Before the biggest football game of the year kicks off, college basketball fans have some Big Ten action to enjoy as a warm-up. While none of today’s teams are in serious contention for a conference title, a few are still fighting to boost their NCAA Tournament résumés. Here’s a look at the key matchups.
Game of the Day: Ohio State Buckeyes at Nebraska Cornhuskers
• TV/Time:2 p.m. ET on BTN
• Projected Spread:Nebraska by 1 (KenPom)
Ohio State has quietly become one of the hottest teams in the Big Ten, winning four of its last five games. Just a few weeks ago, the Buckeyes seemed to be spiraling, dropping three straight games—including a disheartening home loss to an underwhelming Indiana squad. With a road trip to Purdue looming, things looked bleak.
Then, against all odds, Ohio State pulled off a stunning win at Mackey Arena, flipping the script on its season. The Buckeyes boast a well-balanced attack on both ends of the floor, making them a tough opponent no matter who they face.
Nebraska, on the other hand, was stuck in a brutal six-game losing streak before turning things around with a crucial road win over Illinois. Since then, the Huskers have won two straight on a trip to the Pacific Northwest, regaining their footing just in time for a big showdown in Lincoln.
Both teams are looking to keep their momentum going, but in a game this close, home-court advantage could be the deciding factor.
Prediction: Nebraska
Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Maryland Terrapins
• TV/Time:12 p.m. ET on BTN
• Projected Spread:Maryland by 12 (KenPom)
At first glance, this matchup may not seem like much, but it has the potential to be more competitive than expected.
Rutgers has had a rough season and is unlikely to hear its name called on Selection Sunday. That’s disappointing for what is arguably the most talented team in program history. However, the Scarlet Knights haven’t folded—they’ve continued to play hard and have managed to take down some solid opponents, including UCLA, Nebraska, Northwestern, and Illinois. They may not be consistent, but they aren’t an easy win, either.
Maryland, meanwhile, has taken a step forward from last season’s struggles. The Terrapins have been one of the more analytically favored teams in the Big Ten, according to KenPom, but their résumé still lacks a marquee win. Their best victory so far? A solid but unspectacular win over Wisconsin.
The Terps are NCAA Tournament-bound, and while this game won’t do much to boost their resume, they can’t afford to slip up at home.
Prediction: Maryland
With just a handful of games on today’s schedule, these matchups provide a solid appetizer before Super Bowl Sunday takes over. Will Nebraska and Maryland take care of business, or are there upsets on the horizon? Stay tuned.
