Crazy! Wacky! And just plain FUN! March Madness 2021 is living up to its name. Here’s my analysis of play thus far and how I think things will turn out.
After what may have been the craziest opening weekend of March Madness, just about anything can happen. We’ve seen a 15-seed make it to the Sweet 16, a one-seed fall in the second round, and the Big 12 and Big 10 fall from their presumed dominant status.
What else seems plausible from reading the tournament tea leaves? Here’s my take.
No One is Touching Gonzaga!
I have been riding the Gonzaga train all year, and during the opening weekend, the ‘Zags showed why they are the clear-cut favorites to win it all. After falling behind to Oklahoma, Gonzaga fought back and took another double-digit victory. Whenever they fall behind in a game, GU finds a way to win. It helps when any one of their three stars can drop a 30-bomb. Even in a whacky season and tournament as this, I don’t foresee Gonzaga losing.
The Pac-12 Deserves Respect!
Following USC’s victory over Kansas, the PAC-12 advanced to 10-1 in the tournament, and conference teams constitute 25% of the Sweet 16 field. Oregon State and UCLA came in as double-digit seeds and won all five of their games, and both teams have a legit shot of advancing to the Elite 8. USC and Oregon, on the other hand, showed pure dominance in their respective Round 2 wins. Unfortunately, they play each other in the Sweet 16. Only one team will advance, and the winner will then likely go up against Gonzaga. That said, don’t be surprised if the winner (USC or Oregon) gives ‘Zags a run for their money.
Final Four Predictions
History shows that only one or two 1-seeds make it to the Final Four. If history holds this year, then expect Michigan, Gonzaga, or Baylor to fall in the upcoming days. So, what do I think things will shake out?
West: Gonzaga. GU is my pick to win the 2021 championship, but I don’t think it will be a cakewalk.
East: Florida State. Florida State is impressive, and I especially like the Seminoles’ defense. Plus, I see Michigan fading. With that, don’t be surprised if Florida State gets past both the Wolverines and, then, the Alabama Crimson Tide.
South: Baylor. The Bears have one of the most accessible roads to the Final Four. But this is not the same Baylor team from earlier this season. Missing a month of action due to COVID is the reason. Villanova is in the same boat, though. The Wildcats aren’t as strong as before because of injuries. I believe that a healthy VUt team would have steamrolled Baylor. Fortunately for Baylor, they should get by this ‘Nova team and then the Arkansas/Oral Roberts winner in the Elite Eight.
Midwest: Syracuse. Underdog SU has always overachieved during March Madness. And this year it has an edge: only 1 of the top 8 seeds remains in its bracket. That means the Orange is in a prime position to make the run to the Final Four with Loyola standing ahead as the biggest obstacle. So the big question is this: Will Cinderella wear orange or maroon shoes? I say O-R-A-N-G-E!
