I can't say there were many surprises last night, except for:
Penn State 57 - Illinois 55 = I never thought the Nittany Lions could get two big upsets in a row. They are not assured of making a run at the Big Ten, but they sure are making some noise . . . and one heck of a mess. Good for them.
U. Conn 67 - Rutgers 53 = OK, so maybe this is a mild surprise, as I figured the Huskies would win by 24 . . . or 34 . . . and not merely 14.
Michigan State 64 - Wisconsin 61 (OT) = But this was no shock at all. This seemed like a pick 'em from the start, and both wanted a win. Both tried hard for it, and the Spartans pulled it off. Were the game against anybody but the Badgers, I'd say the score was too low, yet they are nothing if not masters of limiting possessions.
Florida 81 - Tennessee 75 (OT) = This is more like what the score of a "big conference" OT game should be, and as it was another of those toss-ups, the outcome should have been expected, even if the victor could not be predicted. A good one for the Gators, and another strike against the Pearless Vols.
Baylor 74 - Oklahoma 61 = The Bears took care of business. 'Nuff said.
Boston College 75 - N.C. State 66 = Maybe I should have stuck with my feeling about the Eagles by 3 or 4 possessions. As for the 'Pack, they have again shown they haven't figured out who they are.
There's a lot more action tonight, and so I must limit myself to those games which might actually mean something, or at least might actually be competitive:
Ohio State vs. Michigan = The Wolverines played the Jayhawks tough on Sunday, and only needed one shot or one stop for a huge victory. However, from what I saw, this was more a factor of KU playing poorly than it was of Michigan playing well. Though the confidence their young players gained may keep them close for a time, I expect the Buckeyes to open it up big.
Cincinnati vs. South Florida = The Bulls began this year well enough, but have collapsed of late, losing 6 in a row. Let's figure on that becoming 7 before the night is done.
U. Mass vs. Xavier = But this could be a barn-burner. These A-10 teams have identical 9-5 and 1-0 records, so they will both be focused on the win.
Georgia Tech vs. Clemson = This one was postponed from last night. I have the feeling the Ramblin' Wreck might just wish they could postpone if forever. But who knows? If I've learned anything about the Tigers over the years, it is that they tend to crumble, sooner or later.
Missouri vs. Nebraska = And these Tigers are coming off their upset loss to the Buffaloes, so although the Cornhuskers have a gaudy 13-2 record (against mainly a bunch of nobodies), you can plan on Missou turning it around quickly. But then again, with what we've seen the last few days, who knows?
Syracuse vs. St. John's = The Orange have remained unbeaten despite dodging a few bullets, including their last close win against a pitiful Seton Hall team. And St. John's has been playing better than they have in several decades. This one is in MSG, which won't mean a whole heck of a lot, as the "home court" will depend on whose fans show up. That should be a toss-up, and if the Red Storm can hit some shots over the Orange zone the game might be one also. Me, I figure SU over SJ by 3 possessions.
Villanova vs. Louisville = Here is another huge Big Mouth Conference game which could go either way. In fact, were it in the new Crum Bucket Arena instead of down in Philly, I might give an edge to the Cardinals. They still could win, but I'll go with the Cheesesteaks by a handful.
Pitt vs. Georgetown = And here's another one. The Hoyas have lost 3 or their last 4, and despite their high ranking are 1-3 in conference play. the Panthers are 3-0, and ranked much higher, but their prior two Ws (as well as earlier ones over Rhode Island, Maryland, and Texas) were pretty danged close. Though both teams want the victory, Georgetown needs is much more, and their home crowd just might get it for them. I would not bet on that, however.
Temple vs. St. Bonaventure = And though the Owls have gotten more respect, do NOT dismiss the Bonnies. I don't believe they will win, but they are capable of giving Temple as much as they want.
Georgia vs. Vanderbilt = On the one side, the Bulldogs are coming off a huge win over Kentucky in one of those weekend upsets we saw. On the other, Vandy was victim to one of them, losing to the Gamecocks. This one is interesting if only to see which happens . . . if the 'Dawgs can build on their victory, or if the Comms can recover. It is in Nashville, but Vandy's edge won't be as high as is their court.
Memphis vs. SMU = The Memphis Tigers have had the consistency of lumpy gravy, sometimes playing well and sometimes not playing at all. And SMU has played . . . well, nobody. If UM does not win by 20, they need to call off classes while they practice 24/7. And knowing what I do of Memphis academics, that should not be an issue.
Maryland vs. Wake Forest = And if the Terps haven't buried the Deacs by halftime, Gary Williams will have a fit of apoplexy right there on the bench.
Texas A&M vs. Oklahoma State = The Oak State Cowboys got one of those huge wins by beating K-State Saturday, and I see no reason why they cannot give the Aggies all they want also. Figure on a tight one here.
Arkansas vs. LSU = The Razorbacks also got one of those upsets, though as it was over the bipolar Tennessee Volunteers it is hard to say exactly what that means. Regardless, LSU has already lost to such powerhouses as Nicholls State, Coastal Carolina, North Texas, Rice, and Virginia. Yeah, it may be down in Baton Rouge, but don't figure the Tigers will turn their season around tonight.
UTEP vs. Tulane = In the classroom, this one's not even close. But on the hardwood, they are fairly evenly matched. I think this one may be a lot of fun.
Wichita State vs. Creighton = And I will be surprised if this one is NOT a lot of fun. Both teams are decent, and both programs have good histories.
Kansas vs. Iowa State = Maybe they just had a bad game . . . hey, it happens . . . but to be honest I did not see much from the Jayhawks against the Wolverines on Sunday. Their offense was ragged, and their defense seemed to be effective mainly because Michigan couldn't hit the broadside of a barn were they inside of it. If that game is any true indication, KU will go down some time soon. Give the Cyclones a slim chance at that, but a chance nonetheless.
Colorado vs. Kansas State = Like that Georgia/Vandy game above, we have two teams coming from opposite poles here. The Buffaloes got a great win over Missou, while the Wildcats dropped one to Oak State. And like that other game, the interest here lies in which way they both will go from here. Let's just hope it is a good game.
Duke vs. Florida State = Hey, something's wrong here! This game is in Tallahassee, not in Durham! Can that be right? Dook actually plays road games too? What DO you know! Color me shocked. But you, don't you be shocked if the Semiholes manage to give the Blue Devils a pretty good game here. I don't think they will win, but they may give K some anxious moments late.
South Carolina vs. Alabama = No doubt the 'Cocks are up after their win over Vanderbilt. Furthermore, their only "bad" loss so far has been to Furman, and the Paladins are not a garbage team. Now the Tide, that's some garbage for you. Sure, they could win in Tuscaloosa. They COULD . . . but they won't.
San Diego State vs. UNLV = And here is one of those game that I (and the Beerman) have been waiting for. The Aztecs entered this season at the bottom of the national rankings, and have inched their way up to an amazing # 6. There are only a few potential stumbling blocks between them and an undefeated regular season. Here's one of them. The Runnin' Rebels are not the vintage Shark-fed monsters of the past, but they are not totally without talent of their own. I know there are two people here who will be keeping an eye on this one. Maybe you should too.
Colorado State vs. New Mexico = And if either one or both of those teams, as well as BYU, stumble in the Mountain West, here are two more who could make a run at it. Yet to do so, they both need the victory tonight. As that is highly unlikely, you can figure this one will be a war.
I may be back today, I may not. In either case . . . enjoy.