-NORTH CAROLINA AT MICHIGAN STATE (Big Ten vs ACC Challenge). The last time UNC played a top five team, they looked fantastic. They’re coming off a game where they looked far less than fantastic, though. Michigan State has had their struggles at home, but I don’t think they’re going to sleep walk through this one.
-NEW MEXICO AT NEW MEXICO STATE. This is a rivalry game that has quite a bit of meaning on paper as well. Both teams really need notable wins. It’s usually a fun one, and should be again tonight.
-MARYLAND AT OHIO STATE (Big Ten vs ACC Challenge). Maryland needs a big win if they’re going to be taken seriously. Chances are they’re overmatched today, and will be overmatched whenever they play someone who would qualify as a big win. Ohio State already has a win at Marquette and is off to a great start.
-WISCONSIN AT VIRGINIA (Big Ten vs ACC Challenge). Virginia’s only loss on the year was a close one to VCU, but they seem to have fallen off the radar somewhat. They are facing a very good Wisconsin team today at home, and it’s a good chance for them to add a big win to their profile.
-RUTGERS AT GEORGE WASHINGTON. GW is off to a 6-1 start with a notable win over Creighton. They’ll continue to be in good shape if they can pull this one out today.
-SOUTH FLORIDA AT GEORGE MASON. I don’t think we’ll be talking about either of these two at the end, but for now their records are good.
-DAVIDSON AT CHARLOTTE. This appears to be a mismatch, but it is a rivalry game. Davidson is off to a disappointing 2-5 start whereas Charlotte has just one loss (albeit a bad one), and has a notable win against Michigan down in Puerto Rico. A win gets them to 7-1 and keeps them solidly in the picture.
-BUCKNELL AT KENT STATE. They’ve played a weak schedule, but a win for Kent does get them to 9-1.
-HARVARD AT NORTHEASTERN. Northeastern is 2-5, but they’ve played a tough schedule and have played well in those games. Harvard needs to be on upset alert.
-RICHMOND AT WILLIAM & MARY. If Richmond takes care of business they should pick up a road win and improve to 7-2.
-CLEVELAND STATE AT DREXEL. This is actually Drexel’s home opener. They have close losses to UCLA and Arizona, and have played pretty well overall. Cleveland State has looked good at times as well. Drexel can make the NCAAs, but they have a thin margin for error.
-LOUISIANA LAFAYETTE AT LOUISIANA TECH. LA Tech has won six straight since losing their opener at Saint Mary’s, and should make it seven tonight.
-PENN AT VILLANOVA (Big Five). A win for Nova gets them to a very impressive 8-0.
-SAINT JOSEPH’S AT TEMPLE (Big Five). Saint Joseph’s is off to an okay start at 4-2, but needs to start racking up wins if they want to be taken seriously.
-MOREHEAD STATE AT SOUTHERN MISS. Southern Miss’s only loss is a blowout at Louisville. They’re at home tonight against a semi-decent Morehead team.
-MIAMI FL AT NEBRASKA (Big Ten vs ACC Challenge). Both teams need notable wins.