College GameDay: Picks for Sunday's NCAA Tournament Round of 32

After an exciting Saturday slate, ESPN brought the College GameDay crew back to preview the Round of 32 ahead of an exciting slate of Sunday’s iteration. Starting with 5-seed Houston taking on 4-seed Illinois, there’s a bevy of matchups that could provide spectators with memorable upsets on the schedule.

First, the Cougars are looking to return to the Final Four again in 2022 — but they’ll have to go through the Fighting Illini to get there. Leading the way for Houston is guard Kyler Edwards, averaging 13.9 points per game on the season. Of course, star center Kofi Cockburn will look to bring Illinois to the promise-land, using his 21.0 points per game to do so.

Next, 7-seed Ohio State takes on 2-seed Villanova in a highly-anticipated showdown. The Buckeyes were a popular pick to be upset in the 1st Round, but star forward E.J. Liddell wouldn’t let that happen. Now, Ohio State is looking to pull an upset of their own. However, star Wildcats guard Collin Gillespie and his 15.9 points per game are going to attempt to prevent that.

Moreover, one of the biggest games of the day is an ACC-SEC showdown between 10-seed Miami and 2-seed Auburn. The Tigers have been outspoken, stating the Hurricanes haven’t seen a defense like Auburn’s. However, the Hurricanes won’t back down from anyone. Miami has the elder squad, and that could be a difference-maker with all the chips at the center of the table.

Additionally, other intriguing matchups are on the board — among them could be Mike Krzyzewski’s final game. Duke will look to avoid that fate, as they take on Tom Izzo and Michigan State. Here’s all the picks from the College GameDay crew for Sunday’s slate.

College GameDay: Picks for Sunday’s NCAA Tournament Round of 32

Houston vs. Illinois: To start the slate of games, the College GameDay crew is on Illinois.

Ohio State vs. Villanova: “I have Villanova. I think the great matchup is going to be Jermaine Samuels on E.J. Liddell,” stated Bilas. Ellis agrees, but Greenberg is picking the Buckeyes to get the win.

Michigan State vs. Duke: “Paolo Banchero — super freshman, could be the No. 1 pick in this year’s draft,” stated Ellis. “I think Michigan State, it’s going to be a combination of guys — Joey Hauser and Malik Hall. Those guys have to attack him when they get the basketball on the offensive end.”

Ellis makes a good point, but the crew doesn’t believe the road ends here for Krzyzewski. Everyone is on Duke.

Iowa State vs. Wisconsin: “I’m looking at the matchup in the Iowa State-Wisconsin game,” stated Greenberg. “You talk about two elite, young freshman point guards. Tyrese Hunter was absolutely terrific the other day .. he’s going to matchup with Chucky Hepburn of Wisconsin.”

While the matchup could be exciting, the crew is all on the Big Ten team — Wisconsin.

Notre Dame vs. Texas Tech: The run ends here for Notre Dame, as the crew is picking Texas Tech to get the victory.

Miami vs. Auburn: “I’m going for an upset here with Miami,” revealed Ellis. However, Greenberg and Bilas are both on Auburn.

Texas vs. Purdue: “I’m looking at Purdue-Texas, and the matchup between Jaden Ivey and I think Courtney Ramey,” stated Bilas. “.. They’re physical, and they got to keep Jaden Ivey out of transition.”

However, the crew doesn’t believe in the Longhorns — everyone is picking the Boilermakers.

TCU vs. Arizona: Everyone is on Arizona in the late-game on Sunday.

CGD Crew Picks:

Jay Bilas: Illinois, Villanova, Duke, Wisconsin, Texas Tech, Auburn, Purdue, Arizona

LaPhonso Ellis: Illinois, Villanova, Duke, Wisconsin, Texas Tech, Miami, Purdue, Arizona

Seth Greenberg: Illinois, Ohio State, Duke, Wisconsin, Texas Tech, Auburn, Purdue, Arizona