[The Poet]

Both the UK/UT and the 'Nova/Cincy games are still too close to call. What else is up in this crowded day of action? As I can't possibly cite all the potentially good ones, I'll limit myself to far too many:

Texas Tech vs. Texas A&M = Though the Aggies were supposed to be a power this year, both teams come into this 0-3 in conference play. I predict one of them will get their first league win today.

Mississippi vs. Auburn = I don't believe either team is all that good, but they should be pretty evenly matched, and give us a good show.

North Carolina vs. Florida State = I fully expect my Heels to have their hands full here. They go on the road for the first time in a long while, and the Seminoles have talent, despite the fact that they've not played as though they do at times. Yet you'd think they'd be up and focused for this one, especially in front of their own crowd. You have to give UNC the advantage, but I'm not gonna pencil it in, at all.

Saint Louis vs. Charlotte = I get that feeling this Billiken/49er one will be fun.

Pittsburgh vs. Marquette = I have absolutely no idea what has gone wrong with the Panthers, nor do I have much of a better idea what Marquette truly is either. For this alone, I'm fascinated by it.

Rutgers vs. West Virginia = Nobody much expected either of these to play as well as they have so far. Because of this, both have some confidence, and both are hungry for more. Look for a war.

Michigan State vs. Northwestern = The Spartans have played very well, and should handle the Smarty 'Cats OK. I don't expect a blowout, but a comfortable win is likely.

Oklahoma State vs. Baylor = As you know, I haven't a ton of faith in the Bears. Yet I'm not gonna give the Cowboys more than a puncher's chance here.

Virginia Tech vs. Boston College = BC sucks, but it's the Hokies who are 0-2 in the ACC so far. They need to turn that around fast, and this would be a great place to start, even up in Chestnut Hill instead of atop that hill in Blacksburg.

Kansas vs. Iowa State = Much like the UNC/FSU game, you've got to give the Jayhawks the nod, but don't think it will be a cakewalk.

St. Joseph's vs. U Mass = Two decent teams will give us one good game.

Alabama vs. Mississippi State = Here too.

DePaul vs. Louisville = The Cardinals have been another of those bi-polar teams to date, playing lights-out and as if the lights are out. They ought to be able to handle the Blue Demons. But they ought to have handled others also, so keep your eye on this one.

Georgia vs. Vanderbilt = Vandy's another of those iffy teams. The Comms have the talent to take command over the 'Dawgs. If they don't it's their own damn fault.

Colorado vs. Stanford = As is seems likely at this point that the Pac-12 won't get a ton of at-large bids again this year, each game becomes vital. Both of these want to dance in March, so hopefully we'll get a good one.

UNLV vs. San Diego State = And if you think those two above want wins, consider these two with certain (even if somewhat limited) national aspirations. They may need to call out the Marines in San Diego before this one's done.

Providence vs. Syracuse = In the Dome, so don't expect the Orange to tally that first loss today. Hey, stranger things have happened, and the Friars have had a few good wins already, but Resipsa's boys should be safe for another weekend or so.

Tennessee Tech vs. Murray State = And Joe's Racers better play better in this one than they did against Jacksonville State if they want to stay undefeated. TT can hoop a little, and if it stays tight the Racers may tighten up also.

Air Force vs. Boise State = Nobody much cares about either of these, but it is one of those which jumps out at me with the po' for a good 'un.

UCF vs. Marshall = Maybe a few more care about these, and the same holds true.

Temple vs. Richmond = And definitely a few more care about these, with much the same expectations for a battle. Though I respect the Owls, I sorta like the Spiders, and hope they can bite their avian foes.

Florida vs. South Carolina = If the Gators don't absolutely beat the 'Cocks into raw meat, they should go back to the Sunshine State afoot.

LaSalle vs. Dayton = Another good match-up here. Flip a coin.

Gonzaga vs. Loyola Marymount = The 'Zags will want to bounce back from the flailing they took from the Gaels, but don't expect LM to roll over for them. It's just as likely the Bulldogs will get their 2nd L in a row.

Rice vs. Tulane = Though one might feel these two should sooner face off in a College IQ Bowl, this could actually be a damn decent athletic contest here.

LSU vs. Arkansas = That first point above can't be said of these two, but the second one holds true.

Memphis vs. Houston = Though I am not a Tiger fan, I am curious as to whether or not they've found their game. The Cougars may not prove this one way or the other, yet they should provide another test.

TCU vs. Colorado State = Here's another of those games with promise of excitement.

Montana vs. Weber State = And again.

Hawaii vs. Nevada = And again, believe it or not. The Rainbows have actually played fairly decent ball at times, in case you haven't noticed.


While typing the above:


Kentucky 65 - Tennessee 62 = The Wildcats escape what would have been an embarrassing loss to the Vols. I'm sure Cal is glad to get the W, but he can't be very happy. His team seems to be regressing.

Cincinnati 82 - Villanova 78 = I guess it's an OK win for the Bearcats over a "meh" PhillyCat squad suffering a down year, and I know Jay Wright's miffed at another disappointing loss in one he could have won.

Also, Iowa is kicking Michigan's butt, and NCSU is absolutely slaughering the Demon Deacons. I'll be back later with those finals, and maybe other, as well as (hopefully) Sunday games. Until later then.