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College Football Week 2 Picks

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By Erich R Pilcher

I have always felt that any major reaction to what happens in week one of college football is an overreaction. Despite this belief, there are trends and things we can see that could give insight into how the season is going to go. Last week I went 5-1, a decent way to start. This week has five more games I will be picking. But first, some week one observations.  

SEC DOMINANCE: The Southeastern Conference (SEC) went 14-1 last week (the only loss being LSU to Florida State). I will say that some of these games were very predictable and the opponents were grossly overmatched. However, there are some impressive wins out there. Arkansas held off a very game Cincinnati squad that qualified for the College Football Playoff (CFP). In Gainsville, the Florida Gators beat defending PAC-12 Champions, the then seventh-ranked Utah Utes, and finally defending national champions Georgia Bulldogs drubbed the Oregon Ducks 49-3, which leads to point number two 

A TIDE VS BULLDOG INEVITABILITY? Georgia played like a team with something to prove, giving quite the rude welcome to Former Defensive Coordinator Dan Lanning in his first game as the Head Coach at Oregon. This game had many looking at a possible upset and doubting the 16.5 point-line. Once again, Georgia and Alabama do not play each other in the regular season and seem to be destined for an SEC championship game showdown. I do not know if it is inevitable that both teams make the CFP. But I do think Georgia is certainly the best team in the country right now.  

PAC-12 DEEP SIXED: This past weekend both Oregon and Utah lost. This has many once again declaring the PAC-12 will be left out of the CFP. That is an unfair conclusion. USC could very well run the table and if they do that, they most assuredly would get in. The problem is they play Utah and Oregon. Both teams are more complete than USC and that is a tough hill for any team to climb let alone an unproven one. It looks like another year where the PAC-12 will cannibalize themselves out of the playoff. 

 

#1 Alabama Crimson Tide vs Texas Longhorns 

NOON EST  

Fox National Broadcast 

Is Texas back? Getting Redshirt Freshman transfer Quarterback Quinn Ewers from Ohio State to couple with powerhouse Running Back Bijan Robinson is a good start. Last week Texas throttled the overmatched University of Louisiana Monroe. Now the competition goes up in the form of college football measuring stick Alabama.  

The Crimson Tide lost their usual number of players to the pros this offseason. However, Heisman Trophy winner, Quarterback Bryce Young and Defensive Lineman Tim Smith, and their coach is some guy named Nick Saban. They routed Utah State in a typical Tide-dominating fashion and appear to be ready for a run at the championship.   

Two things are working in the Longhorns’ favor. First, the game is being played in Texas and the game is set for a noon kickoff when it will be a balmy 86 degrees. One way to slow down a high-powered offense like Alabama’s is the heat. The bigger question is can Ewers, in only his second start, slay the beast that is Alabama? Nick Saban (much like his mentor Bill Belichick) loves to take away the main thing teams want to do. Texas will want Robinson to get going Early to take pressure off of Ewers in his first big game situation. I think it works for a half, but the Tide do what they do and roll late  

PREDICTION ALABAMA: 45 TEXAS 24 

  #24 Tennessee Volunteers vs #17 Pittsburgh Panthers  

3:30 PM EST 

ABC National Broadcast  

Last week Pittsburgh showed some real moxie in knocking off rival West Virginia in the return of the “Backyard Brawl”. Despite the victory, the Panthers allowed big plays and 31 points. Enter the Volunteers, who last week racked up 569 yards of total offense against Bowling Green to start Head Coach Josh Heupel’s second season. The offense loves to play fast and rack up yards quickly. 

The Vols are led by Quarterback Hendon Hooker. He can scramble and has improved his throwing. His main target is all SEC Wide receivers, Cedric Tillman. To spell those two is a two-headed monster at running back in Jaylen Wright and Jabari Small. Their downfall is an offensive line that gave up 44 sacks a year ago and Pitt loves to get after the QB.  

Pitt lost Quarterback Kenny Pickett from last year’s Conference Championship team. This has led to a more conservative approach offensively led by USC transfer Kedon Slovis, who threw for over 300 yards in his first game. That is good because they only averaged 2 yards per carry and will need to be more balanced in this game to keep the Vols off the field.  

This game will be tight. But I think in tight games, you have to go all out offensively. That gives the edge to the Vols. They score late for the mild upset  

PREDICTION TENNESSEE 38 PITTSBURGH 34 

 #20 Kentucky Wildcats vs #12 Florida Gators  

7:00 PM EST 

ESPN 

Is Florida back? Last week the Gators took a big step towards that reality by upsetting the seventh-ranked Utah Utes. They get a second consecutive big-time matchup at home when conference rival Kentucky visits.  

Florida has had a revolving door of head coaches as of late and appears to have found some stability with first-year coach Billy Napier. Anthony Richardson is a dual-threat quarterback that made big plays in last week’s upset. The Gators rushed for 268 yards and it appears they will rely on the run to carry them. 

The Wildcats play likewise. Although, they will be without star Running Back Chris Rodriguez Jr due to disciplinary reasons. This means more will be asked of Quarterback Will Levis (a Darkhorse Heisman candidate) who threw for 303 yards last week and three scores.  

One could argue that Utah still should have won last week’s game. Mistakes did them in and Florida capitalized. The question is, can the Gators be ready emotionally after the big win last week? Florida cannot rely on Levis to make the same mistake Utah Quarterback Cam Rising made last week. However, I think the Swamp will be rocking and the rejuvenated fan base will be enough to get the Gators to 2-0.  

PREDICTION KENTUCKY 40 FLORIDA 41 

UPSET SPECIAL   

#9 Baylor Bears vs #21 BYU Cougars 

9:15 PM EST 

ESPN 

These two future Big 12 rivals square off in Provo tomorrow night in a titanic top 25 showdown. Both teams are thought to be possible CFP part crashers and a win in this game would go a long way in helping their cause.  

Baylor has sped to burn with Receivers Monaray Baldwin and Ben Sims. Blake Shapen returns as the signal caller for the Bears. They do replace their top three rushers from last season. Baylor is young across the board offensively and BYU thrives at forcing mistakes. 

Offensively the Cougars are no slouch, but they are a defensive team. In last season’s matchup in Waco, the Cougars were hit with depth issues that allowed Baylor to take control late. They are healthy this season. Couple that with the game being played in Provo, with a fan base dying for a top 10 win, and this has upset written all over it. So let it be written, so let it be done.  

PREDICTION BAYLOR 21 BYU 27 

LOCAL FLAVOR
BATTLE FOR THE CY HAWK TROPHY  

Iowa State Cyclones vs Iowa Hawkeyes

3:00 PM EST 

Big Ten Network 

Last week the Iowa Hawkeyes defeated the South Dakota State Jackrabbits 7-3. They defeated the FCS power despite not scoring an offensive touchdown (their seven points were accomplished by a field goal and two safeties). Against any other opponent, their offensive ineptness would have led to almost certain defeat. The only thing that saved them, was a monumental defensive effort, herculean punting effort, and the Jackrabbits’ offensive ineptness. 

Now, here comes in-state rival Iowa State. Gone are offensive cornerstones Running Back Breece Hall and Quarterback Brock Purdy. Replacing them are Quarterback Hunter Dekkers and Wide Receiver Xavier Hutchinson (the duo connected for three touchdowns last week). The Cyclones have lost six straight in this series, but the Hawkeyes seem ripe for a loss here. 

Appearances can be deceiving. During Kirk Ferentz’s tenure, there have been times when the Hawkeyes have been written off and won a game, dispelling all worries. Dekkers is the prime concern for me. This is his first road start (in a VERY hostile environment), it’s a rivalry game and he is playing a phenomenal defense that will force him into mistakes. 

I’m going with the Hawkeyes to win this game and make it seven straight. So fire up the swarm, warm up the wave, and “Fight, fight, fight for Iowa”. The Cy-Hawk stays in Iowa City. 

PREDICITON IOWA STATE 12 IOWA 27

CURRENT RECCORD: 5-1

College Football Week 1 Picks

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By Erich R Pilcher

There is an old saying, “Fall seven times, stand up eight.” I must be a subconscious believer in that because even after my debacle that was picking the NCAA Tournament, I’m back here each Friday to pick the biggest College Football games of the week. 

To start us out on the honest path, last night I told someone I was picking West Virginia to upset Pittsburgh in the return of the “Backyard Brawl” game. Well, the Panthers won by seven. Thus I have started this season 0-1. Hopefully, I rebound with the following picks and start the year off right. 

(5) Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs (2) Ohio State Buckeyes

7:30 PM EST on ABC 

This is the premier match-up of Week One with two College Football blue bloods squaring off in Columbus. Notre Dame brings a talented, but unproven roster into this game led by new Head Coach Marcus Freeman (also an Ohio State graduate and former linebacker) and Redshirt Sophomore Quarterback Tyler Buchner (making his first career start). Meeting them is the potent Buckeye offense led by preseason Heisman Trophy front-runner, Quarterback C.J. Stroud. 

The cupboard is not bare for the Irish. They return many from a defense that was excellent last season. Returning are Defensive End Isiah Foskey, Jason Ademiola, and Line Backer Bo Bauer. They also added Northwestern Graduate Transfer Safety Brandon Joseph (to replace the superstar Cornerback, now Baltimore Raven, Kyle Hamilton). This is going to be key to slowing down Stroud and the Buckeye offense that is built around explosive plays. 

The biggest question is can the Irish score enough? They do have arguably the top Tight End in the county Micheal Mayer and Buchner showed last year in spot duty he can certainly make plays (mostly on the run). But will that be enough to keep pace with an offense that scored 45.7 points per game last season, returns key cogs in Wide Receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (last season broke the single-season and single-game school records in yards and receptions), and Running Back TreVeyon Henderson (rushed for 277 yards in one game)?

The current spread is at 17.5 points for the Buckeyes, which is a bit too steep given the talent the Irish have. I also think the Irish will shock some people defensively by getting pressure on Stroud and getting stops. However, it’s a tough hill to climb for the offense. If this game were played a month later, I would say the Irish could hang with the Buckeyes. But offensively, the Irish have too many questions and Ohio State has all the right answers. Sadly, (I’m a Notre Dame fan) Ohio State is the pick.

PREDICITON: NOTRE DAME 28 OHIO STATE 41

(11) Oregon Ducks vs (3) Georgia Bulldogs

3:30 PM EST on ESPN/ABC 

The Georgia Bulldogs FINALLY got over the hump and beat Nick Saban and Alabama en route to winning their first National Title since 1980. Oregon last year pulled off a major upset going into Columbus and knocking off Ohio State (a game that kept the Buckeyes from the College Football Playoff). No doubt they are looking to do the same to the Bulldogs in Atlanta. 

Enter new Oregon Head Coach Dan Lanning. Last year he orchestrated the Bulldog defense that was key in winning the championship. He also has a bevy of talent at his disposal with stud Linebackers Justin Flowe and Noah Seawell. One would be foolish to think that Lanning doesn’t know how to make Georgia Quarterback Stetson Bennett uncomfortable and other secrets behind the Bulldog offense. They would be even more foolish to think he won’t use them to his team’s advantage.

As was mentioned the key to the Bulldog’s run last season was a great defense. That defense only returns three starters but features a very talented group of young players that should fit in nicely. Many are expecting the offense to run wild here, but I disagree. I think defense rules the day. And I like Bennett more than Oregon’s Bo Nix to make the key plays when he needs to. Bulldogs are the pick.

PREDICITON: OREGON 13 GEORGIA 24

(23) Cincinnati Bearcats vs (19) Arkansas Razorbacks

3:30 PM EST on ESPN/ABC 

Two of last year’s best stories square off in week one. The Bearcats crashed the College Football Playoff Party after their 13-0 regular season (that included beating Notre Dame in South Bend). Arkansas started a shocking 4-0, this included wins against Texas and Texas A&M. Then the Razorbacks lost three straight. However, they rallied winning five of their last four games (only loss to Alabama, by seven)including the Outback Bowl. 

With returning players wise these teams are on the opposite end of the spectrum Cincinnatti lost much of their talent from last year’s squad. Including Quarterback Desmond Ritter and Defender Sauce Gardner, among others. Arkansas reruns much of their team including scintillating Quarterback KJ Jefferson. However, the Bearcats under Head Coach Luke Fickell have shown that they will be prepared and play to their strengths. 

I feel this will be the best game of the weekend. I think both teams will trade some thunderous shots, leading to a very “Nip and Tuck” game. However, when looking for an edge in close matchups, go with who you know. I know Arkansas has an explosive offense and they are ready to prove last year was no fluke.

PREDICTION: CINCINNATI 30 ARKANSAS 35

UPSET SPECIAL

Florida State Seminoles vs Louisiana State Tigers

SEPT. 4TH 6:30 PM EST on ABC 

Before anyone assumes this is sour grapes about Brian Kelly leaving Notre Dame for LSU, hear me out. To start last season the Seminoles took Notre Dame to overtime where they eventually lost. And, while they started the season 0-4, they rebounded to win five of their next seven and were within a field goal of a bowl game berth against rival Florida. 

LSU Returns only six starters overall and who will start at Quarterback is a mystery. Whoever starts under center will have playmaking Wide Receiver Kayshon Boute to target, the rest is as good of a guess as the quarterback. Despite a formidable receiving corps, the Tigers have major questions on the offensive line and could be missing Running Back John Emery Jr to suspension. 

The Seminoles are trending up. After some early hiccups, Mike Norvell appears to have Florida State trending upward. In his third season, he has stability on both sides of the ball, led by third-year Quarterback Jordan Travis. Add in a vast upgraded group of receivers and a three-headed monster at Running Back, and the Tigers’ defense under new coordinator Matt House will be tested. 

Everything here points to an upset. I’m taking the Seminoles

PREDICITON: FLORIDA STATE 35 LSU 27

LOCAL FLAVOR 

South Dakota State Jackrabbits vs Iowa Hawkeyes

11:05 AM EST on FS1

This life only has two guarantees, death and taxes. A third could be added as well, Kirk Ferentz is Iowa’s Head Football Coach. Ferentz begins his 24th season against FCS foe South Dakota state. The Jackrabbits did make it to the FCS semifinals and are ranked second in the FCS poll. 

The Hawkeyes started last 6-0 (and ranked second in the polls) behind a stifling defense. But, an inept offense led to the Hawkeyes being embarrassed by Purdue and Wisconsin. They rebounded to win four hard-fought games in a row before getting housed by Michigan in the B10 Championship Game and losing to Kentucky in the Citrus Bowl. 

The stingy defense returns most of their starters. Any questions regarding the offense should not be an issue in this game. I look for the game to be close for the first half and for Iowa’s defense to play lights out in the second half, putting the Jackrabbits away.

PREDICTION: IOWA 31 SDSU 13

That does it for this week’s games. If there are any games you would like to see picked feel free to comment or send an email. Thanks for reading and let’s enjoy the season 

Season Record: 0-1

Rock Chalk Investigate a Jayhawk

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By Erich R Pilcher

Corruption runs rampant in society. While I do believe there is good in the world., I’m not naïve enough to think that everyone in a position of power obtained it by honorable means. I try to look for the good in everything, that includes sports, which I’m what you would call a “sports nut”.

Recently, my favorite time of the year ended, March Madness. Otherwise, known as the NCAA Tournament. In the end, the Kansas Jayhawks won the championship, overcoming many years of their toughness and resolve being questioned. They overcame a historic 15-point halftime deficit to claim the title and etch their names in history.

That is for the time being at least.

NCAA President Mark Emmert prepares to present the Kansas Jayhawks with the 2022 National Championship while investigating them for major NCAA Violations
Photo Courtesy: Yahoo Sports

Currently, the Jayhawks are under investigation by the NCAA dating back to 2019. The basketball program is cited for five-level one (the most severe allegations a university can be accused of) violations. The main accusations are that Head Coach Bill Self and Assistant Coach Kurtis Townsend partnered with Adidas (the schools athletic apparel sponsor) to, according to the statement of allegations, “Intentionally and willfully engaged in NCAA violations and blatantly disregarded the NCAA constitution and bylaws.” They are also accused of the dreaded and vague lack of institutional control.

Kansas head coach Bill Self speaks during a press conference before the 2022 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament Final Four at Caesars Superdome on March 31, 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Photo Courtesy: Jamie Squire/Getty Images

The investigation began three years ago. It also is not believed any current Kansas players are a part of the investigation. During a Final Four press conference Self stated that he felt the end was coming soon. The question here is what does that end entail? For that answer, we need a brief history lesson.

Former LSU coach Will Wade was fired on March 12, 2022 for reported NCAA Rules Violations
Photo Courtesy: Sports Illustrated

On March 12 (one day before Selection Sunday), Louisiana State University (LSU) fired Men’s Head Basketball Coach Will Wade following receipt of a notice of allegations that Wade provided impermissible benefits. This was the second set of allegations during Wade’s time as head coach. Yet, LSU was still allowed to compete in the NCAA tournament (They lost in the first round to Iowa State). Now, safe to say this appearance and season will be vacated by LSU as punishment. Also, all scholarship players have left the university, leaving the program in shambles, even before the NCAA brings down the hammer of punishment on the school.

The University of Michigan’s Fab Five (from left to right Jimmy King, Juwan Howard, Chris Webber, Jalen Rose and Ray Jackson) had all of their accomplishments wiped away due to NCAA rules violations. Photo Courtesy: Associated Press

Going back even further the University of Michigan had Final Four appearances in 1992 and 1993 vacated along with the season results from 1992-93, 1995-96, and 1998-99. They also removed banners commemorating the aforementioned two Final Four appearances, 1997 NIT championship, and 1998 Big Ten Tournament Championship. This stems from players taking money and other items from the late Michigan Booster Ed Martin (notably NBA Hall of Famer Chris Webber). Also, the school was prohibited from having the players from those teams on campus and being mentioned in record books for a period exceeding a decade.


There are many more tales I could tell. The result is some players had nothing to do with the misdeeds that were committed. They worked hard, “did it the right way” and so forth. To have their contributions removed because coaches and other players did not follow the rules is a grave injustice. The solution here is simple.

The NCAA must adopt a rule that if an athletic program is under investigation for major infractions, they are not eligible for postseason play. It does not matter if it is the cash cow of a program that is football or water polo. If they are being investigated, they stay home for the postseason, no questions asked. This would allow players to know upfront, before committing to a university, that the postseason is not an option. It would (hopefully) jumpstart the NCAA to conduct these investigations in a timely matter. And not allow the school the heartbreak of vacating wins and possible championships. Also, with the transfer portal being wide open, players can leave if an investigation is opened after they are with their team, without any eligibility concerns


The time has come for the NCAA to send a message that these investigations are serious. Over the past few years, I have flushed the naïve thought they are “Student-Athletes” they are not. They make billions for their respective universities and are mostly part of professional athlete training grounds. should be able to make money off their likeness (without the school’s influence, as is the current rule). But they should not be subject to the heartbreak of years down the road having their accomplishments and accolades stripped away for the misdeeds of others.

Admittedly, this does not solve the problem. It does not even scratch the surface. What it does do is make the NCAA proactive instead of reactive. A rule of this nature might make coaches think twice before breaking the rules to make an extra couple of million dollars in endorsements for a tainted championship.

Quite frankly, the fans, the students, and the players deserve better. It is time for the NCAA to deliver on that.

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March Madness Preview: West and East Regions

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By Erich R Pilcher

The madness has arrived. As we count down until Thursday at noon eastern when the first game tips off (play-in games on Tuesday and Wednesday non-withstanding) there will be analysis upon analysis and predictions galore. So, if you will indulge me, I will throw my hat into the ring.

Today I will be taking a look at the East and West regions with predictions and regional winners. However, first I will give my opinions on the bracket. 

If these are the numbers the NCAA Selection Comitteee basis thier chocies on, they must explain leaving Texas A & M out of the Big Dance. Graphic Courtesy of Bracketologists.com

Left Out: I thought Texas A&M did enough to play their way into the tournament. And the numbers would agree with that. When you look at their NET rating it is better than Notre Dame, Wyoming, and Rutgers. Their Strength of Schedule (SOS) is better than Wyoming and Notre Dame. The only argument against them would be their Quad One record (4-10, but identical to Notre Dame percentage-wise). However, their overall profile and the way they played in the SEC tournament would dictate they should have gone dancing.

Michigan Head Basketball Coach Juwan Howard led Michigan back to the tournament despite playing the seventh toughest schedule in the country, a 17-14 record and a late season suspension for striking an opposing coach. Photo Courtesy: Michigan Live

Seeding Gripe: Two teams were miss seeded in opposite directions. Michigan, was seeded as an 11 seed and missed a play in-game. In their last game, they blew a 17 point lead against Indiana (selected to a play in-game) and have been inconsistent throughout the season. Their resume was their saving grace. They have the seventh toughest schedule in the country and went 8-13 against Quad 1 and 2 opponents. I feel their record (17-14) and the way the season finished should have put them in the play-in situation. 

On the flip side Southeastern Conference (SEC) Tournament champion Tennessee Volunteers should have bumped Kentucky from the two-line. They are a three-seed but went 4-1 against Auburn (regular-season conference champion) and Kentucky (who they beat in the Conference Tournament semifinals) that alone should have allowed them to overtake one of them for a two seed. 

Will Wade was fired by LSU the day before Selection Sunday after major NCAA violations were alleged.
Photo Courtesy: Atlanata Journal Democrat

Why are they in: Louisiana State University (LSU) fired Head Coach Will Wade on Saturday after the school was notified by the NCAA of mass improprieties alleged against him and his staff. They were selected to take part in the tournament. No doubt the student-athletes worked hard to get here and from what we know, none of the current players were involved in wrongdoing. But why have them take part in a tournament when the appearance will more than likely, just be vacated once the NCAA concludes their investigation? That is an answer that has not been given and sadly these players will feel the hurt of their accomplishments being wiped away, albeit delayed. 

WEST REGION PREVIEW 

The West Bracket. Graphic Courtesy: Yahoo Sports

The Top Seed: The Gonzaga Bulldogs suffered no hangover from their destruction at the hand of Baylor in the National Title game last season. Behind Freshman Chet Holmgren and veteran Andrew Timme the Bulldogs appear to be more complete than they were last season. They were dependent on strong guard play last season this year they can shoot from anywhere on the court and defend. There is no mistake with them being the overall top seed. 

Upset Special: Cal State Fullerton over the Duke Blue Devils. This Duke team (In Mike Krzyzewski’s final season) is one of the most talented in the nation. They have 4 probable NBA first-round picks led by Paolo Banchero. However, talent doesn’t always win out in March. This Duke team is inexperienced and has shown major immaturities. These parallels remind me of the Duke teams that lost to Lehigh and Mercer. I feel the same happens here. Duke loses in the first round.

Possible Dark Horse: Texas Tech did not miss a beat when Head Coach Chris Bard departed for rival Texas. They can defend and shoot. The issue is can they shoot it consistently to match up with an offensive powerhouse. The defense will get them to the Elite Eight. But, there is Gonzaga and that inconsistent shooting is hard to overcome against them. But they can play against anyone. 

Best Game: The probable Elite Eight match-up between Texas Tech and Gonzaga will be the best in this region. You have two teams that can score and play defense. It will be a war of attrition and entertainment. Despite Texas Tech being really good they are not exceptional. So that leads to…

Region Winner: The Gonzaga Bulldogs have been the most consistent top team in the country this season. Honestly, I do not see a team that if they are playing to their potential and talent that can match up with them in this region. They might have a close call or two (Texas Tech comes to mind) but in the end, they will be on their way to the Final Four. 

The West Region as I see it. Gonzaga will be headed to the Final Four. Graphic Courtesy: Yahoo Sports

EAST REGION PREVIEW 

The East Region Bracket: Graphic Courtesy: Yahoo Sports

The Top Seed: The Baylor Bears are the defending National Champions. Throughout this season they have shown the heart of a champion. They have overcome injuries and lost players from last year’s squad. They certainly look the part behind Flow Thamba and others. They are not as deep as they were last year. However, to discount them would be a mistake

Upset Special: Virginia Tech over Texas. The Hokies started championship week on the outside looking in on the NCAA tournament. All they did was win four games in four days. And beat the top three teams in the Atlantic Coast Conference tournament on their way to an improbable conference tournament championship. For their troubles, they were awarded an 11 seed and a match-up against Texas. They are playing so well and have momentum on their side. This continues with the upset here 

Possible Dark Horse: Saint Mary’s dominated Gonzaga in a late-season match-up. Despite Gonzaga beating them in the conference tournament final, they are a great team. They defend well and work hard on every possession. Teams will need to give their best effort to beat the Gales. Do not be shocked if they find their way to the regional final. 

Best Game:  The possible sweet sixteen match-up between Kentucky and Purdue will be an offensive slugfest. Jaden Ivey from Purdue can score from anywhere on the court and might be the most explosive player in the country. He can close down on the basket very quickly and is a big body that can finish strong. Kentucky’s Oscar Tshiebwe will be waiting for him. This man is a double-double machine and leads the country in rebounds averaging about 15 per game. Kentucky has had spells of not shooting well and Purdue is not the defensive team they have been. This match-up is great because it is dependent on who overcomes their weaknesses more. 

Region Winner: The Kentucky Wildcats. Being the two seed Kentucky is gifted with not having to see a thin Baylor Bears team until the Elite Eight. when they could be quite worn down (if they make it that far, see my picks below). Coach John Calipari has this team playing well at the right time and is in the weakest bracket. This bodes well for the Wildcats to march onto the Final Four. 

My East Region Picks. I have Kentucky winning this region. Graphic Courtesy: Yahoo Sports

Join me here tomorrow as I look at the South and Midwest regions.