North Carolina Tag

Seriously, is there anything better than the NCAA Tournament?  Throughout the world there are sporting events that capture excitement and majesty in the performance of excellence.  Some say the Super Bowl is the greatest event.  Others might contend that the Olympics or the World Cup represents the best that organized sport has to offer.  A fan representative from every major sport could file an argument for their sport's top event.

Most times we are consumed with professional athletes and for good reason.  Pro athletes are at the top of their game and talent levels across the board are much higher than that of any amateur league.  However, there is just something special about college basketball.

Sure some of the pageantry has been lost over the years from players leaving college early.  And yes there are a litany of dirty coaches in college but at the end of the day these players should be allowed to receive compensation.  Tax friendly of course.  The only obvious problem is the disparity between schools and the pocket books of their boosters.  But until the NCAA cleans up their act that is a conversation for another day.  For now we just get to enjoy the amazingly competitive basketball we have had the pleasure of watching all season.

Last week we ushered in a new season for the pro's and tonight we open the 2012-13 collegiate campaign.  Fans have longed for a night with an identity, a night in which we can truly deem as the "season opener".  Well, tonight we get exactly that.  Last year Michigan State played against North Carolina in what is now known as the Carrier Classic.  Over 8,000 fans watched the Tar Heels beat the Spartans 67-55 on the USS Carl Vinson air craft carrier.

The event received overwhelming support and attention so they have brought it back for another year.  This time the event will be a double-header that features both the Men and Women squads from Ohio State.  The Buckeye Men will take their number 4 ranking onto the court to challenge Big East opponent Marquette.

Along with the Carrier Classic there will be dozens of games across the country and one in Germany.  Yeah that's right.  I said Germany.  The MSU Spartans (14) will once again open their season with a military theme.  The boys from East Lansing, MI will take on the recently upturned UConn Huskies.  Two marquis programs in a rare over-seas game.  In fact, it will be the first college basketball game ever held in Europe.  Guess Tom Izzo just loves to be the first team to play basketball on courts not inside of a gym.

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