By Jonathan Lidskin

As the end of January approaches, more eyes get on college basketball each week. For the people who tune in tomorrow for the first time, the big-time matchups will not disappoint.
Tennessee @ Auburn
Friend of the podcast (and website) Cole Adams will be on site for this one. Bruce Pearl didn’t sound optimistic earlier this week that All-American Center Johni Broome would play, but obviously, the Tigers have been just fine without him.
Yesterday on the podcast, I discussed how Tennessee’s backcourt could give Auburn’s perimeter-oriented offense (without Broome) some trouble. Zakai Zeigler and Jahmai Mashack are as good at defending on the perimeter as anyone you will find in college basketball.
The problem the Vols will face is hiding Chaz Lanier. Lanier carries the load offensively a lot for Rick Barnes’ group, but he has his defensive struggles. I would expect Lanier to guard Miles Kelly as he is the lowest usage guard the Tigers have. Regardless, expect Bruce Pearl’s game plan to be centered around hunting Lanier whether that is making him guard the ball often or simply making him get through screens.
Tennessee has the advantage of Auburn playing a couple of games without Broome so they can see what their offense has looked like. I have a tough time betting against Neville Arena and this Auburn team is still so incredibly skilled without Broome. If the game is dragged into the mud, Tennessee can win it. If it turns into a flame-throwing contest, it’ll go Auburn’s way.
Houston @ Kansas
This feels like a really big game for Kansas for a couple of different reasons. Bill Self blatantly called out the Kansas students and fans saying that the student hype hasn’t been what it was in recent years. Is this Self strategically calling out the fans ahead of the biggest game of the year at Allen Fieldhouse? Yeah, I would bet that is the case. I see right through you, Bill. However, there’s a reason Self is one of the greatest strategic minds ever in this sport and it’s not just because he can motivate fans.
Last year, Houston was a favorite when they came to Allen Fieldhouse, but Self coached circles around Kelvin Sampson. Houston’s blitz proved ineffective against Dajuan Harris with K.J. Adams playmaking off of short rolls. It also helped that Kevin McCullar and Johnny Furphy both hit what felt like every shot, but it was a true masterclass by the head man of the Jayhawks.
I think it will be tough for Kansas to manipulate that performance with wings that are not as good as the two they had last year and also Adams being out due to injury, but you never know. Allen Fieldhouse does some special things and I again have a huge problem betting against that environment.