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Every weekday, a panel of our college hoops experts discuss the biggest issues, trends and themes in and around college basketball.
1. Kansas State has beaten two ranked Big 12 opponents in three games. What must happen for the Wildcats to go into Hilton Coliseum and beat No. 9 Iowa State to make it a third?
Andy Katz: Kansas State must come out with the same confidence and unselfish play. This has been a different team since Marcus Foster was benched. He has responded to the challenge. The Wildcats haven't lost their poise late in games, either.
Jeff Goodman: Kansas State has to continue to defend. The Wildcats have allowed an average of 57 points per game in the past four games -- which, not coincidentally, all have been victories. Foster seems to be locked in, and coach Bruce Weber also is using Wesley Iwundu more since Big 12 play began. This group needs to win with its defense -- and it has to make sure the Cyclones don't get easy looks. Easier said than done.
Dana O'Neil: Kansas State has to defend. Foster's recommitment has been huge, but unless the Wildcats slow down Iowa State, they won't be able to keep up offensively.
2. Who is harder to figure out, Florida or LSU?
Katz: LSU. Florida has had trouble scoring, and it became an issue again in the loss at Georgia. But we know who Florida is this season. LSU has too much talent to lose these games late at home or on the road. The Tigers have been befuddling. They were able to close out at West Virginia and vs. Georgia, but gave away the Texas A&M game. LSU should be the team most ready to challenge Kentucky in the SEC, but that's not the case.
Goodman: LSU. I can't figure the Tigers out. They won in Morgantown against a tough defensive West Virginia squad, and also beat Georgia (yes, they were fortunate). But they lost to Old Dominion, Clemson, at Missouri and at home against Texas A&M. Enigmatic. Coach Johnny Jones has two potential pros up front in Jarell Martin and Jordan Mickey, yet the Tigers aren't exactly dominant up front. The key remains point guard Josh Gray -- who is erratic with his play and decision-making.
O'Neil: LSU. The Tigers have talent and sometimes they play up to it, and other times they don't. Both teams are a work in progress, but Florida at least knew it was going to be this much work. LSU's propensity to simply blow games, regardless of location, makes no sense.
3. Iowa has played well lately, but now it gets Wisconsin twice in 11 days. What will we find out about the Hawkeyes in the next 11 days?
Katz: Iowa has been resilient. Win or lose, in both of these games the larger question will be how the Hawkeyes handle the games after Wisconsin. Iowa has a solid résumé with no bad losses so far.
Goodman: I saw Iowa a couple of times in New York earlier this season, and I was concerned about the Hawkeyes' guard play. I love Aaron White, but the key to Iowa's success lies in the backcourt -- especially against Wisconsin. That's the Badgers' weakness, especially now without Traevon Jackson (out six weeks with a fractured foot), so that's where Iowa needs to take advantage. Iowa can put itself in position to battle Maryland for second in the league -- as long as the Hawkeyes gain a split against the Badgers.
O'Neil: We will find out if the Hawkeyes are a true Big Ten contender or merely part of the middling middle in the league. Iowa doesn't need a sweep of the Badgers, but without Jackson in Wisconsin's lineup, the Hawkeyes need to take advantage of an opportunity and get the spilt.
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