Down Goes Number 1 (again)

For the 5th consecutive week, the number 1 team in our great nation has been defeated. Most recently (last night) Illinois pulled off a comeback in the second half to once again defeat a top ranked Big 10 squad.

Illinois had been reeling in BIG 10 play owning a record of 3-7 in the conference. They had a convincing win over Ohio State but that was all they had to show for. In John Groce's first season as head coach, the Illini needed some statement wins to make a resume for March and there was no better place to start than last night in Champaign.

Trailing by 12 at the half, the Illini began to get rolling and a step back jumper followed by two Brandon Paul free throws tied the game at 72 apiece. Paul's first free throw, feeling the pressure, banked in after hitting every part of the rim and backboard. He then calmly swished the ensuing free throw as number 1 was on the ropes again.

Player of the week, Victor Oladipo, brought the ball up the court with only a 2 second difference between play and shot clock. The Hoosiers were planning on taking the last shot and began their offense with 10 ticks remaining. As Oladipo drove right he attempted to crossover behind his back but was stripped by D.J. Richardson who went coast to coast only to get blocked from behind with 0.9 seconds remaining. With no timeouts, Illinois had the ball under Indiana's basket and attempted to set screens for a shot in he corner but then mayhem broke loose. Indiana big man Cody Zeller flanked to the corner to cover a shot but left his man. And then greatness happened. Illinois big man Tyler Griffey cut to the basket and flicked the ball up right before the red light lit. Good!! Illinois wins the game on a back cut as time expired. The student section rushed the court and there will be a new number 1 come Monday.

What this means for Indiana? Nothing really, they will be fine. Either a 1 or 2 seed depending on their finish in the BIG 10. But for Illinois they suddenly have a sign of a life. Potentially they could finish only 2 games below 500 in the BIG 10. If the Illini do damage in the conference tournament I could definitely see this team sneaking into the March tournament. What a game!

Final score: 74-72 Illinois

#1 Michigan at #3 Indiana

Headline:
The #1 Michigan Wolverines travel to Assembly Hall to face the #3 Indiana Hoosiers
Michigan Wolverines:
Trey Burke and company have withstand the curse of the 1 for a long run of 1 games. They easily defeated Northwestern in only turning the ball twice in that game. The curse of number 1 might rear its head again tonight. While Michigan could possibly fall from the top rank tonight or in their next 4 games, (Indiana, Michigan St, Wisconsin, and Ohio State) the Wolverines long term goal is a National Championship. These are the games that truly show who the top teams in the nation are. If Michigan comes away from this grueling stretch in a positive way, the Wolverines can consider themselves a contender. Freshman Nik Stauskas and Junior Tim Hardaway Jr. will look to lead the Wolverines to their first title since 1989.

Indiana Hoosiers:
The Hoosiers were pre-season ranked #1 and show they nearly deserve that title. Indiana seemed to return to relevancy last season most notably against the top ranked Wildcats. Each of those teams have gone in opposite directions. The Wildcats have fallen out of the ranks after a National Championship but the Hoosiers have jumped into the top 5 for most of this season. The Hoosiers run with big man Cody Zeller and get excellent guard play from Victor Oladipo.

Prediction:
Their are two keys to this game. The guard matchup between Burke and Hardaway Jr. against Oladipo, Hulls, and Sheehey. In addition, can Michigan big men slow down Cody Zeller and Senior Christian Watford. Whoever wins these matchups wins the game.

Final Score:
Indiana-67
Michigan- 63

Line:
Indiana -5.5
Over/Under:
144.5

Sportacular Sport's NCAA Men's Basketball Predictions

College Basketball is back and who isn't excited. Even though we have tons of exciting games remaining in the NFL season, everyone gets ready for the College Basketball Season.

College Basketball Preseason Rankings

To no surprise, Indiana is the ranked #1 in the preseason. They return a ton of their main players from last season led by preseason All-American Cody Zeller. The defending-champion, Kentucky Wildcats, aren't ranked number 1 because of all the players they lost this off-season. After a trip to the Final Four and returning many players, Louisville ranks at #2. Rivals, Ohio State and Michigan, round out the top 5 containing 3 Big 10 clubs.

Indiana Hoosiers-#1, Big 10

Projected Starting Lineup:

Cody Zeller-C

Christian Watford-PF

Will Sheehey-SF

Victor Oladipo-SG

Jordan Hulls-PG

Led by Sophomore, Cody Zeller, the Hoosiers return their starting lineup from last season. All but Zeller are either a Junior or Senior. They have the leadership and the star-player. For some reason though, I don't see Inidiana winning a National Championship. Something says, Indiana's lack of athleticism will catch up to them against my projected National Championship, Louisville.

Louisville Cardinals-#2-SEC

Projected Starting Lineup:

Peyton Siva-PG

Wayne Blackshear-SG

Luke Hancock-SF

Chane Behanan-PF

Gorgui Dieng-C

After a Final Four exit last season, Louisville returns many key players from their run last season. Peyton Siva should be the most dynamic PG in all of College Basketball this season. Gorgui Dieng is an unbelievable shot-blocker and will protect the rim well for the Cardinals this season. Co-captain, Luke Hancock, can do it all while Chane Behanan was excellent off the bench in the Tournament last season. The Cardinals have all the assets to win a Championship and could clinch a 1-seed with a weaker Kentucky team this season. My early prediction is the Cardinals winning the Championship this season.

Kentucky Wildcats-#3-SEC

Projected Starting Lineup:

Ryan Harrow-PG

Archie Goodwin-SG

Alex Poythress-SF

Kyle Wiltjer-PF

Nerlens Noel-C

Kentucky looks to defend their National Championship. But look above and see how many starters they return. 0. They also lost senior, Darius Miller. Their 7th best player is finally in the starting lineup with the addition of freshman stud Nerlens Noel. While his hair is awesome, this freshman class will not be able to live up to the hype from last year's team. Expect a deep run in the tournament, only for the lack of Senior leadership to catch them this year.

Ohio State Buckeyes-#4-Big 10

Projected Starting Lineup:

Aaron Craft-PG

Shannon Scott-SG

Lenzelle Smith Jr.-SF

Deshaun Thomas-PF

Amir Williams-C

The Ohio State Buckeyes have a ton of promise this upcoming season. Even with the loss of big-man Jared Sullinger, O-H-I-O returns stud, Aaron Craft, and Deshaun Thomas. Aaro Craft can do it all for the Buckeyes which is why I believe they'll win the Big 10. He brings leadership, can spread the ball effectively, and even score buckets when necessary. Not to mention, Lenzelle Smith Jr. is an excellent player, this trio could lead the Buckeyes to a promising season.

Michigan Wolverines-#5-Big 10

Projected Starting Lineup:

Trey Burke-PG

Tim Hardaway-SG

Glen Robinson III-SF

Mitch McGary-PF

Jordan Morgan-C

The Michigan Wolverines have an excellent backcourt this upcoming season. Led by Sophomore Trey Burke and Junior Tim Hardaway. The Wolverines will play with the loss of dual-threat Evan Smotrycz but bring in Freshman Mitch McGary. The Wolverines are an excellent team in an extremely tough Big 10. I think they'll finish 3rd in the conference. Going further than their first round exit last season, the Wolverines will play in the Elite 8 but fall to eventual champions, Louisville.

The season is just beginning and much will change but everyone should get pumped for the start of another College Basketball season.