Northwestern is playing a team from Atlanta, and that's all the excuse I need to put an Outkast song on the front page.
Anyways, the challenge heats up tonight, and the Big Ten is already in the hole thanks to Minnesota laying an egg in the second half. So let's take a look at the other match-ups:
Iowa Hawkeyes at Wake Forest Demon Deacons (Pick 'em), 6 PM central, ESPNU
It's still November, and both these teams have already lost 3 games to mid-majors. That's not good. In Iowa's defense though, one of those losses was to Xavier (who isn't really a mid-major), and they've only lost once at home. Wake on the other hand has already lost three home games to Winthrop, Stetson and Virginia Commonwealth (by 21 points). So I've got no idea who's going to win this game, but I do know a lot of points will be scored. Both these teams play an up-tempo style, so take the over 147 and hope Andrew Brommer can manage more points than fouls.
Ohio St. Buckeyes at Florida St. Seminoles (+4.5), 6:30 PM central, ESPN
After passing their first trip to the state of Florida with flying colors, the Buckeyes head south again to take on a potentially dangerous Florida State team led by the versatile Chris Singleton. In a game earlier this year vs.UNC-Greensboro, Singleton had 22 points, 11 rebounds, 10 steals, 6 assists and 4 blocks, insane numbers in a 40 minute college game. If Ohio State can escape with a win, they will cruise through the rest of their non-conference schedule and be in great shape for a #1 seed come March.
Michigan Wolverines at Clemson Tigers (-8), 8 PM central, ESPN2
This is the first true road game for Michigan, and it probably won't go well. Clemson isn't great, but they shouldn't have much trouble at home against a very young Michigan team that has struggled to score against good competition.
North Carolina Tar Heels at Illinois Fighting Illini (-6), 8:30 PM central, ESPN
A rematch of the 2005 title game highlights tonight's schedule, and I think this one will go a little differently than 2005. UNC began the season in the top 10 but has already fallen out of the rankings thanks to losses to Minnesota and Vanderbilt, and their hyped freshman Harrison Barnes has struggled, averaging 12 points per game on just 35% shooting. In his first true road game against a deep and talented Illinois team, I'd expect the struggles to continue. So take Illinois and watch Demetri McCamey abuse Larry Drew II.
Gambling record on the season:4-4