Stumped by those pesky 8 vs. 9 matchups? Trying to figure out if FAMU is a 16 seed or a failed '90s boy band? Generally confused about filling out your NCAA Tournament bracket? Join the club.
To help relieve the March Madness, here are a few tried-and-true bracket trends to think about as you solidify your picks. (Legal disclaimer: The State News is not liable if any of these suggestions don't pan out, but we do expect a nice kickback if you win your office pool.)
1 Don't take the chalk
It's called March Madness for a reason: Upsets will happen. Don't assume all four No. 1 seeds will advance to the Final Four — it's never happened before.
2 Look for teams that finished strong
Georgetown, for instance, has won 15 of its last 16. Ohio State has quietly won 17 straight, with the last loss coming at Wisconsin on Jan. 9.
3 On second thought …
Ignore the previous tip, because Florida struggled in February last year (losing three straight), only to win it all in March. Sometimes, teams just hit their stride at the right time. Talented-yet-troubled teams (cough North Carolina cough) are worth a second look.
4 Pick a 5-12 upset
Or something even riskier. Since 1999, there have been seven first-round winners seeded 13th, three seeded 14th and even one 15 seed (Hampton in 2001).
5 But don't look for the next George Mason
The 11th-seeded Patriots made a run to the Final Four in 2006 by topping the likes of MSU and Connecticut. But more often than not, it's teams seeded fourth or higher who end up in the semifinals. Cinderella can stay out past midnight but not past the second weekend.
6 More bracket math
Add up the seeds of your projected Final Four teams. If the sum is between seven and 12, you're in good shape — that's been the case in 21 of the 28 years. Also, make sure you stick by at least one No. 1 seed — last season was only the second time in history that none of them made it to the Final Four.
7 Two of a kind
The selection committee says it doesn't set conference quotas when determining the field, but you should for your bracket. For eight straight seasons, two teams from the same conference have made it to the Final Four together. Might we suggest the Big 12, which has powder kegs Kansas, Texas and Texas A&M positioned well around the bracket?
8 Don't pick Kansas
Now this isn't set in stone because the Jayhawks have one hell of a talented roster. They could very well end up cutting down the nets. But Bill Self's crew has been knocked out of the tournament in the first round for the last two seasons, by the likes of 14th-seeded Bucknell (2005) and 13th-seeded Bradley (2006). Barring the first-ever 16-1 upset, the Jayhawks will at least make it to the second round, but after that? Be afraid. Be very afraid.
9 If you really want a sure thing …
Skip the Big Dance and fill out an NIT bracket. You know Michigan is a lock for the final.
