Saturday Big 12/SEC Challenge: Iowa State Cyclones vs. Texas A&M Aggies

With the amount of parity that currently exists in college basketball, it's not a difficult task to seek out match ups that showcase two teams who believe they have what it takes to win a national championship.  Despite a devastating loss on the road to the pesky Arkansas Razorbacks, the Aggies still have one of the best defenses in the country (64.3 PAPG, 29th in NCAA) and will look to suppress the free flowing offense of the Cyclones (84.4 PPG, 12 in NCAA).

It's difficult to discuss the dynamic offensive abilities of the Cyclones without bringing up senior forward Georges Niang. Between his unwavering consistency at shooting from nearly anywhere on the court (52.5% FG%) and his relentless defensive presence (6.4 RPG, 0.9 SPG) Niang is one of the most well-rounded players in the country.  Better yet, Niang has proven that he has only gotten better and more disciplined since his freshman year as his free throw accuracy (70% from the line freshman year, 85.1% from the line this year) and offensive tenacity (12.1 PPG freshman year, 19.3 PPG this year) have allowed Niang to become an unstoppable force.

Although Niang's developed versatility is impressive, the maturation of junior guard Monte Morris has been equally intriguing.  As one of the most unselfish ball facilitators in college basketball (7.0 APG), Morris has become one of the unsung heroes for this Cyclones team that is reliant upon a tenacious offense who's success is predicated on hyper team vigilance and seamless ball movement.

While the Cyclones offensive capabilities are difficult to suppress, the Aggies have a defensive team that has made a living at shutting down happy go lucky offenses.  The crux of the Aggies defensive triumphs is the result of freshman center Tyler Davis being a domineering mountain that refuses to give up an easy shot (1.1 BPG). However, what's even more mesmerizing is the fact that Davis also has a well-developed offensive game and utilizes his size in the low post to take high-percentage shots (67.3 FG%).

Yet, even with Davis' worthy contributions, the Aggies have one of the best two guards in the game in senior Jalen Jones.  Although it's easy to look at Jones' statistical output and assume he's a pure scorer (46.7 FG%, 17.1 PPG), Jones also prides himself on being a sensational rebounder (7.0 RPG) as well as a aggressive ball snatcher (1.0 SPG). 

In the end, while both of these teams have their preferred styles of play, they are both capable at being efficient on both sides of the court. While the Aggies have a lot of underrated talent that has proven that they can take on anyone, the Cyclones have empathically shown that they can take on the best of best without being intimidated (three wins against top five opponents this season).  Although the Aggies will be playing with a chip on their shoulder after their most recent defeat, the Cyclones have proven that they play their best basketball when taking on dominant opponents.

Iowa State Cyclones 70 Texas A&M Aggies 68

  

Friday Night College Hoops: VCU vs. Davidson

Although Friday nights are noticeably meek when it comes to intriguing college basketball match ups, tonights A-10 duel between the Davidson Wildcats and the VCU Rams should prove to be a competitive affair.

Despite a rough start against non-conference opponents, the Rams have discovered some much needed continuity against conference opponents (7-0 in conference play).  Although VCU is known for their stingy defense (66.8 PAPG, 63rd in NCAA), they have several shooting threats that are capable of running up the score when the situation calls for it.  Arguably one of the most improved players of the season, senior guard Melvin Johnson has quietly become one of the most versatile shooters in college basketball (42.1 FG% and 42.8% from the perimeter).

While the Wildcats defense may not be as tenacious as the Rams (79.7 PAPG, 325th in NCAA), they more than make up for it with a relentless offense that is one of the best in college basketball (81.5 PPG, 28th in NCAA). This is due largely in part to the unwavering confidence of junior guard Jack Gibbs (24.8 PPG this year compared to 16.2 PPG last season).  Although Gibbs' three point shot has been noticeably less effective than is seasons past, he compensates for this discrepancy by taking more mid range jump shots.

In the end, the team that can take advantage of the opposing teams weak rebounding game will ultimately be the one that comes away with an important conference win. While the Rams defensive prowess is impressive, their average rebounding skills could prove to be the difference maker in this match up. Although the Wildcats are not great rebounders themselves, their ability to take high percentage shots at the right time gives them a slight edge in this potentially exciting A-10 showdown.

Final Score: VCU 72 Davidson 76

  

NFL Game Of The Week: Green Bay Packers (10-5) vs. Minnesota Vikings (10-5)

It all comes down to this. Two battle hardened franchises that are hungry for a division title will duel it out in a defensive grudge match that should be captivating from start to finish.

That's right, I said it. Despite Green Bay having one of the premiere passers in the game on their side, they'll have to rely on their physical running game (118.3 RYPG 10th in NFL) and stout defense (20.2 PAPG 10th in NFL) for a much needed victory. This is not to say that Aaron Rodgers isn't a crucial factor in how this game will play out.

In the Packers deflating 38-8 loss to the Arizona Cardinals, Rodgers looked completely lost as his demoralized offense couldn't penetrate a dominant Cardinals defense. Throwing for just 151 yards while completing only 53.6% his passes, the once pass happy quarterback appeared to regress beyond the point of just having a bad game.

Bearing that in mind, the Packers will have to lean on an inconsistent albeit physical running game to take some pressure off of their distraught quarterback. Although running back Eddie Lacy has been a shell of his former self this season, he still has the athleticism and strength to break out for some big yardage plays. Although back up runner James Starks has been a somewhat effective rusher in his own right, his presence as a dual threat receiver out of the backfield has given this offense some much needed versatility.

For the Vikings, their keys to claiming a division title will be predicated on their smash mouth defense (19.3 PAPG, 6th in NFL) and relentless running game (137.3 RYPG, 5th in NFL). Of course, the Vikings potent running game will only be effective if Adrian Peterson gets into a rhythm. Between his 10 TD's on the season and over 1,400 rushing yards, Peterson has appeared to have rediscovered his knack for running all over opposing defenses.

Beyond that, the Vikings will also need to rely on the impressive decision making skills of quarterback Teddy Bridgewater to keep this offense clicking on all cylinders. While Bridgewater has only thrown for 14 TD's on the season, his poise as a legitimate pocket passer (65.9 CMP%) makes him a methodically gifted quarterback that can extend drives by utilizing his patience and keen vigilance to find an open receiver

In the end, the Vikings shot at redemption in a do or die division battle royale can't be denied as their versatility on both offense and defense has been a sight to behold. However, the Packers have arguably the one of the best passers in the game along with a fairly formidable defense of their own. Although it will be hard fought affair from beginning to end, the unwavering determination of Rodgers will be just enough for the Packers to clinch the NFC North.

Packers 24 Vikings 23