Big East conference play tips off on December 29 with Georgetown at Connecticut, but that doesn't mean that you shouldn't pay attention until then. There are a bunch of non-conference games that should keep you on the edge of your seat (and hopefully display the power of the Big East).
I've decided to not include games where a weaker Big East team is playing against a strong non-conference team (e.g. Rutgers @ UNC) because I have no reason to include it the other way (e.g. Fairfield @ Connecticut). If you are curious which teams I view a weaker Big East teams, please take a look at my Big East Preview. So without further ado: fifteen Big East games to watch before conference play starts.
USC @ Seton Hall
Thursday, Nov. 20 - 7:00 PM
The list kicks off with Seton Hall hosting USC (#18 AP, #21 Coaches), and if the Pirates want to show the basketball world that they are a legitimate team this year, they need to play well against the Trojans. They are perfectly capable of pulling off the upset–they proved it to the Big East last season when they beat thirteenth ranked Louisville 92-82. Either way it should be a great game to watch.
Syracuse @ Florida
Monday, Nov. 24 - 7:30 PM
Syracuse looked strong in their season opener and I would expect that it continues through their play against the former champion Florida Gators (#19 AP, #19 Coaches). Coach Donovan used last season to rebuild after losing his top six players at the end of the 2006-2007 season and, given their preseason ranking, has done a very good job with that. The Orange, on the other hand, lost most of their team mid-season last year, which made the end of their season a mess. This should be a great game between two relatively young teams.
Ohio State @ Notre Dame
Saturday, Dec. 6 - 4:00 PM
After losing Greg Oden and Mike Conley, Jr. to the first and fourth picks of the 2007 NBA Draft, respectively, the Buckeyes struggled last season and managed to finish fifth in the Big Ten. Look for that to change during the 2008-2009 season, however, as freshman center B.J. Mullens, along with freshmen guards William Buford and Anthony Crater, try to make names for themselves. The Buckeyes are on the verge of being ranked and very well may be by early December.
The Irish (#9 AP, #9 Coaches) are going to look to reining Big East player of the year Luke Harangody to continue dominating the post and kick it out to three point machine Kyle McAlarney when necessary.
This should be a great Big East / Big Ten matchup that you won't want to miss.
Wisconsin @ Marquette
Saturday, Dec. 6 - 9:30 PM
What's better than following up one great Big East / Big Ten matchup with another? The Badgers (#21 AP, #21 Coaches) travel to the Golden Eagles (#17 AP, #17 Coaches) for what is sure to be a great game. The Badgers, unbeknown to many, have had an RPIin the top 25 for the past five years and have put together two consecutive 30 win seasons and a Big Ten championship.
The Golden Eagles have a very small but very fast team and can wear down opponents by their level of play. Last season they outscored opponents in the second half twenty-four times, a trend which should continue into this season.
Over the past six seasons the Badgers and Golden Eagles have split the series 3-3, and five of those decisions have been by single digits. This should be another great matchup and one to definitely watch.
West Virginia vs. Davidson
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