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Big Ten Basketball: 10 must-watch games on the 2018-19 conference schedule

By Brian Rauf

EAST LANSING, MI - JANUARY 13: Head coach Tom Izzo of the Michigan State Spartans reacts to a play during a game against the Michigan Wolverines at Breslin Center on January 13, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI - JANUARY 13: Head coach Tom Izzo of the Michigan State Spartans reacts to a play during a game against the Michigan Wolverines at Breslin Center on January 13, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /
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ORLANDO, FL – MARCH 16: Melo Trimble #2 of the Maryland Terrapins looks on in the second half against the Xavier Musketeers during the first round of the 2017 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Amway Center on March 16, 2017 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL – MARCH 16: Melo Trimble #2 of the Maryland Terrapins looks on in the second half against the Xavier Musketeers during the first round of the 2017 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Amway Center on March 16, 2017 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

7) Maryland at Purdue – Thurs, Dec. 6

There is no clear No. 2 behind Michigan State in the Big Ten pecking order and both Maryland and Purdue have enough talent to take that spot. However, both teams also face major questions. Can the Terps finally get over the hump with head coach Mark Turgeon leading the way? And how will Purdue replace four starters?

Even if both teams disappoint this season, it will be a matchup between two of the nation’s best point guards in Maryland’s Anthony Cowan and Purdue’s Carsen Edwards.

6) Michigan State at Ohio State – Sat, Jan. 5

Ohio State’s success was one of the country’s biggest surprises a year ago and their 80-64 upset win over then-No. 1 Michigan State in Columbus really spearheaded their season. Can they do it again?

5) Michigan State at Wisconsin – Tues, Feb. 12

The Kohl Center is an extremely tough place to play and the Badgers are desperate to put last season’s disappointment behind them. They may also have the best player on the court in preseason All-American candidate Ethan Happ.

Can they pull off an upset? And how will Michigan State handle the tough road environment? These will be the key factors in this game.

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