Posted: Tuesday, March 17, 2009, 11:19 AM | 4 comments |
 
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Here are a few guesses for you to work with. I won't give you VCU (11) over UCLA (6), although that is a very popular upset pick by the experts. I think the Bruins will win the game handily.

For what it's worth (and probably not much) take a look at these:

Wisconsin (12) over Florida State (5). I know. The Badgers had terrible stretches this season,  but they score well from the perimeter and won't be as affected as some teams by FSU's very strong interior defense. Bo Ryan will have them prepared. Then it's a matter of making shots.

USC (10) over Boston College (7): This might be a fake upset since Las Vegas thinks the Trojans are the better team, but it's an upset in Bracketworld. Southern Cal won the Pac-10 tournament and is on a little roll. BC is the same team that beat North Carolina this season and lost to Harvard. Anything is possible.

Utah State (11) over Marquette (6): I'm probably influenced because I saw Marquette in the Big East tournament and it was an unimpressive outing. Still, Utah State will be nearly at home under the bright lights of Boise and Marquette hasn't been the same since losing point guard Dominic James.

Not as sure about these, but would also consider Western Kentucky (12) over Illinois (5), and Mississippi State (13) over Washington (4). In fact, if that second game weren't in Portland, Ore., an easy trip for the Huskies, not so much for Miss. State, I would have included it.

Not all of these are going to come in. It never works that way. But these are the ones where the matchups look ripe for the upset. Best of luck.

 

Posted by BOB FORD @ 11:19 AM  Permalink | 4 comments
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  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 2:15 PM, 03/17/2009
    Of course there is Temple over Arizona State, too. That's a lock.
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 2:27 PM, 03/17/2009
    Now, I'm as proud an Owl as the next Temple alum...but I wouldn't call Temple a lock over Arizona State. Arizona State is hot right now and Temple hasn't been consistent all season. They may win, but I wouldn't call it lock.
    Raiderfan
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 3:22 PM, 03/17/2009
    I like Wisconsin also, but it is a shaky like. I really like Utah St., Marquette has not played well for 2 weeks, also like W. Kent., but not Miss. St.. If Temple wins first game they upset Maryland before bowing out. Villanova could make final 4 but I looking at Elite 8.
    lalleva
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 3:27 PM, 03/17/2009
    Hoping that this AU alum sees the Eagles give 'Nova a good game.
    brio


4 comments
About Bob Ford
Bob Ford has been writing about Philadelphia sports since 1981, and is still trying to figure it all out. A former beat writer covering the Phillies and the 76ers, Ford became a general sports columnist for the Inquirer in 2003, following in and occasionally falling in the deep footsteps of Bill Lyon, Frank Dolson and many distinguished others. He comes to the Philly.com blogosphere after award-winning success as designer/editor of the fabulous Pen & Pencil Club softball blog. Likes: Palestra, inside-the-park home runs, sunny days. Dislikes: phony people, cloudy days, rewrites.
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