the only meeting last season at Wisconsin by a point.

There isn't much to say about this rivalry that hasn't already been chronicled, but after a weird season last year where these teams only met once, the rivals resume their twice-a-year set in the Big 10 in 2014-15. Michigan won the conference's regular-season title last year, and that only made the Buckeyes' rough ending to the season more difficult to digest for OSU fans. Michigan lost personnel to the NBA Draft but should still be strong.