Friday was typically quiet, but there were a few non-conference matchups of note.
- Iowa State beat archrival Iowa, 81-71 in Ames.
- The Sun Belt got a split against the SEC in the Sun Belt invitational in Nashville. While no. 9 Tennessee had little trouble with Middle Tennessee, prevailing 75-54; Vanderbilt fell victim to a Western Kentucky team that seems to be getting it together just in time for the Sun Belt season, 76-69.
- Dayton picked up another out-of-conference win over a CAA opponent, beating Old Dominion at UD Arena, 58-50.
As today is the first Saturday of the season that's relatively college football free (other than Army-Navy and the D2 and D3 finals), there's is quite a bit of action on TV.
- No. 4 Kentucky at Indiana (CBS, 12): Both teams knocked off Big East opponents in New York earlier in the week. The Hoosiers should put up a fight at home, but you can't possibly think John Wall will possibly let them win.
- No. 13 Ohio State at No. 22 Butler (ESPN, 12): The Buckeyes play their first full game without Evan Turner. Going to Hinkle Fieldhouse to play a Bulldog team who's taken their licks on the road probably isn't the best recipe for a win.
- La Salle at No. 1 Kansas in Kansas City (ESPN, 2): The Explorers are 6-2, but the two losses have come at the hands of the two BCS schools they've faced (South Carolina and Villanova). They'll struggle at Phog II.
The John Wooden Classic in Anaheim gives the two Pac 10 teams featured a chance at big wins.
- No. 15 Georgetown vs. No. 17 Washington (FSN/CSN, 2): The Hoyas can knock off their second ranked opponent of the week, while the Huskies really need this one, as Pac 10 games aren't going to provide much of a schedule bump later in the year.
- Mississippi State vs. UCLA (FSN/CSN, 4:30): The Bruins showed some promise against Kansas last Sunday, but they will struggle against Jarvis Varnado inside.
- Oklahoma at Utah (Vs., 4): The Utes, fresh off a win over Michigan Wednesday, look to avenge an 18-point loss to the Sooners in Norman last year. With no Blake Griffin involved this season, they have a chance.
- St. Joseph's at Minnesota (Big Ten, 4): The Hawks gave Villanova a game in the Holy War on Wednesday, so the Gophers can't take this one lightly.
- Western Carolina at Louisville (Big East/Full Court, 4): The Catamounts have been solid so far this year. If they can pull the upset at Freedom Hall, maybe people will start to notice.
- Texas State at No. 2 Texas (FS Southwest/Full Court, 4): The Longhorns should move to 8-0.
- Marquette at No. 20 Wisconsin (ESPN2, 5): The Golden Eagles claimed bragging rights in Milwaukee on Tuesday, but playing in Madison for the unofficial state crown is a completely different matter entirely.
- Virginia Tech at Penn State (ESPN2, 7): Two bubble teams from a year ago look to get a step ahead for this season.
- Kansas State at No. 18 UNLV at Orleans Arena (FS Kansas City/Full Court, 7): The Wildcats are quietly building something in Manhattan, but knocking off a hot Runnin' Rebels team in their backyard would make the country notice a bit more.
- Coppin State at No. 6 West Virginia (Big East/Full Court, 7): Unusually, Fang Mitchell's Eagles have played five home games already this year. They won't see the Coppin Center again until January 23, as this game marks the start of a patented eight-game CSU road swing.
- Oregon State at Nebraska (FS Midwest/Full Court, 8): NOT a Big 12/Pac 10 Hardwood Series game. The Huskers will try to avenge their road loss to the Beavers last season.
- No. 5 Purdue at Alabama (ESPN2, 9): A win over a Boilermaker team that's firing on all cylinders early would be a big boost to Anthony Grant in his first season at the Capstone.
- Arizona at San Diego State (the mtn., 10): It's another battle of 2009 bubble teams. A win here could be crucial for both yet again.
- BYU at Fresno State (Full Court, 10): The Cougars pay a visit to former coach Steve Cleveland.
If that wasn't enough there are still a few others:
- Florida Atlantic at Louisiana-Lafayette (Sun Belt/CSS/CST/Full Court, 2)
- Toledo at Valparaiso (Lakeshore/Full Court, 3)
- Fairleigh Dickinson at Missouri (FS Midwest/Full Court, 8)
- Utah Valley at Utah State (Full Court, 9)
There are plenty of games of interest that will only be telecast regionally. You can find TV information for them at Matt Sarz' College Sports on TV site.