On Jan. 25, the matchup between Nebraska (11-9, 3-5) and #10 Michigan (16-5, 8-1) was much less interesting. Way back then, Michigan had just beaten then #3 Michigan State to remain unbeaten in the conference. Having lost six of their last seven, Nebraska was preparing to play a hot Minnesota (15-7, 4-5) team fresh off an upset of Ohio State (which, if you're in the Big Ten and hadn't upset the Buckeyes or Wisconsin recently, what were you doing?).

Nebraska would win that game, and their next one against Indiana (14-8, 4-5), which just beat Michigan. Ah, so it comes full circle. We have ourselves a game tonight at the somewhat odd time of 6:30 pm EST (on local channel BTN).

Like every game from here until the end of the conference season, this one will be big for both teams. A win for the Cornhuskers would add a much needed boost to their NCAA tournament resume (currently lacking). A win for Michigan would maintain the momentum they've built in the polls, which has allowed them to stay in the top ten despite five losses (and over teams with less overall losses like Creighton, Texas, Louisville, etc.).

In their loss against Indiana, the Michigan offense was exposed for its (over) reliance on sophomore guard/forward Nik Stauskas (18 ppg). The Hoosiers' Yogi Ferrel (27 points) by all accounts (not mine, for I missed most of the game) shut down the Wolverines' leading scorer to six points on just six shots from the field. Nebraska might try the same strategy. If they do (and do it effectively), they'll likely keep the game close... and cover the 13 point spread. Nebraska for the cover.

For a live stream, try Stream2Watch.me

Regular season: 11-12 (need a win here to improve my own NCAA tournament chances)

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)

Iowa @ Michigan: L (picked Iowa, + 1.5)

Colorado @ Arizona: W (picked Colorado, + 14.5)

Illinois @ Ohio State: W (picked Illinois, + 11)

Michigan @ Michigan State: W (picked Michigan, + 4.5)

Villanova @ Marquette: W (picked Villanova, -3)

Utah @ Arizona: W (picked Utah, + 15)

Oklahoma @ Oklahoma State: W (picked Oklahoma, + 4.5)

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

Michigan State @ Iowa: W (picked Michigan State, + 5)

St. John's @ Creighton: W (picked St. John's, + 12)

Iowa State @ Kansas: L (picked Iowa State, + 8.5)

Syracuse @ Wake Forest: L (picked Syracuse, -10)

Purdue @ Michigan: L (picked Michigan, -12)

Florida @ Mississippi State: W (picked Miss. State, + 15)

Duke @ Syracuse: L (picked Syracuse, -3)

Xavier @ Villanova: L (picked Xavier, + 10)