Dell Match Play Sweet 16 Predictions

AUSTIN, TX - MARCH 25: Jordan Spieth of the United States speaks with the media behind the 16th green during the third round of the World Golf Championships-Dell Match Play at the Austin Country Club on March 25, 2016 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

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AUSTIN, TX – MARCH 24: Brandt Snedeker of the United States hits his tee shot on the 12th hole during the second round of the World Golf Championships-Dell Match Play at the Austin Country Club on March 24, 2016 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by David Cannon/Getty Images) /

Brandt Snedeker could take advantage of Jason Day’s caution in this match.

In theory, Jason Day should make short work of Brandt Snedeker, but Snedeker is playing some lights out golf this week in Austin.

Snedeker put Charley Hoffman away 2 and 1 – this one went longer than I’d anticipated – in the first round of group play, and then halved his match with the feisty Danny Lee in the second round. (I was secretly cheering for the underdog Lee!) Then Snedeker pulled out a surprise 5 and 3 win over the very crafty match player, Charl Schwartzl.

But is Snedeker strong enough to withstand Jason Day?

Day has not surprisingly defeated Graeme McDowell (3 and 2) and Throngchai Jaidee (5 and 3) and he got a third point when Paul Casey conceded because of illness. Day’s game is trending in the right direction, but he’s also dealing with a back issue that could slow him down and make him a bit more cautious when he needs most to be aggressive and take some risks.

Day and Snedeker both bring enough match play experience to the tee to know how to manage their games and anticipate their opponents. This will be a wonderful match for the fans because neither Day nor Snedeker is likely to make any huge mistakes. This one will be a clinic in match play strategy.

Next: Kuchar v Koepka

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