To commemorate the occasion of Northwestern traveling to Latino-heavy Texas-Pan American last night, you get to listen to a song by a Mexican-American from Texas called the South Park Mexican. So enjoy the beat, and try to ignore the fact hat he's currently in prison for statutory rape and is a huge scumbag.
Big Ten analysis after the jump:
Bowling Green Falcons at Michigan Wolverines (-12.5) , 6 PM central, Big Ten Network
Not the world's most exciting match-up here, but it will be your first chance to watch Michigan on real television. I have been very short on Michigan, picking them to finish last in the conference, but even a rebuilding Wolverines squad shouldn't have any trouble here, as Bowling Green is just god-awful, having lost their opener to lowly Howard. I saw some of Howard's game with Purdue on Sunday, and I have no clue how anyone could possibly beat another Division 1 team. I still don't think enough of Michigan to lay 12.5 points though.
Minnesota Golden Gophers vs. Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (+5), 6:30 PM central, ESPN3.com
Having already vanquished strong mid-majors Wofford and Siena, the Gophers now head south to take on the Hilltoppers in the first round of the Puerto Rico tip-off. As Down with Goldy points out, a win here would give the Gophers a shot to build their NCAA resume against North Carolina and either West Virginia or Vanderbilt, while a loss would relegate them to the loser's bracket against two cupcakes. It's an important game for Minnesota and the Big Ten's national profile as a whole; if the Gophers can somehow win this tournament it would make the Big Ten a near lock for 6 NCAA bids and give Northwestern more chances for quality wins in conference play, so let's hope Tubby Smith can get his squad clicking on all cylinders.
Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Texas Longhorns (+3), 8 PM central, ESPN
This is an interesting match-up between two programs that underachieved a season ago, and another important game for the Big Ten. An Illini win on the famed Madison Square Garden floor sets them up for a probably showdown with Big East favorite Pittsburgh, while a loss sends them to a consolation game vs. rebuilding Maryland. Texas certainly has a lot of young talent, but I've been very impressed by Illinois so far, particularly with Mike Tisdale. Check him out tonight, he's gained about 30 points and bears little resemblance to the stringbean who got pushed around in Big Ten play. So take the Illini, give the points, and hope Brandon Paul doesn't go into chucker mode.
Gambling record this season: 2-1