On February 12, 2013, for the first time in the series' 170-game history, Michigan met MSU while both teams were ranked in the Top Ten. State won at the Breslin that year, and the Wolverines won at Crisler Arena. Currently MSU is ranked #10 and Michigan is #7. Starting in the 2010s the teams met seven straight times as ranked opponents. Sunday's meeting in Ann Arbor and the rematch March 9 in East Lansing will mostly likely decide who wins Big Ten title this year.
The GridCard also features #5 Tennessee at #13 LSU and #14 Texas Tech hosting #12 Kansas. Duke plays at Syracuse Saturday night, Zion Williamson out with a knee sprain, and the #1 Blue Devils coming off a thrashing by UNC. A marquee NBA matchup--Rockets @ Warriors--closes the First Game.
Three AAF games are in the Second Game mix. The early ratings for the new football league have been strong, the AAF winning time slots when matched against NCAAM. Three Thursday night contests--Xavier @ St John's, Nebraska @ Michigan, and 76ers @ Thunder--should make for an exciting battle for the Hamlin-Hopper and the King Kong.