College GameDay: Picks for Big 12/SEC Challenge, Saturday's biggest games
ESPN’s College GameDay picked a great day to be back on the road, as they operated live from Allen Fieldhouse in Lawrence, Kansas. Of course, the crew was on-hand for Saturday’s ranked showdown between No. 12 Kentucky and No. 5 Kansas.
Arguably the best matchup of the day, the game features two highly-ranked squads. Saturday evening, the Wildcats are on the road against the Jayhawks in a rematch of the 2012 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship Game. On that day, John Calipari out-coached Bill Self on the way to his lone championship.
Additionally, the No. 1 team in the country will attempt to remain so in the Big 12/SEC Challenge, as No. 1 Auburn welcomes Oklahoma to town. Freshly off agreeing to a huge extension, Tigers coach Bruce Pearl will look for a victory over the Sooners.
Moreover, No. 4 Baylor travels to Tuscaloosa to take on Alabama. As the Crimson Tide look to right the ship, a win over the Bears would go a long way for Nate Oats and company.
Finally, the nightcap features a homecoming — Tennessee coach Rick Barnes returns to Texas, where he spent 17 seasons coaching the Longhorns. Barnes took the program to new heights, but will now be looking to defeat the program he once loved.
The Big 12/SEC Challenge represents huge day in the sport, and ESPN’s College GameDay has us covered. Here’s all their picks and predictions for Saturday’s slate.
College GameDay: Picks for Big 12/SEC Challenge and more
No. 12 Kentucky at No. 5 Kansas: “Rock Chalk, Jayhawk,” stated Ellis, picking Kansas.
“John Calipari won his 800th game the other day. 801 is going to be a little difficult,” stated Greenberg, picking Kansas.
Jay Bilas is calling the game, so he’s not picking a winner.
No. 19 LSU at TCU: Ellis is riding with the Horned Frogs, while Greenberg and Bilas are on the Tigers.
No. 4 Baylor at Alabama: “Alabama beat Gonzaga — they’re pretty good. Alabama beat Houston — they’re pretty good. .. They’re due to beat a good one. Roll Tide,” stated Greenberg. He’s alone, as Ellis and Bilas are with Baylor.
No. 18 Tennessee at Texas: “I got Texas. They have the most efficient defense, and they’ll neutralize Kennedy Chandler,” stated Ellis. Bilas agrees with Ellis. However, Greenberg is riding with the Volunteers.
Michigan at No. 10 Michigan State: “Please Sparty, throw the ball to the right team. I think they do today,” stated Greenberg. Everyone is on the Spartans.
Cincinnati Bengals at Kansas City Chiefs: Being around so many Chiefs fans, College GameDay had to give their prediction for the AFC Championship. Every expert is riding with Patrick Mahomes.
College GameDay Crew Picks:
Jay Bilas: LSU, Baylor, Texas, Michigan State, Kansas City Chiefs
LaPhonso Ellis: Kansas, TCU, Baylor, Texas, Michigan State, Kansas City Chiefs
Seth Greenberg: Kansas, LSU, Alabama, Tennessee, Michigan State, Kansas City Chiefs