Big Ten Basketball Schedule: Reaction and Analysis for 2012-13 Season

The Big Ten has just released their conference schedule for the 2012-13 men’s basketball season.

If you want to see the listing of games in its entirety, courtesy of NebraskaRadioNetwork.com, click here.

It should be another exciting season full of epic contests between some of the best teams in the nation.

Let’s take a look at some of the must-watch games and round up some reactions from around the web.

Must-See Big Ten Conference Games

January 12: Illinois at Wisconsin

Both of these squads are hoping to improve upon their performances in 2011-12, especially the Fighting Illini.

Wisconsin managed to fight their way into the Sweet 16 during the NCAA tournament, but ultimately faltered in a close game against the Syracuse Orangemen.

Illinois was unable to even make the postseason after they slapped together a measly 17-15 record, with a poor 6-12 showing in the conference.

Expect both teams to fight tooth and nail in this early Big Ten matchup in order to get a leg up late in the season. 

February 10: Indiana at Ohio State

This is likely going to be a matchup of two juggernauts that are highly ranked in the top 25 polls next season.

Indiana is expected to be one of the best teams in the nation, led by returning superstar Cody Zeller and a solid supporting cast that is looking to challenge Kentucky for dominance in the college basketball landscape.

Ohio State is coming off another stellar season, but they lost Jared Sullinger and have to figure out what they have in Deshaun Thomas.

This is going to be a must-see contest and the first of two (or possibly three if they meet in the conference tournament) battles between these elite squads. 

February 12: Michigan at Michigan State

Tim Hardaway Jr. will be expected to make the leap this season and he’ll have a great chance to show off his skills against a bitter rival in mid-February.

The Wolverines swingman is a deep threat that is smooth with the ball, but he’s got to get more accurate if he wants this team to be a serious contender.

Sparty is recovering from the loss of Draymond Green to the NBA and has to hope that Branden Dawson can recover from an ACL tear to make the team competitive in 2012-13.

Coach Tom Izzo always has his Michigan State squad prepared, so expect this to be a close contest, even if Michigan is better on paper.

Twitter Reactions

Jeff Rabjohns of Peegs.com pointed out that the Big Ten is one of the most popular conferences in collegiate basketball, and certainly draws the biggest live crowds.

"

The Big Ten has led the nation in attendance for men's basketball 36 years in a row with an average of 12,868 fans per game.

— Jeff Rabjohns (@JeffRabjohns) August 30, 2012"

Those rabid fans can hardly wait for the season to tipoff.

Chris Balas of TheWolverine.com notes that the Wolverines have a tough schedule to close out the season. That could seriously impact their status in the Big Ten tournament and NCAA seeding.

"

Mich. basketball releases schedule. Last three Big Ten games: MSU at home, at Purdue, home vs. Indiana. #fb

— Chris Balas (@Balas_Wolverine) August 30, 2012"

Terry Hutchens of the Indianapolis Star checked out the schedule and noted that Indiana will not play any home games while school is on break. That should insure that Assembly Hall is always rocking and one of the toughest places to play in 2012-13.

"

One interesting note w/Big Ten sked is that IU's home Big Ten opener is Jan. 12. That means students will not be on break for any BT games.

"

"— Terry Hutchens (@indystar_hutch) August 30, 2012"

Prediction

Expect Indiana to run away with the Big Ten title this year, as the team is too stacked with talent and experienced players. They are a national championship contender and will likely suffer just one or two losses all year long.

Ohio State, Michigan, Wisconsin and Michigan State should round out the top five in the conference standings in that order.