Armchair Talking Head

The Georgia Bulldogs finished tied for dead last in the SEC this season.  They won a mere 4 conference games.

After squeaking by Ole Miss in OT in the first round of the SEC tourney, all roads appeared to lead to an early end to the Dawgs 2008 season.  But one tornado, and three unattended games later, they’re in the NCAA tourney thanks to the biggest load of bullshit this side of the BCS in college sports, the conference tourney automatic bid rule.

Sure the automatic bid has given us the likes of George Mason, et Al, but more often than not it kicks legitimate contenders to the curb (read: NIT).  Conference tourneys are big money draws that AD’s and University Presidents have a collective hard on for, and they do provide a few days of exciting basketball, but should a 4 win UGA team keep 8-8 Florida at home thanks to a fluke tourney?  I think not.  Consistency should be rewarded more than streakiness.

As long as the field remains at 64, the automatic bid will continue to stick it to the bubble teams of the world.  Yes, there is a price to be paid for living on the bubble, but shouldn’t the bubble be better than being busted all year?  Expand the field, let everyone in. Hell, just imagine it.  The tourney is already wildly popular, and doubling the content of the first round would only seek to extend that popularity. Give each conference a guaranteed bid to please the mid majors. Just prove to me that the regular season matters.

Anything is better than a world where a 4 conference win team in a weak conference can make the big show and keep legit dancers at home.

So soon after the tornado hit the Georgia Dome rendering the tournament pointless, I left for a week of debauchery on the coast…thus the delay.

My bracket was busted from day one.  Kentucky, Oregon, and Vandy screwed me hard.  Then Georgetown (one of my Final 4 picks) absolutely killed me. That being said, I have Stanford as my great white hope making the Final Four.

Here’s my take on the Sweet 16:

Xavier-W. Virginia, Thursday @ 6:10pm-  You have to like the way Bob Huggins’s boys are playing right now, and their 2 wins over Arizona and Duke look far better than Xavier’s close games with UGA and Purdue.  Looks like the West By God Virginians move on to the round of 8.

Wazzou-UNC- Thursday @ 6:27pm- This could be the game of the day Thursday.  Wazzou has handled Winthrop and Notre Dame while UNC has had pushover Mt. St. Mary’s and made red headed stepchildren of Arkansas.  I’m going with UNC, but this one will bear watching.

UCLA-WKU- Thursday @ 8:40pm- The run ends here for the Hilltoppers.

Tennessee-Louisville Thursday @ 8:57pm-  Tennessee has not played up to their potential and with the news that Chris Lofton is walking around in a boot with an injury, there could be room for an upset.  The Vols will have to step up their play to advance.  My heart’s with Tennessee, but my pick goes to the Cards.

Wisconsin-Davidson Friday @ 6:10pm- Stephan Curry’s play for Davidson has been phenomenal, but it won’t be enough to top the Badgers.  Davidson will definitely be the Cinderella of the ball should they top the Badgers, but I just don’t see it.  Wisconsin big.

Stanford-Texas Friday @ 6:27pm-Oh the possibilities if Kevin Durant had just hung around Austin for another year.  My bracket really needs this one…like the Lopez brothers need haircuts.  This should be the marquee matchup on Friday.

Kansas-Villanova Friday @ 8:40pm- Villanova has the most potential to be a party crasher.  They are better than a 12 seed.  That being said, Kansas is too tough.

Memphis-Michigan State Friday @ 8:57pm- Memphis cannot advance without hitting free throws.  If Michigan State can keep it close, they win.  I’m goin’ with Izzo.