We’re back in the blog game all basketball season. I haven’t been this excited about a college basketball season in well… probably since two years ago during Coach K’s last season. The blue bloods are good again, Michigan State got upset, and the Big Ten is showing who they truly are; all is right in the world.

Tonight marks the real start of the college basketball season (should be Champions Classic but whatever). I mean, just look at this slate of games and let's make some picks.

Duke vs. Arizona (Duke -5.5 O/U 152.5)

Caleb Love returns for his likely final game against the Blue Devils. Love currently averages around 20 points per game against Duke. His points prop is currently 14.5; I still don’t like either side of that. Love could easily go for 40 or 2.

There are way too many unknowns in this game. The line feels right on the money. The only play in this game I’m taking is Kyle Filipowski over 8.5 rebounds. He finished with only seven boards against Dartmouth in 27 minutes. Mark Mitchell returns tonight, which sends Ryan Young to the bench, and we will see Filipowski at center. I will also be taking Duke in a ML Parlay.

San Diego State vs. BYU (BYU -1.5 O/U 148.5)

This line is as trappy as you'll ever see. The national title runner-up is going against a team projected to finish 13th in the Big 12, and they are the underdog on the road, playing in one of the toughest environments in the country.

These teams are polar opposites; the Cougars will shoot 40+ threes and play high-tempo. Meanwhile, San Diego State is going to try to make this an ugly affair and slow it down Virginia-style.

The line makes no sense and screams "take BYU." BYU is going to need a big game from one of their sharp-shooters, Spencer Johnson, or Trevin Knell. Give me BYU ML -120 tonight.

Texas A&M vs. Ohio State (Ohio State -1.5 O/U 139.5)

I’ll make this short and sweet. The line makes no sense. We have an unranked team in Ohio State that struggled with Oakland, and they’re favored at home against a top-15 opponent in Texas A&M. The line tells you everything you need to know. The play is Ohio State ML against Texas A&M.

All of my picks tonight (0-0)

Filipowski over 8.5 boards

BYU ML -120

Ohio State ML -120

Virginia ML -110

Parlay: Duke ML/Cal ML -140

Follow on X @karterb8 for late adds. Will update the record.