Must-See Matches of 2012-13 College Basketball Season

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Although the schedules for the 2012-2013 college basketball season have not been released yet, there are still plenty of must-see matches that are going to happen.

There is nothing quite like North Carolina and Duke battling it out against each other. Luckily for college basketball fans, they will see this matchup next season, along with some other great games.

Read on to see the must-see matches of the 2012-13 college basketball season. Keep in mind that these games will actually take place, despite the fact that the schedules have not come out yet.   

Florida vs. Kentucky

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Kentucky absolutely dominated the Florida Gators last season, along with every other team they faced.

Last year, the Wildcats beat the Gators three times. It is hard enough to beat any team three times in a season, let alone a team that made it all the way to the Elite Eight. 

With that said, expect Florida to put up more of a fight next season with Patric Young being the center of attention and Kenny Boynton returning to the team.

Unfortunately for the Gators, though, many people are saying that this Kentucky team is not going to miss a beat from last year's championship team.  

Michigan State vs. Kansas

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The Spartans and Jayhawks are scheduled to meet up in the Champions Classic this year, and it will likely be a game played between two teams in the Top 10.

Although both teams lost their key players from last season (Michigan State lost Draymond Green and Kansas lost Thomas Robinson), it will still be a game played between two very storied programs.

Not to mention, Tom Izzo versus Bill Self is always a great coaching matchup.  

Indiana vs. Ohio State

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The Indiana Hoosiers will most likely be the No. 1 team in the country going into the 2012-13 season. With that said, they will have a huge target on their backs all season long. 

The Ohio State Buckeyes may not have Jared Sullinger anymore, but they will have plenty of talent to make up for him. 

It would be virtually impossible to go undefeated in Big Ten play, but, if any team is going to beat the Hoosiers this year, I am picking the Buckeyes to knock them off.

However, Indiana will also have some tough competition when they play Michigan State and Michigan this season. 

Baylor vs. Kansas

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Baylor got the last laugh against Kansas last year in the Big 12 conference tournament. The Bears will, of course, be without Perry Jones next season, thanks to the NBA draft, but they will still be an elite team next year. 

However, Kansas is easily a Top Five team entering the season. 

If this season is anything like last season, Baylor is in trouble in this game. 

Duke vs. Kentucky

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The Champions Classic will hold another Top 10 matchup this season when the Duke Blue Devils take on the Kentucky Wildcats.

Although Kentucky will have the talent to repeat as national champions, the Blue Devils won't be too shabby themselves. 

Yes, Austin Rivers is gone, but Seth Curry will have a much better season when he is playing his natural position at shooting guard. Rasheed Sulaimon is also a very good addition to Duke for the upcoming season. 

Ohio State vs. Michigan State

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Is this matchup ever a disappointment?

Michigan State may have won two of the three games played against the Buckeyes last season, but every game was exciting. This is becoming one of the best rivalries in all of college basketball, thanks to both teams being ranked in the Top 25 on an annual basis.

Michigan State may have won the Big Ten conference tournament last season, but Ohio State will have something to say about that when these two teams face off.  

North Carolina vs. Duke

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North Carolina versus Duke is the ultimate rivalry. It does not matter what sport you are talking about.

The Tar Heels may have been the better team last season, but that did not stop Duke's Austin Rivers from draining a buzzer-beater over North Carolina's Tyler Zeller.

The great thing about this game is the fact that it happens twice a year—and sometimes three times a year. Every matchup between these two teams is a historical moment waiting to happen. 

Louisville vs. Syracuse

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Louisville had a great season last year, making it all the way to the Final Four. However, their team this year has a chance to make it even farther than that.

Syracuse may have been the team to beat last season in the Big East, but those honors will go to Louisville this season.

The Big East is filled with great games all season long, but none will be better to watch than this one. Either team is capable of winning a national championship this season.  

 

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