Kentucky vs. Kansas: Why Marquee Matchup Must Shine at Madison Square Garden

Two of the most storied programs in college basketball will square off on the most popular court in the world on Tuesday night, and the sport needs Kentucky and Kansas to produce a fantastic game. 

This is the first big game of the college basketball season, and if it falls flat, it won't help the sport moving forward. 

Some people believe college basketball really gets going in March, but that isn't the case, as each school intensely prepares all year to start the season off right in the fall. 

With the NBA currently locked out and showing no signs of ending, this is a great chance for college basketball to pick up some fans before March Madness rolls around. 

Everybody knows college basketball will always thrive in the spring because of the high pressure NCAA tournament, but starting strong at the beginning of the year would bring in more viewers during the fall and winter portion of the season.

It's tough to compete with football and the NBA, but right now college basketball is at a great advantage since it is the only basketball being televised in America. 

A lot of NBA fans will tune in on Tuesday night to watch the No. 2 ranked Kentucky Wildcats battle the No. 11 ranked Kansas Jayhawks. 

The reason people love March Madness so much is because of how crazy the games can be. Should Tuesday night feature a blowout in Madison Square Garden, college basketball will fail to gain new fans for the beginning of the season.

Kentucky vs. Kansas needs to keep fans on the edge of their seat, and since both teams have some inexperienced players at key positions, it should be a very good game.

Playing on the national stage is why these students went to such great basketball programs, but once they hit the court at Madison Square Garden, their nerves will most definitely get to them. 

The Wildcats were thankful that freshmen sensation Terrence Jones decided to return for his sophomore season, but head coach John Calipari landed the top overall recruiting class once again, which means Kentucky will once again be a young and talented team.

Anthony Davis, a 6'10" freshman power forward, led the Wildcats with 23 points and 10 rebounds in their season opener against Marist.

Another freshman who stole the show in the Wildcats 50 point win was point guard Marquis Teague, who had 15 points, four assists and three steals. 

There are high expectations for Kentucky basketball every year, but after three straight top recruiting classes, it's time for Calipari and the Wildcats to get to the championship game. 

Calipari hears it from everyone, even analyst Dick Vitale. The Wildcats' coach tweeted his thoughts on the matter. 

As for Kansas, their starting five may be all juniors and seniors, but it's a group of guys who didn't have a ton of playing time in the last couple of seasons. 

Thomas Robinson and Tyshawn Taylor are the Jayhawks' most experienced players, and they will be asked to elevate their game to new heights this season. 

The two Kansas leaders combine for 30 points in the Jayhawks' 46 point victory over Towson in the season opener. 

Replacing Marcus and Markieff Morris won't be easy, but head coach Bill Self has recruited well, and his players know how to run his system. 

We'll find out on Tuesday night if his new group of starters will actually be able to execute it. 

The college basketball world sure hopes so, as a lackluster game in the national spotlight would be a devastating blow to the sport. 

March Madness will always be there, but gaining viewers at the beginning of the season is the best way to make the sport continue to grow in popularity. 

Kentucky vs. Kansas has boom-or-bust potential on Tuesday night, and everyone should be hoping for a fantastic finish.