Quote:
Originally Posted by jcruse64
Should be at the Austin Peay/Murray State game tomorrow; hope we win!
I see that the NCAA has rejected for the last time the bid for Enes to play for Calipari in Lexington. I didn't expect there to be any change there.
|
Well, that action is already underway, and like all the other early games, it is precisely the war one would expect. Nobody, nowhere, has yet to gain any meaningful edge over their opponent, including that AP/MSU contest.
And yes, I also saw the NCAA has rejected UK's additional appeal regarding the statue of Enes Kanter. So now those "Free Enes' pleas have truly been appeased, as he is now free to sit in the stands and await the NBA Draft. As wise men have noted, be careful what you wish for.
Last night neither of those games I picked to have potential became thus, as both Butler and Iona dominated their respective opponents. But two other games were actually pretty exciting:
Canisius 62 - Siena 61 = Though these two schools have both had better teams, and better records in past years, they did give us some fun here.
Creighton 72 - Southern Illinois 66 (OT) = And you could say the precise same thing here.
While we await some resolution in the early games, let me select some that will follow later today. And I use the term "select some" judiciously, because there are so many good possibilities I could not cite them all . . . thus the length of my "short list", to whit:
Pitt vs. Marquette = Though one would be smart to pick Pitt, don't expect Marquette to get spanked. In fact, they even have a shot at winning this one. Don't bet on it, but don't bet the farm on the Panthers either.
SMU vs. Tulane = And though this one won't be played on the same level, it has the potential to be a close contest.
George Mason vs. ODU = Ditto.
Baylor vs. Texas Tech = The Bears have shown some weaknesses lately, yet still should have enough to beat TT . . . maybe not by much, but a win's a win.
California vs. Arizona State = Even if this wasn't a conference game, it would be a toss-up. Neither team has dominant talent, but both are smart and well-coached.
Wake Forest vs. N.C. State = And even if this wasn't both a conference game and one between in-state rivals, the intensity would be there. The Deaks have enough pride to wish to avoid their predicted slot in the ACC basement, and the 'Pack is trying to take a step up in the world . . . and save Sidney Lowe's job. Expect a war, with State edging it out.
BYU vs. Air Force = I have said before I don't consider the Cougars to truly be amongst the country's elite. That being said . . . again . . . I don't think the Falcons have enough to stop them here.
Florida State vs. Virginia Tech = Here is another vital early conference game. Neither squad is likely to challenge Duke in the ACC, but both want to end the season with enough wins for a bid to the NCAAs.
U. Conn vs. Texas = This might be the marquee matchup of the day, and I can't tell you who to pick here. I'm leaning a bit towards the Longhorns, but they have the habit of collapsing under pressure in big games. On the other hand, the Huskies have had surprisingly great success so far, yet I feel they have over-achieved and may be approaching the limits of their good fortune. I guess this is why they actually play the games.
Texas A&M vs. Oklahoma = And I have a similar "U. Conn-ish" feeling about A&M, which is why I give the Sooners a chance of pulling off the upset here. Hey, it is in Norman.
Memphis vs. East Carolina = The Tigers were just humbled by the Vols, so should come into this one with renewed focus. But a young team sometimes goes in the other direction after a spanking, so give the Pirates a shot, albeit a slim one, of keeping this close for a while.
San Diego State vs. Utah = Though the Aztecs may be little better than contenders in several other leagues, they do seem to be the class of the Mountain West. So, whether they are Runnin' or not, the Utes ain't got more than a prayer here.
Alabama vs. Mississippi State = And again we have one of those key conference games between programs who are "also-rans" in their league. Both need every win they can garner, and we can expect they know that well enough to give us a good one here.
Georgia Tech vs. Boston College = Didn't I just tell you? Are you paying any attention at all? Why do I even bother?
Charlotte vs. St. Bonaventure = Must I keep repeating myself? Sheesh, wake up already!
Kentucky vs. Georgia = With or without Enes Kanter, UK has better talent than do the Bulldogs. But the 'Dawgs ain't dogs themselves, and they are totally capable of giving the Wildcats a game here. Could be a lot closer than Cal would like.
Vanderbilt vs. South Carolina = The Comms have a better team too, but the 'Cocks are always up.
Besides, they need the W more. I won't say that they will win down in Columbia, but I will say that, if they do, I won't consider it to be a big upset.
UCF vs. Houston = UCF is ranked # 19 in the AP poll, and # 13 in the decidedly odd RPI rating. That same RPI poll gives their Strength of Schedule rating at 107th. So, if they haven't played anybody, how can you expect me to predict how they will play? Hey, I'm not calling for the Cougars to knock off the Knights . . . I'm just saying this whole hype about Disney University is pretty Mickey Mouse.
Miami vs. Clemson = Hey, guess what? We're back to those important conference games again. And again, as neither team is all that much better, or worse, than the other, you can expect a close and hard-fought war.
LSU vs. Auburn = Ibid.
Washington vs. Oregon State = Ditto.
Stanford vs. Arizona = Op. cit.
Ole Miss vs. Florida = Etc.
Providence vs. Rutgers = USW
St. John's vs. Notre Dame = OK, slightly different, as the Irish are perceived as being the superior team. But the Red Storm has played pretty well so far, and might just have a few surprises for those leprechauns.
Iowa State vs. Nebraska = No surprises here, just another tight fight.
Portland vs. Gonzaga = Yep.
UNLV vs. TCU = Maybe a three-possession edge for the Casino Runs, but not much more.
Oregon vs. Washington State = And maybe that for the Cougars too, but more because the Ducks are merely waddling through their schedule.
I might pick a dozen or three more, but that should be enough. I'll be back later with some early results, and a preview of Sunday's action. Until then, enjoy.