Big Ten play starts tonight, and since BTN knows what's up, the great Gus Johnson is broadcasting the first conference game of the season. When he's on the microphone, you best wear your sweater, because Gus is cooler than a polar bear's toenails.
Hit the jump like Renardo Sidney hits his teammates for more:
Penn St. Nittany Lions at Indiana Hoosiers (-7), 5:30 central, BTN (with Gus Johnson)
The Hoosiers put their 9-0 home record on the line as they welcome the struggling Fighting Ed DeChellises into Assembly Hall. Tom Crean put together a string of cupcakes at home during non-conference play to help build the confidence of his young team, but that didn't work so well in Vegas last week, as Indiana suffered defeats to Northern Iowa and Colorado. While Penn State is very bad (as seen by their home loss to Maine), they should be able to keep this one close, as Indiana still doesn't have any ball-handlers and may have trouble containing Jeff Brooks, who has a quiet but solid senior season. Take the Nits and the points, and hope Talor Battle only forces up five low-percentage shots instead of his usual ten.
Tennessee-Martin Skyhawks at Ohio St. Buckeyes (-37.5), 7:30 central, BTN
In their final tune-up before Big Ten play, the Buckeyes have a glorified scrimmage against a team currently sitting at 4-8 overall and 0-3 in the Ohio Valley Conference. Thad Matta could probably start his walk-ons in this one and still emerge with a win, but I refuse to give 37.5 points to any Division 1 team that isn't in the SWAC. Plus, Matta will probably get his starters out of this one early with the grind of conference play looming. So take Tennessee-Martin and watch the brilliantly named Andres Irarrazabal rain Skyhawk skyhooks (I know, I know) over Jared Sullinger.
Gambling record: 9-6-1