Thanks to Air Force, I gained another game on Matthew in our picks race, and more importantly made it above .600 in the season picks. Last week, I went 5-1-2 (.750) while Matthew went 4-2-2 (.625). On the year, I am 43-26-12 (.604) while Matthew is 36-33-12 (.518). We have some big rivalry series this weekend, so let’s get to the picks.
Friday-Saturday, Dec. 2-3
No. 2 Denver vs. Colorado College (home-and-home)
Candace: Denver didn’t look sharp last weekend, but the Pioneers found a way to win. Also, CC’s defense isn’t that great, and Denver has a strong offense. Denver 4-3, 4-2
Matthew: Part of me thinks Denver will take both games of this series, but watch that be the incorrect way to go. Home teams win. Colorado College 3-2, Denver 4-1
No. 17 St. Cloud State at No. 16 Western Michigan
Candace: I’m really torn on this one. I think Western Michigan could sweep, but I also think St. Cloud recovers from getting swept by North Dakota. It should be a high-powered series, as both teams can score in bunches. Western Michigan 4-3, St. Cloud State 4-3
Matthew: The last time these teams played in Kalamazoo, St. Cloud won 11-1. The Broncos will have revenge on their minds, and I think they’ll get at least some. Western Michigan 3-2, St. Cloud State 3-2
Miami at Cornell
Candace: If Ryan Larkin plays like he did in Denver two weeks ago, Miami could sweep. However, I’ll pick a split. Cornell 2-1, Miami 2-1
Matthew: I’d love to take the league homer role here, but I don’t know how realistic that is given that Cornell, while unranked, is still a tough team to have to play on the road. Split. Cornell 3-2, Miami 3-2
Omaha at Wisconsin
Candace: I’m tempted to pick an Omaha sweep, but Wisconsin looked very good in stretches last weekend. I think a split is more likely. Wisconsin 3-2, Omaha 3-2
Matthew: UNO has generally been very good on the road so far this season, but I think the Mavericks’ unbeaten streak away from Baxter Arena comes to an end here. Split. Wisconsin 3-2, Omaha 3-1
Saturday, Dec. 3
No. 3 Boston College vs. No. 9 North Dakota (Saturday, New York)
Candace: North Dakota’s first half woes will likely continue. BC hasn’t been that consistent either, but has been more consistent than North Dakota. Boston College 3-2
Matthew: This would be an ideal spot for UND to get a statement victory, but I’m not sure it’ll happen. It hasn’t been very easy to get a read on UND so far this season. Boston College 3-2
