If you look to the right of this blog, there's a poll question on whom(after North Carolina and Connecticut) is the most likely to be a #1 seed at the end of the year.
Go ahead, it won't hurt a bit.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Friday, November 14, 2008
What to expect in the 08-09 season.
Well the offseason is over and that means a new season of bracketology. As was the case last year, I will make a projected bracket every Monday afternoon, starting in January. In late February, we'll go twice a week, but it will be on Fridays instead of Thursdays. As always, the bracket will be projected daily(except Saturday the week before the brackets are released.
Oh, and that preseason bracket I was thinking about doing? Nah, not doing it as usual. See ya in January.
Oh, and that preseason bracket I was thinking about doing? Nah, not doing it as usual. See ya in January.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Reaction to the field
Well another year has passed and remarkably, I missed only one at-large. Not that I have any quarrls about it as Villanova was my last team out and the team I missed, Illinois State was third from the cut-line anyway. What was really remarkable was that I had 28 teams at their exact seed and 25 that were one away from their seed(Not excluding the Mississippi State duplicate).
THE 1 SEEDS
I made a very late change to have North Carolina the top seed overall. Yes it was deliberate, I had Memphis as top seed overall until this afternoon when the Tar Heels won the ACC. The Tigers were never in danger of losing a top seed even after the Tennessee Loss. Kansas moved to the 4th #1 seed in the wake of Tennessee's loss in the SEC semis and Kansas' win over Texas in the Big 12 Final. UCLA locked up the top seed in the West last week.
Who benefitied in seeding: Oregon and Miami(FL) up 3 seed lines, Arizona, Oral Roberts and Vanderbilt up 2 seed lines.
Who got hosed in seeding: Butler and Indiana down 3 seed lines. Georgia, Kansas State, Portland State and Temple down 2 seed lines.
Who benefitied in placement: Texas in the South, West Virginia in Washington D.C, Georgetown in Raleigh
Who got hosed in placement: Tennessee in the East, Duke in Washington D.C., Cornell in Anaheim
Something only a bracketologist would notice
In the era of pods, there are four sub-regional sites that will feed into one region: Birmingham(EAST), North Little Rock(SOUTH), Omaha(MIDWEST) and Washington D.C.(WEST)
We'll that's it for now. Next projection is slated for sometime before the regular season starts(No projection after the national championship).
THE 1 SEEDS
I made a very late change to have North Carolina the top seed overall. Yes it was deliberate, I had Memphis as top seed overall until this afternoon when the Tar Heels won the ACC. The Tigers were never in danger of losing a top seed even after the Tennessee Loss. Kansas moved to the 4th #1 seed in the wake of Tennessee's loss in the SEC semis and Kansas' win over Texas in the Big 12 Final. UCLA locked up the top seed in the West last week.
Who benefitied in seeding: Oregon and Miami(FL) up 3 seed lines, Arizona, Oral Roberts and Vanderbilt up 2 seed lines.
Who got hosed in seeding: Butler and Indiana down 3 seed lines. Georgia, Kansas State, Portland State and Temple down 2 seed lines.
Who benefitied in placement: Texas in the South, West Virginia in Washington D.C, Georgetown in Raleigh
Who got hosed in placement: Tennessee in the East, Duke in Washington D.C., Cornell in Anaheim
Something only a bracketologist would notice
In the era of pods, there are four sub-regional sites that will feed into one region: Birmingham(EAST), North Little Rock(SOUTH), Omaha(MIDWEST) and Washington D.C.(WEST)
We'll that's it for now. Next projection is slated for sometime before the regular season starts(No projection after the national championship).
Bracket Watch Final Projection
UPDATE Post Brackets: Had Mississippi State Twice instead of Kent State.
Final Four Pairings
East vs. Midwest
South vs. West
EAST Region
Raleigh
(1)NORTH CAROLINA vs. (16)Opening Round Winner
Opening Round: MOUNT ST. MARY'S vs. COPPIN STATE
(8)West Virginia vs. (9)Texas A&M
Denver
(4)BUTLER vs. (13)BOISE STATE
(5)Washington State vs. (12)GEORGIA
Omaha
(2)WISCONSIN vs. (15)AMERICAN
(7)Brigham Young vs. (10)St. Joseph's
Birmingham
(3)Georgetown vs. (14)SIENA
(6)Oklahoma vs. (11)Kentucky
MIDWEST Region
Omaha
(1)KANSAS vs. (16)TEXAS-ARLINGTON
(8)Arkansas vs. (9)NEVADA-LAS VEGAS
Tampa
(4)Louisville vs. (13)SAN DIEGO
(5)Indiana vs. (12)Oregon
Birmingham
(2)Tennessee vs. (15)BELMONT
(7)Southern California vs. (10)South Alabama
Denver
(3)DRAKE vs. (14)FULLERTON STATE
(6)Notre Dame vs. (11)Baylor
SOUTH Region
North Little Rock
(1)MEMPHIS vs. (16)MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE
(8)Mississippi State vs. (9)DAVIDSON
Washington D.C.
(4)Connecticut vs. (13)CORNELL
(5)Michigan State vs. (12)Arizona
North Little Rock
(2)Texas vs. (15)AUSTIN PEAY
(7)Marquette vs. (10)Miami(FL)
Anaheim
(3)Stanford vs. (14)PORTLAND STATE
(6)Vanderbilt vs. (11)St. Mary's
WEST Region
Anaheim
(1)UCLA vs. (16)MARYLAND-BALTIMORE COUNTY
(8)KENT STATE vs. (9)Kansas State
Tampa
(4)Xavier vs. (13)GEORGE MASON
(5)Clemson vs. (12)Illinois State
Raleigh
(2)Duke vs. (15)ORAL ROBERTS
(7)Gonzaga vs (10)TEMPLE
Washington D.C
(3)PITTSBURGH vs. (14)WINTHROP
(6)Purdue vs. (11)WESTERN KENTUCKY
Last four in the field: Baylor, Illinois State, Oregon, Arizona
First four left out: Villanova, Virginia Commonwealth, Virginia Tech, Ohio State
Next four left out: Massachusetts, New Mexico, Syracuse, Dayton
Stragglers: Florida, Mississippi
Final Four Pairings
East vs. Midwest
South vs. West
EAST Region
Raleigh
(1)NORTH CAROLINA vs. (16)Opening Round Winner
Opening Round: MOUNT ST. MARY'S vs. COPPIN STATE
(8)West Virginia vs. (9)Texas A&M
Denver
(4)BUTLER vs. (13)BOISE STATE
(5)Washington State vs. (12)GEORGIA
Omaha
(2)WISCONSIN vs. (15)AMERICAN
(7)Brigham Young vs. (10)St. Joseph's
Birmingham
(3)Georgetown vs. (14)SIENA
(6)Oklahoma vs. (11)Kentucky
MIDWEST Region
Omaha
(1)KANSAS vs. (16)TEXAS-ARLINGTON
(8)Arkansas vs. (9)NEVADA-LAS VEGAS
Tampa
(4)Louisville vs. (13)SAN DIEGO
(5)Indiana vs. (12)Oregon
Birmingham
(2)Tennessee vs. (15)BELMONT
(7)Southern California vs. (10)South Alabama
Denver
(3)DRAKE vs. (14)FULLERTON STATE
(6)Notre Dame vs. (11)Baylor
SOUTH Region
North Little Rock
(1)MEMPHIS vs. (16)MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE
(8)Mississippi State vs. (9)DAVIDSON
Washington D.C.
(4)Connecticut vs. (13)CORNELL
(5)Michigan State vs. (12)Arizona
North Little Rock
(2)Texas vs. (15)AUSTIN PEAY
(7)Marquette vs. (10)Miami(FL)
Anaheim
(3)Stanford vs. (14)PORTLAND STATE
(6)Vanderbilt vs. (11)St. Mary's
WEST Region
Anaheim
(1)UCLA vs. (16)MARYLAND-BALTIMORE COUNTY
(8)KENT STATE vs. (9)Kansas State
Tampa
(4)Xavier vs. (13)GEORGE MASON
(5)Clemson vs. (12)Illinois State
Raleigh
(2)Duke vs. (15)ORAL ROBERTS
(7)Gonzaga vs (10)TEMPLE
Washington D.C
(3)PITTSBURGH vs. (14)WINTHROP
(6)Purdue vs. (11)WESTERN KENTUCKY
Last four in the field: Baylor, Illinois State, Oregon, Arizona
First four left out: Villanova, Virginia Commonwealth, Virginia Tech, Ohio State
Next four left out: Massachusetts, New Mexico, Syracuse, Dayton
Stragglers: Florida, Mississippi
Bracket Watch For Selection Sunday(Updated)
Note: due to the possibility of Illinois or Georgia(OR BOTH) winning automatic bids today, I am presenting two possible scenarios with which the bracket may play out. For the most part however, the majority of the bracket remains the same.
Bracket 1: Normalcy
Final Four pairings
South vs. Midwest
East vs. West
SOUTH Region
North Little Rock
(1)MEMPHIS vs. (16)Opening Round winner
Opening Round: MOUNT ST. MARY'S vs. COPPIN STATE
(8)KENT STATE vs. (9)DAVIDSON
Washington D.C.
(4)Connecticut vs. (13)CORNELL
(5)Michigan State vs. (12)Arizona*
Anaheim
(2)Stanford vs. (15)PORTLAND STATE
(7)Marquette vs. (10)St. Mary's
Raleigh
(3)Duke vs. (14)ORAL ROBERTS
(6)Vanderbilt vs. (11)Baylor
MIDWEST Region
North Little Rock
(1)Texas(Big 12) vs. (16)MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE
(8)NEVADA-LAS VEGAS vs. (9)Mississippi State
Tampa
(4)Louisville vs. (13)SAN DIEGO
(5)Indiana vs. (12)Oregon*
Birmingham
(2)Tennessee vs. (15)BELMONT
(7)Southern California vs. (10)South Alabama
Denver
(3)DRAKE vs. (14)FULLERTON STATE
(6)Notre Dame vs. (11)St. Joseph's*
EAST Region
Raleigh
(1)NORTH CAROLINA vs. (16)TEXAS-ARLINGTON
(8)West Virginia vs. (9)Texas A&M
Denver
(4)BUTLER vs. (13)BOISE STATE
(5)Washington State vs. (12)Virginia Commonwealth
Omaha
(2)Wisconsin(Big Ten) vs. (15)AMERICAN
(7)Brigham Young vs. (10TEMPLE
Birmingham
(3)Georgetown vs. (14)SIENA
(6)Oklahoma vs. (11)WESTERN KENTUCKY
WEST Region
Anaheim
(1)UCLA vs. (16)MARYLAND-BALTIMORE COUNTY
(8)Gonzaga vs. (9)Kansas State
Tampa
(4)Xavier vs. (13)GEORGE MASON
(5)Clemson vs. (12)Illinois State*
Omaha
(2)Kansas vs. (15)AUSTIN PEAY
(7)Arkansas(SEC) vs. (10)Miami(FL)
Washington D.C.
(3)PITTSBURGH vs. (14)WINTHROP
(6)Purdue vs. (11)Kentucky*
Last four in the field: Illinois State, Oregon, Arizona, Virginia Commonwealth
First four left out: Villanova, Ohio State, Dayton, Virginia Tech
Next four left out: Syracuse, Massachusetts, Arizona State, Mississippi
Bracket 2: Illinois & Georgia win
SOUTH Region
North Little Rock
(1)MEMPHIS vs. (16)Opening Round winner
Opening Round: MOUNT ST. MARY'S vs. COPPIN STATE
(8)KENT STATE vs. (9)DAVIDSON
Washington D.C.
(4)Connecticut vs. (13)CORNELL
(5)Michigan State vs. (12)Illinois State*
Anaheim
(2)Stanford vs. (15)PORTLAND STATE
(7)Marquette vs. (10)St. Mary's
Raleigh
(3)Duke vs. (14)ORAL ROBERTS
(6)Vanderbilt vs. (11)Baylor
MIDWEST Region
North Little Rock
(1)Texas(Big 12) vs. (16)MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE
(8)NEVADA-LAS VEGAS vs. (9)Mississippi State
Tampa
(4)Louisville vs. (13)SAN DIEGO
(5)Indiana vs. (12)Oregon*
Birmingham
(2)Tennessee vs. (15)BELMONT
(7)Southern California vs. (10)South Alabama
Denver
(3)DRAKE vs. (14)FULLERTON STATE
(6)Notre Dame vs. (11)St. Joseph's*
EAST Region
Raleigh
(1)NORTH CAROLINA vs. (16)TEXAS-ARLINGTON
(8)West Virginia vs. (9)Texas A&M
Denver
(4)BUTLER vs. (13)BOISE STATE
(5)Washington State vs. (12)GEORGIA or ILLINOIS
Omaha
(2)Wisconsin vs. (15)AMERICAN
(7)Brigham Young vs. (10TEMPLE
Birmingham
(3)Georgetown vs. (14)SIENA
(6)Oklahoma vs. (11)WESTERN KENTUCKY
WEST Region
Anaheim
(1)UCLA vs. (16)MARYLAND-BALTIMORE COUNTY
(8)Gonzaga vs. (9)Kansas State
Tampa
(4)Xavier vs. (13)GEORGIA OR ILLINOIS
(5)Clemson vs. (12)GEORGE MASON
Omaha
(2)Kansas vs. (15)AUSTIN PEAY
(7)Arkansas(SEC) vs. (10)Miami(FL)
Washington D.C.
(3)PITTSBURGH vs. (14)WINTHROP
(6)Purdue vs. (11)Kentucky*
Last four in the field: St. Joseph's, Baylor, Illinois State, Oregon
First four left out: Arizona, Virginia Commonwealth, Villanova, Ohio State
Next four left out:Dayton, Virginia Tech, Syracuse, Massachusetts
Reminder: The final bracket will be posted by 4:45 PM(If we're lucky).
Bracket 1: Normalcy
Final Four pairings
South vs. Midwest
East vs. West
SOUTH Region
North Little Rock
(1)MEMPHIS vs. (16)Opening Round winner
Opening Round: MOUNT ST. MARY'S vs. COPPIN STATE
(8)KENT STATE vs. (9)DAVIDSON
Washington D.C.
(4)Connecticut vs. (13)CORNELL
(5)Michigan State vs. (12)Arizona*
Anaheim
(2)Stanford vs. (15)PORTLAND STATE
(7)Marquette vs. (10)St. Mary's
Raleigh
(3)Duke vs. (14)ORAL ROBERTS
(6)Vanderbilt vs. (11)Baylor
MIDWEST Region
North Little Rock
(1)Texas(Big 12) vs. (16)MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE
(8)NEVADA-LAS VEGAS vs. (9)Mississippi State
Tampa
(4)Louisville vs. (13)SAN DIEGO
(5)Indiana vs. (12)Oregon*
Birmingham
(2)Tennessee vs. (15)BELMONT
(7)Southern California vs. (10)South Alabama
Denver
(3)DRAKE vs. (14)FULLERTON STATE
(6)Notre Dame vs. (11)St. Joseph's*
EAST Region
Raleigh
(1)NORTH CAROLINA vs. (16)TEXAS-ARLINGTON
(8)West Virginia vs. (9)Texas A&M
Denver
(4)BUTLER vs. (13)BOISE STATE
(5)Washington State vs. (12)Virginia Commonwealth
Omaha
(2)Wisconsin(Big Ten) vs. (15)AMERICAN
(7)Brigham Young vs. (10TEMPLE
Birmingham
(3)Georgetown vs. (14)SIENA
(6)Oklahoma vs. (11)WESTERN KENTUCKY
WEST Region
Anaheim
(1)UCLA vs. (16)MARYLAND-BALTIMORE COUNTY
(8)Gonzaga vs. (9)Kansas State
Tampa
(4)Xavier vs. (13)GEORGE MASON
(5)Clemson vs. (12)Illinois State*
Omaha
(2)Kansas vs. (15)AUSTIN PEAY
(7)Arkansas(SEC) vs. (10)Miami(FL)
Washington D.C.
(3)PITTSBURGH vs. (14)WINTHROP
(6)Purdue vs. (11)Kentucky*
Last four in the field: Illinois State, Oregon, Arizona, Virginia Commonwealth
First four left out: Villanova, Ohio State, Dayton, Virginia Tech
Next four left out: Syracuse, Massachusetts, Arizona State, Mississippi
Bracket 2: Illinois & Georgia win
SOUTH Region
North Little Rock
(1)MEMPHIS vs. (16)Opening Round winner
Opening Round: MOUNT ST. MARY'S vs. COPPIN STATE
(8)KENT STATE vs. (9)DAVIDSON
Washington D.C.
(4)Connecticut vs. (13)CORNELL
(5)Michigan State vs. (12)Illinois State*
Anaheim
(2)Stanford vs. (15)PORTLAND STATE
(7)Marquette vs. (10)St. Mary's
Raleigh
(3)Duke vs. (14)ORAL ROBERTS
(6)Vanderbilt vs. (11)Baylor
MIDWEST Region
North Little Rock
(1)Texas(Big 12) vs. (16)MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE
(8)NEVADA-LAS VEGAS vs. (9)Mississippi State
Tampa
(4)Louisville vs. (13)SAN DIEGO
(5)Indiana vs. (12)Oregon*
Birmingham
(2)Tennessee vs. (15)BELMONT
(7)Southern California vs. (10)South Alabama
Denver
(3)DRAKE vs. (14)FULLERTON STATE
(6)Notre Dame vs. (11)St. Joseph's*
EAST Region
Raleigh
(1)NORTH CAROLINA vs. (16)TEXAS-ARLINGTON
(8)West Virginia vs. (9)Texas A&M
Denver
(4)BUTLER vs. (13)BOISE STATE
(5)Washington State vs. (12)GEORGIA or ILLINOIS
Omaha
(2)Wisconsin vs. (15)AMERICAN
(7)Brigham Young vs. (10TEMPLE
Birmingham
(3)Georgetown vs. (14)SIENA
(6)Oklahoma vs. (11)WESTERN KENTUCKY
WEST Region
Anaheim
(1)UCLA vs. (16)MARYLAND-BALTIMORE COUNTY
(8)Gonzaga vs. (9)Kansas State
Tampa
(4)Xavier vs. (13)GEORGIA OR ILLINOIS
(5)Clemson vs. (12)GEORGE MASON
Omaha
(2)Kansas vs. (15)AUSTIN PEAY
(7)Arkansas(SEC) vs. (10)Miami(FL)
Washington D.C.
(3)PITTSBURGH vs. (14)WINTHROP
(6)Purdue vs. (11)Kentucky*
Last four in the field: St. Joseph's, Baylor, Illinois State, Oregon
First four left out: Arizona, Virginia Commonwealth, Villanova, Ohio State
Next four left out:Dayton, Virginia Tech, Syracuse, Massachusetts
Reminder: The final bracket will be posted by 4:45 PM(If we're lucky).
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Bracket Watch for March 15th
Final Four Pairings
South vs. Midwest
East vs. West
SOUTH Region
North Little Rock
(1)Memphis(CUSA) vs. (16)Opening Round winner
Opening Round: Mississippi Valley State(SWAC) vs. Northwestern State(Southland)
(8)Clemson vs. (9)St. Mary's
Denver
(4)Washington State vs. (13)GEORGE MASON
(5)Marquette vs. (12)Kansas State(True 11 seed)*
North Little Rock
(2)Texas(Big 12) vs. (15)WINTHROP
(7)Mississippi State vs. (10)South Alabama
Washington D.C.
(3)Louisville vs. (14)AUSTIN PEAY
(6)Indiana vs. (11)Illinois State(True 12 Seed)*
MIDWEST Region
Birmingham
(1)Tennessee(SEC) vs. (16)Maryland-Baltimore County(America East)
(8)DAVIDSON vs (9)Miami(FL)
Denver
(4)DRAKE vs. (13)New Mexico State(WAC)
(5)Pittsburgh vs. (12)Arizona*
Raleigh
(2)Duke vs. (15)BELMONT
(7)Gonzaga vs. (10)St. Joseph's
Omaha
(3)Wisconsin vs. (14)Fullerton State(Big West)
(6)Oklahoma vs. (11)WESTERN KENTUCKY
EAST Region
Raleigh
(1)North Carolina(ACC) vs. (16)MOUNT ST. MARY'S
(8)Purdue vs. (9)West Virginia
Tampa
(4)Xavier vs. (13)SIENA
(5)BUTLER vs. (12)Oregon*
Birmingham
(2)Georgetown(Big East) vs. (15)AMERICAN
(7)Texas A&M vs. (10)Nevada-Las Vegas
Anaheim
(3)Stanford vs. (14)PORTLAND STATE
(6)Vanderbilt vs. (11)Virginia Commonwealth(True 12 seed)*
WEST Region
Anaheim
(1)Ucla(Pac-10) vs. (16)Morgan State(MEAC)
(8)Kent State(MAC) vs. (9)Kentucky
Washington D.C.
(4)Connecticut vs. (13)CORNELL
(5)Brigham Young(Mountain West) vs. (12)Baylor(True 12 seed)*
Omaha
(2)Kansas vs. (15)SAN DIEGO
(7)Southern California vs. (10)Arkansas
Tampa
(3)Michigan State vs. (14)ORAL ROBERTS
(6)Notre Dame vs. (11)Temple(Atlantic 10)
New to the field: St. Joseph's, Oregon, Northwestern State, Mississippi Valley State, New Mexico State
Out of the field: Villanova, Ohio State, Stephen F. Austin, Alabama State, Utah State
Last four in the field: Illinois State, Arizona, Virginia Commonwealth, Oregon
First four left out: Villanova, Dayton, Ohio State, Massachusetts
Next four left out: Syracuse, Arizona State, Mississippi, Virginia Tech
Next four out after that: Minnesota, Akron, Florida, New Mexico
Tomorrow: I will post an early edition around 11 AM CT, with the final bracket to come after the Big Ten championship.
South vs. Midwest
East vs. West
SOUTH Region
North Little Rock
(1)Memphis(CUSA) vs. (16)Opening Round winner
Opening Round: Mississippi Valley State(SWAC) vs. Northwestern State(Southland)
(8)Clemson vs. (9)St. Mary's
Denver
(4)Washington State vs. (13)GEORGE MASON
(5)Marquette vs. (12)Kansas State(True 11 seed)*
North Little Rock
(2)Texas(Big 12) vs. (15)WINTHROP
(7)Mississippi State vs. (10)South Alabama
Washington D.C.
(3)Louisville vs. (14)AUSTIN PEAY
(6)Indiana vs. (11)Illinois State(True 12 Seed)*
MIDWEST Region
Birmingham
(1)Tennessee(SEC) vs. (16)Maryland-Baltimore County(America East)
(8)DAVIDSON vs (9)Miami(FL)
Denver
(4)DRAKE vs. (13)New Mexico State(WAC)
(5)Pittsburgh vs. (12)Arizona*
Raleigh
(2)Duke vs. (15)BELMONT
(7)Gonzaga vs. (10)St. Joseph's
Omaha
(3)Wisconsin vs. (14)Fullerton State(Big West)
(6)Oklahoma vs. (11)WESTERN KENTUCKY
EAST Region
Raleigh
(1)North Carolina(ACC) vs. (16)MOUNT ST. MARY'S
(8)Purdue vs. (9)West Virginia
Tampa
(4)Xavier vs. (13)SIENA
(5)BUTLER vs. (12)Oregon*
Birmingham
(2)Georgetown(Big East) vs. (15)AMERICAN
(7)Texas A&M vs. (10)Nevada-Las Vegas
Anaheim
(3)Stanford vs. (14)PORTLAND STATE
(6)Vanderbilt vs. (11)Virginia Commonwealth(True 12 seed)*
WEST Region
Anaheim
(1)Ucla(Pac-10) vs. (16)Morgan State(MEAC)
(8)Kent State(MAC) vs. (9)Kentucky
Washington D.C.
(4)Connecticut vs. (13)CORNELL
(5)Brigham Young(Mountain West) vs. (12)Baylor(True 12 seed)*
Omaha
(2)Kansas vs. (15)SAN DIEGO
(7)Southern California vs. (10)Arkansas
Tampa
(3)Michigan State vs. (14)ORAL ROBERTS
(6)Notre Dame vs. (11)Temple(Atlantic 10)
New to the field: St. Joseph's, Oregon, Northwestern State, Mississippi Valley State, New Mexico State
Out of the field: Villanova, Ohio State, Stephen F. Austin, Alabama State, Utah State
Last four in the field: Illinois State, Arizona, Virginia Commonwealth, Oregon
First four left out: Villanova, Dayton, Ohio State, Massachusetts
Next four left out: Syracuse, Arizona State, Mississippi, Virginia Tech
Next four out after that: Minnesota, Akron, Florida, New Mexico
Tomorrow: I will post an early edition around 11 AM CT, with the final bracket to come after the Big Ten championship.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Bracket Watch for March 14th
Anyone want an invite to the Big Dance? Anyone? Anyone? Bueller? Bueller? OK enough with the Ben Stein impersonations, this is indeed a serious question. The bubble is so weak, you want to root for Utah, Charlotte, Western Michigan, Florida State to win conference tourneys and wipeout the weaklings. Anywho, here is my latest projections:
Final Four Pairings
South vs. Midwest
East vs. West
SOUTH Region
North Little Rock
(1)Memphis(CUSA) vs. (16)Opening Round winner
Opening Round: MOUNT ST. MARY'S vs. Alabama State
(8)Oklahoma vs. (9)South Alabama
Tampa
(4)Connecticut vs. (13)CORNELL
(5)Mississippi State vs. (12)Arizona*
Raleigh
(2)Duke vs. (15)BELMONT
(7)Gonzaga vs. (10)Arkansas*
Anaheim
(3)Stanford vs. (14)PORTLAND STATE
(6)Marquette vs. (11)Baylor*
MIDWEST Region
Birmingham
(1)Tennessee(SEC) vs. (16)Maryland-Baltimore County(America East)
(8)DAVIDSON vs. (9)Kansas State
Denver
(4)Washington State vs. (13)Stephen F. Austin
(5)Notre Dame vs. (12)Temple*
Omaha
(2)Kansas vs. (15)SAN DIEGO
(7)Southern California vs. (10)Miami(FL)*
(3)Wisconsin(Big Ten) vs. (14)Utah State(WAC)
(6)Pittsburgh vs. (11)Nevada-Las Vegas
EAST Region
Raleigh
(1)North Carolina(ACC) vs. (16)American(Patriot)
(8)Kent State(MAC) vs. (9)Kentucky
Tampa
(4)Purdue vs. (13)GEORGE MASON
(5)BUTLER vs. (12)Villanova*
Birmingham
(2)Georgetown(Big East) vs. (15)WINTHROP
(7)Michigan State vs. (10)Texas A&M*
Washington D.C.
(3)Xavier(A-10) vs. (14)ORAL ROBERTS
(6)Vanderbilt vs. (11)Illinois State*
WEST Region
Anaheim
(1)Ucla(Pac-10) vs. (16)Morgan State(MEAC)
(8)West Virginia vs. (9)St. Mary's
Denver
(4)DRAKE vs. (13)SIENA
(5)Indiana vs. (12)Virginia Commonwealth
North Little Rock
(2)Texas(Big 12) vs. (15)UC Santa Barbara(Big West)
(7)Clemson vs. (10)Ohio State*
Washington D.C.
(3)Louisville vs. (14)AUSTIN PEAY
(6)Brigham Young(Mountain West) vs. (11)WESTERN KENTUCKY
New to the field: Temple, Villanova, Virginia Commonwealth
Out of the field: Massachusetts, Arizona State, Oregon
Last four in the field: Villanova, Arizona, Virginia Commonwealth, Temple
First four left out: Oregon, Massachusetts, Arizona State, St. Joseph's
Next four left out: Dayton, Virginia Tech, Florida State, Western Michigan
Next four out after that: Southern Illinois, Nebraska, Syracuse, Charlotte
Final Four Pairings
South vs. Midwest
East vs. West
SOUTH Region
North Little Rock
(1)Memphis(CUSA) vs. (16)Opening Round winner
Opening Round: MOUNT ST. MARY'S vs. Alabama State
(8)Oklahoma vs. (9)South Alabama
Tampa
(4)Connecticut vs. (13)CORNELL
(5)Mississippi State vs. (12)Arizona*
Raleigh
(2)Duke vs. (15)BELMONT
(7)Gonzaga vs. (10)Arkansas*
Anaheim
(3)Stanford vs. (14)PORTLAND STATE
(6)Marquette vs. (11)Baylor*
MIDWEST Region
Birmingham
(1)Tennessee(SEC) vs. (16)Maryland-Baltimore County(America East)
(8)DAVIDSON vs. (9)Kansas State
Denver
(4)Washington State vs. (13)Stephen F. Austin
(5)Notre Dame vs. (12)Temple*
Omaha
(2)Kansas vs. (15)SAN DIEGO
(7)Southern California vs. (10)Miami(FL)*
(3)Wisconsin(Big Ten) vs. (14)Utah State(WAC)
(6)Pittsburgh vs. (11)Nevada-Las Vegas
EAST Region
Raleigh
(1)North Carolina(ACC) vs. (16)American(Patriot)
(8)Kent State(MAC) vs. (9)Kentucky
Tampa
(4)Purdue vs. (13)GEORGE MASON
(5)BUTLER vs. (12)Villanova*
Birmingham
(2)Georgetown(Big East) vs. (15)WINTHROP
(7)Michigan State vs. (10)Texas A&M*
Washington D.C.
(3)Xavier(A-10) vs. (14)ORAL ROBERTS
(6)Vanderbilt vs. (11)Illinois State*
WEST Region
Anaheim
(1)Ucla(Pac-10) vs. (16)Morgan State(MEAC)
(8)West Virginia vs. (9)St. Mary's
Denver
(4)DRAKE vs. (13)SIENA
(5)Indiana vs. (12)Virginia Commonwealth
North Little Rock
(2)Texas(Big 12) vs. (15)UC Santa Barbara(Big West)
(7)Clemson vs. (10)Ohio State*
Washington D.C.
(3)Louisville vs. (14)AUSTIN PEAY
(6)Brigham Young(Mountain West) vs. (11)WESTERN KENTUCKY
New to the field: Temple, Villanova, Virginia Commonwealth
Out of the field: Massachusetts, Arizona State, Oregon
Last four in the field: Villanova, Arizona, Virginia Commonwealth, Temple
First four left out: Oregon, Massachusetts, Arizona State, St. Joseph's
Next four left out: Dayton, Virginia Tech, Florida State, Western Michigan
Next four out after that: Southern Illinois, Nebraska, Syracuse, Charlotte
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Bracket Watch for March 13th
Final Four Pairings
South vs. Midwest
East vs. West
SOUTH Region
North Little Rock
(1)Memphis(CUSA) vs. (16)Opening Round winner
Opening Round: MOUNT ST. MARY'S vs. Alabama State(SWAC)
(8)Kent State(Mid-American) vs. (9)Kentucky
Denver
(4)Purdue vs. (13)UC Santa Barbara(Big West)
(5)Washington State vs. (12)Illinois State*
Raleigh
(2)Duke vs. (15)AUSTIN PEAY
(7)Oklahoma vs. (10)Arkansas*
Tampa
(3)Louisville vs. (14)ORAL ROBERTS
(6)Gonzaga vs. (11)WESTERN KENTUCKY
MIDWEST Region
Birmingham
(1)Tennessee(SEC) vs. (16)Morgan State(MEAC)
(8)DAVIDSON vs. (9)Kansas State
Tampa
(4)Connecticut vs. (13)GEORGE MASON
(5)BUTLER vs. (12)Oregon*
Omaha
(2)Kansas vs. (15)PORTLAND STATE
(7)Marquette vs. (10)Nevada-Las Vegas*
Washington D.C.
(3)Xavier(Atlantic 10) vs. (14)CORNELL
(6)Michigan State vs. (11)Arizona
EAST Region
Raleigh
(1)North Carolina(ACC) vs. (16)American(Patriot)
(8)West Virginia vs. (9)Baylor
Anaheim
(4)Stanford vs. (13)SAN DIEGO
(5)Vanderbilt vs. (12)Ohio State*
Birmingham
(2)Georgetown(Big East) vs. (15)WINTHROP
(7)Clemson vs. (10)South Alabama
Omaha
(3)Wisconsin(Big Ten) vs. (14)Stephen F. Austin(Southland)
(6)Brigham Young(Mountain West) vs. (11)Texas A&M*
WEST Region
Anaheim
(1)Ucla(Pac-10) vs. (16)BELMONT
(8)Pittsburgh vs. (9)St. Mary's
Denver
(4)DRAKE vs. (13)Utah State(WAC)
(5)Indiana vs. (12)Massachusetts*
North Little Rock
(2)Texas(Big 12) vs. (15)Maryland-Baltimore County(America East)
(7)Southern California vs. (10)Miami(FL)
Washington D.C.
(3)Notre Dame vs. (14)SIENA
(6)Mississippi State vs. (11)New Mexico*
New to the field: Ohio State, Mount St. Mary's
Out of the field: Syracuse, Sacred Heart
Last four in the field: Arizona, Illinois State, Ohio State, Oregon
First four left out: Arizona State, Villanova, Virginia Commonwealth, Dayton
Next four left out: Syracuse, UAB, Florida, Mississippi
Next four out after that: Temple, St. Joseph's, Nebraska, California
Next projection: tomorrow(DUH!!)
South vs. Midwest
East vs. West
SOUTH Region
North Little Rock
(1)Memphis(CUSA) vs. (16)Opening Round winner
Opening Round: MOUNT ST. MARY'S vs. Alabama State(SWAC)
(8)Kent State(Mid-American) vs. (9)Kentucky
Denver
(4)Purdue vs. (13)UC Santa Barbara(Big West)
(5)Washington State vs. (12)Illinois State*
Raleigh
(2)Duke vs. (15)AUSTIN PEAY
(7)Oklahoma vs. (10)Arkansas*
Tampa
(3)Louisville vs. (14)ORAL ROBERTS
(6)Gonzaga vs. (11)WESTERN KENTUCKY
MIDWEST Region
Birmingham
(1)Tennessee(SEC) vs. (16)Morgan State(MEAC)
(8)DAVIDSON vs. (9)Kansas State
Tampa
(4)Connecticut vs. (13)GEORGE MASON
(5)BUTLER vs. (12)Oregon*
Omaha
(2)Kansas vs. (15)PORTLAND STATE
(7)Marquette vs. (10)Nevada-Las Vegas*
Washington D.C.
(3)Xavier(Atlantic 10) vs. (14)CORNELL
(6)Michigan State vs. (11)Arizona
EAST Region
Raleigh
(1)North Carolina(ACC) vs. (16)American(Patriot)
(8)West Virginia vs. (9)Baylor
Anaheim
(4)Stanford vs. (13)SAN DIEGO
(5)Vanderbilt vs. (12)Ohio State*
Birmingham
(2)Georgetown(Big East) vs. (15)WINTHROP
(7)Clemson vs. (10)South Alabama
Omaha
(3)Wisconsin(Big Ten) vs. (14)Stephen F. Austin(Southland)
(6)Brigham Young(Mountain West) vs. (11)Texas A&M*
WEST Region
Anaheim
(1)Ucla(Pac-10) vs. (16)BELMONT
(8)Pittsburgh vs. (9)St. Mary's
Denver
(4)DRAKE vs. (13)Utah State(WAC)
(5)Indiana vs. (12)Massachusetts*
North Little Rock
(2)Texas(Big 12) vs. (15)Maryland-Baltimore County(America East)
(7)Southern California vs. (10)Miami(FL)
Washington D.C.
(3)Notre Dame vs. (14)SIENA
(6)Mississippi State vs. (11)New Mexico*
New to the field: Ohio State, Mount St. Mary's
Out of the field: Syracuse, Sacred Heart
Last four in the field: Arizona, Illinois State, Ohio State, Oregon
First four left out: Arizona State, Villanova, Virginia Commonwealth, Dayton
Next four left out: Syracuse, UAB, Florida, Mississippi
Next four out after that: Temple, St. Joseph's, Nebraska, California
Next projection: tomorrow(DUH!!)
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Bracket Watch for March 12th
Again, this is a mere update, the next full projection will take place tomorrow.
Final Four pairings
South vs. Midwest(1 vs. 4)
East vs. West(2 vs. 3)
SOUTH Region
North Little Rock
(1)Memphis vs. (16)Opening Round winner
Opening Round: Sacred Heart(Northeast) vs. Alabama State(SWAC)
(8)Kent State(Mid-American) vs. (9)St. Mary's
Denver
(4)Purdue vs. (13)Utah State(WAC)
(5)Marquette vs. (12)Illinois State*
Raleigh
(2)Duke vs. (15)BELMONT
(7)Michigan State vs. (10)Kansas State*
Tampa
(3)Louisville vs. (14)WINTHROP
(6)Southern California vs. (11)Arkansas*
MIDWEST Region
Birmingham
(1)Tennessee(SEC) vs. (16)Morgan State(MEAC)
(8)DAVIDSON vs. (9)Miami(FL)
Anaheim
(4)Stanford vs. (13)SAN DIEGO
(5)Notre Dame vs. (12)WESTERN KENTUCKY
Omaha
(2)Kansas vs. (15)UC Santa Barbara(Big West)
(7)Pittsburgh vs. (10)Nevada-Las Vegas*
Washington D.C.
(3)Xavier(Atlantic 10) vs. (14)Stephen F. Austin(Southland)
(6)Indiana vs. (11)Texas A&M*
EAST Region
Raleigh
(1)North Carolina(ACC) vs. (16)American(Patriot)
(8)West Virginia vs. (9)South Alabama
Tampa
(4)Vanderbilt vs. (13)CORNELL
(5)BUTLER vs. (12)Oregon*
Birmingham
(2)Georgetown(Big East) vs. (15)AUSTIN PEAY
(7)Oklahoma vs. (10)New Mexico*
Omaha
(3)Wisconsin(Big Ten) vs. (14)GEORGE MASON
(6)Washington State vs. (11)Kentucky*
WEST Region
Anaheim
(1)Ucla(Pac-10) vs. (16)Portland State(Big Sky)
(8)Gonzaga vs. (9)Baylor
Denver
(4)DRAKE vs. (13)ORAL ROBERTS
(5)Brigham Young(Mountain West vs. (12)Syracuse*
North Little Rock
(2)Texas(Big 12) vs. (15)Maryland-Baltimore County (America East)
(7)Clemson vs. (10)Massachusetts*
Washington D.C.
(3)Connecticut vs. (14)Siena(Metro Atlantic)
(6)Mississippi State vs. (11)Arizona
New to the field: no one
Out of the field: no one
Last four in the field: Illinois State, Arizona, Syracuse, Oregon
First four left out: Arizona State, Ohio State, Virginia Commonwealth, Virginia Tech
Next four left out: Florida, Dayton, UAB, Villanova
Next four out after that: Maryland, St. Joseph's, Mississippi, Temple
Also in contention: Florida State, Nebraska, Houston, Southern Illinois
Final Four pairings
South vs. Midwest(1 vs. 4)
East vs. West(2 vs. 3)
SOUTH Region
North Little Rock
(1)Memphis vs. (16)Opening Round winner
Opening Round: Sacred Heart(Northeast) vs. Alabama State(SWAC)
(8)Kent State(Mid-American) vs. (9)St. Mary's
Denver
(4)Purdue vs. (13)Utah State(WAC)
(5)Marquette vs. (12)Illinois State*
Raleigh
(2)Duke vs. (15)BELMONT
(7)Michigan State vs. (10)Kansas State*
Tampa
(3)Louisville vs. (14)WINTHROP
(6)Southern California vs. (11)Arkansas*
MIDWEST Region
Birmingham
(1)Tennessee(SEC) vs. (16)Morgan State(MEAC)
(8)DAVIDSON vs. (9)Miami(FL)
Anaheim
(4)Stanford vs. (13)SAN DIEGO
(5)Notre Dame vs. (12)WESTERN KENTUCKY
Omaha
(2)Kansas vs. (15)UC Santa Barbara(Big West)
(7)Pittsburgh vs. (10)Nevada-Las Vegas*
Washington D.C.
(3)Xavier(Atlantic 10) vs. (14)Stephen F. Austin(Southland)
(6)Indiana vs. (11)Texas A&M*
EAST Region
Raleigh
(1)North Carolina(ACC) vs. (16)American(Patriot)
(8)West Virginia vs. (9)South Alabama
Tampa
(4)Vanderbilt vs. (13)CORNELL
(5)BUTLER vs. (12)Oregon*
Birmingham
(2)Georgetown(Big East) vs. (15)AUSTIN PEAY
(7)Oklahoma vs. (10)New Mexico*
Omaha
(3)Wisconsin(Big Ten) vs. (14)GEORGE MASON
(6)Washington State vs. (11)Kentucky*
WEST Region
Anaheim
(1)Ucla(Pac-10) vs. (16)Portland State(Big Sky)
(8)Gonzaga vs. (9)Baylor
Denver
(4)DRAKE vs. (13)ORAL ROBERTS
(5)Brigham Young(Mountain West vs. (12)Syracuse*
North Little Rock
(2)Texas(Big 12) vs. (15)Maryland-Baltimore County (America East)
(7)Clemson vs. (10)Massachusetts*
Washington D.C.
(3)Connecticut vs. (14)Siena(Metro Atlantic)
(6)Mississippi State vs. (11)Arizona
New to the field: no one
Out of the field: no one
Last four in the field: Illinois State, Arizona, Syracuse, Oregon
First four left out: Arizona State, Ohio State, Virginia Commonwealth, Virginia Tech
Next four left out: Florida, Dayton, UAB, Villanova
Next four out after that: Maryland, St. Joseph's, Mississippi, Temple
Also in contention: Florida State, Nebraska, Houston, Southern Illinois
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Bracket Watch for March 11th
As I said yesterday, this is a mere update of Monday's bracket, but with a few changes.
UPDATE as of 4 PM CDT:(Had Oregon in the field twice instead of SAN DIEGO)
Final Four pairings
South vs. Midwest(1 vs. 4)
East vs. West(2 vs. 3)
SOUTH Region
North Little Rock
(1)Memphis vs. (16)Opening Round winner
Opening Round: Sacred Heart(Northeast) vs. Alabama State(SWAC)
(8)Kent State(Mid-American) vs. (9)St. Mary's
Denver
(4)Purdue vs. (13)Utah State(WAC)
(5)Marquette vs. (12)Illinois State*
Raleigh
(2)Duke vs. (15)BELMONT
(7)Michigan State vs. (10)Kansas State*
Tampa
(3)Louisville vs. (14)WINTHROP
(6)Southern California vs. (11)Arkansas*
MIDWEST Region
Birmingham
(1)Tennessee(SEC) vs. (16)Morgan State(MEAC)
(8)DAVIDSON vs. (9)Miami(FL)
Anaheim
(4)Stanford vs. (13)SAN DIEGO
(5)Notre Dame vs. (12)Western Kentucky(Sun Belt)*
Omaha
(2)Kansas vs. (15)UC Santa Barbara(Big West)
(7)Pittsburgh vs. (10)Nevada-Las Vegas*
Washington D.C.
(3)Xavier(Atlantic 10) vs. (14)Stephen F. Austin(Southland)
(6)Indiana vs. (11)Texas A&M*
EAST Region
Raleigh
(1)North Carolina(ACC) vs. (16)American(Patriot)
(8)West Virginia vs. (9)South Alabama
Tampa
(4)Vanderbilt vs. (13)CORNELL
(5)Butler(Horizon) vs. (12)Oregon*
Birmingham
(2)Georgetown(Big East) vs. (15)AUSTIN PEAY
(7)Oklahoma vs. (10)New Mexico*
Omaha
(3)Wisconsin(Big Ten) vs. (14)GEORGE MASON
(6)Washington State vs. (11)Kentucky*
WEST Region
Anaheim
(1)Ucla(Pac-10) vs. (16)Portland State(Big Sky)
(8)Gonzaga vs. (9)Baylor
Denver
(4)DRAKE vs. (13)Oral Roberts(Summit)
(5)Brigham Young(Mountain West vs. (12)Syracuse*
North Little Rock
(2)Texas(Big 12) vs. (15)Maryland-Baltimore County (America East)
(7)Clemson vs. (10)Massachusetts*
Washington D.C.
(3)Connecticut vs. (14)Siena(Metro Atlantic)
(6)Mississippi State vs. (11)Arizona
New to the field: San Diego
Out of the field: Arizona State
Last four in the field: Illinois State, Arizona, Syracuse, Oregon
First four left out: Arizona State, Ohio State, Virginia Commonwealth, Virginia Tech
Next four left out: Florida, Dayton, UAB, Villanova,
Next four out after that: Maryland, St. Joseph's, Mississippi, Temple
Also in contention: Florida State, Nebraska, Houston, Southern Illinois
UPDATE as of 4 PM CDT:(Had Oregon in the field twice instead of SAN DIEGO)
Final Four pairings
South vs. Midwest(1 vs. 4)
East vs. West(2 vs. 3)
SOUTH Region
North Little Rock
(1)Memphis vs. (16)Opening Round winner
Opening Round: Sacred Heart(Northeast) vs. Alabama State(SWAC)
(8)Kent State(Mid-American) vs. (9)St. Mary's
Denver
(4)Purdue vs. (13)Utah State(WAC)
(5)Marquette vs. (12)Illinois State*
Raleigh
(2)Duke vs. (15)BELMONT
(7)Michigan State vs. (10)Kansas State*
Tampa
(3)Louisville vs. (14)WINTHROP
(6)Southern California vs. (11)Arkansas*
MIDWEST Region
Birmingham
(1)Tennessee(SEC) vs. (16)Morgan State(MEAC)
(8)DAVIDSON vs. (9)Miami(FL)
Anaheim
(4)Stanford vs. (13)SAN DIEGO
(5)Notre Dame vs. (12)Western Kentucky(Sun Belt)*
Omaha
(2)Kansas vs. (15)UC Santa Barbara(Big West)
(7)Pittsburgh vs. (10)Nevada-Las Vegas*
Washington D.C.
(3)Xavier(Atlantic 10) vs. (14)Stephen F. Austin(Southland)
(6)Indiana vs. (11)Texas A&M*
EAST Region
Raleigh
(1)North Carolina(ACC) vs. (16)American(Patriot)
(8)West Virginia vs. (9)South Alabama
Tampa
(4)Vanderbilt vs. (13)CORNELL
(5)Butler(Horizon) vs. (12)Oregon*
Birmingham
(2)Georgetown(Big East) vs. (15)AUSTIN PEAY
(7)Oklahoma vs. (10)New Mexico*
Omaha
(3)Wisconsin(Big Ten) vs. (14)GEORGE MASON
(6)Washington State vs. (11)Kentucky*
WEST Region
Anaheim
(1)Ucla(Pac-10) vs. (16)Portland State(Big Sky)
(8)Gonzaga vs. (9)Baylor
Denver
(4)DRAKE vs. (13)Oral Roberts(Summit)
(5)Brigham Young(Mountain West vs. (12)Syracuse*
North Little Rock
(2)Texas(Big 12) vs. (15)Maryland-Baltimore County (America East)
(7)Clemson vs. (10)Massachusetts*
Washington D.C.
(3)Connecticut vs. (14)Siena(Metro Atlantic)
(6)Mississippi State vs. (11)Arizona
New to the field: San Diego
Out of the field: Arizona State
Last four in the field: Illinois State, Arizona, Syracuse, Oregon
First four left out: Arizona State, Ohio State, Virginia Commonwealth, Virginia Tech
Next four left out: Florida, Dayton, UAB, Villanova,
Next four out after that: Maryland, St. Joseph's, Mississippi, Temple
Also in contention: Florida State, Nebraska, Houston, Southern Illinois
Monday, March 10, 2008
Bracket Watch for March 10th
Time to get serious, and that means daily projections of the field all the way through Sunday. The next 2 days will mean mere updates. The next full scale projection will be on Thursday.
Final Four pairings
South vs. Midwest(1 vs. 4)
East vs. West(2 vs. 3)
SOUTH Region
North Little Rock
(1)Memphis vs. (16)Opening Round winner
Opening Round: Sacred Heart(Northeast) vs. Alabama State(SWAC)
(8)Kent State(Mid-American) vs. (9)Baylor
Denver
(4)Purdue vs. (13)Oregon*
(5)Marquette vs. (12)Illinois State*
Raleigh
(2)Duke vs. (15)BELMONT
(7)Southern California vs. (10)Kansas State*
Tampa
(3)Louisville vs. (14)WINTHROP
(6)Gonzaga(West Coast) vs. (11)Arkansas*
MIDWEST Region
Birmingham
(1)Tennessee(SEC) vs. (16)Morgan State(MEAC)
(8)Miami(FL) vs. (9)Davidson(Southern)
Anaheim
(4)Stanford vs. (13)Utah State(WAC)
(5)Notre Dame vs. (12)Western Kentucky*
Omaha
(2)Kansas vs. (15)UC Santa Barbara(Big West)
(7)Pittsburgh vs. (10)Nevada-Las Vegas*
Washington D.C.
(3)Xavier(Atlantic 10) vs. (14)Stephen F. Austin(Southland)
(6)Indiana vs. (11)Texas A&M*
EAST Region
Raleigh
(1)North Carolina(ACC) vs. (16)American(Patriot)
(8)South Alabama(Sun Belt) vs. (9)West Virginia
Tampa
(4)Vanderbilt vs. (13)CORNELL
(5)Butler(Horizon) vs. (12)Arizona State*
Birmingham
(2)Georgetown(Big East) vs. (15)AUSTIN PEAY
(7)Oklahoma vs. (10)New Mexico*
Omaha
(3)Wisconsin(Big Ten) vs. (14)George Mason(Colonial)
(6)Washington State vs. (11)Kentucky*
WEST Region
Anaheim
(1)Ucla(Pac-10) vs. (16)Portland State(Big Sky)
(8)Michigan State vs. (9)St. Mary's
Denver
(4)DRAKE vs. (13)Oral Roberts(Summit)
(5)Brigham Young(Mountain West vs. (12)Syracuse*
North Little Rock
(2)Texas(Big 12) vs. (15)Maryland-Baltimore County(America East)
(7)Clemson vs. (10)Massachusetts*
Washington D.C.
(3)Connecticut vs. (14)Siena(Metro Atlantic)
(6)Mississippi State vs. (11)Arizona
New to the field: Syracuse, Winthrop, UC Santa Barbara, George Mason, Sacred Heart, Oregon, Stephen F. Austin, Utah State
Out of the field: Virginia Tech, UNC Asheville, Northridge State, Virginia Commonwealth, Robert Morris, Lamar, Boise State
Last four in the field: Syracuse, Western Kentucky, Arizona State, Oregon
First four left out: Ohio State, Virginia Commonwealth, Virginia Tech, Dayton
Next four left out: Florida, UAB, Villanova, Maryland
Next four out after that: St. Joseph's, Mississippi, Houston, San Diego
Also in contention: Florida State, Nebraska, Southern Illinois
Final Four pairings
South vs. Midwest(1 vs. 4)
East vs. West(2 vs. 3)
SOUTH Region
North Little Rock
(1)Memphis vs. (16)Opening Round winner
Opening Round: Sacred Heart(Northeast) vs. Alabama State(SWAC)
(8)Kent State(Mid-American) vs. (9)Baylor
Denver
(4)Purdue vs. (13)Oregon*
(5)Marquette vs. (12)Illinois State*
Raleigh
(2)Duke vs. (15)BELMONT
(7)Southern California vs. (10)Kansas State*
Tampa
(3)Louisville vs. (14)WINTHROP
(6)Gonzaga(West Coast) vs. (11)Arkansas*
MIDWEST Region
Birmingham
(1)Tennessee(SEC) vs. (16)Morgan State(MEAC)
(8)Miami(FL) vs. (9)Davidson(Southern)
Anaheim
(4)Stanford vs. (13)Utah State(WAC)
(5)Notre Dame vs. (12)Western Kentucky*
Omaha
(2)Kansas vs. (15)UC Santa Barbara(Big West)
(7)Pittsburgh vs. (10)Nevada-Las Vegas*
Washington D.C.
(3)Xavier(Atlantic 10) vs. (14)Stephen F. Austin(Southland)
(6)Indiana vs. (11)Texas A&M*
EAST Region
Raleigh
(1)North Carolina(ACC) vs. (16)American(Patriot)
(8)South Alabama(Sun Belt) vs. (9)West Virginia
Tampa
(4)Vanderbilt vs. (13)CORNELL
(5)Butler(Horizon) vs. (12)Arizona State*
Birmingham
(2)Georgetown(Big East) vs. (15)AUSTIN PEAY
(7)Oklahoma vs. (10)New Mexico*
Omaha
(3)Wisconsin(Big Ten) vs. (14)George Mason(Colonial)
(6)Washington State vs. (11)Kentucky*
WEST Region
Anaheim
(1)Ucla(Pac-10) vs. (16)Portland State(Big Sky)
(8)Michigan State vs. (9)St. Mary's
Denver
(4)DRAKE vs. (13)Oral Roberts(Summit)
(5)Brigham Young(Mountain West vs. (12)Syracuse*
North Little Rock
(2)Texas(Big 12) vs. (15)Maryland-Baltimore County(America East)
(7)Clemson vs. (10)Massachusetts*
Washington D.C.
(3)Connecticut vs. (14)Siena(Metro Atlantic)
(6)Mississippi State vs. (11)Arizona
New to the field: Syracuse, Winthrop, UC Santa Barbara, George Mason, Sacred Heart, Oregon, Stephen F. Austin, Utah State
Out of the field: Virginia Tech, UNC Asheville, Northridge State, Virginia Commonwealth, Robert Morris, Lamar, Boise State
Last four in the field: Syracuse, Western Kentucky, Arizona State, Oregon
First four left out: Ohio State, Virginia Commonwealth, Virginia Tech, Dayton
Next four left out: Florida, UAB, Villanova, Maryland
Next four out after that: St. Joseph's, Mississippi, Houston, San Diego
Also in contention: Florida State, Nebraska, Southern Illinois
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Bracket Watch for March 6th
Reminder: Daily projections start Monday.
Final Four Pairings
South(1) vs. West(4)
East(2) vs. Midwest(3)
SOUTH Region
North Little Rock
(1)Memphis(CUSA) vs. (16)Opening Round winner
Opening round: American(Patriot) vs. Alabama State(SWAC)
(8)South Alabama(Sun Belt)* vs. (9)West Virginia*
Denver
(4)Drake(Missouri Valley) vs. (13)Oral Roberts(Summit)
(5)Indiana vs. (12)Arizona State*
North Little Rock
(2)Texas(Big 12) vs. (15)Austin Peay(Ohio Valley)
(7)Pittsburgh vs. (10)Nevada-Las Vegas*
Anaheim
(3)Stanford vs. (14)Northridge State(Big West)
(6)Gonzaga(West Coast) vs. (11)Arkansas*
WEST Region
Anaheim
(1)Ucla(Pac-10) vs. (16)Portland State(Big Sky)
(8)St. Mary's vs. (9)Kansas State*
Tampa
(4)Purdue vs. (13)Kentucky*
(5)Marquette vs. (12)Virginia Tech*
Omaha
(2)Kansas vs. (15)UNC Asheville(Big South)
(7)Clemson vs. (10)New Mexico
Tampa
(3)Georgetown vs. (14)Maryland-Baltimore County(America East)
(6)Mississippi State vs. (11)Massachusetts*
EAST Region
Birmingham
(1)Tennessee(SEC) vs. (16)Lamar(Southland)
(8)Miami(FL) vs. (9)Davidson(Southern)*
Denver
(4)Notre Dame vs. (13)Western Kentucky*
(5)Brigham Young(Mountain West) vs. (12)Alabama-Birmingham*
Raleigh
(2)Duke(ACC) vs. (15)Belmont(Atlantic Sun)
(7)Kent State(Mid-American) vs. (10)Texas A&M*
Birmingham
(3)Louisville(Big East) vs. (14)Robert Morris(Northeast)
(6)Michigan State vs. (11)Arizona*
MIDWEST Region
Raleigh
(1)North Carolina vs. (16)Morgan State(Mid-Eastern)
(8)Oklahoma vs. (9)Southern California*
Washington D.C.
(4)Connecticut vs. (13)CORNELL
(5)Vanderbilt vs. (12)Virginia Commonwealth
Washington D.C.
(2)Xavier(A-10) vs. (15)Siena(Metro Atlantic)
(7)Washington State vs. (10)Illinois State*
Omaha
(3)Wisconsin(Big Ten) vs. (14)Boise State(Western Athletic)
(6)Butler(Horizon) vs. (11)Baylor*
New to the field: Kentucky
Out of the field: Southern Illinois
Last four in the field: Virginia Tech, Alabama-Birmingham, Western Kentucky, Kentucky
First four left out: Southern Illinois, Syracuse, Ohio State, Oregon
Next four left out: Rhode Island, Maryland, Houston, Stephen F. Austin
Next four out after that: Villanova, Nebraska, Mississippi, Dayton
Also in contention: Florida State, Temple, Oklahoma State, Creighton
Final Four Pairings
South(1) vs. West(4)
East(2) vs. Midwest(3)
SOUTH Region
North Little Rock
(1)Memphis(CUSA) vs. (16)Opening Round winner
Opening round: American(Patriot) vs. Alabama State(SWAC)
(8)South Alabama(Sun Belt)* vs. (9)West Virginia*
Denver
(4)Drake(Missouri Valley) vs. (13)Oral Roberts(Summit)
(5)Indiana vs. (12)Arizona State*
North Little Rock
(2)Texas(Big 12) vs. (15)Austin Peay(Ohio Valley)
(7)Pittsburgh vs. (10)Nevada-Las Vegas*
Anaheim
(3)Stanford vs. (14)Northridge State(Big West)
(6)Gonzaga(West Coast) vs. (11)Arkansas*
WEST Region
Anaheim
(1)Ucla(Pac-10) vs. (16)Portland State(Big Sky)
(8)St. Mary's vs. (9)Kansas State*
Tampa
(4)Purdue vs. (13)Kentucky*
(5)Marquette vs. (12)Virginia Tech*
Omaha
(2)Kansas vs. (15)UNC Asheville(Big South)
(7)Clemson vs. (10)New Mexico
Tampa
(3)Georgetown vs. (14)Maryland-Baltimore County(America East)
(6)Mississippi State vs. (11)Massachusetts*
EAST Region
Birmingham
(1)Tennessee(SEC) vs. (16)Lamar(Southland)
(8)Miami(FL) vs. (9)Davidson(Southern)*
Denver
(4)Notre Dame vs. (13)Western Kentucky*
(5)Brigham Young(Mountain West) vs. (12)Alabama-Birmingham*
Raleigh
(2)Duke(ACC) vs. (15)Belmont(Atlantic Sun)
(7)Kent State(Mid-American) vs. (10)Texas A&M*
Birmingham
(3)Louisville(Big East) vs. (14)Robert Morris(Northeast)
(6)Michigan State vs. (11)Arizona*
MIDWEST Region
Raleigh
(1)North Carolina vs. (16)Morgan State(Mid-Eastern)
(8)Oklahoma vs. (9)Southern California*
Washington D.C.
(4)Connecticut vs. (13)CORNELL
(5)Vanderbilt vs. (12)Virginia Commonwealth
Washington D.C.
(2)Xavier(A-10) vs. (15)Siena(Metro Atlantic)
(7)Washington State vs. (10)Illinois State*
Omaha
(3)Wisconsin(Big Ten) vs. (14)Boise State(Western Athletic)
(6)Butler(Horizon) vs. (11)Baylor*
New to the field: Kentucky
Out of the field: Southern Illinois
Last four in the field: Virginia Tech, Alabama-Birmingham, Western Kentucky, Kentucky
First four left out: Southern Illinois, Syracuse, Ohio State, Oregon
Next four left out: Rhode Island, Maryland, Houston, Stephen F. Austin
Next four out after that: Villanova, Nebraska, Mississippi, Dayton
Also in contention: Florida State, Temple, Oklahoma State, Creighton
Monday, March 3, 2008
Guessing Games: Picking the conference tourney winners
Just on a lark. (Note: this does not effect my bracket projections, which reflects what has happened to date.)
America East: Maryland-Baltimore County
Atlantic Coast: North Carolina
Atlantic Sun: Lipscomb
Atlantic 10: Xavier
Big East: Notre Dame
Big Sky: Portland State
Big South: UNC Asheville
Big Ten: Purdue
Big 12: Texas
Big West: UC Santa Barbara
Colonial: George Mason
Conference USA: Memphis
Horizon: Butler
Metro Atlantic: Niagara
Mid-American: Western Michigan
Mid-Eastern: Morgan State
Missouri Valley: Drake
Mountain West: New Mexico
Northeast: Wagner
Ohio Valley: Austin Peay
Pacific-10: UCLA
Patriot: American
Southeastern: Tennessee
Southern: Chattanooga
Southland: Stephen F. Austin
Summit: IUPUI
Sun Belt: South Alabama
West Coast: San Diego
Western Athletic: New Mexico State
America East: Maryland-Baltimore County
Atlantic Coast: North Carolina
Atlantic Sun: Lipscomb
Atlantic 10: Xavier
Big East: Notre Dame
Big Sky: Portland State
Big South: UNC Asheville
Big Ten: Purdue
Big 12: Texas
Big West: UC Santa Barbara
Colonial: George Mason
Conference USA: Memphis
Horizon: Butler
Metro Atlantic: Niagara
Mid-American: Western Michigan
Mid-Eastern: Morgan State
Missouri Valley: Drake
Mountain West: New Mexico
Northeast: Wagner
Ohio Valley: Austin Peay
Pacific-10: UCLA
Patriot: American
Southeastern: Tennessee
Southern: Chattanooga
Southland: Stephen F. Austin
Summit: IUPUI
Sun Belt: South Alabama
West Coast: San Diego
Western Athletic: New Mexico State
Bracket Watch for March 3rd
Does anybody want to be in the NCAA's this year? Anyone? Anyone? Bueller? Bueller? *shakes out of Ben Stein impersonation* Honestly, the way things are headed, New Jersey Tech at 0-29 may find themselves on the bubble, SERIOUSLY.
At least one team is in the field, Cornell won the Ivy Group outright and is the first to be emblazoned in NICE AND SHINY CAPS. As for the rest of the field(or a resonable projection thereof), read on. *denotes a bubble rider
Final Four pairings
South(1) vs. West(4)
East(2) vs. Midwest(3)
SOUTH Region
North Little Rock
(1)Memphis(CUSA) vs. (16)Opening Round Winner
Opening Round: Lamar(Southland) vs. Alabama State(SWAC)
(8)South Alabama(Sun Belt) vs. (9)Southern California*
Tampa
(4)Connecticut vs. (13)Virginia Commonwealth(Colonial)*
(5)Michigan State vs. (12)Virginia Tech*
North Little Rock
(2)Texas(Big 12) vs. (15)Belmont(Atlantic Sun)
(7)Clemson vs. (10)West Virginia*
Anaheim
(3)Stanford vs. (14)Northridge State(Big West)
(6)Gonzaga(West Coast) vs. (11)New Mexico*
WEST Region
Anaheim
(1)UCLA(Pac-10) vs. (16)Portland State(Big Sky)
(8)Kent State(Mid American)* vs. (9)Baylor*
Tampa
(4)Notre Dame vs. (13)Southern Illinois*
(5)Vanderbilt vs. (12)Alabama-Birmingham*
Washington D.C.
(2)Xavier(Atlantic 10) vs. (15)Robert Morris(Northeast)
(7)Pittsburgh vs. (10)Davidson(Southern)*
Omaha
(3)Purdue(Big Ten) vs. (14)Maryland-Baltimore County(America East)
(6)Brigham Young(Mountain West) vs. (11)Arizona)*
EAST Region
Birmingham
(1)Tennessee(SEC) vs. (16)American(Patriot)
(8)Miami(FL) vs. (9)St. Mary's*
Denver
(4)Drake(Missouri Valley) vs. (13)CORNELL
(5)Marquette vs. (12)Texas A&M*
Raleigh
(2)Duke(ACC) vs. (15)Austin Peay(Ohio Valley)
(7)Arkansas vs. (10)Nevada-Las Vegas*
Birmingham
(3)Georgetown vs. (14)UNC Asheville(Big South)
(6)Indiana vs. (11)Kansas State*
MIDWEST Region
Raleigh
(1)North Carolina vs. (16)Morgan State(MEAC)
(8)Oklahoma vs. (9)Arizona State*
Denver
(4)Wisconsin vs. (13)Boise State(WAC)
(5)Mississippi State vs. (12)Massachusetts*
Omaha
(2)Kansas vs. (15)Oral Roberts(Summit)
(7)Washington State vs. (10)Illinois State*
Washington D.C.
(3)Louisville(Big East) vs. (14)Siena(MAAC)
(6)Butler(Horizon) vs. (11)Western Kentucky*
New teams: Virginia Tech, Massachusetts, UNC Asheville, Siena, New Mexico, American
Old teams: St. Joseph's, Winthrop, Rider, Navy, Kentucky, Stephen F. Austin
Last four in the field: New Mexico, Virginia Tech, Western Kentucky, Southern Illinois
First four left out: Kentucky, St. Joseph's, Florida, Maryland
Next four left out: Rhode Island, Stephen F. Austin, Dayton, Houston
Neft four out after that: Villanova, Ohio State, Oregon, Florida State
Also in contention: Temple, Syracuse, Seton Hall, Minnesota, Oklahoma State, Creighton, Mississippi
Next update is on Thursday.
At least one team is in the field, Cornell won the Ivy Group outright and is the first to be emblazoned in NICE AND SHINY CAPS. As for the rest of the field(or a resonable projection thereof), read on. *denotes a bubble rider
Final Four pairings
South(1) vs. West(4)
East(2) vs. Midwest(3)
SOUTH Region
North Little Rock
(1)Memphis(CUSA) vs. (16)Opening Round Winner
Opening Round: Lamar(Southland) vs. Alabama State(SWAC)
(8)South Alabama(Sun Belt) vs. (9)Southern California*
Tampa
(4)Connecticut vs. (13)Virginia Commonwealth(Colonial)*
(5)Michigan State vs. (12)Virginia Tech*
North Little Rock
(2)Texas(Big 12) vs. (15)Belmont(Atlantic Sun)
(7)Clemson vs. (10)West Virginia*
Anaheim
(3)Stanford vs. (14)Northridge State(Big West)
(6)Gonzaga(West Coast) vs. (11)New Mexico*
WEST Region
Anaheim
(1)UCLA(Pac-10) vs. (16)Portland State(Big Sky)
(8)Kent State(Mid American)* vs. (9)Baylor*
Tampa
(4)Notre Dame vs. (13)Southern Illinois*
(5)Vanderbilt vs. (12)Alabama-Birmingham*
Washington D.C.
(2)Xavier(Atlantic 10) vs. (15)Robert Morris(Northeast)
(7)Pittsburgh vs. (10)Davidson(Southern)*
Omaha
(3)Purdue(Big Ten) vs. (14)Maryland-Baltimore County(America East)
(6)Brigham Young(Mountain West) vs. (11)Arizona)*
EAST Region
Birmingham
(1)Tennessee(SEC) vs. (16)American(Patriot)
(8)Miami(FL) vs. (9)St. Mary's*
Denver
(4)Drake(Missouri Valley) vs. (13)CORNELL
(5)Marquette vs. (12)Texas A&M*
Raleigh
(2)Duke(ACC) vs. (15)Austin Peay(Ohio Valley)
(7)Arkansas vs. (10)Nevada-Las Vegas*
Birmingham
(3)Georgetown vs. (14)UNC Asheville(Big South)
(6)Indiana vs. (11)Kansas State*
MIDWEST Region
Raleigh
(1)North Carolina vs. (16)Morgan State(MEAC)
(8)Oklahoma vs. (9)Arizona State*
Denver
(4)Wisconsin vs. (13)Boise State(WAC)
(5)Mississippi State vs. (12)Massachusetts*
Omaha
(2)Kansas vs. (15)Oral Roberts(Summit)
(7)Washington State vs. (10)Illinois State*
Washington D.C.
(3)Louisville(Big East) vs. (14)Siena(MAAC)
(6)Butler(Horizon) vs. (11)Western Kentucky*
New teams: Virginia Tech, Massachusetts, UNC Asheville, Siena, New Mexico, American
Old teams: St. Joseph's, Winthrop, Rider, Navy, Kentucky, Stephen F. Austin
Last four in the field: New Mexico, Virginia Tech, Western Kentucky, Southern Illinois
First four left out: Kentucky, St. Joseph's, Florida, Maryland
Next four left out: Rhode Island, Stephen F. Austin, Dayton, Houston
Neft four out after that: Villanova, Ohio State, Oregon, Florida State
Also in contention: Temple, Syracuse, Seton Hall, Minnesota, Oklahoma State, Creighton, Mississippi
Next update is on Thursday.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Bracket Watch for February 28th
Final Four Pairings
South(1) vs. West(4)
East(2) vs. Midwest(3)
SOUTH Region
North Little Rock
(1)Memphis(CUSA) vs. (16)Opening Round winner
Opening Round: Navy(Patriot) vs. Alabama State(SWAC)
(8)Miami(FL)* vs. (9)Oklahoma*
Denver
(4)Notre Dame vs. (13)Illinois State*
(5)Mississippi State vs. (12)Western Kentucky(Sun Belt)*
Washington D.C.
(2)Xavier(A-10) vs. (15)Belmont(Atlantic Sun)
(7)Clemson vs. (10)Texas A&M*
Omaha
(3)Wisconsin(Big Ten) vs. (14)Rider(Metro Atlantic)
(6)Washington State vs. (11)Kentucky*
WEST Region
Anaheim
(1)UCLA(Pac-10) vs. (16)Portland State(Big Sky)
(8)Gonzaga vs. (9)West Virginia*
Birmingham
(4)Vanderbilt vs. (13)Virginia Commonwealth(Colonial)*
(5)Indiana vs. (12)Stephen F. Austin*
Omaha
(2)Kansas vs. (15)Northridge State(Big West)
(7)Brigham Young(Mountain West) vs. (10)Arkansas*
Washington D.C.
(3)Louisville vs. (14)Winthrop(Big South)
(6)Butler(Horizon) vs. (11)Arizona State*
EAST Region
Birmingham
(1)Tennessee(SEC) vs. (16)Morgan State(MEAC)
(8)Arizona vs. (9)Baylor*
Denver
(4)Purdue vs. (13)Oral Roberts(Summit)
(5)Marquette vs. (12)Alabama-Birmingham*
Raleigh
(2)Duke(ACC) vs. (15)Robert Morris(Northeast)
(7)Kent State(Mid-American) vs. (10)South Alabama*
Tampa
(3)Georgetown(Big East) vs. (14)Maryland-Baltimore County(America East)
(6)Michigan State vs. (11)Southern Illinois*
MIDWEST Region
North Little Rock
(1)Texas(Big 12) vs. (16)Lamar(Southland)
(8)Southern California vs. (9)St. Joseph's*
Tampa
(4)Connecticut vs. (13)Cornell(Ivy)
(5)Drake(Missouri Valley) vs. (12)Davidson(Southern)*
Raleigh
(2)North Carolina vs. (15) Austin Peay(Ohio Valley)
(7)Pittsburgh vs. (10)Kansas State*
Anaheim
(3)Stanford vs. (14)Boise State(WAC)
(6)St. Mary's(West Coast) vs. (11)Nevada-Las Vegas
New in the field: Illinois State, Arizona State, Navy, Western Kentucky
Out of the field: Massachusetts, Villanova, New Mexico, American
Last four in the field: Southern Illinois, Alabama-Birmingham, Stephen F. Austin, Illinois State
First four out of the field: Florida, New Mexico, Massachusetts, Syracuse
Next four out of the field: Maryland, Ohio State, Virginia Tech, Villanova
Next fout out after that: Oregon, Nebraska, Rhode island, Cincinnati
Also in contention: Wake Forest, Dayton, Texas Tech, Houston, Wright State, Creighton, California
Next update: March 3rd
South(1) vs. West(4)
East(2) vs. Midwest(3)
SOUTH Region
North Little Rock
(1)Memphis(CUSA) vs. (16)Opening Round winner
Opening Round: Navy(Patriot) vs. Alabama State(SWAC)
(8)Miami(FL)* vs. (9)Oklahoma*
Denver
(4)Notre Dame vs. (13)Illinois State*
(5)Mississippi State vs. (12)Western Kentucky(Sun Belt)*
Washington D.C.
(2)Xavier(A-10) vs. (15)Belmont(Atlantic Sun)
(7)Clemson vs. (10)Texas A&M*
Omaha
(3)Wisconsin(Big Ten) vs. (14)Rider(Metro Atlantic)
(6)Washington State vs. (11)Kentucky*
WEST Region
Anaheim
(1)UCLA(Pac-10) vs. (16)Portland State(Big Sky)
(8)Gonzaga vs. (9)West Virginia*
Birmingham
(4)Vanderbilt vs. (13)Virginia Commonwealth(Colonial)*
(5)Indiana vs. (12)Stephen F. Austin*
Omaha
(2)Kansas vs. (15)Northridge State(Big West)
(7)Brigham Young(Mountain West) vs. (10)Arkansas*
Washington D.C.
(3)Louisville vs. (14)Winthrop(Big South)
(6)Butler(Horizon) vs. (11)Arizona State*
EAST Region
Birmingham
(1)Tennessee(SEC) vs. (16)Morgan State(MEAC)
(8)Arizona vs. (9)Baylor*
Denver
(4)Purdue vs. (13)Oral Roberts(Summit)
(5)Marquette vs. (12)Alabama-Birmingham*
Raleigh
(2)Duke(ACC) vs. (15)Robert Morris(Northeast)
(7)Kent State(Mid-American) vs. (10)South Alabama*
Tampa
(3)Georgetown(Big East) vs. (14)Maryland-Baltimore County(America East)
(6)Michigan State vs. (11)Southern Illinois*
MIDWEST Region
North Little Rock
(1)Texas(Big 12) vs. (16)Lamar(Southland)
(8)Southern California vs. (9)St. Joseph's*
Tampa
(4)Connecticut vs. (13)Cornell(Ivy)
(5)Drake(Missouri Valley) vs. (12)Davidson(Southern)*
Raleigh
(2)North Carolina vs. (15) Austin Peay(Ohio Valley)
(7)Pittsburgh vs. (10)Kansas State*
Anaheim
(3)Stanford vs. (14)Boise State(WAC)
(6)St. Mary's(West Coast) vs. (11)Nevada-Las Vegas
New in the field: Illinois State, Arizona State, Navy, Western Kentucky
Out of the field: Massachusetts, Villanova, New Mexico, American
Last four in the field: Southern Illinois, Alabama-Birmingham, Stephen F. Austin, Illinois State
First four out of the field: Florida, New Mexico, Massachusetts, Syracuse
Next four out of the field: Maryland, Ohio State, Virginia Tech, Villanova
Next fout out after that: Oregon, Nebraska, Rhode island, Cincinnati
Also in contention: Wake Forest, Dayton, Texas Tech, Houston, Wright State, Creighton, California
Next update: March 3rd
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
State of the Bubble: Southwestern to Western Athletic
How is your team fairing compared to others? Are there any locks that come out surprising to you? How far will Tom O'Connor and his band of bracketeers go to find an at-large? Who knows any of this? Well let me help out with a 6-part series about teams in the field, near the field, and teams losing contact with it. This is the State of the Bubble! The last installment!
Southwestern
Bid: 1
Likely Winner: Alabama State
This is the only league where the at-large pool is a no go. Indeed, whoever wins will be the 65th seed in this year's field.
Summit League
Likely Bids: 1
Likely Winner: Oral Roberts
The Golden Eagles' slim chance of an at-large were eviscerated by a one point loss to Creighton last Saturday. But they still are the favorite to emerge from the collective formerly known as the Mid-Con as the tourney is in Tulsa(not at Oral Roberts).
Sun Belt
Bid Range: 1-3
Almost there: South Alabama
Bubble Rider: Western Kentucky
The Belt hasn't produced an at-large since 1990, but USA has a good case to make should they not win the Sun Belt. But if they do lose it will be in Mobile which could cause some members to wince. Western Kentucky could make one also, but only if they meet the Jaguars in the title tilt.
West Coast
Bid Range: 2-3
Almost there: Gonzaga, Saint Mary's
Because the loser of the March 1st battle between these two may still finish in a tie for 2nd(with San Diego), neither is considered a lock just yet. That might not matter at this point given the state of the bubble. The Toreros not only could finish in a tie for 2nd, they could shrink the bubble as they host the conference tourney.
Western Athletic
Likely Bids: 1
Likely Winner: New Mexico State
The Aggies are currently behind Boise State in the WAC pecking order, but have the advantage of not only hosting the conference tourney, but also playing the last game of the day they're still alive. No at-large hope though due to an atrocious non-conference performance.
And that is the state of the bubble as of today.
Southwestern
Bid: 1
Likely Winner: Alabama State
This is the only league where the at-large pool is a no go. Indeed, whoever wins will be the 65th seed in this year's field.
Summit League
Likely Bids: 1
Likely Winner: Oral Roberts
The Golden Eagles' slim chance of an at-large were eviscerated by a one point loss to Creighton last Saturday. But they still are the favorite to emerge from the collective formerly known as the Mid-Con as the tourney is in Tulsa(not at Oral Roberts).
Sun Belt
Bid Range: 1-3
Almost there: South Alabama
Bubble Rider: Western Kentucky
The Belt hasn't produced an at-large since 1990, but USA has a good case to make should they not win the Sun Belt. But if they do lose it will be in Mobile which could cause some members to wince. Western Kentucky could make one also, but only if they meet the Jaguars in the title tilt.
West Coast
Bid Range: 2-3
Almost there: Gonzaga, Saint Mary's
Because the loser of the March 1st battle between these two may still finish in a tie for 2nd(with San Diego), neither is considered a lock just yet. That might not matter at this point given the state of the bubble. The Toreros not only could finish in a tie for 2nd, they could shrink the bubble as they host the conference tourney.
Western Athletic
Likely Bids: 1
Likely Winner: New Mexico State
The Aggies are currently behind Boise State in the WAC pecking order, but have the advantage of not only hosting the conference tourney, but also playing the last game of the day they're still alive. No at-large hope though due to an atrocious non-conference performance.
And that is the state of the bubble as of today.
State of the Bubble: Pacific-10 to Southland
How is your team fairing compared to others? Are there any locks that come out surprising to you? How far will Tom O'Connor and his band of bracketeers go to find an at-large? Who knows any of this? Well let me help out with a 6-part series about teams in the field, near the field, and teams losing contact with it. This is the State of the Bubble! Part Five!
Pacific-10
Bid Range: 5-7
Locked Up: UCLA, Stanford, Washington State
Almost There: Arizona, Southern California
Bubble Riders: Arizona State, California, Oregon
Quick, name the last 9-9 team from the Pac-10 to get an NCAA invite.........I'm not surprised you didn't come up with someone as the fact is NO Pac-10 team with a 9-9 mark has ever made the field. Arizona(without Lute Olson) may make case for doing so if it splits the last four games. O.J. Mayo and his Trojans could face a similar predicament. The other 3 need help, but expect one of them to be chosen.
Patriot
Likely Bids: 1
Likely Winner: American
The Eagles have never been in the big dance(the closest they came was 1981), but they stand a good chance to do so this year. The biggest obstacle however is Navy, who already owns a win over the Eagles on American's home court.
Southeastern
Bid Range: 4-5
Locked Up: Tennessee, Vanderbilt
Almost There: Mississippi State
Bubble Riders: Arkansas, Florida, Kentucky, Mississippi
No conference better reflects the State of the bubble better than this one. Kentucky, left for dead as little a month ago and with home losses to such famed squads as Gardner-Webb and San Diego, is in good position to not only get in the field, but to also win the SEC outright. (Yep, you're not hearing things, they do control their own destiny.) Defending champion Florida has no non-conference heft, but are hanging around for the sole reason of hanging around. Mississippi is this year's Clemson(great in non-conference, poor in conference.)
Southern
Bid-Range: 1-2
Bubble Rider: Davidson
The Wildcats are this year's litmus test, as in the test of "Who did you play, who did you beat and where did you play". Davidson did play Duke, North Carolina and UCLA but lost those games, also a blot is a loss to Western Michigan. Should the Wildcats go 20-0 in SoCon play and were to lose the final, the likelyhood of an at-large bid is 30% at worst, 75% at best.
Southland
Bid Range: 1-2
Bubble Rider: Stephen F. Austin
If I has said that the Lumberjacks had a chance at an at-large berth at the start of the season, you probably commit me to a mental hospital. But here we are and things are so screwy that the Lumberjacks, despite being in second in the Southland(overall of course) are not only on the bubble, they have a decent chance of making it. Doing it the easy way of course(winning the conference tourney) will take out any doubt.
Last up: Southwestern to Western Athletic
Pacific-10
Bid Range: 5-7
Locked Up: UCLA, Stanford, Washington State
Almost There: Arizona, Southern California
Bubble Riders: Arizona State, California, Oregon
Quick, name the last 9-9 team from the Pac-10 to get an NCAA invite.........I'm not surprised you didn't come up with someone as the fact is NO Pac-10 team with a 9-9 mark has ever made the field. Arizona(without Lute Olson) may make case for doing so if it splits the last four games. O.J. Mayo and his Trojans could face a similar predicament. The other 3 need help, but expect one of them to be chosen.
Patriot
Likely Bids: 1
Likely Winner: American
The Eagles have never been in the big dance(the closest they came was 1981), but they stand a good chance to do so this year. The biggest obstacle however is Navy, who already owns a win over the Eagles on American's home court.
Southeastern
Bid Range: 4-5
Locked Up: Tennessee, Vanderbilt
Almost There: Mississippi State
Bubble Riders: Arkansas, Florida, Kentucky, Mississippi
No conference better reflects the State of the bubble better than this one. Kentucky, left for dead as little a month ago and with home losses to such famed squads as Gardner-Webb and San Diego, is in good position to not only get in the field, but to also win the SEC outright. (Yep, you're not hearing things, they do control their own destiny.) Defending champion Florida has no non-conference heft, but are hanging around for the sole reason of hanging around. Mississippi is this year's Clemson(great in non-conference, poor in conference.)
Southern
Bid-Range: 1-2
Bubble Rider: Davidson
The Wildcats are this year's litmus test, as in the test of "Who did you play, who did you beat and where did you play". Davidson did play Duke, North Carolina and UCLA but lost those games, also a blot is a loss to Western Michigan. Should the Wildcats go 20-0 in SoCon play and were to lose the final, the likelyhood of an at-large bid is 30% at worst, 75% at best.
Southland
Bid Range: 1-2
Bubble Rider: Stephen F. Austin
If I has said that the Lumberjacks had a chance at an at-large berth at the start of the season, you probably commit me to a mental hospital. But here we are and things are so screwy that the Lumberjacks, despite being in second in the Southland(overall of course) are not only on the bubble, they have a decent chance of making it. Doing it the easy way of course(winning the conference tourney) will take out any doubt.
Last up: Southwestern to Western Athletic
State of the Bubble: Mid-Eastern to Ohio Valley
How is your team fairing compared to others? Are there any locks that come out surprising to you? How far will Tom O'Connor and his band of bracketeers go to find an at-large? Who knows any of this? Well let me help out with a 6-part series about teams in the field, near the field, and teams losing contact with it. This is the State of the Bubble! Part Four!
Mid-Eastern
Likely Bids: 1
Likely Winner: Morgan State
The more succesful of the two D-I HBCU leagues this year, the MEAC's two likely frontrunners for the bid are going for their first ever. Morgan State is the current leader, but 2nd place Norfolk State beat them head-to-head back in January. Still you can't count out a surprise winner Raleigh(Think Delaware State, Hampton).
Missouri Valley
Bid Range: 1-3
Locked up: Drake
Bubble Riders: Creighton, Illinois State, Southern Illinois
Who didn't see this coming? The Salukis(and to a lesser extent the Blue Jays) are making an aggressive outside run to a possible second bid from the valley(and they may not need the auto bid). They have a big tussle with Illinois State(also a legit bubble rider) this weekend for the 2nd seed in Saint Louis. Oh, just to let you know, Drake is indeed a legit threat to reach the Sweet 16.
Mountain West
Bid Range: 1-3
Almost there: Brigham Young
Bubble Riders: Nevada-Las Vegas, New Mexico
Depending on how the conference tourney goes, this could be a one bid league, or it could be a three bid league. Either way, the Cougars figure to be prominent in the field of 65. New Mexico may have thrown away a bid back to the bubble by losing to the Cougs last night.
Northeast
Likely Bids: 1
Likely Winner: Robert Morris
In the NEC, homecourt advantage in the tourney means everything, and the Colonials, with wins over Sacred Heart and Wagner have the edge for now. Should they gain the top seed here, they'll be home for the duration of tourney.
Ohio Valley
Likely Bids: 1
Likely Winner: Austin Peay
The Govenors need one more win(or one Murray State loss) to clinch the outright RS crown, but the last two games are on the road. Also important is that the OVC is reseeding the semifinals this year, meaning the top seed will play the weakest 1st round winner.
Next up: Pacific-10 to Southland
Mid-Eastern
Likely Bids: 1
Likely Winner: Morgan State
The more succesful of the two D-I HBCU leagues this year, the MEAC's two likely frontrunners for the bid are going for their first ever. Morgan State is the current leader, but 2nd place Norfolk State beat them head-to-head back in January. Still you can't count out a surprise winner Raleigh(Think Delaware State, Hampton).
Missouri Valley
Bid Range: 1-3
Locked up: Drake
Bubble Riders: Creighton, Illinois State, Southern Illinois
Who didn't see this coming? The Salukis(and to a lesser extent the Blue Jays) are making an aggressive outside run to a possible second bid from the valley(and they may not need the auto bid). They have a big tussle with Illinois State(also a legit bubble rider) this weekend for the 2nd seed in Saint Louis. Oh, just to let you know, Drake is indeed a legit threat to reach the Sweet 16.
Mountain West
Bid Range: 1-3
Almost there: Brigham Young
Bubble Riders: Nevada-Las Vegas, New Mexico
Depending on how the conference tourney goes, this could be a one bid league, or it could be a three bid league. Either way, the Cougars figure to be prominent in the field of 65. New Mexico may have thrown away a bid back to the bubble by losing to the Cougs last night.
Northeast
Likely Bids: 1
Likely Winner: Robert Morris
In the NEC, homecourt advantage in the tourney means everything, and the Colonials, with wins over Sacred Heart and Wagner have the edge for now. Should they gain the top seed here, they'll be home for the duration of tourney.
Ohio Valley
Likely Bids: 1
Likely Winner: Austin Peay
The Govenors need one more win(or one Murray State loss) to clinch the outright RS crown, but the last two games are on the road. Also important is that the OVC is reseeding the semifinals this year, meaning the top seed will play the weakest 1st round winner.
Next up: Pacific-10 to Southland
State of the Bubble: Colonial to Mid-American
How is your team fairing compared to others? Are there any locks that come out surprising to you? How far will Tom O'Connor and his band of bracketeers go to find an at-large? Who knows any of this? Well let me help out with a 6-part series about teams in the field, near the field, and teams losing contact with it. This is the State of the Bubble! Part Three!
Colonial
Bid Range: 1-2
Bubble Riders: George Mason, Virginia Commonwealth
Please note that I'm giving the Colonial a bid range only because Tom O'Connor(George Mason's AD and VP) is the chair. That said, this will likely be a one bid conference, only because of recent home losses by the two bubble riders(The Rams lost to Old Dominion, the Patriots to UNC Wilmington).
Conference USA
Bid Range: 1-2
Locked Up: Memphis
Bubble Riders: Alabama-Birmingham, Houston
By all rights, only Memphis should be in, but when you have one dominant team, one or two stragglers are sure to follow. The Blazers and Cougars are those stragglers, with UAB holding the edge due to a tete-a-tete win and a near scalp of the Tigers on February 16th.
Horizon
Bid Range: 1-2
Locked Up: Butler
Bubble Rider: Wright State
Bid Range is only up because the Raiders won the first matchup. But that was in Dayton and the rematch Thursday is in Hinkle Fieldhouse. Butler is playing for seeding, but it's loss at the hands of Drake means a top 4 seed is almost out of reach.
Ivy League
Likely Bids: 1
Likely Winner: Cornell
Actually you can start ingraving Cornell's invite today, the Big Red have a 3 game lead on Brown and can clinch as early as this weekend in the only league without a conference tourney.
Metro Atlantic
Likely Bids: 1
Likely Winner: Niagara
This year's MAAC is reminiscent of the AFC Central of the 1980's. Everyone it seems is tied for first. I like Niagara to emerge from the conference tournament, but you could say he same thing about Loyola(MD), Rider or Siena.
Mid-American
Bid Range: 1-2
Almost There: Kent State
Bubble Rider: Ohio
Is this the year the MAC Daddies get a second bid? Well the only it will happen is if the Golden Flashes make it to the championship Game. The Flashes made it easier by going in Moraga and toppling Saint Mary's, something Drake, Oregon and Gonzaga couldn't do. Ohio could make a case(given it's upset of Maryland) but unlikely to do so.
Colonial
Bid Range: 1-2
Bubble Riders: George Mason, Virginia Commonwealth
Please note that I'm giving the Colonial a bid range only because Tom O'Connor(George Mason's AD and VP) is the chair. That said, this will likely be a one bid conference, only because of recent home losses by the two bubble riders(The Rams lost to Old Dominion, the Patriots to UNC Wilmington).
Conference USA
Bid Range: 1-2
Locked Up: Memphis
Bubble Riders: Alabama-Birmingham, Houston
By all rights, only Memphis should be in, but when you have one dominant team, one or two stragglers are sure to follow. The Blazers and Cougars are those stragglers, with UAB holding the edge due to a tete-a-tete win and a near scalp of the Tigers on February 16th.
Horizon
Bid Range: 1-2
Locked Up: Butler
Bubble Rider: Wright State
Bid Range is only up because the Raiders won the first matchup. But that was in Dayton and the rematch Thursday is in Hinkle Fieldhouse. Butler is playing for seeding, but it's loss at the hands of Drake means a top 4 seed is almost out of reach.
Ivy League
Likely Bids: 1
Likely Winner: Cornell
Actually you can start ingraving Cornell's invite today, the Big Red have a 3 game lead on Brown and can clinch as early as this weekend in the only league without a conference tourney.
Metro Atlantic
Likely Bids: 1
Likely Winner: Niagara
This year's MAAC is reminiscent of the AFC Central of the 1980's. Everyone it seems is tied for first. I like Niagara to emerge from the conference tournament, but you could say he same thing about Loyola(MD), Rider or Siena.
Mid-American
Bid Range: 1-2
Almost There: Kent State
Bubble Rider: Ohio
Is this the year the MAC Daddies get a second bid? Well the only it will happen is if the Golden Flashes make it to the championship Game. The Flashes made it easier by going in Moraga and toppling Saint Mary's, something Drake, Oregon and Gonzaga couldn't do. Ohio could make a case(given it's upset of Maryland) but unlikely to do so.
State of the Bubble: Big Sky to Big West
How is your team fairing compared to others? Are there any locks that come out surprising to you? How far will Tom O'Connor and his band of bracketeers go to find an at-large? Who knows any of this? Well let me help out with a 6-part series about teams in the field, near the field, and teams losing contact with it. This is the State of the Bubble! Part Two!
Big Sky
Likely Bids: 1
Likely Winner: Portland State
The Vikings are now in their twelfth year of their hoops revival and are close to locking up the overall conference crown. The biggest perk that comes with winning is hosting the semifinals and championship at your place(Not that it didn't help the Vikings a few years ago, they lost in the semis after winning the RS crown). With wins against wouldbe pursuers Northern Arizona(Sweep) and Weber State, the Vikings should have an easy time clinching their first big dance invite.
Big South
Likely Bids: 1
Likely Winner: Winthrop
The window of opprotunity for the rest of the Big South turned out to be a mirage. Or did it? UNC Asheville lead for most of the season, but after an injury to center Kenny George, the Bulldogs have stumbled, allowing the Eagles and new coach Randy Peele to slip into first. The winner of the RS crown will have homecourt edge throughout the tourney.
Big Ten
Bid Range: 4-5
Locked Up: Indiana, Michigan State, Purdue, Wisconsin
Bubble Riders: Minnesota, Ohio State
Matt Painter deserves the lions share of credit for the success his Boilermakers have had this Big Ten season. Rated as either a bubble rider or a non-entity in the preseason(and before Big Ten play after losing to Wofford at home), Purdue has a good chance of getting at least a tie for the RS title. Outside of the big 4, there's little out there. The Buckeyes may have won their last regular season game in advance of a tough finish, while Tubby Smith has piloted the Gophers to an outside run at the tourney, a weak non-conference slate though will keep the Gophers out of the big dance.
Big 12
Bid Range: 4-6
Locked Up: Kansas, Texas
Almost There: Kansas State, Oklahoma
Bubble Riders: Baylor, Nebraska, Texas A&M, Texas Tech
The Aggie faithful are getting nervous. With a loss to Nebraska(whom themselves get into a reasonable discussion), TAMU is quickly sliding into bubble irrelevance. Baylor may soon join them despite a good non-conference and a potential bubble-saving win over Kansas State. Bob Knight's resignation may give Texas Tech some sympathy votes, but the Zorros are a long shot(and that's putting it mildly). Still, the conference looks good for 4 and perhaps 5 bids.
Big West
Likely Bids: 1
Likely Winner: Northridge State
Yes they were beaten by Rider in their BracketBuster matchup over the weekend, but the Matadors are still leading the conference. That may change though as Pacific and Fullerton State(Both of whom have beaten the Matadors, the latter's win came at Northridge)are still hot on their trail. Everything will be settled in Anaheim.
Next Up: Colonial to Mid-American
Big Sky
Likely Bids: 1
Likely Winner: Portland State
The Vikings are now in their twelfth year of their hoops revival and are close to locking up the overall conference crown. The biggest perk that comes with winning is hosting the semifinals and championship at your place(Not that it didn't help the Vikings a few years ago, they lost in the semis after winning the RS crown). With wins against wouldbe pursuers Northern Arizona(Sweep) and Weber State, the Vikings should have an easy time clinching their first big dance invite.
Big South
Likely Bids: 1
Likely Winner: Winthrop
The window of opprotunity for the rest of the Big South turned out to be a mirage. Or did it? UNC Asheville lead for most of the season, but after an injury to center Kenny George, the Bulldogs have stumbled, allowing the Eagles and new coach Randy Peele to slip into first. The winner of the RS crown will have homecourt edge throughout the tourney.
Big Ten
Bid Range: 4-5
Locked Up: Indiana, Michigan State, Purdue, Wisconsin
Bubble Riders: Minnesota, Ohio State
Matt Painter deserves the lions share of credit for the success his Boilermakers have had this Big Ten season. Rated as either a bubble rider or a non-entity in the preseason(and before Big Ten play after losing to Wofford at home), Purdue has a good chance of getting at least a tie for the RS title. Outside of the big 4, there's little out there. The Buckeyes may have won their last regular season game in advance of a tough finish, while Tubby Smith has piloted the Gophers to an outside run at the tourney, a weak non-conference slate though will keep the Gophers out of the big dance.
Big 12
Bid Range: 4-6
Locked Up: Kansas, Texas
Almost There: Kansas State, Oklahoma
Bubble Riders: Baylor, Nebraska, Texas A&M, Texas Tech
The Aggie faithful are getting nervous. With a loss to Nebraska(whom themselves get into a reasonable discussion), TAMU is quickly sliding into bubble irrelevance. Baylor may soon join them despite a good non-conference and a potential bubble-saving win over Kansas State. Bob Knight's resignation may give Texas Tech some sympathy votes, but the Zorros are a long shot(and that's putting it mildly). Still, the conference looks good for 4 and perhaps 5 bids.
Big West
Likely Bids: 1
Likely Winner: Northridge State
Yes they were beaten by Rider in their BracketBuster matchup over the weekend, but the Matadors are still leading the conference. That may change though as Pacific and Fullerton State(Both of whom have beaten the Matadors, the latter's win came at Northridge)are still hot on their trail. Everything will be settled in Anaheim.
Next Up: Colonial to Mid-American
State of the Bubble: America East to Big East
How is your team fairing compared to others? Are there any locks that come out surprising to you? How far will Tom O'Connor and his band of bracketeers go to find an at-large? Who knows any of this? Well let me help out with a 6-part series about teams in the field, near the field, and teams losing contact with it. This is the State of the Bubble!
America East
Likely Bids: 1
Likely Winner: Maryland-Baltimore County
Struggles at both Albany and Vermont have allowed the Retrievers to lock up the outright regular season title(and the right to host the championship should they get there) already. Either way, UMBC is in a D-I postseason tourney via the NIT's access rules for RS winners.
Atlantic Coast
Bid Range: 4-6
Locked up: Duke, North Carolina
Almost there: Clemson
Bubble Riders: Maryland, Miami(FL), Wake Forest
Earlier this season there was a clear hierachy. Duke and UNC on one level, everyone else on the other. At least Clemson(Despite blowing two leads against the Heels) has been able to give it's resume some shape, and Miami is starting to do likewise. Maryland on the other hand is on the verge of squandering all it's good will with bad losses to Virginia Tech and Miami(Not to mention some weak home losses to the likes of American, Ohio and VCU). Wake Forest's campaign to win one for Skip Prosser helped it upset Duke, but could not vault it over UNC. Thursday's Terps-Deacs matchup is enormous, for the winner will likely be in the next project bracket and the loser will be close to the bubble's edge, making it unlikely that both will make, unless an ACC tournament run is made.
Atlantic Sun
Likely Bids: 1
Likely Winner: Belmont
Gardner-Webb and Mercer definitely made headlines earlier this year with their upsets, but it's the two-time defending titleists from Nashville's Music Row that has quietly ascended to the top of the ASun's hit parade. A potential championship run for the Bruins however, must be made at archrival Lipscomb's Allen Arena next week, and should the Bisons make it to the championship game, the Bruins' advantage of being the top seed is lost.
Atlantic 10
Bid Range: 1-4
Locked Up: Xavier
Bubble Riders: Dayton, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, St. Joseph's
The soft underbelly of the A-10's lower regions has gone from a blessing to a curse for our four bubble riders, in particular the Flyers who are in danger of missing the CONFERENCE tournament(This is what happens when you lose a big time player, in the Flyers' case, Chris Wright). The Rams though have it worse, losers of three straight at home. If none of the bubble riders make it out of the quarters in Atlantic City(Or make it at all in the case of the Flyers), it may be a one bid league. A huge downer from a few weeks ago, when the A-10 looked ready to gobble up 5 bids.
Big East
Bid Range: 6-9
Locked Up: Connecticut, Georgetown, Louisville, Marquette, Notre Dame
Almost There: Pittsburgh, West Virginia
Bubble Riders: Cincinnati, Seton Hall, Syracuse, Villanova
Is this the year the Big 16 gets nine teams into the field? The odds(purely recreational) are 65% against it, but who knows. One thing is for sure, this is a sure fire seven bid league and eight is very possible too. One bubble rider to keep an eye on is Syracuse, who have a top ten rank in SOS, but may not finish at .500 in conference. Did Jim Boeheim's decision to beef-up his non-conference slate while maintaining a home-heavy sked payoff? Stay tuned.
Next up: Big Sky to Big West
America East
Likely Bids: 1
Likely Winner: Maryland-Baltimore County
Struggles at both Albany and Vermont have allowed the Retrievers to lock up the outright regular season title(and the right to host the championship should they get there) already. Either way, UMBC is in a D-I postseason tourney via the NIT's access rules for RS winners.
Atlantic Coast
Bid Range: 4-6
Locked up: Duke, North Carolina
Almost there: Clemson
Bubble Riders: Maryland, Miami(FL), Wake Forest
Earlier this season there was a clear hierachy. Duke and UNC on one level, everyone else on the other. At least Clemson(Despite blowing two leads against the Heels) has been able to give it's resume some shape, and Miami is starting to do likewise. Maryland on the other hand is on the verge of squandering all it's good will with bad losses to Virginia Tech and Miami(Not to mention some weak home losses to the likes of American, Ohio and VCU). Wake Forest's campaign to win one for Skip Prosser helped it upset Duke, but could not vault it over UNC. Thursday's Terps-Deacs matchup is enormous, for the winner will likely be in the next project bracket and the loser will be close to the bubble's edge, making it unlikely that both will make, unless an ACC tournament run is made.
Atlantic Sun
Likely Bids: 1
Likely Winner: Belmont
Gardner-Webb and Mercer definitely made headlines earlier this year with their upsets, but it's the two-time defending titleists from Nashville's Music Row that has quietly ascended to the top of the ASun's hit parade. A potential championship run for the Bruins however, must be made at archrival Lipscomb's Allen Arena next week, and should the Bisons make it to the championship game, the Bruins' advantage of being the top seed is lost.
Atlantic 10
Bid Range: 1-4
Locked Up: Xavier
Bubble Riders: Dayton, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, St. Joseph's
The soft underbelly of the A-10's lower regions has gone from a blessing to a curse for our four bubble riders, in particular the Flyers who are in danger of missing the CONFERENCE tournament(This is what happens when you lose a big time player, in the Flyers' case, Chris Wright). The Rams though have it worse, losers of three straight at home. If none of the bubble riders make it out of the quarters in Atlantic City(Or make it at all in the case of the Flyers), it may be a one bid league. A huge downer from a few weeks ago, when the A-10 looked ready to gobble up 5 bids.
Big East
Bid Range: 6-9
Locked Up: Connecticut, Georgetown, Louisville, Marquette, Notre Dame
Almost There: Pittsburgh, West Virginia
Bubble Riders: Cincinnati, Seton Hall, Syracuse, Villanova
Is this the year the Big 16 gets nine teams into the field? The odds(purely recreational) are 65% against it, but who knows. One thing is for sure, this is a sure fire seven bid league and eight is very possible too. One bubble rider to keep an eye on is Syracuse, who have a top ten rank in SOS, but may not finish at .500 in conference. Did Jim Boeheim's decision to beef-up his non-conference slate while maintaining a home-heavy sked payoff? Stay tuned.
Next up: Big Sky to Big West
Monday, February 25, 2008
Bracket Watch for February 25th
Note: * denotes a Bubble Rider(that is a team that has at best a 2/3rds chance to make the field as an at-large.
Final Four Pairings
South(1) vs. West(4)
East(2) vs. Midwest(3)
SOUTH Region
North Little Rock
(1)Memphis(CUSA) vs. (16)Opening Round Winner
Opening Round: American(Patriot) vs. Alabama State(SWAC)
(8)Kent State(Mid-American)* vs. (9)Texas A&M*
Denver
(4)Indiana vs. (13)Oral Roberts(Summit)
(5)Vanderbilt vs. (12)Villanova*
Anaheim
(2)Stanford vs. (15)Northridge State(Big West)
(7)Gonzaga vs. (10)Massachusetts*
Omaha
(3)Kansas vs. (14)Maryland-Baltimore County(America East)
(6)Michigan State vs. (11)West Virginia*
WEST Region
Anaheim
(1)UCLA(Pac-10) vs. (16)Portland State(Big Sky)
(8)Brigham Young(Mountain West) vs. (9)Arkansas*
Birmingham
(4)Connecticut vs. (13)Virginia Commonwealth(Colonial)
(5)Butler(Horizon) vs. (12)Cornell(Ivy)
Raleigh
(2)Duke vs. (15)Belmont(Atlantic Sun)
(7)Marquette vs. (10)South Alabama(Sun Belt)*
Omaha
(3)Wisconsin(Big Ten) vs. (14)Boise State(WAC)
(6)St. Mary's(West Coast) vs. (11)Alabama-Birmingham*
EAST Region
Birmingham
(1)Tennessee(SEC) vs. (16)Morgan State(MEAC)
(8)Kansas State vs. (9)Southern California*
Denver
(4)Drake(Missouri Valley) vs. (13)Stephen F. Austin*
(5)Notre Dame vs. (12)New Mexico
Raleigh
(2)North Carolina(ACC) vs. (15)Rider(MAAC)
(7)Arizona* vs. (10)St. Joseph's*
Tampa
(3)Georgetown vs. (14)Austin Peay(Ohio Valley)
(6)Oklahoma vs. (11)Davidson(Southern)*
MIDWEST Region
North Little Rock
(1)Texas(Big 12) vs. (16)Lamar(Southland)
(8)Pittsburgh vs. (9)Miami(FL)
Tampa
(4)Purdue vs. (13)Southern Illinois*
(5)Washington State vs. (12)Kentucky*
Washington D.C.
(2)Xavier(A-10) vs. (15)Robert Morris(Northeast)
(7)Mississippi State vs. (10)Baylor*
(3)Louisville(Big East) vs. (14)Winthrop(Big South)
(6)Clemson vs. (11)Nevada-Las Vegas*
New in the field: Miami(FL), Massachusetts, Villanova, UAB, Rider, Morgan State, Southern Illinois, Kentucky, Stephen F. Austin
Out of the field: Maryland, Wake Forest, Dayton, Rhode Island, Syracuse, Siena, Norfolk State, Arizona State, Western Kentucky
Last four in the field: UAB, Kentucky, Southern Illinois, Stephen F. Austin
First four out of the field: Rhode Island, Syracuse, Florida, Arizona State
Next four out of the field: Oregon, Dayton, Illinois State, Maryland
Next four out after that: Houston, Wake Forest, George Mason, Nebraska
Also on the bubble: Virginia Tech, Seton Hall, Creighton, California
Next bracket will be posted on Thursday.
Final Four Pairings
South(1) vs. West(4)
East(2) vs. Midwest(3)
SOUTH Region
North Little Rock
(1)Memphis(CUSA) vs. (16)Opening Round Winner
Opening Round: American(Patriot) vs. Alabama State(SWAC)
(8)Kent State(Mid-American)* vs. (9)Texas A&M*
Denver
(4)Indiana vs. (13)Oral Roberts(Summit)
(5)Vanderbilt vs. (12)Villanova*
Anaheim
(2)Stanford vs. (15)Northridge State(Big West)
(7)Gonzaga vs. (10)Massachusetts*
Omaha
(3)Kansas vs. (14)Maryland-Baltimore County(America East)
(6)Michigan State vs. (11)West Virginia*
WEST Region
Anaheim
(1)UCLA(Pac-10) vs. (16)Portland State(Big Sky)
(8)Brigham Young(Mountain West) vs. (9)Arkansas*
Birmingham
(4)Connecticut vs. (13)Virginia Commonwealth(Colonial)
(5)Butler(Horizon) vs. (12)Cornell(Ivy)
Raleigh
(2)Duke vs. (15)Belmont(Atlantic Sun)
(7)Marquette vs. (10)South Alabama(Sun Belt)*
Omaha
(3)Wisconsin(Big Ten) vs. (14)Boise State(WAC)
(6)St. Mary's(West Coast) vs. (11)Alabama-Birmingham*
EAST Region
Birmingham
(1)Tennessee(SEC) vs. (16)Morgan State(MEAC)
(8)Kansas State vs. (9)Southern California*
Denver
(4)Drake(Missouri Valley) vs. (13)Stephen F. Austin*
(5)Notre Dame vs. (12)New Mexico
Raleigh
(2)North Carolina(ACC) vs. (15)Rider(MAAC)
(7)Arizona* vs. (10)St. Joseph's*
Tampa
(3)Georgetown vs. (14)Austin Peay(Ohio Valley)
(6)Oklahoma vs. (11)Davidson(Southern)*
MIDWEST Region
North Little Rock
(1)Texas(Big 12) vs. (16)Lamar(Southland)
(8)Pittsburgh vs. (9)Miami(FL)
Tampa
(4)Purdue vs. (13)Southern Illinois*
(5)Washington State vs. (12)Kentucky*
Washington D.C.
(2)Xavier(A-10) vs. (15)Robert Morris(Northeast)
(7)Mississippi State vs. (10)Baylor*
(3)Louisville(Big East) vs. (14)Winthrop(Big South)
(6)Clemson vs. (11)Nevada-Las Vegas*
New in the field: Miami(FL), Massachusetts, Villanova, UAB, Rider, Morgan State, Southern Illinois, Kentucky, Stephen F. Austin
Out of the field: Maryland, Wake Forest, Dayton, Rhode Island, Syracuse, Siena, Norfolk State, Arizona State, Western Kentucky
Last four in the field: UAB, Kentucky, Southern Illinois, Stephen F. Austin
First four out of the field: Rhode Island, Syracuse, Florida, Arizona State
Next four out of the field: Oregon, Dayton, Illinois State, Maryland
Next four out after that: Houston, Wake Forest, George Mason, Nebraska
Also on the bubble: Virginia Tech, Seton Hall, Creighton, California
Next bracket will be posted on Thursday.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Tournament Pick 'em Announcement
Want to play against a bracketologist? You now can, just go to http://tournament.fantasysports.yahoo.com/ create your group, go to join a group and enter the following:
ID: 1415
No password is needed as it is a public group, so just enter the id and you're entered. Hope to challenge you this March.
ID: 1415
No password is needed as it is a public group, so just enter the id and you're entered. Hope to challenge you this March.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Bracket Watch for Feburary 18th
Starting with today's projection, teams that are given an asterisk* are the bubble riders. Bubble Riders are those teams who at-large chances are at best 66% at this point(this also includes some teams currently leading their leagues).
Final Four Pairings
South vs. West(1 vs 4)
East vs Midwest(2 vs 3)
SOUTH Region
North Little Rock
(1)Memphis(CUSA) vs. (16)Opening Round winner
Opening Round: American(Patriot) vs. Alabama State(SWAC)
(8)Mississippi State* vs. (9)Syracuse*
Denver
(4)Wisconsin vs. (13)Cornell(Ivy)
(5)St. Mary's(West Coast) vs. (12)Oklahoma*
Birmingham
(2)Georgetown vs. (15)Maryland-Baltimore County(America East)
(7)Texas A&M vs. (10)Nevada-Las Vegas*
Anaheim
(3)Stanford vs. (14)Boise State(WAC)
(6)Vanderbilt vs. (11)Wake Forest*
WEST Region
Anaheim
(1)UCLA(Pac-10) vs. (16)Lamar(Southland)
(8)Clemson vs. (9)Brigham Young(Mountain West)*
Tampa
(4)Connecticut vs. (13)Virginia Commonwealth(Colonial)
(5)Kansas State vs. (12)Davidson(Southern)*
Raleigh
(2)North Carolina vs. (15)Belmont(Atlantic Sun)
(7)Gonzaga vs. (10)St. Joseph's*
Tampa
(3)Purdue(Big Ten) vs. (14)Oral Roberts(Summit)
(6)Marquette vs. (11)Baylor*
EAST Region
Birmingham
(1)Tennessee(SEC) vs. (16)Robert Morris(Northeast)
(8)Rhode Island vs. (9)West Virginia
Denver
(4)Butler(Horizon) vs. (13)Northridge State(Big West)
(5)Washington State vs. (12)Western Kentucky(Sun Belt)
North Little Rock
(2)Texas vs. (15)Austin Peay(Ohio Valley)
(7)Maryland vs. (10)Arizona*
Washington D.C.
(3)Louisville(Big East) vs. (14)Siena(Metro Atlantic)
(6)Indiana vs. (11)Dayton*
MIDWEST Region
Raleigh
(1)Duke(ACC) vs. (16)Norfolk State(MEAC)
(8)Arkansas* vs. (9)Southern California
Omaha
(4)Drake(Missouri Valley) vs. (13)Kent State(MAC)*
(5)Notre Dame vs. (12)New Mexico*
(2)Kansas(Big 12) vs. (15)Portland State(Big Sky)
(7)Pittsburgh vs. (10)Arizona State*
Washington D.C.
(3)Xavier(Atlantic-10) vs (14)Winthrop(Big South)
(6)Michigan State vs. (11)South Alabama*
New this week: Wake Forest, Dayton, St. Joseph's, Winthrop, Northridge State, Norfolk State, New Mexico, Robert Morris, Western Kentucky, Boise State
Out from last week: UNC Asheville, Ohio State, Pacific, Houston, Morgan State, Creighton, Sacred Heart, Florida, Mississippi, Utah State
Last four in the field: Dayton, South Alabama, Wake Forest, New Mexico
First four left out: Oregon*, Mississippi*, Southern Illinois*, Virginia Tech*
Next four left out: Ohio State*, Florida*, Massachusetts*, Stephen F. Austin*
Next four out after that: Wright State*, Utah State*, Seton Hall*, Miami(FL)*
The rest of the bubble riders: North Carolina State, Duquesne, Temple, Cincinnati, Minnesota, George Mason, Houston, UAB, Ohio, San Diego State, California, Kentucky
Next update: Feb. 25th
Final Four Pairings
South vs. West(1 vs 4)
East vs Midwest(2 vs 3)
SOUTH Region
North Little Rock
(1)Memphis(CUSA) vs. (16)Opening Round winner
Opening Round: American(Patriot) vs. Alabama State(SWAC)
(8)Mississippi State* vs. (9)Syracuse*
Denver
(4)Wisconsin vs. (13)Cornell(Ivy)
(5)St. Mary's(West Coast) vs. (12)Oklahoma*
Birmingham
(2)Georgetown vs. (15)Maryland-Baltimore County(America East)
(7)Texas A&M vs. (10)Nevada-Las Vegas*
Anaheim
(3)Stanford vs. (14)Boise State(WAC)
(6)Vanderbilt vs. (11)Wake Forest*
WEST Region
Anaheim
(1)UCLA(Pac-10) vs. (16)Lamar(Southland)
(8)Clemson vs. (9)Brigham Young(Mountain West)*
Tampa
(4)Connecticut vs. (13)Virginia Commonwealth(Colonial)
(5)Kansas State vs. (12)Davidson(Southern)*
Raleigh
(2)North Carolina vs. (15)Belmont(Atlantic Sun)
(7)Gonzaga vs. (10)St. Joseph's*
Tampa
(3)Purdue(Big Ten) vs. (14)Oral Roberts(Summit)
(6)Marquette vs. (11)Baylor*
EAST Region
Birmingham
(1)Tennessee(SEC) vs. (16)Robert Morris(Northeast)
(8)Rhode Island vs. (9)West Virginia
Denver
(4)Butler(Horizon) vs. (13)Northridge State(Big West)
(5)Washington State vs. (12)Western Kentucky(Sun Belt)
North Little Rock
(2)Texas vs. (15)Austin Peay(Ohio Valley)
(7)Maryland vs. (10)Arizona*
Washington D.C.
(3)Louisville(Big East) vs. (14)Siena(Metro Atlantic)
(6)Indiana vs. (11)Dayton*
MIDWEST Region
Raleigh
(1)Duke(ACC) vs. (16)Norfolk State(MEAC)
(8)Arkansas* vs. (9)Southern California
Omaha
(4)Drake(Missouri Valley) vs. (13)Kent State(MAC)*
(5)Notre Dame vs. (12)New Mexico*
(2)Kansas(Big 12) vs. (15)Portland State(Big Sky)
(7)Pittsburgh vs. (10)Arizona State*
Washington D.C.
(3)Xavier(Atlantic-10) vs (14)Winthrop(Big South)
(6)Michigan State vs. (11)South Alabama*
New this week: Wake Forest, Dayton, St. Joseph's, Winthrop, Northridge State, Norfolk State, New Mexico, Robert Morris, Western Kentucky, Boise State
Out from last week: UNC Asheville, Ohio State, Pacific, Houston, Morgan State, Creighton, Sacred Heart, Florida, Mississippi, Utah State
Last four in the field: Dayton, South Alabama, Wake Forest, New Mexico
First four left out: Oregon*, Mississippi*, Southern Illinois*, Virginia Tech*
Next four left out: Ohio State*, Florida*, Massachusetts*, Stephen F. Austin*
Next four out after that: Wright State*, Utah State*, Seton Hall*, Miami(FL)*
The rest of the bubble riders: North Carolina State, Duquesne, Temple, Cincinnati, Minnesota, George Mason, Houston, UAB, Ohio, San Diego State, California, Kentucky
Next update: Feb. 25th
Saturday, February 16, 2008
New Blog
I've just created a new blog where all conference tournaments can be found on a single page. Introducing Conference Tournament Central which you can find here: http://conferencetournamentcentral.blogspot.com
Enjoy it, as I will update it as tourneys are finalized.
Enjoy it, as I will update it as tourneys are finalized.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Bracket Watch for Feburary 11th
I must post this with a heavy heart. My dog Maddie is near death and she will likely be euthanized in the near future. UPDATE(2/12): Maddie died last night. Keep her in your thoughts.
Final Four pairings
South vs. West(1-4)
East vs. Midwest(2-3)
SOUTH Region
North Little Rock
(1)Memphis(CUSA) vs. (16)Opening Round winner
Opening Round: Sacred Heart(Northeast) vs. Alabama State(SWAC)
(8)Texas A&M vs. (9)Florida
Denver
(4)Butler(Horizon) vs. (13)Utah State(WAC)
(5)Notre Dame vs. (12)Kent State(Mid-American)
Anaheim
(2)Stanford vs. (15)Pacific(Big West)
(7)Marquette vs. (10)Clemson
Washington
(3)Xavier(A-10) vs. (14)UNC Asheville(Big South)
(6)Indiana vs. (11)Virginia Commonwealth(Colonial)
WEST Region
Raleigh
(1)Tennessee(SEC) vs. (16)Morgan State(MEAC)
(8)Maryland vs. (9)Nevada-Las Vegas
Tampa
(4)Kansas State vs. (13)Oral Roberts(Summit)
(5)Louisville vs. (12)Houston
Anaheim
(2)UCLA(Pac-10) vs. (15)Portland State(Big Sky)
(7)Baylor vs. (10)Mississippi State
Washington
(3)Michigan State vs. (14)Siena(Metro Atlantic)
(6)Pittsburgh vs. (11)South Alabama(Sun Belt)
EAST Region
Raleigh
(1)Duke(ACC) vs. (16)Lamar(Southland)
(8)Vanderbilt vs. (9)West Virginia
Denver
(4)Purdue(Big Ten) vs. (13)Creighton
(5)Washington State vs. (12)Brigham Young(Mountain West)
Birmingham
(2)Georgetown(Big East) vs. (15)Maryland-Baltimore County(America East)
(7)Rhode Island vs. (10)Mississippi
North Little Rock
(3)Texas vs. (14)Austin Peay(Ohio Valley)
(6)St. Mary's(West Coast) vs. (11)Arizona State
MIDWEST Region
Omaha
(1)Kansas(Big 12) vs. (16)American(Patriot)
(8)Arkansas vs. (9)Gonzaga
Tampa
(4)Connecticut vs. (13)Davidson(Southern)
(5)Arizona vs. (12)Ohio State
Birmingham
(2)North Carolina vs. (15)Belmont(Atlantic Sun)
(7)Southern California vs. (10)West Virginia
Omaha
(3)Drake(Missouri Valley) vs. (14)Cornell(Ivy)
(6)Wisconsin vs. (11)Oklahoma
New to the field: Maryland, Belmont, Pacific, Houston, Siena, Creighton, Brigham Young, Arizona State, American
Out of the field from last week: Jacksonville, Dayton, St. Joseph's, California State-Northridge, George Mason, Rider, Ohio, California, Lafayette
Last four in the field: Ohio State, Oklahoma, Houston, Creighton
First four left out: Dayton, St. Joseph's, North Carolina State, Oregon
Next four left out: Western Kentucky, George Mason, Seton Hall, Kentucky
Next four out after that: California, Ohio, Virginia Tech, Stephen F. Austin
Next update: Feburary 18th
Final Four pairings
South vs. West(1-4)
East vs. Midwest(2-3)
SOUTH Region
North Little Rock
(1)Memphis(CUSA) vs. (16)Opening Round winner
Opening Round: Sacred Heart(Northeast) vs. Alabama State(SWAC)
(8)Texas A&M vs. (9)Florida
Denver
(4)Butler(Horizon) vs. (13)Utah State(WAC)
(5)Notre Dame vs. (12)Kent State(Mid-American)
Anaheim
(2)Stanford vs. (15)Pacific(Big West)
(7)Marquette vs. (10)Clemson
Washington
(3)Xavier(A-10) vs. (14)UNC Asheville(Big South)
(6)Indiana vs. (11)Virginia Commonwealth(Colonial)
WEST Region
Raleigh
(1)Tennessee(SEC) vs. (16)Morgan State(MEAC)
(8)Maryland vs. (9)Nevada-Las Vegas
Tampa
(4)Kansas State vs. (13)Oral Roberts(Summit)
(5)Louisville vs. (12)Houston
Anaheim
(2)UCLA(Pac-10) vs. (15)Portland State(Big Sky)
(7)Baylor vs. (10)Mississippi State
Washington
(3)Michigan State vs. (14)Siena(Metro Atlantic)
(6)Pittsburgh vs. (11)South Alabama(Sun Belt)
EAST Region
Raleigh
(1)Duke(ACC) vs. (16)Lamar(Southland)
(8)Vanderbilt vs. (9)West Virginia
Denver
(4)Purdue(Big Ten) vs. (13)Creighton
(5)Washington State vs. (12)Brigham Young(Mountain West)
Birmingham
(2)Georgetown(Big East) vs. (15)Maryland-Baltimore County(America East)
(7)Rhode Island vs. (10)Mississippi
North Little Rock
(3)Texas vs. (14)Austin Peay(Ohio Valley)
(6)St. Mary's(West Coast) vs. (11)Arizona State
MIDWEST Region
Omaha
(1)Kansas(Big 12) vs. (16)American(Patriot)
(8)Arkansas vs. (9)Gonzaga
Tampa
(4)Connecticut vs. (13)Davidson(Southern)
(5)Arizona vs. (12)Ohio State
Birmingham
(2)North Carolina vs. (15)Belmont(Atlantic Sun)
(7)Southern California vs. (10)West Virginia
Omaha
(3)Drake(Missouri Valley) vs. (14)Cornell(Ivy)
(6)Wisconsin vs. (11)Oklahoma
New to the field: Maryland, Belmont, Pacific, Houston, Siena, Creighton, Brigham Young, Arizona State, American
Out of the field from last week: Jacksonville, Dayton, St. Joseph's, California State-Northridge, George Mason, Rider, Ohio, California, Lafayette
Last four in the field: Ohio State, Oklahoma, Houston, Creighton
First four left out: Dayton, St. Joseph's, North Carolina State, Oregon
Next four left out: Western Kentucky, George Mason, Seton Hall, Kentucky
Next four out after that: California, Ohio, Virginia Tech, Stephen F. Austin
Next update: Feburary 18th
Monday, February 4, 2008
Bracket Watch for Feb. 4th
Sorry for the relative lateness of this week's bracket. I was waiting for the Bracket Buster pairings to come out, and I was also out and about this morning.
Here goes this week's field:
Final Four Pairings
South vs. West(1 vs. 4)
East vs. Midwest(2 vs. 3)
SOUTH Region
North Little Rock
(1)Memphis(CUSA) vs. (16)Opening Round Winner
Opening Round: Lamar(Southland) vs. Alabama State(SWAC)
(8)Florida vs. (9)Clemson
Denver
(4)Kansas State vs. (13)Utah State(WAC)
(5)Arizona vs. (12)West Virginia
Tampa
(2)Georgetown(Big East) vs. (15)Austin Peay(Ohio Valley)
(7)Oklahoma vs. (10)Mississippi
Omaha
(3)Drake(Missouri Valley) vs. (14)Rider(Metro Atlantic)
(6)St. Mary's vs. (11)St. Joseph's
WEST Region
Raleigh
(1)North Carolina vs. (16)Sacred Heart(Northeast)
(8)Rhode Island vs. (9)Notre Dame
Denver
(4)Texas vs. (13)Davidson(Southern)
(5)Washington State vs. (12)Ohio
Anaheim
(2)UCLA(Pac-10) vs. (15)Portland State(Big Sky)
(7)Vanderbilt vs. (10)Syracuse
North Little Rock
(3)Wisconsin vs. (14) Northridge State(Big West)
(6)Gonzaga(West Coast) vs. (11)Virginia Commonwealth(Colonial)
EAST Region
Raleigh
(1)Duke(ACC) vs. (16)Maryland-Baltimore County(America East)
(8)Purdue(Big Ten) vs. (9)Nevada-Las Vegas(Mountain West)
Birmingham
(4)Connecticut vs. (13)UNC Asheville(Big South
(5)Baylor vs. (12)George Mason
(2)Tennessee(SEC) vs. (15)Jacksonville(Atlantic Sun)
(7)Southern California vs. (10)Dayton
Washington
(3)Michigan State vs. (14)Lafayette(Patriot)
(6)Marquette vs. (11)Kent State(MAC)
MIDWEST Region
Omaha
(1)Kansas(Big 12) vs. (16)Morgan State(MEAC)
(8)Louisville vs. (9)Arkansas
Tampa
(4)Butler(Horizon) vs. (13)South Alabama
(5)Indiana vs. (12)California
Washington
(2)Xavier(Atlantic 10) vs. (15)Cornell(Ivy)
(7)Texas A&M vs. (10)Ohio State
Anaheim
(3)Stanford vs. (14)Oral Roberts(Summit)
(6)Pittsburgh vs. (11)Mississippi State
Last four in the field: California, George Mason, West Virginia, Ohio
First four out: Massachusetts, Maryland, Brigham Young, Arizona State
Next four out: Illinois State, Seton Hall, Florida State, Western Kentucky
Next four out after that: Oregon, Charlotte, Houston, North Carolina State
Next field: Feb. 11th
Here goes this week's field:
Final Four Pairings
South vs. West(1 vs. 4)
East vs. Midwest(2 vs. 3)
SOUTH Region
North Little Rock
(1)Memphis(CUSA) vs. (16)Opening Round Winner
Opening Round: Lamar(Southland) vs. Alabama State(SWAC)
(8)Florida vs. (9)Clemson
Denver
(4)Kansas State vs. (13)Utah State(WAC)
(5)Arizona vs. (12)West Virginia
Tampa
(2)Georgetown(Big East) vs. (15)Austin Peay(Ohio Valley)
(7)Oklahoma vs. (10)Mississippi
Omaha
(3)Drake(Missouri Valley) vs. (14)Rider(Metro Atlantic)
(6)St. Mary's vs. (11)St. Joseph's
WEST Region
Raleigh
(1)North Carolina vs. (16)Sacred Heart(Northeast)
(8)Rhode Island vs. (9)Notre Dame
Denver
(4)Texas vs. (13)Davidson(Southern)
(5)Washington State vs. (12)Ohio
Anaheim
(2)UCLA(Pac-10) vs. (15)Portland State(Big Sky)
(7)Vanderbilt vs. (10)Syracuse
North Little Rock
(3)Wisconsin vs. (14) Northridge State(Big West)
(6)Gonzaga(West Coast) vs. (11)Virginia Commonwealth(Colonial)
EAST Region
Raleigh
(1)Duke(ACC) vs. (16)Maryland-Baltimore County(America East)
(8)Purdue(Big Ten) vs. (9)Nevada-Las Vegas(Mountain West)
Birmingham
(4)Connecticut vs. (13)UNC Asheville(Big South
(5)Baylor vs. (12)George Mason
(2)Tennessee(SEC) vs. (15)Jacksonville(Atlantic Sun)
(7)Southern California vs. (10)Dayton
Washington
(3)Michigan State vs. (14)Lafayette(Patriot)
(6)Marquette vs. (11)Kent State(MAC)
MIDWEST Region
Omaha
(1)Kansas(Big 12) vs. (16)Morgan State(MEAC)
(8)Louisville vs. (9)Arkansas
Tampa
(4)Butler(Horizon) vs. (13)South Alabama
(5)Indiana vs. (12)California
Washington
(2)Xavier(Atlantic 10) vs. (15)Cornell(Ivy)
(7)Texas A&M vs. (10)Ohio State
Anaheim
(3)Stanford vs. (14)Oral Roberts(Summit)
(6)Pittsburgh vs. (11)Mississippi State
Last four in the field: California, George Mason, West Virginia, Ohio
First four out: Massachusetts, Maryland, Brigham Young, Arizona State
Next four out: Illinois State, Seton Hall, Florida State, Western Kentucky
Next four out after that: Oregon, Charlotte, Houston, North Carolina State
Next field: Feb. 11th
Monday, January 28, 2008
Bracket Watch for January 28th
Crazy week last week, huh? First, Drake toppled Creighton to establish who is really the boss of the Missouri Valley. Then Baylor and Texas A&M go five overtimes with the Bears finally prevailing. And lastly, Duke comes back from 13 down in the second half to beat Maryland after the Terps had already topped North Carolina.
How did it reflect out in the projections? Let's find out:
Final Four Pairings
South(1) vs. West(4)
Midwest(2) vs. East(3)
SOUTH Region
North Little Rock
(1)Memphis(CUSA) vs. (16)Opening Round Winner
Opening Round: Lamar(Southland) vs. Alabama State(SWAC)
(8)Rhode Island vs. (9)Purdue
Denver
(4)Washington State vs. (13)California State-Northridge(Big West)
(5)Marquette vs. (12)Arkansas
North Little Rock
(2)Texas vs. (15)Cornell(Ivy)
(7)Vanderbilt vs. (10)Villanova
Omaha
(3)Drake(Missouri Valley) vs. (14)Austin Peay(Ohio Valley)
(6)Gonzaga vs. (11)Ohio State
WEST Region
Raleigh
(1)North Carolina vs. (16)Binghamton(America East)
(8)West Virginia vs. (9)Dayton
Anaheim
(4)St. Mary's(West Coast) vs. (13)Uah State(WAC)
(5)Arizona vs. (12)Brigham Young
(2)UCLA(Pac-10) vs. (15)Northern Arizona(Big Sky)
(7)Clemson vs. (10)Louisville
Denver
(3)Indiana(Big Ten) vs. (14)Davidson(Southern)
(6)Oklahoma vs. (11)Mississippi State(SEC)
MIDWEST Region
Omaha
(1)Kansas(Big 12) vs. (16)Lafayette(Patriot)
(8)Florida vs. (9)Connecticut
Birmingham
(4)Butler(Horizon) vs. (13)Oral Roberts(Summit)
(5)Stanford vs. (12)St. Joseph's
Tampa
(2)Georgetown(Big East) vs. (15)Wagner(Northeast)
(7)Baylor vs. (10)South Alabama(Sun Belt)
Washington
(3)Michigan State vs. (14)Hampton(MEAC)
(6)Mississippi vs. (11)Seton Hall
EAST Region
Raleigh
(1)Duke(ACC) vs. (16)Jacksonville(Atlantic Sun)
(8)Texas A&M vs. (9)Southern California
Tampa
(4)Pittsburgh vs. (13)Nevada-Las Vegas(Mountain West)
(5)Wisconsin vs. (12)Virginia Commonwealth(Colonial)
Birmingham
(2)Tennessee vs. (15)UNC Asheville(Big South)
(7)Notre Dame vs. (10)Miami(FL)
Washington
(3)Xavier(A-10) vs. (14)Siena(Metro Atlantic)
(6)Kansas State vs. (11)Kent State(Mid-American)
New This Week: St.Joseph's, Seton Hall, Oklahoma, Brigham Young, Nevada-Las Vegas, Wagner, Southern California, Arkansas, Lamar
Teams Moved Up To Fit The Bracket: KentState(12), South Alabama(11)
Teams Moved Down To Fit The Bracket: Arkansas(11), Ohio State(10)
Last Four In The Field: Arkansas, Seton Hall, Brigham Young, St. Joseph's
First Four Left Out: Massachusetts, Oregon, Maryland, Illinois State
Next Four Left Out: Syracuse, Providence, Houston, George Mason
Next Four Out After That: Cleveland State, Boston College, Missouri, Florida State
Oh, one more thing, here's my prediction for Super Bowl XLII:
New York Football Giants 30
New England Patriots 29
See y'all next week.
How did it reflect out in the projections? Let's find out:
Final Four Pairings
South(1) vs. West(4)
Midwest(2) vs. East(3)
SOUTH Region
North Little Rock
(1)Memphis(CUSA) vs. (16)Opening Round Winner
Opening Round: Lamar(Southland) vs. Alabama State(SWAC)
(8)Rhode Island vs. (9)Purdue
Denver
(4)Washington State vs. (13)California State-Northridge(Big West)
(5)Marquette vs. (12)Arkansas
North Little Rock
(2)Texas vs. (15)Cornell(Ivy)
(7)Vanderbilt vs. (10)Villanova
Omaha
(3)Drake(Missouri Valley) vs. (14)Austin Peay(Ohio Valley)
(6)Gonzaga vs. (11)Ohio State
WEST Region
Raleigh
(1)North Carolina vs. (16)Binghamton(America East)
(8)West Virginia vs. (9)Dayton
Anaheim
(4)St. Mary's(West Coast) vs. (13)Uah State(WAC)
(5)Arizona vs. (12)Brigham Young
(2)UCLA(Pac-10) vs. (15)Northern Arizona(Big Sky)
(7)Clemson vs. (10)Louisville
Denver
(3)Indiana(Big Ten) vs. (14)Davidson(Southern)
(6)Oklahoma vs. (11)Mississippi State(SEC)
MIDWEST Region
Omaha
(1)Kansas(Big 12) vs. (16)Lafayette(Patriot)
(8)Florida vs. (9)Connecticut
Birmingham
(4)Butler(Horizon) vs. (13)Oral Roberts(Summit)
(5)Stanford vs. (12)St. Joseph's
Tampa
(2)Georgetown(Big East) vs. (15)Wagner(Northeast)
(7)Baylor vs. (10)South Alabama(Sun Belt)
Washington
(3)Michigan State vs. (14)Hampton(MEAC)
(6)Mississippi vs. (11)Seton Hall
EAST Region
Raleigh
(1)Duke(ACC) vs. (16)Jacksonville(Atlantic Sun)
(8)Texas A&M vs. (9)Southern California
Tampa
(4)Pittsburgh vs. (13)Nevada-Las Vegas(Mountain West)
(5)Wisconsin vs. (12)Virginia Commonwealth(Colonial)
Birmingham
(2)Tennessee vs. (15)UNC Asheville(Big South)
(7)Notre Dame vs. (10)Miami(FL)
Washington
(3)Xavier(A-10) vs. (14)Siena(Metro Atlantic)
(6)Kansas State vs. (11)Kent State(Mid-American)
New This Week: St.Joseph's, Seton Hall, Oklahoma, Brigham Young, Nevada-Las Vegas, Wagner, Southern California, Arkansas, Lamar
Teams Moved Up To Fit The Bracket: KentState(12), South Alabama(11)
Teams Moved Down To Fit The Bracket: Arkansas(11), Ohio State(10)
Last Four In The Field: Arkansas, Seton Hall, Brigham Young, St. Joseph's
First Four Left Out: Massachusetts, Oregon, Maryland, Illinois State
Next Four Left Out: Syracuse, Providence, Houston, George Mason
Next Four Out After That: Cleveland State, Boston College, Missouri, Florida State
Oh, one more thing, here's my prediction for Super Bowl XLII:
New York Football Giants 30
New England Patriots 29
See y'all next week.
Monday, January 21, 2008
Bracket Watch for January 21st
A lot of movement this week as upsets throughout the nation shook up, not only the seed list, but also the at-large pool. As a result, there a few new teams in the projected field for the first time this year. So sit back and enjoy the field.
Final Four Pairings
South(1) vs. West(4)
Midwest(2) vs. East(3)
SOUTH Region
North Little Rock
(1)Memphis(CUSA) vs. (16)Opening Round Winner
Opening Round: Quinnipiac(Northeast) vs. Alabama State(SWAC)
(8)West Virginia vs. (9)Rhode Island
Anaheim
(4)Stanford vs. (13)Virginia Commonwealth(Colonial)
(5)St. Mary's vs. (12)Connecticut
Tampa
(2)Georgetown(Big East) vs. (15)Austin Peay(Ohio Valley)
(7)Mississippi vs. (10)Illinois State
North Little Rock
(3)Texas vs. (14)Stephen F. Austin(Southland)
(6)Clemson vs. (11)California
WEST Region
Raleigh
(1)North Carolina vs. (16)Lafayette(Patriot)
(8)Oregon vs. (9)Providence
Birmingham
(4)Dayton vs. (13)Siena(Metro Atlantic)
(5)Vanderbilt vs. (12)Akron(Mid-American)
Anaheim
(2)UCLA(Pac-10) vs. (15)Northern Arizona(Big Sky)
(7)Texas A&M vs. (10)Villanova
Denver
(3)Wisconsin(Big Ten) vs. (14)Cal State-Northridge(Big West)
(6)Gonzaga(West Coast) vs. (11)South Alabama(Sun Belt)
MIDWEST Region
Omaha
(1)Kansas(Big 12) vs. (16)Jacksonville(Atlantic Sun)
(8)Louisville vs. (9)Mississippi State(SEC)
Denver
(4)Washington State vs. (13)Utah State(WAC)
(5)Drake(Missouri Valley) vs. (12)San Diego State(Mountain West)
Birmingham
(2)Indiana vs. (15)Hampton(MEAC)
(7)Florida vs. (10)Miami(FL)
Washington
(3)Pittsburgh vs. (14)Davidson(Southern)
(6)Butler vs. (11)Massachusetts
EAST Region
Raleigh
(1)Tennessee vs. (16)Cornell(Ivy)
(8)Kansas State vs. (9)Arizona State
Tampa
(4)Michigan State vs. (13)UNC Asheville(Big South)
(5)Notre Dame vs. (12)Kent State
Washington
(2)Duke(ACC) vs. (15)Binghamton(America East)
(7)Marquette vs. (10)Baylor
Omaha
(3)Xavier(A-10) vs. (14)Oral Roberts(Summit)
(6)Arizona vs. (11)Cleveland State(Horizon)
Teams moved up to fit the field: Clemson(7), Kansas State(9), St. Mary's(6)
Teams moved down to fit the field: Arizona(5), Providence(8), Texas A&M(6)
New to the field: Binghamton, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Providence, Villanova, Baylor, Virginia Commonwealth, Cornell, Akron, Quinnipiac, California, Mississippi State, Davidson, Stephen F. Austin, Alabama State, Oral Roberts
Out of the field: Hartford, Boston College, Florida State, St. Joseph's, Ohio State, Delaware, Dartmouth, Nevada-Las Vegas, Wagner, Arkansas, Chattanooga, Northwestern State, Jackson State, IUPUI
Next four from the cut line: Villanova, Baylor, Miami(FL), Illinois State
Last four in the field: Massachusetts, California, Kent State, Connecticut
First four left out: Creighton, Boston College, Southern California, Brigham Young
Next four left out: Nevada-Las Vegas, Maryland, Ohio State, George Mason
Next four out after that: Syracuse, Purdue, Oklahoma, Arkansas
Also on board: Florida State, Charlotte, Duquesne, St. Joseph's, Cincinnati, Minnesota, Texas Tech, Houston, Tulane, Valparaiso, Ohio, Indiana State, New Mexico, Texas Christian, Auburn, Sam Houston State
Next field: January 28th
Final Four Pairings
South(1) vs. West(4)
Midwest(2) vs. East(3)
SOUTH Region
North Little Rock
(1)Memphis(CUSA) vs. (16)Opening Round Winner
Opening Round: Quinnipiac(Northeast) vs. Alabama State(SWAC)
(8)West Virginia vs. (9)Rhode Island
Anaheim
(4)Stanford vs. (13)Virginia Commonwealth(Colonial)
(5)St. Mary's vs. (12)Connecticut
Tampa
(2)Georgetown(Big East) vs. (15)Austin Peay(Ohio Valley)
(7)Mississippi vs. (10)Illinois State
North Little Rock
(3)Texas vs. (14)Stephen F. Austin(Southland)
(6)Clemson vs. (11)California
WEST Region
Raleigh
(1)North Carolina vs. (16)Lafayette(Patriot)
(8)Oregon vs. (9)Providence
Birmingham
(4)Dayton vs. (13)Siena(Metro Atlantic)
(5)Vanderbilt vs. (12)Akron(Mid-American)
Anaheim
(2)UCLA(Pac-10) vs. (15)Northern Arizona(Big Sky)
(7)Texas A&M vs. (10)Villanova
Denver
(3)Wisconsin(Big Ten) vs. (14)Cal State-Northridge(Big West)
(6)Gonzaga(West Coast) vs. (11)South Alabama(Sun Belt)
MIDWEST Region
Omaha
(1)Kansas(Big 12) vs. (16)Jacksonville(Atlantic Sun)
(8)Louisville vs. (9)Mississippi State(SEC)
Denver
(4)Washington State vs. (13)Utah State(WAC)
(5)Drake(Missouri Valley) vs. (12)San Diego State(Mountain West)
Birmingham
(2)Indiana vs. (15)Hampton(MEAC)
(7)Florida vs. (10)Miami(FL)
Washington
(3)Pittsburgh vs. (14)Davidson(Southern)
(6)Butler vs. (11)Massachusetts
EAST Region
Raleigh
(1)Tennessee vs. (16)Cornell(Ivy)
(8)Kansas State vs. (9)Arizona State
Tampa
(4)Michigan State vs. (13)UNC Asheville(Big South)
(5)Notre Dame vs. (12)Kent State
Washington
(2)Duke(ACC) vs. (15)Binghamton(America East)
(7)Marquette vs. (10)Baylor
Omaha
(3)Xavier(A-10) vs. (14)Oral Roberts(Summit)
(6)Arizona vs. (11)Cleveland State(Horizon)
Teams moved up to fit the field: Clemson(7), Kansas State(9), St. Mary's(6)
Teams moved down to fit the field: Arizona(5), Providence(8), Texas A&M(6)
New to the field: Binghamton, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Providence, Villanova, Baylor, Virginia Commonwealth, Cornell, Akron, Quinnipiac, California, Mississippi State, Davidson, Stephen F. Austin, Alabama State, Oral Roberts
Out of the field: Hartford, Boston College, Florida State, St. Joseph's, Ohio State, Delaware, Dartmouth, Nevada-Las Vegas, Wagner, Arkansas, Chattanooga, Northwestern State, Jackson State, IUPUI
Next four from the cut line: Villanova, Baylor, Miami(FL), Illinois State
Last four in the field: Massachusetts, California, Kent State, Connecticut
First four left out: Creighton, Boston College, Southern California, Brigham Young
Next four left out: Nevada-Las Vegas, Maryland, Ohio State, George Mason
Next four out after that: Syracuse, Purdue, Oklahoma, Arkansas
Also on board: Florida State, Charlotte, Duquesne, St. Joseph's, Cincinnati, Minnesota, Texas Tech, Houston, Tulane, Valparaiso, Ohio, Indiana State, New Mexico, Texas Christian, Auburn, Sam Houston State
Next field: January 28th
Monday, January 14, 2008
BracketWatch for January 14th
Final Four Pairings
East(1) vs. West(4)
South(2) vs. Midwest(3)
EAST Region
@Raleigh
(1)North Carolina(ACC) vs. (16)Opening Round Winner
Opening Round: Dartmouth(Ivy) vs. Jackson State(SWAC)
(8)Oregon vs. (9)Syracuse
@Birmingham
(4)Butler vs. (13)UNC Asheville(Big South)
(5)Vanderbilt vs. (12)St. Joseph's
@Tampa
(2)Georgetown(Big East) vs. (15)Austin Peay(Ohio Valley)
(7)Arizona vs. (10)Boston College
@Omaha
(3)Indiana(Big Ten) vs. (14)IUPUI(Summit)
(6)Rhode Island vs. (11)Utah State(WAC)
WEST Region
@Anaheim
(1)UCLA(Pac-10) vs. (16)Hartford(America East)
(8)Oklahoma vs. (9)Nevada-Las Vegas
@Tampa
(4)Xavier vs. (13)Chattanooga(Southern)
(5)Mississippi vs. (12)South Alabama(Sun Belt)
@North Little Rock
(2)Texas vs. (15)Hampton(MEAC)
(7)Drake(Missouri Valley) vs. (10)Arkansas
@Denver
(3)Marquette vs. (14)Cleveland State(Horizon)
(6)Gonzaga vs. (11)Florida State
SOUTH Region
@North Little Rock
(1)Memphis(CUSA) vs. (16)Northwestern State(Southland)
(8)Miami(FL) vs. (9)Pittsburgh
@Denver
(4)Wisconsin vs. (13)Cal State-Northridge(Big West)
(5)Texas A&M vs. (12)San Diego State(Mountain West
@Raleigh
(2)Tennessee(SEC) vs. (15)Jacksonville(Atlantic Sun)
(7)West Virginia vs. (10)Clemson
@Anaheim
(3)Washington State vs. (14)Northern Arizona(Big Sky)
(6)St. Mary's(West Coast) vs. (11)Kansas State
MIDWEST Region
@Omaha
(1)Kansas(Big 12) vs. (16)Delaware(CAA)
(8)Louisville vs. (9)Ohio State
@Washington
(4)Dayton(A-10) vs. (13)Siena(MAAC)
(5)Stanford vs. (12)Illinois State
(2)Michigan State vs. (15)Wagner(Northeast)
(7)Notre Dame vs. (10)Kent State(MAC)
@Birmingham
(3)Duke vs. (14)Lafayette(Patriot)
(6)Arizona State vs. (11)Florida
Gone This Week: UMBC, Virginia, Massachusetts, Villanova, Montana State, Winthrop, Baylor, Harvard, Niagara, New Mexico, Southeast Missouri State, Holy Cross, Southern, Oral Roberts, Boise State
New This Week: Hartford, St. Joseph's, Northern Arizona, UNC Asheville, Kansas State, Dartmouth, Siena, Illinois State, Austin Peay, Lafayette, Arkansas, Florida, Jackson State, IUPUI, Utah State
Teams that moved up to fit bracket: Chattanooga(14), Syracuse(10)Teams that moved down to fit bracket: Kent State(9), Northern Arizona(13)
Next four from the bubble: Clemson, Boston College, Arkansas, Florida State
Last four in the field: Florida, Kansas State, Illinois State, St. Joseph's
First four outside: Baylor, Connecticut, Brigham Young, Minnesota
Next four outside: Nebraska, California, New Mexico, Villanova
Next four after that: Creighton, Providence, Duquesne, Southern California
Next update: January 21st
East(1) vs. West(4)
South(2) vs. Midwest(3)
EAST Region
@Raleigh
(1)North Carolina(ACC) vs. (16)Opening Round Winner
Opening Round: Dartmouth(Ivy) vs. Jackson State(SWAC)
(8)Oregon vs. (9)Syracuse
@Birmingham
(4)Butler vs. (13)UNC Asheville(Big South)
(5)Vanderbilt vs. (12)St. Joseph's
@Tampa
(2)Georgetown(Big East) vs. (15)Austin Peay(Ohio Valley)
(7)Arizona vs. (10)Boston College
@Omaha
(3)Indiana(Big Ten) vs. (14)IUPUI(Summit)
(6)Rhode Island vs. (11)Utah State(WAC)
WEST Region
@Anaheim
(1)UCLA(Pac-10) vs. (16)Hartford(America East)
(8)Oklahoma vs. (9)Nevada-Las Vegas
@Tampa
(4)Xavier vs. (13)Chattanooga(Southern)
(5)Mississippi vs. (12)South Alabama(Sun Belt)
@North Little Rock
(2)Texas vs. (15)Hampton(MEAC)
(7)Drake(Missouri Valley) vs. (10)Arkansas
@Denver
(3)Marquette vs. (14)Cleveland State(Horizon)
(6)Gonzaga vs. (11)Florida State
SOUTH Region
@North Little Rock
(1)Memphis(CUSA) vs. (16)Northwestern State(Southland)
(8)Miami(FL) vs. (9)Pittsburgh
@Denver
(4)Wisconsin vs. (13)Cal State-Northridge(Big West)
(5)Texas A&M vs. (12)San Diego State(Mountain West
@Raleigh
(2)Tennessee(SEC) vs. (15)Jacksonville(Atlantic Sun)
(7)West Virginia vs. (10)Clemson
@Anaheim
(3)Washington State vs. (14)Northern Arizona(Big Sky)
(6)St. Mary's(West Coast) vs. (11)Kansas State
MIDWEST Region
@Omaha
(1)Kansas(Big 12) vs. (16)Delaware(CAA)
(8)Louisville vs. (9)Ohio State
@Washington
(4)Dayton(A-10) vs. (13)Siena(MAAC)
(5)Stanford vs. (12)Illinois State
(2)Michigan State vs. (15)Wagner(Northeast)
(7)Notre Dame vs. (10)Kent State(MAC)
@Birmingham
(3)Duke vs. (14)Lafayette(Patriot)
(6)Arizona State vs. (11)Florida
Gone This Week: UMBC, Virginia, Massachusetts, Villanova, Montana State, Winthrop, Baylor, Harvard, Niagara, New Mexico, Southeast Missouri State, Holy Cross, Southern, Oral Roberts, Boise State
New This Week: Hartford, St. Joseph's, Northern Arizona, UNC Asheville, Kansas State, Dartmouth, Siena, Illinois State, Austin Peay, Lafayette, Arkansas, Florida, Jackson State, IUPUI, Utah State
Teams that moved up to fit bracket: Chattanooga(14), Syracuse(10)Teams that moved down to fit bracket: Kent State(9), Northern Arizona(13)
Next four from the bubble: Clemson, Boston College, Arkansas, Florida State
Last four in the field: Florida, Kansas State, Illinois State, St. Joseph's
First four outside: Baylor, Connecticut, Brigham Young, Minnesota
Next four outside: Nebraska, California, New Mexico, Villanova
Next four after that: Creighton, Providence, Duquesne, Southern California
Next update: January 21st
Monday, January 7, 2008
BracketWatch debut projection
OK, OK, I know what you're thinking: Wasn't he going to do his first bracket on Thursday? Well I was going to until....Joe Lunardi put out his field this morning. Thus the first projection of this season(and of the history of this blog). But before I reveal the field, a few reminders of how the field is put together.
*1: All projections reflect what already has happened in the season to date, not wild predictions of the future.
*2: The whole field is seeded and placed in the bracket according to the NCAA's own rules.
*3: Conference leaders are those who hold the best record in that particular conference. Should there be a tie at the top, the tie will be broken by these rules:
A: Head-to head matchups
B: if no meeting thus far; Best Division I Won-Loss record
C: if still unbroken: Better RPI rank(http://www.kenpom.com/rpi.php will serve as the source for all RPI information)
And now the first field of the season:
Final Four Matchups
East(1) vs. West(4)
South(2) vs. Midwest(3)
EAST Region
Charlotte Bobcats Arena
Charlotte, NC
3-27/29
Raleigh, NC(RBC Center)
(1)North Carolina(ACC) vs. (16)Opening Round winner
Opening Round: Northwestern State(Southland) vs. Southern(SWAC)
(8)Oklahoma vs. (9)Notre Dame
Tampa, FL(St. Pete Times Forum)
(4)Butler vs. (13)Holy Cross(Patriot)
(5)Xavier vs. (12)Winthrop(Big South)
Denver, CO(Pepsi Center)
(2)Washington State vs. (15)Montana State(Big Sky)
(7)Drake(Missouri Valley) vs. (10)Nevada-Las Vegas
Birmingham, AL(BJCC Arena)
(3)Indiana vs. (14)Jacksonville(Atlantic Sun)
(6)Pittsburgh vs. (11)Arizona State
WEST Region
USAirways Center
Phoenix, AZ
3-27/29
Anaheim, CA(Honda Center)
(1)UCLA(Pac-10) vs. (16)Wagner(Northeast)
(8)Ohio State(Big Ten) vs. (9)Virginia
Denver
(4)Georgetown vs. (13)Oral Roberts(Summit League)
(5)St. Mary's(West Coast) vs. (12)Baylor
North Little Rock, AR(Alltel Arena)
(2)Texas vs. (15)Southeast Missouri State(Ohio Valley)
(7)Stanford vs. (10)Villanova
Birmingham
(3)Vanderbilt(SEC) vs. (14)Boise State(WAC)
(6)Wisconsin vs. (11)Boston College
SOUTH Region
Reliant Stadium
Houston, TX
3-28/30
North Little Rock
(1)Memphis(CUSA) vs. (16)Delaware(Colonial)
(8)Kent State(MAC) vs. (9)Florida State
Anaheim
(4)Texas A&M vs. (13)Chattanooga(Southern)
(5)West Virginia vs. (12)Niagara(MAAC)
Raleigh
(2)Tennessee vs. (15)Maryland-Baltimore County(America East)
(7)Arizona vs. (10)Syracuse(Big East)
Washington, DC(Verizon Center)
(3)Duke vs. (14) Hampton(MEAC)
(6)Rhode Island vs. (11)San Diego State
MIDWEST Region
Ford Field
Detroit, MI
3-28/30
Omaha, NE(Qwest Center Omaha)
(1)Kansas(Big 12) vs. (16)Harvard(Ivy)
(8)Gonzaga vs. (9)Miami(FL)
Tampa
(4)Marquette vs. (13)South Alabama(Sun Belt)
(5)Mississippi vs. (12)Massachusetts)
Washington
(2)Michigan State vs. (15)Cleveland State(Horizon)
(7)Clemson vs. (10)Louisville
Omaha
(3)Dayton(Atlantic 10) vs. (14)California State-Northridge(Big West)
(6)Oregon vs. (11)New Mexico
Switches to make bracket fit(and the seeds that they are in truth):
Moved Up: Arizona(8), Miami(FL)(9), Mississippi(6), Nevada-Las Vegas(11), New Mexico(12), Pittsburgh(7), Virginia(10)
Moved Down: Arizona State(10), Clemson(6), Gonzaga(7), Louisville(9), Massachusetts(11), Villanova(9), Wisconsin(6)
Next four from the bubble: Villanova, Virginia, Arizona State, Boston College
Last four in the field: Nevada-Las Vegas, Massachusetts, New Mexico, Baylor
First four left out: California, Connecticut, Florida, Arkansas
Next four left out: Illinois State, Southern California, Providence, Penn State
Next four out after that: Houston, North Carolina State, Minnesota, Kansas State
Just to let you know, I will not be doing any bids-by-conference lists this year.
Next field: January 14th(Yes this means I'm back to doing Monday brackets through February.
*1: All projections reflect what already has happened in the season to date, not wild predictions of the future.
*2: The whole field is seeded and placed in the bracket according to the NCAA's own rules.
*3: Conference leaders are those who hold the best record in that particular conference. Should there be a tie at the top, the tie will be broken by these rules:
A: Head-to head matchups
B: if no meeting thus far; Best Division I Won-Loss record
C: if still unbroken: Better RPI rank(http://www.kenpom.com/rpi.php will serve as the source for all RPI information)
And now the first field of the season:
Final Four Matchups
East(1) vs. West(4)
South(2) vs. Midwest(3)
EAST Region
Charlotte Bobcats Arena
Charlotte, NC
3-27/29
Raleigh, NC(RBC Center)
(1)North Carolina(ACC) vs. (16)Opening Round winner
Opening Round: Northwestern State(Southland) vs. Southern(SWAC)
(8)Oklahoma vs. (9)Notre Dame
Tampa, FL(St. Pete Times Forum)
(4)Butler vs. (13)Holy Cross(Patriot)
(5)Xavier vs. (12)Winthrop(Big South)
Denver, CO(Pepsi Center)
(2)Washington State vs. (15)Montana State(Big Sky)
(7)Drake(Missouri Valley) vs. (10)Nevada-Las Vegas
Birmingham, AL(BJCC Arena)
(3)Indiana vs. (14)Jacksonville(Atlantic Sun)
(6)Pittsburgh vs. (11)Arizona State
WEST Region
USAirways Center
Phoenix, AZ
3-27/29
Anaheim, CA(Honda Center)
(1)UCLA(Pac-10) vs. (16)Wagner(Northeast)
(8)Ohio State(Big Ten) vs. (9)Virginia
Denver
(4)Georgetown vs. (13)Oral Roberts(Summit League)
(5)St. Mary's(West Coast) vs. (12)Baylor
North Little Rock, AR(Alltel Arena)
(2)Texas vs. (15)Southeast Missouri State(Ohio Valley)
(7)Stanford vs. (10)Villanova
Birmingham
(3)Vanderbilt(SEC) vs. (14)Boise State(WAC)
(6)Wisconsin vs. (11)Boston College
SOUTH Region
Reliant Stadium
Houston, TX
3-28/30
North Little Rock
(1)Memphis(CUSA) vs. (16)Delaware(Colonial)
(8)Kent State(MAC) vs. (9)Florida State
Anaheim
(4)Texas A&M vs. (13)Chattanooga(Southern)
(5)West Virginia vs. (12)Niagara(MAAC)
Raleigh
(2)Tennessee vs. (15)Maryland-Baltimore County(America East)
(7)Arizona vs. (10)Syracuse(Big East)
Washington, DC(Verizon Center)
(3)Duke vs. (14) Hampton(MEAC)
(6)Rhode Island vs. (11)San Diego State
MIDWEST Region
Ford Field
Detroit, MI
3-28/30
Omaha, NE(Qwest Center Omaha)
(1)Kansas(Big 12) vs. (16)Harvard(Ivy)
(8)Gonzaga vs. (9)Miami(FL)
Tampa
(4)Marquette vs. (13)South Alabama(Sun Belt)
(5)Mississippi vs. (12)Massachusetts)
Washington
(2)Michigan State vs. (15)Cleveland State(Horizon)
(7)Clemson vs. (10)Louisville
Omaha
(3)Dayton(Atlantic 10) vs. (14)California State-Northridge(Big West)
(6)Oregon vs. (11)New Mexico
Switches to make bracket fit(and the seeds that they are in truth):
Moved Up: Arizona(8), Miami(FL)(9), Mississippi(6), Nevada-Las Vegas(11), New Mexico(12), Pittsburgh(7), Virginia(10)
Moved Down: Arizona State(10), Clemson(6), Gonzaga(7), Louisville(9), Massachusetts(11), Villanova(9), Wisconsin(6)
Next four from the bubble: Villanova, Virginia, Arizona State, Boston College
Last four in the field: Nevada-Las Vegas, Massachusetts, New Mexico, Baylor
First four left out: California, Connecticut, Florida, Arkansas
Next four left out: Illinois State, Southern California, Providence, Penn State
Next four out after that: Houston, North Carolina State, Minnesota, Kansas State
Just to let you know, I will not be doing any bids-by-conference lists this year.
Next field: January 14th(Yes this means I'm back to doing Monday brackets through February.
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