ANALYSIS: Winning three consecutive playoff games ... Join SportsLine for the pick!

ANALYSIS: The top-rated defense nationwide entering last weekend, Clemson was schooled by Virginia, allowing the slow-paced Cavs 85 points. The offense didn’t hold up its end, either, scoring 50. The Tigers had not taken the floor in 11 days, however, and a bounce-back effort looms against a rusty foe itself. Georgia Tech last competed Jan. 3, with four postponements to follow, and fear some absent players for the return game. Tech’s KenPom rating is 72nd, double that of the Tigers’.

ANALYSIS: The Hall could not be catching ‘Nova at a more ideal juncture of the season. The Wildcats have sat idle since Dec. 23 and has weathered three COVID-19 caused halts to the schedule. Upon resuming practice last Thursday, only eight players were available. Three might be inactive for this game. The Pirates have stormed to eight wins in the last 10 outings, seven of them covers. They have waded through a high number of away games (seven) for a Power Six member, so consider them road warriors.

ANALYSIS: Baylor is blowing out everyone in its path - hence, the largest regular-season spread ever with Kansas as an underdog under Bill Self. Though the Bears’ betting numbers are eye-popping, not to be overlooked is the Jayhawks covering in three-fourths of their last 16 road games. Virtually the same rate applies to the previous 32 contests in the series for visiting teams. The Bears’ so-so foul shooting has yet to factor into a result but could here. The postponement of Saturday’s Kansas-Iowa State game was a blessing of sorts for the Jayhawks. It granted them more preparation time for this marquee matchup.

ANALYSIS: Many Tampa Bay backers are leaning on the old saw that it’s difficult to knock off a team three times in a season. Pshaw. History does not support the theory, especially when the combined score of the first two meetings is a lopsided 72-26, as is the case here. The Saints also swept the series in 2019, making Sean Payton 4-0 straight-up against a Buccaneers team coached by Bruce Arians. New Orleans QB Drew Brees’ reduced ability to throw downfield is offset by an array of top-flight receivers and superb RB Alvin Kamara. The Saints' defense is superior and could exploit the absence of Tampa Bay G Alex Cappa (ankle.)