The annual ACC-Big Ten Challenge will bring Ohio State an early-season marquee game on Dec. 2 at Louisville.
The Cardinals, national champions in 2013 and a Sweet 16 team a year ago, play their first ACC season in 2014-15. Though Russ Smith and Luke Hancock departed, big man Montrezl Harrell chose to return to school and Louisville should again be a preseason top-20 (and likely higher) team.
The Buckeyes also have a December game vs. North Carolina in Chicago and are scheduled to play Marquette at home as part of a home-and-home deal. Exact dates and a full schedule will be announced later; it appears the Buckeyes will play a much stronger non-conference slate than they did last season.
Ohio State will have to replace three starters, including top scorer LaQuinton Ross and the Big Ten's all-time steals leader, Aaron Craft.
For the first time, the ACC-Big Ten Challenge will expand to 14 games. Other top matchups in the challenge include Iowa at North Carolina, Michigan State at Notre Dame, Syracuse at Michigan and Duke at Wisconsin.
Louisville and Ohio State last played in January 2003, with Louisville taking an overtime win in Columbus. The all-time series stands at 4-4.
