Big East sources have sounded the alert on Butler as a team to watch as the schedule moves into December. Thad Matta, in the second year of his "back to the future" gig in Indianapolis, has deftly used the portal to completely rebuild the Bulldog roster, especially a backcourt now full of experienced transfers. Sunday's romp past a capable Boise State side in the Disney World Tourney was the latest indicator, with ex-Michigan State G Pierre Brooks II (scored 51 across the last two games at Kissimmee) leading the charge. Big 12 sources wondering about sharp edges in the Texas Tech attack, considering the pedestrian shooting numbers (41.4% from floor, 27.4% triples) thus far for new HC Grant McCasland. Play Butler

Butler hasn't been Butler since Chris Holtmann 2015-18. Thad Matta went 14-18 in his first year and it looks like he has improved the team but not to the extent of a mid level Big 12 team. If Texas Tech HC Grant McCasland can do in Lubbock what he did in Denton, Texas, the Red Raiders will be battling for a Big 12 title soon. My model has the Red Raiders by three and one half points.