Northwestern is undefeated, and will be for at least another two weeks. Sure, they haven't really beaten anyone yet, but they're 5-0 for the first time since 1993, and that's cause for celebration. Just try to forget that NU lost their first 9 Big Ten games in 1993 after starting 9-0.
Last night, the Big Ten dominated the ACC, posting a 4-1 record with the only ACC win coming on a last second miracle shot by Wake Forest. Michigan's upset of Clemson made up for Minnesota's second half choke job on Monday, and the Big Ten is now in great shape to defend their title. Tonight's action:
Indiana Hoosiers at Boston College Eagles (-6), 6:15 PM central. ESPNU
After six straight easy home wins over various cupcakes, the Hoosiers hit the road to take on an inconsistent Boston College team. Under first year coach Steve Donahue, the Eagles have been all over the place, losing at home to a terrible Yale team but beating Texas A&M and Cal in the Old Spice Classic over Thanksgiving weekend.
Although Indiana hasn't played anyone yet, I'm surprised this line is so far in BC's favor. The Eagles played 3 games against BCS conference opponents over Thanksgiving weekend while Indiana was resting up, and the quiet Conte Forum won't provide them much of a home court advantage. Take Indiana and hope Verdell Jones III turns it over less than his usual 5 times.
N.C. State Wolfpack at Wisconsin Badgers (-8), 6:15 PM central, ESPN2
On one side, you have Sidney Lowe and his 154-291 career coaching record. On the other side, you have Bo Ryan and his 138-11 home record while at Wisconsin. Lowe and NC State could really use a win here, and while they have some young talent, they're in for it tonight. I don't enough faith in Wisconsin to give 8 points though, as they had a lot of trouble on offense over Thanksgiving weekend.
Purdue Boilermakers at Virginia Tech Hokies (-1), 6:30 PM central, ESPN
Both teams are coming off disappointing losses to mid-majors, as Purdue lost to Richmond and the Hokies went down to UNLV. While Richmond is a solid team, I wasn't impressed at all with the Boilers in that game. Without Hummel, Matt Painter is down to one competent front-court player (JaJuan Johnson) and has to go with a 4 guard lineup almost all the time. Unfortunately for Virginia Tech, they also lost one of their bigs to a preseason ACL injury and dont have much depth either. E'Twaun Moore vs. Malcolm Delaney will be a heck of a match-up though, as Moore looks to bounce back after being outplayed by Richmond's Kevin Anderson.
Maryland Terrapins at Penn St. Nittany Lions (Pick 'em), 8:15 central, ESPN2
These teams have similar resumes coming in; both have beaten a bunch of mid-majors at home but lost against the only good teams they've faced. Still, I'd have to like Maryland's chances in this one. They've already had two tough tests against Illinois and Pittsburgh, and while the Terps lost both games, they acquitted themselves well in defeat. So take Maryland and watch Jordan Williams go off.
Michigan St. Spartans at Duke Blue Devils (-10), 8:30 central, ESPN
The line tells you everything you need to know about Duke, it's not often that the 6th ranked team in the country is a double digit underdog. But it makes sense given how dominant Duke has looked and how inconsistent MSU has been in the early going. Tom Izzo will surely have his team clicking in March, but right now the Spartans aren't ready to challenge the nation's best team. Hopefully the Big Ten has already locked up the challenge by the time this one starts.
Gambling record: 6-4