Six Big Ten games today, and what a long day it should be. #2 Ohio State, #16 Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Northwestern and Indiana will play today. After today, Big Ten teams go on a three day break with no games on December 24th, 25th or 26th.
Oakland at #2 Ohio State: (8:00pm ET Big Ten Network) --- Ohio State has really yet to be challenged in a game, which proves how good they are. Ohio State has won all their games by 10+ points. Could Oakland be the one to give them a run for their money? Oakland certainly has played a tough schedule. Oakland has played West Virginia, Purdue, Illinois, Michigan State, Tennessee, Michigan and now they will take on Ohio State. Purdue and Michigan have really been the only Big Ten teams to handle Oakland fairly easily, in my opinion. Illinois had trouble with them, until they pulled away late. Michigan State only beat them by one. After those losses, Oakland went into Tennessee and beat up on them to win that game. It feels like to me, if Oakland comes to play they can really give you a run for your money, but if they aren't feeling it, they don't have a chance. If Ohio State is as good as they look and as everyone says they are, then they should win this game by 15, that's what I have them winning it by. Ohio State has so many weapons they should be able to get it done fairly easily. But make no mistake about Oakland, they are tough and are willing to grind it out.
South Dakota St. at #16 Minnesota: (8:00pm ET ESPN3.com) --- Nolen will reportedly be back in the lineup for this game against the Jackrabbits. It should help if he is able to go. This really shouldn't be much of a game. Minnesota should handle business early and easily. I don't see much of a game out of this one. It has the potential to though. If it turns into a game, Minnesota will be going in reverse preparing for Big Ten season. This is the statement game, show us you are ready for the Big Ten. Blow them out, knock their lights out.
Colorado vs Indiana in Las Vegas, Nevada: (7:30pm ET CBS College Sports Network) After last night's performance by Indiana, which was a total failure, Colorado is looking at a very vulnerable Indiana team. Colorado is capable of getting a win. Colorado matches up pretty well with Indiana, I see Indiana winning it by six, but not without Colorado giving them a tough game.
("Games that shouldn't be games" after the jump)
Games that shouldn't be games:
These games should be easy wins by all the Big Ten teams. Northwestern should handle Mount St. Mary's very well. Bryant U has won one game... doesn't stand much of a chance. Coppin St. won't get a chance at Wisconsin. No previews really needed. Should be boring games, easy wins.
Mount St. Mary's at Northwestern: (3:00pm ET bigtennetwork.com)
Bryant U at Michigan: (6:00pm ET Big Ten Network)
Coppin St. at Wisconsin: (8:00pm ET bigtennetwork.com)