In the ever-evolving landscape of college basketball, expert handicapper Greg Peterson offers a comprehensive analysis of the most anticipated matchups for Monday, November 11. From the Air Force Falcons' injury concerns to the Missouri Tigers' rebounding woes, Peterson's insights provide a unique perspective on the key factors that could determine the outcomes of these thrilling contests.

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Long Island vs. Air Force: Navigating Injury Challenges

The Air Force Falcons' leading returning scorer, Beau Becker, missed their last game against Jacksonville State after sustaining an injury in the season opener against North Alabama. This absence could have a significant impact, as the Falcons fell 73-57 at home in that contest. However, the addition of former Chicago State coach Gerald Gillion to the Long Island coaching staff, along with the arrival of some of his former guards, could pose an additional challenge for the Falcons. These guards were instrumental in ranking 13th in the nation in steals forced per possession last season, further compounding the Falcons' injury woes. Peterson's handicap favors Long Island, who he believes can cover the +10.5 point spread.

Eastern Washington vs. Missouri: Addressing Rebounding Concerns

In his first two seasons at Missouri, head coach Dennis Gates has overseen a team that has ranked 358th and 345th, respectively, in rebound percentage. This weakness will be put to the test against an Eastern Washington squad that is led by former Long Beach State coach Dan Monson. Monson's team ranked 29th in the nation in 3-point shooting percentage at 36.8% last season and has maintained that same level of accuracy in the early stages of the current campaign. Peterson's handicap suggests that Eastern Washington can cover the +19.5 point spread.

St. Peter's vs. Rutgers: Navigating Injury Concerns

Rutgers is dealing with an injury to consensus top-five freshman recruit Ace Bailey, who missed the team's season opener against Wagner. If Bailey is able to play in this game, he is expected to be limited in his contributions. Rutgers faces a St. Peter's team that lost its top four scorers from last season but is known for its defensive prowess, ranking 14th in the nation in points allowed per possession. Peterson's handicap favors St. Peter's, who he believes can cover the +16 point spread.

Grambling vs. Florida: Defensive Struggles and Absences

Grambling nearly secured an SEC road win last week, falling to Ole Miss 66-64, and now faces a Florida team that has played without 7-foot-9 center Oliver Rioux and international guard Urban Klavzar in the first two games of the season. Klavzar has yet to be cleared to play by the NCAA. Florida was 216th in the nation in points allowed per possession last season and has surrendered at least 79 points in nine of their last 10 games. Peterson's handicap suggests that Grambling can cover the +23.5 point spread.

McNeese vs. Alabama: Seeking Redemption and Consistency

While McNeese suffered a surprising loss as a favorite in their season opener against South Dakota State, the team has retained many key pieces from a squad that ranked in the top 20 nationally in both points scored and points allowed per possession last season. Guard Omar Cooper, who missed the opening game, returned in their contest against non-Division I Biblical Studies with 13 assists and just one turnover. Alabama, on the other hand, is coming off a narrow victory over a feisty Arkansas State team in the Sun Belt, winning by just single digits, 88-79. Peterson's handicap favors McNeese, who he believes can cover the +20.5 point spread.