Syracuse at No. 17 Michigan:

Both teams come into this game 5-1 this season. Michigan has been a surprise so far this season after losing 5 players to the NBA the past two seasons, and they are led by Zak Irvin and Caris Levert both averaging over 17 PPG this season; Michigan will be looking to rebound in this game after losing a close game to a very good Villanova team. Syracuse on the other hand is looking to make a statement this team lost a lot from last year but is reloaded under Jim Boeheim and Rakeem Christmas who is averaging 17.5 PPG and Chris McCullough who is averaging 15.3 PPG lead them. Michigan is a difficult team to beat at home and the Wolverines are looking to make a statement in the non-conference after their lost to Nova, I’m taking Michigan in a close one.

No. 14 Ohio State at No. 5 Louisville:

Ohio State has in my opinion been one of the most underrated teams this season after losing Aaron Craft, but Thad Matta brought in a top 5 recruiting class that is led by D’Angelo Russell, Russell also leads the team in scoring with 18 PPG; Ohio State also has senior leadership under Shannon Scott and Scott in the end might end up being a better point guard than Craft as Scott is almost averaging a double-double in PPG (9.2) and APG (10.4); also last seasons shooting woes are no more/ as Ohio State is 2nd in the nation in Field Goal PCT. Rick Pitino has his #5 Cardinals clicking on all cylinders, they lead the nation in RPG and they are led in scoring by Montrezal Harrell who averages 17.4 PPG. I’m taking Ohio State win the upset win on the road.

Pittsburgh at Indiana:

Pittsburgh is coming into this game looking up and down after losing to Hawaii and getting blown out by San Diego State but also beating Kansas State by 23 points; depending on which Panthers team shows up they could give Indiana an upset; the Panthers are led in scoring by Michael Young who is averaging almost 15 PPG. Indiana has been a team that has looked impressive (beat #22 SMU 74-68) but has also struggled this season (lost to Eastern Washington 88-86); the Hoosiers are looking to make another statement non-conference win; Indiana is led in scoring by stand out freshman James Blackmon Jr. who averages 20.8 PPG and NBA prospect Yogi Ferrell who averages 18.2 PPG. I’m taking Indiana in this game because Indiana is tough to beat at Assembly Hall.

NC State at Purdue:

This match up features two teams in a complete rebuilding mode, both teams are young and are looking to add to their non-conference resume with a win. Purdue is led by leading scorers Vince Edwards and Kendall Stephens both averaging over 12 PPG. NC State is in the top 5 in the nation in both offensive and defensive rebounding controlling the boards are a must for the Wolfpack, and they are led in scoring by Trevor Lacey who averages 17.3 PPG. I’m taking Purdue as a toss up because it is a home game for the Boilermakers.

No. 24 Illinois at No. 15 Miami (Fla):

The Fighting Illini come into this game as one of the highest scoring teams in the nation averaging 90.0 PPG this season, however they have only played one quality opponent in Baylor; offensively this team all around solid, and they are led in scoring by Rayvonte Rice who is averaging 17.8 PPG; this is a dangerous team and will make some noise this season. Miami is coming into this game in similar fashion having only one quality win against a struggling Florida team, the Hurricanes are also unproven in the non-conference, and the Fighting Illini are the only remaining quality opponent left on the Hurricanes schedule; Miami is led in scoring by Sheldon McClellan who is averaging 16.7 PPG; also this game means more to the Hurricanes than you think because Miami has such a weak non-conference schedule making the NCAA tournament could come down to the Hurricanes winning all 3 of their non-conference power 5 opponents( Florida, Illinois, and Providence). I’m taking the U at home in a great game.

Minnesota at Wake Forest:

This game is Minnesota’s to lose all they have to do is show up and play without making a bunch of mistakes. The Golden Gophers have the talent to be a very good team this year. Minnesota is led in scoring by Andre Hollins who is averaging 11.7 PPG. Wake Forest has lost a pair of home games against Mid-Major opponents, however they do have a couple players in Devin Thomas and Codi Miller-Mcintyre both averaging over 11 PPG; For Wake Forest to win this game they will need to shut down Minnesota offensively. I’m taking Minnesota by double digits in this game.