Michigan State at Duke is first big college basketball game

A look at what are expected to be some of the top games of the college basketball regular season:

Michigan State at Duke, Dec. 1

This Big Ten/ACC Challenge meeting could preview the national title game.

Kentucky vs. North Carolina, Dec. 4

The Tar Heels are eager to show they’re new and improved. The Wildcats want to show they’re new and just as good.

Illinois at Gonzaga, Dec. 4

Gonzaga’s stacked frontcourt will be a test for the jet-lagged Illini.

North Carolina at Duke, Feb. 9

The rivalry heats up; Duke strongly recruited freshman standout Harrison Barnes, who ultimately chose North Carolina.

Washington at UCLA, Dec. 31

This could set the Pac-10 tone for the new year.

Florida at Tennessee, Jan. 11

Either team could assert dominance in the SEC.

Purdue at Ohio State, Jan. 25

How will JaJuan Johnson and Co. handle the inside force of Ohio State’s Dallas Lauderdale and Jared Sullinger?

Kansas State at Kansas, Jan. 29

Suddenly, the Wildcats are the big dogs in the state.

Pittsburgh at Villanova, Feb. 12

The beasts of the Big East meet for a showdown of top backcourts.

Temple at Dayton, Feb. 12

This game could determine an NCAA tournament berth.