[The Poet]

Wow, it's starting to look like this is going to turn into one of those "Upset Weekends" we sometimes see in college hoops. Aside from that Georgetown loss, we already have:

Penn State 66 - Michigan State 62 = How in the high holy hell could the Spartans lose to Penn State? Whereas their previous four losses only dropped them from # 2 to # 18 (while my Tar Heels' four dropped them from # 8 to the point where they barely even get a handful of votes, period), this one should drop them out of the rankings altogether. I say "should", as so far none of the experts have seem to be all that concerned about the quality . . . or lack of . . . MSU's play.

Oklahoma State 76 - Kansas State 62 = And this one almost equates as a spanking, and over another team that's been ranked as high as (I believe) # 3. After this, the Manhattanites will be lucky to stay in the ranked at all.


Meanwhile, Colorado appears to have a safe lead over Missouri, and Arkansas a 6-point one over Tennessee with under 2 to play. If these hold up, that makes five upsets, and the weekend's barely started!


Speaking of the weekend, the notable games of Sunday include:


Villanova vs. Cincinnati = This one could go either way, so I don't feel this would be an upset no matter what happens, despite 'Nova's lofty rank.

Purdue vs. Iowa = And though I think the Boilermakers will win, I would not be shocked it the Hawkeyes take aim at them.

Louisville vs. South Florida = The Bulls have played a tough schedule, and it seems to be wearing on them. They have lost 5 in a row, and I expect that will soon become 6.

Ohio State vs. Minnesota = On the other hand, the Buckeyes have not tested themselves all that much. You doubt me? That's fine. But nota bene, that aforementioned RPI Strength Of Schedule puts them at 151st, which means nearly half the D-1 teams in the country have played a harder schedule than OSU. Not only will this game change that SOS, it might just be their first loss too. I would not bet on it, but stranger things have happened . . . today.

Cleveland State vs. Valparaiso = Though you BCS-type fans may not care much, this one should be tons of fun.

Illinois State vs. Southern Illinois = Here too.

Kansas vs. Michigan = The Jayhawks have played very well, though not unbeatable ball by any means. The Wolverines have had their moments, but far too few. I'd expect it to stay close for a time, but for KU to open it up in the 2nd.

Xavier vs. Rhode Island = Both these teams want some quality wins to earn at least a shot at an at-large bid, if they cannot take their conference. Plan on this one being tight.

Duke vs. Maryland = In Cameron, of course, as the Blue Devils apparently decided to begin their quest for a repeat by heavily front-loading their schedule with home games. This might bite them in their wide blue butts before the season's done, but for now you can figure they will handle the Terps on their own turf.

Indiana vs. Northwestern = And here's another of those "also-ran" conference games which is vital for both teams. Here it could go down to the last few shots.

Missouri State vs. Wichita State = These are 2 other pretty decent teams, and they will scrap for a victory.

UCLA vs. USC = And this Battle of Los Angeles is just one more of those numerous important conference games for two pretenders to the throne.


Meanwhile, as I was typing all that, those two other upsets went final:


Colorado 89 - Missouri 76 = A great win for the Buffaloes, and that's no bull.

Arkansas 68 - Tennessee 65 = The Vols made an effort to pull this one out of their butts late, but fell just shy. And despite the bipolar nature of UT's season, this is still a good win for the Razorbacks.


See you come Monday, and we'll see what other surprises occur. Until then . . . enjoy.