CBB Picks: Ranked on the Road - Always Dangerous

Since college football and basically National Football League is done, we have been making picks for college basketball. Let's have some fun with it and see what happens. I should probably record my record, but I will say this is the hardest sport to pick without question.

FIRST TIER  
17. Duke at 2. Syracuse 5:30 pm ESPN -This should be an electric atmosphere. 35 to 36,000 people are expected to be at this basketball game. That's crazy to think about honestly.  Duke rounded themselves back in the form in the last couple weeks with Rodney Hood playing like a manbeast, Andre Dawkins finding his three stroke again and oh yeah, Jabari Parker is not bad either. Syracuse just keeps winning games with the combination of C.J. Fair and Tyler Ennis. This is a tough game to predict with Duke's ability to shoot lights out against the patented 2-3 zone, and Blue Devils lack of defensive prowess. I cannot bet against the Cuse in the dome, but man, it will be close. SYR 73-71

6. Kansas at 25. Texas 3:00 pm ESPN - Remember when this game used to mean the world to the Big 12? This might be the most anticipated one in awhile. Kansas seems like the best team in the country right now, and Andrew Wiggins' big performance did not go unnoticed Wednesday against Iowa State. I guess no one is talking about Texas because they are Texas, they are supposed to be good. Isiah Taylor had 27 points in their win against Baylor and it will be interesting to see what the encore will be like this Saturday. I think Texas is good enough to beat above-average teams, but they are not beating great teams. It is a close game, but Kansas takes control late with another strong performance from Wiggins and Naadir Tharpe. KU 81-75

Virginia at 18. Pittsburgh (Played on Sunday) 12:30 pm ESPNU - Some of you might not realize both of these teams are near the top of the ACC right now especially Virginia with only one ACC loss and honestly deserving of a ranking. They head up to Pittsburgh in what could be a rock fight. Both teams are strong defensively meaning first to 55 could win this game. I like Pittsburgh though. Lamar Patterson can become a problem if he gets going from deep, and Panthers usually do not lose two straight at the Oakland Zoo.
PITT 57-51

11. Kentucky at Missouri 12:00 pm CBS - I could not believe Kentucky is ranked eleventh. They did not look that good against LSU. Somehow I watched the whole game, and their effort was horrible. You want to believe this team will respond in a major way in a national televised game and blow out Missouri yet it is not a given. Willie Cauley-Stein and Andrew Harrison need to step up in this one. Both have drifted in and out from being bad to good players all season. For Missouri, they need this win with three losses already in the SEC and a win against Kentucky could help their resume in major way. Jabari Brown and Jordan Clarkson are probably the most unheralded one-two punch in college basketball. It is a must-win and Kentucky's first visit to Columbia as an SEC foe. Lock it up, Mizzou. MIZZ 83-75

SECOND TIER
1. Arizona at California 9:30 pm Pac-12 Network - In their first test in awhile, Arizona showed great grit on Wednesday night holding Stanford's offense to barely any points in the last nine minutes as they came back from the dead. Nick Johnson is a Player of the Year front-runner if he played at Duke. He is so damn good, and can take control of any game. They head to Berkeley where Cal suffered three straight losses including a heartbreaker to Arizona State on Thursday night in overtime. How does a team respond to losing when number one is in town? I am going out on a limb and saying very well. Justin Cobbs has a big night, and the Bears stun number one. CAL 64-60

10. Michigan at Indiana (Played Sunday) 12:00 pm CBS - Since their win against Wisconsin, Indiana dropped their last three of four games. It does not appear the Hoosiers are even close to the bubble right now as they are near the bottom of the B1G standings. This all being said, they NEED this win badly which is always dangerous for the ranked team. Michigan is a complete fire beast right now. I cannot see how they would let an inconsistent Hoosiers team beat them honestly. Even though college basketball is weird sometimes, there is no way this happens on Sunday. MICH 78-63

22. UMass at St. Joesph's 5:00 pm CBS Sports Network - It looks like UMass streak of good fortune is starting to come apart. They have lost three of two of their last three including this week to St. Bonaventure. These two teams met early this season with the Minuteman getting a four-point victory.  Chaz Williams took over late for UMass as they trailed nine with six minutes left to play in the game. This Hawks team knows how to beat this team, they just did not close last time. They will play a full 40 at home and win this game.
ST JOES 69-63

23. Oklahoma at 16. Iowa State 3:00 pm ESPN3 - I feel like these rankings should be reversed. Oklahoma scored another big win this week as they took care of rival Oklahoma State at home with a big performance from Ryan Spangler whom had 15 points and 17 rebounds. Iowa State fallen in four of their last five games including a loss to the Sooners, the second team they are facing twice already this conference season. In game one, Iowa State gave up 22 second-chance points and only had two of their own. That will not win games. Everything in my bones says 'Take the hot team against the struggling team', but then there is a Hilton Magic meaning Iowa State is the pick. ISU 75-69

THIRD TIER 
24. Ohio State at 14. Wisconsin 11:00 am ESPN - Could this be the worst ranked game of the season thus far? Both teams are in complete flux. In one corner, Ohio State has lost five of their last six games while in the other corner, Wisconsin fallen in four of their last five. Who can tame their dumpster fire more? I am going with Wisconsin. Sam Dekker seems like he is ready to have about a 25-14 performance on Saturday, and I think Traevon Jackson can keep his composure against Aaron Craft's style. UW 73-66

22. Memphis at SMU 1:00 pm CBS Sports Network - Would like to send out a 'Been There Bro' to SMU and their fanbase as they looked ahead when traveling to the Sun Dome against South Florida and lost ending their five-game winning streak. Memphis has won four straight, but not really beaten anyone in the process although Joe Jackson is playing pretty well. I like the Mustangs in this one. They need the win, and Memphis is due for a good ole brain fart of a game. SMU 76-67

Baylor at 8. Oklahoma State 1:00 pm ESPN - Man, Baylor. They are 1-5 for the season including a home loss to West Virginia this week and now head to Stillwater with a pissed off Cowboys team. In my best 'Taken' Liam Neeson voice, 'Good luck.'  OSU 79-64

Charlie.

CBB Picks: B1G Showdown, Ghost of Michael Snaer

Since college football and basically National Football League is done, we have been making picks for college basketball. Let's have some fun with it and see what happens. I should probably record my record, but I will say this is the hardest sport to pick without question.

First Tier Games 
21. Michigan at 3. Michigan State 6:00 pm ESPN - Crazy to think the first time ever, two teams are 6-0 facing off each other in the Big Ten against each other. John Beilein deserves to be Coach of the Year thus far, and Nik Stauskas is red hot right now. Michigan seems to be getting a team effort versus two guys like Mitch McGary and Trey Burke carrying the team like they did last night. They faced rival Michigan State, and they are hurting right now. Sparty will be without Branden Dawson as he broke his hand in frustration and Adreian Payne will also be missing in this one. Gary Harris needs to put himself on the map in this one, and I am not sure he is ready for the moment. I am riding the Wolverines' hot streak. MICH 74-68

4. Villanova at Marquette 1:00 pm FOX Sports 1 - Hmm. The homer in me wants to believe Marquette will play like they did at the end of the second half led by unsung heroes John Dawson and Steve Taylor Jr. The realist in me says this team has not proven they made the turn just yet, and need to be a team like Villanova, who is probably a little overrated given their ranking. Marquette needs to be better at guarding the perimeter as Villanova has four players shooting over 35 percent from 3-point land. My worry about Marquette in this one is James Bell and Darrun Hillard will go off against Marquette's guards, but I do think they can contain JayVaughn Pinkston. I am taking the Wildcats. I don't want to, but until Marquette can beat a high quality opponent, I cannot pick them. NOVA 69-64

Florida State at 15. Duke 11:00 am ESPN - In recent years, Seminoles have been a throne in Duke's side whether it be at home or in Cameron Indoor. Leonard Hamilton does a great job with this team getting them prepared to deal with the Duke environment. This Florida State team nearly beat Michigan and Florida in the non-conference meaning they can compete with this Duke team. I do think Blue Devils figured it out a bit in the last couple of games especially Jabari Parker as he went for 17 and 15 against Miami. He will need to be a factor in this one. I think Florida State's size keeps them in this game, and Duke escapes with a last-second three. DUKE 73-71

Second Tier Games 
Texas at 24. Baylor 12:30 pm ESPN3 - Texas deserves all the credit in the world this season. Rick Barnes' job is saved because Longhorns' head honchos have to see what he is doing without having any seniors, and no matter the result in this one, Texas deserves to be ranked. I do think Texas is running into a buzzsaw. Baylor lost their last three games plus another one to boot in the Big 12. This is a must-win for them, and I fail to see how Baylor does not capitalize at home in this one. BAY 73-64

9. Wisconsin at Purdue 4:00 pm Big Ten Network - You could look at this game two ways if you are Purdue... One, you are playing a Wisconsin team that cannot play defense, and maybe Purdue's offensive woes can be fixed playing them. Two, you are playing a pissed off Wisconsin team that is ready to break their losing streak. Purdue is not a bad team, but they are not a good team either. I would be shocked if they beat Wisconsin. Badgers score enough points, and the defensive holds strong. UW 74-61

20. Pittsburgh at Maryland 5:00 pm ESPN2 - What's up lookahead game?  This has all the makings of Pittsburgh laying an egg. Terrapins are not a good team, but at the same point, they have talented players like Dez Wells who can win them basketball games. Pittsburgh knows they are welcoming Duke on Monday night in a much anticipated game meaning their head might not be there for this one. I would put some chips on Maryland winning this one at the always tough College Park. MARY 64-57

Third Tier Games 
2. Syracuse at Miami 12:00 pm CBS - An old Big East matchup that is now an ACC matchup. Whenever a team is undefeated this late in the season, a bulls-eye developed on the team. Miami would love nothing more than to end the Orange's unbeaten streak. But at the same time, this Hurricane team likely cannot handle a full 40 minutes of the suffocating 2-3 zone, they need to play a perfect game. It is not happening. CUSE 65-53

Utah at 1. Arizona (Played on Sunday) 7:00 pm FOX Sports 1- Improved year for Utah as they are playing well and beating some good teams in the process yet they have not seen a great team like Arizona. Wildcats will have no issues in this game. ARIZ 77-63

Tennessee at 6. Florida 3:00 pm ESPN - This used to be a high-profile SEC game, and now it is just sort of there. I think people have forgotten about Florida due to the SEC being a mediocre conference besides the Gators and Kentucky. Tennessee does have the size to compete with Florida as Jarnell Stokes and Jerrone Maymon can both be factors if they stay out of foul trouble. It is the guard play I am unsure about, and what probably gets the Gators the win. FLA 72-68

Charlie.

CBB Stock Market: January 18th-19th

Looking for something else on Sports News on Tap, I found a gem called 'CBB Stock Market' which highlighted what happened on the weekend of college hoops. Sometimes I will use this space for a longer form recap, but mostly, it will be a subheading. 

BUY BUY BUY 

Kansas Jayhawks - What a week for Kansas. They look like the second best team in the country. They beat
Iowa State and Oklahoma State led by a big time performance on Saturday afternoon with Joel Embiid going for 13 points, eleven rebounds and eight blocks. This is a national broadcast where everyone's eyes are on him. Andrew Wiggins struggled against Oklahoma State, but he dominated against the Cyclones on Monday night. This team is coming together in a tough Big 12. Naadir Tharpe is another big reason why Kansas is playing well. In the last two games, Tharpe is averaging 22 points a game with five assists. That's important to the Jayhawks' success in the short and long term.

Texas Longhorns - People love to pick on Rick Barnes. He did not have a good 2012, and people believed him to be on the hot seat. With a new athletic director in town, people thought Texas might move Barnes like they did Mack Brown. But Barnes figured out to win with this team, and they are back in the top 25 for the first time in over a year. Texas has NO seniors, and they are still winning games in a tough Big 12. I feel like Barnes no matter what happens in the coming weeks, he has a job for a couple more years. Incredible effort with this squad.

Syracuse Orange - We gave Arizona some credit with last week's Stock Market and it is time to give Syracuse some love as they are one of the last unbeatens. Pittsburgh gave them their best shot. Lamar Patterson drilled four 3-pointers in the second half and Panthers had the lead at certain points coming back from being down double-digits. Tyler Ennis, the freshman no one talks about, had two monster layups to push the Orange ahead for another win. This season is really setting up perfectly for Syracuse to get an ACC crown in their first year. They do not have a difficult road game until February 12th against Pittsburgh, but it really looks like there are only three to five losses at most on their schedule. I loved nothing more than Boeheim's comments after the game calling it an 'old Big East game.'

HOLD HOLD HOLD

Creighton Bluejays - Fair to say the Jays look ahead to this one with Villanova on the slate tonight? They were beat pretty good by Providence as Doug McDermott received no help as he was the only player in double-digits. People do say the knock on the Jays is their lack of defense, and it showed in this game. If they are not getting a supporting cast with McDermott, they will suffer losses like this one.

Iowa State Cyclones - Even though they have lost three straight, I really do not think it is time to push the panic button here. They were too high at number eight without any question. Iowa State is not a top ten team rather a solid team with a great deal of talent. They need to find some scoring that is not shooting the 3-pointer. You can only live and die by it for so long.

SELL SELL SELL 

Georgetown Hoyas - I am going to trend very lightly with this one because my team plays Georgetown tonight so I am in no position to throw stones yet this Hoya team is struggling to score points. They had a double-digit home loss to Seton Hall something virtually unheard of, and just another dent in a rough year thus far for the Hoyas. Georgetown this week also had a 17-point lead with 15 minutes left only to have Xavier go on a 44-14 run to close out of the game beating them by 13 points. 

Indiana Hoosiers - This team beats Wisconsin at home only to lose on Saturday to Northwestern AT HOME. Indiana is an average team at best. 47 points to a weak Wildcat team. This is a team that should not be considered on the bubble right now. If you are not beating teams you are supposed to at home, there is no room for you in the tournament.

Arkansas Razorbacks - It felt like maybe the SEC was finally getting off the ground with Arkansas beating Kentucky at home maybe showing the Hogs were a better team than expected. Yet they lose on the road to Georgia in overtime. Bulldogs are not a bad team per say, but if Arkansas wants to be a tournament team, they win these type of ball games. Razorbacks needs to start getting some wins away from Bud Walton Arena. .

GAMES TO WATCH THIS WEEK 
Monday: Creighton at 4. Villanova 6:00 pm FOX Sports 1, 24. Baylor at 8. Kansas 8:00 pm ESPN

Tuesday: 22. Texas at Kansas State 6:00 pm ESPN2

Wednesday: 10. Iowa at 21. Michigan 6:00 pm Big Ten Network, 18. Duke at Miami 6:30 pm ESPN2,
                    9. Wisconsin at Minnesota 8:00 pm Big Ten Network

Thursday: Colorado at 1. Arizona 8:00 pm ESPN2 

Sportandfashion-news Bowl Predictions: Bowl Day Monday

Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl 

Middle Tennessee State vs. Navy 10:45 am ESPN - When it comes to a mid-major team playing a bowl game. It is not really a good barometer to chrTennessee can run the football though. They are a top 25 rushing team in the country led by a balanced attack with multiple rushers. Navy knows a thing or two about running the football as they are second overall. Navy will wear you down. Midshipmen are hot heading into the bowl game as they have won five of their last six games. Blue Raiders are not great against the rush and that could spell big time trouble. If you are into betting on a Monday morning, I would say take Navy and never look back. NAVY 45-20  

Franklin Mortgage Music City Bowl

Ole Miss vs. Georgia Tech 2:15 pm ESPN - Honestly, this is the best game of the day. I realize there are a lot of big name teams on this day, but they both have chances to be blowouts. This one I think you can get a close game out of them. We know Georgia Tech's story. They are going to try and run the ball working down a team. Yellow Jackets also have a pretty stout defense meaning even if the offense stalls a bit, the d can keep them in the game. Ole Miss' offense has been a problem as of late. Against Mississippi State and Missouri, they have a combined 20 points. Bo Wallace needs to be better if this team expects to win today. In the last two games, Wallace does not have a touchdown and four interceptions with under 230 yards of passing. I am better on Bo and the SEC here with Ole Miss taking advantage of a late turnover and winning this football game. OLE MISS 21-17 

Valero Alamo Bowl 

Texas vs. 10.) Oregon 5:45 pm ESPN - This is Mack Brown's swan song. People think maybe Longhorns will be inspired and they will fight for Mack leading to a stunning Texas victory. That's not happening. Oregon might not be the most focused team in all of the land, but I doubt they will come out sluggish especially on the defense end. Mack is not the only one coaching his last name as Nick Ailoto, Oregon's defensive coordinator, is coaching his last game as well. Further, I do not think a fresh Marcus Mariota will be a pleasant experience for the Longhorns. It will be close for three quarters, but Ducks wear them down in the fourth leading to a blowout on paper. OREG 42-27

National University Holiday Bowl 
14.) Arizona State vs. Texas Tech 9:15 pm ESPN - I really want this game to be a high-scoring shootout where we have a ton of fun, and it will be great for those who are going out the night before New Years Eve (Amateur hour if you do not). But sadly, it will not be given Arizona State is one of the better teams in football right now. No one really talks about the Sun Devils and their success this year which is a shame. Arizona State has won seven of their last eight and even without star running back Marion Grice, I think this team will be dominant in their performance against Texas Tech. Nothing against the Red Raiders but they have fallen off a cliff lately. They look in worst shape than Justin Bieber right now. They have not won a game since October 19th. I cannot ride with my main man Kliff Kingsbury in this one. Texas Tech heading to San Diego for only the nice weather unfortunately. ASU 52-14

Bowl Record: 10-5

Charlie.  

Mack Brown Leaves the Longhorns

On Friday night, we thought Mack Brown was going to stay at Texas. People were rushing to laugh at those whom reported Brown's demise at the beginning of the week, and then Brown resigned from Texas with 40 minutes before the Heisman Trophy announcement. With Brown being out at as Longhorns coach, we are probably going to see one of the most insane coaching searches in history of football as well as what will Brown's legacy be in college football no matter if he keeps coaching in college football.

I do not think there is one head coach that I could say is off the table with Texas. There are many whom I think would say 'Thanks but no thanks' yet at the same time, they have more money than multiple small countries meaning some people whom would never listen to a new job, will actually give it some time. If nothing else, some of these coaches will take phone calls to work new deals. Nothing on whether CBS Sports is reporting Buzz Williams to be a candidate for coach of the football team.  This will be a fun time with Twitter because there are media members trying to step over other people's feet looking to find the one coach taking the job. It will happen on multiple occasions in the coming weeks.

One of the biggest fishes Texas might look to grab is Jim Harbaugh, head coach of San Francisco 49ers. Barking Carnival, SB Nation's Texas blog, made an excellent case on why Harbaugh is more realistic than other people believed it is right now. He keeps getting mentioned by everyone and it raises the question if he is happy with San Francisco right now?  I am not in Harbaugh's head, but it is interesting he turned down a two-year contract extension. It could just mean the Niners coach wants to be the highest-paid NFL coach, or it could mean he is looking for another adventure.

Another NFL coach that has been mentioned by ESPN Chris Mortensen is Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy. Not being a homer here, but I cannot see it at all.  Yes there are some ties there, but McCarthy has not coached in college since 1992. I was the ripe age of four. To say college football has changed since then is a complete understatement. It is a whole new world.  And even having a daughter in Austin, McCarthy, I believe, has four other kids to deal with right now and picking them up to move seems like something he would not do at all.  As for Harbaugh and McCarthy, if either of them end their season in the first week of January, it becomes more interesting.

I do think Harbaugh is not a fantasy selection but there are names that I think could be more of a possibility. Mark Dantonio is a name many are not mentioning right now. He built a great program at Michigan State, and while he is not the most media friendly guy, he could adapt and rebuild this program. Todd Graham has only been at Arizona State for two years, but the man does not really care about loyalty, always wanting to move up the ladder. New Texas athletic director Steve Patterson hired him at Arizona State, why would he not do the same with the Longhorns?  To me, those are two most realistic coaches whom I could see at Texas.

It is really fascinating to think about Brown's legacy in college football. People forget sometimes he won a National Championship beating USC in a virtual home game. Vince Young is one of the best college quarterbacks of the last 20 years and Brown recruited him. But he missed out on Texas high school quarterbacks like Johnny Manziel, Robert Griffin III, Matthew Stafford, Christian Ponder, Jameis Winston and Nick Foles.  Misses happened, but the fact, none of them played for the Longhorns is stunning. People will always remember Brown for this because it is the end of his legacy which we all remember more fondly then Brown's BCS Title.

Charlie.