Happy Saturday! Today’s the first Saturday that it will mainly focus on college basketball. Along with two NFL games, it will be a loaded schedule. Anyways, here are my picks:
NCAA Basketball:
UConn (10-3) at #24 Seton Hall (10-3) (-4.5)
Since its opening in 2007, UConn has a 6-2 record at the Prudential Center. The two teams split the series last year, both teams winning on the road. UConn is 46-19 against Seton Hall, but they better watch out for one of the top-ranked Big East teams. If Adama Sanogo plays, he could be a big impact against the Pirates, who have size in their lineup. I’m going with the Huskies, even though they were on COVID pause for 17 days.
Tune into UConn at Seton Hall at 12 PM ET on FOX.
St. John’s (9-3) at #16 Providence (13-2) (-3.5)
Providence has impressed me so far as the top-ranked Big East team. With resilience, they earned a huge win in Hartford against UConn. While Marquette destroyed the Friars, I’m looking for a bounce-back game.
Tune into St. John’s at Providence at 12 PM ET on FS1.
#14 Texas (12-2) (-2.5) at Oklahoma State (7-5)
I was going to pick Oklahoma State, but they’re near the bottom when it comes to offense out of the Big 12 teams. Texas hasn’t been as tested as the Cowboys, but I see the Longhorns edging out Oklahoma State, even on the road.
Tune into Texas at Oklahoma State at 2 PM ET on CBS.
#6 Kansas (12-1) (-4.5) at #25 Texas Tech (10-3)
Texas Tech did not start Big 12 play on the right foot as they barely lost to Iowa State on the road. Will a home-court advantage help? Absolutely. However, the Red Raiders have lots of players questionable, and I don’t know how they will keep up with Kansas’s prolific offense. I have Kansas winning on the road.
Tune into Kansas at Texas Tech at 4 PM ET on ESPN2/ESPN3.
#20 Colorado State (11-0) at San Diego State (9-3) (-2.5)
Yes, Colorado State is ranked and undefeated. San Diego State has the #1 defense in the Mountain West, going up against the #1 offense in the conference. With home-court advantage, an edge in the series, and a highly-ranked defense, I think the Aztecs force the Rams’ undefeated run to end.
Tune into Colorado State at San Diego State at 4 PM ET on CBS.
#11 Iowa State (13-1) at Oklahoma (11-3) (-6.5)
If Oklahoma upsets Iowa State, it will be because Porter Moser cleaned up the Sooners’ turnover issues. The Cyclones don’t do well in Norman, with a 24-67 record. Oklahoma has won four in a row. If Iowa State’s defense forces Oklahoma’s offense to collapse, the Cyclones could blow them out. However, with the game in Norman, I’ll take my chances on Oklahoma.
Tune into Iowa State at Oklahoma at 6 PM ET on ESPNU.
#18 Tennessee (10-3) at #21 LSU (13-1) (-1.5)
The game of the day, in my opinion. When the game’s in Baton Rouge, it’s a slight edge for the Tigers. I remember watching the game where LSU hosted Kentucky. Kentucky shot themselves in the foot and the crowd erupted every time. If LSU has the same turnout for their game against Kentucky, I feel confident picking the Tigers. According to KenPom, these two are the top defensive teams in the country.
Tune into Tennessee at LSU at 6 PM ET on ESPN2.
Florida (9-4) at #9 Auburn (13-1) (-7.5)
Florida has Colin Castleton, one of the top SEC players. Auburn has dominated at home against the Gators, with a 55-27 lead. Auburn’s defense ranks #6 in the country according to KenPom, and I think you will see that stand out, with Jabari Smith and Wendell Green leading the way.
Tune into Florida at Auburn at 8 PM ET on ESPN2/ESPN3.
Saint Mary’s (12-3) at BYU (13-3) (-3.5)
Saint Mary’s doesn’t have much luck in Provo, with a 5-12 record. I’ve loved seeing what Alex Barcello can do for the Cougars, and he leads the only West Coast Conference team with a win. I’ll take BYU in this game, but closer than you think due to Saint Mary’s defense.
Tune into Saint Mary’s at BYU at 10 PM ET on ESPN2.
NFL:
Kansas City Chiefs (11-5) (-10.5) at Denver Broncos (7-9)
Guess when the last time the Broncos beat the Chiefs was? 2015! The quarterback then was Peyton Manning, who led the Broncos to his last Super Bowl win against the Panthers. With Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs looking to be in the best position for the playoffs, I’ll take the Chiefs. Especially after the loss last week against the Bengals.
Tune into Chiefs at Broncos at 4:30 PM ET on ABC/ESPN/ESPN+.
Dallas Cowboys (11-5) (-4) at Philadelphia Eagles (9-7)
The Eagles beat the Cowboys at home in back-to-back years for the first time since the early 2000s. Impressive. However, the Cowboys have one of the best teams in the NFL, with Dak Prescott leading the offense and Micah Parsons looking like one of the best defensive rookies we have seen in a long time. The Eagles are 3-4 at home and already clinched a playoff berth, where they can’t move up much. I’ll take the Cowboys in a sweep.
Tune into Cowboys at Eagles at 8:15 PM ET on ABC/ESPN/ESPN+.
Calhoun's Corner 