Selection Sunday saw the unveiling of the field that will be whittled down over the next three weeks until we arrive at a single champion. In years past, I've done a single general post about the upcoming tournament. This year, I'm expanding it and bringing in some outside perspective again.
Adam Quinn, who you may be familiar with from his appearances in Pigskin Pick 'Em last season, wanted in on some March Madness action. I'm happy to welcome him back for the next few days as we pick apart each region.
Because odds are that we're going to differ on opinion on each region, we aren't going to go pick by pick (also, it would probably end up being a longer blog post). Instead, we'll pick out a few key facts. We're each going to pick who we think will make it out of each region, a likely first round upset, a sleeper team, and a bust.
Meanwhile, if you want to go bracket to bracket with us, you can join my tournament pool on Yahoo! at the link provided. For now, here's a look at the Midwest Region.
Midwest Region
Team Going to Indianapolis
Lucas: Kansas (2). I know they're 34-0 and all, but I just do not trust Kentucky. It's rare for the top overall seed to win, so I'll go with the next highest seed. Nobody else really wows me.
Adam: Kentucky (1). I think the sexy pick in the Midwest is Kentucky, and to be honest I am not sure I can blame anyone for picking them; 34 and 0 perfect through both the regular season and conference championship. And absolutely put away runner-up 21 ranked Arkansas in the conference championship. I do think Kansas will give them a run for their money in the Elite Eight, but KY prevails.
First Round Upset
Lucas: Valparaiso (13) over Maryland (4). I know Maryland had a good first year in the Big Ten. For some reason, these 13 seeds are becoming more dangerous. This is an iffy one, but I'll take a flyer on it.
Adam: Buffalo (12) over West Virginia (5). Let’s get real here, Coal or Buffalo Wings… is it even a contest? I am going to the recent upset specials match-up with the 5-12. Usually you get a 2nd-4thplace major conference against a mid-conference champions or strong 2nd best. Usually the mid-conference is just happy to be there. It allows them to relax a little more and overcome the #5 seed.
Regional Sleeper
Lucas: West Virginia (5). Lest we forget, they did beat Kansas once this year. I figure they get by first timer University at Buffalo, then get Valpo in the Third Round (which, by the way, I hate. It's the second round. The NCAA screwed that up.) Since they beat Kansas once, they could give Kentucky a game too. Sign me up.
Adam: Butler (6). I know not much of a sleeper. A team the historically has done well. This year they get a 6 seed and see my comments below: I see them moving on the Sweet 16.
Regional Bust
Lucas: Kentucky (1). I'm using "bust" fairly loosely here; I figure for Calipari and his charges, it's championship or bust. Even though I figure they make the Elite Eight, I don't know that they get past Kansas.
Adam: I hate – Hate – HATE Notre Dame (3). Particularly in any and everything football… so I will carry that over to basketball. I do not see them getting out of the 1st weekend. I think they will fall to Butler.
Other Regional Predictions
East Region (Tuesday)
South Region (Wednesday)
West Region (Thursday)
No comments:
Post a Comment