March Madness this year is happening during a period of major uncertainty in college sports.
Aside from trying to predict potential 5-12 upsets and deciding which underdog to include in the Elite Eight, fans also have to think about more deep-seated questions about the future of college basketball.
Currently, this event looks quite similar to how it has for a long time. Do not take it lightly as you fill out your brackets, and here are some tips if you need them. How about a Final Four with UConn, Houston, Gonzaga and Michigan State? Let us explain:
EAST REGION
First round winners: UConn, Northwestern, San Diego State, Auburn, BYU, Illinois, Drake, Iowa State.
Yale brings 7-footer Danny Wolf and an experienced supporting cast, but drew a tough first-round matchup against fourth-seeded Auburn. The Tigers are ranked No. 4 in the country by Ken Pomeroy.
Second round winners: UConn, Auburn, Illinois, Iowa State.
The Sweet 16 in this region could include the conference tournament champions of the Big East, SEC, Big Ten and Big 12.
Regional semifinal winners: UConn, Iowa State.
UConn is the favored bet to win a second straight national title. The Huskies are also ranked No. 1 by Pomeroy, and although we're accustomed to surprises, it's difficult to predict them to exit before the Elite Eight.
Regional champion: UConn. Iowa State had a case for a No. 1 seed, but there's a gap between the Cyclones and the Huskies.
SOUTH REGION
First Four: Colorado over Boise State.
First round winners: Houston, Nebraska, Wisconsin, Duke, Texas Tech, Kentucky, Florida, Marquette.
James Madison's victory over Wisconsin is likely to be a popular first-round upset pick — perhaps too popular. The same goes for Vermont over Duke. For this round at least, the favored teams win in this region.
Second round winners: Houston, Duke, Kentucky, Florida.
Kentucky's defense will ultimately be its downfall, but the Wildcats defeat Texas Tech in a clash of styles.
Regional semifinal winners: Houston, Kentucky.
The Sweet 16 and Elite Eight in the South are taking place in Dallas, so expect the Cougars to have a lot of support.
Regional champion: Houston. The Cougars should be well prepared after joining the Big 12 and facing a power-conference schedule. Kelvin Sampson's team is on its way to the Final Four.
MIDWEST REGION
First Four: Montana State over Grambling State, Colorado State over Virginia.
First round winners: Purdue, TCU, Gonzaga, Samford, Oregon, Creighton, Texas, Saint Peter’s.
“Dickinson” is the key word in this region. Kansas big man Hunter Dickinson didn't play in the Big 12 Tournament, and his health has been a concern for the Jayhawks. Top-seeded Purdue, on the other hand, needs to avoid being haunted by last year's loss to 16th-seeded Fairleigh Dickinson.
The Boilermakers advance. The fourth-seeded Jayhawks go down against Samford.
Second round winners: Purdue, Gonzaga, Creighton, Saint Peter’s.
In three of the last five tournaments, a No. 15 seed has reached the Sweet 16, so feel free to select one. And guess what, Saint Peter’s has achieved it from this same seed line before.
Regional semifinal winners: Gonzaga, Creighton.
Purdue will face a lot of pressure to avoid underperforming in the NCAA Tournament again. The Boilermakers make it through the first weekend but don't go on a long run.
Regional champion: Gonzaga. The Zags have the opportunity to go unnoticed this year, and with a vulnerable Kansas team nearby in the bracket, there's a favorable path to the Sweet 16. If Gonzaga can surpass Purdue, the Final Four is very much achievable.
WEST REGION
First Four: Howard over Wagner.
First round winners: North Carolina, Michigan State, Saint Mary’s, Alabama, New Mexico, Baylor, Nevada, Arizona.
Arizona is another team aiming to bounce back from a first-round loss in 2023, and top-seeded North Carolina returns after skipping the tournament entirely last year.
Second round winners: Michigan State, Saint Mary’s, New Mexico, Arizona.
It’s almost a stereotype to choose Tom Izzo’s team to exceed expectations in March, but Michigan State’s Pomeroy rank (18th) indicates the Spartans are a threat as a No. 9 seed.
Regional semifinal winners: Michigan State, Arizona.
Here’s a question you don’t hear often: Can Michigan State hold its own against Saint Mary’s on the boards? The statistics suggest it would be difficult, but the Spartans manage to prevail with their defense.
Regional champion: Michigan State. The Big Ten and SEC aren’t making a lot of friends these days. The Spartans prevent them from being completely shut out of the Final Four.
FINAL FOUR
Of the two underdogs in this Final Four, Gonzaga is more likely to move forward because it can trouble Houston on the boards, but ultimately UConn and Houston survive to arrange a matchup between two former American Athletic Conference teams.
The Huskies are probably the better all-around team, but it’s just too difficult to achieve a repeat. Houston wins it all.