I knew we shouldn’t have posted our brackets.  What good comes from showing the world that we went a combine 2 of 8 on our Final Four picks?  I can brag that I picked those two that advanced (North Carolina and Villanova) while you can brag that the President only picked one correct than you.  This year there were few big upsets and no one you’d consider a “Cinderella.”

Kevin Patra's Final Four

J.David's Final Four

Kevin Patra

I find it hilarious about how much attention Michigan State is getting for its “upsets” of two Big East teams.  They are a 2-seed.  It’s not like a mid-major streaking as a 10-seed.  They were the Big Ten regular season champions.  Should we be that shocked they keep winning?  Part of what as fueled States run is why few outside of the MSU homers picked them to get this far:  they don’t have one stand out guy.  They have leaned on many different players throughout the tournament:  Goran Suton, Kalin Lucas, and then Raymar “the ghost” Morgan finally decided to show up for the UConn game.

Meanwhile UNC just keeps steam-rolling teams.  Ever since the first half of the LSU game, they have looked every bit as good as the pundits claimed after Tyler Hansbrough announced he’d be back for his senior season.

If you read “Five Reasons Michigan State can win it all” you will noticed that it was much easier to explain how they could beat UConn, and struggled when trying to put their strengths against UNC’s.  I hate this match-up for MSU.  Their running ability is negated against the Tar Heels (which was a big reason for their victory on Saturday) who want a fast paced game.  When they slow it down MSU needs to hit their threes at a much higher rate than they did against UConn (a paltry 6-19) in order to pull it out, or even keep it close.  Goran Suton, who didn’t play in the 98-63 pounding the Spartans took on Dec. 3, from the Tar Heels, will play a huge role in keeping Hansbrough off the boards.  MSU struggled on the boards against UConn in the first half, a problem I’m sure Izzo is addressing with his team.

The fairytale ending would close with Izzo, Walton and Lucas holding the trophy and leading the downtown riot (a peaceful riot, of course).  However, UNC is stockpiled with NBA talented players.  Their only goal in returning this year was to win the championship.  When talent is accompanied by focus, its usually too much for the “underdog” squad to make up.

J.David

Yep, a big oh-fer!  I am embarrassed to say that I have no remaining teams in the final four.  Wow.  I have lost all credibility.

So, I see you are taking UNC to beat the lowly team from East Lansing.  Well, think again because if I were Lee Corso then I would old … older … and crazy … and donning the Sparty head and shooting off various assault weapons, because Michigan State will win tonight at Ford Field.

I have been wrong about everything up until now, but my luck is about to change at the hands of complacency.  That is correct!  Within the last 48 hours, North Carolina has become complacent behind the drubbing they handed the Spartans in December, and Tom Izzo has them right where he wants them.  Overconfident.  Over talented.  And Over at Greek Town.

Spartans will play loose.  Will play defense.  And will play with each other … uh, I mean together.

OK.  Seriously?  There is no chance in hell the Spartans win.  UNC by 15 or more.  Will you take that bet?

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