Even though it's crunch time on the gridiron, be sure to catch the crunch time between Boston and San Antonion on the hardwood this weekend. (Keith Allison/Creative Commons)

For a quick take on the NFL slate: The 49ers vs. Patriots game will be the most interesting matchup to watch. Also keep an eye out for Texans vs. Colts, because Andrew Luck and company have a strong chance to pull the upset.

Instead, we want to highlight some great basketball this weekend and even some overseas football. NBA season is rolling right along, and college basketball is starting to wind down tournament season and begin a nice stretch of key non-league battles.

The NHL is still locked out. Boo. But that is ok. College Football Bowl Mania is here to save our tears. With that being said, here are the best non-NFL sporting events to check out this weekend.

Utah State vs. Toldeo (NCAA) Saturday 1:30 PM PST ESPN

‘Tis Bowl Season, the greatest time in College Football. Toldeo and No. 22 Utah State face off in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. I mean, come on, you have to munch on some potato chips for this contest.

Toledo finished the season at 9-3 with an impressive win over Cincinnati and an overtime loss to Arizona. This team can score and have the athletes to make this contest a shootout. David Fluellen leads the charge for the Rockets, posting 1,460 rushing yards on the season with 13 touchdowns.

Utah State may be the third-most popular team in their state, but they have arguably the best talent. The WAC Champions defeated Utah in overtime and beat previously ranked and now bowl-less Louisiana Tech. Childish name aside, Chuckie Keeton is a mature warrior who passed for 27 touchdowns and rushed for seven as a sophomore.

Will Davis is a player to watch on Utah State's defense -- the man is graded as a third-round pick. After facing high-tempo offenses in Louisiana Tech and San Jose State, Davis will be prepared for whatever Toledo fires at him.

Prediction: Utah State 31 Toledo 27

Boston at San Antonio (NBA) Saturday 5:30 PST NBA TV

After a grueling double-overtime win over Dallas on Wednesday, the Boston Celtics will travel to the Lone Star State to take on the Spurs. This matchup is intriguing for many reasons, but the biggest has to be coaching.

Gregg Popovich is a league innovator, getting the most out of his players and playing the deepest bench in the league. Pop may get flack from the league for his decision making with starters' minutes, but the man wins basketball games.

Doc Rivers is the best motivator in the league and holds an NBA title under his belt. The man is a solid coach who should be admired as a stern leader, especially during the troublesome years in Boston before the Big Three.

If coaching does not get you rilled up for this matchup, than the individual matchups will. Tim Duncan versus Kevin Garnet in the battle of early decade superstars who are still chugging along. The bench clash between multi-faceted  Manu Ginobli and sharp shooter Jason Terry should also be entertaining.

Rajon Rondo, who is averaging 12 points and a shade under 13 assists a game, will shine in this matchup. Expect Tony Parker and company to put up a good fight but the matchups favor an underachieving Boston squad.

Prediction: Boston 97 San Antonio 95

Florida at Arizona (NCAAB)  Saturday 7 PM PST ESPN

This weekend, we have a huge top-ten slugfest in College Basketball in one of the most intense atmospheres in the nation. If you are a fan of good basketball with excited fans, this game is the one you need to watch this weekend.

No. 8 Arizona has one of the most talented teams in the nation led by Solomon Hill and newly acquired guard Mark Lyons. Both average over 12 PPG and present challenges with their athleticism on the court.

Arizona has beaten Clemson and Texas Tech this season but now have the top-ten caliber opponent fans have been dreaming about. If the Wildcats want to pull the upset, they will need to dethrone Billy Donovan’s shooting arsenal.

The No. 5 Florida Gators have four men who score in double figures and all shoot over 40 percent from the field. Florida has played an impressive schedule so far, with wins over Florida State, Marquette and Wisconsin.

The key cog in the Florida attack is guard Kenny Boyton. The senior average 14 points per game and has the tenacity and quickness to break down any defense off the dribble.

Prediction: Florida 68 Arizona 62

The incomparable Messi seeks to increase the lead his Barcelona side has over Atletico Madrid. (prettyfriendship/Creative Commons)

Across the pond, I found an exciting La Liga matchup for you football fans. Second place Atletico squares with top-ranked Barcelona in a compelling matchup.

This is the first time these goliaths from Spain have met this season, making for an exciting time to watch an entire summer of frustration taken out on the pitch. This match will definitely fill your desire for stars.

Superstar Radamel Falcao may not be healthy enough to play, and if he does not, the tide will definitely swing in Barcelona’s favor. Falcao has scored 16 goals this season, but the key to Madrid Atletico’s cause on Sunday is Diego Costa.

Following an in-house confrontation two weeks ago almost leading to his departure from the club, Costa returned to form scoring two goals against Gestafe. If Falcao cannot play, Costa will be heavily relied upon to capitalize on offensive chances.

Record goalscorer Lionel Messi leads the charge for top-ranked Barcelona. The Argentine is a weapon but has a nice supporting cast of talent, including the ageless Spaniard Xavi. The team loaded with Spanish national team players can take more control of La Liga with the victory.

Prediction: Draw 0-0

CIF Football Championships (Time Warner Cable)

The California High School Football spectacle has always been entreating in years past and should not disappoint in 2012.

These matchup will be the 16th game for many of these high school teams who started their long journey in August.

At Home Depot Center:

DIVISION I: Long Beach Poly vs. Granite Bay

Friday, December 14, at 8:00 p.m.

DIVISION II: Serra, Gardena vs. Oakdale

Saturday, December 15, at 4:00 p.m.

OPEN DIVISION: Centennial, Corona vs. De La Salle, Concord

Saturday, December 15, at 8:00 p.m.

Other Locations:

DIVISION III: Madison, San Diego vs. Marin Catholic, Kentfield

Saturday, December 15, at 12:00 p.m. 

DIVISION IV: Central Catholic, Modesto vs. Santa Fe Christian, Solana Beach

Friday, December 14, at 4:00 p.m.

Biggest Matchup: Centennial vs. De La Salle

Centennial defeated an elite Narbonne squad with quarterback Troy Williams, who has committed to Washington just to reacah the State Title. Centennial also had to face USC-bound Su’a Cravens in their division final and won in stunning fashion 30-28.

De La Salle is quite possibly the most dominant team in the state, outscoring their opponents 570-155 this season. The defending state champions are primed for another championship.  

Prediction: De La Salle 21 Centennial 20

Reach Staff Writer Evan Budrovich here, or follow him on Twitter.