Number 10 at Number 21 and the lower seed is favored by two? Did the Seattle Seahawks convert to basketball (while still playing at Century Link?) Clearly, Vegas and probably the rest of the country is skeptical of the Hawkeyes' top ten ranking and hasn't forgotten about Michigan's preseason #7 spot.

Frequently doubted #10 Iowa (15-3, 4-1) gets a chance to prove themselves tonight against #21 Michigan (13-4, 5-0) at 7:00 pm EST (unfortunately, not on national television).

Both teams have been hot lately, Michigan even more so by way of their 5-0 conference start and seven straight wins. Really, the Wolverines have been competitive in every game this season, most notably in a two point loss to #1 Arizona, a ten point loss at #18 Duke (14-4), and a seven point loss at #16 Iowa State (15-3). Sophomore guard Nick Stauskas has been as good as advertised this year (18 ppg, 49 percent shooting) and Glenn Robinson III (13 ppg, over 50 percent shooting) has improved steadily compared to last year's solid freshman campaign. Remarkably, Michigan has been this good without the help of fallen big man Mitch McGary, whose hot tournament last March spurred the Wolverines to the title game.

Iowa's season has been more consistent, and their losses to top programs even closer (overtime to #4 Villanova, three points to Iowa State, and four points to Wisconsin). Finally, they got their first big win of the year at then #3 Ohio State, which actually isn't looking so big after the Buckeyes' four straight losses (one of them, however, was to Minnesota, a rising team Iowa dismantled by over 20 points).

The pressure's on Michigan in this one, on their home floor and with a looming away game at Michigan State. Desperation will be on their side, while Iowa will have the bigger shoulder chip as betting underdogs. This one's going to be close and fun to watch, as both teams offenses are pleasing to the eye (Michigan's has been hot and Iowa's is 5th in the nation in points per game). Ann Harbor isn't going to be an easy place to play, but the Hawkeyes are used to tough away games (and sick of losing them). I think they overcome Michigan with their sheer amount of options (10 players average at least 5 ppg). Iowa with the cover (and the win!).

For live stream, try the BTN2Go.com.

Regular season: 2-5

Picking Schedule:

Butler @ Creighton: L (picked Butler, +10.5)

UConn @ Memphis: L (picked Memphis, -7.5)

Depaul @ Villanova: W (picked Villanova, -17.5)

Pittsburg @ Syracuse: L (picked Syracuse, -5.5)

Creighton @ Villanova: L (picked Villanova, -6.5)

Baylor @ Kansas: W (picked Baylor, + 10.5)

Indiana @ Michigan State: L (picked Michigan State, -12)