Champions Classic 2014: Predictions, TV Schedule, Live Stream and More

You have waited months for the start of the college basketball season, and the Champions Classic is the best way to truly kick things off.

Kentucky, Duke and Kansas represent three of the Top Five teams in the nation, while Michigan State is always a top contender by the end of the year. Each program knows what it takes to play at a high level with a coach who has won a national title.

While no champions will be crowned in November, this doubleheader will be very telling for what to expect for the rest of the season. A few of these teams come into the year with plenty of hype, but only these battles against top opponents truly show how good they are.

If you love college basketball, there is no excuse for missing what could be the best set of nonconference games all year. Here is a guide to help you follow the two matchups.

Duke vs. Michigan State

Grant Halverson/Getty Images

When: Tuesday, Nov. 18

Time: 7 p.m. ET

Where: Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Indianapolis

TV: ESPN

Live Stream: Watch ESPN

Michigan State isn't expected to be one of the top teams in college basketball this season, mostly due to losing departed stars Adreian Payne, Gary Harris and Keith Appling.

The remainder of the roster has upside to be competitive in the future, but the majority of players lack the game experience necessary to match up with the top teams this early in the season. The Spartans will need players like Branden Dawson to step up and carry the squad if they want to be successful.

Still, Tom Izzo is not worried about the possibility of facing a better team:

Duke does represent a big challenge with a deep roster full of high-profile recruits. The freshmen class of Jahlil Okafor, Justise Winslow and others gives head coach Mike Krzyzewski as much depth as he has ever had in Durham, and he will use it to his advantage by speeding up the pace and wearing down opponents.

Even if the veteran players like Quinn Cook or Rasheed Sulaimon struggle offensively, Tyus Jones or Grayson Allen can fill in and provide the necessary scoring.

Although the Blue Devils might not continue their stretch of topping 100 points like they did in the first two games, they should be able to score enough to make it almost impossible for Michigan State to keep up on the scoreboard.

Expect a fast-paced game that sees Duke pull away in the second half and earn an easy win.

Prediction: Duke 84, Michigan State 68

Kentucky vs. Kansas

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

When: Tuesday, Nov. 18

Time: 9 p.m. ET

Where: Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Indianapolis

TV: ESPN

Live Stream: Watch ESPN

It is easy for college basketball fans to hate Kentucky, but there is no denying the talent throughout the roster.

SMU coach Larry Brown had some high praise for the top team in the preseason polls, via Eric Prisbell of USA Today:

As usual, the recruiting class is arguably the best in the country with the versatile Karl-Anthony Towns, an elite scorer in Devin Booker and an offensive sparkplug in Tyler Ulis, among others. However, the difference with this team is that it also has experienced contributors in Andrew and Aaron Harrison, Willie Cauley-Stein and more.

The public is really running out of reasons to count out the Wildcats this season, as much as everyone wants to.

However, Kansas is one of the few teams that can slow Kentucky down with its athleticism all over the court.

Freshmen Cliff Alexander and Kelly Oubre have been limited so far, but they have the talent to match up with elite opponents. Perry Ellis and Wayne Selden are also hoping to take a big step this season after being secondary options last year.

The problem is simply a lack of depth to keep up with the Wildcats down the stretch. With McDonald's All-Americans coming off the bench, Kentucky will stay fresh even deep into the game. The experienced leaders should then be able to make the necessary plays in the closing minutes to earn a close win.

Prediction: Kentucky 67, Kansas 62

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