Weekend Preview: It's Been Such a Long Time

It's time to finally stop just talking about college basketball and start watching it! This weekend's games for schools from Indiana:

Friday

Binghampton (KenPom #304) at Notre Dame (KenPom #70)
Mike Brey and crew start their campaign with a visit from the America East's Bearcats.
Manchester at IPFW (KenPom #219)
Northeast Indiana schools clash as the Mastodons welcome the Spartans.
Mississippi Valley State (KenPom #304) at Indiana (KenPom #26)
The Delta Devils are known for being the college home of Jerry Rice.  Their basketball program?  Not so well known.
Samford (KenPom #304) at Purdue (KenPom #40)
It's Samford, not Stanford, so things look good for the Boilermakers.  However, Northern Kentucky pushed Purdue to the brink on opening night last year.
East Tennessee State (KenPom #195) at Valparaiso (KenPom #160)
Probably the most evenly matched game of the first weekend. Crusaders have a chance to get themselves a decent pelt on the wall on opening night against the Buccaneers.
Indiana State (KenPom #132) at IUPUI (KenPom #324)
Basketball returns to the Fairgrounds Coliseum and it's a in-state battle between the Sycamores and the Jaguars. IUPUI Coach Jason Gardner celebrates his 34th birthday by coaching his first college game. FH2FH will be there.
Ball State (KenPom #282) at #25 Utah (KenPom #42)
The Utes are tied with Harvard in the AP Top 25.  It's probably not going to be a pleasant trip out west for the Cardinals.

Saturday

Earlham at Evansville (KenPom #158)
It's E school vs. E school as the Purple Aces tip off against Division III Hustin' Quakers.
Maine (KenPom #343) at Butler (KenPom #68)
The Black Bears are the opponent at Hinkle Fieldhouse's housewarming party after major renovations during the off-season.  FH2FH will be there.

Sunday

Navy (KenPom #303) at Notre Dame (KenPom #70)
After starting the season with a game at home against Michigan State, the Midshipmen are treated to a flight to northern Indiana to face the Irish.  Probably a better football game than basketball.
Valparaiso (KenPom #160) at Missouri (KenPom #70)
Valpo has a chance to make a statement in the first weekend of the season. Mizzou has a new coach and a lot of question marks.
IUPUI (KenPom #324) at Purdue (KenPom #40)
IUPUI starts its season with its second straight game against an intrastate power. FH2FH will be there.