Hello, college basketball fans!
With the regular season winding down, here's games this weekend that may affect the bracket.
ACC:
Virginia Tech at Georgia Tech, Sat 4pm (Battle of Tech's)
In a year the ACC lost to the Big 10 in the ACC-Big 10 challenge, it's going to be hard to believe they will get seven in the dance. If you are looking for one of the seven contenders to exclude, look no further than this game. A loss (a home loss) for the Jackets, and they are 7-9 in conference. While Va. Tech would be 9-7 with a loss (ahead of 8-8 Georgia Tech), consider that in the ACC schedule they played these five teams twice: UNC, Mia, BC, Va, NCSt. None of those teams are in the NCAA discussion! They only would have wins over Clemson and Wake Forest, both at home. And their non conference schedule was pathetic.
North Carolina at Duke, Sat 9pm
Only on this list because, hey, it's UNC/Duke. And should Duke lose, they can kiss their #1 seed chances goodbye. BTW, the last two times Duke hosted UNC on Senior Day (2006 and 2008), they lost. North Carolina has won the last five regular season finales.
Clemson at Wake Forest, Sun 6pm
Clemson should be safe, win or lose. Jerry Palm of CBS said the committee took out last 12 games as a criteria but you don't need a "last 12" stat to know the Demon Deacons are struggling late and a loss here could really hurt their NCAA chances.
A-10:
Richmond at Charlotte, Sat 2pm
Last ditch effort for Charlotte. Not sure they are even in the discussion now but a win would give them a sweep over the Spiders (Charlotte won in Richmond already) and they also beat Temple so don't count them out yet.
Rhode Island at Massachusetts, Sat 4pm
Rhode Island saved their season beating Charlotte and now lead Charlotte in the A-10 pecking order. But a loss to UMass and it won't matter.
St. Louis at Dayton, Sat 7pm
The road has been unkind to Dayton. Luckily, this one's at home. And they do need this game in the worst way.
Big East:
West Virginia at Villanova, Sat noon (CBS)
With Duke and Kansas State losing on Wednesday, the winner of this game could be in the discussion for a #1 seed (or definitely for position in the Big East pecking order). Villanova won the first game in Morgantown on the road.
Cincinnati at Georgetown, Sat 2pm
Someone has to win this game, right? Georgetown isn't in bubble territory but their seed is plummeting. This is Cincinnati's last chance at a marquee win (although who hasn't beaten Georgetown these days?) before the Big East tournament.
Syracuse at Louisville, Sat 2pm
Syracuse is a fairly solid #1 (especially since there aren't many candidates left to replace them). The game is mostly for Louisville's seed because I think they are most likely in. Remember Louisville gave Syracuse one of their two losses (in the Carrier Dome, no less).
Notre Dame at Marquette, Sat 2pm
Why do I have a feeling every Big East ref will be busy at 2pm this Saturday? Notre Dame is guaranteed a .500 record in conference, a steal at Marquette would make them 10-8 and in great position for an at large bid. A loss and I think they are in the discussion but their RPI is still kind of high (in the 60's according to CBSSports.com).
Connecticut at South Florida, Sat ... you guessed it, 2pm
Big loss for Connecticut at Notre Dame. They now sit at 7-10 in conference. A loss and they are four games below .500 in conference. I don't believe any team in the last decade (2000-2009) has received an at large bid that was four games below .500 in conference. By the way, I don't think any team in the Big East last decade received an at large bid with a losing record so U Conn's chances are slim already.
Seton Hall at Providence, Sat .... NOT at 2pm! (7pm)
A tough road game and a must win for Seton Hall to stay in bubble contention. Providence was a 3 pointer from upsetting Pitt.
Big 10:
Wisconsin at Illinois, Sun 2pm
Illinois needs at least win and possibly two to warrant at large consideration. Might as well start here against a Badger team they upset in Madison earlier in the season.
Big 12:
Kansas at Missouri, Sat 2pm (CBS)
Pretty sure Missouri is in the tournament already, but should the Tigers win, watch that RPI and those mock bracket seeds skyrocket (look at Oklahoma State last week).
MWC:
San Diego State at Air Force, Sat 9pm
San Diego State is one of those teams that are one side of the bubble or the other in almost everyone's bracket. Air Force is pathetic. San Diego State loses just showing up at Air Force in terms of RPI. If they lose? I think you know the answer.
SEC:
Tennessee at Mississippi State - Sat. 6pm
Last chance for MSU before the tournament for a signature in conference win. Of the top four teams in the SEC East, the Bulldogs haven't beaten any of them. Expect that to come up in the conversation should MSU lose to Tennessee. The head to head loss at Florida also hurts them although there may be a chance for payback in the SEC tournament.
Florida at Kentucky, Sun noon (CBS)
Well no one expects Florida to win. Unfortunately it will keep them on the bubble heading into the tournament.
Others:
Kent State at Akron - Fri. 8pm
A rare Friday night game. They are playing for 1st place in the MAC (Eastern Division, currently tied with Akron). Kent's RPI is in range for at large consideration, but it's hard to justify one if they didn't win their conference.
UAB at Texas El Paso - Sat. 9:05pm
Don't look now, but Memphis passed UAB in the conference standings, the RPI gap between the two has shrunk, and Memphis has a head to head sweep over UAB. I was thinking about should Memphis be the 2nd team from C-USA instead of UAB. Now I'm sure of it. But if UAB beats UTEP in El Paso (and if Memphis loses at home to Tulsa), that could change things.
MWC Tournament (Final Sun 2pm on CBS).
Northern Iowa has a good resume for an at large team, bubblers around the country should hope N. Iowa wins out.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Monday, March 1, 2010
Schmolik 64 Update (3/1/10)
Hello, college basketball fans!
Here is the latest Schmolik 64. Until Championship Week, I only seed the top 12 teams in each conference. The reason is most if not all of these spots are reserved for automatic bid teams that most likely won't be determined until Championship Week.
1st Round Dates: Thur/Sat March 18-20, Fri/Sun March 19-21
SOUTH REGIONAL (Houston, TX Fri/Sun March 26-28)
Buffalo, NY (Fri/Sun)
1 Syracuse (27-2) vs 16
8 Missouri (21-8) vs 9 Wake Forest (18-8)
Spokane, WA (Fri/Sun)
5 Temple (24-5) vs 12 St. Mary's (23-5)
4 Tennessee (21-7) vs 13
New Orleans, LA (Thur/Sat)
6 Maryland (20-7) vs 11 Charlotte (19-9)
3 Michigan State (22-7) vs 14
Oklahoma City, OK (Thur/Sat)
7 Northern Iowa (25-4) vs 10 Louisville (19-10)
2 Kansas State (23-4) vs 15
WEST REGIONAL (Salt Lake City, UT Thur/Sat March 25-27)
Jacksonville, FL (Fri/Sun)
1 Duke (25-4) vs 16
8 California (20-9) vs 9 Marquette (19-9)
New Orleans, LA (Thur/Sat)
5 Baylor (21-6) vs 12 San Diego State (18-8)
4 Vanderbilt (21-6) vs 13
Buffalo, NY (Fri/Sun)
6 Gonzaga (23-5) vs 11 Virginia Tech (21-7)
3 Pittsburgh (22-7) vs 14
San Jose, CA (Thur/Sat)
7 Texas (22-7) vs 10 Utah State (22-6)
2 New Mexico (27-3)
South vs West, Midwest vs East in Final Four
MIDWEST REGIONAL (St. Louis, MO Fri/Sun March 26-28)
Oklahoma City, OK (Thur/Sat)
1 Kansas (27-2) vs 16
8 Texas El Paso (22-5) vs 9 Florida (20-9)
Spokane, WA (Fri/Sun)
5 Wisconsin (21-7) vs 12 Connecticut (17-12)
4 Butler (26-4) vs 13
Providence, RI (Thur/Sat)
6 Xavier (21-7) vs 11 UNLV (21-7)
3 West Virginia (22-6) vs 14
Milwaukee, WI (Fri/Sun)
7 Oklahoma State (20-8) vs 10 Georgia Tech (18-9)
2 Ohio State (23-7) vs 15
EAST REGIONAL (Syracuse, NY Thur/Sat March 25-27)
Milwaukee, WI (Fri/Sun)
1 Kentucky (27-2) vs 16
8 Richmond (22-7) vs 9 Florida State (20-8)
San Jose, CA (Thur/Sat)
5 BYU (25-4) vs 12 UAB (23-5)
4 Georgetown (19-8) vs 13
Jacksonville, FL (Fri/Sun)
6 Texas A&M (19-8) vs 11 Siena (24-6)
3 Purdue (24-4) vs 14
Providence, RI (Thur/Sat)
7 Clemson (20-8) vs 10 Old Dominion (23-8)
2 Villanova (23-5) vs 15
Big East: 8 (Syr, Vill, Pitt, WV, GTown, Marq, Lville, Conn)
ACC: 7 (Duke, Md, Clem, FSU, WF, GaT, VaT)
Big 12: 7 (Kan, KSU, Bay, A&M, Tex, OSU, Mo)
A-10: 4 (Temp, Xav, Rich, Charl)
Big 10: 4 (OSU, Pur, MSU, Wisc)
MWC: 4 (NM, BYU, UNLV, SDSt)
SEC: 4 (Ky, Vbilt, Tenn, Fla)
C-USA: 2 (UTEP, UAB)
WCC: 2 (Gonz, St. M)
Remaining: 6 (Butl, N Iowa, Cal, USU, ODU, Siena)
Remaining Automatics: 16
Remaining At Large: 1
Candidates: RI, Day, Wich St, ASU, Miss St, Cin, SH, ND, Ill
Schmolik
Here is the latest Schmolik 64. Until Championship Week, I only seed the top 12 teams in each conference. The reason is most if not all of these spots are reserved for automatic bid teams that most likely won't be determined until Championship Week.
1st Round Dates: Thur/Sat March 18-20, Fri/Sun March 19-21
SOUTH REGIONAL (Houston, TX Fri/Sun March 26-28)
Buffalo, NY (Fri/Sun)
1 Syracuse (27-2) vs 16
8 Missouri (21-8) vs 9 Wake Forest (18-8)
Spokane, WA (Fri/Sun)
5 Temple (24-5) vs 12 St. Mary's (23-5)
4 Tennessee (21-7) vs 13
New Orleans, LA (Thur/Sat)
6 Maryland (20-7) vs 11 Charlotte (19-9)
3 Michigan State (22-7) vs 14
Oklahoma City, OK (Thur/Sat)
7 Northern Iowa (25-4) vs 10 Louisville (19-10)
2 Kansas State (23-4) vs 15
WEST REGIONAL (Salt Lake City, UT Thur/Sat March 25-27)
Jacksonville, FL (Fri/Sun)
1 Duke (25-4) vs 16
8 California (20-9) vs 9 Marquette (19-9)
New Orleans, LA (Thur/Sat)
5 Baylor (21-6) vs 12 San Diego State (18-8)
4 Vanderbilt (21-6) vs 13
Buffalo, NY (Fri/Sun)
6 Gonzaga (23-5) vs 11 Virginia Tech (21-7)
3 Pittsburgh (22-7) vs 14
San Jose, CA (Thur/Sat)
7 Texas (22-7) vs 10 Utah State (22-6)
2 New Mexico (27-3)
South vs West, Midwest vs East in Final Four
MIDWEST REGIONAL (St. Louis, MO Fri/Sun March 26-28)
Oklahoma City, OK (Thur/Sat)
1 Kansas (27-2) vs 16
8 Texas El Paso (22-5) vs 9 Florida (20-9)
Spokane, WA (Fri/Sun)
5 Wisconsin (21-7) vs 12 Connecticut (17-12)
4 Butler (26-4) vs 13
Providence, RI (Thur/Sat)
6 Xavier (21-7) vs 11 UNLV (21-7)
3 West Virginia (22-6) vs 14
Milwaukee, WI (Fri/Sun)
7 Oklahoma State (20-8) vs 10 Georgia Tech (18-9)
2 Ohio State (23-7) vs 15
EAST REGIONAL (Syracuse, NY Thur/Sat March 25-27)
Milwaukee, WI (Fri/Sun)
1 Kentucky (27-2) vs 16
8 Richmond (22-7) vs 9 Florida State (20-8)
San Jose, CA (Thur/Sat)
5 BYU (25-4) vs 12 UAB (23-5)
4 Georgetown (19-8) vs 13
Jacksonville, FL (Fri/Sun)
6 Texas A&M (19-8) vs 11 Siena (24-6)
3 Purdue (24-4) vs 14
Providence, RI (Thur/Sat)
7 Clemson (20-8) vs 10 Old Dominion (23-8)
2 Villanova (23-5) vs 15
Big East: 8 (Syr, Vill, Pitt, WV, GTown, Marq, Lville, Conn)
ACC: 7 (Duke, Md, Clem, FSU, WF, GaT, VaT)
Big 12: 7 (Kan, KSU, Bay, A&M, Tex, OSU, Mo)
A-10: 4 (Temp, Xav, Rich, Charl)
Big 10: 4 (OSU, Pur, MSU, Wisc)
MWC: 4 (NM, BYU, UNLV, SDSt)
SEC: 4 (Ky, Vbilt, Tenn, Fla)
C-USA: 2 (UTEP, UAB)
WCC: 2 (Gonz, St. M)
Remaining: 6 (Butl, N Iowa, Cal, USU, ODU, Siena)
Remaining Automatics: 16
Remaining At Large: 1
Candidates: RI, Day, Wich St, ASU, Miss St, Cin, SH, ND, Ill
Schmolik
Saturday, February 27, 2010
What to Watch This Weekend
Hello, college basketball fans!
With the regular season winding down, here's games this weekend that may affect the bracket.
ACC:
Boston College at Georgia Tech, Sat noon
Georgia Tech has the RPI numbers and a huge win over Duke to overcome a current sub .500 conference record but can't afford to fall too far behind .500 and can ill afford to lose this game.
North Carolina at Wake Forest, Sat 2pm (CBS)
Wake Forest needs to stop a two game skid.
Maryland at Virginia Tech, Sat 4pm
I think Maryland is solidly in but a win here would ice it. Meanwhile, Virginia Tech needs a good win and a strong ACC record to negate their weak non conference schedule.
Clemson at Florida State, Sun 5:30pm
A bubble team special. A win by Clemson gives Florida State the sweep this season and a win by Florida State gives them a 2 game lead in the standings and puts Clemson at 7-7 in conference.
A-10:
Rhode Island at St. Bonaventure, Sat 2pm
Charlotte at George Washington, Sat 6pm
Charlotte leads in the conference standings and has beaten both Temple and Richmond (at Richmond) while Rhode Island hasn't beaten any of the three top A-10 teams (they were swept by Temple and lost at home to Richmond). But Rhode Island's RPI is about 30 spots ahead. Both teams though need to keep winning. Charlotte's RPI is low borderline and if sinks too low they will fall out of contention. Meanwhile, Rhode Island's RPI in the 20's will keep it in consideration but if they drop into the 30's/40's, they don't have the quality wins to compensate.
Richmond at Xavier, Sun 1pm
Winner stays at worst tied with Temple for first place in the A-10.
Big East:
Villanova at Syracuse, Sat 9pm
I think if either of these teams win the Big East tournament they should be a #1 seed although a Big East regular season title (winner of this game will take a big step towards the title) wouldn't hurt.
Marquette at Seton Hall, Sun noon
A loss can knock Marquette out of many brackets come Monday. Seton Hall desperately needs a win to keep their at large chances alive.
Louisville at Connecticut, Sun 2pm (CBS)
Both teams are in my last bracket but Connecticut's position is very shaky. They have a better profile than Cincinnati but the closer the two profiles get, the more consideration of the head to head sweep by the Bearcats will get. Louisville can really help their chances with a key road win and also would have a season sweep over UConn.
Big 10:
Minnesota at Illinois, Sat 4pm
Despite Illinois's low RPI, I can't see Illinois not getting in at 11-7 (of course I'm going to say that though) and a win over the Gophers will give them 11 wins (and a winnable game at home vs. Wisconsin next weekend, who they beat at Madison earlier). Lose, and they will really be in bubble danger. Meanwhile, this is a last gasp for Minnesota.
Michigan State at Purdue, Sun 4pm (CBS)
With Hummel out for the season, every game for the Boilers will be scrutinized in their hunt for a possible #1 seed. Should Purdue lose, expect Duke (if they beat Virginia) to replace them as a #1 seed in most Monday brackets.
Big 12:
Texas at Texas A&M, Sat 2pm
Clearly a game for seeding purposes. Should Kansas be placed in the Midwest as expected, there's a slight chance these teams may be playing (along with Baylor) for a spot in the South and Houston as well (depending on what they do with Kansas State).
Kansas at Oklahoma State, Sat 4pm (CBS)
Kansas doesn't seem to be in danger of losing a #1 seed. Oklahoma State is on the edge and would almost clinch a berth with a big win over the Jayhawks.
Missouri at Kansas State, Sat 8pm
Missouri has a great profile in a very strong Big 12 but a win at Kansas State will really help their chances. Kansas State's chances for a high seed will take a hit with a head to head sweep by Missouri (Missouri won the first match in Columbia).
SEC:
Kentucky at Tennessee, Sat noon (CBS)
Clearly means a lot more to Tennessee than Kentucky. Win, and they would've beaten Kansas and Kentucky this season.
Mississippi State at South Carolina, Sat 6pm
Both teams have to win to stay in at large contention, Mississippi State would have a much better chance with a win than South Carolina with a win (still would be under .500 in the SEC).
Others:
Arizona State at California, Sat 3pm
A win by California would pretty much lock of the conference regular season title and would strongly help their at large chances. Arizona State needs to win to have any chance at an at large (they lost at home to Cal earlier this season). These two look like the only chances for the weak Pac 10 to get an at large bid this season.
New Mexico at BYU, Sat 4pm
Winner takes the lead in the MWC and possibly towards a top 4 seed and the right to stay in the West in the NCAA's (although a BYU win would likely come down to a rubber match in a potential MWC final). New Mexico won the first meeting. If New Mexico stays west, BYU has to go to the East Regional (only other regional that plays on Saturday).
With the regular season winding down, here's games this weekend that may affect the bracket.
ACC:
Boston College at Georgia Tech, Sat noon
Georgia Tech has the RPI numbers and a huge win over Duke to overcome a current sub .500 conference record but can't afford to fall too far behind .500 and can ill afford to lose this game.
North Carolina at Wake Forest, Sat 2pm (CBS)
Wake Forest needs to stop a two game skid.
Maryland at Virginia Tech, Sat 4pm
I think Maryland is solidly in but a win here would ice it. Meanwhile, Virginia Tech needs a good win and a strong ACC record to negate their weak non conference schedule.
Clemson at Florida State, Sun 5:30pm
A bubble team special. A win by Clemson gives Florida State the sweep this season and a win by Florida State gives them a 2 game lead in the standings and puts Clemson at 7-7 in conference.
A-10:
Rhode Island at St. Bonaventure, Sat 2pm
Charlotte at George Washington, Sat 6pm
Charlotte leads in the conference standings and has beaten both Temple and Richmond (at Richmond) while Rhode Island hasn't beaten any of the three top A-10 teams (they were swept by Temple and lost at home to Richmond). But Rhode Island's RPI is about 30 spots ahead. Both teams though need to keep winning. Charlotte's RPI is low borderline and if sinks too low they will fall out of contention. Meanwhile, Rhode Island's RPI in the 20's will keep it in consideration but if they drop into the 30's/40's, they don't have the quality wins to compensate.
Richmond at Xavier, Sun 1pm
Winner stays at worst tied with Temple for first place in the A-10.
Big East:
Villanova at Syracuse, Sat 9pm
I think if either of these teams win the Big East tournament they should be a #1 seed although a Big East regular season title (winner of this game will take a big step towards the title) wouldn't hurt.
Marquette at Seton Hall, Sun noon
A loss can knock Marquette out of many brackets come Monday. Seton Hall desperately needs a win to keep their at large chances alive.
Louisville at Connecticut, Sun 2pm (CBS)
Both teams are in my last bracket but Connecticut's position is very shaky. They have a better profile than Cincinnati but the closer the two profiles get, the more consideration of the head to head sweep by the Bearcats will get. Louisville can really help their chances with a key road win and also would have a season sweep over UConn.
Big 10:
Minnesota at Illinois, Sat 4pm
Despite Illinois's low RPI, I can't see Illinois not getting in at 11-7 (of course I'm going to say that though) and a win over the Gophers will give them 11 wins (and a winnable game at home vs. Wisconsin next weekend, who they beat at Madison earlier). Lose, and they will really be in bubble danger. Meanwhile, this is a last gasp for Minnesota.
Michigan State at Purdue, Sun 4pm (CBS)
With Hummel out for the season, every game for the Boilers will be scrutinized in their hunt for a possible #1 seed. Should Purdue lose, expect Duke (if they beat Virginia) to replace them as a #1 seed in most Monday brackets.
Big 12:
Texas at Texas A&M, Sat 2pm
Clearly a game for seeding purposes. Should Kansas be placed in the Midwest as expected, there's a slight chance these teams may be playing (along with Baylor) for a spot in the South and Houston as well (depending on what they do with Kansas State).
Kansas at Oklahoma State, Sat 4pm (CBS)
Kansas doesn't seem to be in danger of losing a #1 seed. Oklahoma State is on the edge and would almost clinch a berth with a big win over the Jayhawks.
Missouri at Kansas State, Sat 8pm
Missouri has a great profile in a very strong Big 12 but a win at Kansas State will really help their chances. Kansas State's chances for a high seed will take a hit with a head to head sweep by Missouri (Missouri won the first match in Columbia).
SEC:
Kentucky at Tennessee, Sat noon (CBS)
Clearly means a lot more to Tennessee than Kentucky. Win, and they would've beaten Kansas and Kentucky this season.
Mississippi State at South Carolina, Sat 6pm
Both teams have to win to stay in at large contention, Mississippi State would have a much better chance with a win than South Carolina with a win (still would be under .500 in the SEC).
Others:
Arizona State at California, Sat 3pm
A win by California would pretty much lock of the conference regular season title and would strongly help their at large chances. Arizona State needs to win to have any chance at an at large (they lost at home to Cal earlier this season). These two look like the only chances for the weak Pac 10 to get an at large bid this season.
New Mexico at BYU, Sat 4pm
Winner takes the lead in the MWC and possibly towards a top 4 seed and the right to stay in the West in the NCAA's (although a BYU win would likely come down to a rubber match in a potential MWC final). New Mexico won the first meeting. If New Mexico stays west, BYU has to go to the East Regional (only other regional that plays on Saturday).
Friday, February 26, 2010
Schmolik 64 Update 2/26/10
Hello, college basketball fans!
This is my second Schmolik 64 Update for 2010.
Only the top 12 seeds are listed. I don't seed 13-16 until Championship Week. Records as of 2/25/10.
MIDWEST REGIONAL (St. Louis, MO - Fri/Sun March 26-28)
Oklahoma City, OK (Thur/Sat March 18-20)
1 Kansas (27-1) vs 16
8 Florida State (20-7) vs 9 Louisville (18-10)
Spokane, WA (Fri/Sun March 19-21)
5 Temple (23-5) vs 12 Old Dominion (22-8)
4 Wisconsin (21-7) vs 13
San Jose, CA (Thur/Sat March 18-20)
6 Tennessee (20-7) vs 11 Utah State (22-6)
3 New Mexico (26-3) vs 14
Buffalo, NY (Fri/Sun March 19-21)
7 Missouri (21-7) vs 10 Georgia Tech (17-9)
2 Pittsburgh (21-7) vs 15
WEST REGIONAL (Salt Lake City, UT - Thur/Sat March 25-27)
Milwaukee, WI (Fri/Sun March 19-21)
1 Purdue (24-3) vs 16
8 California (19-9) vs 9 Florida (20-8)
San Jose, CA (Thur/Sat March 19-21)
5 Gonzaga (22-5) vs 12 Connecticut (17-11)
4 BYU (25-3) vs 13
Providence, RI (Thur/Sat March 18-20)
6 Maryland (19-7) vs 11 Charlotte (19-8)
3 West Virginia (21-6) vs 14
Oklahoma City, OK (Thur/Sat March 19-21)
7 Northern Iowa (24-4) vs 10 Texas El Paso (21-5)
2 Kansas State (22-4) vs 15
Midwest vs West in Final Four
EAST REGIONAL (Syracuse, NY - Thur/Sat March 25-27)
Milwaukee, WI (Fri/Sun March 19-21)
1 Kentucky (27-1) vs 16
8 Wake Forest (18-7) vs 9 UNLV (20-7)
Spokane, WA (Fri/Sun March 19-21)
5 Baylor (20-6) vs 12 Marquette (18-9)
4 Butler (25-4) vs 13
New Orleans, LA (Thur/Sat March 18-20)
6 Xavier (20-7) vs 11 Virginia Tech (21-6)
3 Ohio State (22-7) vs 14
Providence, RI (Thur/Sat March 18-20)
7 Texas (22-6) vs 10 Siena (22-6)
2 Villanova (23-4) vs 15
SOUTH REGIONAL (Houston, TX - Fri/Sun March 26-28)
Buffalo, NY (Fri/Sun March 19-21)
1 Syracuse (26-2) vs 16
8 Clemson (19-8) vs 9 Oklahoma State (19-8)
New Orleans, LA (Thur/Sat March 18-20)
5 Michigan State (21-7) vs 12 Rhode Island (20-6)
4 Vanderbilt (20-6) vs 13
Jacksonville, FL (Fri/Sun March 19-21)
6 Texas A&M (18-8) vs 11 UAB (22-5)
3 Georgetown (19-7) vs 14
Jacksonville, FL (Fri/Sun March 19-21)
7 Richmond (22-6) vs 10 Illinois (18-10)
2 Duke (24-4) vs 15
Big East: 8 (Syr, Vill, Pitt, WV, G Town, Lville, Marq, Conn)
ACC: 7 (Duke, Md, WF, FSU, Clem, GaT, VaT)
Big 12: 7 (Kan, KSU, A&M, Bay, Tex, Mo, OSU)
A-10: 5 (Temp, Xav, RI, Rich, Charl)
Big 10: 5 (Pur, OSU, MSU, Wisc, Ill)
SEC: 4 (Ky, Vbilt, Tenn, Fla)
MWC: 3 (NM, BYU, UNLV)
C-USA: 2 (UTEP, UAB)
One Bid: 7 (Butl, N Iowa, Cal, Gonz, USU, Siena, ODU)
Conferences represented: 15 (48 teams)
Remaining automatic bids: 16
Remaining at large: 1
Candidates for at large: San Diego State, Dayton, St. Mary's, Cincinnati, Seton Hall, Arizona State, Mississippi State
This is my second Schmolik 64 Update for 2010.
Only the top 12 seeds are listed. I don't seed 13-16 until Championship Week. Records as of 2/25/10.
MIDWEST REGIONAL (St. Louis, MO - Fri/Sun March 26-28)
Oklahoma City, OK (Thur/Sat March 18-20)
1 Kansas (27-1) vs 16
8 Florida State (20-7) vs 9 Louisville (18-10)
Spokane, WA (Fri/Sun March 19-21)
5 Temple (23-5) vs 12 Old Dominion (22-8)
4 Wisconsin (21-7) vs 13
San Jose, CA (Thur/Sat March 18-20)
6 Tennessee (20-7) vs 11 Utah State (22-6)
3 New Mexico (26-3) vs 14
Buffalo, NY (Fri/Sun March 19-21)
7 Missouri (21-7) vs 10 Georgia Tech (17-9)
2 Pittsburgh (21-7) vs 15
WEST REGIONAL (Salt Lake City, UT - Thur/Sat March 25-27)
Milwaukee, WI (Fri/Sun March 19-21)
1 Purdue (24-3) vs 16
8 California (19-9) vs 9 Florida (20-8)
San Jose, CA (Thur/Sat March 19-21)
5 Gonzaga (22-5) vs 12 Connecticut (17-11)
4 BYU (25-3) vs 13
Providence, RI (Thur/Sat March 18-20)
6 Maryland (19-7) vs 11 Charlotte (19-8)
3 West Virginia (21-6) vs 14
Oklahoma City, OK (Thur/Sat March 19-21)
7 Northern Iowa (24-4) vs 10 Texas El Paso (21-5)
2 Kansas State (22-4) vs 15
Midwest vs West in Final Four
EAST REGIONAL (Syracuse, NY - Thur/Sat March 25-27)
Milwaukee, WI (Fri/Sun March 19-21)
1 Kentucky (27-1) vs 16
8 Wake Forest (18-7) vs 9 UNLV (20-7)
Spokane, WA (Fri/Sun March 19-21)
5 Baylor (20-6) vs 12 Marquette (18-9)
4 Butler (25-4) vs 13
New Orleans, LA (Thur/Sat March 18-20)
6 Xavier (20-7) vs 11 Virginia Tech (21-6)
3 Ohio State (22-7) vs 14
Providence, RI (Thur/Sat March 18-20)
7 Texas (22-6) vs 10 Siena (22-6)
2 Villanova (23-4) vs 15
SOUTH REGIONAL (Houston, TX - Fri/Sun March 26-28)
Buffalo, NY (Fri/Sun March 19-21)
1 Syracuse (26-2) vs 16
8 Clemson (19-8) vs 9 Oklahoma State (19-8)
New Orleans, LA (Thur/Sat March 18-20)
5 Michigan State (21-7) vs 12 Rhode Island (20-6)
4 Vanderbilt (20-6) vs 13
Jacksonville, FL (Fri/Sun March 19-21)
6 Texas A&M (18-8) vs 11 UAB (22-5)
3 Georgetown (19-7) vs 14
Jacksonville, FL (Fri/Sun March 19-21)
7 Richmond (22-6) vs 10 Illinois (18-10)
2 Duke (24-4) vs 15
Big East: 8 (Syr, Vill, Pitt, WV, G Town, Lville, Marq, Conn)
ACC: 7 (Duke, Md, WF, FSU, Clem, GaT, VaT)
Big 12: 7 (Kan, KSU, A&M, Bay, Tex, Mo, OSU)
A-10: 5 (Temp, Xav, RI, Rich, Charl)
Big 10: 5 (Pur, OSU, MSU, Wisc, Ill)
SEC: 4 (Ky, Vbilt, Tenn, Fla)
MWC: 3 (NM, BYU, UNLV)
C-USA: 2 (UTEP, UAB)
One Bid: 7 (Butl, N Iowa, Cal, Gonz, USU, Siena, ODU)
Conferences represented: 15 (48 teams)
Remaining automatic bids: 16
Remaining at large: 1
Candidates for at large: San Diego State, Dayton, St. Mary's, Cincinnati, Seton Hall, Arizona State, Mississippi State
Monday, February 15, 2010
Schmolik 64 Update (2/15/2010)
Hello, college basketball fans!
This is my first Schmolik 64 Update for 2010.
Only the top 12 seeds are listed. I don't seed 13-16 until Championship Week. Records as of 2/14/10.
MIDWEST REGIONAL (St. Louis, MO - Fri/Sun March 26-28)
Oklahoma City, OK (Thur/Sat March 18-20)
1 Kansas (24-1) vs 16
8 Maryland (15-7) vs 9 Dayton (17-7)
Spokane, WA (Fri/Sun March 19-21)
5 Pittsburgh (19-6) vs 12 Florida (17-8)
4 Butler (23-4) vs 13
Providence, RI (Thur/Sat March 18-20)
6 Xavier (17-7) vs 11 Florida State (18-7)
3 Georgetown (18-6) vs 14
Milwaukee, WI (Fri/Sun March 19-21)
7 Texas (20-5) vs 10 UNLV (18-6)
2 Purdue (20-3) vs 15
WEST REGIONAL (Salt Lake City, UT - Thur/Sat March 25-27)
Buffalo, NY (Fri/Sun March 19-21)
1 Syracuse (24-2) vs 16
8 Virginia Tech (20-4) vs 9 Siena (22-5)
Spokane, WA (Fri/Sun March 19-21)
5 California (17-8) vs 12 Oklahoma State (17-7)
4 Gonzaga (20-4) vs 13
San Jose, CA (Thur/Sat March 19-21)
6 Wisconsin (19-6) vs 11 Charlotte (18-6)
3 New Mexico (23-3) vs 14
Oklahoma City, OK (Thur/Sat March 19-21)
7 Tennessee (18-6) vs 10 Clemson (18-7)
2 Kansas State (19-4) vs 15
Midwest vs West in Final Four
SOUTH REGIONAL (Houston, TX - Fri/Sun March 26-28)
Milwaukee, WI (Fri/Sun March 19-21)
1 Kentucky (24-1) vs 16
8 Rhode Island (19-5) vs 9 Old Dominion (20-7)
San Jose, CA (Thur/Sat March 18-20)
5 Texas A&M (17-6) vs 12 Marquette (16-8)
4 Wake Forest (17-5) vs 13
Jacksonville, FL (Fri/Sun March 19-21)
6 Baylor (18-5) vs 11 St. Mary's (20-5)
3 Ohio State (20-6) vs 14
Buffalo, NY (Fri/Sun March 19-21)
7 Northern Iowa (22-3) vs 10 Georgia Tech (16-7)
2 West Virginia (19-5) vs 15
EAST REGIONAL (Syracuse, NY - Thur/Sat March 25-27)
Providence, RI (Thur/Sat March 18-20)
1 Villanova (22-2) vs 16
8 Richmond (20-6) vs 9 Missouri (18-7)
New Orleans, LA (Thur/Sat March 18-20)
5 Michigan State (20-6) vs 12 Utah State (19-6)
4 Vanderbilt (18-5) vs 13
New Orleans, LA (Thur/Sat March 18-20)
6 BYU (22-3) vs 11 Illinois (17-9)
3 Temple (20-5) vs 14
Jacksonville, FL (Fri/Sun March 19-21)
7 Louisville (16-9) vs 10 Texas El Paso (19-5)
2 Duke (21-4) vs 15
ACC: 7 (Duke, WF, Md, VaT, GaT, Clem, FSU)
Big East: 7 (Vill, Syr, WV, G Town, Pitt, Lville, Marq)
Big 12: 7 (Kan, KSU, A&M, Bay, Tex, Mo, OSU)
A-10: 6 (Temp, Xav, RI, Rich, Day, Charl)
Big 10: 5 (Pur, OSU, MSU, Wisc, Ill)
SEC: 4 (Ky, Vbilt, Tenn, Fla)
MWC: 3 (NM, BYU, UNLV)
WCC: 2 (Gonz, St. M)
One Bid: 7 (Butl, Cal, N Iowa, ODU, UTEP, Siena, USU)
Conferences represented: 15 (48 teams)
Remaining automatic bids: 16
Remaining at large: 1
Candidates for at large: San Diego State, UAB, Cincinnati, Memphis, Wichita State, Mississippi State, Mississippi, Cornell (if no automatic)
This is my first Schmolik 64 Update for 2010.
Only the top 12 seeds are listed. I don't seed 13-16 until Championship Week. Records as of 2/14/10.
MIDWEST REGIONAL (St. Louis, MO - Fri/Sun March 26-28)
Oklahoma City, OK (Thur/Sat March 18-20)
1 Kansas (24-1) vs 16
8 Maryland (15-7) vs 9 Dayton (17-7)
Spokane, WA (Fri/Sun March 19-21)
5 Pittsburgh (19-6) vs 12 Florida (17-8)
4 Butler (23-4) vs 13
Providence, RI (Thur/Sat March 18-20)
6 Xavier (17-7) vs 11 Florida State (18-7)
3 Georgetown (18-6) vs 14
Milwaukee, WI (Fri/Sun March 19-21)
7 Texas (20-5) vs 10 UNLV (18-6)
2 Purdue (20-3) vs 15
WEST REGIONAL (Salt Lake City, UT - Thur/Sat March 25-27)
Buffalo, NY (Fri/Sun March 19-21)
1 Syracuse (24-2) vs 16
8 Virginia Tech (20-4) vs 9 Siena (22-5)
Spokane, WA (Fri/Sun March 19-21)
5 California (17-8) vs 12 Oklahoma State (17-7)
4 Gonzaga (20-4) vs 13
San Jose, CA (Thur/Sat March 19-21)
6 Wisconsin (19-6) vs 11 Charlotte (18-6)
3 New Mexico (23-3) vs 14
Oklahoma City, OK (Thur/Sat March 19-21)
7 Tennessee (18-6) vs 10 Clemson (18-7)
2 Kansas State (19-4) vs 15
Midwest vs West in Final Four
SOUTH REGIONAL (Houston, TX - Fri/Sun March 26-28)
Milwaukee, WI (Fri/Sun March 19-21)
1 Kentucky (24-1) vs 16
8 Rhode Island (19-5) vs 9 Old Dominion (20-7)
San Jose, CA (Thur/Sat March 18-20)
5 Texas A&M (17-6) vs 12 Marquette (16-8)
4 Wake Forest (17-5) vs 13
Jacksonville, FL (Fri/Sun March 19-21)
6 Baylor (18-5) vs 11 St. Mary's (20-5)
3 Ohio State (20-6) vs 14
Buffalo, NY (Fri/Sun March 19-21)
7 Northern Iowa (22-3) vs 10 Georgia Tech (16-7)
2 West Virginia (19-5) vs 15
EAST REGIONAL (Syracuse, NY - Thur/Sat March 25-27)
Providence, RI (Thur/Sat March 18-20)
1 Villanova (22-2) vs 16
8 Richmond (20-6) vs 9 Missouri (18-7)
New Orleans, LA (Thur/Sat March 18-20)
5 Michigan State (20-6) vs 12 Utah State (19-6)
4 Vanderbilt (18-5) vs 13
New Orleans, LA (Thur/Sat March 18-20)
6 BYU (22-3) vs 11 Illinois (17-9)
3 Temple (20-5) vs 14
Jacksonville, FL (Fri/Sun March 19-21)
7 Louisville (16-9) vs 10 Texas El Paso (19-5)
2 Duke (21-4) vs 15
ACC: 7 (Duke, WF, Md, VaT, GaT, Clem, FSU)
Big East: 7 (Vill, Syr, WV, G Town, Pitt, Lville, Marq)
Big 12: 7 (Kan, KSU, A&M, Bay, Tex, Mo, OSU)
A-10: 6 (Temp, Xav, RI, Rich, Day, Charl)
Big 10: 5 (Pur, OSU, MSU, Wisc, Ill)
SEC: 4 (Ky, Vbilt, Tenn, Fla)
MWC: 3 (NM, BYU, UNLV)
WCC: 2 (Gonz, St. M)
One Bid: 7 (Butl, Cal, N Iowa, ODU, UTEP, Siena, USU)
Conferences represented: 15 (48 teams)
Remaining automatic bids: 16
Remaining at large: 1
Candidates for at large: San Diego State, UAB, Cincinnati, Memphis, Wichita State, Mississippi State, Mississippi, Cornell (if no automatic)
Monday, March 23, 2009
My Trip to the NCAA's
Hello, college basketball fans!
This just in. The NCAA tournament played two games from Boise, Idaho. Since they are miles away from civilization, Xavier beat Wisconsin and Missouri beat Marquette. I'm sure you were all waiting for those scores. Why exactly does the NCAA insist on going back to Boise year after year? Sure, there has to be western sites, but ever heard of California where it's nice out? No one wants to fly all the way across the country to go to Boise (correct me if I'm wrong Xavier or Missouri fans). At least have some sort of tourist attraction. Seattle has the Space Needle, Denver has the Rocky Mountains, Phoenix has baseball spring training and the Grand Canyon, and Boise has ... a bunch of spuds? Now granted UCLA had a down year, but none of the top three seeds were in the Mountain or Pacific Time zones. I have no problem with a West Regional but the West should only get one 1st/2nd round site instead of two (especially if the supposed second best site is Boise). Of the 65 teams in the NCAA's this year, only 12 are in the Mountain or Western time zones (and that's in a year where the Pac 10 gets six bids, which doesn't happen too often). Assuming every western team got to stay in the west (impossible due to bracket rules), they would still need four teams from the Eastern/Central teams to fill the two west sites this year. Almost every year they have to fly in top 4 seeded teams from the Eastern/Central time zones to western sites to fill them. They never have to import high seeded teams to Greensboro or Philadelphia or Dayton. Each of these sites hosted #1 seeds this year (maybe Dayton isn't exactly a tourist attraction either but they are within driving distance of Louisville and Pittsburgh, both #1 seeds). If they moved the Boise pods to, say, Chicago or Texas, the traveling teams would be a lot happier. In addition, Boise's arena holds 12,542 seats (http://www.tacobellarena.com/maps.cfm?action=basketball). I'm pretty sure the arenas at Illinois and Penn State hold more than that and neither of them will ever host the NCAA's. I think they should have a policy of at least 15,000 for a 1st/2nd round site. Why would the NCAA want to limit attendance below that?
Those of you who read last week know I went to see my World Series Champion Phillies in Spring Training in Florida. I saw two games, including the St. Patrick's Day game where they wore green shirts. They won both of them. From a lifelong northener (living in Pennsylvania or Illinois all my life), it certainly is nice to be down where it is warm in March. Now all Philadelphia needs is an Eagles Super Bowl. Yeah right, the way they treat their players (Dawkins?) And if you are wondering why I never reveal my name, it's because I don't want to lose my job with the Eagles (they're looking me up now).
Well I got back and heard there were tickets available for the NCAA 2nd round games in Philly, so I went and got them. It was my fourth trip to the NCAA's (I went to Syracuse in 1997 and 2000 and Chicago in 2005, to see my Illini beat Arizona in one of the most improbable comebacks in NCAA history to advance to the Final Four). This was my first time seeing early round action and the mood was obviously not the same (lower stakes). Being in Philly, Villanova is quite popular so the Villanova fans went home happy. The second game involved Texas A&M and Connecticut. I kind of wanted to root against UConn being a Villanova fan but I had Connecticut fans on both sides of me. This falls under the "it's a small world" category. I was next to this couple. She is a UConn fan sporting a UConn jersey. She graduated from UConn. But her boyfriend graduated from the University of San Diego, the team that upset Connecticut in the first round last year. I thought that was funny. Obviously the action wasn't too competitive. You can't expect competitive basketball games when a #1 plays a #9. I did think the 'Nova/UCLA game should've been more competitive.
Not many upsets this year. All four 1 seeds, all four 2 seeds, and all four 3 seeds made the Sweet 16. To put this in perspective, the last time all four 1's and 2's made the Sweet 16 was 1995. Now #1's don't lose often in the 2nd round, but consider the last time all four 2 seeds made the Sweet 16 was 1996 (that year #1 seed Purdue lost in the 2nd round). Only one of the 16 teams is seeded below a 5. CBSSports had an posting which said it's a bad year for Cinderella when your Cinderella is Arizona. I'm not too happy with Arizona making the Sweet 16 as I was hoping to see them embarrass themselves to make St. Mary's, Creighton, and San Diego State happy. It reminded me of George Mason in 2006 after they got in over Hofstra.
Now there were some first round upsets. My Illini lost to Western Kentucky but after last year's debacle if you had told me at the beginning of the year Illinois would be a #5 seed and lose in the first round of the NCAA's, I would've been thrilled. Not to mention, it's pretty clear Western Kentucky has a proven track record (they made the Sweet 16 last year). I actually picked Cleveland State to beat Wake.
Then again, the lack of upsets led to some great Sweet Sixteen matchups. You have Duke/Villanova, Michigan State/Kansas, and North Carolina/Gonzaga (does Gonzaga count as a Cinderella?) As much as I like the occasional upset, I'd rather see high seeded teams in the Final Four than a bunch of lower seeded ones. I remember 2000 when the four Final Four teams were a 1 seed, a 5 seed, and two 8 seeds. Guess who won? Last year? All four #1's. Upsets may be fun, but they can lead to some blowouts in the Sweet 16 round. Often times a 12 seed makes the Sweet 16. Only one has ever won in the Sweet 16. It was Missouri in 2002 and they beat UCLA, who upset the #1 seed in round 2. A #12 has never beaten a #1 in the Sweet 16 round. 4 and 5 seeds? Now that's a different story.
Enjoy the Sweet 16!
This just in. The NCAA tournament played two games from Boise, Idaho. Since they are miles away from civilization, Xavier beat Wisconsin and Missouri beat Marquette. I'm sure you were all waiting for those scores. Why exactly does the NCAA insist on going back to Boise year after year? Sure, there has to be western sites, but ever heard of California where it's nice out? No one wants to fly all the way across the country to go to Boise (correct me if I'm wrong Xavier or Missouri fans). At least have some sort of tourist attraction. Seattle has the Space Needle, Denver has the Rocky Mountains, Phoenix has baseball spring training and the Grand Canyon, and Boise has ... a bunch of spuds? Now granted UCLA had a down year, but none of the top three seeds were in the Mountain or Pacific Time zones. I have no problem with a West Regional but the West should only get one 1st/2nd round site instead of two (especially if the supposed second best site is Boise). Of the 65 teams in the NCAA's this year, only 12 are in the Mountain or Western time zones (and that's in a year where the Pac 10 gets six bids, which doesn't happen too often). Assuming every western team got to stay in the west (impossible due to bracket rules), they would still need four teams from the Eastern/Central teams to fill the two west sites this year. Almost every year they have to fly in top 4 seeded teams from the Eastern/Central time zones to western sites to fill them. They never have to import high seeded teams to Greensboro or Philadelphia or Dayton. Each of these sites hosted #1 seeds this year (maybe Dayton isn't exactly a tourist attraction either but they are within driving distance of Louisville and Pittsburgh, both #1 seeds). If they moved the Boise pods to, say, Chicago or Texas, the traveling teams would be a lot happier. In addition, Boise's arena holds 12,542 seats (http://www.tacobellarena.com/maps.cfm?action=basketball). I'm pretty sure the arenas at Illinois and Penn State hold more than that and neither of them will ever host the NCAA's. I think they should have a policy of at least 15,000 for a 1st/2nd round site. Why would the NCAA want to limit attendance below that?
Those of you who read last week know I went to see my World Series Champion Phillies in Spring Training in Florida. I saw two games, including the St. Patrick's Day game where they wore green shirts. They won both of them. From a lifelong northener (living in Pennsylvania or Illinois all my life), it certainly is nice to be down where it is warm in March. Now all Philadelphia needs is an Eagles Super Bowl. Yeah right, the way they treat their players (Dawkins?) And if you are wondering why I never reveal my name, it's because I don't want to lose my job with the Eagles (they're looking me up now).
Well I got back and heard there were tickets available for the NCAA 2nd round games in Philly, so I went and got them. It was my fourth trip to the NCAA's (I went to Syracuse in 1997 and 2000 and Chicago in 2005, to see my Illini beat Arizona in one of the most improbable comebacks in NCAA history to advance to the Final Four). This was my first time seeing early round action and the mood was obviously not the same (lower stakes). Being in Philly, Villanova is quite popular so the Villanova fans went home happy. The second game involved Texas A&M and Connecticut. I kind of wanted to root against UConn being a Villanova fan but I had Connecticut fans on both sides of me. This falls under the "it's a small world" category. I was next to this couple. She is a UConn fan sporting a UConn jersey. She graduated from UConn. But her boyfriend graduated from the University of San Diego, the team that upset Connecticut in the first round last year. I thought that was funny. Obviously the action wasn't too competitive. You can't expect competitive basketball games when a #1 plays a #9. I did think the 'Nova/UCLA game should've been more competitive.
Not many upsets this year. All four 1 seeds, all four 2 seeds, and all four 3 seeds made the Sweet 16. To put this in perspective, the last time all four 1's and 2's made the Sweet 16 was 1995. Now #1's don't lose often in the 2nd round, but consider the last time all four 2 seeds made the Sweet 16 was 1996 (that year #1 seed Purdue lost in the 2nd round). Only one of the 16 teams is seeded below a 5. CBSSports had an posting which said it's a bad year for Cinderella when your Cinderella is Arizona. I'm not too happy with Arizona making the Sweet 16 as I was hoping to see them embarrass themselves to make St. Mary's, Creighton, and San Diego State happy. It reminded me of George Mason in 2006 after they got in over Hofstra.
Now there were some first round upsets. My Illini lost to Western Kentucky but after last year's debacle if you had told me at the beginning of the year Illinois would be a #5 seed and lose in the first round of the NCAA's, I would've been thrilled. Not to mention, it's pretty clear Western Kentucky has a proven track record (they made the Sweet 16 last year). I actually picked Cleveland State to beat Wake.
Then again, the lack of upsets led to some great Sweet Sixteen matchups. You have Duke/Villanova, Michigan State/Kansas, and North Carolina/Gonzaga (does Gonzaga count as a Cinderella?) As much as I like the occasional upset, I'd rather see high seeded teams in the Final Four than a bunch of lower seeded ones. I remember 2000 when the four Final Four teams were a 1 seed, a 5 seed, and two 8 seeds. Guess who won? Last year? All four #1's. Upsets may be fun, but they can lead to some blowouts in the Sweet 16 round. Often times a 12 seed makes the Sweet 16. Only one has ever won in the Sweet 16. It was Missouri in 2002 and they beat UCLA, who upset the #1 seed in round 2. A #12 has never beaten a #1 in the Sweet 16 round. 4 and 5 seeds? Now that's a different story.
Enjoy the Sweet 16!
Monday, March 16, 2009
Schmolik Bracket Analysis
Hello, college basketball fans!
Time for Schmolik Bracket Analysis
SOUTH (Always start with Illinois's)
Illinois is in as the 5 seed here. I had them a 6 so a 5 is reasonable. I worried they were heading to Boise (the NCAA garbage dump) but they got Portland instead. Sure, it's a long trip but at least they have an NBA team. Boise doesn't even have a major (BCS) college nearby (no Boise State doesn't count - when's the last time they made the NCAA's?). I didn't like seeing Western Kentucky in their bracket. They went to the Sweet 16 last year. If they win (I put WKU's chances at 50-50), it's Gonzaga vs. the Big MAC champ (Akron). It looks unlikely Illinois will make it through the first week, but North Carolina looks to be waiting if they do. Butler looks to be trouble in the 2nd round, but the game is in Greensboro. I can't see any team in UNC's half stopping UNC. On the bottom half, I think Oklahoma is the weakest #2. I had Missouri on the 2 line. They do get a favorable 7-10 with Clemson and Michigan. But I like Syracuse to get to the regional final, losing to UNC.
I was somewhat surprised to see E. Tennessee St as a 16 and Tennessee as a 9. And they are both in Pitt's pod. Not that I think either will stop Pittsburgh, but they seem to have a harder time earlier than the others. I had FSU as a 4 over Xavier so I expect FSU to win.How about UCLA going all the way to Philly? VCU is going to be a tough out but the problem is everyone knows they can win. Most upsets will happen when the lower seed is underestimated. VCU won't be. I think Villanova has a decent chance to beat Duke and make an all Big East regional final (but watch out for Florida State).
In the Midwest, I think it's the toughest. You got Louisville, Michigan State, and Kansas. Siena might be in the toughest geographical disadvantage. They will be playing Ohio State in Dayton followed by Louisville. If OSU and Siena didn't meet in Dayton, I'd pick Siena to win. I think West Virginia could give Kansas a fit in the 2nd (ask Duke). I think Louisville is the favorite.
I can't pick all four #1's so I'll say Memphis is the favorite. Remember the Huskies lost in the 1st round last year. The West looks to be the weakest. I am not saying teams like Washington and Missouri aren't good teams but they just don't have the same ring as teams like Kansas and Syracuse, teams that won the NCAA this decade. If you want an upset waiting to happen, Utah State over Marquette (especially in Boise).
Could we have Calipari vs Pitino in a national semi? Yes. They met in 1996 with UK-UMass before both went to the NBA, failed, and came back. I have UNC beating Pitt and Louisville winning the NCAA's.
My only hope is the NCAA's never return to Boise. You play all year to get into the NCAA's and your reward is a trip to potato town.
Schmolik
Time for Schmolik Bracket Analysis
SOUTH (Always start with Illinois's)
Illinois is in as the 5 seed here. I had them a 6 so a 5 is reasonable. I worried they were heading to Boise (the NCAA garbage dump) but they got Portland instead. Sure, it's a long trip but at least they have an NBA team. Boise doesn't even have a major (BCS) college nearby (no Boise State doesn't count - when's the last time they made the NCAA's?). I didn't like seeing Western Kentucky in their bracket. They went to the Sweet 16 last year. If they win (I put WKU's chances at 50-50), it's Gonzaga vs. the Big MAC champ (Akron). It looks unlikely Illinois will make it through the first week, but North Carolina looks to be waiting if they do. Butler looks to be trouble in the 2nd round, but the game is in Greensboro. I can't see any team in UNC's half stopping UNC. On the bottom half, I think Oklahoma is the weakest #2. I had Missouri on the 2 line. They do get a favorable 7-10 with Clemson and Michigan. But I like Syracuse to get to the regional final, losing to UNC.
I was somewhat surprised to see E. Tennessee St as a 16 and Tennessee as a 9. And they are both in Pitt's pod. Not that I think either will stop Pittsburgh, but they seem to have a harder time earlier than the others. I had FSU as a 4 over Xavier so I expect FSU to win.How about UCLA going all the way to Philly? VCU is going to be a tough out but the problem is everyone knows they can win. Most upsets will happen when the lower seed is underestimated. VCU won't be. I think Villanova has a decent chance to beat Duke and make an all Big East regional final (but watch out for Florida State).
In the Midwest, I think it's the toughest. You got Louisville, Michigan State, and Kansas. Siena might be in the toughest geographical disadvantage. They will be playing Ohio State in Dayton followed by Louisville. If OSU and Siena didn't meet in Dayton, I'd pick Siena to win. I think West Virginia could give Kansas a fit in the 2nd (ask Duke). I think Louisville is the favorite.
I can't pick all four #1's so I'll say Memphis is the favorite. Remember the Huskies lost in the 1st round last year. The West looks to be the weakest. I am not saying teams like Washington and Missouri aren't good teams but they just don't have the same ring as teams like Kansas and Syracuse, teams that won the NCAA this decade. If you want an upset waiting to happen, Utah State over Marquette (especially in Boise).
Could we have Calipari vs Pitino in a national semi? Yes. They met in 1996 with UK-UMass before both went to the NBA, failed, and came back. I have UNC beating Pitt and Louisville winning the NCAA's.
My only hope is the NCAA's never return to Boise. You play all year to get into the NCAA's and your reward is a trip to potato town.
Schmolik
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