OK – I admit it… I’ve a “Basketball Jones” for NCAA Hoops.
You couldn’t get me to an NBA game with a free skybox and a limo – but the College kids…
My favorite Sports Extravaganza.
With that – BTx3′s predictions!
First of the #1 Seeds out?
Kansas. There are 3-4 teams in their bracket as good or better than Kansas despite their (unearned in my opinion because they didn’t play many teams in the top 10) vaulted rating. The Midwest bracket is a beast, with Ohio State, Georgetown, Tennessee, and Michigan State all being contenders for the Final 4. I like Georgetown-Michigan State as the Elite 8 matchup, the winner dependent on which Georgetown team shows up. I know a lot of folks think Michigan State is weak this year, but somehow – year after year – they find a way to get it in gear come tournament time. While Georgetown has had some ugly losses – they also beat 3 of 4 of the #1 seeds this year.
Kentucky – If West Virginia or New Mexico make it through, they(Kentucky) get their first real test in the elite 8. West Virginia has a strong inside game, and guards who can shut down Kentucky’s. I think next year Kentucky is the odds-on favorite to win it all – but inexperience could be their downfall this year.
Final 4 Picks?
Georgetown, Syracuse, West Virginia, Duke
1st Round upsets?
I think – Look for ODU to take it to Notre Dame. Washington over Marquette, St Mary’s over Richmond, Sienna over Perdue, and (gasp!) just possibly – UTEP to give Butler all they can handle, and ditto with San Diego State and the Vols.
Best outside bets in my view?
ODU, St Mary’s, San Diego State.
Now – on with the woofing!
Filed under: General Tagged: | Bracket, March Madness, NCAA
Sentimentally, I’m pulling for these guys:
Members of the UNLV Running Rebels.
They have their hands full. Besides getting by a pesky Northern Iowa, they get what will likely be the first real shot at Kansas. Kansas is a good team, I just think they are over-ranked due to their weak schedule compared to the Big East teams. The only solid team in the top 25 outside of their league they played was Tennessee – who beat them. Other than inter-league rival Kansas State, and a massively over-ranked and exposed Texas – they didn’t play or beat a single team in the top 10.
Look out for the “Lobos” – New Mexico has a good team.
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=30979753&l=a692ed226f&id=1193066601
ODU Stopped Notre Dame – love it when a prediction comes true!