After a pair of tune-up games at home, the North Carolina Tar Heels are packing their bags and heading south to Atlanta for a bigger test. This weekend, they’ll face Ohio State in the CBS Sports Classic - a marquee doubleheader that also features Kentucky taking on St.
John’s. But let’s zero in on the Tar Heels and Buckeyes, because this matchup has a little more bite than it might’ve looked like a few weeks ago.
A Step Up in Weight Class
UNC’s recent wins over USC Upstate and East Tennessee State were solid opportunities to clean up execution and build rhythm, but now they’re stepping into deeper waters. Ohio State might not be a top-25 team right now, but they’re no pushover either. The Buckeyes are already knee-deep in Big Ten play, having split early conference games against Northwestern and Illinois - two teams that know how to grind it out.
From a metrics standpoint, Ohio State is sitting at No. 39 in KenPom, not far behind UNC’s No. 27 spot. That gap is smaller than you might think, and it suggests this game could be tighter than the rankings or betting lines might indicate. It’s not quite the heavyweight clash that UNC’s game against Kansas was earlier in the season, but this one could still have some teeth - especially if the Buckeyes bring their A-game.
Bruce Thornton: The Engine That Drives the Buckeyes
If you’re looking for the player who makes Ohio State go, look no further than Bruce Thornton. The junior guard from Alpharetta, Georgia, has been nothing short of electric this season.
He’s averaging 21.8 points per game - second best in the Big Ten - and he’s doing it while logging 36 minutes a night. That’s old-school, ironman stuff.
But what really jumps off the page is his shooting. Thornton is hitting 50% from three-point range on over five attempts per game.
That’s not just hot - that’s nuclear. And it’s not a fluke sample size either.
He’s been consistently lethal from deep, which makes him a nightmare to defend. You go under the screen, he’ll pull up and bury it.
You press up, he can drive and create.
According to Sports Reference’s Win Shares metric, Thornton has been the most impactful player in the Big Ten so far this season. He’s not just scoring - he’s carrying this Buckeyes team.
And while UNC’s defense has been solid, they haven’t faced many guards with this kind of efficiency and volume. Containing him won’t be about completely shutting him down (that’s easier said than done), but they’ll need to make him work for everything.
Could Seth Trimble Be a Factor?
There’s a wrinkle worth watching on the UNC side: Seth Trimble is back in full-contact practice after fracturing his arm last month. It’s still early, and there’s no indication that he’ll suit up against Ohio State, but his return to the practice floor is a good sign for Carolina’s long-term depth.
Trimble’s calling card is defense - particularly on the perimeter - and that’s exactly the kind of skill set you’d want against a player like Thornton. Even if he’s not back to full offensive rhythm, his ability to stay in front of quick guards and contest shots could be a real asset. It’s probably too soon to expect him to log meaningful minutes in this one, but his return is something to keep an eye on as the Tar Heels head into the heart of their schedule.
The Bottom Line
This isn’t a must-win game for either team, but it’s a measuring stick - especially for UNC. After handling lesser competition at home, this is a chance to prove they can impose their will against a capable Power 5 opponent on a neutral floor. For Ohio State, it’s an opportunity to notch a signature win and show they belong in the national conversation.
Expect a high-scoring affair - the Buckeyes are averaging nearly 90 points per game - and expect Bruce Thornton to be at the center of it all. For the Tar Heels, the key will be defensive discipline, smart shot selection, and keeping Thornton from catching fire. If they can do that, they’ll head back to Chapel Hill with a quality win and some momentum heading into the holidays.