Carrier Classic 2011: Wind Will Play Big Factor in Important Game

Friday's game between North Carolina and Michigan State is set to be one of the biggest preseason games of the season.

And, as T-Pain would say, it's on a boat. 

The No. 1 Tar Heels will take on the Spartans in the first ever Carrier Classic on Veteran's Day in front of hundreds of servicemen. 

This is truly a great idea and innovative gift for those who protect our country. During a week when there has been so much tragic sports news, this is a fantastic story and event. 

Still, though, I feel like we are all missing something.

This is a collegiate basketball game that will be played outside. On the water. Why does no one seem to be worried about how the natural elements will affect the game?

The weather report right now is projected sun, and that's not surprising considering the Vinson is located in San Diego. Rain won't be a factor, but what about wind?

I'm no weather expert, but usually when you're right next to, or on the ocean, there is going to be some wind. College hoops analyst Seth Davis reiterated this point via his Twitter account. 

"The court still being put together aboard the Vinson," tweeted Davis. "It's windy up here!" 

He also included a picture in the Tweet, and it appears—unless they do some major building in the next few hours—nothing will be blocking that wind.

I don't know if you've ever tried to play basketball outside when the weather is anything but perfect, but it is extremely hard. Just the slightest uptick in wind can mess up your shot.

And now we're talking about professional athletes who shoot hundreds of times per day and rely extensively on being in a rhythm. If their shot is off by just a fraction, they can have miserable days.

Mark my words, the shooting is going to be off in this game. You won't be able to see the ball dipping like a Justin Verlander curveball, but the shooting percentages will be down.

And this isn't some game that doesn't have any weight on the rest of the season.

Michigan State is always a contender for the NCAA tournament, but their team has taken a bit of a step back this year. You have to think they'll be on the bubble come March, and a win over the now No. 1 Tar Heels would be huge.

North Carolina won't be sweating out Selection Sunday, but you know they'll want that overall No. 1 seed that essentially gives them home-court advantage through the whole tournament.

They can't afford to lose many games, let alone the first of the season. 

Awesome, original venue. Important game. And Mother Nature. 

What better way to start the season for the best sport in the world?