What are people thinking for our bracket? Plenty of potential storylines, lol. These guys are really clicking at the right time and feeling it, so there is certainly a part of me that says bring on anyone. However, I tend to be a very nervous fan, haha ... so this is what I would prefer, and this all obviously assumes we take care of our own business:
1) Loyola loses to Georgia Tech. For one, I don't want to have any competition (however small) for my fellow Chicagoans' rooting interests, specifically the more casual fans. Also, they will likely be REALLY pumped for that one. Again, we should beat them handily, but I'd just assume avoid it.
2) I REALLY hope Oklahoma State loses before the Sweet Sixteen. I think we're better than them (hell, I am picking us as the National Champ, I think we're better than everybody!!), but I want no part of that team. Even looking past the revenge angle Oklahoma State will be going for because of Underwood, they also feel (rightfully) screwed over by the Committee, and they will have a chip on their shoulder. Additionally, they're one of the few teams who has at least one guard who I feel can REALLY give ours trouble and throw us off our game. No thanks! However, obviously, if it's them ... bring it.
3) I would MUCH rather get a piece of Houston than West Virginia. First of all, I just don't buy that they're going to be able to win their fourth Tournament game in a row vs. a battle-tested 1-seed from this year's Big Ten like us. Second of all, I want nothing more than for the Illini - on a national Elite Eight stage - to absolutely pummel Kelvin Sampson and have the boos rain down on him in front of a partisan Illini crowd.
4) It would obviously be nice to not face Baylor again, but honestly ... Purdue and Ohio State would be just as nerve wracking in the Final Four. OSU is so tough when they're hitting shots, and I did not want to play ONE more second vs. that team, haha. Additionally, Purdue is one of the few teams with centers that can try to contain Kofi effectively, and their (young) team is really coming along. I would love to face the 3-seed Arkansas out of that group. Even though they're hot right now, I just don't think the SEC is going to prepare teams for this gauntlet like the Big Ten and Big XII have.
5) For that Championship Game, if we make it, I don't want the Zags. I can't make up my mind if they're a paper tiger who will fold against elite competition, a team that really IS that good or somewhere in between ... but the way their offense can move, I'd rather just not find out. Part of me can't believe I am saying this, but I would love to face either Iowa or Michigan in the title game. I firmly believe we are better than both, it would be great for an all-Big Ten title game and I think our guys' game that they feel the best playing really punches those two teams in the mouth. After the BTT Semifinal win against Iowa, I honestly would feel the best winning our first NC vs. those bastards!
Of course, this would make for a HORRIBLY nervous Fighter of the Nightman, given my friend group hails mostly from Iowa City.
Can't wait to start our journey Friday! No overlooking, just come in, take care of business with energy/focus and move on.
we get to see it.
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