It is finally here ladies and gentlemen: College Basketball. We are ready for another exciting season of upsets, close games, and great skills being put on display. The season officially kicks off on November 6, which will start the mark of the non-conference slate of games for teams. Here we will preview the most important and give you predictions on them:
#4 Duke v. #2 Kentucky
Here we get the two teams that will most likely run the table in their respective conferences, ACC and SEC. These two are filled with young talent that can make the NBA, so we expect a great display of basketball. However, the very young Duke team might struggle against a well put together Kentucky team that will use their chemistry and experience to win.Zion Williamson and Justin Robinson will provide a good scoring core for Duke and Kentucky will look to shut them down. However, if we are being safe and picking smart, we go with Kentucky.
Kentucky 78, Duke 71
#10 Michigan State v. #1 Kansas
The Spartans and Jawhawks have already before in the Champion’s Classic twice. Each of those two times the Spartans have taken the win with an average win margin of (4.5). Also, in those two matchups, Michigan State has been the lower ranked team coming away with the win. Yes, Kansas brings in A LOT of talent with transfers and recruiting, but I don’t think it will be enough to pull away against a veteran Michigan State team.
Michigan State 75, Kansas 72
Florida at #17 Florida State
Both teams are poising to make a good run this season. Florida State has drawn in a great deal of attention this offseason and are looking to be an elite force in the ACC. On the other hand, Florida comes off of a productive season in the SEC. However, Florida has lost two of its starting five last year that combined to average (24.9) points a game. This will play a big deal in the offensive production that Florida can spell when trying to score on a tough, physical Florida State roster. Florida will make it interesting for the first half, but then the tomahawk chop will strike.
Florida State 79, Florida 67
Western Kentucky at #25 Washington
The factor that decides this game is whether or not the team that beat Nevada is showing up to play. Washington already shocked the CBB world when they played Nevada on exhibition and won. Many thought this was a sign that Washington is to be a great team. Then they only won by 9 against Seattle Pacific. In my opinion, I think Washington will come to play for the first half, but then the Hilltoppers will top them off.
Western Kentucky 74, Washington 67
BYU at #7 Nevada
This is an interesting matchup that should be on everyone’s radar this week. We get a projected monster in Nevada that has a very deep team that is capable of playing throughout both halves. Also, we get BYU who has proved to be on an upward trend under Dave Rose. I like Nevada’s ability to play hard, even after the Washington game, and will look for them to do so against this BYU team. This isn’t a shot at BYU, this team will most likely make it to the NIT, like they always do.
Nevada 77, BYU 65
Photo Credits: https://www.kentucky.com/sports/college/kentucky-sports/uk-basketball-men/article221045545.html
