Like Brett Favre's 15 retirements, like Michael Scott's vasectomies, like my diet starting Monday, I’m back in the blog game. I will be releasing all of my college basketball picks from now through the national title game.

12pm ET Picks

Iowa State vs. TCU – Under 137.5

I know I’m typically an overs guy, but I’m a changed man. Iowa State has been on a downward spiral, losing three straight. TCU has won its last two games, but this is a clear “get right” game for the Cyclones. However, we aren’t taking the Cyclones.

The Horned Frogs haven’t broken 70 points in their last five games. Iowa State hasn’t broken 70 in two games, plus if Caleb Love doesn’t hit a miracle shot, they finish the Arizona game with 71. This is a classic T.J. Otzelberger dominant defensive performance where Iowa State wins 73-57.

2pm ET Picks

Marquette vs. Creighton -2.5

One of the golden rules in picking college basketball games is to pick an unranked home favorite facing a ranked team.

I understand Marquette defeated Creighton a month ago, but the Blue Jays have played much better recently, winning eight straight. Most of those wins have come against the bottom half of the Big East, but the way they have been playing has been much better.

4pm ET Picks

Florida +8.5 vs. Auburn

Look, I am terrified to pick against Auburn. Auburn and Duke are without question the two best teams in the country and it seems like it does not matter who they play and where they play, they just win. Walter Clayton Jr. being back for the Gators is MASSIVE. This comes down to 8.5 being a LOT of points in a tight SEC game. The Jungle will be rocking, and I am fully prepared to feel stupid after this pick.

Pitt vs. UNC -4.5

I am officially declaring this a “loser leaves town” game. The loser of this matchup will be relying on winning the ACC Tournament as their only path to March Madness.

The body language from both of these teams has been pathetic. The Tar Heels looked like they wanted to “QB Kneel” in the biggest rivalry in the sport. Then, somehow, Pitt lets this dead man walking Virginia team look like the 2018 Golden State Warriors in their own building.

Pitt has had success in the Dean Dome in recent years, but I think they fall short in this one. Both of these teams have recently left an awful taste in my mouth, but I think UNC’s talent ultimately wins out.

If the Tar Heels don’t go on a generational drought to close their last matchup against the Panthers, they should have comfortably won that game. I don’t expect that to happen in Chapel Hill. It’s time for RJ Davis to step up and be the All-American player we all know he can be.

4pm ET Picks

Duke TT over 70.5 vs. Clemson

This game is going to be AWESOME, BABY! Dickie V is back on the call. This is Duke’s most likely spot to slip up in ACC play, and we get to see Cooper Flagg in another massive road game.

The Blue Devils have scored 70+ in all of their ACC games, except for their matchup against Wake, where they scored 3 points in nearly 13 minutes to start the second half. I don’t expect that to happen again.

I understand Clemson can be solid defensively—it’ll be a great environment at Littlejohn—but this Duke team can beat you in so many different ways, and history shows the Blue Devils consistently score 70+.

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Here's the video of Cooper Flagg's insane dunk that did not get the attention it deserved.

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I will have a late night play on Saturday which I will put out on my X page @karterb8  

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Leans I’m not playing (watch these go 6-0)

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Oklahoma +5.5

Wake -2.5

NC State +6.5

Arkansas +5.5 (If they win this game Cal is BACK)

Arizona/Texas Tech over 149.5

GT/UVA under 131.5 

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