Ok, so my original picks for the NCAA Tournament were anything but impressive when we look at the win/loss record. In my defense, my brackets typically hold a much higher risk tolerance than the average bracketeer, so when the first four rounds of play turned into a chalk-fest, I (much like my father) got a bit irritated to see my driveway covered in chalk.
But what can you do? Four one seeds have reached the national semifinal for the first time since 2008 and only the second time ever. And just because it's a rarity, that does not give you my respect if your entire Final Four prediction remains intact -- you picked the better team, on paper, every time, and I think you're missing the entire point of picking a bracket.
My original Final Four included two one-seeds, Duke and Houston, and two lower-seeded squads that ran into one-seed juggernauts a few rounds too early. Maryland and Michigan State each met the same unfortunate fate of every team not blessed with a "1" next to their school name.
For transparency's sake, my BYU bracket isn't doing very well anymore, either.
BYU fans like myself are familiar with reaching this point in the tourney without a team to cheer for, but I'm going to foolishly toss my hat in the ring for public scrutiny and boldly declare how I forsee the remainder of the tournament to play out.
Reader beware, there's delusion in the air.
Final Four Predictions
1 Auburn vs 1 Florida
An SEC rematch between the Tigers and the Gators, while being the unfortunate chalk matchup, should provide some highly entertaining competition in the final rounds of the tournament. All one seeds remaining, there are no weak links here. And my upset bias aside, I'm very excited to see how this game plays out.
As conference rivals, these squads faced off once before this season (a 90-81 Florida W), and get one last chance to prove who's the king of the loaded SEC.
The way I see it, Florida controls this basketball game from the jump.
Walter Clayton Jr. has been a star throughout the tournament, and his leadership and poise during a furious comeback late against Texas Tech proved that he's got what it takes to direct his squad to the promised land. Haugh and Richard have likewise been exceptional, and while I understand that this Auburn team is experienced and talented in their own right, it's got to be the Gators.
Prediction: Florida 86 - Auburn 79
1 Duke vs 1 Houston
Not to be that guy, but I totally called this meeting between the Blue Devils and Cougars. It's a shame that BYU wasn't able to receive the tremendous honor of being beaten down by Cooper Flagg and company, but this matchup was happening, no matter the road.
The way I see this game, it's going to be star power vs grit. Flashy freshman vs grizzled veterans. While Houston faced a much tougher in-conference slate (sorry, ACC, but you simply weren't very good this year), that shouldn't detract from how Duke's talent has managed itself on the biggest stage.
AP Player of the Year Cooper Flagg and projected lottery selections Khaman Maluach and Kon Knueppel have been legitimate forces throughout the season, compliment each other's game terrifically, and most of all: win.
Houston's been doing plenty of winning themselves, though, and with a highly-disciplined, well-coached, and veteran bunch of players dotting their roster, it's no surprise they've reached this level of play. The Cougars have been knocking on the door for quite some time now, falling short of glory for one reason or another.
Despite the tall task ahead of them, I can't in good conscience pick against Houston. I think this year is their year, and they make a statement win against the Blue Devils on their way to the final.
Prediction: Houston 76 - Duke 68