Nothing's more exciting or deflating than betting on a big, highly competitive game. Not that I have a heart condition or handle defeat as violently as Charlie Sheen handles his wife, Brooke, I just prefer exploiting weaker teams or lines that appear made by my three-year-old son.

However, my college basketball selections today both rank in the Top 25, yet face serious road challengers.

The #25 Temple Owls (12-3) visit the 12-1 Rhode Island Rams in a 12:00 Central Standard time tip-off. The Rams have won eight straight games, yet are only 1-8 against the spread playing at home. They average a hefty 76 points per game, but give up 70, including 79 to the Drexel Dragons and 84 to the Fairfield Stags. Conversely, the Temple Owls play stifling defense, holding opponents to an average of 58.8 points per game. The Owls also have a very respectable 6-1 ATS record as visitors. With regard to RPI, the Rams are #8...but the Owls are even better at #4.

Temple Owls +3

Later in the day, the #1 Kansas Jayhawks (14-0) visit the #15 Tennessee Volunteers (11-2). Tennessee is undefeated at home, but will be without four contributing players (Tyler Smith, Brian Williams, Cameron Tatum, and Melvin Goins) due to misdemeanor gun and drug charges. (Maybe they were just taking a new and more contemporary college elective called Thug Life 101.) Kansas has a stronger RPI (7), a better defense (60.4 points per game), and a startling edge in three point percentage (40.7 to 20.2). If one needs a further example of the Jayhawks strength, they recently defeathered the Temple Owls on the road 84-52.

Kansas Jayhawks -6

College Try Record
Straight Up 3-2
Teasers 1-2

May your Sunday be restful and full of winners!