Fresno State brings a young, but talented, group to the Marriott Center for what BYU has marketed to get a sellout. It will be like nothing any of them have ever experienced. Steve Cleveland will have an emotional return to the Marriott Center, where he laid the foundation for BYU's current success before developing his "twitch" and moving to a less stressful position at Fresno State.
He has a legitimate future NBA Center in Greg Smith. He has a couple of other highly touted freshman as well, including Alpine's very own Bracken Funk. However, this is a Fresno team that was not even .500 last season, even with future NBA Draft pick Paul George on it.
BYU will have some definite kinks to work out, particularly early in the game. But look for the crowd, and Jimmer, to pull away down the stretch. BYU 73, Fresno State 57.
I also predict that Duke will not make the Final Four this season. I am in shock at all of the experts pulling the "homer" approach. Looking back at preseason predictions for football, EVERYBODY had Alabama vs. Ohio State in the championship game. It's possible neither will even make a BCS game. I see the same with Duke: EVERYBODY has them playing for a title this season and I say they will not even make the Final Four. We'll see what "Mo Knows" in March.
I have really enjoyed your analysis this year. ND is no good any more and the Utes will expose them for sure.
ReplyDeleteBYU should handle CSU easily.