January 3

Western Illinois @ South Dakota

The Leathernecks already have more wins this year than they did all of last season, but they still have to prove themselves after playing an incredibly weak non-conference schedule.  They’d have to really have an outer body experience to pull off an upset against a tough Coyote defense.

South Dakota State @ North Dakota State on ESPN3

It is hard to win a weeknight road conference game, especially in Fargo, but the Bison are going to have to play at the Jackrabbits pace, which is something they won’t be comfortable when they don’t really have a post presence that can match up with Mike Daum.

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January 4

Fort Wayne @ Oral Roberts

These teams are polar opposites.  Fort Wayne plays small and shoots 3, Oral Roberts is big and well, they’re just big.

And it’s great that Fort Wayne beat Indiana and all, but they only beat Olivet College by 6.  So, they’re just kind of weird, right?

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January 6

North Dakota State @ South Dakota on ESPN3

It’s been great when these two teams have matched up against each other the last few seasons.  The Bison were able to win in Vermillion last season by 1, and this should be another close game.  The Coyotes can get the win, mostly because it’s a toss up and they’re playing at home.

Fort Wayne @ Denver

I think that Fort Wayne is the better team, but Denver has the altitude advantage on top of having a full week of rest in comparison to Fort Wayne who is heading to Denver after facing Oral Roberts Thursday night.

South Dakota State @ Omaha

Mike Daum could score 50.

Western Illinois @ Oral Roberts

Both teams are better than last season, but this game could be just a giant disorganized mess.  Western Illinois will continue to fight to the end, and pull off the upset in Tulsa.