March Maddness: Predictions for Day 2 of Elite 8

We are now in the Elite 8 stage of March Maddness. Saturday's games were awesome, as Wisconsin and Kentucky moved on to the Final Four. Let's get into what I think will happen today.

2:20

#4 Louisville vs. #7 Michigan State

Neither of these teams were expected to be here, but they are both worthy because they play smart, mistake free basketball. I expect a close game, but Michigan State's defense and guard play will frustrate the Cardinals, as they are a poor shooting team. For this reason, I'm picking Michigan State to move on to the Final Four. 

Winner: Michigan State 

5:05

#2 Gonzaga vs. #1 Duke 

This game as hard to predict, as I think Kyle Wijlter and Gonzaga match up well against Duke because of their size. However, I think that Tyus Jones and Quinn Cook are the best back-court in the country, and that will propel Duke to victory in a very, very close game.

Winner: Duke 

My thoughts on March Madness: 10 teams who can make it to the Final 4

Hello everybody!It feels good to be writing again. I have not typed a word about College Basketball since the season began, so needless to say I have some catching up to do. As you readers are aware, Selection Sunday has passed and we now know where every team stands as far as seeding goes. I will now write about 10 teams who I think can make it to the Final Four and possibly beyond.



#1 Kentucky
The Wildcats have been the best team in the country since Day 1, as they are by far the deepest team in the country. Ever since they obliterated Kansas on opening night, the country has taken notice that the Cats are a force to be reckoned with.  This is arguably the best team John Calipari has ever coached, and certainly has more depth than any team Cal has ever led. UK has the #2 scoring defense in the country, allowing just 52.7 points per game, and they are also 2nd in the country in blocked shots, averaging 7 per game. The Cats have a big and aggressive front court, with Willie Cully-Stien and Karl-Anthony Towns leading the way. In the back-court, the Harrison brothers(Andrew and Aaron) are both playing key roles in the Wildcats' success. Aaron leads the team in scoring, averaging 11.2 points per game, while Andrew leads the team is assists with 4.1 per game. Also playing a key role in the back-court is Devin Booker, who is right behind Aaron Harrison with 11.1 points per game. Tyler Ulis, Dakari Johnson and Trey Lyle also play their roles well. Everybody knows how good this team is, and it will be interesting to see if they become the first team since the 1972 Indiana Hoosiers to finish the season perfect and win a National Championship. To the surprise of nobody, the Wildcats received the #1 overall seed and will be playing the winner of the first 4 matchup between #16 Hampton/Manhattan(play in game).

#2 Virginia
This is a team that will not excite a lot of people with the way they play, but while ''first to 50'' style games may be boring, winning is not, and this team wins a lot.  Guard Malcolm Brodgon leads the team with 13.5 points per game, and Anthony Gill, Mike Toby and Darion Atkins have all contributed in the front-court, with Gill averaging 11.2 points per game. The Cavs are another team that could win the whole thing, even with their loss to UNC in the ACC Semi-Final on Friday night, as Tony Bennett is qualified to be a national championship head coach. Virginia received a 2 seed and will face off against #15 Belmont.

#2 Gonzaga
Every year, the Zags are questioned for their sub-par level of competition, but I truly believe that this is the best team Mark Few has had at least since Adam Morrison left in 2006.  Gonzaga is solid on both sides of the ball. Offensively, they rank in the top 15 nationally in both points per game and assists per game, and are 1st in field goal percentage. On defense, they are 24th in the country in points allowed, and rank 4th in rebounding. Only a overtime loss early in the season to #7 Arizona, as well as a 83-80 defeat at the hands of BYU, has kept the Zags from being the 2nd perfect team in the land. Forward Kyle Wiltjer leads the team with 17 points per game, and guards Kevin Pangos and Byron Wesley are both averaging double figures. 7-1 Center Przemek Karnowski is a great complement to Wiltjer in the front court, and he is averaging 10.6 points and 6 rebounds per game. Another big man, Domantas Sabonis, is also playing a key role, averaging 9.7 points and nearly 7 rebounds per game. The Zags have all the pieces they need to make a deep run, all they have to do is play. The Zags have also received a #2 seed and will face off against #15 North Dakota State.

#1 Duke
You do not have to be a big basketball fan, or even a basketball fan at all to know that Coach K is a great coach. K recently became the first coach in Men's D1 Basketball history to win 1,000 games, and he has a group that is capable of bringing him his 5th national championship. Center Jahil Oakfor is projected to be the 1st overall pick in this June's NBA Draft, and he is complimented in the front court by Justice Winslow. Dukes back-court of Tyus Jones and Quinn Cook is one of the best in the land, and Amille Jefferson provides good defense in the front court. Guards Grayson Allen and Matt Jones provide good minutes off the bench. Duke may not have the depth of Kentucky, but the players they use are talented enough to make a run at the title. They received a #1 seed and will be pitted against the winner of the #16 Robert Morris/North Florida game that will take place in Dayton.

#1 Wisconsin
When you have one of the best coaches in the country, as well as a Wooden Award front runner, you have a great chance to go places. Wisconsin has both of those things. Bo Ryan has been in this game for a while, and he is simply one of the best coaches in the business. Frank Kaminsky is a 7-1 Center who is well established as a dominant force in college basketball. He is aided in the front court by San Dekker and Nigel Hays, who are both averaging a little over 12 points per game. Guard Josh Gasser is also contributing to the cause with his stout defense. I love watching Wisconsin play and believe that they deserved to be a #1 seed. They will face off against #16 Coastal Carolina.

#1 Villanova
The Wildcats have maybe the best back-court in the land. Darrun Hilliard and Ryan Arcidiacono both shoot very well and cause headaches for opposing defenses. In the front court, 6-11 Daniel Ochefu has quietly put together a good season, averaging close to 9 points and over 8 rebounds per game. He is complemented by JayVaughn Pinkston, who is averaging close to 10 points per game. Guards Dylan Ennis and Josh Hart are also averaging close to 10 a game, and Kris Jenkins and Phil Booth are both effective off the bench. All in all, the Wildcats are a very good team and much deeper than people give them credit for. As I suspected, the Wildcats snuck in as a #1 and will face off against #16 Lafayette in my hometown of Pittsburgh.

#2 Arizona
Sean Miller's team keeps getting better and better as the season goes on. TJ McConnell is the Point Guard, and he is one of the best in the country at being a floor general. In the front court, Stanley Johnson, who leads the team with almost 14 PPG and Ronde Hollis-Jefferson are both averaging double figures, and Brandon Ashley is a dangerous 2 guard. The Wildcats rolled through the Pac-12, and I think that they have a great chance to get to the Final Four. Sean Miller as never been to one, and he deserves to get there. This team would have been a #1 almost any other year, but I believe that the committee did the right thing by making them a #2. They will face off against #15 Texas Southern.

#2 Kansas
It was almost a given that Rock Chalk would be mentioned in this article. The Jayhawks have more wins against ranked teams than anybody else in the land, and although they did not win the Big 12 Tournament Championship, I still think they are very dangerous. Forward Perry Ellis leads the team in scoring and rebounding, with 13.8 Points and 7 Rebounds per game. Guard Frank Mason isn't far behind Ellis in scoring, averaging 12.3 points per game while also leading the team in assists with 4 per night. Wayne Seldon is also a factor in the back-court, averaging nearly 10 Points per game, while fellow guard Kelly Obrue is averaging 9.3 points per night. Cliff Alexander is a factor off the bench, as the 6.8 forward is 2nd on the team in rebounding and leads the Jayhawks with a .566 Field Goal percentage, as the Jayhawks hope to get him back from suspension for a suspicion of NCAA violations. The #2 seeded Jayhawks will face off against #15 New Mexico State in the first round.

#3 Notre Dame
The only 3 seed included in this list, the Fighting Irish would almost surely be at least a #2 any other year. But since the top teams are so talented this season, Mike Brey and is team will have to settle for a #3. Make no mistake about it, the Irish are dangerous. The became the 2015 ACC Tournament champions on Saturday night when they defeated North Carolina. Point Guard Jerian Grant is the backbone of the squad, averaging a team high 16.8 PPG and 6.6 Assists Per Game. Grant is complimented in the back-court by Pat Connaughton, who is contributing 12.8 PPG and leads the team with 7.4 Rebounds Per Game. Demetrius Jackson and Steve Vastura are also vital cogs at the guard position. 6-10 Forward Zach Auguste was a beast in the ACC Title Game, and is averaging 12.4 points and 6.2 rebounds per game. V.J. Beachem and Bonzie Colson add depth in the front-court coming off of the bench. The Irish are a sleeper, and they will face off against #14 Northeastern in the 1st round.

Honorable Mentions: UNC, Lousiville, Baylor, Iowa State

Predictions for Conference Tournaments

It's time for Conference Tournaments. Thus is the time when any team can make a name for themselves and get into the big dance no matter how bad their record is. Let's get into my predictions.

ACC
Finals Predictions: #1 UVA vs. #2 Duke
2 teams that will likely get #1 seeds in the NCAA tournament, Duke defeated Virginia in a tight game when the 2 teams met earlier in the season. I expect the results to be different this time around. UVA will be fired up after their loss at Louisville on Saturday, and I see them playing a near perfect game and beating Duke in a close one.

Winner: UVA

Big 12
Finals Prediction: #2 Iowa State over #1 Kansas
PG Monte Morris will be the difference for OSU in this one. The Cyclones don't make many mistakes, and that will be the key to a victory over an overatted Jayhawks team

Pac 12
Finals Prediction: #1 Arizona over #2 Utah
Arizona is a very balanced team who is just as good offensively as on defense. I think the difference in this title game will be TJ McConnell. I believe that the senior PG will come to play and that will be the key to stopping Delon Wright a very tough Utah team.

Big 10
Finals Prediction: Wisconsin over Maryland
The Terps are a pretty small team, although very talented. This will be a huge problem, as 7-1 center Frank Kaminsky could tear them apart. As it has been in many cases, Kaminsky will be the difference, and the Badgers will avenge an earlier loss to Dez Wells and Maryland and pull out a close one.

Winner: Wisconsion

A 10
#1 Davidson over #3 Rhode Island
Davidson is ON FIRE. They can score with just about anybody in the land, averaging over 80 points per contest. Their shooting will be the difference in winning a conference tournament title.

Big East
#1 Villinova over #3 Georgetown
Nova has one of the best backcourts in the land, as Darron Hilliard and Ryan Arcidiacono both shoot very well. The cats also have great depth, and they will handle Georgetown  fairly easily in this title game

Winner: Villinova

American
#1 SMU over #3 Cincinnati
Led by Guard Nic More, the Ponds have 4 players scoring in double figures, and they will be playing with a fire after being snubbed from the dance last year. They will use their talent and motivation to win the American Conference Tournament.

Winner: SMU

SEC
Kentucky over Arkansas
We all know how good UK is. 31-0. The Razorbacks simply won't be enough

Superbowl Sunday Breakdown/Prediction

It's here. It is an unofficial holiday to sports fans and other citizens alike. For people who love football and/or silly commercials, this is a day that is very much looked forward to in American Culture, and judging by the title, you already know, it's Superbowl Sunday. It's the Patriots and the Seahawks. Let's get into my breakdown of this game. First, let's get into a recap of each teams season up to this point.

Patriots
The Patriots 2014 journey got off to a very rocky start, as they were beaten in Miami in Week 1 by a score of 33-20. After 2 unconvincing wins over Minnesota and Oakland, the Patriots were completely steamrolled in Kansas City on a Monday night by a score of 41-14. If somebody had told me after week 4 that the Patriots would be playing in this game tonight, I would have laughed it off. But after this game, New England began laughing as they won their next 4. This set up a week 9 showdown with Peyton Manning and the Broncos at home. The Pats proved up to the task, as they smacked Omaha and his crew by a 43-21 margin. Going into their bye week, the Patriots were in a good place at 7-2.

After the bye, the Pats had a marquee Sunday Night match up in Indy against Andrew Luck and the Colts. The Pats again proved up to the task, led by running back Jonas Gray, and came out with a 42-20 win. The next week would be another easy win, this time over the Lions. New England would finally come back to earth in Week 13, as Aaron Rodgers and the Packers were victorious 26-21. New England would bounce back with 3 straight wins before falling to Buffalo in Week 17, a game in which the Pats starters saw limited action in an effort to get them rest for the playoffs.

In the Divisional Playoffs, the Patriots overcame 2 14 point defects to defeat the Baltimore Ravens 35-31. This brought up a rematch with the Colts, this time in New England. The Pats won 45-7, in a game marred by controversy which I will briefly discuss later, and earned their 6th AFC title in the past 14 years.

Seahawks
The Seahawks were fresh off their first ever Superbowl win. Many expect them to suffer a "Superbowl Hangover". The Hawks got of to a good start, pounding Green Bay 36-16 in Week 1. However losses to Dallas, St. Louis and San Diego put them at 3-3. It looked like these people would be proved right.  However, the Hawks would reel off 3 in a row, before a loss at KC again instilled doubt. However, the Hawks responded by winning their final 6 games, highlighted by drubbings of San Francisco and Arizona. They finished the regular season at 12-4 and earned the #1 seed in the NFC playoffs.

In the Divisonal round of the playoffs, the Seahawks handled Carolina 31-17. In the NFC title game, the Seahawks, aided by an onside kick  rallied from 12 down in the last 3 minutes to defeat Green Bay 28-22 in Overtime.

So I have covered the long road for both teams to the dance. No I will compare how these 2 match up against each other.

Offense
The Patriots are known for being steady on offensive year after year. Led by Tom Brady, as well as well as TE Rob Gronkowski, WR Julian Edelman and RB

Football: Championship Week Predictions

Championship Sunday is here. 32 teams started the season with dreams of going to the Superbowl. Only 4 still have a chance to realize those dreams. I will now predict which 2 will remain after today

AFC
Colts(12-6) at Patriots(13-4)
The Colts are somewhat of a cinderella story, as they have knocked off both Cincinnati and Denver en route to the AFC title game not many expected them to be in when the playoff pairings were announced. However, I think midnight will strike for the Colts today. The Patriots have a very strong secondary, and the Colts are not very strong running the ball, even more so now that Trent Richardson had left the team due to a family emergency. This means that Andrew Luck will be forced to beat the Patriots doing a lot of the work, and as good as Luck is, I do not see that happening today.

Winner: Patriots

Packers(13-4) at Seahawks(13-4)
This is the more interesting  of the 2 games in my opinion. The Seahawks defense will be tested today as the will be going up against Aaron Rodgers and Jody Nelson. However, Rodgers had a decent but not great performance in the Packers win over Dallas last Sunday, and the Cowboys do not have a strong secondary. Rodgers may still not be 100% from a foot injury suffered in Week 17. Seattle's secondary is the best in the league, and that became apparent Saturday night when they made life a living hell for Cam Newton. The Seahawks offense also has been playing well as of late, as Russell Wilson is as good at managing the clock and keeping the ball out of Rodgers hands.

Winner: Seahawks

College Football Title Game Breakdown/Prediction

It's here. The National Championship Game. Over 120 teams came into training camp dreaming of playing in this game, but only 2 have turned that dream into reality. Those 2 are the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Oregon Ducks. Let's get into each teams road to the ''Ship''.


Ohio State
The Bucks season appeared over before it started. Standout QB Braxton Miller tore his ACL shortly after the beginning camp, and Buckeye fans were understandably shell shocked. This forced Freshman JT Barrett to take over, and many fans were skeptical, to put it mildly. If fans were skeptical before the season, then they must have been downright frightened after a Week 2 loss to a mediocre Virginia Tech team in their home stadium. Fans may have been a little more at ease the next week when the Bucks trounced lowly Kent State by a 66-0 margin, by the relief was marginal at best.  Things started to look up in Columbus the next week when The Buckeyes defeated a pretty good Cincinnati team by a respectable margin of 50-28. By this point fans were starting to have faith in young Barrett. Next came the B1G opener on the road at Maryland. Barrett proved more than ready as The Bucks trounced the Terps 52-24. By this point, fans knew that things were looking pretty good. It only got better as OSU blew out another opponent 7 days later. This time Rutgers was the victim, and the scoreboard read 56-17 as the final whistle sounded. Ohio State would face what would prove to be their biggest scare of 2014 the next week in Happy Valley. An inspired Penn State team had the Bucks on the ropes, and a clutch sack by standout DE Joey Bosa in 2OT sealed another Buckeye victory, by a score of 31-24. Things would get easy again next Saturday with a 55-14 curb stomp of Illinois. The next week, OSU would have to travel to East Lansing to take on #8 ranked and B1G leader Michigan State. Barrett would prove more then ready as the Bucks put up 49 points on a very good defensive football team, and won 49-37. The next week was somewhat of a test, but OSU would pull away late from a scrappy Indiana team by a score of 42-27. Next week was Michigan week. The determined Wolverines would not go down easily, but the Bucks would pull out a 42-28 win. It would come with a price though, as JT Barrett, who at this point had broken several B1G records, was lost for good with a broken ankle. Again, panic arose in Columbus. Now it would be up to Junior Cardale Jones to keep the ship from sinking. With a huge test coming up against #13 Wisconsin in the B1G championship game, fans were very unstable. All worries were put to rest when Brutus trounced Bucky by a score of 59-0. Cardale proved more then worthy to caption the boat. Now, fans would have to wait to see if their team would be one of the 4 chosen for the first ever College Football Playoff. The committee would answer prayers and choose the Bucks over both TCU and Baylor. The Bucks would prove that they were in fact worthy of the honor when they upset #1 Alabama by a score of 42-35 in the semifinal game. Now its time for Oregon, who happens to feature the best player in the land, QB Marcus Mariota.


Oregon
Unlike their opponents, the Ducks were expected by many to be in this position. The Ducks first test came in Week 2, and they proved worthy with a 46-27 win over Michigan State. After 2 more wins, the Ducks were stunned on a Thursday Night in their own stadium by Arizona. The Ducks would have to prove to their fans that they could respond from adversity. They did just that the next week with a 42-30 road win over #18 UCLA. The Ducks next test would come in Salt Lake City against #17 Utah. The Utes would be tough, but bonehead plays and dumb mistakes would be enough for the Ducks to take advantage and go back to campus with a 51-27 win. After a trouncing of Colorado, the Ducks would face a determined Oregon State team in Corvallis for the annual Civil War. It would prove to be no issue as the Ducks would leave with a 47-19 victory. Next Friday night would be the Pac-12 title game, against the team that defeated the Ducks, #7 Arizona. The Ducks were pissed off for revenge and they curb stomped the Cats 51-13. The Ducks had done enough to earn a spot in the Playoff. The Ducks would destroy Jameis Winston and #3 Florida State in the semifinal game. That brings them to tonight.


Now, I will go over how the 2 teams match up against one another.


Offense
You all know where this is going. Oregon has long been know for their fast-past, very exciting offense. They feature the best QB in the land in Heisman Trophy winner Marcus Marriota, as well as a solid running back in Royce Freeman as well as WR Bryon Marshall. The Ducks attack received a hit when 2nd leading receiver Darren Carrington was suspended for the game after failing a drug test, but Offensive Coordinator Scott Frost and his attack will still be tough to slow down. Ohio State is also very good offensively. Led by Jones and standout RB Ezekiel Elliott, the Bucks also have a strong group of receivers that includes Devin Smith, Jalen Marshall and TE Nick Vannett. Still, I give the edge to the Ducks


Edge: Oregon


Defense
Ohio States defense has been strong all year. Led up front by Defensive End Joey Bosa and Defensive Tackle Michael Bennett, the Bucks front 4 is very capable. The secondary is anchored by Freshman Eli Apple. Oregon's defensive is known for allowing a lot of yards, but they always seem to stiffen in the red zone. Both units are capable, but I'm going to have to give the edge to Luke Fickell's defense.


Edge: Buckeyes




Special Teams
One of OSU's strengths is pinning teams deep, and the main reason for this is punter Cameron Johnston. Both teams have strong kickers, but this field position will have a huge role in this game.


Edge: Ohio State


Coaching
No brainer here. Urban Meyer already has 2 national championships, while Mark Helfrich is a good coach but only in his 2nd season.


Edge: OSU


This game will be very fun with a lot of action and drama, but after comparing the 2 teams, I have to give Ohio State the edge. The Bucks are looking like a team of destiny and no creature will get in their way. OH


Winner and 2015 College Football Playoff Champions: Ohio State

NFL Playoffs- Sunday Predictions

Day 2 of the NFL divisional playoffs is here. Let's get into what I think will happen today.

4:40
Colts (11-6) at Broncos(12-4)
It will be Past vs. Present as Andrew Luck will battle Peyton Manning. I am expecting a lot of points, but I think that Denver will advance because they're offense will be too much for the Colts defense. Although the Colts are a decent defensive team, Manning and the Denver offense are too good at Mile High to be stopped in this one.

Winner: Broncos

1:05
Cowboys(13-4) at Packers (12-4)
The Cowboys are undefeated at on the road while the Pack are undefeated at the Frozen Tundra. I thin k that Aaron Rodgers will take advantage of the mediocre Cowboys secondary, and that will be a big reason why the Packers will move on to Seattle.

Winner: Packers

Thanks for the read!?!