Packing For Vegas: College Basketball Picks Dec. 13

How that headband stays on Wayne Chism's head I'll never know. Why the spread for Saturday's Tennessee-Temple game is only six points also confuses me, though actually not as much.

It's not all that relevant given the Vols' new look, but they did win by 17 against the Owls last season. I actually wouldn't be surprised if they did the same this year, since Temple lost by double digits to Buffalo and Miami (Oh.). If they only win by three, I'm blaming the above photo: You can't see it, but Chism is holding up three fingers.

I also like UCLA (-16) over DePaul in Anaheim. DePaul won four straight to open the season, but has since lost three in a row, including a home loss to Morgan State and a 63-36 loss to Northwestern. That's right, the Blue Demons only scored 36 points in a game! Against Northwestern!

I know the Big Ten's defense is tough, but UCLA has played great defense since Ben Howland took over. I see the score being something like 75-50.

Finally, I'm taking Kentucky at home against Indiana. I know 16.5 is a lot to lay, but I'm sticking with my "bet against Indiana" strategy. It didn't work earlier this week, which has caused me to revise my theory: Until we get into conference play, only bet against the Hoosiers on the road. My two losses with IU have both been at home against non-BCS conference teams that were possibly intimidated by the environment.

That's it for a busy Saturday. At least for now. I'm thinking about Oklahoma and Butler, so check back tomorrow to see if I've added to my card.

As always, feedback is appreciated (especially if you plan on posting something like, "Hey, Andrew, your picks have been AWESOME so far this season).

Update, 2:10 pm EST: Oklahoma has dropped to -12, so I have added it to my card. Utah has a great player inside in 7'2 senior Luke Nevill, but he's never had to go up against someone like Blake Griffin.

Today's picks: Tennessee -6; 2 units

                      UCLA -16; 2 units

                      Kentucky -16.5; 1 unit

                      Oklahoma -12; 1 unit

Season Record: 18-10 (64 percent); +15 units