Introduction: The field will soon shrink from 64 to 48 teams, and another 16 will be whittled away before the weekend commences. The sun-up to sun-down schedule is unique in the sports world, and now that your brackets are set — hopefully without too many red marks after the first 16 games — there are other picks that can be made in the first round. Getting some extra skin in the game can certainly put you in the tournament spirit or liven things up even more.

Section 1: The Experts’ Insight Our CBS Sports experts have convened to provide you further insight into Friday’s first-round games with picks straight up and against the spread. Our expert brackets may offer some help, too, especially if you’re considering seed-line upsets. The NCAA Tournament is all about surviving and advancing, but for those plunking down on their couch or pulling up to their desk to consume as much March Madness content as possible — especially over the next four days — which teams cover their spreads will be quite important as well.

Section 2: Expert Picks The CBS Sports college basketball experts have been covering the sport for years and certainly all season since November, and they are not shy with their picks for these games. Let’s take a look at our expert picks as first-round games continue Friday.

Section 3: Game Analysis and Picks

1. FAU vs. Northwestern
   • Analysis: [Brief analysis of the matchup]
   • Picks:
     • Spread: Northwestern +3.5
     • Straight up: Northwestern
2. Clemson vs. New Mexico
   • Analysis: [Brief analysis of the matchup]
   • Picks:
     • Spread: New Mexico -2.5
     • Straight up: New Mexico
3. Florida vs. Colorado
   • Analysis: [Brief analysis of the matchup]
   • Picks:
     • Spread: Colorado +2
     • Straight up: Colorado
4. Nebraska vs. Texas A&M
   • Analysis: [Brief analysis of the matchup]
   • Picks:
     • Spread: Texas A&M +1
     • Straight up: Texas A&M
5. Alabama vs. College of Charleston
   • Analysis: [Brief analysis of the matchup]
   • Picks:
     • Spread: College of Charleston +9
     • Straight up: College of Charleston
6. Utah State vs. TCU
   • Analysis: [Brief analysis of the matchup]
   • Picks:
     • Spread: Utah State +4
     • Straight up: Utah State

Be sure to stick with CBS Sports for the rest of the month as NCAA Tournament coverage continues through the end of the Final Four. With expert analysis and picks like these, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the thrilling madness of March.

The post Navigating the Madness: Expert Picks and Analysis for the 2024 NCAA Tournament First-Round Action appeared first on Sports News.