This game is being played at a neutral site in NY at the Barclays Center. Auburn is integrating a few new pieces into its rotation, but its returning core is already strong enough to outlast Notre Dame. With HC Bruce Pearl at the helm, the Tigers are as well-coached as any team in the country and very athletic.

Expect Auburn to push the pace, putting the Irish (288th in adjusted tempo) on their heels. The Tigers are shooting nearly 40 percent from three-point range and boast length and athleticism that will result in easy buckets inside.

The Irish's top two scorers are true freshmen, and I expect them to struggle early in the season vs tough opponents. The Auburn Tigers will dominate on the perimeter and in the paint covering this spread!