There's a big test ahead for Kansas, a challenge for what we would politely call unpredictable Tennessee, a top-ranked showdown in Champaign and a tilt between Villanova and Syracuse that will pack the Carrier Dome.
It is the weekend ahead. Or, more precisely, the Saturday ahead.
Saturday
No. 1 Ohio State (19-0, 6-0) at No. 23 Illinois (14-5, 4-2)
It's not that the Buckeyes haven't gone on the road, it's just that they haven't been too impressive away from Columbus. In fact, over its last four games prior to the pasting of Iowa, Ohio State was winning by an average of less than four points. Illinois, on the other hand, bounced back from consecutive road losses to stifle Michigan State Tuesday. The test will certainly be in the paint, where the Illini may lack the power to handle super-freshman Jared Sullinger.
No. 10 Texas (15-3, 3-0) at No. 2 Kansas (18-0, 3-0)
Things will be different than they were earlier this week for the Longhorns when they destroyed visiting Texas A&M. Kansas has a 69-game home winning streak, and the Jayhawks just went on the road an handled a talented Baylor squad. Jordan Hamilton's the real deal, but KU has too much firepower. No way they drop this one in the Phog.
No. 7 Villanova (16-2, 4-1) at No. 3 Syracuse (18-1, 5-1)
As luck would have it, both the Orange and the Wildcats both come into Saturday's game off losses. Syracuse fell asleep for most of the first half against Pittsburgh before rallying, while 'Nova was just another notch in Kemba Walker's player-of-the-year post. This one -- probably the largest on campus game in history -- figures to be another battle that goes to the wire. For what it's worth, 'Cuse leading scorer Kris Joseph, out since hitting his head on the floor against Cincinnati last Saturday, is still "hopeful" to play.
Tennessee (12-6, 22) at No. 8 Connecticut (15-2, 4-2)
Normally, a middling SEC team traveling to UConn wouldn't pose much of a problem for the Huskies. But this is Tennessee, a team that has beaten both Pittsburgh and Villanova and will be reunited with coach Bruce Pearl. Pearl, who has been suspended for eight SEC games, is eligible to coach this one as it's out of conference. No one knows what will happen in this game. The Vols can win by 10 or lose by 30.
No. 12 Kentucky (12-4, 2-2) at South Carolina (12-5, 3-1)
Last January when these two met, Kentucky was No. 1 in the country and undefeated. South Carolina, a lowly SEC also-ran, stunned the Wildcats behind a huge performance from Devan Downey. Well, Downey's gone, but the Gamecocks have proven to be a resilient squad nonetheless. Kentucky, on the other hand, has yet to win in conference on the road.
No. 17 Michigan State (12-6, 4-2) at No. 14 Purdue (16-3, 5-1)
Purdue barely escaped a three game losing with a last second win over Penn State Wednesday. Tuesday, Michigan State traveled to Illinois and were beaten by nine. Another loss here for the reeling Spartans would really solidify their spot as an average team, regardless of what the pollsters think. Purdue also needs a win here, if for no other reason than to protect their home court.
No. 22 St. Mary's (17-2, 5-0) at Vanderbilt (13-4, 2-2)
An interesting game to be sure, but a game that the Commodores really can't afford to lose. Vandy is one of the best teams in the SEC, but they haven't been playing that way in the early going. Perhaps an out of conference challenge will wake up the 'Dores, and they can turn it around for the remainder of the season.
Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments
Victoria Pratt Shakara Ledard Vanessa Marcil Rachel McAdams Kristin Cavallari
No comments:
Post a Comment