Big East Big Five: Week Four

Oh, man, narrowing this down to only five games was hard as hell, y’all. There are a bunch of interesting games (Butler at Indiana State, Seton Hall vs California, Temple vs DePaul, Providence vs UMass, Xavier vs Utah) that just didn't fit in here. If you like college basketball (and if you don't, why are you reading this website?), there’s a lot to love in the Big East this week. Just sit back and let it wash over you.

Last Week: 3-2 (thanks for nothing, Xavier & DePaul)
This Season: 9-6

Wednesday, December 7: #10 Creighton at Nebraska (8pm Central, Big Ten Network) - Ah, yes, that day on the calendar when those of us Wisconsin residents in Marquette blue and gold point and laugh at those self-described Jayskers as they are forced to reckon with their discord. I’ll be honest, if this was in Omaha, it probably wouldn’t make the list, because there are better teams than Nebraska on the docket for the Big East this week. However, it’s the first true road game of the year for the Bluejays, so that means it’s quite the interesting matchup.

Wednesday, December 7: #13 Xavier at Colorado (8pm Central, Pac 12 Networks) - A big road win over the Buffs would really do the Musketeers a lot of good right now. They’re coming off their first loss of the season, a 15 point defeat in Waco against Baylor. Losing to a ranked team, eh, not so bad. But you really shouldn't lose your next game, and XU has shown some weaknesses already this season, especially against Mizzou. Colorado is 6-2 right now, but they also don't have anything impressive on their resume.

Saturday, December 10: #1 Villanova vs #23 Notre Dame (11am Central, CBS) - Hey, look, a neutral site game! The Wildcats will be protecting their newly found #1 status as they renew a Big East 2.0 rivalry with the Irish. Notre Dame is undefeated right now, with three KenPom top 100 wins, although they do need to get past a home game against the mighty Fort Wayne Mastodons before heading to Jersey for this game.

Saturday, December 10: Marquette vs #17 Wisconsin (1pm Central, FS1) - Do I need to explain this to y’all?

Saturday, December 10: #16 Butler vs #22 Cincinnati (3:30pm Central, FS1) - Did y’all realize that Cincinnati is #21 in KenPom right now? Heck, I didn't even realize they were ranked in the AP poll. They’re 7-1 on the season with only a neutral court loss to Rhode Island mucking things up for them. With Connecticut blowing out ligaments left and right, the AAC is pretty much Cincy’s conference to win this season. Either team winning will benefit long term, and the Bulldogs would love to be undefeated heading into their Crossroads Classic game against Indiana next week Saturday.