I really don't think Purdue is good enough to match up with some of the faster, more athletic teams that play in other conferences. I don't have them making the Sweet 16 in any of my brackets. I think Braden Smith gets exposed like he did against Wisconsin. Edey will get his buckets, but he can't score 70 points by himself.
Illinois is the team I think has the greatest chance to make some noise. They match up better with the other styles you see around the country. They have a dynamic playmaker and just enough size and athleticism across the board.
Michigan State is a mystery. They have talent, but have underperformed all year. I could see them getting hot and making the Sweet 16, but they may also be done by tonight.
Wisconsin is playing well lately, so I could see them winning a couple games, but I don't think they are talented enough, particularly inside, to go beyond the second or third round.
I have no idea what to think about Nebraska. I think my mind can't compute that they might be any good, so I keep thinking of them as pathetic ol' Nebraska.
I want so badly for us to win tomorrow, but I just don't see how we beat a team with that kind of returning experience when we are starting a walk-on and two bench guys (though Martinelli has clearly flourished). Even if the guys who are now starting have stepped up, the problem is that the drop off when you go to your bench now is huge! We were dangerous when Martinelli was a sixth man off the bench providing some spark. Now we have no spark off the bench and our main guys get worn down.
