[The Poet]

Maybe by the time I finish this breakdown of upcoming action, I'll have some meaningful scores to report. Until then, you can look forward to this additional action today:

Syracuse vs. DePaul = But don't expect a lot of it here. The 'Cuse is 7-1 in conference, while DePaul is 1-7. That ratio will only increase.

Indiana vs. Illinois = OK, neither one is the power they have been in the paast, but that does not mean this won't be fun to watch.

LSU vs. Mississippi State = Unlike this one, which should not be fun at all. MS is pretty decent, and LSU pretty much sucks.

N.C. State vs. N.C. Central = Hey, what's with these November games in January? Do you reckon the Wolfpack will bounce back from their loss to the Tar Heels today?

Oklahoma State vs. Missouri = This one should be a blast, from start to finish.

Boston College vs. Florida State = This one could be OK too. The Seminoles are a bit better than the Eagles, but the game's in chilly Chestnut Hill. May go down to the end.

Arkansas vs. Mississippi = PPD until tomorrow, due to a dusting of winter weather in the Delta. Despite the 'Hogs big win over Miss. State earlier this week, they'd probably prefer it to be postponed even longer.

Kentucky vs. Vanderbilt = That loss to the Gamecocks may have focused the Wildcats, so this has the potential to get real ugly real quickly in Rupp this afternoon. However, the Comms are better than the Cocks, and have been preparing for this one . . . and if Vandy holds any edge against UK, it's in the study hall.

Stanford vs. Arizona State = Remember me telling you about all those 4-4 squads in the Pac-10 race? After this game, one of these won't be in that group. Expect a fight.

Auburn vs. Alabama = What's the motivation here? Well, Auburn is 10-11 overall and wants to reach .500, whereas 'Bama is 3-3 in conference, and wants to STAY at .500 there. Besides, they don't much like each other either. Shields up.

ODU vs. Northeastern = And here we have one of those mid-major clashes that most ignore, at the peril of missing one hell of a game.

Texas vs. Baylor = The Longhorns have slipped a bit of late, and the Bears are trying to hang tough. Rick Barnes may convince his guys to show up today, and if so the 'Horns have the decided edge. However, first someone has to convince Barnes himself to show up also.

Iowa vs. Michigan = Just like that Hoosier/Illini game above, here are two Big 10 teams that ain't all that good . . . but the game itself just might be, due to that very fact.

USC vs. Oregon = And just like EVERY Pac-10 game, this one can put a squad either into or out of contention.

New Mexico vs. TCU = After hitting a holiday slump, the Lobos have won 5 inna row. Make that six.

Michigan State vs. Northwestern = The Spartans are playing better and better, while the Brainiacs have come to the realization that basketball is not an academic endeavor. The Spartans take over in the 2nd half to win by 2 handfuls.

Kansas vs Kansas State = This one is in that slightly smaller Manhattan, so one has to give K-State a shot here . . . they are fairly good, most nights. But the Jayhawks are, to be fair, both better and more experienced. It may be a 1 or 2 possession game late, yet I'd go with KU.

Georgia vs. South Carolina = Here are two teams with good, or even great, wins . . . and some pretty crappy losses too. Should be fun, since we don't know who'll show up on either side.

UCLA vs. Oregon State = And we're back into that Pac-10 clusterfark again.

Providence vs. Cincinnati = Furthermore, there's a bunch of Big East teams fighting to stay in the hunt. Here's a pair of them, and both are good.

UAB vs. UTEP = And come to think of it, so's the CUSA, and here's the fight for the lead.

Oklahoma vs. Nebraska = And come to think of it, this would be a good football game . . . but not so much in hoops. The Sooners are OK, but the Huskers not so much.

BYU vs. Utah = An in-state rivalry? Don't count on it.

Gonzaga vs. San Francisco = If Bill Russell's there for the alumni game and suits up for SF, they have a shot. Otherwise, NFW.

Then on Sunday we have a decent number of good games also. Aside from that Arkansas/Mississippi make-up, there is:

Pittsburgh vs. South Florida = Alright, so maybe not this one. Pitt has not been great, but they should be good enough to take this one fairly easily.

Virginia Tech vs. Miami = And the Hokies should take this one too, since the 'Canes can't do much of anything this year.

Tennessee vs. Florida = But here, if the Gators show up . . . like they do about every other game . . . we could have a war.

Ohio State vs. Minnesota = Here too, though I'd lean towards the Buckeyes.

Purdue vs. Penn State = Pleeze. The Nuttin'ly Lions remain "perfect" in the Big 10, and will go to 0-9.

California vs. Arizona = This one likely will not decide the Pac-10 for good, but it will determine if Cal will stay on top, or if 'Zona can add another tie to the league.

Maryland vs. Clemson = The Terps find themselves atop the ACC. The Tigers will end this in Littlejohn.

UNC vs. UVA = Can the Tar Heels finally get on a roll? Can the Cavaliers get back on one? Beats the livin' crap outta me.

This has taken much too long, so let me go see if I have some finals to report yet. I'll be back, so until then, enjoy.