Year-To-Date: 8-2
#17 Duke (-4) at Wake Forest
For the second week in a row, it pains me to say as a UNC fan, I must take Duke. You hear what Coach K is doing? Taking away their locker room and Duke apparel? That’s crazy, but I think it’s one of those Coach K motivational tactics that’s bound to work.
Arkansas (+7) @ Oklahoma State
In one of the lower tier games of the Big 12-SEC Challenge, Arkansas goes on the road to Stillwater. Let’s be honest though, pretty much all but one game in the challenge is pretty mediocre (thanks to the SEC). Sure, OK State is a decent team, but I think I would’ve picked Arkansas outright this week before I saw this spread, now making it all the more appealing to me. Oklahoma State is heavily reliant on sophomore scorer Jawun Evans. Even if the Razorbacks don’t win, this game will likely be closer than a touchdown.
#5 Baylor (-7.5) @ Ole Miss
Speaking of mediocre matchups in the Big 12-SEC Challenge, look no further than this one. Because Baylor had a bit of a down year last season, they got the number five grouping in the challenge. Just so happens that now Baylor is number five in the entire country and will be taking on a team with a less-than impressive resume in Ole Miss. I just don’t think the Rebels are very good and that’s why I’ll take the Bears to roll over them here.
#10 Oregon (-6.5) @ Colorado
Getting Dillon Brooks back and completely healthy should be big for the Ducks. They have now won 17 straight games while showing no signs of stopping. Oregon won a much tougher road game earlier in the week by beating Utah, so look for Dana Altman to get the dub at the only Pac 12 arena he’s never won at before.
#3 Gonzaga (-21.5) @ Pepperdine
Speaking of long winning streaks, Gonzaga is the lone undefeated remaining in the country. The Bulldogs are firing on all cylinders right now and look poised to be ranked #1 in the country next week, barring a catastrophic meltdown tonight. The Zags have an average margin of victory in conference play of 25.89 points, with the closest of those games being a 19 point victory. Meanwhile, Pepperdine almost lost to an NCCAA Christian College at home earlier in the season. Yeah, give me the Zags by 40+.