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Butler Basketball: Breaking down each 2018-19 non-conference opponent

By Lukas Harkins

CINCINNATI, OH - JANUARY 02: Jordan the head coach of the Butler Bulldogs gives instructions to his team against the Xavier Musketeers at the Cintas Center on January 2, 2018 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH - JANUARY 02: Jordan the head coach of the Butler Bulldogs gives instructions to his team against the Xavier Musketeers at the Cintas Center on January 2, 2018 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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DALLAS, TX – MARCH 15: Jalen Hudson #3 of the Florida Gators talks. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX – MARCH 15: Jalen Hudson #3 of the Florida Gators talks. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

Dec. 29: Butler at Florida

Arguably the most difficult game on the non-conference schedule for the Bulldogs (potential neutral-site game vs. Virginia could be tougher), going on the road to face Florida will be extremely tough. The Gators are projected to be a fringe top-25 team heading into this season and are very difficult to beat on the road. In addition, the team will have a strong balance of experience and youth.

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Xavier vs. Butler prediction and odds for Friday February 10 (Value on total)
Xavier vs. Butler prediction and odds for Friday February 10 (Value on total) /

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    • Even though Chris Chiozza and Egor Koulechov are now gone, there is still plenty of talent on this roster. In terms of senior leaders, both Jalen Hudson (15.5 points) and KeVaughn Allen (11.0 points) are returning for their final seasons. These two played vital roles for the team last season and will once again be seen as offensive weapons. Also, the returns of Keith Stone (8.8 points) and Kevarrius Hayes (4.8 points, 5.0 rebounds) will bring even more size to the Florida rotation.

    In addition to these returning players, head coach Mike White is bringing an elite recruiting class. This class, which features three top-100 players, could be the difference between an average season for the Gators and one that could see the program infiltrating the nation’s top-10.

    Considering conference play is right around the corner after this game, Butler could get a tremendous boost in confidence by snagging a Quadrant 1 win like this one. In addition, due to the nature of the Battle 4 Atlantis Tournament, this could potentially be the second matchup of the season between these two programs.

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    Overall, this Butler schedule is fairly solid. There are many opportunities for key wins (Battle 4 Atlantis, Indiana, Florida), a few under-the-radar matchups (Miami (OH), Saint Louis, Mississippi, UC-Irvine), and some tune-up games. This non-conference stretch should give the Bulldogs at least two or three chances at Quadrant 1 wins.