There are already a few scores from early games today, but in contests that mean little to any but their fans. Speaking for myself, I find these "unranked" games notable, for one reason or another:
Arizona State vs. Montana State = In progress, with the Sun Devils holding a slim margin midway thru the first. I'd expect them to hold it throughout, and my interest stems from the fact that I consider Herb Sendek to be amongst the nation's most under-rated coaches.
Eastern Illinois vs. Indiana State = Without knowing who has what this year, I'd still think this could be competitive.
Northeastern vs. Boston U. = Same here.
Fairfield vs. Quinnipiac = Ditto.
N. C. Asheville vs. N. C. State = Maybe not so much this one, but Asheville is NOT a total cupcake, while the Wolfpack needs its new coach to do more with their talent than Sidney Lowe managed. I want to see how Jerry's (Col. Kurtz) boys do.
Rider vs. Robert Morris = Could be another competitive match-up.
Cornell vs. St. Bonaventure = Here too.
Villanova vs. Monmouth = By reputation alone, one would expect the Philly 'Cats to mop their homecourt with the Hawks' pinions. But 'Nova's supposed to be down some this year, and one of my boys, King Rice, begins his head-coaching career at Monmouth here (with 2 of his Tar Heel teammates on the bench with him), so I'll keep an eye on this.
Florida State vs. Jacksonville = The Semiholes are slated as the third-best team in the ACC. And if I recall rightly, the Dolphins had a few good wins last year, and have a nice balance of experience and youth on the roster. If FSU struggles tonight, this could be closer than you'd think. If it's a blow-out, the experts may be correct.
Rhode Island vs. George Mason = Here is another potential toss-up.
Wofford vs. Georgia = Much like the FSU/J'ville game, this is one the pundits might overlook. thinking that Bulldogs can easily handle Terriers. But Georgia is a middlin' SEC basketball power, while Wofford has earned NCAA bids the past 2 years. Muddying the waters more, both teams are rebuilding after numerous key losses from last year's squads. This intrigues me.
Murray State vs. Harris Stowe = This does not (
), as Joe's Racers should romp, but he'd never forgive me if I did not mention this one.
Oral Roberts vs. West Virginia = Normally I'd not think the Golden Eagles could give the Mountaineers much of a game, and maybe they won't. But WVU is supposed to be down this season, so I want to see what they have.
Army vs. Air Force // Citadel vs. VMI = I lump these two together because they are, along with the UNC/MSU Carrier game, part of the Veteran's Day lineup of games. Aside from that (which is reason sufficient enough in itself), the contests may be close, but nobody will much care.
That's it for now. If I missed your school, feel free to pipe up with your take. Until later then . . . enjoy.