College GameDay: Picks for North Carolina at Duke, Saturday's biggest games

On Saturday, ESPN’s College GameDay emulated live from Cameron Indoor Stadium for North Carolina visiting Duke for a historic game. It’s a game that’ll go down in the history books, as Blue Devils coach Mike Krzyzewski is about to coach his final game at his beloved home arena.

Anticipation was in the air, and the feeling of something special brewing was immense throughout the show. Additionally, Duke legends from a bevy of different eras appeared to make the day truly feel like one that doesn’t come around often.

Amid all the pomp and circumstance, a basketball game will be played between two heated rivals — North Carolina and Duke. The Tar Heels (22-8) are looking to spoil the party of the No. 4 Blue Devils (26-4), and the coach who’s defeated them time and time again. To do so, the team is going to have to quell the fire of Duke forward Paolo Banchero.

Throughout Krzyzewski‘s final season with the program, Banchero has been the leader of the Blue Devils. Averaging 16.9 points per game, the forward will play a huge part in the team’s run at the NCAA Tournament crown.

On the other hand, North Carolina will be led into battle against Duke by forward Armando Bacot. His statistics rival Banchero’s, as the Tar Heels star is averaging 16.4 points and 12.7 rebounds per game. Simply, Bacot has been fantastic throughout the season.

Nevertheless, something has to give. Here’s the crew’s picks for North Carolina at Duke. The game doubling as Krzyzewski’s final game at Cameron Indoor, and the final College GameDay of the regular season.

College GameDay: Picks for North Carolina at Duke, Saturday’s biggest games

North Carolina at No. 4 Duke: “Duke has a top twenty defense in the country, multiple guys who can go for 25 on any given night. Duke wins this game on their home floor,” stated Ellis, picking Duke.

“You know last time Caleb Love was here, he had a really big game,” stated Greenberg. “But he’s not going to have a big game tonight,” he exclaimed, selecting Duke.

Jay Bilas isn’t picking the game due to being on the call, but we can infer who he would’ve picked.

No. 16 USC at No. 17 UCLA: “UCLA bounces back. Remember now, USC is coming off that tough loss to Arizona. UCLA comes back. Johnny Juzang can’t be that bad if he plays — UCLA is going to win this game,” stated Greenberg. Ellis is riding with the Trojans, but Bilas agrees with Greenberg, picking the Bruins.

No. 21 Texas at No. 6 Kansas: Everyone is on the Jayhawks in this Big 12 showdown.

No. 7 Kentucky at Florida: “The only caveat to that is Tyree Applebee is playing great over his last five games. He could be the difference, but Kentucky is going to win,” Bilas stated. Everyone is on Kentucky.

No. 14 Arkansas at No. 13 Tennessee: “Arkansas is so good defensively. JD Notae — one of the best guards in all the country, averaging 25 points against ranked teams. They shut down Kennedy Chandler. Arkansas wins that game,” stating Ellis. However, Greenberg and Bilas are rocking with Tennessee due to the game being played in Knoxville.

CGD Crew Picks:

Jay Bilas: UCLA, Kansas, Kentucky, Tennessee

LaPhonso Ellis: Duke, USC, Kansas, Kentucky, Arkansas

Seth Greenberg: Duke, UCLA, Kansas, Kentucky, Tennessee