Some speculate Thad's dodging of in-state opponents is due to the concern that a loss can affect recruiting and help the enemies in obtaining otherwise OSU-caliber talent. I seriously doubt MAC, A-10, and Horizon League schools getting a diamond in the rough once in a while will have a huge negative impact on who Coach Matta goes after. Ohio State should be competing with big boy schools for recruits, not worrying about these blind squirrels getting the occasional acorn. This recruiting "battle" is only an issue with in-state players and those on Ohio's borders, who, for whatever reason, might not be a good fit at OSU. That's fine. In the long term, it's a non-factor in the quality of players Thad brings in.
Another reason I'm for playing in-state schools is that a lot of them are within driving distance and it might bolster the attendance at the Schott, which helps the school's economy. Another factor is that playing Cincinnati, Xavier, and Dayton will help with the RPI and SOS, which are things that the Selection Committee looks at with at-large bids. There's not the same benefit playing the MAC schools, Youngstown State, and Wright State, but it's a paycheck to help balance their athletic budgets and should be a win for the Bucks.
Some speculate Thad's dodging of in-state opponents is due to the concern that a loss can affect recruiting and help the enemies in obtaining otherwise OSU-caliber talent. I seriously doubt MAC, A-10, and Horizon League schools getting a diamond in the rough once in a while will have a huge negative impact on who Coach Matta goes after. Ohio State should be competing with big boy schools for recruits, not worrying about these blind squirrels getting the occasional acorn. This recruiting "battle" is only an issue with in-state players and those on Ohio's borders, who, for whatever reason, might not be a good fit at OSU. That's fine. In the long term, it's a non-factor in the quality of players Thad brings in.
Another reason I'm for playing in-state schools is that a lot of them are within driving distance and it might bolster the attendance at the Schott, which helps the school's economy. Another factor is that playing Cincinnati, Xavier, and Dayton will help with the RPI and SOS, which are things that the Selection Committee looks at with at-large bids. There's not the same benefit playing the MAC schools, Youngstown State, and Wright State, but it's a paycheck to help balance their athletic budgets and should be a win for the Bucks.