Big Weekend Ahead for the SEC and Big 12
The SEC/Big 12 Challenge is in the perfect place on the calendar. Teams from both conferences will get a chance to get out of conference without playing a directional school like the football counterparts.
As with all conference challenges, there are some hits and misses.
Missouri (9-9, 1-5) at West Virginia (15-3, 4-2) Noon, ESPN
Standings: Tigers – 12th (SEC); Mountaineers – T3rd (Big 12)
Prediction: West Virginia by double-digits
Iowa State (9-9, 2-4) at Auburn (15-3, 4-2) Noon, ESPNU
Standings: Cyclones – T7th (Big 12); Tigers T3rd (SEC)
Prediction: This one could be close for a while but with the game at Auburn, look for the home team to pull away at the end.
LSU (14-4, 6-0) at Texas (12-6, 2-4) 2 pm, ESPN
Standings: Tigers – 1st (SEC); Longhorns T7th (Big 12)
Prediction: Is there anyone who needs a big win more than Shaka Smart? With the game at home, the Longhorns should feel comfortable but it won’t be enough. It will be close but Will Wade and his crew pull it out late.
Mississippi State (12-6, 3-3) at Oklahoma (12-6, 3-3) 2 pm, ESPN2
Standings: Tigers – T7th (SEC); Sooners T5th (Big 12)
Prediction: Teams headed in opposite directions. The Sooners have lost three of its last four while Mississippi State has won three in a row. But, in the words of Lee Corso, not so fast my friend. Oklahoma eeks out a victory.
Tennessee (12-6, 4-2) at Kansas (15-3, 5-1) 4 pm, ESPN
Standings: Vols – T3rd (SEC); Jayhawks 2nd (Big 12)
Prediction: The story certainly starts with the Kansas suspensions but will end with the Jayhawks resiliency. This will be fought tooth and nail with Kansas winning in the last two minutes.
Oklahoma State (9-9, 0-6) at Texas A&M (9-8, 3-3) 4 pm, ESPNU
Standings: Cowboys – 10th (Big 12); Aggies – T7th (SEC)
Prediction: Oklahoma State has lost six in a row with all but two coming by double-digits. The Aggies squeaked out a win at Mizzou after dropping their last two games. This one smells like a road victory. Go with Oklahoma State.
TCU (13-5, 4-2) at Arkansas (14-4, 3-3) 4 pm, ESPN2
Standings: Horned Frogs – T3rd (Big 12); Razorbacks – T7th (SEC)
Prediction: TCU pulled off the upset over Texas Tech after being blown out of the water in their previous two games. Arkansas is coming off back to back losses to Kentucky and at Mississippi State. This is a tough one to call but the lean goes to Arkansas.
Kentucky (14-4, 5-1) at Texas Tech (12-6, 3-3) 6 pm, ESPN
Standings: Wildcats – 2nd (SEC); Red Raiders – T5th (Big 12)
Prediction: Most would say this is the marquee game of the Challenge. Texas Tech has only one loss at home and that was to Baylor. Is Kentucky tough enough to go at Lubbock and out-physical the Red Raiders… the short answer is ‘no’.
Kansas State (8-10, 1-5) at Alabama (11-7, 4-2) 6 pm, ESPN2
Standings: Wildcats – 9th (Big 12); Crimson Tide – T3rd (SEC)
Prediction: Like Kansas, Kansas State will be dealing with suspensions. Unlike Kansas, the Wildcats don’t have enough depth to offset the lost. Roll Tide in a blowout.
Baylor (16-1, 6-0) at Florida (12-6, 4-2) 6 pm, ESPN2
Standings: Bears – 1st (Big 12); Gators – T3rd (SEC)
Prediction: Baylor travels the Gainesville as the number one team in the nation. The Swamp (basketball version) will be rocking and rolling especially after the Gators pull off the upset.
Conference Win Prediction:
Big 12 – 4
SEC – 6
