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Monday’s buzzer-beating Villanova win against North Carolina put a large exclamation point on the college basketball season.
Baseball just got started — though it almost feels like spring training, as most teams have 159 regular-season games to go. The NBA is readying for a lengthy playoff schedule, but that’s not here yet.
A cynic would say this is the perfect time to eschew a weekend of watching sports and catch up with loved ones, or knock out neglected chores.
But what sounds better — cleaning out the garage, or plopping in front of your flatscreen TV and watching SEC football? Who cares if it’s spring games. This is as close to the real thing as we’re going to get for five more months. Might as well enjoy, especially if you’re a fan of one of these two teams.
Best of all, due to NCAA practice limitations, these events are guaranteed to last a crisp two hours.
If you’re a die-hard college football fan, you may even want to check out Deshaun Watson, Baker Mayfield or Christian McCaffrey for a few series on Saturday.
Here’s the TV schedule for this weekend, along with some thoughts as to why we’ll be watching.
SEC GAMES
Friday
7 p.m. ET — Florida (SEC Network)
Is Luke Del Rio the definitive leader at quarterback exiting spring practice? Can JUCO transfer Mark Thompson become the No. 1 running back? And should Gators fans be happy with the progress of the offensive line?
Saturday
Noon ET — South Carolina (SEC Network)
This will be a good opportunity to showcase true freshman quarterback Brandon McIlwain and the new brand of offense that Will Muschamp and coordinator Kurt Roper are touting. Plus, freshman wideout Bryan Edwards may give fans hope at a position devoid of big names.
4 p.m. ET — Auburn (SEC Network)
We don’t expect the Tigers to settle on a starting quarterback any time soon. But the performances of Jeremy Johnson, John Franklin III and Sean White should give the public something to chew on for the next few weeks. Also, look out for the young players in the defensive front seven for an idea of who could be able to help this fall.
6 p.m. ET — Texas A&M (SEC Network)
Other than the obvious — new starting quarterback, new offensive coordinator, new offensive line coach — tempo seems to be a priority for the Aggies this spring. According to reports, the results been mixed. The spring game should offer a good gauge. And does John Chavis finally have the run defense headed in a better direction?
OTHER GAMES OF NOTE
Saturday
2:30 p.m. ET — Clemson (ESPN3)
College Football Playoff participants in 2015, the Tigers return quarterback Deshaun Watson and an offensive roster that’s the envy of the country. Plus, Auburn is an early opponent this fall.
3 p.m. ET — Florida State (ESPN3)
Two years removed from Jameis Winston and a tremendous defense, are the Seminoles again ready to challenge for the ACC title and a spot in the College Football Playoff?
3 p.m. ET — Oklahoma (FSSW)
Quarterback Baker Mayfield returns as a strong Heisman Trophy candidate after the Sooners made a run to the College Football Playoff in ’15.
4 p.m. ET — Stanford (Pac-12 Network)
Christian McCaffrey enters the season as one of the country’s most popular players. But can Stanford find a quarterback to replace Kevin Hogan and ensure a balanced offense?
7 p.m. ET — Boise State (N/A)
It’s not broadcast on TV, so we won’t be able to get our spring fill of the blue turf. But Boise State again is a threat to win double-digit games and contend for the Group of 5 spot in the New Year’s Six bowls after a somewhat disappointing 2015.
An itinerant journalist, Christopher has moved between states 11 times in seven years. Formally an injury-prone Division I 800-meter specialist, he now wanders the Rockies in search of high peaks.
