Ivar's take on sports

Bracketology 3/9/12

2012-03-09T03:57:00.001-08:00

Hey guys! New bracket today. Lots of movement down on the bubble today. Remember even lines are read right to left and odd lines are read left to right.

1 Kentucky, Syracuse, Kansas, North Carolina
2 Missouri, Ohio State, Michigan State, Duke
3 Indiana, Wisconsin, Marquette, Michigan
4 Louisville, Baylor, Georgetown, UNLV
5 Florida State, Murray State, Wichita State, Temple
6 Notre Dame, Vanderbilt, San Diego State, Saint Mary’s
7 Gonzaga, Florida, Creighton, Memphis
8 Purdue, Iowa State, Saint Louis, New Mexico
9 Kansas State, Southern Miss, Cincinnati, Virginia
10 California, Harvard, Connecticut, Alabama
11 Colorado State, West Virginia, BYU, Long Beach State
12 South Florida, VCU, Texas, Xavier
13 Washington vs. Miami (FL), Drexel vs. Seton Hall, South Dakota State, Belmont
14 Davidson, Nevada, Loyola (MD), Akron
15 Lehigh, Montana, Detroit, Long Island
16 Stony Brook vs. Western Kentucky, Norfolk State vs. Mississippi Valley State, Texas-Arlington, UNC-Asheville

Last 4 in
Seton Hall
Drexel
Washington
Miami (FL)

First 4 out
Mississippi State
North Carolina State
Northwestern
Iona

Next 4 out
St. Joe’s
Tennessee
Arizona
Oral Roberts

Bracketology 3/8/12 5:30 PM

2012-03-08T14:40:00.001-08:00

Hi guys! This bracket is through games concluded as of now (last notable games finished were Oregon State/Washington and Alabama/South Carolina). Huskies certainly didn't do themselves any favors in that one.
1 Kentucky, Syracuse, Kansas, North Carolina
2 Missouri, Ohio State, Michigan State, Duke
3 Marquette, Indiana, Wisconsin, Michigan
4 Florida State, Baylor, Georgetown, UNLV
5 Murray State, Wichita State, Louisville
6 Gonzaga, Vanderbilt, San Diego State, Saint Mary’s, Temple
7 Florida, Creighton, Iowa State, Notre Dame
8 Purdue, Saint Louis, New Mexico, Memphis
9 Kansas State, Southern Miss, Cincinnati, Virginia
10 California, Harvard, Connecticut, Alabama
11 West Virginia, Colorado State, BYU, Mississippi State
12 Washington vs. Xavier, Drexel vs. Seton Hall, Northwestern, South Florida
13 VCU, Long Beach State, South Dakota State, Belmont
14 Davidson, Nevada, Loyola (MD), Akron
15 Lehigh, Montana, Detroit, Long Island
16 Stony Brook vs. Western Kentucky, Norfolk State vs. Mississippi Valley State, Texas-Arlington, UNC-Asheville

Last 4 in
Xavier
Seton Hall
Drexel
Washington

First 4 out
Texas
Miami (FL)
North Carolina State
Oregon

Next 4 out
St. Joe’s
Tennessee
Arizona
Iona

That's all for now!

Bracketology 3/7/12

2012-03-07T14:26:00.001-08:00

New bracket today! Not too many changes. Remember even lines are read right to left.
1 Kentucky, Syracuse, Kansas, North Carolina
2 Missouri, Ohio State, Michigan State, Duke
3 Marquette, Indiana, Wisconsin, Georgetown
4 Florida State, Baylor, UNLV, Michigan
5 Murray State, Wichita State, San Diego State, Louisville
6 Temple, Gonzaga, Vanderbilt, Saint Mary’s
7 Florida, Creighton, Iowa State, Kansas State,
8 Saint Louis, Virginia, New Mexico, Notre Dame
9 Purdue, Memphis, Southern Miss, Alabama
10 Connecticut, Cincinnati, Harvard, West Virginia
11 California, Colorado State, BYU, Washington
12 Northwestern vs. Xavier, Drexel vs. South Florida, Mississippi StateSeton Hall
13 VCU, Long Beach State, South Dakota State, Belmont
14 Davidson, Nevada, Loyola (MD), Akron
15 Bucknell, Montana, Detroit, Long Island
16 Stony Brook vs. Western Kentucky, Savannah State vs. Mississippi Valley State, Texas-Arlington, UNC-Asheville

Last 4 in
South Florida
Northwestern
Drexel
Xavier

First 4 out
Texas
Miami (FL)
North Carolina State
Oregon

Next 4 out
St. Joe’s
Tennessee
Arizona
Iona

Bracketology 3/6/12

2012-03-06T15:17:00.000-08:00

New Bracketology updated through yesterday's games! Drexel is the last team in the field. For now. They're the most interesting team on the bubble in my mind. The 2-bid Colonial drops Xavier from the field, and Tennessee enters my radar (a 75 RPI and 4 sub-100 losses are really not that good though). Made some swaps near the 10/11 lines and dropped Seton Hall a number of spots after reviewing some resumes. Here's the seed list (remember even lines are read right to left):
1 Kentucky, Syracuse, Kansas, North Carolina
2 Missouri, Ohio State, Michigan State, Duke
3 Marquette, Indiana, Wisconsin, Georgetown
4 Florida State, Baylor, UNLV, Michigan
5 Murray State, Wichita State, San Diego State, Louisville
6 Temple, Gonzaga, Vanderbilt, Saint Mary’s
7 Florida, Creighton, Iowa State, Kansas State,
8 Saint Louis, Virginia, New Mexico, Notre Dame
9 Purdue, Memphis, Southern Miss, Alabama
10 Harvard, Connecticut, Cincinnati, West Virginia
11 California, Colorado State, BYU, Washington
12 VCU, Northwestern vs. Mississippi State, Drexel vs. South Florida, Seton Hall
13 Long Beach State, San Diego State, South Dakota State, Belmont
14 Nevada, Valparaiso, Loyola (MD), Akron
15 Davidson, Bucknell, Montana, Long Island
16 Stony Brook vs. North Texas, Savannah State vs. Mississippi Valley State, Texas-Arlington, UNC-Asheville

Last 4 in
Mississippi State
South Florida
Northwestern
Drexel

First 4 out
Xavier
Texas
Miami (FL)
North Carolina State

Next 4 out
Oregon
St. Joe’s
Tennessee
Arizona

Bracketology 3/5/12

2012-03-05T03:48:00.001-08:00

New bracket update! 4 teams have punched their ticket. The Beach pick up their first loss in Big West play, and the Heels take a #1. Here's the seed list, remember even seeds are read right to left. Bold teams have punched their ticket.

1 Kentucky, Syracuse, Kansas, North Carolina
2 Missouri, Ohio State, Michigan State, Duke
3 Marquette, Indiana, Wisconsin, Georgetown
4 Florida State, Baylor, UNLV, Michigan
5 Murray State, Wichita State, San Diego State, Gonzaga
6 Florida, Temple, Vanderbilt, Louisville
7 Creighton, St. Mary’s, Iowa State, Kansas State,
8 Saint Louis, Virginia, New Mexico, Notre Dame
9 Purdue, Memphis, Southern Miss, Alabama
10 Seton Hall, California, West Virginia, Harvard
11 Cincinnati, Connecticut, BYU, Colorado State
12 Northwetsern vs. Miami (FL), Xavier vs. South Florida, Mississippi State, Washington
13 Long Beach State, Drexel, Oral Roberts, Belmont
14 Arkansas Little-Rock, Valparaiso, Loyola (MD), Akron
15 Davidson, Bucknell, Nevada, Montana
16 Stony Brook vs. Texas Arlington, Savannah State vs. Mississippi Valley State, UNC-Asheville, Long Island

Last 4 in
South Florida
Northwestern
Xavier
Miami (FL)

First 4 out
Arizona
VCU
North Carolina State
Texas

Next 4 out
Dayton
Oregon
UCF
St. Joe’s

Bracketology 3/2/12

2012-03-02T04:05:00.004-08:00

Hey guys! Not much change from yesterday.

Remember even lines are read right to left.

1 Kentucky, Syracuse, Kansas, Duke
2 Ohio State, Missouri, Michigan State, North Carolina
3 Georgetown, Indiana, Marquette, Baylor
4 UNLV, Wichita State, Michigan, Wisconsin
5 Murray State, Florida State, Vanderbilt, Louisville
6 Florida, Temple, Gonzaga, San Diego State
7 St. Mary’s, Kansas State, Creighton, Notre Dame
8 Virginia, New Mexico, Iowa State, Purdue
9 Alabama, Saint Louis, Southern Miss, Memphis
10 Harvard, BYU, California, Seton Hall
11 Cincinnati, Washington, Connecticut, West Virginia
12 Xavier vs. Mississippi State, Long Beach State, South Florida, Colorado State
13 Northwetsern vs. Miami (FL), Drexel, Middle Tennessee State, Iona
14 Valparaiso, Belmont, Akron, Oral Roberts
15 Davidson, Bucknell, Nevada, Weber State
16 Stony Brook vs. Texas Arlington, Savannah State vs. Mississippi Valley State, UNC-Asheville, Long Island

Last 4 in
Mississippi State
Northwestern
Xavier
Miami (FL)

First 4 out
Arizona
Texas
VCU
North Carolina State

Next 4 out
Dayton
Oregon
UCF
St. Joe’s

Bracketology 3/1/12

2012-02-29T18:23:00.001-08:00

Long time, no bracket. At least relatively, considering D-day (Selection Sunday) is 11 days away. All games through 2/29 (Wednesday)

1 Kentucky, Syracuse, Kansas, Duke
2 Ohio State, Missouri, Michigan State, North Carolina
3 Georgetown, Indiana, Marquette, Baylor
4 UNLV, Wichita State, Michigan, Wisconsin
5 Murray State, San Diego State, Vanderbilt, Louisville
6 Florida, Temple, Gonzaga, Florida State
7 St. Mary’s, Kansas State, Creighton, Virginia
8 New Mexico, Iowa State, Notre Dame, Purdue
9 Alabama, Saint Louis, Southern Miss, Memphis
10 Harvard, BYU, California, Seton Hall
11 Cincinnati, Washington, Connecticut, West Virginia
12 Xavier vs. Mississippi State, Long Beach State, South Florida, Colorado State
13 Northwetsern vs. Miami (FL), Drexel, Middle Tennessee State, Iona
14 Valparaiso, Belmont, Akron, Oral Roberts
15 Davidson, Bucknell, Nevada, Weber State
16 Stony Brook vs. Texas Arlington, Savannah State vs. Mississippi Valley State, UNC-Asheville, Long Island

Last 4 in
Mississippi State
Northwestern
Xavier
Miami (FL)

First 4 out
Arizona
Texas
VCU
North Carolina State

Next 4 out
Dayton
Oregon
UCF
St. Joe’s

St. Joe’s
Temple
New Mexico
Missouri
Mississippi State
Southern Miss
Ohio State
Texas
North Carolina State
UNLV
San Diego State

Bracketology 2/27/12

2012-02-27T03:49:00.002-08:00

Here's the bracket through yesterday's games. Remember even seed lines are read right to left.

1 Kentucky, Syracuse, Michigan State, Kansas
2 Ohio State, Missouri, North Carolina, Duke
3 Marquette,Baylor, Georgetown, Wisconsin
4 Wichita State, Michigan, Indiana, UNLV
5 Murray State, San Diego State,Florida State, Louisville
6 Vanderbilt, Florida, Temple, Gonzaga
7 St. Mary’s, Kansas State, Creighton, Notre Dame
8 New Mexico, Purdue, Virginia, Iowa State
9 Alabama, Southern Miss, Memphis, Saint Louis
10 BYU, California, Seton Hall, Connecticut
11 Harvard, Washington, West Virginia, Long Beach State
12 Mississippi State vs. Texas, Northwestern, Xavier, Cincinnati
13 Arizona vs. Colorado State, Drexel, Middle Tennessee State, Iona
14 Valparaiso, Belmont, Akron, Oral Roberts
15 Davidson, Bucknell, Nevada, Weber State
16 Vermont vs. Texas Arlington, Savannah State vs. Mississippi Valley State, UNC-Asheville, Long Island

Last 4 in
Mississippi State
South Florida
Miami (FL)
Colorado State

First 4 out
Arizona
Texas
St. Joesph’s
Minnesota

Next 4 out
UCF
Dayton
Oregon
North Carolina State

Bracketology 2/22/12

2012-02-22T10:50:00.001-08:00

Hey guys! Big day on the bubble, with lots of movement. Colorado State and Seton Hall are the big winners of the day, and Miami (ouch, how do you lose to Maryland?) is the biggest loser. Mississippi State falls down to the 12 line, perilously close to the First Four, while the Beach take their spot on the 11. Somehow I have a sinking feeling L. Beach might not get the auto bid... I'm going to make an active attempt to put 2 majors and 2 mid-majors in the First Four from now on, but I won't go way out of my way to do it. Also, I wouldn't be surprised if Harvard got the 2011 Utah State treatment from the committee. To refresh your memory, the Aggies were a consensus 8/9 seed, and they were given a 12. Anyways, your comments would be much appreciated. Don't forget even lines are read right to left.

1 Kentucky, Syracuse, Michigan State, Duke
2 North Carolina, Missouri, Ohio State, Kansas
3 Marquette, Michigan, Wisconsin, Baylor
4 Indiana, UNLV, Georgetown, Florida State
5 Murray State, Florida, Wichita State, Gonzaga
6 Temple, Kansas State, San Diego State, Louisville
7 St. Mary’s, Creighton, Vanderbilt, Notre Dame
8 Southern Miss, Saint Louis, New Mexico, Virginia
9 Harvard, Alabama, California, Iowa State
10 West Virginia, Purdue, BYU, Seton Hall
11 Connecticut, Memphis, Washington, Long Beach State
12 UCF vs. Arizona, Cincinnati, Xavier, Mississippi State
13 Northwestern vs. Colorado State, Middle Tennessee State, Belmont, Drexel
14 Valparaiso, Akron, Oral Roberts, Iona
15 Davidson, Bucknell, Nevada, Weber State
16 Vermont vs. Texas Arlington, Savannah State vs. Mississippi Valley State, UNC-Asheville, Long Island

Last 4 in
Northwesterm
UCF
Arizona
Colorado State

First 4 out
Texas
Minnesota
South Florida
North Carolina State

Next 4 out
St. Joseph’s
Miami (FL)
Illinois
Oregon

Bracketology 2/21/12

2012-02-21T06:33:00.001-08:00

Only 2 games that affected the bracket yesterday. I moved Connecticut down despite the win, because watching that game, I was utterly un-impressed. Texas falls out of the field, UCF takes their place, and Baylor moves up a spot on the 4 line. Don't forget even lines are read right to left.

1 Kentucky, Syracuse, Missouri, Michigan State
2 North Carolina, Ohio State, Kansas, Duke
3 Marquette, Michigan, Georgetown, Wisconsin
4 UNLV, Gonzaga, Florida State, Baylor
5 Murray State, Indiana, Florida, Wichita State
6 Creighton, Temple, San Diego State, Louisville
7 New Mexico, St. Mary’s, Vanderbilt, Notre Dame
8 Southern Miss, Saint Louis, Kansas State, Virginia
9 Harvard, Alabama, California, Iowa State
10 Connecticut, West Virginia, Purdue, BYU
11 Memphis, Xavier, Washington, Mississippi State
12 UCF vs. Miami (FL), Long Beach State, Northwestern, Seton Hall
13 Cincinnati vs. North Carolina State, Middle Tennessee State, Belmont, Drexel
14 Valparaiso, Akron, Oral Roberts, Iona
15 Davidson, Bucknell, Nevada, Weber State
16 Vermont vs. Texas Arlington, Norfolk State vs. Mississippi Valley State, UNC-Asheville, Long Island

Last 4 in
Cincinnati
Miami (FL)
North Carolina State
UCF

First 4 out
MinnesotaTexas
Illinois
Arizona
Next 4 out
South Florida
Mississippi
Colorado State
Oregon

Bids by conference:
Big East: 9 (3 locks, 2 looking good, 4 bubble in, 1 bubble out)
Big Ten: 7 (5 locks, 0 looking good, 2 bubble in, 2 bubble out)
ACC: 6 (3 locks, 1 looking good, 2 bubble in, 0 bubble out)
Big 12: 5 (3 locks, 2 looking good, 0 bubble in, 1 bubble out)
SEC: 5
Mountain West: 3
WCC: 3
C-USA: 3
A-10: 3
Pac-12: 2
Missouri Valley: 2

Bracketology 2/20/12

2012-02-20T08:02:00.001-08:00

First of all, I'd like to thank you guys for getting this blog to 1,000 all-time page views!
Second of all, lots of changes today. Illinois falls out of the field for the first time this year, and the Spartans jump up to the 1 line. The top 3 lines have a distinctly Big Ten flavor, eh? South Florida enters consideration for the first time this year, and UCF looks to give the C-USA the 3 bids it once had again. Additionally, I have a bracket at the end of this post. Remember even lines are read right to left.

1 Kentucky, Syracuse, Missouri, Michigan State
2 North Carolina, Ohio State, Kansas, Duke
3 Marquette, Michigan, Georgetown, Wisconsin
4 UNLV, Gonzaga, Baylor, Florida State
5 Murray State, Indiana, Florida, Wichita State
6 Creighton, Temple, San Diego State, Louisville
7 New Mexico, St. Mary’s, Vanderbilt, Notre Dame
8 Southern Miss, Saint Louis, Kansas State, Virginia
9 Harvard, Connecticut, Alabama, California
10 West Virginia, Purdue, Iowa State, BYU
11 Memphis, Xavier, Washington, Mississippi State
12 Cincinnati vs. North Carolina State, Texas vs. Miami (FL), Northwestern, Seton Hall
13 Middle Tennessee State, Long Beach State, Belmont, Drexel
14 Valparaiso, Akron, Oral Roberts, Iona
15 Davidson, Bucknell, Nevada, Weber State
16 Vermont vs. Texas Arlington, Norfolk State vs. Mississippi Valley State, UNC-Asheville, Long Island

Last 4 in
Cincinnati
Texas
Miami (FL)
North Carolina State

First 4 out
UCF
Minnesota
Illinois
Arizona

Next 4 out
South Florida
Mississippi
Colorado State
Oregon

Time for the bracket!

South Region (Atlanta)
Louisville
1 Kentucky vs. 16 Vermont/Texas-Arlington
8 Kansas State vs. 9 Harvard
Albuquerque
4 UNLV vs. 13 Middle Tennessee State
5 Murray State vs. 12 Cincinnati/North Carolina State
Columbus
3 Marquette vs. 14 Valparaiso
6 Creighton vs. 11 Memphis
Greensboro
2 North Carolina vs. 15 Davidson
7 Temple vs. 10 West Virginia

West Region (Phoenix)
Columbus
1 Michigan State vs. 16 Long Island
8 Saint Louis vs. 9 California
Albuquerque
4 Baylor vs. 13 Drexel
5 Wichita State vs. 12 Seton Hall
Nashville
3 Wisconsin vs. 14 Iona
6 Louisville vs. 11 MIsissippi State
Greensboro
2 Duke vs. 15 Weber State
7 Notre Dame vs. 10 BYU

East Region (Boston)
Pittsburgh
1 Syracuse vs. 16 Norfolk State/Mississippi Valley State
8 Southern Mississippi vs. 9 Alabama
Portland
4 Gonzaga vs. 13 Long Beach State
5 Indiana vs. 12 Texas/Miami (FL)
Louisville
3 Michigan vs. 14 Akron
6 New Mexico vs. 11 Xavier
Omaha
2 Kansas vs. 15 Bucknell
7 Vanderbilt vs. 10 Purdue

Midwest Region (Saint Louis)
Omaha
1 Missouri vs. 16 UNC-Asheville
8 Virginia vs. 9 Connecticut
Portland
4 Florida State vs. 13 Belmont
5 Florida vs. 12 Northwestern
Nashville
3 Georgetown vs. 14 Oral Roberts
6 San Diego State vs. 11 Washington
Pittsburgh
2 Ohio State vs. 15 Nevada
7 Saint Mary's vs. 10 Iowa State

2 notes:
1) Yes, I know BYU is at a Friday/Sunday site. It would've taken something extravagant to prevent that, and it's still February.
2) I was this close to putting Saint Louis in the Midwest. Caught myself there.

That's all!

Bracketology 2/18/12

2012-02-18T06:10:00.001-08:00

Hey guys! I did a comprehensive update today.
Remember even lines are right to left.

1 Kentucky, Syracuse, Missouri, Ohio State
2 North Carolina, Duke, Kansas, Michigan State
3 Georgetown, Marquette, Baylor, Florida
4 Michigan, Indiana, UNLV, Gonzaga
5 San Diego State, Wisconsin, Florida State, Wichita State
6 Louisville, Temple, St. Mary’s, Murray State
7 Vanderbilt, Southern Miss, Creighton, Notre Dame
8 Saint Louis, Connecticut, Virginia, New Mexico
9 Mississippi State, Memphis, Harvard, Purdue
10 Alabama, Iowa State, Kansas State, BYU
11 West Virginia, Texas, California, Illinois
12 Xavier vs. Northwestern Minnesota vs. North Carolina State, Washington, Seton Hall
13 Long Beach State, Middle Tennessee State, Belmont, Iona
14 Valparaiso, Akron, Oral Roberts, Drexel
15 Davidson, Bucknell, Nevada, Weber State,
16 Vermont vs. Texas Arlington, Savannah State vs. Mississippi Valley State, UNC-Asheville, Long Island

Last 4 in
Xavier
Minnesota
North Carolina State
Northwestern
First 4 out
Arizona
Cincinnati
Colorado State
Miami (FL)
Next 4 out
Mississippi
Dayton
UCF
South Florida

2/13/12 Bracketology

2012-02-13T13:08:00.000-08:00

Sup guys. New bracket today. I'm open to any critiques in the comments, as there's no bracket matrix to compare myself to right now.
Remember the odd lines are read left to right and the even lines are read right to left.
1 Kentucky, Syracuse, Missouri, Ohio State
2 North Carolina, Kansas, Duke, Michigan State
3 UNLV, Georgetown, Marquette, Baylor
4 St. Mary’s, Florida, Wisconsin, Gonzaga
5 Michigan, Indiana, Florida State, Louisville
6 Temple, Wichita State, Murray State, San Diego State
7 Kansas State, Virginia, Southern Miss, Vanderbilt
8 West Virginia, Mississippi State, Connecticut, Creighton
9 llinois, New Mexico, Notre Dame, Memphis
10 Iowa State, Purdue, Alabama, Harvard
11 Saint Louis, BYU, California, Seton Hall
12 Long Beach State, Washington vs. Dayton, Cincinnati, Texas
13 Minnesota vs. North Carolina State, Oral Roberts, Middle Tennessee State, Belmont
14 Davidson, Valparaiso, Akron, Loyola (MD)
15 Bucknell, Nevada, VCU, Weber State,
16 Stony Brook vs. Texas Arlington, Norfolk State vs. Mississippi Valley State, UNC-Asheville, Long Island

Last 4 in
Dayton
Minnesota
North Carolina State
Washington
First 4 out
Xavier
Miami (FL)
Colorado State
Nortwestern
Next 4 out
Mississippi
Arizona
Arkansas
Iona

Bracketology 2/12/12

2012-02-12T12:50:00.000-08:00

Big win for the Spartans last night, among other things. Here we go:

1 Kentucky, Syracuse, Missouri, Ohio State
2 North Carolina, Kansas, Duke, Michigan State
3 UNLV, Georgetown, Marquette, Baylor
4 St. Mary’s, Florida, Wisconsin, Gonzaga
5 Indiana, Florida State, Michigan, Louisville
6 Temple, Wichita State, Murray State, San Diego State
7 Kansas State, Virginia, Southern Miss, Vanderbilt
8 Mississippi State, Connecticut, Illinois, Creighton
9 West Virginia, New Mexico, Notre Dame, Memphis
10 Iowa State, Purdue, Alabama, Harvard
11 Saint Louis, BYU, California, Texas
12 Long Beach State, Washington vs. Dayton, Cincinnati, Seton Hall,
13 Minnesota vs. North Carolina State, Oral Roberts, Middle Tennessee State, Belmont
14 Davidson, Valparaiso, Akron, Loyola (MD)
15 Bucknell, Nevada, VCU, Weber State,
16 Stony Brook vs. Texas Arlington, Norfolk State vs. Mississippi Valley State, UNC-Asheville, Long Island

Last 4 in
Dayton
Minnesota
North Carolina State
Washington
First 4 out
Northwestern
Xavier
Miami (FL)
Colorado State
Next 4 out
Mississippi
Arizona
Arkansas
Iona

Bracketology 2/11/12

2012-02-11T10:25:00.001-08:00

No, I didn't die, I just didn't put a bracket up for 5 days. Murray State will be an interesting predicament. I'm placing them as a 6 for now but that's subject to change. Remember even lines are read right to left.

1 Kentucky, Syracuse, Ohio State, Missouri
2 North Carolina, Michigan State, Kansas, Duke
3 Baylor, Florida, UNLV, Georgetown
4 St. Mary’s, Wisconsin, Gonzaga, Marquette
5 Indiana, Michigan, San Diego State, Florida State
6 Vanderbilt, Creighton, Murray State, Virginia
7 Mississippi State, Louisville, Temple, Kansas State
8 West Virginia, Illinois, Southern Miss, Connecticut
9 Harvard, Wichita State, Alabama, New Mexico
10 Iowa State, Purdue, Memphis, Notre Dame
11 BYU, Saint Louis, California, Cincinnati
12 Long Beach State, Texas vs. Dayton, Xavier, Seton Hall
13 Minnesota vs. Colorado State, Oral Roberts, Middle Tennessee State, Loyola (MD)
14 Bucknell, Davidson, Valparaiso, Akron
15 Nevada, VCU, Weber State, Belmont
16 Stony Brook vs. Texas Arlington, Norfolk State vs. Mississippi Valley State, UNC-Asheville, Long Island

Last 4 in
Colorado State
Texas
Dayton
Minnesota
First 4 out
Northwestern
Miami (FL)
North Carolina State
Washington
Next 4 out
Oklahoma
Mississippi
Arkansas
Stanford

Bracketology 2/6/12

2012-02-06T14:58:00.001-08:00

1 Syracuse, Kentucky, Ohio State, Missouri

2 Duke, Florida, Baylor, North Carolina
3 Michigan State, Murray State, Kansas, Georgetown
4 Saint Mary’s, Florida State, Marquette, UNLV
5 Creighton, Michigan, Indiana, Wisconsin
6 Vanderbilt, Virginia, Gonzaga, San Diego State
7 Mississippi State, Louisville, Temple, Connecticut
8 Kansas State, Illinois, Southern Miss, West Virginia
9 Harvard, Iowa State, Wichita State, Purdue
10 BYU, Memphis, New Mexico, Alabama
11 Notre Dame, Saint Louis, California, Seton Hall
12 Minnesota vs. Dayton, Texas vs. Colorado State, Cincinnati, Xavier
13 Long Beach State, Oral Roberts, Middle Tennessee State, Iona
14 Bucknell, Davidson, Cleveland State, Akron
15 Nevada, VCU, Weber State, Belmont
16 Stony Brook vs. Texas Arlington, Norfolk State vs. Mississippi Valley State, UNC-Asheville, Long Island

Last 4 in
Minnesota
Colorado State
Texas
Dayton
First 4 out
Washington
Northwestern
Oklahoma
Arkansas
Next 4 out
Mississippi
North Carolina State
Stanford
Wyoming

Bracketology 2/5/12

2012-02-05T08:42:00.000-08:00

Everyone at the cusp of the bubble keeps on losing. Texas got a blah win and moved up about 5 spots because of other people's losses. It was a hard decision to keep Dayton in, but all of my first 3 out lost yesterday. Creighton and UNLV losing saddened me, I was hoping for some mid-major power. I updated the mid-majors too (the SWAC doesn't have the last team!) Anyways, the seed list.
1 Syracuse, Kentucky, Ohio State, Duke
2 Florida, Baylor, North Carolina, Missouri
3 Murray State, Kansas, Georgetown, Michigan State
4 Florida State, Michigan, Marquette, UNLV
5 Saint Mary’s, Creighton, Indiana, Wisconsin
6 Vanderbilt, Virginia, Gonzaga, San Diego State
7 Mississippi State, Illinois, Louisville, Temple
8 Kansas State, Southern Miss, West Virginia, Connecticut
9 Harvard, Iowa State, Wichita State, Purdue
10 BYU, Memphis, New Mexico, Alabama
11 Notre Dame, Saint Louis, California, Seton Hall
12 Minnesota vs. Dayton, Texas vs. Colorado State, Cincinnati, Xavier
13 Long Beach State, Oral Roberts, Middle Tennessee State, Iona
14 Bucknell, Davidson, Cleveland State, Akron
15 Nevada, VCU, Weber State, Belmont
16 Stony Brook vs. Texas Arlington, Norfolk State vs. Mississippi Valley State, UNC-Asheville, Long Island

Last 4 in
Minnesota
Colorado State
Texas
Dayton
First 4 out
Oklahoma
Arkansas
Mississippi
North Carolina State
Next 4 out
Northwestern
Washington
Stanford
Wyoming

Bracketology 2/2/12

2012-02-02T04:03:00.000-08:00

Dayton... if you want to go to the Big Dance, you don't lose to Duquesne. You just don't. Minnesota's loss @ Iowa proves the brutality of the Big 10 (don't forget that team from the southeast {Michigan} also lost @ Iowa). San Diego State squeaks one out at home. Southern Miss gets a huge home win against the Tigers to climb up to an 8 seed. I have a feeling they'll climb higher. And that thought I had 3 weeks ago that Seton Hall would fall (when they were a 4 seed)? Yeah, that was good. Anyways, the seed list. Remember even lines go right to left. Don't have time to update the 13-16 seeds right now, maybe this afternoon.

1 Syracuse, Kentucky, Duke, Ohio State
2 Missouri, Baylor, Kansas, North Carolina
3 UNLV, Marquette, Murray State, Michigan State
4 Wisconsin, Creighton, Florida, Georgetown
5 Michigan, Vanderbilt, Virginia, Saint Mary’s
6 Florida State, Indiana, Gonzaga, San Diego State
7 Mississippi State, Illinois, Louisville, Temple
8 Connecticut, Southern Miss, Purdue, West Virginia
9 Kansas State, Harvard, Alabama, Wichita State
10 Iowa State, Seton Hall, New Mexico, California
11 Xavier, Memphis, Cincinnati, Saint Louis
12 Minnesota vs. Arkansas, Dayton vs. Colorado State, Notre Dame, BYU,
13 Belmont, Middle Tennessee, Long Beach State, Iona
14 Davidson, Oral Roberts, Akron, Cleveland State
15 Bucknell, Nevada, UT-Arlington, George Mason
16 Mississippi Valley State vs. UNC-Asheville, Long Island vs. Norfolk State, Stony Brook, Weber State

Last 4 in
Minnesota
Dayton
Colorado State
Arkansas
First 4 out
Oklahoma
Texas
Stanford
Mississippi
North Carolina State
Next 4 out
Northwestern
Washington
Marshall

UCF

Bracketology 2/1/11

2012-02-01T03:58:00.000-08:00

First bracketology of the month! I'll have a comprehensive update next Monday (i.e. doing a fundamental re-evaluation of resumes).

Don't forget that the even lines are read right to left.

1 Syracuse, Kentucky, Duke, Ohio State
2 Missouri, Baylor, Kansas, North Carolina
3 Marquette, UNLV, Murray State, Michigan State
4 Georgetown, Wisconsin, Creighton, Florida
5 Vanderbilt, Indiana, Virginia, San Diego State
6 Florida State, Saint Mary’s, Gonzaga, Michigan
7 Mississippi State, Illinois, Louisville, Connecticut
8 Kansas State, Purdue, West Virginia, Temple
9 Harvard, Alabama, Southern Miss, Wichita State
10 Memphis, Seton Hall, New Mexico, California
11 Iowa State, Minnesota, Xavier, Dayton
12 Colorado State vs. Oklahoma, BYU vs. Notre Dame, Saint Louis, Cincinnati
13 Belmont, Middle Tennessee, Long Beach State, Iona
14 Davidson, Oral Roberts, Akron, Cleveland State
15 Bucknell, Nevada, UT-Arlington, George Mason
16 Mississippi Valley State vs. UNC-Asheville, Long Island vs. Norfolk State, Stony Brook, Weber State

Last 4 in
BYU
Colorado State
Oklahoma
Notre Dame
First 4 out
Arkansas
Texas
Stanford
Mississippi
North Carolina State
Next 4 out
Northwestern
Washington
Marshall

Bracketology 1/30/12

2012-01-30T13:42:00.000-08:00

New bracketology! I updated the 13-16 seeds. Note that Temple is the A-10 representative, as they also have 2 losses in conference, and even though they have 1 less conference win I'm counting them as the top team. I've decided that putting the teams into a bracket is futile until March.
1 Syracuse, Kentucky, Duke, North Carolina
2 Michigan State, Baylor, Kansas, Ohio State
3 Missouri, UNLV, Murray State, Florida
4 Georgetown, Creighton, Connecticut, Vanderbilt
5 Marquette, Indiana, Michigan, Virginia
6 Saint Mary’s, Temple, Gonzaga, Wisconsin
7 San Diego State, Mississippi State, Louisville, Kansas State
8 Florida State, Purdue, West Virginia, Illinois
9 Harvard, New Mexico, Alabama, Seton Hall
10 Memphis, Southern Miss, California, Wichita State
11 Minnesota, Xavier, Cincinnati, Dayton
12 Texas vs. Stanford, BYU vs. Oklahoma, Saint Louis, Iowa State
13 Belmont, Middle Tennessee, Long Beach State, Iona
14 Davidson, Oral Roberts, Akron, Cleveland State
15 Bucknell, Nevada, UT-Arlington, George Mason
16 Mississippi Valley State vs. UNC-Asheville, Long Island vs. Norfolk State, Stony Brook, Weber State

Last 4 in
BYU
Texas
Stanford
Oklahoma
First 4 out
Colorado State
North Carolina State
Northwestern
Arkansas
Next 4 out
Oregon
Marshall
UCF
LSU

That's all for now!

Bracketology 1/27/12

2012-01-27T04:44:00.000-08:00

Hey,

It's been a few days, so I figured I should release another seed list. Remember, even lines are read right to left.

1 Syracuse, Kentucky, Kansas, Duke
2 Michigan State, Ohio State, Baylor, North Carolina
3 Missouri, UNLV, Georgetown, Connecticut
4 Vanderbilt, Creighton, Michigan, Murray State
5 Florida, Marquette, San Diego State, Indiana
6 Virginia, Kansas State, Wisconsin, Mississippi State
7 Gonzaga, Temple, West Virginia, Illinois,
8 Seton Hall, Wichita State, Louisville, Saint Mary’s
9 Florida State, Harvard, Purdue, New Mexico
10 California, Cincinnati, Alabama, Dayton
11 Xavier, Saint Louis, Memphis, Southern Miss
12 Minnesota vs. North Carolina State, Stanford vs. Northwestern, Texas, BYU
13 Belmont, Middle Tennessee, Iona, Oral Roberts
14 Long Beach State, Davidson, Akron, UW-Milwaukee
15 Nevada, UT-Arlington, George Mason, Weber State
16 Norfolk State vs. Mississippi Valley State, LIU-Brooklyn vs. Stony Brook UNC-Asheville, Bucknell

Last 4 in
Minnesota
Stanford
Northwestern
North Carolina State
First 4 out
Oregon
Marshall
Arkansas
Iowa State
Next 4 out
LSU
UCF
Oklahoma
Colorado State

That's all for now.

Bracketology 1/23/12

2012-01-23T15:28:00.000-08:00

No time for analysis today, just a speedy seed list and bracket. Remember (for the ten billionth time) even lines are read right to left. Seed list first:

1 Syracuse, Kentucky, Kansas, Duke
2 Ohio State, Baylor, North Carolina, Missouri
3 Michigan State, UNLV, Georgetown, Connecticut
4 Vanderbilt, Marquette, Creighton, Murray State
5 Michigan, Florida, Indiana, West Virginia
6 Gonzaga, Mississippi State, Kansas State, San Diego State
7 Wisconsin, Illinois, Seton Hall, Virginia,
8 Dayton, Wichita State, Louisville, Saint Mary’s
9 Temple, Florida State, Alabama, Harvard
10 New Mexico, Cincinnati, Xavier, Purdue
11 California, Memphis, Stanford, Minnesota
12 Marshall vs. BYU, North Carolina State vs. Texas, Saint Louis, Southern Miss
13 Belmont, Middle Tennessee, Iona, Oral Roberts
14 Long Beach State, Davidson, Akron, UW-Milwaukee
15 Nevada, UT-Arlington, George Mason, Weber State
16 Norfolk State vs. Mississippi Valley State, LIU-Brooklyn vs. Stony Brook UNC-Asheville, Bucknell

Last 4 in
North Carolina State
BYU
Marshall
Texas

First 4 out
Northwestern
Iowa State
Oregon
Northern Iowa

Next 4 out
LSU
Oklahoma
Arizona
UCF

And now, the bracket:

East Region (Boston)

Pittsburgh
1 Syracuse vs. 16 Norfolk State/Mississippi Valley State
8 Wichita State vs. 9 Temple

Portland
4 Michigan vs. 13 Belmont
5 West Virginia vs. 12 Marshall/BYU

Columbus
3 Michigan State vs. 14 Akron
6 Mississippi State vs. 11 California

Albuquerque
2 Baylor vs. 15 Nevada
7 Virginia vs. 10 New Mexico

Midwest Region (Saint Louis)

Louisville
1 Kentucky vs. 16 Long Island/Stony Brook
8 Dayton vs. 9 Florida State

Portland
4 Marquette vs. 13 Middle Tennessee
5 Vanderbilt vs. 12 North Carolina State/Texas

Albuquerque
3 UNLV vs. 14 UW-Milwaukee
6 Wisconsin vs. 11 Memphis

Pittsburgh
2 Ohio State vs. 15 UT-Arlington
7 Gonzaga vs. 10 Cincinnati

South Region (Atlanta)

Omaha
1 Kansas vs. 16 UNC-Asheville
8 Louisville vs. 9 Alabama

Nashville
4 Creighton vs. 13 Iona
5 Indiana vs. 12 Saint Louis

Columbus
3 Georgetown vs. 14 Davidson
6 Kansas State vs. 11 Stanford

Greensboro
2 North Carolina vs. 15 George Mason
7 Illinois vs. 10 Xavier

West Region (Phoenix)

Greensboro
1 Duke vs. 16 Bucknell
8 Saint Mary's vs. 9 Harvard

Nashville
4 Murray State vs. 13 Oral Roberts
5 Florida vs. 12 Southern Miss

Louisville
3 Connecticut vs. 14 Long Beach State
6 San Diego State vs. 11 Minnesota

Omaha
2 Missouri vs. 15 Weber State
7 Seton Hall vs. 10 Purdue

Whew! That's all for this post.

Ivar

Bracketology 1/22/11

2012-01-22T10:27:00.000-08:00

It's been a little over 10 days since my first bracketology, so I figured I'd re-evaluate some teams as well as make changes based on results. If I have time, I'll put up the bracket form in addition to the seed list. But I think I'll opt for some analysis instead today. Seed list first (remember the even lines are read right to left):

1 Syracuse (East), Kentucky (South), Kansas (Midwest), Duke (West)
2 Ohio State, Baylor, North Carolina, Missouri
3 Michigan State, UNLV, Georgetown, Connecticut
4 Vanderbilt, Marquette, Creighton, Murray State
5 Michigan, Florida, Indiana, West Virginia
6 Virginia, Illinois, Kansas State, San Diego State
7 Mississippi State, Gonzaga, Seton Hall, Wisconsin
8 Dayton, Wichita State, Louisville, Saint Mary’s
9 Temple, Florida State, Alabama, Harvard
10 New Mexico, Cincinnati, Xavier, Purdue
11 California, Memphis, Stanford, Southern Miss
12 Saint Louis vs. Northwestern, Minnesota vs. BYU, Marshall, North Carolina State
13 Belmont, Middle Tennessee, Iona, Oral Roberts
14 Long Beach State, Davidson, Akron, UW-Milwaukee
15 Nevada, UT-Arlington, George Mason, Weber State
16 Norfolk State vs. Mississippi Valley State, LIU-Brooklyn vs. Stony Brook UNC-Asheville, Bucknell

Last 4 in
Saint Louis
BYU
Minnesota

Northwestern

First 4 out
Northwestern
Iowa State
Oregon
Northern Iowa

Next 4 out
LSU
Oklahoma
Arizona
UCF

Bids by conference:

Big 10: 9 (3 barely in, 0 almost in)
Big East: 8 (1 barely in, 0 almost in)
ACC: 5 (1 barely in, 0 almost in)
SEC: 5 (0 barely in, 1 barely out)
Big 12: 4 (0 barely in, 3 barely out)
Atlantic 10: 4 (2 barely in, 0 barely out)
Conference USA: 3 (3 barely in, 1 barely out)
West Coast: 3 (1 barely in, 0 barely out)
Mountain West: 3 (1 barely in, 1 barely out)
Missouri Valley: 2 (0 barely in, 1 barely out)
Pac-12: 2 (2 barely in, 2 barely out)

One of the things I noticed while making my bracket in the car this morning was the flurry of activity around lines 9 through 11. I feel like I moved Xavier around maybe 10 times, it was pretty ridiculous. The Conference USA tournament could be very interesting this year as they could have 0 locks or near-locks and 4 bubble teams heading into the tournament. New this post is the barely in category (seeds 10-12) and the barely out category (first 8 out). The Big 12 has 3 of the top 8 teams (Missouri, Baylor and Kansas) and 3 of the first 8 out (Texas, Oklahoma and Iowa State). Shockingly 10 out of the 37 at-large bids are currently going to mid-majors.

That's all for now, see you guys later.

Bracketology 1/19/12

2012-01-19T04:03:00.000-08:00

No real time for analysis this morning, really hectic day ahead. Remember to read the seed list snaking (even lines read right to left, odd read left to right) Here we go:

1 Syracuse, Kentucky, Duke, Kansas
2 Georgetown, Ohio State, Baylor, North Carolina
3 Missouri, Michigan State, Florida, Kansas State
4 Gonzaga, UNLV, Connecticut, Murray State
5 Michigan, Vanderbilt, Marquette, San Diego State
6 Creighton, Virginia, Illinois, Indiana
7 Wisconsin, West Virginia, Mississippi State, Saint Mary’s
8 Wichita State, Seton Hall, Louisville, Alabama
9 Purdue, Temple, Harvard, Stanford
10 North Carolina State, Cincinnati, New Mexico, Dayton
11 Marshall, Florida State, Memphis, BYU
12 California vs. Southern Miss, Minnesota vs. Northwestern, Saint Louis, Texas
13 Belmont, Middle Tennessee, Iona, Oral Roberts
14 Davidson, Akron, UT-Arlington, Long Beach State
15 Nevada, UW-Milwaukee, George Mason, Weber State,
16 Norfolk State vs. Mississippi Valley State, LIU-Brooklyn vs. Albany UNC-Asheville, Bucknell

Last 4 in
Southern Miss
California
Minnesota
Xavier
First 4 out
Northwestern
Iowa State
Oklahoma
Virginia Tech
Next 4 out
LSU
Colorado State
Northern Iowa
Arizona

Bracketology 1/16/12

2012-01-15T18:58:00.000-08:00

Here's my seed list through Sunday's games (so it's dated 1/16). There are a lot of changes, most notably UNC falling from #1 overall to a 2 seed with a huge loss to Florida State. The Seminoles go from last team in to the 11 line. I changed the small-conference teams in the bracket to represent the current conference leaders. Another new change is the addition of the Next Four Out. 2 things to keep in mind:
1) The seeds in the seed list are the "real seeds". Some teams have their seeds changed for the bracket for bracketing purposes (such as keeping teams from the same conference seperate.)
2) The bracket is read snaking (so odd lines run left to right and even lines run right to left.)

First up, the seed list.

1 Syracuse, Kentucky, Duke, Baylor
2 Ohio State, Michigan State, North Carolina, Kansas
3 Georgetown, Missouri, Connecticut, Florida
4 UNLV, Kansas State, Indiana, Murray State
5 Gonzaga, Vanderbilt, Illinois, Michigan
6 Marquette, San Diego State, Virginia, Mississippi State
7 Creighton, Seton Hall, Saint Mary’s, Louisville
8 Purdue, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Alabama
9 Temple, Wichita State, New Mexico, Harvard
10 Memphis, Marshall, Dayton, Stanford
11 North Carolina State, Florida State, BYU, Cincinnati
12 Minnesota vs. Southern Miss, California vs. Northwestern, Saint Louis, Texas
13 Belmont, Middle Tennessee, Iona, Oral Roberts
14 Davidson, Akron, UT-Arlington, Long Beach State
15 Nevada, UW-Milwaukee, George Mason, Weber State,
16 Norfolk State vs. Mississippi Valley State, LIU-Brooklyn vs. Albany UNC-Asheville, Bucknell

Last 4 in
Northwestern
Southern Miss
California
Minnesota

First 4 out
Xavier
Oklahoma
Iowa State
Virginia Tech

Next 4 out
LSU
Northern Iowa
Colorado State
Arizona

Now, the bracket.

East Region (Boston)

Pittsburgh
1 Syracuse vs. 16 Norfolk State/Mississippi Valley State
8 Purdue vs. 9 Temple

Albuquerque
4 UNLV vs. 5 Vanderbilt
12 Minnesota/Cincinnati vs. 13 Belmont

Columbus
3 Ohio State vs. 14 Davidson
6 Virginia vs. 11 BYU

Omaha
2 Missouri vs. 15 UW-Milwaukee
7 Creighton vs. 10 Memphis

South Region (Atlanta)

Louisville
1 Kentucky vs. 16 Long Island/Albany
8 West Virginia vs. 9 Wichita State

Portland
4 Kansas State vs. 13 Middle Tennessee
5 Gonzaga vs. 12 California/Northwestern

Pittsburgh
3 Georgetown vs. 14 Akron
6 San Diego State vs. 11 Florida State

Columbus
2 Michigan State vs. 15 Nevada
7 Seton Hall vs. 10 Marshall

Midwest Region (Saint Louis)

Greensboro
1 Duke vs. 16 UNC-Asheville
8 Wisconsin vs. 9 New Mexico

Nashville
4 Murray State vs. 13 Iona
5 Illinois vs. 12 Southern Miss

Nashville
3 Florida vs. 14 UT-Arlington
6 Marquette vs. 11 North Carolina State

Omaha
2 Kansas vs. 15 George Mason
7 Saint Mary's vs. 10 Dayton

West Region (Phoenix)

Albuquerque
1 Baylor vs. 16 Bucknell
8 Alabama vs. 9 Harvard

Portland
4 Indiana vs. 13 Oral Roberts
5 Mississippi State vs. 12 Saint Louis

Louisville
3 Connecticut vs. 14 Long Beach State
6 Michigan vs. 11 Texas

Greensboro
2 North Carolina vs. 15 Weber State
7 Louisville vs. 10 Stanford

Multi-bid confrences:

Big Ten: 9
Big East: 8
Big 12: 5
SEC: 5
ACC: 5
Conference USA: 3
Mountain West: 3
Atlantic 10: 3
West Coast: 3
Pac-12: 2
Missouri Valley: 2

That's all for now. I might make another post tonight... maybe not.

Bracketology 1/12/12

2012-01-12T13:16:00.000-08:00

Here's my bracket for today. Florida State takes Iowa State's spot in the First Four. Northwestern remains in despite an overtime loss, mainly due to other teams's blunders. And, regions+ first round sites are here today!
First, the seed list (remember, you read it snaking, so the odd lines run left to right and the even lines right to left):

1 North Carolina, Syracuse, Kentucky, Michigan State
2 Kansas, Baylor, Duke, Indiana
3 Georgetown, Ohio State, UNLV, Missouri
4 Gonzaga, Kansas State, Michigan, Connecticut
5 Seton Hall, Florida, Murray State, Vanderbilt
6 Marquette, Virginia, Creighton, Illinois
7 Alabama, Louisville, San Diego State, Mississippi State
8 West Virginia, Temple, Purdue, Saint Mary’s
9 Wisconsin, New Mexico, Wichita State, Harvard
10 Memphis, Stanford, Marshall, Dayton
11 Texas, North Carolina State, BYU, Cincinnati
12 California vs. Northwestern, Xavier vs. Florida State, Southern Miss, Saint Louis
13 Iona, Ohio, Oral Roberts, Belmont
14 George Mason, Davidson, Middle Tennessee, Long Beach State
15 Nevada, Bucknell, Lamar, Cleveland State,
16 UNC-Asheville vs. Stony Brook LIU-Brooklyn vs. Texas Southern Norfolk State, Weber State

A quick note about seeding first. The seeds above are the "true seeds". Some teams have had their seeds switched below (e.x. Illinois and Vanderbilt) for bracketing purposes (no re-matches, keep teams in the same conference apart, etc.)

Now, the bracket:

SOUTH REGION

Greensboro
1 North Carolina vs. 16 UNC-Asheville/Stony Brook
8 West Virginia vs. 9 Wisconsin

Portland
4 Gonzaga vs. 13 Iona
5 Seton Hall vs. 12 Northwestern/Xavier

Nashville
3 Ohio State vs. 14 George Mason
6 Virginia vs. 11 Texas

Omaha
2 Kansas vs. 15 Nevada
7 Alabama vs. 10 Stanford

WEST REGION

Columbus
1 Michigan State vs. 16 Weber State
8 Saint Mary's vs. 9 Harvard

Columbus
4 Connecticut vs. 13 Belmont
5 Illinois vs. 12 Saint Louis

Omaha
3 Missouri vs. 14 Long Beach State
6 Vanderbilt vs. 11 Cincinnati

Greensboro
2 Duke vs. 15 Cleveland State
7 San Diego State vs. 10 Marshall

EAST REGION

Pittsburgh
1 Syracuse vs. 16 LIU-Brooklyn/Texas Southern
8 Temple vs. 9 Wichita State

Nashville
4 Michigan vs. 13 Ohio
5 Florida vs. 12 California/Florida State

Albuquerque
3 UNLV vs. 14 Davidson
6 Marquette vs. 11 North Carolina State

Albuquerque
2 Baylor vs. 15 Bucknell
7 Mississippi State vs. 10 Memphis

MIDWEST REGION

Louisville
1 Kentucky vs. 16 Norfolk State
8 Purdue vs. 9 New Mexico

Portland
4 Kansas State vs. 13 Oral Roberts
5 Murray State vs. 12 Southern Miss

Pittsburgh
3 Georgetown vs. 14 Middle Tennessee
6 Creighton vs. 11 BYU

Louisville
2 Indiana vs. 15 Lamar
7 Louisville vs. 10 Dayton

Bracketology is back!

2012-01-11T13:59:00.000-08:00

My bracketology is back! I should be updating my bracket 2-3 times a week (hopefully more.) I'll also be listed in the Bracket Matrix (http://bracketproject.50webs.com/matrix.htm) this year. If I have time tonight, I'll add a full bracket (with 1st+2nd round sites). But for now, here's a seed list. The seed list snakes, meaning that the best team on odd lines is on the left and the best team on even lines is on the right. This means you can read straight down a column to see a 16-team region. If there's a glaring mistake, please notify me in the comments. This bracket is dated 1/11/12 which means it includes Tuesday's games.

1 North Carolina, Syracuse, Kentucky, Michigan State
2 Kansas, Baylor, Duke, Indiana
3 Georgetown, Ohio State, UNLV, Missouri
4 Michigan, Gonzaga, Kansas State, Connecticut
5 Seton Hall, Florida, Murray State, Vanderbilt
6 Marquette, Virginia, Creighton, Illinois
7 Louisville, San Diego State, Alabama, Mississippi State
8 Wisconsin, West Virginia, Purdue, Saint Mary’s
9 Dayton, Temple, New Mexico, Wichita State
10 Texas, Stanford, Marshall, Harvard
11 Saint Louis, North Carolina State, Memphis, BYU
12 California vs. Northwestern, Xavier vs. Iowa State, Southern Miss, Cincinnati
13 Iona, Ohio, Oral Roberts, Belmont
14 George Mason, Davidson, Middle Tennessee, Long Beach State
15 Nevada, Bucknell, Lamar, Cleveland State,
16 UNC-Asheville vs. Stony Brook LIU-Brooklyn vs. Texas Southern Norfolk State, Weber State

Last 4 in
Xavier
Iowa State
California
Northwestern

First 4 out
Florida State
LSU
Minnesota
Arizona

Indy on a roll!

2011-12-23T16:53:00.001-08:00

After a 0-13 start to the season, the Colts have won 2 in a row, dramatically dropping their chances to land Andrew Luck #1 overall. I haven't examined the SOS tiebreaker closely, but I think St. Louis will be picking #1. In case you don't know, the tiebreaker for draft order is worst SOS picks first. There are a bunch of big games on the NFL slate this Saturday, but my eye will be on San Diego @ Detroit. The Chargers on on a roll (did you see them on SNF?) but my Lions clinch a playoff berth with a win. Neither the Jets or Bengals have easy schedules remaining, so the Chargers have a realistic shot at a wild card, not to mention the AFC West crown. I wouldn't rule out Buffalo this week against the Broncos, CJ Spiller was great against Miami and no one paid attention. He's a good fantasy sleeper for fantasy playoff season. I qualified for my 6-team playoff in a 10 team league at 6-8 (6th seed) but had a monster week last week. I picked up Tebow off waivers, and add Arian Foster, Reggie Bush, Calvin Johnson and Brent Celek (I benches Gates to pick up Celek) and I owned. That mid-season Eli Manning for Reggie Bush and Nate Washington deal looks a lot better now. Anyways, my playoff predictions:
AFC
1 New England 13-3
2 Pittsburgh 12-4
3 Houston 11-5
4 Denver 9-7
5 Baltimore 11-5
6 NY Jets 10-6
NFC
1 Green Bay 15-1
2 San Fransisco 13-3
3 New Orleans 13-3
4 Dallas 10-6
5 Atlanta 10-6
6 Detroit 10-6

2 days 'til the start of NBA season! Gonna be interesting to watch Clippers v Kings, not just for Paul/Griffin but also to see Jimmer in his first NBA game.

Ivar

Chris Paul and NBA parity

2011-12-08T18:24:00.001-08:00

Well, I had a rant typed up about Chris Paul to the Lakers, but then Stern rejected the trade. I think this is a very good move by the NBA. The league owns the Hornets, so who's to say they can't veto the deal? The league wants to allow small market franchises to succeed (eg. the Spurs) so we don't end up with 5 teams in LA and New York. Anyways, here's my rant I typed up that will be applicable if the deal ends up going through (which I think will happen):
In case you haven't heard yet (which I doubt), Chris Paul is headed to the Lakers. Personally, I don't like this move for LA. They're losing Gasol and Odom, to pick up another guard who wants to be #1. I don't think CP3 and Kobe can live with being a supporting cast member. This brings me to another point about the NBA. It is extrodinarily hard to succeed consistently outside of the major cities. I think that teams like the Warriors and the Wizards can take advantage of this, as the Bay Area and DC have no shortage of potential fans. I wouldn't be surprised if one of those teams lands a free agent unexpectedly to support their star (Curry and Wall, respectively.) The NBA would be so much better if there was more parity (a hard cap would be wonderful.) That's one of the reasons the NFL is so popular. Just look at Indy and San Fran. Both teams are huge surprises, and keep the standings and storylines interesting. Each team ends up with a solid fanbase in their geographical area because the team has a realistic chance, leading to higher ticket sales. That's it for today. Another article is coming tomorrow, with my NBA predictions upcoming.

Ivar

Harvard, the BCS and more

2011-12-08T15:07:00.001-08:00

Well, I got a Blogger app for my iPhone, so I think this can be updated more. In case you guys haven't heard, Harvard is ranked #24 in the college basketball polls, they're ranked for the first time ever. They play #9 Connecticut tonight (go Harvard!) Once college basketball season really gets rolling (maybe around New Years'?) I'll start my bracketology (7th in the Bracket Matrix http://bracketproject.50webs.com/matrix_2011.htm last year.) On a much more annoying note, the BCS games this year are an absolute joke. Va Tech getting an at large? A match-up of 15 vs. 23? Also, every game doesn't count, BCS idiots. The "Game of the Century" is being treated as a scrimage. As long as Alabama doesn't blow out LSU, I will vote LSU #1 because they deserve it.

Additionally, the Angels signed Albert Pujols to a ridiculously long deal he doesn't deserve. He's in his 30's, and you give him 10 years? Are you crazy? The Angels also picked up CJ Wilson, they spent over 300 million on the two combined. I simply don't think they'll get the revenue to cover that, pro sports aren't big in LA (unless you're the Lakers) and especially not baseball. My pick for Thursday night football tonight: Steelers (-14.5) with high confidence (one of my 4 high confidence picks this week.) I'm -0.4% on the season, and my high or double high picks went 3-1 last week (7-9 overall though.)

Ivar

Top 25 poll for week 10

2011-11-13T13:36:00.001-08:00

As promised, here's my top 25 after 11 weeks of the college football season:
1 LSU
2 Oklahoma State
3 Oregon
4 Alabama
5 Stanford
6 Arkansas
7 Houston
8 Virginia Tech
9 Oklahoma
10 Clemson
11 Boise State
12 Michigan State
13 Wisconsin
14 Georgia
15 Kansas State
16 USC
17 Nebraska
18 South Carolina
19 TCU
20 Michigan
21 Southern Miss
22 Penn State
23 Cincinnati
24 Tulsa
25 Notre Dame
It can be seen here (with a history for the whole season): http://www.bcsfanpoll.com/user/CousinsSack/2011/
Some commentary will be up tonight.

Miami Marlins, Penn State scandal, and more!

2011-11-12T14:38:00.001-08:00

In case you haven't heard (and you probably haven't, considering that as far as ESPN is concerned, sports don't exist outside of State College, PA) the Miami Marlins officially unveiled their new uniforms, logo and caps as they make the switch to a new ballpark, and undergo rebranding. Personally, I liked the old uniforms a lot (teal, or even the blue of the Panthers is a cool color) but the new ones have a nice futuristic look, something you wouldn't expect in baseball. In case you haven't seen the logo:

Kind of reminds me of monopoly, for some reason I can't quite put my finger on why. The color scheme is a little odd, but it will pass.

This brings me to a much more serious topic, the Penn State scandal. First of all, a prayer for the victims and I really hope that Jerry Sandusky gets locked up for a long time. I understand why Joe Paterno was fired, orginally I did not agree with the decision. Now, thinking about it more, I see that even if he did what he is legally required to, he definitely should have followed through with what he passed up the chain of command. I feel that Tim Curley (the former AD) and Spanier (the university president) are the ones that are in far worse trouble, and they should be, as it's ultimately their responsibility to deal with.

My top 25 for college football will be posted tomorrow, same thing for my NFL picks.

So... this is new!

2011-11-12T14:23:00.001-08:00

Hello all,

This is my new sports blog, this is also where my bracketology will be for the 2011-12 season (formerly on ivarsports.webs.com.) I'm not exactly sure what else this will be used for... probably for my NFL picks and for me to rant on about sports (what else are sports blogs for, exactly?) Just in case I use this for picks, an important disclaimer:

Note: For legality purposes, this Web site does not promote or advocate gambling. This is solely for entertainment purposes only. I do not gamble, I only keep track of my picks.

As for making this aesthetically pleasing... that's a different story. I'm not a graphics person, but I'll think about it.

~Ivar