The Sunday schedule was full of mid-major games and a few games with some power conference schools filled in, and yet there was still intrigue in some of the games. The sport never fails to deliver, even when the schedule looks like it will be a clunker. Miami finally got a win after losing their past seven games. They blew out a decent Presbyterian team in Florida. Iowa State played like one of the top teams in the country and blew out Omaha. Given where Archie Miller started, Rhode Island is 10-1, which is a big deal for that program. Northwestern beat Georgia Tech, Texas scored 121 points, and Arkansas State returned from 25 down at the half to win in overtime vs UAB.
Yesterday I went 24-5 in my picks. That brings my 42 day total to 1,246-431 overall. There are not too many notable games today, but the WAC/Conference USA challenge starts today and there are two power school on the schedule. The games pick up throughout the week as Finals week starts to dwindle down. Today is the worst schedule of the week. Picks for day 43 December 16, 2024, are below.
Charleston over Wofford
Central Arkansas over The Citadel
Grambling over Southeastern Louisiana
Louisiana Tech over Grand Canyon
Middle Tennessee over Cal Baptist
Rice over Alcorn State
Northern Colorado over Air Force
Northern Iowa over Montana
Texas Tech over Oral Roberts
TCU over South Alabama
UTEP over Tarleton State
New Mexico State over Southern Utah
There is one game that stands out above the rest today. Louisiana Tech and Grand Canyon is a sneaky good game. The Bulldogs are one of the best mid-majors in the country, and no one talks about them. We all hear about Grand Canyon and how good they are supposed to be, but no one knows much about Louisiana Tech. The Bulldogs are the class of Conference USA, and they will get to show they are deserving of more publicity after they beat the Lopes tonight in Ruston. Enjoy the hoops.