Notes from The Periphery: It Begins!

As I sit here quietly contemplating my picks for the tournament, its important to be in the right state of mind. You see teams are seeded for a reason therefore you should expect the higher seeded to teams to win. Of course thats what the committee wants you to think. They know that that you know how the seeds go so there's always a few upset gems intentionally placed in there. Of course they know that you know that they know that while studying in Spain they learned that teams are mortal. So you can clearly not pick the underdog in front of you (most of the time). I think. Is it clear now? I hope not. Nonetheless here's some quick thoughts.

Region of Death (i.e. toughest region):
East: UNC, Texas, Wash St., Georgetown all have potential along with numerous sleeping giants (USC, BC, Arkansas, Oral Roberts (is that a real school by the way?). Just assume there will be upsets somewhere. Much like going to that cheap Chinese place across the street, cross your fingers and pray.

Region of Fluffy Bunnies and Pink Frilly Things (i.e. easiest region)
Midwest. Basically the committee decided that Florida, a school thats quickly moving up ranks for team I'd like to be stuck on a flight with Bill Simmons, should get a free pass to the Final 4. Arghh. Not another championship. Please if your listening stop it Christopher Walken.

Christopher Walken, patron saint of schadenfreude.

Best First Round Matchup
I have two Nevada v. Creighton and Marquette v. Michigan State.

Best Story Lines:
Will a freshman (Oden, Durant, Wright, fill in blank) lead his team to the Championship. Will Florida Repeat? Can anyone stop them? Please? Will the mid-majors do it two years in a row and bracket bust everything? Will Duke lose in the first round? Has anyone seen my pants? Does the committee really think I will ever refer to anything as the East Rutherford Region? Really? Will I really stay up to crazy hours to watch the tournament?

Stay tuned more answers are coming.....