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9.Florida Atlantic vs. 5.San Diego State
NRG Stadium (Houston, TX)
April 1, 6:09 PM ET, CBS
Nine seed Florida Atlantic should have been eliminated in the first round. Memphis had a lead in the final seconds and had called a timeout. But, the refs did not see it that way. Since, FAU has taken down those Memphis Tigers, sixteen seed Farleigh Dickinson, Tennessee, and finally Kansas State in the Elite 8. Those four NCAA Tournament wins have helped the Owls to 35 wins. The last time a team won at least 35 games in college basketball, Virginia won it all in 2019. Can FAU have the same success as they are set to make their first Final Four ever? Guard Johnell Davis has been tremendous for them in NCAA Tournament, scoring 29 points in their Round of 32 win over FDU. San Diego State dispatched College of Charleston and Furman relatively easily in the first two rounds but then answered every run by top overall seed Alabama in the Sweet 16 and Creighton in the Elite 8. Every Aztec has seemingly made an impact but guards Matt Bradley (17 points in Round of 64), Darrion Trammell (21 points in Sweet 16), and Lamont Butler (led team in assists twice in tournament) as well as big man Nathan Mensa (6 rebounds, 2 blocks per game), have been huge down the stretch. With both teams being tough teams with good defenses, this one will come down to the wire. Projected Score: San Diego State 65, Florida Atlantic 62

4.Connecticut vs. 5.Miami
NRG Stadium (Houston, TX)
April 1, 8:49 PM ET, CBS
Connecticut was crushing people in November and December. The Huskies had a tough time at the start of Big East play. Now they have won every one of their NCAA Tournament games by 15 or more. Sharp shooter Jordan Hawkins (24 points versus Arkansas in the Sweet 16 and 20 points versus Gonzaga in the Elite 8), big man Adama Sanogo (averaging a double double in the tournament), and point forward Andre Jackson (31 assists to just 6 turnovers in the entire tournament). They are the clear favorites to win it all entering the weekend. Miami almost lost to twelve seed Drake in the first round before playing tremendous offensive games against Houston and Texas. For Miami, forward Norchad Omier, guard Isaiah Wong, and guard Nijel Pack are dangerous enough offensively to at least make this a game in the second half and potentially win a game many do not think they can. Projected Score: Connecticut 87, Miami 72

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Round of 64

Columbus
1.Purdue
16.Texas Southern/Farleigh Dickinson
Purdue should roll against the winner of Texas Southern and Farleigh Dickinson.

8.Memphis
9.Florida Atlantic
Memphis and Florida Atlantic are two teams that can make runs in the tournament. Memphis just beat the Midwest top seed, Houston, and will continue to the Round of 32.

Orlando
5.Duke
12.Oral Roberts
Duke is the hottest team in the country and they face Oral Roberts, the famous Cinderella of the 2021 tournament. The Golden Eagles are a 12-seed this time, up from a 15 seed in 2021. If Duke was not the hottest team in America, I would pick Oral Roberts, but the Blue Devils are playing too well right now.

4.Tennessee
13.Louisiana
Louisiana will pull off the surprise upset over Tennessee.

Greensboro
6.Kentucky
11.Providence
Providence star Bryce Hopkins faces his former team in Kentucky. Both squads have been up and down all season, but the Wildcats have more talent and should move on

3.Kansas State
14.Montana State
Kansas State’s Markquis Nowell and Keyontae Johnson should lead the Wildcats to a match up against the other Wildcats.

Columbus
7.Michigan State
10.USC
Michigan State coach Tom Izzo’s NCAA Tournament experience will help lead the Spartans to Round 2 of the NCAA Tournament.

2.Marquette
15.Vermont
Coach Shaka Smart and Marquette surprised the league this year by winning a regular season and tournament championship in the Big East. Vermont is an NCAA Tournament mainstay but Marquette’s NCAA Tournament stay will not only last one game last season.

Round of 32
Columbus
1.Purdue
8.Memphis
Memphis will knock out Purdue, led by star Kendric Davis.

Orlando
5.Duke
13.Louisiana
Louisiana’s run in Orlando will end at the hand’s of red hot Duke.

Greensboro
3.Kansas State
6.Kentucky
In what will be an entertaining game for both teams Kansas State’s toughness will help them defeat the other Wildcats.

Columbus
2.Marquette
7.Michigan State
Michigan State could pose problems for the second consecutive season as a seven seed for another two seed in Marquette like they did against Duke last March, but the Golden Eagles should eliminate the inconsistent Spartans.

Sweet 16
New York City
5.Duke
8.Memphis
Duke will take star Kendric Davis out of the game and end another smaller school’s run in New York City

New York City
2.Marquette
3.Kansas State
Marquette and Kansas State are two of the toughest teams in the Big Dance and for that reason it would be a great game. Marquette wins a close on in NYC.

Elite 8
New York City
2.Marquette
5.Duke
When Duke plays in the east regional in Madison Square Garden, one could call it “Cameron Indoor North” with the amount of fans that come to cheer on the Blue Devils. Similarly, Marquette plays in MSG every March in the Big East Tournament so there will definitely be Golden Eagles fans in the arena too. Duke will win a close game and head to the Final Four for the second consecutive year.

East Regional Champion: 5.Duke

2023 East Region Preview, Predictions Video

Image Courtesy: KU Sports

Round of 64

Des Moines
1.Kansas
16.Howard
Kansas, who would have likely been the top overall seed with a win over Texas in the Big 12 Tournament Championship, should handle Howard, who had a great regular season.

8.Arkansas
9.Illinois
In a game of up and down teams this season, either team can win this game. I lean Arkansas because of the coaching of Eric Musselman.

Albany
5.Saint Mary’s
12.VCU
VCU is a dangerous team to play for Saint Mary’s but the Gaels lock you up on defense so they will win against the Rams.

4.Connecticut
13.Iona
Led by coach Rick Pitino, Iona returned to the NCAA Tournament. Too bad the Gaels face a Connecticut team with talent to make the Final Four.

Denver
6.TCU
11.Arizona State/Nevada
TCU has been playing great basketball of late and they will face Arizona State after they beat Nevada, the final team in the tournament, in my opinion. TCU should advance but it will not be easy against hot shooting Arizona State.

3.Gonzaga
14.Grand Canyon
Bryce Drew’s Grand Canyon team has appeared in the NCAA Tournament for a second consecutive season. The Zags may not be a top seed this season but they are dangerous and again led by forward Drew Timme.

Sacramento
7.Northwestern
10.Boise State
Boo Buie, Northwestern’s star guard, will lead the Wildcats past Boise State.

2.UCLA
15.UNC-Asheville
UNC-Asheville has a talented roster but they will face a UCLA team that can not only play tremendous defense but they score with ease.

Round of 32

Des Moines
1.Kansas
8.Arkansas
Arkansas is good enough talent wise to beat Kansas but they have not shown me enough all season. Kansas moves on.

Albany
4.Connecticut
5.Saint Mary’s
Connecticut will dominate Saint Mary’s in the second half and move onto Las Vegas.

Denver
3.Gonzaga
6.TCU
The Zags should be troubled by TCU’s tough defensive play and the Horned Frogs will move on.

Sacramento
2.UCLA
7.Northwestern
UCLA will have to play well against a tremendous defense in Northwestern but if they can score on it, they will move on to Las Vegas and the Sweet 16.

Sweet 16
Las Vegas
1.Kansas
4.Connecticut
Kansas finally plays the defense that can stop stars Jalen Wilson and Grady Dick. Connecticut’s big man play moves them on to the regional final.

Las Vegas
2.UCLA
6.TCU
UCLA’s defense helps the Bruins move on to the Elite 8.

Elite 8

Las Vegas
2.UCLA
4.Connecticut
In what would be a terrific match up, Connecticut wins the west region over UCLA.

West Regional Champion: 4.Connecticut

2023 West Region Preview, Predictions Video

Image Courtesy: Sports Illustrated

Round of 64

Birmingham
1.Houston
16.Northern Kentucky
If Marcus Sasser comes back for the Cougars for this game, they should have no problem against the Norse.

8.Iowa
9.Auburn
Iowa is the better offensive team but Auburn wins this game with their defense and gritty play.

Albany
5.Miami
12.Drake
Drake is a popular upset pick but Miami’s offense will carry them to a win.

4.Indiana
13.Kent State
Indiana has been up and down this season. Facing a tough Kent State team will mean their demise and a Golden Flashes win.

Greensboro
6.Iowa State
11.Mississippi State/Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh will beat Mississippi State in Dayton and do the same to an overrated Iowa State team.

3.Xavier
14.Kennesaw State
Xavier may have been overseeded as a number three seed but they will handle Kennesaw State, who makes their first ever tournament appearance in 2023.

Des Moines
7.Texas A&M
10.Penn State
Texas A&M and Penn State are both gritty teams that use that to win games. Both lost in their conference tournament finals. Texas A&M wins a close one.

2.Texas
15.Colgate
Texas will defeat a high scoring Colgate team and set up a future SEC match up with old rival Texas A&M.

Round of 32

Birmingham
1.Houston
9.Auburn
Houston will take care of an Auburn team that struggles to score.

Albany
5.Miami
13.Kent States
Miami will end Kent State’s run in the NCAA Tournament.

Greensboro
3.Xavier
11.Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh will upset Xavier, led by Jamarius Burton.

Des Moines
2.Texas
7.Texas A&M
In a future SEC match up, Texas will win and head to Louisville.

Sweet 16
1.Houston
5.Miami
Miami will upset Houston using a teriffic offensive attack.

2.Texas
11.Pittsburgh
Texas will end Pittsburgh’s run to the south regional while coach Rodney Terry proves he is valuable enough to be the permanent head coach.

Elite 8
2.Texas
5.Miami
Texas will return to the Final Four in 2003 after beating Miami.

Midwest Regional Champion: 2.Texas

2023 Midwest Region Preview, Predictions Video

Image Courtesy: The San Diego Union-Tribune

Round of 64

Birmingham
1.Alabama
16.Texas A&M-CC/16.Missouri State
The Tide should roll over the winner of Corpus Christi and Missouri State.

8.Maryland
9.West Virginia
In what should be a highly competitive game, West Virginia will defeat Maryland.

Orlando
5.San Diego State
12.College of Charleston
College of Charleston will be a popular upset pick but San Diego State’s defense should eliminate them.

4.Virginia
13.Furman
Furman will be a popular upset pick but Virginia’s tournament experience should get them the one.

Denver
6.Creighton
11.NC State
Creighton was a pre-season top ten team but without star big man Ryan Kalkbrenner out for much of the season. With him back, the Blue Jays should handle a great NC State team, who has great guards like Terquavion Smith.

3.Baylor
14.UC Santa Barbara
UC Santa Barbara can win an NCAA Tournament game but facing a healthy Baylor team will be a chore.

Sacramento
7.Missouri
10.Utah State
In a game that could see both teams score 90, Missouri will take down Utah State with potential scoring droughts.

2.Arizona
15.Princeton
Arizona just won the Pac-12 title game and they are poised to make a run in March.

Round of 32

Birmingham
1.Alabama
9.West Virginia
Alabama got a bad draw in the south with either Maryland or West Virginia. Similarly to Alabama, West Virginia can score in bunches. Alabama should win it but it will be a different game.

Orlando
4.Virginia
5.San Diego State
In a game of NCAA Tournament mainstays and tremendous defensive teams, I lean San Diego State to win this game with a healthier roster.

Denver
3.Baylor
6.Creighton
Baylor is good and can make another run but Creighton’s balance on offense will help them to an upset of the bears.

Sacramento
2.Arizona
7.Missouri
Missouri will challenge Arizona but if the wildcats show up, they should get the job done.

Sweet 16

Louisville
1.Alabama
5.San Diego State
Alabama will have to survive periods without scoring as they face a tremendous defense in the Aztecs but star Brandon Miller should lead them to the Elite 8.

Louisville
2.Arizona
6.Creighton
Arizona and Creighton faced off in the Maui Invitational Championship earlier this season and Arizona won. I favor the team that did not win that match up, Creighton, to get the job done.

Elite 8

Louisville
1.Alabama
6.Creighton
In what would be a tremendous game, Alabama would handle Creighton and move onto the Final Four.

South Regional Champion: 1.Alabama

2023 South Region Preview, Predictions Video

Image Courtesy: State of the U

Note: No video previews this year, I am too busy.

ACC (Greensboro)
Bracket
Video Preview
The ACC was definitely down this season. North Carolina fell from the top team in the country in the pre-season to off of the NCAA Tournament bracket. Virginia and Miami shared the regular season conference title and they will be challenged in Greensboro by an up and down Clemson team, dangerous Duke, and Pittsburgh, who is having their best season in a long time. A surprise run by North Carolina will likely not happen but the talented Tar Heels could make it happen. Projected Winner: Pittsburgh

Big 12 (Kansas City)
Bracket
Video Preview
The Big 12 runs through Kansas again this season. The Jayhawks finished with the best record again in the conference and will look to be ready to win another conference title near home in Kansas City. Kansas led the best conference in the country that will likely also have Texas, Baylor, Kansas State, TCU, and Iowa State as locks for the tournament. Oklahoma State, West Virginia, Oklahoma, and Texas Tech will look to have good weeks to lock up bids as well. To me, this is a tournament any team can win and there will be ripple effects on the top four seed lines with who wins the conference title. Projected Winner: Baylor

Big East (New York City)
Bracket
Video Preview
The winner between top seed Marquette and four seed Connecticut’s potential semifinal match-up will likely become the conference tournament’s winner but two seed Xavier, three seed Creighton, and five seed Providence will look to make some noise. First year Villanova coach Kyle Neptune has the Wildcats poised for a March run with just a few wins next week in Madison Square Garden as well. Projected Winner: Connecticut

Big Ten (Chicago)
Bracket
Video Preview
The Big Ten is the most average it has been as a basketball league in a long time. Purdue ran to a 22-1 record to start the season but then began losing games. Tied for second place, Indiana, Northwestern, and Michigan State all have nine conference losses while Illinois, Maryland, Iowa, and Michigan tied for third with nine losses. This conference tournament is wide open and I honestly have no idea who is going to win. Projected Winner: Indiana

Pac-12 (Las Vegas)
Bracket
Video Preview
Thoughts:
The Pac-12 has been run by UCLA this season as they have four less conference losses than second place Arizona (2 to 6). The Bruins are the easy favorite to win in Las Vegas because of their defense and veteran leadership including point guard Tyger Campbell and wing Jaime Jaquez. Projected Winner: UCLA

SEC (Nashville)
Bracket
Video Preview
Kentucky has surged into conference tournament week, winning five of their last six games. With top seed Alabama having to make second half comebacks in their last few games on their way to a regular season championship in the conference, they may not be the favorite in Nashville this week but the they are definitely dangerous. Last year’s finalists Texas A&M and Tennessee had success a lot of success in the event last season but they will be challenged by sleepers such as Auburn, who has played well of late, Mississippi State, and even South Carolina. Projected Winner: Kentucky

Image Courtesy: Burnt Orange Nation

March 4
2.Alabama at. 24.Texas A&M
12 PM ET, CBS
As Brandon Miller goes, Alabama goes. He led the Tide to an SEC regular season championship, its second in three seasons. Scoring 41, 24, and 17 in his last three games have led them to victories. If Brandon Miller is the Tide’s best player, Ohio transfer Mark Sears is the X-Factor for the Crimson Tide. Aggies guard Wade Taylor and big man Julius Marble have helped Texas A&M to a surprise second place finish in SEC play. To me, A&M can win this game at home if they limit the Tide in the first half like Arkansas did in the first half in last week’s game. The Aggies will need to come out and play well at the beginning of the second half if that is the case, as the Crimson Tide are a fantastic shooting team and can get points inside at a fast pace. Projected Score: Alabama 75, Texas A&M 70

3.Kansas at. 9.Texas
4 PM ET, ESPN
A win for the red-hot Jayhawks over Texas Tech on Tuesday has put them in great position to be the number one overall seed in the NCAA Tournament with the Big 12 regular season title all locked up. In their way will be a Texas team that plays much better at home than it does on the road. The Longhorns lost to TCU on Wednesday in Fort Worth. Texas must rely on the offense of guards Marcus Carr and Sir’Jabari Rice and the defense of Timmy Allen against a Kansas team that is going to be hard to stop. A win for the Longhorns puts them in play for second place in the Big 12 with losses by Baylor (hosts Iowa State) and Kansas State (goes to West Virginia) but a loss makes them the four seed in next week’s Big 12 tournament with potentially another chance against Kansas again in the semifinals. Projected Score: Kansas 78, Texas 77

25.Pittsburgh at. 16.Miami
6 PM ET, ACCN
An unlikely match-up (based off of projections at the beginning of the season) for one of the top three seeds in the ACC Tournament next week comes in Coral Gables. Miami is looking to return to the Elite 8 and go even further this season with leading scorer Isaiah Wong and leading rebounder Norchad Omier. However, Jeff Capel’s Pittsburgh team looks to lock up the ACC title with conference player of the year candidates Blake Hinson and Jamarius Burton. Projected Score: Pittsburgh 85, Miami 83

Duke at. North Carolina
6:30 PM ET, ESPN
North Carolina has gone on a three-game winning streak since a head-scratching loss to NC State in Raleigh where they had a lead for most of the game. In that streak, the Tar Heels got their first Quad 1 win of the season against Virginia. Star center Armando Bacot will have to score more than 1 point (like he did against Florida State on Monday) if the Tar Heels are going to beat Duke and even up the season series. The Blue Devils young roster has matured into a well-built machine, winning their last five games led by forward Kyle Filipowski, guard Tyrese Proctor, wing Dariq Whitehead, and big man Dereck Lively II. The Tar Heels must win this game to head to the NCAA Tournament but Duke will make it tough. Projected Score: Duke 81, North Carolina 76

8.Arizona at. 4.UCLA
10 PM ET, ESPN
Having already locked up a Pac-12 title, UCLA looks to get their third quality win this season to make its case for a one seed. Bruins forward Jaquez leads UCLA in both points and assists. Arizona three games back in conference and guard Tyger Campbell’s leadership have proven huge in an 8-0 February. In recent losses, star Arizona forward Azuolas Tubelis has not shown up and as a result offense will be needed from guards Courtney Ramey and Kerr Kriisa as well as big man Omar Ballo. Arizona could use this win to move back up to a firm two line team while hurting their conference rival’s resúmé. Projected Score: UCLA 72, Arizona 67

March 5
1.Houston at. Memphis
12 PM ET, CBS
Likely one seed Houston has one Quad 1 opportunity left in the season and it happens to be on the final day of the regular season at the FedEx Forum against Memphis. Tigers guard Kendric Davis and Cougars guard Marcus Sasser, clear options for the American Player of the Year, match up as they look to prove why they are worthy of the award. In a preview of what could be next weekend’s AAC Tournament Championship, the game will come down to how well Memphis plays outside of Davis to beat such a talented Houston roster. Projected Score: Houston 76, Memphis 69

Illinois at. 5.Purdue
12:30 PM ET, FOX
Purdue has to continue to bounce back this weekend against Illinois, in a battle of two teams that have locked up their tournament spots already. Boilermaker center Zach Edey has been terrific even in their struggles, scoring 26 points and 16 rebounds in a second loss to Indiana on Saturday. Purdue will have to continue to rely on freshmen guards Braden Smith and Fletcher Loyer as they look to improve from their tough stretch. Sharpshooter Matthew Mayer and star wing Terrance Shannon can lead the Illini to a win in Mackey Arena but the Boilermakers rarely lose back to back in their home arena. Projected Score: Purdue 72, Illinois 64

Image Courtesy: The Slipper Still Fits

In just thirty short minutes, the NCAA Men’s College Basketball Selection Committee will let us know their top sixteen seeds currently in the NCAA Tournament field on CBS just three weeks ahead of Selection Sunday, March 12.

Here are my predictions for who those sixteen teams will be:

South Region (Louisville)
1.Alabama
Despite their first loss in SEC play to Tennessee on Wednesday, they jumped back up to the top overall seed spot due to Purdue’s loss a night earlier.
2.Baylor
Baylor’s recent success (only loss to Texas in last few weeks) has them in prime position to challenge for a one seed in a historically good Big 12.
3.Marquette
Marquette has arguably been the best team in a Big East and no bad losses that is better than a lot of people think.
4.Iowa State
Iowa State’s wins over Kansas and Kansas State are helping them out a lot especially with a loss to ninth place Texas Tech in the Big 12.

West Region (Las Vegas)
1.Houston
Houston may play in a weak American Athletic Conference, but they have the quality of players like Jamal Shead and Marcus Sasser to compete at their one seed level.
2.UCLA
UCLA’s only win against a team that will likely be in the tournament is against Maryland but if the Bruins win the Pac-12 they will be in play for a one seed down the line.
3.Gonzaga
Despite losing to Saint Mary’s and their stranglehold on the West Coast Conference, the Zags have bounced back with recent wins over San Francisco, BYU, and Loyola Marymount.
4.Miami
The Hurricane’s Monday win in Chapel Hill over North Carolina and 6 Quad 1 wins ascended them to the sixteenth overall seed and last team in the reveal.

Midwest Region (Kansas City)
1.Kansas
The Jayhawks’ 12 Quad 1 wins lead the country and their exciting offensive play gets them to the one seed line.
2.Tennessee
Tennessee lost twice on buzzer-beaters a week ago but rebounded with a win over number one Alabama in Knoxville which secures a two-seed for them in my opinion as well as wins over Kansas and Baylor, two of the top three teams in the Big 12.
3.Arizona
Arizona has been in consideration for a one seed as of late with wins over two of my current two seeds, Tennessee and UCLA, but bad losses to Stanford and Utah keep them just outside of the two seed line as my number nine overall seed.
4.Kansas State
Kansas State’s win over Kansas had them up to the two-seed line a few weeks ago but recent losses to Iowa State and Texas Tech helped them fall down a bit.

East Region (New York)
1.Purdue
Purdue has lost three of its last four games after beginning the season 22-1 start to the season. If the Boilermakers win out, they will be a one seed in March.
2.Texas
Despite a loss to Texas Tech earlier in the week, Texas is still in play for a one seed on Selection Sunday with a two seed likely on Saturday morning.
3.Virginia
Virginia has been the best team in the metrics in a weak ACC and four Quad I wins including over Baylor on a neutral court.
4.Connecticut
With wins over Alabama and Iowa State included in their 6 Quad I wins, Connecticut helps itself out very well with an 8-7 Big East record.

Image Courtesy: 247Sports

Projected Opening Day Starters:
Catcher: Hudson Polk, Junior
Pitcher: Hagen Smith, Sophomore (Game 1), Will McEntire, RS Junior (Game 2), Hunter Hollan, Junior (Game 3)
1B: Brady Slavens, Senior
2B: Peyton Stovall, Sophomore
SS: John Bolton, Junior
3B: Caleb Cali, RS Junior
RF: Jace Bohfren, Junior
CF:Tavian Josenberger,
LF: Jared Wegner, Grad. Senior
DH: Kendall Diggs, Sophomore

2/17 Texas (Arlington; College Baseball Showdown)
2/18 TCU (Arlington; College Baseball Showdown)
2/19 Oklahoma State (Arlington; College Baseball Showdown)
Hogs will go 2-1 in Arlington as they have a rematch of last season’s phenomenal regional final against Oklahoma State in their final game in Arlington.
Projected Record: 2-1
2/21 Grambling State
Projected Record: 4-2
2/24-26 Eastern Illinois
Projected Record: 7-2
3/1 Illinois State
Projected Record: 8-3
3/3-5 Wright State
Projected Record: 10-4
3/7 Army
Projected Record: 11-4
3/10-12 Louisiana Tech
After defeating La Tech in Ruston 2-1 in a series in 2021, the hogs should take care of the bulldogs again.
Projected Record: 13-5
3/14-15 UNLV
Projected Record: 15-6
3/17-19 Auburn
To open SEC play, Arkansas will host Auburn. After a fun, high-scoring series with Auburn a season ago “On the Plains”, Arkansas will look to continue their success at Baum-Walker Stadium.
Projected Record: 17-7 (2-1)
3/21 Southeast Missouri State
Projected Record: 18-7 (2-1)
3/24-26 at.LSU
In what could be one of the top series all year, Arkansas will be tested in Baton Rouge against an extremely talented team, with their former pitching coach, Wes Johnson.
Projected Record: 19-10 (3-3)
3/28 Omaha
Projected Record: 20-10 (3-3)
3/31-4/2 Alabama
Alabama took 2 out of 3 from Arkansas in Tuscaloosa a season ago in the Razorbacks’ SEC struggles to end last regular season, the hogs will be out for revenge against the Crimson Tide.
Projected Record: 23-10 (6-3)
4/4 Arkansas State
Projected Record: 24-10 (6-3)
4/6-8 Ole Miss
Arkansas will look to get revenge on the Rebels, who they lost to in a 2-0 decision in the College World Series Semifinals in June.
Projected Record: 25-12 (7-5)
4/11-12 Little Rock
Projected Record: 27-12 (7-5)
4/14-16 Tennessee
In what could be another national series of the year, Dave Van Horn’s Diamond Hogs battle with former assistant coach Tony Vitello and his Volunteers in a potential top ten match up.
Projected Record: 29-13 (9-6)
4/18 Central Arkansas
Projected Record: 30-13 (9-6)
4/20-22 at.Georgia
With positive pitching talent high between both squads, it will be a battle in Athens.
Projected Record: 32-14 (11-7)
4/25 at.Missouri State
Projected Record: 33-14 (11-7)
4/28-30 Texas A&M
Arkansas faces a talented Aggies team at home that also made it to the CWS Semifinals a season ago.
Projected Record: 35-15 (13-8)
5/2 Lipscomb (Little Rock)
Arkansas returns to central Arkansas to face an out of state opponent in Lipscomb. Arkansas overlooked a game in Little Rock in a 2-1 win a season ago against Central Arkansas so they will have to be more focused in that one.
Projected Record: 36-15 (13-8)
5/5-7 at.Mississippi State
Arkansas has won its last six games at Dudy Noble Stadium in Starkville, against a Mississippi State team that won a championship just 2 years ago. They look to do the same in 2023.
Projected Record: 37-17 (14-10)
5/12-14 South Carolina
It would be great for Arkansas to get a series win at home against a South Carolina team expected to be in the bottom half of the SEC East standings.
Projected Record: 39-18 (16-11)
5/18-20 at.Vanderbilt
Arkansas makes one of the toughest road trips in the SEC to Nashville to face Vanderbilt, a team being vastly underrated in pre-season rankings.
Projected Record: 40-20 (17-13)
5/23-28 SEC Tournament (Hoover)
I expect Arkansas to go 2-2 in Hoover and appear in the NCAA Tournament as a top 16 seed. The hogs should be in good position to make Omaha and the College World Series with their standing in the tournament.
Projected Record: 42-22 (17-13)
6/2-6/5 NCAA Regionals
6/9-6/12 NCAA Super Regionals
6/16-6/26 NCAA College World Series

Image Courtesy: Table 215

Philadelphia Eagles vs. Kansas City Chiefs
February 13, 6:30 PM ET, FOX
State Farm Stadium (Glendale)

The top seeds in both the AFC and NFC appear in the Super Bowl this season. The NFC Championship winners, the Philadelphia Eagles’ Super Bowl run was fueled by QB Jalen Hurts (275 passing yards, 73 rushing yards, 4 overall TDs in playoffs), receivers AJ Brown and Devonta Smith, and an experienced defense filled with improving young players. The Eagles will need to continue their quality offensive line play to establish a running game with tail backs Miles Sanders and Kenneth Gainwell. The Eagles defense will have to easy task when they face with two-time NFL MVP Patrick Mahomes (521 passing yards, 4 passing TDs in playoffs), a talented room of running backs Isaiah Pacheo, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, and Jerick McKinnon, and extremely talented tight end Travis Kelce (176 receiving yards, 3 TDs). Without any injuries in the receiving room, Mahomes will get to spread the ball out between Marquez Valdes-Scantling, who had a phenomenal AFC Championship game against Cincinnati, Kadarius Toney, and JuJu Smith-Schuster. Linebacker Nick Bolton and defensive end Chris Jones will have to rattle QB Jalen Hurts to throw off the Eagles offense to finish the season with a Super Bowl win. Projected Score: Eagles 38, Chiefs 35

Image Courtesy: Sports Illustrated

Early Thursday evening The Athletic reported that Oklahoma and Texas reached an agreement with the Big 12 to exit the Big 12 one year early (previously expected to leave the conference in 2025) and join the SEC in 2024 for the 2024-2025 academic year and athletic season.

The two schools will pay the Big 12 $100 million to leave the conference as new Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark voiced his excitement for being able to move to a 12-team league after the Sooners and Longhorns make their move. The Sooners and Longhorns will now join the SEC when the conference’s new TV deal with ABC and ESPN begins.

Oklahoma and Texas will play in a fourteen-team Big 12 with expansion members BYU, Central Florida, Cincinnati, Houston in 2023-2024. It will be interesting to see how the SEC schedule looks in all sports and who Oklahoma and Texas’ main opponents will be in the conference a year from now.

Image Courtesy: North Carolina Athletics

February 4
8.Kansas at. 13.Iowa State
12 PM ET, ESPN
Jalen Wilson (2o points and 8 rebounds) led the Kansas Jayhawks to a second consecutive win on Tuesday against Kansas State to even the season series with the Wildcats. Guard Gradey Dick did not impact the game as well as he wanted to but the Jayhawks still took care of business. Next for the Jayhawks is a trip to Ames to face a struggling Iowa State team, losers two straight since beating Kansas State over a week ago. Cyclone guards Jaren Holmes and Gabe Kalsheur will have to play huge to get a home upset of the Jayhawks. Projected Score: Kansas 77, Iowa State 72

25.Auburn at. 2.Tennessee
2 PM ET, ESPN
Auburn has been good but not great in the SEC this season. Replacing Jabari Smith and Walker Kessler has not been easy with John Broome (8.5 rebounds per game) and Jaylin Williams (5.2 rebounds per game). But guard Wendell Green has been the veteran leader that Auburn fans have come to expect. Tennessee has been tremendous this season, led by guards Zakai Ziegler and Santiago Vescovi who have been a top ten quality team all season, despite a loss to Florida on Wednesday night in Gainesville. Projected Score: Tennessee 84, Auburn 76

10.Texas at. 7.Kansas State
4 PM ET, ESPN2
Texas and Kansas State are two teams near or at the top of the loaded Big 12. Texas comes off of a win at home against Baylor while Kansas State fell in their rematch to Kansas in Lawrence. Kansas State needs to protect home court to stay in the race for the Big 12 regular season championship and a one seed in Kansas City at the Big 12 Tournament. Wildcat forward Keyontae Johnson and guard Markquis Nowellwill make sure that happens while Texas’ dynamic guards Marcus Carr and Sir’Jabari Rice will look for a second consecutive win against a top eleven team in the country. Projected Score: Kansas State 82, Texas 78

1.Purdue at. 21.Indiana
4 PM ET, ESPN
Purdue has no doubt been the best team in the country. Big man Zach Edey has been the best player in the country while freshman guards Fletcher Loyer and Braden Smith have paced the team well as freshman guards. Indiana big man Trayce Jackson-Davis has been almost as good as Edey while guard Jalen Hood-Schifino will look to add on to Jackson-Davis’ effort. The Boilermakers have only a single loss on the season while the Hoosier’s were on a five-game winning streak before a loss on Tuesday in College Park against Maryland. Indiana has to be able to make shots consistently to beat Purdue, something that will be hard to do even at home in the friendly confines of Assembly Hall. Projected Score: Purdue 75, Indiana 70

North Carolina at. Duke
6:30 PM ET, ESPN
North Carolina has won 10 out of their last 13 games but did not give the ball enough to star big man Armando Bacot in a tough one-point loss to Pittsburgh in Chapel Hill. Now, the Tar Heels will need Bacot and guards Caleb Love and RJ Davis to play consistently in Durham for a second consecutive year against a Duke team that has won three of its last four games. Duke freshman forward Kyle Filipowski has been the Blue Devils best player this season while they will need point guard Jeremy Roach (21 points) to play like he did in their recent win against Wake Forest. Duke freshman big man Dereck Lively has to be terrific defensively against Armando Bacot, who has not been as good this season as many people thought while freshman forward Dariq Whitehead continues to go through the injury bug. Projected Score: North Carolina 79, Duke 78

12.Gonzaga at. 18.Saint Mary’s
10:30 PM ET, ESPN
Throughout the years, Gonzaga and Saint Mary’s have clearly been the two best teams in the West Coast Conference. Just 11 months ago, Saint Mary’s took down the number one ranked Bulldogs on a historic day in college basketball where six top ten teams lost and will look to do so again at home in Moraga. Guard Aidan Mahaney (15 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists per game) and center Mitchell Saxen (13 points and 8 rebounds per game) have been crucial in Saint Mary’s 8-0 start in conference play. The Gaels will again have to deal with talented veteran forward Drew Timme (21.4 points and 7.5 rebounds per game), a much improved wing Julian Strawther (14.7 points and 7 rebounds per game), and point guard Rasir Bolton (10.5 points and 2.6 assists per game). This is a crucial game for both squads’ NCAA Tournament resumé and it will be a game that goes down to the wire. But, it is won by the Zags on the road. Projected Score: Gonzaga 87, Saint Mary’s 82

Image Courtesy: Alabama Athletics

January 28
12.Iowa State at. Missouri (Big 12/SEC Challenge)
2 PM ET, ESPN2
New Missouri head coach Dennis Gates has been a terrific hire for the tigers based off of almost the first three months of his regular season tenure. But, they will have to face Iowa State, a team near the top of the Big 12 standings coming off of a win over top five Kansas State. Missouri was blitzed by Kansas in Columbia and will look for a better performance at home against the Cyclones. Projected Score: Iowa State 75, Missouri 70

2.Alabama at. Oklahoma (Big 12/SEC Challenge)
2 PM ET, ESPN
I don’t know if there has been a better team in the country in Alabama (18-2, 8-0 SEC) or player Brandon Miller (Almost 20 points per game). While Oklahoma has not been bad in a tremendous Big 12, it is going to be a tough one at home as having to deal with Miller, Mark Sears (14 points per game), and Charles Bediako (6 rebounds, 2 blocks per game) inside. Sooners guard Grant Sherfield has been one of the best offensive players in the country while averaging almost 17 points a game. Veteran forwards Tanner and Jacob Groves will have to step up if they want to beat the Tide after their worst performance of the season against Mississippi State on Wednesday. Projected Score: Alabama 82, Oklahoma 74

Arkansas at. 17.Baylor (Big 12/SEC Challenge)
4 PM ET, ESPN
Baylor comes in after a huge win at home against Kansas in Waco on Monday night. They raced out to a big early lead and withstood every Kansas attempt to even the game with quality three point looks. Star freshman Keyonte George leads the Bears in scoring with almost 17 points a game, while point guard Adam Flagler leads them in assists at 5. Arkansas comes into Waco as winners of two straight. Despite offensive struggles the past few games, Ricky Council (17 points per game) has paced the hogs this season on that side of the ball. Devo Davis has been huge for the hogs the last week and a half. The hog veteran has been incredible shooting from the three-point line after a tough start from deep to start the season and on defense against the opposing team’s best player. If Arkansas survives the opening minutes, this game should be close. Projected Score: Baylor 82, Arkansas 79

10.Texas at. 4.Tennessee (Big 12/SEC Challenge)
6 PM ET, ESPN
ESPN’s College GameDay makes its first campus trip this season to Knoxville for a huge top ten battle in Knoxville. Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes faces the Longhorns for the second time in two seasons after getting fired in Austin following the 2014-2015 season. Tennessee’s guards Zakai Ziegler (11 points and 5 assists per game) and Santiago Vescovi (12 points per game) make the Vols go while Texas’ Marcus Carr (18 points and 4 assists per game) has kept the ‘Horns afloat since the firing of Chris Beard. This game has potential to be the game of the year in college basketball, and I cannot wait. Projected Score: Tennessee 77, Texas 73

9.Kansas at. Kentucky (Big 12/SEC Challenge)
8 PM ET, ESPN
Despite being a top ten team, former AP number one ranked Kansas has lost three consecutive games in a tough Big 12. Kentucky, after opening the season in the AP top five, struggled up until the last few weeks. Since the Wildcats have gone on a four game win streak and have beaten top ten Tennessee, Georgia, Texas A&M, and Vanderbilt. If Kentucky wins this game, they will send a message that they, are a team that can compete for a national championship again. Projected Score: Kentucky 81, Kansas 78

Image Courtesy: YouTube

Capital One Orange Bowl
6.Tennessee vs. 7.Clemson
December 30, 8 PM ET, ESPN/ESPN App
Opt-Outs: Tennessee – Hendon Hooker (QB), Jalin Hyatt (WR), Cedric Tillman (WR), Lyn J Dixon (RB), Nick Evers (QB), Jimmy Calloway (WR) Clemson – Myles Murphy (DE), DJ Uiagalelei (QB), Decari Collins (WR), Sergio Allen (LB), Fred Davis II (DB), EJ Williams (WR)
Can Tennessee defeat Clemson without signal-caller Hendon Hooker, receiver Jalin Hyatt, and receiver Cedric Tillman? Joe Milton, a former Michigan transfer is definitely good enough to get them a win but without playmakers like Hyatt and Tillman offensively the Vols will have to use running back Jaylen Wright, who’s rushed for 10 TDs. Tennessee’s secondary has been a weakness and Cade Klubnik, who has replaced DJ Uiagalelei (who has since entered the transfer portal) as the permanent starter, will look to get the ball to leading receiver Antonio Williams and in the running ame with Will Shipley. Projected Score: Tennessee 24, Clemson 21

Allstate Sugar Bowl
5.Alabama vs. 9.Kansas State
December 31, 12 PM ET, ESPN/ESPN App
Opt-Outs: Alabama – Aaron Anderson (WR), Traeshon Holden (WR), Christian Leary (WR), JoJo Earle (WR), etc. Kansas State – N/A
With Bryce Young and Will Anderson not opting out of the Sugar Bowl, Alabama is bolstered on both sides of the ball. Even without receivers and other playmakers Alabama usually has, Young has been terrific at the quarterback position and he will look to continue to prove his skill without four receivers who have entered the transfer portal. Without any opt-outs, Kansas State is looking great for their match-up with Alabama after their Big 12 title game win. QB Will Howard (15 passing TDs) has been terrific since taking over for Adrian Martinez and with the help of tail back Deuce Vaughn (1,425 yards rushing). The wildcats will be a tough opponent for the Crimson Tide but after another “tough” 10-2 season for Nick Saban and Alabama, I think Bryce Young wills his team to a win. Projected Score: Alabama 31, Kansas State 28

CFP Semifinal at the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl
2.Michigan vs. 3.TCU
December 31, 4 PM ET, ESPN/ESPN App
Opt-Outs: TCU – N/A Michigan – Cade McNamara (QB), Erick All (TE), Blake Corum (RB)
Michigan QB JJ McCarthy was huge for the Wolverines in their wins over Ohio State and in the Big Ten title game against Purdue. Donavan Edwards (872 yards, 7 TDs), who backs up injured star running back Blake Corum, has also proven to be more than capable of replacing him in his role for Michigan. Ronnie Bell (3 TDs) and Cornelius Johnson (6 TDs) lead the Wolverines in receiving. TCU’s QB Max Duggan has been tremendous this season, throwing for 3,321 yards and 30 touchdowns. Tail back Kendre Miller has rushed for an incredible 17 touchdowns this season. Linebacker Johnny Hodges, who leads the Horned Frogs in tackles, will have to step up after him and the rest of the defense gave up a lot of yards in the loss to Kansas State in Arlington at the Big 12 Championship. Without any opt-outs, the Horned Frogs are going to be tough to deal with for the Wolverines. Projected Score: Michigan 34, TCU 28

CFP Semifinal at the Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl
1.Georgia vs. 4.Ohio State
December 31, 8 PM ET, ESPN/ESPN App
Opt-Outs: Georgia – N/A Ohio State – TreVeyon Henderson (RB), Teradja Mitchell (LB), Jaxon Smith-Njigba (WR)
Without star receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba for much of the season, Ohio State QB CJ Stroud (37 passing TDs and 3,340 yards passing) has been fine. Unlike last season after their loss to Michigan, they have an opportunity to win the national championship. Marvin Harrison Jr. (1,157 yards and 12 receiving TDs) has developed into the target Stroud needs and he and fellow receivers Julian Fleming (6 TDs) and Emeka Egbuka (9 TDs) will play a crucial role in helping the Buckeyes beat Georgia. Tail back TreVeyon Henderson has opted out but the Buckeye’s other running back Miyan Williams has been even better than Henderson (817 rushing yards and 13 TDs). Ohio State’s defense has improved somewhat since the hiring of new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles but will have to be ready for Georgia’s offense led by former walk-on QB Stetson Bennett, who has passed for almost 3,500 yards and 20 passing touchdowns, and tight end Brock Bowers, who leads the Bulldogs in receiving. The reigning national champions also rely on their running game, led by starter Kenny McIntosh (10 TDs, 709 rushing yards). The Bulldogs’ terrific defense was just as good or better than their historic 2021 unit, led by defensive back Kelee Ringo and defensive lineman Jalen Carter. Ohio State wants a rematch with Michigan in the championship but Georgia’s defense should be the toughest one Ryan Day’s team has seen this season and the Bulldogs should return with a chance to go back to back on January 9 in SoFi Stadium. Projected Score: Georgia 42, Ohio State 31

Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic
10.USC vs. 16.Tulane
January 2, 1 PM ET, ESPN/ESPN App
Opt-Outs: Tulane – Dea Dea McDougle (WR) USC – Jordan Addison (WR), Ralen Goforth (LB)
USC had a successful last three weeks of the season (wins over ranked UCLA and Notre Dame) before getting handled by Utah when Heisman-winning QB Caleb Williams (37 passing TDs) got hurt. Williams will be tough to defend for a Tulane team that will play its first New Year’s Six Bowl game ever. Williams’ star receiver Jordan Addison, who has caught balls from Williams this season more than 1,000 yards and has 8 TDs, has opted out of the bowl game. The Trojan’s defense will be the side of the ball that determines the outcome of the game. They unraveled against Cam Rising and Utah in the second half of the Pac-12 Championship Game and will have to deal with QB Michael Pratt (25 TDs and 2,776 passing yards) and running back Tyjae Spears (15 TD and 1,376 rushing yards). Tulane’s defense has played well and are led by linebackers Dorian Williams (72 tackles) and Nick Anderson (59 tackles). I have to pick an upset and this is the one. Projected Score: Tulane 35, USC 31

Rose Bowl Game
8.Utah vs. 11.Penn State
January 2, 5 PM ET, ESPN/ESPN App
Opt-Outs: Penn State – Parker Washington (WR), Joey Porter Jr. (CB), Caziah Holmes (RB), Ken Talley (DL), Christian Veilleux (QB), Rodney McGraw (DL) Utah – Dalton Kincaid (TE), Tavion Thomas (RB), Malone Mataele (DB)
After losing to Florida to open the season, Utes QB Cam Rising has been terrific, beating USC twice. The Utes will be without top pass catcher Dalton Kincaid (9 TDs and almost 900 receiving yards)and top running back Tavion Thomas (7 TDs and 687 rushing yards). Their defense will only be without defensive back Malone Mataele so the talented defense should be able to help an offense without their top two weapons. Penn State’s only losses are to Michigan and Ohio State, who are both in the College Football Playoff. Nittany Lion QB Sean Clifford, who has been with the program forever, passed for over 2,500 yards 22 touchdowns. Nick Singleton has paced the running game for Penn State, rushing for close to a 1,000 yards and 10 TDs. The Nittany Lions defense is always talented and is led by safety Ji’Ayir Brown in tackles with 50 tackles. Without many of Utah’s offensive playmakers, this a game Penn State should win. Projected Score: Penn State 24, Utah 21