*Team in bold is predicted winner
East Regional - Round of 64
1 Duke 16 Hartford
8 Utah 9 Georgetown
5 UCLA 12 Toledo
4 Michigan 13 William & Mary
6 San Diego State 11 Notre Dame
3 UConn 14 Holy Cross
7 Iowa 10 Harvard
2 Kansas 15 Wagner
East Regional - Round of 32
1 Duke 8 Utah
4 Michigan 12 Toledo
3 UConn 6 San Diego State
2 Kansas 7 Iowa
East Regional - Sweet 16
1 Duke 4 Michigan
2 Kansas 6 San Diego State
East Regional - Elite 8
2 Kansas 4 Michigan
South Regional - Round of 64
1 Wisconsin 16 Coastal Carolina
8 Oregon 9 Dayton
5 Syracuse 12 UTEP/Illinois
4 Texas 13 Belmont
6 SMU 11 Providence
3 Louisville 14 Georgia State
7 Nebraska 10 Colorado
2 Florida 15 Weber State
South Regional - Round of 32
1 Wisconsin 8 Oregon
4 Texas 5 Syracuse
3 Louisville 11 Providence
2 Florida 10 Colorado
South Regional - Sweet 16
1 Wisconsin 4 Texas
2 Florida 3 Louisville
South Regional - Elite 8
1 Wisconsin 2 Florida
Midwest Regional - Round of 64
1 Kentucky 16 Chattanooga/NC Central
8 Pittsburgh 9 Maryland
5 Oklahoma 12 Louisiana Tech
4 Michigan State 13 Green Bay
6 Ohio State 11 New Mexico
3 Villanova 14 Florida Gulf Coast
7 Kansas State 10 Memphis
2 North Carolina 15 Stephen F Austin
Midwest Regional - Round of 32
1 Kentucky 8 Pittsburgh
4 Michigan State 12 Louisiana Tech
3 Villanova 11 New Mexico
2 North Carolina 10 Memphis
Midwest Regional - Sweet 16
1 Kentucky 4 Michigan State
2 North Carolina 3 Villanova
Midwest Regional - Elite 8
1 Kentucky 2 North Carolina
West Regional - Round of 64
1 Arizona 16 UC Irvine
8 Baylor 9 Minnesota
5 VCU 12 Seton Hall
4 Wichita State 13 Iona
6 Gonzaga 11 West Virginia/UMass
3 Iowa State 14 Denver
7 Stanford 10 Arkansas
2 Virginia 15 New Mexico State
West Regional - Round of 32
1 Arizona 9 Minnesota
4 Wichita State 5 VCU
3 Iowa State 6 Gonzaga
2 Virginia 7 Stanford
West Regional - Sweet 16
1 Arizona 5 VCU
2 Virginia 3 Iowa State
West Regional - Elite 8
1 Arizona 3 Iowa State
Final Four - Indianapolis
2 North Carolina 4 Michigan
1 Arizona 2 Florida
National Championship Game - Indianapolis
1 Arizona over 2 North Carolina
Wednesday, November 5, 2014
Tuesday, November 4, 2014
2014-2015 NCAA Basketball Preview
Below is how I see the 2014-2015 NCAA Basketball season shaking out, with complete predictions for the five power conferences and NCAA Tournament teams listed for the other conferences. (Bold indicates an NCAA Tournament team)
ACC
1. Duke
2. North Carolina
3. Virginia
4. Louisville
5. Syracuse
6. Pittsburgh
7. Notre Dame
8. Florida State
9. Miami
10. NC State
11. Clemson
12. Wake Forest
13. Georgia Tech
14. Boston College
15. Virginia Tech
Big 12
1. Kansas
2. Iowa State
3. Texas
4. Oklahoma
5. Kansas State
6. Baylor
7. West Virginia
8. Oklahoma State
9. Texas Tech
10. TCU
Big 10
1. Wisconsin
2. Michigan State
3. Michigan
4. Ohio State
5. Iowa
6. Nebraska
7. Minnesota
8. Maryland
9. Illinois
10. Indiana
11. Penn State
12. Nortthwestern
13. Purdue
14. Rutgers
Pac-12
1. Arizona
2. UCLA
3. Stanford
4. Oregon
5. Utah
6. Colorado
7. Cal
8. Washington
9. Arizona State
10. USC
11. Washington State
12. Oregon State
SEC
1. Kentucky
2. Florida
3. Arkansas
4. Tennessee
5. Missouri
6. LSU
7. Georgia
8. Ole Miss
9. Texas A&M
10. Vanderbilt
11. Alabama
12. Mississippi State
13. South Carolina
14. Auburn
American
1. UConn
2. SMU
3. Memphis
Big East
1. Villanova
2. Georgetown
3. Providence
4. Seton Hall
Atlantic-10
1. VCU
2. Dayton
3. UMass
Mountain West
1. San Diego State
2. New Mexico
Conference USA
1. UTEP
2. Louisiana Tech
America East
1. Hartford
Atlantic Sun
1. Florida Gulf Coast
Big Sky
1. Weber State
Big South
1. Coastal Carolina
Big West
1. UC Irvine
Colonial
1. William & Mary
Horizon
1. Green Bay
Ivy
1. Harvard
MAAC
1. Iona
MAC
1. Toledo
MEAC
1. NC Central
MVC
1. Wichita State
NEC
1. Wagner
OVC
1. Belmont
Patriot
1. Holy Cross
SoCon
1. Chattanooga
Southland
1. Stephen F Austin
Sun Belt
1. Georgia State
Summit
1. Denver
SWAC
1. Alcorn State
WAC
1. New Mexico State
WCC
1. Gonzaga
ACC
1. Duke
2. North Carolina
3. Virginia
4. Louisville
5. Syracuse
6. Pittsburgh
7. Notre Dame
8. Florida State
9. Miami
10. NC State
11. Clemson
12. Wake Forest
13. Georgia Tech
14. Boston College
15. Virginia Tech
Big 12
1. Kansas
2. Iowa State
3. Texas
4. Oklahoma
5. Kansas State
6. Baylor
7. West Virginia
8. Oklahoma State
9. Texas Tech
10. TCU
Big 10
1. Wisconsin
2. Michigan State
3. Michigan
4. Ohio State
5. Iowa
6. Nebraska
7. Minnesota
8. Maryland
9. Illinois
10. Indiana
11. Penn State
12. Nortthwestern
13. Purdue
14. Rutgers
Pac-12
1. Arizona
2. UCLA
3. Stanford
4. Oregon
5. Utah
6. Colorado
7. Cal
8. Washington
9. Arizona State
10. USC
11. Washington State
12. Oregon State
SEC
1. Kentucky
2. Florida
3. Arkansas
4. Tennessee
5. Missouri
6. LSU
7. Georgia
8. Ole Miss
9. Texas A&M
10. Vanderbilt
11. Alabama
12. Mississippi State
13. South Carolina
14. Auburn
American
1. UConn
2. SMU
3. Memphis
Big East
1. Villanova
2. Georgetown
3. Providence
4. Seton Hall
Atlantic-10
1. VCU
2. Dayton
3. UMass
Mountain West
1. San Diego State
2. New Mexico
Conference USA
1. UTEP
2. Louisiana Tech
America East
1. Hartford
Atlantic Sun
1. Florida Gulf Coast
Big Sky
1. Weber State
Big South
1. Coastal Carolina
Big West
1. UC Irvine
Colonial
1. William & Mary
Horizon
1. Green Bay
Ivy
1. Harvard
MAAC
1. Iona
MAC
1. Toledo
MEAC
1. NC Central
MVC
1. Wichita State
NEC
1. Wagner
OVC
1. Belmont
Patriot
1. Holy Cross
SoCon
1. Chattanooga
Southland
1. Stephen F Austin
Sun Belt
1. Georgia State
Summit
1. Denver
SWAC
1. Alcorn State
WAC
1. New Mexico State
WCC
1. Gonzaga
Saturday, October 18, 2014
2014-2015 NBA Predictions
Eastern Conference
Atlantic
Toronto 47-35
Brooklyn 44-38
New York 38-44
Boston 27-55
Philadelphia 18-64
Southeast
Washington 48-34
Miami 47-35
Charlotte 43-39
Atlanta 39-43
Orlando 22-60
Central
Cleveland 57-25
Chicago 55-27
Indiana 36-46
Detroit 35-47
Milwaukee 24-58
Western Conference
Southwest
San Antonio 58-24
Memphis 52-30
Dallas 50-32
Houston 47-35
New Orleans 44-38
Northwest
Oklahoma City 56-26
Portland 45-37
Denver 41-41
Minnesota 28-54
Utah 24-58
Pacific
LA Clippers 57-25
Golden State 51-31
Phoenix 40-42
LA Lakers 30-52
Sacramento 29-53
East Quarters
(1) Cleveland over (8) Atlanta
(5) Miami over (4) Toronto
(6) Brooklyn over (3) Washington
(2) Chicago over (7) Charlotte
West Quarters
(1) San Antonio over (8) Portland
(5) Golden State over (4) Memphis
(3) Oklahoma City over (6) Dallas
(2) LA Clippers over (7) Houston
East Semis
(1) Cleveland over (5) Miami
(2) Chicago over (6) Brooklyn
West Semis
(1) San Antonio over (5) Golden State
(2) LA Clippers over (3) Oklahoma City
East Finals
(1) Cleveland over (2) Chicago
West Finals
(1) San Antonio over (2) LA Clippers
NBA Finals
(1) San Antonio over (1) Cleveland
Finals MVP - Manu Ginobili
NBA MVP - LeBron James
Rookie of the Year - Jabari Parker
Atlantic
Toronto 47-35
Brooklyn 44-38
New York 38-44
Boston 27-55
Philadelphia 18-64
Southeast
Washington 48-34
Miami 47-35
Charlotte 43-39
Atlanta 39-43
Orlando 22-60
Central
Cleveland 57-25
Chicago 55-27
Indiana 36-46
Detroit 35-47
Milwaukee 24-58
Western Conference
Southwest
San Antonio 58-24
Memphis 52-30
Dallas 50-32
Houston 47-35
New Orleans 44-38
Northwest
Oklahoma City 56-26
Portland 45-37
Denver 41-41
Minnesota 28-54
Utah 24-58
Pacific
LA Clippers 57-25
Golden State 51-31
Phoenix 40-42
LA Lakers 30-52
Sacramento 29-53
East Quarters
(1) Cleveland over (8) Atlanta
(5) Miami over (4) Toronto
(6) Brooklyn over (3) Washington
(2) Chicago over (7) Charlotte
West Quarters
(1) San Antonio over (8) Portland
(5) Golden State over (4) Memphis
(3) Oklahoma City over (6) Dallas
(2) LA Clippers over (7) Houston
East Semis
(1) Cleveland over (5) Miami
(2) Chicago over (6) Brooklyn
West Semis
(1) San Antonio over (5) Golden State
(2) LA Clippers over (3) Oklahoma City
East Finals
(1) Cleveland over (2) Chicago
West Finals
(1) San Antonio over (2) LA Clippers
NBA Finals
(1) San Antonio over (1) Cleveland
Finals MVP - Manu Ginobili
NBA MVP - LeBron James
Rookie of the Year - Jabari Parker
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
2014-2015 NHL Predictions
Eastern Conference
Atlantic
1. Boston
2. Montreal
3. Tampa Bay
4. Detroit
5. Toronto
6. Florida
7. Ottawa
8. Buffalo
Metropolitan
1. Pittsburgh
2. NY Rangers
3. Columbus
4. Philadelphia
5. Washington
6. New Jersey
7. NY Islanders
8. Carolina
Western Conference
Central
1. Chicago
2. St. Louis
3. Minnesota
4. Dallas
5. Colorado
6. Nashville
7. Winnipeg
Pacific
1. Los Angeles
2. Anaheim
3. San Jose
4. Arizona
5. Vancouver
6. Edmonton
7. Calgary
Eastern Conference Quarterfinals
Boston over Philadelphia
Montreal over Tampa Bay
NY Rangers over Columbus
Pittsburgh over Detroit
Western Conference Quarterfinals
Chicago over Vancouver
St. Louis over Minnesota
San Jose over Anaheim
Los Angeles over Arizona
Eastern Conference Semifinals
Boston over Montreal
NY Rangers over Pittsburgh
Western Conference Semifinals
Chicago over St. Louis
Los Angeles over San Jose
Eastern Conference Finals
Boston over NY Rangers
Western Conference Finals
Chicago over Los Angeles
Stanley Cup Finals
Boston over Chicago
Atlantic
1. Boston
2. Montreal
3. Tampa Bay
4. Detroit
5. Toronto
6. Florida
7. Ottawa
8. Buffalo
Metropolitan
1. Pittsburgh
2. NY Rangers
3. Columbus
4. Philadelphia
5. Washington
6. New Jersey
7. NY Islanders
8. Carolina
Western Conference
Central
1. Chicago
2. St. Louis
3. Minnesota
4. Dallas
5. Colorado
6. Nashville
7. Winnipeg
Pacific
1. Los Angeles
2. Anaheim
3. San Jose
4. Arizona
5. Vancouver
6. Edmonton
7. Calgary
Eastern Conference Quarterfinals
Boston over Philadelphia
Montreal over Tampa Bay
NY Rangers over Columbus
Pittsburgh over Detroit
Western Conference Quarterfinals
Chicago over Vancouver
St. Louis over Minnesota
San Jose over Anaheim
Los Angeles over Arizona
Eastern Conference Semifinals
Boston over Montreal
NY Rangers over Pittsburgh
Western Conference Semifinals
Chicago over St. Louis
Los Angeles over San Jose
Eastern Conference Finals
Boston over NY Rangers
Western Conference Finals
Chicago over Los Angeles
Stanley Cup Finals
Boston over Chicago
Monday, September 1, 2014
2014 NFL Predictions
AFC East
(2) New England 11-5
Buffalo 6-10
NY Jets 6-10
Miami 6-10
AFC North
(4) Baltimore 10-6
(5) Pittsburgh 9-7
(6) Cincinnati 9-7
Cleveland 6-10
AFC South
(3) Indianapolis 10-6
Houston 8-8
Tennessee 4-12
Jacksonville 4-12
AFC West
(1) Denver 11-5
San Diego 9-7
Kansas City 8-8
Oakland 4-12
NFC East
(4) Dallas 9-7
Philadelphia 8-8
NY Giants 7-9
Washington 7-9
NFC North
(2) Green Bay 11-5
(6) Chicago 10-6
Detroit 7-9
Minnesota 4-12
NFC South
(3) New Orleans 11-5
Carolina 9-7
Atlanta 8-8
Tampa Bay 7-9
NFC West
(1) Seattle 12-4
(5) San Francisco 11-5
Arizona 7-9
St. Louis 6-10
AFC WILD CARD
(3) Indianapolis over (6) Cincinnati
(5) Pittsburgh over (4) Baltimore
NFC WILD CARD
(3) New Orleans over (6) Chicago
(5) San Francisco over (4) Dallas
AFC DIVISIONAL
(1) Denver over (5) Pittsburgh
(2) New England over (3) Indianapolis
NFC DIVISIONAL
(1) Seattle over (5) San Francisco
(2) Green Bay over (3) New Orleans
AFC CHAMPIONSHIP
(1) Denver over (2) New England
NFC CHAMPIONSHIP
(1) Seattle over (2) Green Bay
Super Bowl XLIX - Glendale, AZ
(1) Denver over (1) Seattle
Super Bowl MVP - Peyton Manning, Den
NFL MVP - Aaron Rodgers, GB
Defensive POY - Luke Kuechly, Car
Coach of the Year - John Harbaugh, Bal
Offensive ROY - Brandin Cooks, NO
Defensive ROY - Jadeveon Clowney, Hou
(2) New England 11-5
Buffalo 6-10
NY Jets 6-10
Miami 6-10
AFC North
(4) Baltimore 10-6
(5) Pittsburgh 9-7
(6) Cincinnati 9-7
Cleveland 6-10
AFC South
(3) Indianapolis 10-6
Houston 8-8
Tennessee 4-12
Jacksonville 4-12
AFC West
(1) Denver 11-5
San Diego 9-7
Kansas City 8-8
Oakland 4-12
NFC East
(4) Dallas 9-7
Philadelphia 8-8
NY Giants 7-9
Washington 7-9
NFC North
(2) Green Bay 11-5
(6) Chicago 10-6
Detroit 7-9
Minnesota 4-12
NFC South
(3) New Orleans 11-5
Carolina 9-7
Atlanta 8-8
Tampa Bay 7-9
NFC West
(1) Seattle 12-4
(5) San Francisco 11-5
Arizona 7-9
St. Louis 6-10
AFC WILD CARD
(3) Indianapolis over (6) Cincinnati
(5) Pittsburgh over (4) Baltimore
NFC WILD CARD
(3) New Orleans over (6) Chicago
(5) San Francisco over (4) Dallas
AFC DIVISIONAL
(1) Denver over (5) Pittsburgh
(2) New England over (3) Indianapolis
NFC DIVISIONAL
(1) Seattle over (5) San Francisco
(2) Green Bay over (3) New Orleans
AFC CHAMPIONSHIP
(1) Denver over (2) New England
NFC CHAMPIONSHIP
(1) Seattle over (2) Green Bay
Super Bowl XLIX - Glendale, AZ
(1) Denver over (1) Seattle
Super Bowl MVP - Peyton Manning, Den
NFL MVP - Aaron Rodgers, GB
Defensive POY - Luke Kuechly, Car
Coach of the Year - John Harbaugh, Bal
Offensive ROY - Brandin Cooks, NO
Defensive ROY - Jadeveon Clowney, Hou
Sunday, August 24, 2014
2014 NCAA Football Bowl Projections
December 20
R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl - UL-Lafayette vs. San Diego State
Gildan New Mexico Bowl - UTSA vs. Nevada
Royal Purple Las Vegas Bowl - Boise State vs. Arizona
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl - Utah State vs. Akron
Raycom Media Camellia Bowl - Bowling Green vs. Arkansas State
December 22
Miami Beach Bowl - 24 BYU vs. Cincinnati
December 23
Boca Raton Bowl - Toledo vs. Middle Tennessee
SD Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl - Navy vs. Fresno State
December 24
Bahamas Bowl - Ball State vs. Louisiana Tech
Sheraton Hawaii Bowl - Colorado State vs. North Texas
December 26
Heart of Dallas Bowl - Rice vs. Central Michigan
Detroit Lions Bowl - Syracuse vs. Northwestern
BITCOIN St. Petersburg Bowl - 23 UCF vs. Georgia Tech
December 27
Military Bowl - Pittsburgh vs. East Carolina
Hyundai Sun Bowl - Miami vs. Arizona State
Duck Commander Independence Bowl - Duke vs. Florida
New Era Pinstripe Bowl - North Carolina vs. Indiana
National University Holiday Bowl - 21 Washington vs. 22 Nebraska
December 29
AutoZone Liberty Bowl - Ole Miss vs. Texas Tech
Russell Athletic Bowl - 17 Notre Dame vs. 25 Texas
AdvoCare Texas Bowl - Texas A&M vs. Kansas State
December 30
Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl - Louisville vs. Mississippi State
Belk Bowl - Virginia Tech vs. Tennessee
San Francisco Bowl - 15 UCLA vs. Maryland
December 31
*Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl - 7 Ohio State vs. 14 Marshall
*Fiesta Bowl - 8 Baylor vs. 10 Stanford
*Discover Orange Bowl - 5 Michigan State vs. 16 Clemson
January 1
Capital One Bowl - 11 Georgia vs. 18 Iowa
Outback Bowl - 12 South Carolina vs. 20 Wisconsin
*AT&T Cotton Bowl - 6 Oklahoma vs. 9 LSU
*Rose Bowl (National Semifinal) - 2 Alabama vs. 3 Oregon
*Allstate Sugar Bowl (National Semifinal) - 1 Florida State vs. 4 Auburn
January 2
Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl - Houston vs. Texas State
Taxslayer Bowl - 19 Missouri vs. Michigan
Valero Alamo Bowl - 13 USC vs. Oklahoma State
Cactus Bowl - Oregon State vs. TCU
January 3
Birmingham Bowl - Vanderbilt vs. NC State
January 4
Godaddy Bowl - Northern Illinois vs. South Alabama
January 12
National Championship Game - 2 Alabama over 1 Florida State
The Alabama Crimson Tide will win their 4th National Championship in 6 years!
R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl - UL-Lafayette vs. San Diego State
Gildan New Mexico Bowl - UTSA vs. Nevada
Royal Purple Las Vegas Bowl - Boise State vs. Arizona
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl - Utah State vs. Akron
Raycom Media Camellia Bowl - Bowling Green vs. Arkansas State
December 22
Miami Beach Bowl - 24 BYU vs. Cincinnati
December 23
Boca Raton Bowl - Toledo vs. Middle Tennessee
SD Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl - Navy vs. Fresno State
December 24
Bahamas Bowl - Ball State vs. Louisiana Tech
Sheraton Hawaii Bowl - Colorado State vs. North Texas
December 26
Heart of Dallas Bowl - Rice vs. Central Michigan
Detroit Lions Bowl - Syracuse vs. Northwestern
BITCOIN St. Petersburg Bowl - 23 UCF vs. Georgia Tech
December 27
Military Bowl - Pittsburgh vs. East Carolina
Hyundai Sun Bowl - Miami vs. Arizona State
Duck Commander Independence Bowl - Duke vs. Florida
New Era Pinstripe Bowl - North Carolina vs. Indiana
National University Holiday Bowl - 21 Washington vs. 22 Nebraska
December 29
AutoZone Liberty Bowl - Ole Miss vs. Texas Tech
Russell Athletic Bowl - 17 Notre Dame vs. 25 Texas
AdvoCare Texas Bowl - Texas A&M vs. Kansas State
December 30
Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl - Louisville vs. Mississippi State
Belk Bowl - Virginia Tech vs. Tennessee
San Francisco Bowl - 15 UCLA vs. Maryland
December 31
*Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl - 7 Ohio State vs. 14 Marshall
*Fiesta Bowl - 8 Baylor vs. 10 Stanford
*Discover Orange Bowl - 5 Michigan State vs. 16 Clemson
January 1
Capital One Bowl - 11 Georgia vs. 18 Iowa
Outback Bowl - 12 South Carolina vs. 20 Wisconsin
*AT&T Cotton Bowl - 6 Oklahoma vs. 9 LSU
*Rose Bowl (National Semifinal) - 2 Alabama vs. 3 Oregon
*Allstate Sugar Bowl (National Semifinal) - 1 Florida State vs. 4 Auburn
January 2
Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl - Houston vs. Texas State
Taxslayer Bowl - 19 Missouri vs. Michigan
Valero Alamo Bowl - 13 USC vs. Oklahoma State
Cactus Bowl - Oregon State vs. TCU
January 3
Birmingham Bowl - Vanderbilt vs. NC State
January 4
Godaddy Bowl - Northern Illinois vs. South Alabama
January 12
National Championship Game - 2 Alabama over 1 Florida State
The Alabama Crimson Tide will win their 4th National Championship in 6 years!
Saturday, August 23, 2014
2014 NCAA Football Predictions
ACC
Atlantic
1. Florida State (13-0, 8-0)
2. Clemson (9-3, 7-1)
3. Louisville (8-4, 5-3)
4. Syracuse (6-6, 3-5)
5. NC State (6-6, 2-6)
6. Boston College (4-8, 1-7)
7. Wake Forest (3-9, 0-8)
Coastal
1. Miami (9-4, 6-2)
2. Duke (9-3, 5-3)
3. North Carolina (8-4, 5-3)
4. Virginia Tech (8-4, 5-3)
5. Pittsburgh (7-5, 4-4)
6. Georgia Tech (6-6, 3-5)
7. Virginia (4-8, 2-6)
ACC Championship - Florida State over Miami
Big 12
1. Oklahoma (11-1, 8-1)
2. Baylor (10-2, 7-2)
3. Texas (8-4, 6-3)
4. Oklahoma State (8-4, 6-3)
5. Kansas State (7-5, 5-4)
6. Texas Tech (7-5, 4-5)
7. TCU (7-5, 4-5)
8. West Virginia (4-8, 3-6)
9. Iowa State (3-9, 1-8)
10. Kansas (3-9, 1-8)
Big 10
East
1. Michigan State (12-1, 8-0)
2. Ohio State (11-1, 7-1)
3. Penn State (10-2, 6-2)
4. Michigan (8-4, 5-3)
5. Indiana (6-6, 3-5)
6. Maryland (6-6, 3-5)
7. Rutgers (4-8, 1-7)
West
1. Wisconsin (9-4, 6-2)
2. Iowa (10-2, 6-2)
3. Nebraska (9-3, 5-3)
4. Northwestern (6-6, 3-5)
5. Minnesota (5-7, 2-6)
6. Illinois (4-8, 1-7)
7. Purdue (3-9, 0-8)
Big 10 Championship - Michigan State over Wisconsin
Pac-12
North
1. Oregon (12-1, 8-1)
2. Stanford (9-3, 7-2)
3. Washington (10-3, 6-3)
4. Oregon State (7-5, 4-5)
5. Washington State (5-7, 2-7)
6. Cal (2-10, 1-8)
South
1. USC (10-3, 7-2)
2. UCLA (9-3, 6-3)
3. Arizona State (8-4, 5-4)
4. Arizona (7-5, 4-5)
5. Utah (5-7, 3-6)
6. Colorado (4-8, 1-8)
Pac-12 Championship - Oregon over USC
SEC
East
1. Georgia (10-3, 6-2)
2. South Carolina (9-3, 5-3)
3. Missouri (9-3, 5-3)
4. Florida (6-6, 3-5)
5. Tennessee (6-6, 3-5)
6. Vanderbilt (6-6, 2-6)
7. Kentucky (4-8, 1-7)
West
1. Alabama (12-1, 7-1)
2. Auburn (11-1, 7-1)
3. LSU (9-3, 5-3)
4. Texas A&M (8-4, 4-4)
5. Ole Miss (8-4, 4-4)
6. Mississippi State (7-5, 3-5)
7. Arkansas (4-8, 1-7)
SEC Championship - Alabama over Georgia
American
1. UCF (10-2, 8-0)
2. Cincinnati (10-2, 8-0)
3. East Carolina (7-5, 6-2)
4. Houston (8-4, 5-3)
5. Tulsa (5-7, 4-4)
6. Memphis (5-7, 3-5)
7. SMU (4-8, 3-5)
8. UConn (4-8, 2-6)
9. South Florida (3-9, 2-6)
10. Temple (3-9, 2-6)
11. Tulane (2-10, 1-7)
Mountain West
Mountain
1. Boise State (11-2, 8-0)
2. Utah State (10-3, 7-1)
3. Colorado State (7-5, 5-3)
4. Wyoming (5-7, 2-6)
5. Air Force (3-9, 1-7)
6. New Mexico (4-8, 1-7)
West
1. Fresno State (7-6, 6-2)
2. Nevada (6-6, 5-3)
3. San Diego State (7-5, 5-3)
4. San Jose State (5-7, 4-4)
5. UNLV (3-9, 2-6)
6. Hawaii (3-10, 2-6)
Mountain West Championship - Boise State over Fresno State
Conference USA
East
1. Marshall (13-0, 8-0)
2. Middle Tennessee (7-5, 6-2)
3. Western Kentucky (5-7, 4-4)
4. Old Dominion (6-6, 4-4)
5. Florida Atlantic (3-9, 3-6)
6. UAB (3-9, 1-7)
7. Florida International (3-9, 1-7)
West
1. Rice (7-6, 6-2)
2. UTSA (7-5, 6-2)
3. Louisiana Tech (7-5, 6-2)
4. North Texas (6-6, 5-3)
5. UTEP (3-9, 2-6)
6. Southern Miss (3-9, 1-7)
Conference USA Championship - Marshall over Rice
MAC
East
1. Bowling Green (11-2, 8-0)
2. Akron (7-5, 6-2)
3. Buffalo (6-6, 4-4)
4. Ohio (6-6, 4-4)
5. Kent State (4-8, 3-5)
6. Miami (OH) (2-10, 1-7)
7. UMass (0-12, 0-8)
West
1. Northern Illinois (9-4, 7-1)
2. Toledo (7-5, 6-2)
3. Ball State (8-4, 5-3)
4. Central Michigan (6-6, 5-3)
5. Eastern Michigan (3-9, 2-6)
6. Western Michigan (3-9, 1-7)
MAC Championship - Bowling Green over Northern Illinois
Sun Belt
1. Louisiana-Lafayette (10-2, 8-0)
2. South Alabama (7-5, 6-2)
3. Arkansas State (7-5, 6-2)
4. Louisiana-Monroe (5-7, 5-3)
5. Troy (5-7, 4-4)
6. Idaho (3-9, 3-5)
7. Appalachian State (4-8, 2-6)
8. Georgia Southern (3-9, 2-6)
9. Georgia State (2-10, 1-7)
10. New Mexico State (1-11, 0-8)
Independents
1. BYU (10-2)
2. Notre Dame (9-3)
3. Navy (9-3)
4. Army (3-9)
Atlantic
1. Florida State (13-0, 8-0)
2. Clemson (9-3, 7-1)
3. Louisville (8-4, 5-3)
4. Syracuse (6-6, 3-5)
5. NC State (6-6, 2-6)
6. Boston College (4-8, 1-7)
7. Wake Forest (3-9, 0-8)
Coastal
1. Miami (9-4, 6-2)
2. Duke (9-3, 5-3)
3. North Carolina (8-4, 5-3)
4. Virginia Tech (8-4, 5-3)
5. Pittsburgh (7-5, 4-4)
6. Georgia Tech (6-6, 3-5)
7. Virginia (4-8, 2-6)
ACC Championship - Florida State over Miami
Big 12
1. Oklahoma (11-1, 8-1)
2. Baylor (10-2, 7-2)
3. Texas (8-4, 6-3)
4. Oklahoma State (8-4, 6-3)
5. Kansas State (7-5, 5-4)
6. Texas Tech (7-5, 4-5)
7. TCU (7-5, 4-5)
8. West Virginia (4-8, 3-6)
9. Iowa State (3-9, 1-8)
10. Kansas (3-9, 1-8)
Big 10
East
1. Michigan State (12-1, 8-0)
2. Ohio State (11-1, 7-1)
3. Penn State (10-2, 6-2)
4. Michigan (8-4, 5-3)
5. Indiana (6-6, 3-5)
6. Maryland (6-6, 3-5)
7. Rutgers (4-8, 1-7)
West
1. Wisconsin (9-4, 6-2)
2. Iowa (10-2, 6-2)
3. Nebraska (9-3, 5-3)
4. Northwestern (6-6, 3-5)
5. Minnesota (5-7, 2-6)
6. Illinois (4-8, 1-7)
7. Purdue (3-9, 0-8)
Big 10 Championship - Michigan State over Wisconsin
Pac-12
North
1. Oregon (12-1, 8-1)
2. Stanford (9-3, 7-2)
3. Washington (10-3, 6-3)
4. Oregon State (7-5, 4-5)
5. Washington State (5-7, 2-7)
6. Cal (2-10, 1-8)
South
1. USC (10-3, 7-2)
2. UCLA (9-3, 6-3)
3. Arizona State (8-4, 5-4)
4. Arizona (7-5, 4-5)
5. Utah (5-7, 3-6)
6. Colorado (4-8, 1-8)
Pac-12 Championship - Oregon over USC
SEC
East
1. Georgia (10-3, 6-2)
2. South Carolina (9-3, 5-3)
3. Missouri (9-3, 5-3)
4. Florida (6-6, 3-5)
5. Tennessee (6-6, 3-5)
6. Vanderbilt (6-6, 2-6)
7. Kentucky (4-8, 1-7)
West
1. Alabama (12-1, 7-1)
2. Auburn (11-1, 7-1)
3. LSU (9-3, 5-3)
4. Texas A&M (8-4, 4-4)
5. Ole Miss (8-4, 4-4)
6. Mississippi State (7-5, 3-5)
7. Arkansas (4-8, 1-7)
SEC Championship - Alabama over Georgia
American
1. UCF (10-2, 8-0)
2. Cincinnati (10-2, 8-0)
3. East Carolina (7-5, 6-2)
4. Houston (8-4, 5-3)
5. Tulsa (5-7, 4-4)
6. Memphis (5-7, 3-5)
7. SMU (4-8, 3-5)
8. UConn (4-8, 2-6)
9. South Florida (3-9, 2-6)
10. Temple (3-9, 2-6)
11. Tulane (2-10, 1-7)
Mountain West
Mountain
1. Boise State (11-2, 8-0)
2. Utah State (10-3, 7-1)
3. Colorado State (7-5, 5-3)
4. Wyoming (5-7, 2-6)
5. Air Force (3-9, 1-7)
6. New Mexico (4-8, 1-7)
West
1. Fresno State (7-6, 6-2)
2. Nevada (6-6, 5-3)
3. San Diego State (7-5, 5-3)
4. San Jose State (5-7, 4-4)
5. UNLV (3-9, 2-6)
6. Hawaii (3-10, 2-6)
Mountain West Championship - Boise State over Fresno State
Conference USA
East
1. Marshall (13-0, 8-0)
2. Middle Tennessee (7-5, 6-2)
3. Western Kentucky (5-7, 4-4)
4. Old Dominion (6-6, 4-4)
5. Florida Atlantic (3-9, 3-6)
6. UAB (3-9, 1-7)
7. Florida International (3-9, 1-7)
West
1. Rice (7-6, 6-2)
2. UTSA (7-5, 6-2)
3. Louisiana Tech (7-5, 6-2)
4. North Texas (6-6, 5-3)
5. UTEP (3-9, 2-6)
6. Southern Miss (3-9, 1-7)
Conference USA Championship - Marshall over Rice
MAC
East
1. Bowling Green (11-2, 8-0)
2. Akron (7-5, 6-2)
3. Buffalo (6-6, 4-4)
4. Ohio (6-6, 4-4)
5. Kent State (4-8, 3-5)
6. Miami (OH) (2-10, 1-7)
7. UMass (0-12, 0-8)
West
1. Northern Illinois (9-4, 7-1)
2. Toledo (7-5, 6-2)
3. Ball State (8-4, 5-3)
4. Central Michigan (6-6, 5-3)
5. Eastern Michigan (3-9, 2-6)
6. Western Michigan (3-9, 1-7)
MAC Championship - Bowling Green over Northern Illinois
Sun Belt
1. Louisiana-Lafayette (10-2, 8-0)
2. South Alabama (7-5, 6-2)
3. Arkansas State (7-5, 6-2)
4. Louisiana-Monroe (5-7, 5-3)
5. Troy (5-7, 4-4)
6. Idaho (3-9, 3-5)
7. Appalachian State (4-8, 2-6)
8. Georgia Southern (3-9, 2-6)
9. Georgia State (2-10, 1-7)
10. New Mexico State (1-11, 0-8)
Independents
1. BYU (10-2)
2. Notre Dame (9-3)
3. Navy (9-3)
4. Army (3-9)
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs - Conference Semifinals
Ringer's Record
Playoffs: 7-1The Conference Semifinals get started tomorrow when an old school rivalry is renewed between Boston and Montreal. My three year string of picking the Cup winner before the season begins ended when the Blues were bounced by the defending champion Blackhawks. That was my lone series loss so far, as I correctly picked the winner of the other seven Conference Quarterfinals matchups. Most of the league's best teams are still alive, meaning we should be in for some very good hockey in the next couple weeks. Here is how I expect the rest of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs to play out.
Eastern Conference
Boston (-255) vs. Montreal (+215)
The Montreal Canadiens handled Tampa Bay decisively in the opening round. Carey Price was terrific in net, leading to a series sweep. Now they run up against the most well-rounded team in all of hockey. Boston is capable of shutting down anyone, so Montreal will need to find some offense. These bitter rivals are both playing great hockey and it should be a battle. Boston has had the better season, and they will extend it by knocking off the Canadiens.
Prediction - Boston over Montreal 4-2
Pittsburgh (-145) vs. NY Rangers (+125)
The Penguins and Rangers both had to fight extremely hard to survive the East Quarterfinals. Their Pens showed their prowess in Games 5 and 6 of their opening round matchup to overcome the gritty Blue Jackets. The Rangers went the distance to eventually outlast the Flyers. Both teams were thought to have Stanley Cup potential when the season began. In the end, I don't think that the Rangers possess enough firepower to get past the Pens.
Prediction - Pittsburgh over NY Rangers 4-1
Western Conference
Anaheim (-110) vs. Los Angeles (-110)
The playoffs are all about getting hot at the right time. It did not appear that the Kings were playing very good hockey at all, as they fell behind the Sharks 3-0 in their Conference Quarterfinals series. Then something clicked, and the Kings rattled off four straight wins to complete a historic comeback. LA definitely has their mojo back. It is the Ducks that were the best team in SoCal and all of the Western Conference this season though. The Kings could be gassed after such a comeback. They could be in trouble if this series goes a long way.
Prediction - Anaheim over Los Angeles 4-3
Chicago (-340) vs. Minnesota (+270)
As the regular season ended, not many people were talking about the Blackhawks being able to repeat. That has suddenly become a real possibility. Chicago rebounded from the injury bug, and dint miss a beat in rattling off four consecutive wins over my pick for the Cup, St. Louis. They are heavy favorites to get past Minnesota and back to the Conference Finals. Minnesota's win over Colorado was viewed as an upset, but not by me. I had the Wild advancing and believed they had the better roster. I don't believe their roster can compete with Chicago's over the course of a 7-game series.
Prediction - Chicago over Minnesota 4-1
Friday, April 25, 2014
2014 NFL Mock Draft
4/22/14
*This is the third edition of my 2014 NFL Mock Draft. The combine is long over, pro days have been had, and free agency is all but over. There is only one major event remaining in the offseason, and that is the NFL Draft itself. A lot of things have changed in the past month and a half when I posted my second NFL Mock Draft (http://ringersports.blogspot.com/2014/03/2014-nfl-mock-draft.html). As the rumor mill heats up, these projections are sure to change again. Please note that these picks are simply who I think each team will select without projecting trades.
Round 1
1. Houston - Jadeveon Clowney DE/South Carolina
2. St. Louis - Greg Robinson OT/Auburn
3. Jacksonville - Blake Bortles QB/UCF
4. Cleveland - Sammy Watkins WR/Clemson
5. Oakland - Johnny Manziel QB/Texas A&M
6. Atlanta - Khalil Mack LB/Buffalo
7. Tampa Bay - Mike Evans WR/Texas A&M
8. Minnesota - Haha Clinton-Dix S/Alabama
9. Buffalo - Jake Matthews OT/Texas A&M
10. Detroit - Justin Gilbert CB/Oklahoma State
11. Tennessee - Anthony Barr LB/UCLA
12. NY Giants - Aaron Donald DT/Pittsburgh
13. St. Louis - Darqueze Dennard CB/Michigan State
14. Chicago - Calvin Pryor S/Louisville
15. Pittsburgh - Eric Ebron TE/North Carolina
16. Dallas - Taylor Lewan OT/Michigan
17. Baltimore - Zack Martin OT/Notre Dame
18. NY Jets - Brandin Cooks WR/Oregon State
19. Miami - CJ Mosley LB/Alabama
20. Arizona - Kony Ealy DE/Missouri
21. Green Bay - Louis Nix DE/Notre Dame
22. Philadelphia - Odell Beckham WR/LSU
23. Kansas City - Xavier Su'a-Filo G/UCLA
24. Cincinnati - Dee Ford DE/Auburn
25. San Diego - Jason Verrett CB/TCU
26. Cleveland - Teddy Bridgewater QB/Louisville
27. New Orleans - Kyle Fuller CB/Virginia Tech
28. Carolina - Marquise Lee WR/USC
29. New England - Ra'Shede Hageman DT/Minnesota
30. San Francisco - Kelvin Banjamin WR/Foorida State
31. Denver - Bradley Roby CB/Ohio State
32. Seattle - Ryan Shazier LB/Ohio State
*This is the third edition of my 2014 NFL Mock Draft. The combine is long over, pro days have been had, and free agency is all but over. There is only one major event remaining in the offseason, and that is the NFL Draft itself. A lot of things have changed in the past month and a half when I posted my second NFL Mock Draft (http://ringersports.blogspot.com/2014/03/2014-nfl-mock-draft.html). As the rumor mill heats up, these projections are sure to change again. Please note that these picks are simply who I think each team will select without projecting trades.
Round 1
1. Houston - Jadeveon Clowney DE/South Carolina
2. St. Louis - Greg Robinson OT/Auburn
3. Jacksonville - Blake Bortles QB/UCF
4. Cleveland - Sammy Watkins WR/Clemson
5. Oakland - Johnny Manziel QB/Texas A&M
6. Atlanta - Khalil Mack LB/Buffalo
7. Tampa Bay - Mike Evans WR/Texas A&M
8. Minnesota - Haha Clinton-Dix S/Alabama
9. Buffalo - Jake Matthews OT/Texas A&M
10. Detroit - Justin Gilbert CB/Oklahoma State
11. Tennessee - Anthony Barr LB/UCLA
12. NY Giants - Aaron Donald DT/Pittsburgh
13. St. Louis - Darqueze Dennard CB/Michigan State
14. Chicago - Calvin Pryor S/Louisville
15. Pittsburgh - Eric Ebron TE/North Carolina
16. Dallas - Taylor Lewan OT/Michigan
17. Baltimore - Zack Martin OT/Notre Dame
18. NY Jets - Brandin Cooks WR/Oregon State
19. Miami - CJ Mosley LB/Alabama
20. Arizona - Kony Ealy DE/Missouri
21. Green Bay - Louis Nix DE/Notre Dame
22. Philadelphia - Odell Beckham WR/LSU
23. Kansas City - Xavier Su'a-Filo G/UCLA
24. Cincinnati - Dee Ford DE/Auburn
25. San Diego - Jason Verrett CB/TCU
26. Cleveland - Teddy Bridgewater QB/Louisville
27. New Orleans - Kyle Fuller CB/Virginia Tech
28. Carolina - Marquise Lee WR/USC
29. New England - Ra'Shede Hageman DT/Minnesota
30. San Francisco - Kelvin Banjamin WR/Foorida State
31. Denver - Bradley Roby CB/Ohio State
32. Seattle - Ryan Shazier LB/Ohio State
Saturday, April 19, 2014
2014 NBA Playoffs
The 2014 NBA Playoffs are underway! Many of the same teams return, eyeing a shot at ending the Heat's bid for a 3-peat. The Heat and Pacers appeared to be on a collision course to meet in the Eastern Conference Finals all season. That doesn't seem like such a sure bet anymore. Both teams stumbled down the stretch, but managed to finish as the rope seeds in the East. With that said, Miami is still the favorite to win the East for a fourth consecutive season. The West is much more competitive, with all eight teams winning at least 49 games. The Spurs are favored to come out of the West for the second straight year. The Thunder, Clippers, and Rockets should be the biggest challengers to San Antonio. Let's take a look at how I expect the NBA Playoffs to unfold.
For the opening round, I have listed all of the individual matchups in each series with the player I give the advantage to listed in bold.
Eastern Conference Quarterfinals
1 Indiana (-625) vs. 8 Atlanta (+460)
PG - George Hill vs. Jeff Teague
SG - Lance Stephenson vs. Kyle Korver
SF - Paul George vs. Cartier Martin
PF - David West vs. Paul Millsap
C - Roy Hibbert vs. Pero Antic
Bench - Indiana vs. Atlanta
Coach - Frank Vogel vs. Mike Budenholzer
The Pacers were dominant in the first half of the season, but the wheels fell off the wagon heading down the stretch. Despite their poor play of late, they managed to secure home court advantage. Atlanta played Indiana tough in the regular season. The Pavers are fragile right now, so expect the Hawks to be competitive. At the end of the day, Indiana should be able to advance.
Prediction - Indiana over Atlanta 4-2
4 Chicago (-200) vs. 5 Washington (+170)
PG - Kirk Hinrich vs. John Wall
SG - Jimmy Butler vs. Bradley Beal
SF - Mike Dunleavy vs. Trevor Ariza
PF - Carlos Boozer vs. Michael Booker
C - Joakim Noah vs. Marcin Gortat
Bench - Chicago vs. Washington
Coach - Tom Thibodeau vs. Randy Wittman
The Chicago Bulls have overachieved more than any team in the NBA over the last couple seasons. The Bulls simply out work teams. The Wizards probably have more individual talent than the Bulls, but do they have the spirit needed to win a 7-game series against a team as hard-nosed as Chicago? There is very little playoff experience for Washington, so his could be a tough draw for the.
Prediction - Chicago over Washington 4-3
3 Toronto (-105) vs. 6 Brooklyn (-115)
PG - Kyle Lowry vs. Derron Williams
SG - Terrance Ross vs. Shaun Livingston
SF - DeMar DeRozan vs. Joe Johnson
PF - Amir Johnson vs. Paul Pierce
C - Jonas Valenciunas vs. Kevin Garnett
Bench - Toronto vs. Brooklyn
Coach - Dwayne Casey vs. Jason Kidd
This isn't a sexy series. Primarily because of the Raptors. The average basketball fan has no idea how good Toronto is this season. They have a number of players having career years, and play very well
together. Since a 7-12 start, the Raptors have the best record in the East. The Nets underachieved all season long, but this team was built to win the playoffs. They will have a tough go of it.
Prediction - Toronto vs Brooklyn 4-3
2 Miami (-3400) vs. 7 Charlotte (+1600)
PG - Mario Chalmers vs. Kemba Walker
SG - Dwayne Wade vs. Gerald Henderson
SF - LeBron James vs. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist
PF - Shane Battier vs. Josh McRoberts
C - Chris Bosh vs. Al Jefferson
Bench - Miami vs. Charlotte
Coach - Erik Spoelstra vs. Steve Clifford
There is always a lot of attention drawn to the Heat regardless of who their opponent is. The Bobcats don't come with a lot of fan fare, but that doesn't mean that this series will not get attention. This is a battle of two teams heading in opposite directions. Miami did not play at a a championship level for much of the year. Charlotte was one of the most improved teams in the league. The Bobcats will learn from the playoff experience, but they have no chance to advance.
Prediction - Miami over Charlotte 4-1
Western Conference Quarterfinals
1 San Antonio (-1000) vs. 8 Dallas (+650)
PG - Tony Parker vs. Jose Calderon
SG - Danny Green vs. Monta Ellis
SF - Kawhi Leonard vs. Shawn Marion
PF - Tim Duncan vs. Dirk Nowitzki
C - Tiago Splitter vs. Samuel Dalembert
Bench - San Antonio vs. Dallas
Coach - Gregg Popovich vs. Randy Carlisle
San Antonio and Dallas have been battling it out for Texan supremacy for over a decade now. Even as their core players get long in the tooth, they find themselves in the postseason year after year. After the Spurs lost the NBA Finals in heartbreaking fashion last season, meny questioned whether they had had their last run. But here they are with the best record in the NBA. The Mavs are a talented team, unfortunately for them, the Spurs have that pep in their step again.
Prediction - San Antonio over Dallas 4-1
4 Houston (-220) vs. 5 Portland (+185)
PG - Patrick Beverley vs. Damian Lillard
SG - James Harden vs. Wesley Matthews
SF - Chandler Parsons vs. Nicolas Batum
PF - Terrence Jones vs. LaMarcus Aldridge
C - Dwight Howard vs. Robin Lopez
Bench - Houston vs. Portland
Coach - Kevin McHale vs. Terry Stotts
This could be the most entertaining series of the opening round. It has the potential to be first team to score 120 wins. The Rockets are one of those teams that are capable of beating anyone, but could also lose to just about anyone. The Blazers came of age this year as Damian Lillard and LaMarcus Aldridge blossomed into stars. This will be their first playoff experience though. That gives Houston the advantage.
Prediction - Houston over Portland 4-2
3 LA Clippers (-360) vs. 6 Golden State (+280)
PG - Chris Paul vs. Stephen Curry
SG - JJ Redick vs. Klay Thompson
SF - Matt Barnes vs. Andre Iguodala
PF - Blake Griffin vs. David Lee
C - DeAndre Jordan vs. Jermaine O'Neal
Bench - LA Clippers vs. Golden State
Coach - Doc Rivers vs. Mark Jackson
The Clippers and Warriors have enveloped a dislike for one another and have a budding rivalry. Now that both teams are relevant and meeting in the postseason, the drama will be at an all time high. Klay Thompson and Blake Griffin have already began to jaw. The play on the court is what really matters though. The Clippes have more talent and should March on.
Prediction - LA Clippers over Golden State 4-2
2 Oklahoma City (-460) vs. 7 Memphis (+360)
PG - Russell Westbrook vs. Mike Conley
SG - Thabo Sefolosha vs. Courtney Lee
SF - Kevin Durant vs. Tayshaun Prince
PF - Serge Ibaka vs. Zach Randolph
C - Steven Adams vs. Marc Gasol
Bench - Oklahoma City vs. Memphis
Coach - Scott Brooks vs. David Joerger
The West is just brutal. You win 59 games and get the 2 seed and your reward is playing a 50-win team that made it to the Conference Finals last year. That is what faces the Oklahoma City Thunder as they prepare to face the Memphis Grizzlies. This seems a bit unfair, but at least it provides a compelling matchup for the fans. In the end, Durant has had way too good of a year for him to go home early.
Prediction - Oklahoma City over Memphis 4-3
And here are my picks for the rest of the 2014 NBA Playoffs.
Eastern Conference Semifinals
1 Indiana over 4 Chicago 4-2
2 Miami over 3 Toronto 4-1
Western Conference Semifinals
1 San Antonio over 4 Houston 4-3
3 LA Clippers over 2 Oklahoma City 4-2
Eastern Conference Finals
2 Miami over 1 Indiana 4-3
Western Conference Finals
1 San Antonio over 3 LA Clippers 4-3
NBA Finals
2 Miami over 1 San Antonio 4-2
For the third straight year the Miami Heat will win the Larry O'Brien trophy, and for the second straight year it will be against the San Antonio Spurs. LeBron and D-Wade will join the likes of Jordan and Pippen, and Shaq and Kobe, as terrific tandems that accomplished a 3-peat.
For the opening round, I have listed all of the individual matchups in each series with the player I give the advantage to listed in bold.
Eastern Conference Quarterfinals
1 Indiana (-625) vs. 8 Atlanta (+460)
PG - George Hill vs. Jeff Teague
SG - Lance Stephenson vs. Kyle Korver
SF - Paul George vs. Cartier Martin
PF - David West vs. Paul Millsap
C - Roy Hibbert vs. Pero Antic
Bench - Indiana vs. Atlanta
Coach - Frank Vogel vs. Mike Budenholzer
The Pacers were dominant in the first half of the season, but the wheels fell off the wagon heading down the stretch. Despite their poor play of late, they managed to secure home court advantage. Atlanta played Indiana tough in the regular season. The Pavers are fragile right now, so expect the Hawks to be competitive. At the end of the day, Indiana should be able to advance.
Prediction - Indiana over Atlanta 4-2
4 Chicago (-200) vs. 5 Washington (+170)
PG - Kirk Hinrich vs. John Wall
SG - Jimmy Butler vs. Bradley Beal
SF - Mike Dunleavy vs. Trevor Ariza
PF - Carlos Boozer vs. Michael Booker
C - Joakim Noah vs. Marcin Gortat
Bench - Chicago vs. Washington
Coach - Tom Thibodeau vs. Randy Wittman
The Chicago Bulls have overachieved more than any team in the NBA over the last couple seasons. The Bulls simply out work teams. The Wizards probably have more individual talent than the Bulls, but do they have the spirit needed to win a 7-game series against a team as hard-nosed as Chicago? There is very little playoff experience for Washington, so his could be a tough draw for the.
Prediction - Chicago over Washington 4-3
3 Toronto (-105) vs. 6 Brooklyn (-115)
PG - Kyle Lowry vs. Derron Williams
SG - Terrance Ross vs. Shaun Livingston
SF - DeMar DeRozan vs. Joe Johnson
PF - Amir Johnson vs. Paul Pierce
C - Jonas Valenciunas vs. Kevin Garnett
Bench - Toronto vs. Brooklyn
Coach - Dwayne Casey vs. Jason Kidd
This isn't a sexy series. Primarily because of the Raptors. The average basketball fan has no idea how good Toronto is this season. They have a number of players having career years, and play very well
together. Since a 7-12 start, the Raptors have the best record in the East. The Nets underachieved all season long, but this team was built to win the playoffs. They will have a tough go of it.
Prediction - Toronto vs Brooklyn 4-3
2 Miami (-3400) vs. 7 Charlotte (+1600)
PG - Mario Chalmers vs. Kemba Walker
SG - Dwayne Wade vs. Gerald Henderson
SF - LeBron James vs. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist
PF - Shane Battier vs. Josh McRoberts
C - Chris Bosh vs. Al Jefferson
Bench - Miami vs. Charlotte
Coach - Erik Spoelstra vs. Steve Clifford
There is always a lot of attention drawn to the Heat regardless of who their opponent is. The Bobcats don't come with a lot of fan fare, but that doesn't mean that this series will not get attention. This is a battle of two teams heading in opposite directions. Miami did not play at a a championship level for much of the year. Charlotte was one of the most improved teams in the league. The Bobcats will learn from the playoff experience, but they have no chance to advance.
Prediction - Miami over Charlotte 4-1
Western Conference Quarterfinals
1 San Antonio (-1000) vs. 8 Dallas (+650)
PG - Tony Parker vs. Jose Calderon
SG - Danny Green vs. Monta Ellis
SF - Kawhi Leonard vs. Shawn Marion
PF - Tim Duncan vs. Dirk Nowitzki
C - Tiago Splitter vs. Samuel Dalembert
Bench - San Antonio vs. Dallas
Coach - Gregg Popovich vs. Randy Carlisle
San Antonio and Dallas have been battling it out for Texan supremacy for over a decade now. Even as their core players get long in the tooth, they find themselves in the postseason year after year. After the Spurs lost the NBA Finals in heartbreaking fashion last season, meny questioned whether they had had their last run. But here they are with the best record in the NBA. The Mavs are a talented team, unfortunately for them, the Spurs have that pep in their step again.
Prediction - San Antonio over Dallas 4-1
4 Houston (-220) vs. 5 Portland (+185)
PG - Patrick Beverley vs. Damian Lillard
SG - James Harden vs. Wesley Matthews
SF - Chandler Parsons vs. Nicolas Batum
PF - Terrence Jones vs. LaMarcus Aldridge
C - Dwight Howard vs. Robin Lopez
Bench - Houston vs. Portland
Coach - Kevin McHale vs. Terry Stotts
This could be the most entertaining series of the opening round. It has the potential to be first team to score 120 wins. The Rockets are one of those teams that are capable of beating anyone, but could also lose to just about anyone. The Blazers came of age this year as Damian Lillard and LaMarcus Aldridge blossomed into stars. This will be their first playoff experience though. That gives Houston the advantage.
Prediction - Houston over Portland 4-2
3 LA Clippers (-360) vs. 6 Golden State (+280)
PG - Chris Paul vs. Stephen Curry
SG - JJ Redick vs. Klay Thompson
SF - Matt Barnes vs. Andre Iguodala
PF - Blake Griffin vs. David Lee
C - DeAndre Jordan vs. Jermaine O'Neal
Bench - LA Clippers vs. Golden State
Coach - Doc Rivers vs. Mark Jackson
The Clippers and Warriors have enveloped a dislike for one another and have a budding rivalry. Now that both teams are relevant and meeting in the postseason, the drama will be at an all time high. Klay Thompson and Blake Griffin have already began to jaw. The play on the court is what really matters though. The Clippes have more talent and should March on.
Prediction - LA Clippers over Golden State 4-2
2 Oklahoma City (-460) vs. 7 Memphis (+360)
PG - Russell Westbrook vs. Mike Conley
SG - Thabo Sefolosha vs. Courtney Lee
SF - Kevin Durant vs. Tayshaun Prince
PF - Serge Ibaka vs. Zach Randolph
C - Steven Adams vs. Marc Gasol
Bench - Oklahoma City vs. Memphis
Coach - Scott Brooks vs. David Joerger
The West is just brutal. You win 59 games and get the 2 seed and your reward is playing a 50-win team that made it to the Conference Finals last year. That is what faces the Oklahoma City Thunder as they prepare to face the Memphis Grizzlies. This seems a bit unfair, but at least it provides a compelling matchup for the fans. In the end, Durant has had way too good of a year for him to go home early.
Prediction - Oklahoma City over Memphis 4-3
And here are my picks for the rest of the 2014 NBA Playoffs.
Eastern Conference Semifinals
1 Indiana over 4 Chicago 4-2
2 Miami over 3 Toronto 4-1
Western Conference Semifinals
1 San Antonio over 4 Houston 4-3
3 LA Clippers over 2 Oklahoma City 4-2
Eastern Conference Finals
2 Miami over 1 Indiana 4-3
Western Conference Finals
1 San Antonio over 3 LA Clippers 4-3
NBA Finals
2 Miami over 1 San Antonio 4-2
For the third straight year the Miami Heat will win the Larry O'Brien trophy, and for the second straight year it will be against the San Antonio Spurs. LeBron and D-Wade will join the likes of Jordan and Pippen, and Shaq and Kobe, as terrific tandems that accomplished a 3-peat.
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs
It's time for playoff hockey. The Stanley Cup Playoffs are as grueling and intense as any playoffs you can find.the action officially gets going tonight. The Boston Bruins are the favorite to hoist the Cup this season. The Bruins were dominant in the second half of the regular season, and look to get back to the Stanley Cup Finals for the second consecutive season. The Bruins edged out the Anaheim Ducks to claim the President's Trophy. The best team in the NHL for much of the season was the St. Louis Blues. The Blues were my preseason pick to win the Stanley Cup, but a recent streak of injuries and poor play has them skidding into the playoffs. The Blues will need to regain some of their health and have Ryan Miller elevate his game for that pick to come to fruition. Here is how I expect the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs to play out.
Eastern Conference Quarterfinals
Boston (-320) vs. Detroit (+260)
The Boston Bruins had the best record in the NHL this season. Their reward? Drawing the Detroit Red Wings in the opening round. The Red Wings defeated the Bruins three out of four times they played this season. Boston has the talent and experience to withstand their regular season woes against Detroit. I expect the Bruins to advance.
Prediction - Boston over Detroit 4-2
Tampa Bay (-105) vs. Montreal (-115)
The Tampa Bay Lightning played great hockey at the beginning of the season. They faded late, but were able to hang on to 2nd place in the Atlantic Division and earn home ice for this series. That could be crucial in such an even matchup. Carey Price will need to come up big against the offensive firepower of Tampa. I think he will.
Prediction - Montreal over Tampa Bay 4-3
Pittsburgh (-295) vs. Columbus (+245)
Pittsburgh has been the most disappointing playoff team of the last few seasons. They will play the up and coming Columbus Blue Jackets in the Quarterfinals. Many will view this as an easy matchup for the Penguins, but the Blue Jackets are a young and hungry bunch. Pittsburgh needs to win now or face major changes to the team that it is currently constructed.
Prediction - Pittsburgh over Columbus 4-1
NY Rangers (-150) vs. Philadelphia (+130)
This has the potential to be an outstanding series. The Rangers and Flyers both played their best hockey in the second half of the season, and have the confidence to make a playoff run. Steve Mason is battling injury for Philly. If he misses any games in net, as it appears he will, that will swing the momentum in the Rangers' favor in a big way.
Prediction - NY Rangers over Philadelphia 4-3
Western Conference Quarterfinals
Anaheim (-185) vs. Dallas (+160)
The Anaheim Ducks were consistently good all season long. They wound up clinching home ice throughout the Western Conference playoffs. They have been great throughout the last couple regular seasons, but they have had a history of underachieving in the postseason. Dallas is capable of winning this series. But it all begins with the goaltending. They must win that battle to have a fighting chance.
Prediction - Anaheim over Dallas 4-1
San Jose (-145) vs. Los Angeles (+125)
San Jose and Los Angeles are making it a habit of playing playoff hockey against one another. This will be the third time in four years that they meet when it matters most. The Kings won the Stanley Cup as recently as 2012. The Sharks are still chasing that elusive Cup. They are making their 10th consecutive playoff appearance and expect it to end differently from the previous nine. Will this be the year? I'm taking the Kings.
Prediction - Los Angeles over San Jose 4-3
Colorado (-140) vs. Minnesota (+120)
Patrick Roy has completely changed this Colorado team around. The Avs have not been relevant in years. They were expected to be that way this year as well. Enter Patrick Roy as head coach, and they win the Central Division. Will that translate into postseason success? Minnesota may very well have a more talented roster than Colorado, despite the way the standings look.
Prediction - Minnesota over Colorado 4-2
St. Louis (-105) vs. Chicago (-115)
This is as good as you will see for a Quarterfinal matchup. Unfortunately, the matchup has lost some of its luster because of the mounting injuries on both sides. I picked the Blackhawks to win the Cup last season and they didn't disappoint. I picked the Blues to win it this year. I'm not feeling nearly as confident. I need the Blues to right themselves if I want to correctly pick the Cup winner for a fourth consecutive year.
Prediction - St. Louis over Chicago 4-3
Eastern Conference Semifinals
Boston over Montreal 4-1
Pittsburgh over NY Rangers 4-2
Western Conference Semifinals
Los Angeles over Anaheim 4-2
St. Louis over Minnesota 4-1
Eastern Conference Finals
Boston over Pittsburgh 4-2
Western Conference Finals
St. Louis over Los Angeles 4-2
Stanley Cup Finals
St. Louis over Boston
Eastern Conference Quarterfinals
Boston (-320) vs. Detroit (+260)
The Boston Bruins had the best record in the NHL this season. Their reward? Drawing the Detroit Red Wings in the opening round. The Red Wings defeated the Bruins three out of four times they played this season. Boston has the talent and experience to withstand their regular season woes against Detroit. I expect the Bruins to advance.
Prediction - Boston over Detroit 4-2
Tampa Bay (-105) vs. Montreal (-115)
The Tampa Bay Lightning played great hockey at the beginning of the season. They faded late, but were able to hang on to 2nd place in the Atlantic Division and earn home ice for this series. That could be crucial in such an even matchup. Carey Price will need to come up big against the offensive firepower of Tampa. I think he will.
Prediction - Montreal over Tampa Bay 4-3
Pittsburgh (-295) vs. Columbus (+245)
Pittsburgh has been the most disappointing playoff team of the last few seasons. They will play the up and coming Columbus Blue Jackets in the Quarterfinals. Many will view this as an easy matchup for the Penguins, but the Blue Jackets are a young and hungry bunch. Pittsburgh needs to win now or face major changes to the team that it is currently constructed.
Prediction - Pittsburgh over Columbus 4-1
NY Rangers (-150) vs. Philadelphia (+130)
This has the potential to be an outstanding series. The Rangers and Flyers both played their best hockey in the second half of the season, and have the confidence to make a playoff run. Steve Mason is battling injury for Philly. If he misses any games in net, as it appears he will, that will swing the momentum in the Rangers' favor in a big way.
Prediction - NY Rangers over Philadelphia 4-3
Western Conference Quarterfinals
Anaheim (-185) vs. Dallas (+160)
The Anaheim Ducks were consistently good all season long. They wound up clinching home ice throughout the Western Conference playoffs. They have been great throughout the last couple regular seasons, but they have had a history of underachieving in the postseason. Dallas is capable of winning this series. But it all begins with the goaltending. They must win that battle to have a fighting chance.
Prediction - Anaheim over Dallas 4-1
San Jose (-145) vs. Los Angeles (+125)
San Jose and Los Angeles are making it a habit of playing playoff hockey against one another. This will be the third time in four years that they meet when it matters most. The Kings won the Stanley Cup as recently as 2012. The Sharks are still chasing that elusive Cup. They are making their 10th consecutive playoff appearance and expect it to end differently from the previous nine. Will this be the year? I'm taking the Kings.
Prediction - Los Angeles over San Jose 4-3
Colorado (-140) vs. Minnesota (+120)
Patrick Roy has completely changed this Colorado team around. The Avs have not been relevant in years. They were expected to be that way this year as well. Enter Patrick Roy as head coach, and they win the Central Division. Will that translate into postseason success? Minnesota may very well have a more talented roster than Colorado, despite the way the standings look.
Prediction - Minnesota over Colorado 4-2
St. Louis (-105) vs. Chicago (-115)
This is as good as you will see for a Quarterfinal matchup. Unfortunately, the matchup has lost some of its luster because of the mounting injuries on both sides. I picked the Blackhawks to win the Cup last season and they didn't disappoint. I picked the Blues to win it this year. I'm not feeling nearly as confident. I need the Blues to right themselves if I want to correctly pick the Cup winner for a fourth consecutive year.
Prediction - St. Louis over Chicago 4-3
Eastern Conference Semifinals
Boston over Montreal 4-1
Pittsburgh over NY Rangers 4-2
Western Conference Semifinals
Los Angeles over Anaheim 4-2
St. Louis over Minnesota 4-1
Eastern Conference Finals
Boston over Pittsburgh 4-2
Western Conference Finals
St. Louis over Los Angeles 4-2
Stanley Cup Finals
St. Louis over Boston
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
2014 Masters Preview
There is not a more symbolic sign of spring than The Masters being played in Augusta, Georgia. Augusta National will host a tradition unlike any other over the next four days. And this Masters will be unlike any other in the last 20 years, because Tiger Woods will not be playing. The perennial favorite conceded to back surgery, meaning Vegas had to peg someone else as the favorite. Two men received that title, as defending champion, Adam Scott and Rory McIlroy have been deemed co-favorites at 10/1. Here are my top 10 favorites to walk away from Augusta as the 2014 Masters champion.
1. Adam Scott (10/1)
World Golf Ranking: 2nd
Top Masters Finish: 2013 Champion
2014 Scoring Average: 69.70
2. Lee Westwood (50/1)
World Golf Ranking: 37th
Top Masters Finish: 2nd (2010)
2014 Scoring Average: 71.19
3. Matt Kuchar (20/1)
World Golf Ranking: 7th
Top Masters Finish: T3 (2012)
2014 Scoring Average: 69.74
4. Phil Mickleson (15/1)
World Golf Ranking: 5th
Top Masters Finish: 2004, 2006, 2010 Champion
2014 Scoring Average: 70.57
5. Jason Day (15/1)
World Golf Ranking: 4th
Top Masters Finish: T2 (2011)
2014 Scoring Average: 70.86
6. Ian Poulter (60/1)
World Golf Ranking: 20th
Top Masters Finish: 7th (2012)
2014 Scoring Average: 71.22
7. Zach Johnson (20/1)
World Golf Ranking: 10th
Top Masters Finish: 2007 Champion
2014 Scoring Average: 69.73
8. Henrik Stenson (25/1)
World Golf Ranking: 3rd
Top Masters Finish: T17 (2007, 2008)
2014 Scoring Average: 72.07
9. Justin Rose (30/1)
World Golf Ranking: 8th
Top Masters Finish: T5 (2007)
2014 Scoring Average: 72.07
10. Hunter Mahan (40/1)
World Golf Ranking: 32nd
Top Masters Finish: T8 (2010)
2014 Scoring Average: 70.41
Prediction - Adam Scott is my pick to win consecutive Green Jackets. He has been playing better than anyone in the world for over a year, and this course fits his game very well. He was able to overcome the agony of blowing the 2012 Open Championship, by breaking down the barrier and winning the 2013 Masters. This would put Scott in the company of Tiger Woods, Nick Faldo, and Jack Nicklaus as the only men to win back to back Masters.
1. Adam Scott (10/1)
World Golf Ranking: 2nd
Top Masters Finish: 2013 Champion
2014 Scoring Average: 69.70
2. Lee Westwood (50/1)
World Golf Ranking: 37th
Top Masters Finish: 2nd (2010)
2014 Scoring Average: 71.19
3. Matt Kuchar (20/1)
World Golf Ranking: 7th
Top Masters Finish: T3 (2012)
2014 Scoring Average: 69.74
4. Phil Mickleson (15/1)
World Golf Ranking: 5th
Top Masters Finish: 2004, 2006, 2010 Champion
2014 Scoring Average: 70.57
5. Jason Day (15/1)
World Golf Ranking: 4th
Top Masters Finish: T2 (2011)
2014 Scoring Average: 70.86
6. Ian Poulter (60/1)
World Golf Ranking: 20th
Top Masters Finish: 7th (2012)
2014 Scoring Average: 71.22
7. Zach Johnson (20/1)
World Golf Ranking: 10th
Top Masters Finish: 2007 Champion
2014 Scoring Average: 69.73
8. Henrik Stenson (25/1)
World Golf Ranking: 3rd
Top Masters Finish: T17 (2007, 2008)
2014 Scoring Average: 72.07
9. Justin Rose (30/1)
World Golf Ranking: 8th
Top Masters Finish: T5 (2007)
2014 Scoring Average: 72.07
10. Hunter Mahan (40/1)
World Golf Ranking: 32nd
Top Masters Finish: T8 (2010)
2014 Scoring Average: 70.41
Prediction - Adam Scott is my pick to win consecutive Green Jackets. He has been playing better than anyone in the world for over a year, and this course fits his game very well. He was able to overcome the agony of blowing the 2012 Open Championship, by breaking down the barrier and winning the 2013 Masters. This would put Scott in the company of Tiger Woods, Nick Faldo, and Jack Nicklaus as the only men to win back to back Masters.
NCAA Basketball - Pre-Preseason Top 25
We are just 48 hours removed from the UConn Huskies winning the 2014 National Championship Game. Therefore, it is way too early to be figuring out the Top 25 for the 2014-2015 season. But it is still fun to guess. Things are certain to change as the final recruiting dominoes fall into place, coaches make their moves, and trouble finds a player or two. If you force us to project the Top 25 when the next season tips in November, here is what it might look like.
Top 25
1. Arizona (33-5)
2. Kentucky (29-11)
3. Florida (36-3)
4. Wisconsin (30-8)
5. Duke (26-9)
6. UConn (32-8)
7. Louisville (31-6)
8. Virginia (30-7)
9. Kansas (25-10)
10. Wichita State (35-1)
11. North Carolina (24-10)
12. Michigan (28-9)
13. Michigan State (29-9)
14. Iowa State (28-8)
15. San Diego State (31-5)
16. Villanova (29-5)
17. UCLA (28-9)
18. SMU (27-10)
19. Syracuse (28-6)
20. VCU (26-9)
21. Gonzaga (29-7)
22. Stanford (23-13)
23. Dayton (26-11)
24. Texas (24-11)
25. Oklahoma (23-10)
Next Up
Baylor (26-12)
Ohio State (25-10)
Maryland (17-15)
Oregon (24-10)
Seton Hall (17-17)
Kansas State (20-13)
Georgetown (18-15)
Iowa (20-13)
UNLV (21-13)
Xavier (21-13)
Top 25
1. Arizona (33-5)
2. Kentucky (29-11)
3. Florida (36-3)
4. Wisconsin (30-8)
5. Duke (26-9)
6. UConn (32-8)
7. Louisville (31-6)
8. Virginia (30-7)
9. Kansas (25-10)
10. Wichita State (35-1)
11. North Carolina (24-10)
12. Michigan (28-9)
13. Michigan State (29-9)
14. Iowa State (28-8)
15. San Diego State (31-5)
16. Villanova (29-5)
17. UCLA (28-9)
18. SMU (27-10)
19. Syracuse (28-6)
20. VCU (26-9)
21. Gonzaga (29-7)
22. Stanford (23-13)
23. Dayton (26-11)
24. Texas (24-11)
25. Oklahoma (23-10)
Next Up
Baylor (26-12)
Ohio State (25-10)
Maryland (17-15)
Oregon (24-10)
Seton Hall (17-17)
Kansas State (20-13)
Georgetown (18-15)
Iowa (20-13)
UNLV (21-13)
Xavier (21-13)
Sunday, April 6, 2014
2014 NCAA Tournament - National Championship Game Prediction
Ringer's Tournament Record
ATS: 34-32
SU: 43-23
The college hoops season comes to a close on Monday night, when two unlikely but storied programs take the court. UConn and Kentucky have been two of the most successful programs in college basketball history. But nobody expected these two to be playing on the final night of the season coming into the NCAA Tournament. In fact, UConn as a 7 seed and Kentucky as an 8 seed, will combine for the highest seeds to ever play for the National Championship.
There have been plenty of ups and downs for both teams this season. Each of them waited for the right time to play their best basketball though. One could argue that UConn and Kentucky have taken the toughest possible roads to get here. I have not picked UConn to win a game since the Round of 64 when they needed overtime to defeat St. Joe's. I actually had Kentucky making a run to the Elite 8, but they have been underdogs in three of their last four games and managed to win them all in thrilling fashion. The two biggest stars of the 2014 NCAA Tournament have been UConn's Shabazz Napier and Kentucky's Aaron Harrison. Napier has dominated the opposition in just about every game the Huskies have played. Harrison has hit a clutch three in the final seconds in each of the Wildcats' last three games. One of them will have one final shining moment on Monday night to cap off an unbelievable March Madness.
7 UConn (+3.5) vs. 8 Kentucky
How they got here
UConn beat: St. Joe's 89-81 OT, Villanova 77-65, Iowa St. 81-75, Michigan St. 60-54, Florida 63-53
Kentucky beat: K-State 56-49, Wichita 78-76, Louisville 74-69, Michigan 75-72, Wisconsin 74-73
Record vs. Tournament Teams
UConn: 12-5
Kentucky: 8-6
Kentucky began the season as the #1 team in the country. They never lived up to their potential. At certain points in the season there was talk of this team being one of the most over-hyped squads ever. Now they are one win shy of John Calipari's second national title. The highly touted freshmen have learned to play to their strengths and Kentucky is finally looking like the team that many thought was the best in the country. UConn is playing every bit as well as Kentucky though. They battled through some tough American Conference games, but have found their A game at the right time. The Huskies were known for their offensive prowess lead by Shabazz Napier, but their defense has stifled some of the best teams in the country throughout the tournament. This game should be another thriller. I've learned not to count either team out, which makes it extremely difficult to pick a winner. The game will come down to the final minutes in all likelihood. The team that keeps its poise and can come up with a big shot will cut down the nets in Jerry's World. The prime candidates are Napier and Harrison. Napier is cold-blooded, but why can't Harrison make it four games in a row? When it is all said and done, this group of freshmen starters will do something the Fab 5 couldn't - close the deal. Kentucky will win its second National Championship Game in three years.
Prediction - Kentucky 68 UConn 67
ATS: 34-32
SU: 43-23
The college hoops season comes to a close on Monday night, when two unlikely but storied programs take the court. UConn and Kentucky have been two of the most successful programs in college basketball history. But nobody expected these two to be playing on the final night of the season coming into the NCAA Tournament. In fact, UConn as a 7 seed and Kentucky as an 8 seed, will combine for the highest seeds to ever play for the National Championship.
There have been plenty of ups and downs for both teams this season. Each of them waited for the right time to play their best basketball though. One could argue that UConn and Kentucky have taken the toughest possible roads to get here. I have not picked UConn to win a game since the Round of 64 when they needed overtime to defeat St. Joe's. I actually had Kentucky making a run to the Elite 8, but they have been underdogs in three of their last four games and managed to win them all in thrilling fashion. The two biggest stars of the 2014 NCAA Tournament have been UConn's Shabazz Napier and Kentucky's Aaron Harrison. Napier has dominated the opposition in just about every game the Huskies have played. Harrison has hit a clutch three in the final seconds in each of the Wildcats' last three games. One of them will have one final shining moment on Monday night to cap off an unbelievable March Madness.
7 UConn (+3.5) vs. 8 Kentucky
How they got here
UConn beat: St. Joe's 89-81 OT, Villanova 77-65, Iowa St. 81-75, Michigan St. 60-54, Florida 63-53
Kentucky beat: K-State 56-49, Wichita 78-76, Louisville 74-69, Michigan 75-72, Wisconsin 74-73
Record vs. Tournament Teams
UConn: 12-5
Kentucky: 8-6
Kentucky began the season as the #1 team in the country. They never lived up to their potential. At certain points in the season there was talk of this team being one of the most over-hyped squads ever. Now they are one win shy of John Calipari's second national title. The highly touted freshmen have learned to play to their strengths and Kentucky is finally looking like the team that many thought was the best in the country. UConn is playing every bit as well as Kentucky though. They battled through some tough American Conference games, but have found their A game at the right time. The Huskies were known for their offensive prowess lead by Shabazz Napier, but their defense has stifled some of the best teams in the country throughout the tournament. This game should be another thriller. I've learned not to count either team out, which makes it extremely difficult to pick a winner. The game will come down to the final minutes in all likelihood. The team that keeps its poise and can come up with a big shot will cut down the nets in Jerry's World. The prime candidates are Napier and Harrison. Napier is cold-blooded, but why can't Harrison make it four games in a row? When it is all said and done, this group of freshmen starters will do something the Fab 5 couldn't - close the deal. Kentucky will win its second National Championship Game in three years.
Prediction - Kentucky 68 UConn 67
Monday, March 31, 2014
2014 NCAA Tournament - Final Four Predictions
Ringer's Tournament Record
ATS: 32-32
SU: 43-21
It has been a typical March in the college basketball world. The NCAA Tournament has brought tremendous action filled with thrilling finishes and upsets. Only four teams could make the trip to North Texas, and for just the third time ever there are two teams seeded 7 or lower playing in the final weekend of the season. Of course, those teams don't lack a pedigree. UConn has qualified as a 7-seed and is making their third trip to the Final Four in the last six years. Kentucky qualified as an 8-seed and will be playing in their third Final Four in four years. The two teams that took a more traditional route to this point as 1 and 2 seeds, are Florida and Wisconsin. I didn't have any of these teams making the Final Four before the season began. Florida was the only one I picked to reach the Final Four on Selection Sunday. So I guess that would make the Gators my favorite. But as we've learned throughout this entire tournament, it would not be a surprise to see any one of these teams cut down the nets. Here is a look at how I expect the Final Four to unfold.
National Semifinal - Arlington, TX
1 Florida vs. 7 UConn (+6.5)
How they got here
Florida beat: Albany 67-55, Pittsburgh 61-45, UCLA 79-68, Dayton 62-52
UConn beat: St. Joseph's 89-81 OT, Villanova 77-65, Iowa State 81-76, Michigan State 60-54
Record vs. Tournament Teams
Florida: 12-2
UConn: 11-5
Prediction - Florida 66 UConn 62
National Semifinal - Arlington, TX
2 Wisconsin (+2.5) vs. 8 Kentucky
How they got here
Wisconsin beat: American 75-35, Oregon 85-77, Baylor 69-52, Arizona 64-63 OT
Kentucky beat: Kansas State 56-49, Wichita State 78-76, Louisville 74-69, Michigan 75-72
Record vs. Tournament Teams
Wisconsin: 13-4
Kentucky: 7-6
Prediction - Wisconsin 69 Kentucky 62
ATS: 32-32
SU: 43-21
It has been a typical March in the college basketball world. The NCAA Tournament has brought tremendous action filled with thrilling finishes and upsets. Only four teams could make the trip to North Texas, and for just the third time ever there are two teams seeded 7 or lower playing in the final weekend of the season. Of course, those teams don't lack a pedigree. UConn has qualified as a 7-seed and is making their third trip to the Final Four in the last six years. Kentucky qualified as an 8-seed and will be playing in their third Final Four in four years. The two teams that took a more traditional route to this point as 1 and 2 seeds, are Florida and Wisconsin. I didn't have any of these teams making the Final Four before the season began. Florida was the only one I picked to reach the Final Four on Selection Sunday. So I guess that would make the Gators my favorite. But as we've learned throughout this entire tournament, it would not be a surprise to see any one of these teams cut down the nets. Here is a look at how I expect the Final Four to unfold.
National Semifinal - Arlington, TX
1 Florida vs. 7 UConn (+6.5)
How they got here
Florida beat: Albany 67-55, Pittsburgh 61-45, UCLA 79-68, Dayton 62-52
UConn beat: St. Joseph's 89-81 OT, Villanova 77-65, Iowa State 81-76, Michigan State 60-54
Record vs. Tournament Teams
Florida: 12-2
UConn: 11-5
Prediction - Florida 66 UConn 62
National Semifinal - Arlington, TX
2 Wisconsin (+2.5) vs. 8 Kentucky
How they got here
Wisconsin beat: American 75-35, Oregon 85-77, Baylor 69-52, Arizona 64-63 OT
Kentucky beat: Kansas State 56-49, Wichita State 78-76, Louisville 74-69, Michigan 75-72
Record vs. Tournament Teams
Wisconsin: 13-4
Kentucky: 7-6
Prediction - Wisconsin 69 Kentucky 62
2014 MLB Predictions
American League
AL East
Tampa Bay 92-70
Boston 90-72
NY Yankees 86-76
Baltimore 83-79
Toronto 76-86
AL Central
Detroit 91-71
Cleveland 80-82
Kansas City 79-83
Chicago Sox 69-93
Minnesota 67-95
AL West
Texas 90-72
LA Angels 88-74
Oakland 85-77
Seattle 80-82
Houston 63-99
AL Batting Champ - Dustin Pedroia (Bos)
AL Home Run Champ - Miguel Cabrera (Det)
AL RBI Champ - Miguel Cabrerra (Det)
AL MVP - Miguel Cabrera (Det)
AL Wins Leader - David Price (TB)
AL ERA Leader - Jared Weaver (LAA)
AL Saves Leader - Joe Nathan (Det)
AL Cy Young - Jared Weaver (LAA)
AL Wild Card
Boston over LA Angels
ALDS
Tampa Bay over Boston
Detroit over Texas
ALCS
Detroit over Tampa Bay
National League
NL East
Washington 93-69
Atlanta 90-72
Philadelphia 78-84
NY Mets 72-90
Miami 70-92
NL Central
St. Louis 94-68
Cincinnati 83-79
Pittsburgh 79-83
Milwaukee 75-87
Chicago Cubs 64-98
NL West
LA Dodgers 94-68
San Francisco 86-76
Arizona 84-78
San Diego 76-86
Colorado 73-89
NL Batting Champ - Freddie Freeman (Atl)
NL Home Run Champ - Paul Goldschmidt (Arz)
NL RBI Champ - Jay Bruce (Cin)
NL MVP - Yasiel Puig (LAD)
NL Wins Leader - Adam Wainwright (StL)
NL ERA Leader - Stephen Strasburg (Wash)
NL Saves Leader - Craig Kimbrel (Atl)
NL Cy Young - Adam Wainwright (StL)
NL Wild Card
Atlanta over San Francisco
NLDS
St. Louis over Atlanta
LA Dodgers over Washington
NLCS
LA Dodgers over St. Louis
World Series
LA Dodgers over Detroit
The Los Angeles Dodgers will win their first World Series since 1988!
AL East
Tampa Bay 92-70
Boston 90-72
NY Yankees 86-76
Baltimore 83-79
Toronto 76-86
AL Central
Detroit 91-71
Cleveland 80-82
Kansas City 79-83
Chicago Sox 69-93
Minnesota 67-95
AL West
Texas 90-72
LA Angels 88-74
Oakland 85-77
Seattle 80-82
Houston 63-99
AL Batting Champ - Dustin Pedroia (Bos)
AL Home Run Champ - Miguel Cabrera (Det)
AL RBI Champ - Miguel Cabrerra (Det)
AL MVP - Miguel Cabrera (Det)
AL Wins Leader - David Price (TB)
AL ERA Leader - Jared Weaver (LAA)
AL Saves Leader - Joe Nathan (Det)
AL Cy Young - Jared Weaver (LAA)
AL Wild Card
Boston over LA Angels
ALDS
Tampa Bay over Boston
Detroit over Texas
ALCS
Detroit over Tampa Bay
National League
NL East
Washington 93-69
Atlanta 90-72
Philadelphia 78-84
NY Mets 72-90
Miami 70-92
NL Central
St. Louis 94-68
Cincinnati 83-79
Pittsburgh 79-83
Milwaukee 75-87
Chicago Cubs 64-98
NL West
LA Dodgers 94-68
San Francisco 86-76
Arizona 84-78
San Diego 76-86
Colorado 73-89
NL Batting Champ - Freddie Freeman (Atl)
NL Home Run Champ - Paul Goldschmidt (Arz)
NL RBI Champ - Jay Bruce (Cin)
NL MVP - Yasiel Puig (LAD)
NL Wins Leader - Adam Wainwright (StL)
NL ERA Leader - Stephen Strasburg (Wash)
NL Saves Leader - Craig Kimbrel (Atl)
NL Cy Young - Adam Wainwright (StL)
NL Wild Card
Atlanta over San Francisco
NLDS
St. Louis over Atlanta
LA Dodgers over Washington
NLCS
LA Dodgers over St. Louis
World Series
LA Dodgers over Detroit
The Los Angeles Dodgers will win their first World Series since 1988!
Sunday, March 30, 2014
2014 MLB Preview
The 2014 Major League Baseball season gets going this week. As spring training has come to a close, rosters, lineups, and rotations are being set. Below is a look at where we rank each team as an infield unit, an outfield unit, starting rotation, and relief pitching. The biggest impact player in each unit is listed in parenthesis.
Infield
1. St. Louis (Matt Carpenter)
2. Arizona (Paul Goldschmidt)
3. Seattle (Robinson Cano)
4. Texas (Adrian Beltre)
5. Baltimore (Chris Davis)
6. Cleveland (Jason Kipnis)
7. Washington (Ian Desmond)
8. Atlanta (Freddie Freeman)
9. Milwaukee (Jean Segura)
10. Boston (Dustin Pedroia)
11. Tampa Bay (Evan Longoria)
12. Oakland (Josh Donaldson)
13. Colorado (Troy Tulowitzki)
14. NY Mets (David Wright)
15. Toronto (Edwin Encarnacion)
16. Kansas City (Eric Hosmer)
17. San Diego (Chase Headley)
18. Cincinnati (Joey Votto)
19. San Francisco (Buster Posey)
20. Detroit (Miguel Cabrera)
21. Houston (Jose Altuve)
22. Philadelphia (Chase Utley)
23. LA Angels (Albert Pujols)
24. NY Yankees (Brian McCann)
25. LA Dodgers (Hanley Ramirez)
26. Chicago Cubs (Starlin Castro)
27. Minnesota (Joe Mauer)
28. Chicago Sox (Alexei Ramirez)
29. Pittsburgh (Pedro Alvarez)
30. Miami (Jarrod Saltalamacchia)
Outfield
1. Milwaukee (Ryan Braun)
2. NY Yankees (Jacoby Ellsbury)
3. Tampa Bay (Wil Myers)
4. LA Angels (Mike Trout)
5. Texas (Shin-Soo Choo)
6. Atlanta (Justin Upton)
7. LA Dodgers (Yasiel Puig)
8. Washington (Bryce Harper)
9. Baltimore (Adam Jones)
10. St. Louis (Matt Holliday)
11. Colorado (Carlos Gonzalez)
12. Oakland (Yoenis Cespedes)
13. Arizona (Martin Prado)
14. Pittsburgh (Andrew McCutchen)
15. Miami (Giancarlo Stanton)
16. San Francisco (Hunter Pence)
17. Philadelphia (Dominic Brown)
18. Cincinnati (Jay Bruce)
19. Toronto (Jose Bautista)
20. Detroit (Austin Jackson)
21. Houston (George Springer)
22. Chicago Sox (Adam Eaton)
23. Cleveland (Michael Bourn)
24. Kansas City (Alex Gordon)
25. Boston (Daniel Nava)
26. NY Mets (Curtis Grandeerson)
27. Minnesota (Josh Willingham)
28. San Diego (Will Venable)
29. Seattle (Dustin Ackley)
30. Chicago Cubs (Nate Schierholtz)
Starting Pitching
1. St. Louis (Adam Wainwright)
2. Washington (Stephen Strasburg)
3. Cincinnati (Johnny Cueto)
4. Detroit (Justin Verlander)
5. Tampa Bay (David Price)
6. LA Dodgers (Clayton Kershaw)
7. Atlanta (Julio Teheran)
8. San Francisco (Matt Cain)
9. Seattle (Felix Hernandez)
10. Philadelphia (Cliff Lee)
11. NY Yankees (CC Sabathia)
12. Boston (Jon Lester)
13. LA Angels (Jared Weaver)
14. Oakland (Sonny Gray)
15. Pittsburgh (Gerrit Cole)
16. Cleveland (Justin Masterson)
17. Milwaukee (Matt Garza)
18. Texas (Yu Darvish)
19. Chicago Sox (Chris Sale)
20. Kansas City (James Shields)
21. San Diego (Josh Johnson)
22. NY Mets (Zack Wheeler)
23. Baltimore (Ubaldo Jimenez)
24. Miami (Jose Fernandez)
25. Chicago Cubs (Jeff Samardiza)
26. Toronto (RA Dickey)
27. Arizona (Wade Miley)
28. Minnesota (Ricky Nolasco)
29. Houston (Jarred Cosart)
30. Colorado (Brett Anderson)
Relief Piching
1. Atlanta (Craig Kimbrel)
2. Detroit (Joe Nathan)
3. St. Louis (Trevor Rosenthal)
4. LA Angels (Ernesto Frieri)
5. Kansas City (Greg Holland)
6. San Diego (Huston Street)
7. LA Dodgers (Kenley Jansen)
8. Boston (Koji Uehara)
9. Pittsburgh (Jason Grilli)
10. San Francisco (Sergio Romo)
11. Minnesota (Glen Perkins)
12. NY Yankees (David Robertson)
13. Philadelphia (Johnathan Papelbon)
14. Tampa Bay (Grant Balfour)
15. Arizona (Addison Reed)
16. Washington (Rafael Soriano)
17. Miami (Steve Cishek)
18. Oakland (Jim Johnson)
19. Toronto (Casey Jansen)
20. Seattle (Fernando Rodney)
21. Colorado (LaTroy Hopkins)
22. Cleveland (John Axford)
23. Milwaukee (Jim Henderson)
24. Chicago Sox (Nate Jones)
25. Baltimore (Tommy Hunter)
26. Cincinnati (Aroldis Chapman)
27. Texas (Neftali Perez)
28. NY Mets (Bobby Parnell)
29. Chicago Cubs (Jose Veras)
30. Houston (Jesse Crain)
Infield
1. St. Louis (Matt Carpenter)
2. Arizona (Paul Goldschmidt)
3. Seattle (Robinson Cano)
4. Texas (Adrian Beltre)
5. Baltimore (Chris Davis)
6. Cleveland (Jason Kipnis)
7. Washington (Ian Desmond)
8. Atlanta (Freddie Freeman)
9. Milwaukee (Jean Segura)
10. Boston (Dustin Pedroia)
11. Tampa Bay (Evan Longoria)
12. Oakland (Josh Donaldson)
13. Colorado (Troy Tulowitzki)
14. NY Mets (David Wright)
15. Toronto (Edwin Encarnacion)
16. Kansas City (Eric Hosmer)
17. San Diego (Chase Headley)
18. Cincinnati (Joey Votto)
19. San Francisco (Buster Posey)
20. Detroit (Miguel Cabrera)
21. Houston (Jose Altuve)
22. Philadelphia (Chase Utley)
23. LA Angels (Albert Pujols)
24. NY Yankees (Brian McCann)
25. LA Dodgers (Hanley Ramirez)
26. Chicago Cubs (Starlin Castro)
27. Minnesota (Joe Mauer)
28. Chicago Sox (Alexei Ramirez)
29. Pittsburgh (Pedro Alvarez)
30. Miami (Jarrod Saltalamacchia)
Outfield
1. Milwaukee (Ryan Braun)
2. NY Yankees (Jacoby Ellsbury)
3. Tampa Bay (Wil Myers)
4. LA Angels (Mike Trout)
5. Texas (Shin-Soo Choo)
6. Atlanta (Justin Upton)
7. LA Dodgers (Yasiel Puig)
8. Washington (Bryce Harper)
9. Baltimore (Adam Jones)
10. St. Louis (Matt Holliday)
11. Colorado (Carlos Gonzalez)
12. Oakland (Yoenis Cespedes)
13. Arizona (Martin Prado)
14. Pittsburgh (Andrew McCutchen)
15. Miami (Giancarlo Stanton)
16. San Francisco (Hunter Pence)
17. Philadelphia (Dominic Brown)
18. Cincinnati (Jay Bruce)
19. Toronto (Jose Bautista)
20. Detroit (Austin Jackson)
21. Houston (George Springer)
22. Chicago Sox (Adam Eaton)
23. Cleveland (Michael Bourn)
24. Kansas City (Alex Gordon)
25. Boston (Daniel Nava)
26. NY Mets (Curtis Grandeerson)
27. Minnesota (Josh Willingham)
28. San Diego (Will Venable)
29. Seattle (Dustin Ackley)
30. Chicago Cubs (Nate Schierholtz)
Starting Pitching
1. St. Louis (Adam Wainwright)
2. Washington (Stephen Strasburg)
3. Cincinnati (Johnny Cueto)
4. Detroit (Justin Verlander)
5. Tampa Bay (David Price)
6. LA Dodgers (Clayton Kershaw)
7. Atlanta (Julio Teheran)
8. San Francisco (Matt Cain)
9. Seattle (Felix Hernandez)
10. Philadelphia (Cliff Lee)
11. NY Yankees (CC Sabathia)
12. Boston (Jon Lester)
13. LA Angels (Jared Weaver)
14. Oakland (Sonny Gray)
15. Pittsburgh (Gerrit Cole)
16. Cleveland (Justin Masterson)
17. Milwaukee (Matt Garza)
18. Texas (Yu Darvish)
19. Chicago Sox (Chris Sale)
20. Kansas City (James Shields)
21. San Diego (Josh Johnson)
22. NY Mets (Zack Wheeler)
23. Baltimore (Ubaldo Jimenez)
24. Miami (Jose Fernandez)
25. Chicago Cubs (Jeff Samardiza)
26. Toronto (RA Dickey)
27. Arizona (Wade Miley)
28. Minnesota (Ricky Nolasco)
29. Houston (Jarred Cosart)
30. Colorado (Brett Anderson)
Relief Piching
1. Atlanta (Craig Kimbrel)
2. Detroit (Joe Nathan)
3. St. Louis (Trevor Rosenthal)
4. LA Angels (Ernesto Frieri)
5. Kansas City (Greg Holland)
6. San Diego (Huston Street)
7. LA Dodgers (Kenley Jansen)
8. Boston (Koji Uehara)
9. Pittsburgh (Jason Grilli)
10. San Francisco (Sergio Romo)
11. Minnesota (Glen Perkins)
12. NY Yankees (David Robertson)
13. Philadelphia (Johnathan Papelbon)
14. Tampa Bay (Grant Balfour)
15. Arizona (Addison Reed)
16. Washington (Rafael Soriano)
17. Miami (Steve Cishek)
18. Oakland (Jim Johnson)
19. Toronto (Casey Jansen)
20. Seattle (Fernando Rodney)
21. Colorado (LaTroy Hopkins)
22. Cleveland (John Axford)
23. Milwaukee (Jim Henderson)
24. Chicago Sox (Nate Jones)
25. Baltimore (Tommy Hunter)
26. Cincinnati (Aroldis Chapman)
27. Texas (Neftali Perez)
28. NY Mets (Bobby Parnell)
29. Chicago Cubs (Jose Veras)
30. Houston (Jesse Crain)
Saturday, March 29, 2014
NCAA Basketball - Elite 8 Predictions
Ringer's Tournament Record
ATS: 30-30
SU: 42-18
South Regional - Memphis
1 Florida vs. 11 Dayton (+10.5)
How they got here
Florida beat: Albany 67-55, Pittsburgh 61-45, UCLA 79-68
Dayton beat: Ohio State 60-59, Syracuse 55-53, Stanford 82-72
Record vs. Tournament Teams
Florida: 11-2
Dayton: 7-6
Prediction - Florida 66 Dayton 59
West Regional - Anaheim
1 Arizona (-2.5) vs. 2 Wisconsin
How they got here
Arizona beat: Weber State 68-59, Gonzaga 84-61, San Diego State 70-64
Wisconsin beat: American 75-35, Oregon 85-77, Baylor 69-52
Record vs. Tournament Teams
Arizona: 16-3
Wisconsin: 12-4
Prediction - Arizona 65 Wisconsin 62
East Regional - New York
4 Michigan State vs. 7 UConn (+5.5)
How they got here
Michigan State beat: Delaware 93-78, Harvard 80-73, Virginia 61-59
UConn beat: St. Joseph's 89-81 OT, Villanova 77-65, Iowa State 81-76
Record vs. Tournament Teams
Michigan State: 12-6
UConn: 10-5
Prediction - Michigan State 75 UConn 72
Midwest Regional - Indianapolis
2 Michigan (+2.5) vs. 8 Kentucky
How they got here
Michigan beat: Wofford 57-40, Texas 79-65, Tennessee 73-71
Kentucky beat: Kansas State 56-49, Wichita State 78-76, Louisville 74-69
Record vs. Tournament Teams
Michigan: 12-6
Kentucky: 6-6
Prediction - Michigan 68 Kentucky 62
ATS: 30-30
SU: 42-18
South Regional - Memphis
1 Florida vs. 11 Dayton (+10.5)
How they got here
Florida beat: Albany 67-55, Pittsburgh 61-45, UCLA 79-68
Dayton beat: Ohio State 60-59, Syracuse 55-53, Stanford 82-72
Record vs. Tournament Teams
Florida: 11-2
Dayton: 7-6
Prediction - Florida 66 Dayton 59
West Regional - Anaheim
1 Arizona (-2.5) vs. 2 Wisconsin
How they got here
Arizona beat: Weber State 68-59, Gonzaga 84-61, San Diego State 70-64
Wisconsin beat: American 75-35, Oregon 85-77, Baylor 69-52
Record vs. Tournament Teams
Arizona: 16-3
Wisconsin: 12-4
Prediction - Arizona 65 Wisconsin 62
East Regional - New York
4 Michigan State vs. 7 UConn (+5.5)
How they got here
Michigan State beat: Delaware 93-78, Harvard 80-73, Virginia 61-59
UConn beat: St. Joseph's 89-81 OT, Villanova 77-65, Iowa State 81-76
Record vs. Tournament Teams
Michigan State: 12-6
UConn: 10-5
Prediction - Michigan State 75 UConn 72
Midwest Regional - Indianapolis
2 Michigan (+2.5) vs. 8 Kentucky
How they got here
Michigan beat: Wofford 57-40, Texas 79-65, Tennessee 73-71
Kentucky beat: Kansas State 56-49, Wichita State 78-76, Louisville 74-69
Record vs. Tournament Teams
Michigan: 12-6
Kentucky: 6-6
Prediction - Michigan 68 Kentucky 62
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
2014 NCAA Tournament - Sweet 16 Predictions
Ringer's Tournament Record
ATS: 25-23
SU: 34-14
While I was in the hospital watching my daughter enter this world, the NCAA Tournament was busy living up to its name, "March Madness". The first weekend had a little bit of everything, buzzer beaters, upsets, overtimes, you name of it. But this is the weekend when the big boys tend to assert themselves. Let's take a look at who I expect to advance to the Elite 8.
South Regional - Memphis
1 Florida vs. 4 UCLA (+4.5)
How they got here
Florida beat: Albany 67-55, Pittsburgh 61-45
UCLA beat: Tulsa 76-59, Stephen F Austin 77-60
Record vs. Tournament Teams
Florida: 10-2
UCLA: 11-4
Prediction - Florida 66 UCLA 65
10 Stanford (-2.5) vs. 11 Dayton
How they got here
Stanford beat: New Mexico 58-53, Kansas 60-57
Dayton beat: Ohio State 60-59, Syracuse 55-53
Record vs. Tournament Teams
Stanford: 9-9
Dayton: 6-6
Prediction - Stanford 66 Dayton 59
West Regional - Anaheim
1 Arizona (-6.5) vs. 4 San Diego State
How they got here
Arizona beat: Weber State 68-59, Gonzaga 84-61
San Diego State: New Mexico State 73-69 OT, North Dakota State 63-44
Record vs. Tournament Teams
Arizona: 15-3
San Diego State: 5-3
Prediction - Arizona 70 San Diego State 57
2 Wisconsin (-2.5) vs. 6 Baylor
How they got here
Wisconsin beat: American 75-35, Oregon 85-77
Baylor beat: Nebraska 74-60, Creighton 85-55
Record vs. Tournament Teams
Wisconsin: 11-4
Baylor: 13-9
Prediction - Wisconsin 72 Baylor 68
East Regional - New York
1 Virginia vs. 4 Michigan State (-1.5)
How they got here
Virginia beat: Coastal Carolina 70-59, Memphis 78-60
Michigan State beat: Delaware 93-78, Harvard 80-73
Record vs. Tournament Teams
Virginia: 8-4
Michigan State: 11-6
Prediction - Michigan State 63 Virginia 58
3 Iowa State (-1.5) vs. 7 UConn
How they got here
Iowa State beat: NC Central 93-75, North Carolina 85-83
UConn beat: St. Joseph's 89-81 OT, Villanova 77-65
Record vs. Tournament Teams
Iowa State: 14-6
UConn: 9-5
Prediction - Iowa State 74 UConn 72
Midwest Regional - Indianapolis
4 Louisville vs. 8 Kentucky (+5.5)
How they got here
Louisville beat: Manhattan 71-64, St. Louis 66-51
Kentucky beat: Kansas State 56-49, Wichita State 78-76
Record vs. Tournament Teams
Louisville: 7-5
Kentucky: 5-6
Prediction - Kentucky 71 Louisville 69
2 Michigan (-2.5) vs. 11 Tennessee
How they got here
Michigan beat: Wofford 57-40, Texas 79-65
Tennessee beat: Iowa 78-65 OT, UMass 86-67, Mercer 83-63
Record vs. Tournament Teams
Michigan: 11-6
Tennessee: 5-7
Prediction - Michigan 68 Tennessee 62
ATS: 25-23
SU: 34-14
While I was in the hospital watching my daughter enter this world, the NCAA Tournament was busy living up to its name, "March Madness". The first weekend had a little bit of everything, buzzer beaters, upsets, overtimes, you name of it. But this is the weekend when the big boys tend to assert themselves. Let's take a look at who I expect to advance to the Elite 8.
South Regional - Memphis
1 Florida vs. 4 UCLA (+4.5)
How they got here
Florida beat: Albany 67-55, Pittsburgh 61-45
UCLA beat: Tulsa 76-59, Stephen F Austin 77-60
Record vs. Tournament Teams
Florida: 10-2
UCLA: 11-4
Prediction - Florida 66 UCLA 65
10 Stanford (-2.5) vs. 11 Dayton
How they got here
Stanford beat: New Mexico 58-53, Kansas 60-57
Dayton beat: Ohio State 60-59, Syracuse 55-53
Record vs. Tournament Teams
Stanford: 9-9
Dayton: 6-6
Prediction - Stanford 66 Dayton 59
West Regional - Anaheim
1 Arizona (-6.5) vs. 4 San Diego State
How they got here
Arizona beat: Weber State 68-59, Gonzaga 84-61
San Diego State: New Mexico State 73-69 OT, North Dakota State 63-44
Record vs. Tournament Teams
Arizona: 15-3
San Diego State: 5-3
Prediction - Arizona 70 San Diego State 57
2 Wisconsin (-2.5) vs. 6 Baylor
How they got here
Wisconsin beat: American 75-35, Oregon 85-77
Baylor beat: Nebraska 74-60, Creighton 85-55
Record vs. Tournament Teams
Wisconsin: 11-4
Baylor: 13-9
Prediction - Wisconsin 72 Baylor 68
East Regional - New York
1 Virginia vs. 4 Michigan State (-1.5)
How they got here
Virginia beat: Coastal Carolina 70-59, Memphis 78-60
Michigan State beat: Delaware 93-78, Harvard 80-73
Record vs. Tournament Teams
Virginia: 8-4
Michigan State: 11-6
Prediction - Michigan State 63 Virginia 58
3 Iowa State (-1.5) vs. 7 UConn
How they got here
Iowa State beat: NC Central 93-75, North Carolina 85-83
UConn beat: St. Joseph's 89-81 OT, Villanova 77-65
Record vs. Tournament Teams
Iowa State: 14-6
UConn: 9-5
Prediction - Iowa State 74 UConn 72
Midwest Regional - Indianapolis
4 Louisville vs. 8 Kentucky (+5.5)
How they got here
Louisville beat: Manhattan 71-64, St. Louis 66-51
Kentucky beat: Kansas State 56-49, Wichita State 78-76
Record vs. Tournament Teams
Louisville: 7-5
Kentucky: 5-6
Prediction - Kentucky 71 Louisville 69
2 Michigan (-2.5) vs. 11 Tennessee
How they got here
Michigan beat: Wofford 57-40, Texas 79-65
Tennessee beat: Iowa 78-65 OT, UMass 86-67, Mercer 83-63
Record vs. Tournament Teams
Michigan: 11-6
Tennessee: 5-7
Prediction - Michigan 68 Tennessee 62
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
2014 NCAA Tournament - Round of 64 Predictions
Let the madness begin! The first weekend in the NCAA Tournament is as good as it gets in all of sports. Here is a look at how I expect the action on Thursday and Friday to pan out.
South Regional - Buffalo
6 Ohio State vs. 11 Dayton (+6)
How they got here
Ohio State: Big 10, At-Large
Dayton: A-10, At-Large
Record vs. Tournament Teams
Ohio State: 8-5
Dayton: 4-6
Prediction - Ohio State 65 Dayton 61
West Regional - Milwaukee
2 Wisconsin (-13.5) vs. 15 American
How they got here
Wisconsin: Big 10, At-Large
American: Patriot League Champions
Record vs. Tournament Teams
Wisconsin: 9-4
American: 0-2
Prediction - Wisconsin 85 American 62
South Regional - Orlando
8 Colorado (+6) vs. 9 Pittsburgh
How they got here
Colorado: Pac-12, At-Large
Pittsburgh: ACC, At-Large
Record vs. Tournament Teams
Colorado: 5-8
Pittsburgh: 5-8
Prediction - Colorado 64 Pittsburgh 63
East Regional - Spokane
5 Cincinnati (-3.5) vs. 12 Harvard
How they got here
Cincinnati: American, At-Large
Harvard: Ivy League Champions
Record vs. Tournament Teams
Cincinnati: 8-5
Harvard: 0-2
Prediction - Cincinnati 57 Harvard 50
South Regional - Buffalo
3 Syracuse vs. 14 Western Michigan (+13)
How they got here
Syracuse: ACC, At-Large
Western Michigan: MAC Champions
Record vs. Tournament Teams
Syracuse: 7-3
Western Michigan: 1-1
Prediction - Syracuse 74 Western Michigan 62
West Regional - Milwaukee
7 Oregon (-5.5) vs. 10 BYU
How they got here
Oregon: Pac-12, At-Large
BYU: WCC, At-Large
Record vs. Tournament Teams
Oregon: 5-6
BYU: 5-6
Prediction - Oregon 84 BYU 73
South Regional - Orlando
1 Florida (-22) vs. 16 Albany
How they got here
Florida: SEC Champions
Albany: beat Mt.St.Mary's 71-64
Record vs. Tournament Teams
Florida: 8-2
Albany: 1-1
Prediction - Florida 75 Albany 51
East Regional - Spokane
4 Michigan State (-14.5) vs. 13 Delaware
How they got here
Michigan State: Big 10 Champions
Delaware: CAA Champions
Record vs. Tournament Teams
Michigan State: 9-6
Delaware: 1-3
Prediction - Michigan State 73 Delaware 54
East Regional - Buffalo
7 UConn vs. 10 St. Joseph's (+5.5)
How they got here
UConn: American, At-Large
St. Joseph's: A-10 Champions
Record vs. Tournament Teams
UConn: 7-5
St. Joseph's: 6-5
Prediction - UConn 68 St. Joseph's 63
Midwest Regional - Milwaukee
2 Michigan vs. 15 Wofford (+15.5)
How they got here
Michigan: Big 10, At-Large
Wofford: SoCon Champions
Record vs. Tournament Teams
Michigan: 9-6
Wofford: 0-2
Prediction - Michigan 79 Wofford 66
Midwest Regional - Orlando
5 St. Louis (-2.5) vs. 12 NC State
How they got here
St. Louis: A-10, At-Large
NC State: beat Xavier 74-59
Record vs. Tournament Teams
St. Louis: 6-4
NC State: 4-9
Prediction - St. Louis 63 NC State 57
West Regional - Spokane
5 Oklahoma (-3.5) vs. 12 North Dakota State
How they got here
Oklahoma: Big 12, At-Large
North Dakota State: Summit Champions
Record vs. Tournament Teams
Oklahoma: 10-6
North Dakota State: 2-1
Prediction - Oklahoma 80 North Dakota State 66
East Regional - Buffalo
2 Villanova (-16.5) vs. 15 Milwaukee
How they got here
Villanova: Big East, At-Large
Milwaukee: Horizon Champions
Record vs. Tournament Teams
Villanova: 9-3
Milwaukee: 0-1
Prediction - Villanova 73 Milwaukee 56
Midwest Regional - Milwaukee
7 Texas (-2) vs. 10 Arizona State
How they got here
Texas: Big 12, At-Large
Arizona State: Pac-12, At-Large
Record vs. Tournament Teams
Texas: 9-9
Arizona State: 4-7
Prediction - Texas 65 Arizona State 60
Midwest Regional - Orlando
4 Louisville (-17) vs. 13 Manhattan
How they got here
Louisville: American Champions
Manhattan: MAAC Champions
Record vs. Tournament Teams
Louisville: 5-5
Manhattan: 0-1
Prediction - Louisville 83 Manhattan 50
West Regional - Spokane
4 San Diego State vs. 13 New Mexico State (+7.5)
How they got here
San Diego State: Mountain West, At-Large
New Mexico State: WAC Champions
Record vs. Tournament Teams
San Diego State: 3-3
New Mexico State: 1-4
Prediction - New Mexico State 63 San Diego State 61
South Regional - Buffalo
6 Ohio State vs. 11 Dayton (+6)
How they got here
Ohio State: Big 10, At-Large
Dayton: A-10, At-Large
Record vs. Tournament Teams
Ohio State: 8-5
Dayton: 4-6
Prediction - Ohio State 65 Dayton 61
West Regional - Milwaukee
2 Wisconsin (-13.5) vs. 15 American
How they got here
Wisconsin: Big 10, At-Large
American: Patriot League Champions
Record vs. Tournament Teams
Wisconsin: 9-4
American: 0-2
Prediction - Wisconsin 85 American 62
South Regional - Orlando
8 Colorado (+6) vs. 9 Pittsburgh
How they got here
Colorado: Pac-12, At-Large
Pittsburgh: ACC, At-Large
Record vs. Tournament Teams
Colorado: 5-8
Pittsburgh: 5-8
Prediction - Colorado 64 Pittsburgh 63
East Regional - Spokane
5 Cincinnati (-3.5) vs. 12 Harvard
How they got here
Cincinnati: American, At-Large
Harvard: Ivy League Champions
Record vs. Tournament Teams
Cincinnati: 8-5
Harvard: 0-2
Prediction - Cincinnati 57 Harvard 50
South Regional - Buffalo
3 Syracuse vs. 14 Western Michigan (+13)
How they got here
Syracuse: ACC, At-Large
Western Michigan: MAC Champions
Record vs. Tournament Teams
Syracuse: 7-3
Western Michigan: 1-1
Prediction - Syracuse 74 Western Michigan 62
West Regional - Milwaukee
7 Oregon (-5.5) vs. 10 BYU
How they got here
Oregon: Pac-12, At-Large
BYU: WCC, At-Large
Record vs. Tournament Teams
Oregon: 5-6
BYU: 5-6
Prediction - Oregon 84 BYU 73
South Regional - Orlando
1 Florida (-22) vs. 16 Albany
How they got here
Florida: SEC Champions
Albany: beat Mt.St.Mary's 71-64
Record vs. Tournament Teams
Florida: 8-2
Albany: 1-1
Prediction - Florida 75 Albany 51
East Regional - Spokane
4 Michigan State (-14.5) vs. 13 Delaware
How they got here
Michigan State: Big 10 Champions
Delaware: CAA Champions
Record vs. Tournament Teams
Michigan State: 9-6
Delaware: 1-3
Prediction - Michigan State 73 Delaware 54
East Regional - Buffalo
7 UConn vs. 10 St. Joseph's (+5.5)
How they got here
UConn: American, At-Large
St. Joseph's: A-10 Champions
Record vs. Tournament Teams
UConn: 7-5
St. Joseph's: 6-5
Prediction - UConn 68 St. Joseph's 63
Midwest Regional - Milwaukee
2 Michigan vs. 15 Wofford (+15.5)
How they got here
Michigan: Big 10, At-Large
Wofford: SoCon Champions
Record vs. Tournament Teams
Michigan: 9-6
Wofford: 0-2
Prediction - Michigan 79 Wofford 66
Midwest Regional - Orlando
5 St. Louis (-2.5) vs. 12 NC State
How they got here
St. Louis: A-10, At-Large
NC State: beat Xavier 74-59
Record vs. Tournament Teams
St. Louis: 6-4
NC State: 4-9
Prediction - St. Louis 63 NC State 57
West Regional - Spokane
5 Oklahoma (-3.5) vs. 12 North Dakota State
How they got here
Oklahoma: Big 12, At-Large
North Dakota State: Summit Champions
Record vs. Tournament Teams
Oklahoma: 10-6
North Dakota State: 2-1
Prediction - Oklahoma 80 North Dakota State 66
East Regional - Buffalo
2 Villanova (-16.5) vs. 15 Milwaukee
How they got here
Villanova: Big East, At-Large
Milwaukee: Horizon Champions
Record vs. Tournament Teams
Villanova: 9-3
Milwaukee: 0-1
Prediction - Villanova 73 Milwaukee 56
Midwest Regional - Milwaukee
7 Texas (-2) vs. 10 Arizona State
How they got here
Texas: Big 12, At-Large
Arizona State: Pac-12, At-Large
Record vs. Tournament Teams
Texas: 9-9
Arizona State: 4-7
Prediction - Texas 65 Arizona State 60
Midwest Regional - Orlando
4 Louisville (-17) vs. 13 Manhattan
How they got here
Louisville: American Champions
Manhattan: MAAC Champions
Record vs. Tournament Teams
Louisville: 5-5
Manhattan: 0-1
Prediction - Louisville 83 Manhattan 50
West Regional - Spokane
4 San Diego State vs. 13 New Mexico State (+7.5)
How they got here
San Diego State: Mountain West, At-Large
New Mexico State: WAC Champions
Record vs. Tournament Teams
San Diego State: 3-3
New Mexico State: 1-4
Prediction - New Mexico State 63 San Diego State 61
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
2014 NCAA Tournament - First Four Predictions
South Regional - Dayton
16 Albany (-2.5) vs. 16 Mt. St. Mary's
How they got here
Albany: AEC Champions
Mt. St. Mary's: NEC Champions
Record vs. Tournament Teams
Albany: 0-1
Mt. St. Mary's: 1-3
Prediction - Albany 79 Mt. St. Mary's 75
Midwest Regional - Dayton
12 Xavier vs. 12 NC State (+3.5)
How they got here
Xavier: A-10, At-Large
NC State: ACC, At-Large
Record vs. Tournament Teams
Xavier: 4-7
NC State: 4-9
Prediction - NC State 72 Xavier 70
Midwest Regional - Dayton
16 Cal Poly vs. 16 Texas Southern (+3.5)
How they got here
Cal Poly: Big West Champions
Texas Southern: SWAC Champions
Record vs. Tournament Teams
Cal Poly: 0-5
Texas Southern: 0-2
Prediction - Texas Southern 75 Cal Poly 73
Midwest Regional - Dayton
11 Iowa (-2.5) vs. 11 Tennessee
How they got here
Iowa: Big 10, At-Large
Tennessee: SEC, At-Large
Record vs. Tournament Teams
Iowa: 4-8
Tennessee: 2-7
Prediction - Iowa 69 Tennessee 68
16 Albany (-2.5) vs. 16 Mt. St. Mary's
How they got here
Albany: AEC Champions
Mt. St. Mary's: NEC Champions
Record vs. Tournament Teams
Albany: 0-1
Mt. St. Mary's: 1-3
Prediction - Albany 79 Mt. St. Mary's 75
Midwest Regional - Dayton
12 Xavier vs. 12 NC State (+3.5)
How they got here
Xavier: A-10, At-Large
NC State: ACC, At-Large
Record vs. Tournament Teams
Xavier: 4-7
NC State: 4-9
Prediction - NC State 72 Xavier 70
Midwest Regional - Dayton
16 Cal Poly vs. 16 Texas Southern (+3.5)
How they got here
Cal Poly: Big West Champions
Texas Southern: SWAC Champions
Record vs. Tournament Teams
Cal Poly: 0-5
Texas Southern: 0-2
Prediction - Texas Southern 75 Cal Poly 73
Midwest Regional - Dayton
11 Iowa (-2.5) vs. 11 Tennessee
How they got here
Iowa: Big 10, At-Large
Tennessee: SEC, At-Large
Record vs. Tournament Teams
Iowa: 4-8
Tennessee: 2-7
Prediction - Iowa 69 Tennessee 68
Monday, March 17, 2014
2014 NCAA Tournament Predictions
Do you need help filling out your brackets? Here is a look at who I have advancing all the way to the National Championship in Arlington, Texas. I have Duke, Florida, Arizona, and Michigan State marching to the Final Four at AT&T Stadium. When it is all said and done, I have the Duke Blue Devils climbing back to the top of the college basketball mountain.
*Team in bold is predicted winner
East Regional - Round of 64
1 Virginia 16 Coastal Carolina
8 Memphis 9 George Washington
5 Cincinnati 12 Harvard
4 Michigan State 13 Delaware
6 North Carolina 11Providence
3 Iowa State 14 NC Central
7 UConn 10 St. Joseph's
2 Villanova 15 Milwaukee
East Regional - Round of 32
1 Virginia 8 Memphis
4 Michigan State 5 Cincinnati
3 Iowa State 6 North Carolina
2 Villanova 7 UConn
East Regional - Sweet 16
1 Virginia 4 Michigan State
2 Villanova 6 North Carolina
East Regional - Elite 8
4 Michigan State 6 North Carolina
South Regional - Round of 64
1 Florida 16 Albany/Mt. St. Mary's
8 Colorado 9 Pittsburgh
5 VCU 12 Stephen F Austin
4 UCLA 13 Tulsa
6 Ohio State 11 Dayton
3 Syracuse 14 Western Michigan
7 New Mexico 10 Stanford
2 Kansas 15 Eastern Kentucky
South Regional - Round of 32
1 Florida 8 Colorado
4 UCLA 5 VCU
3 Syracuse 6 Ohio State
2 Kansas 7 New Mexico
South Regional - Sweet 16
1 Florida 4 UCLA
2 Kansas 3 Syracuse
South Regional - Elite 8
1 Florida 3 Syracuse
Midwest Regional - Round of 64
1 Wichita State 16 Cal Poly/Texas Southern
8 Kentucky 9 Kansas State
5 St. Louis 12 Xavier/NC State
4 Louisville 13 Manhattan
6 UMass 11 Iowa/Tennessee
3 Duke 14 Mercer
7 Texas 10 Arizona State
2 Michigan 15 Wofford
Midwest Regional - Round of 32
1 Wichita State 8 Kentucky
4 Louisville 5 St. Louis
3 Duke 11 Iowa
2 Michigan 7 Texas
Midwest Regional - Sweet 16
4 Louisville 8 Kentucky
2 Michigan 3 Duke
Midwest Regional - Elite 8
3 Duke 8 Kentucky
West Regional - Round of 64
1 Arizona 16 Weber State
8 Gonzaga 9 Oklahoma State
5 Oklahoma 12 North Dakota State
4 San Diego State 13 New Mexico State
6 Baylor 11 Nebraska
3 Creighton 14 UL-Lafayette
7 Oregon 10 BYU
2 Wisconsin 15 American
West Regional - Round of 32
1 Arizona 9 Oklahoma State
5 Oklahoma 13 New Mexico State
3 Creighton 6 Baylor
2 Wisconsin 7 Oregon
West Regional - Sweet 16
1 Arizona 13 New Mexico State
2 Wisconsin 6 Baylor
West Regional - Elite 8
1 Arizona 2 Wisconsin
Final Four
1 Florida 4 Michigan State
1 Arizona 3 Duke
National Championship Game
1 Florida 3 Duke
The Duke Blue Devils will have one shining moment!
*Team in bold is predicted winner
East Regional - Round of 64
1 Virginia 16 Coastal Carolina
8 Memphis 9 George Washington
5 Cincinnati 12 Harvard
4 Michigan State 13 Delaware
6 North Carolina 11Providence
3 Iowa State 14 NC Central
7 UConn 10 St. Joseph's
2 Villanova 15 Milwaukee
East Regional - Round of 32
1 Virginia 8 Memphis
4 Michigan State 5 Cincinnati
3 Iowa State 6 North Carolina
2 Villanova 7 UConn
East Regional - Sweet 16
1 Virginia 4 Michigan State
2 Villanova 6 North Carolina
East Regional - Elite 8
4 Michigan State 6 North Carolina
South Regional - Round of 64
1 Florida 16 Albany/Mt. St. Mary's
8 Colorado 9 Pittsburgh
5 VCU 12 Stephen F Austin
4 UCLA 13 Tulsa
6 Ohio State 11 Dayton
3 Syracuse 14 Western Michigan
7 New Mexico 10 Stanford
2 Kansas 15 Eastern Kentucky
South Regional - Round of 32
1 Florida 8 Colorado
4 UCLA 5 VCU
3 Syracuse 6 Ohio State
2 Kansas 7 New Mexico
South Regional - Sweet 16
1 Florida 4 UCLA
2 Kansas 3 Syracuse
South Regional - Elite 8
1 Florida 3 Syracuse
Midwest Regional - Round of 64
1 Wichita State 16 Cal Poly/Texas Southern
8 Kentucky 9 Kansas State
5 St. Louis 12 Xavier/NC State
4 Louisville 13 Manhattan
6 UMass 11 Iowa/Tennessee
3 Duke 14 Mercer
7 Texas 10 Arizona State
2 Michigan 15 Wofford
Midwest Regional - Round of 32
1 Wichita State 8 Kentucky
4 Louisville 5 St. Louis
3 Duke 11 Iowa
2 Michigan 7 Texas
Midwest Regional - Sweet 16
4 Louisville 8 Kentucky
2 Michigan 3 Duke
Midwest Regional - Elite 8
3 Duke 8 Kentucky
West Regional - Round of 64
1 Arizona 16 Weber State
8 Gonzaga 9 Oklahoma State
5 Oklahoma 12 North Dakota State
4 San Diego State 13 New Mexico State
6 Baylor 11 Nebraska
3 Creighton 14 UL-Lafayette
7 Oregon 10 BYU
2 Wisconsin 15 American
West Regional - Round of 32
1 Arizona 9 Oklahoma State
5 Oklahoma 13 New Mexico State
3 Creighton 6 Baylor
2 Wisconsin 7 Oregon
West Regional - Sweet 16
1 Arizona 13 New Mexico State
2 Wisconsin 6 Baylor
West Regional - Elite 8
1 Arizona 2 Wisconsin
Final Four
1 Florida 4 Michigan State
1 Arizona 3 Duke
National Championship Game
1 Florida 3 Duke
The Duke Blue Devils will have one shining moment!
Sunday, March 16, 2014
Ringer vs. Lunardi 2014
Selection Sunday is nearing a close. The brackets have been announced, and millions across the country are making their picks for the best tournament in sports. This year's selection committee didn't drum up too much controversy with their selections. Most of the second guessing comes in the form of seeding. One of the more debated seeds came from the defending champion, Louisville Cardinals, receiving a 4 seed despite winning both the regular season and tournament championships in the newly formed American Athletic Conference. I had 36 of the 68 teams seeded correctly in my final projections. Joe Lunardi of ESPN had 39 teams seeded correctly. The biggest surprise team in the field is NC State. Lunardi and I both had them on the outside looking in. I also had Xavier being left out, but the Musketeers got a bid. The two teams I had in, and therefore got a raw deal in my opinion were SMU and Florida State. I ended with 66 correct picks in the tourney while Lunardi had 67. Lunardi also had SMU in the field.
NCAA Basketball - 2014 NCAA Tournament Projections
3/16/14
We have just a little more than an hour left until the brackets are announced. Here is one last look at how I expect them to turn out.
East Regional - New York
at Buffalo
1 Villanova 16 Coastal Carolina
8 Memphis 9 Iowa
at San Diego
5 VCU 12 BYU/Nebraska
4 UCLA 13 Delaware
at Buffalo
6 Gonzaga 11 Colorado
3 Louisville 14 NC Central
at Raleigh
7 Oklahoma 10 St. Joseph's
2 Virginia 15 American
South Regional - Memphis
at Orlando
1 Florida 16 Albany/Mt. St. Mary's
8 Baylor 9 Tennessee
at Spokane
5 Cincinnati 12 Dayton/Florida State
4 Michigan State 13 Tulsa
at San Antonio
6 Ohio State 11 Arizona State
3 Iowa State 14 UL-Lafayette
at Raleigh
7 St. Louis 10 SMU
2 Duke 15 Eastern Kentucky
Midwest Regional - Indianapolis
at St. Louis
1 Wichita State 16 Wofford
8 UMass 9 Oklahoma State
at San Antonio
5 New Mexico 12 Stephen F Austin
4 Creighton 13 Manhattan
at Milwaukee
6 North Carolina 11 Providence
3 Wisconsin 14 Mercer
at St. Louis
7 Pittsburgh 10 Stanford
2 Kansas 15 Milwaukee
West Regional - Anaheim
at San Diego
1 Arizona 16 Texas Southern/Cal Poly
8 George Washington 9 Texas
at Spokane
5 Kentucky 12 North Dakota State
4 San Diego State 13 Western Michigan
at Orlando
6 UConn 11 Kansas State
3 Syracuse 14 New Mexico State
at Milwaukee
7 Oregon 10 Harvard
2 Michigan 15 Weber State
Last Four In: Dayton, BYU, Nebraska, Florida State
First Four Out: Southern Miss, Xavier, Missouri, Arkansas
Next Four Out: Green Bay, Utah, St. John's, Minnesota
Final Four (Arlington, TX): East vs South, Midwest vs West
We have just a little more than an hour left until the brackets are announced. Here is one last look at how I expect them to turn out.
East Regional - New York
at Buffalo
1 Villanova 16 Coastal Carolina
8 Memphis 9 Iowa
at San Diego
5 VCU 12 BYU/Nebraska
4 UCLA 13 Delaware
at Buffalo
6 Gonzaga 11 Colorado
3 Louisville 14 NC Central
at Raleigh
7 Oklahoma 10 St. Joseph's
2 Virginia 15 American
South Regional - Memphis
at Orlando
1 Florida 16 Albany/Mt. St. Mary's
8 Baylor 9 Tennessee
at Spokane
5 Cincinnati 12 Dayton/Florida State
4 Michigan State 13 Tulsa
at San Antonio
6 Ohio State 11 Arizona State
3 Iowa State 14 UL-Lafayette
at Raleigh
7 St. Louis 10 SMU
2 Duke 15 Eastern Kentucky
Midwest Regional - Indianapolis
at St. Louis
1 Wichita State 16 Wofford
8 UMass 9 Oklahoma State
at San Antonio
5 New Mexico 12 Stephen F Austin
4 Creighton 13 Manhattan
at Milwaukee
6 North Carolina 11 Providence
3 Wisconsin 14 Mercer
at St. Louis
7 Pittsburgh 10 Stanford
2 Kansas 15 Milwaukee
West Regional - Anaheim
at San Diego
1 Arizona 16 Texas Southern/Cal Poly
8 George Washington 9 Texas
at Spokane
5 Kentucky 12 North Dakota State
4 San Diego State 13 Western Michigan
at Orlando
6 UConn 11 Kansas State
3 Syracuse 14 New Mexico State
at Milwaukee
7 Oregon 10 Harvard
2 Michigan 15 Weber State
Last Four In: Dayton, BYU, Nebraska, Florida State
First Four Out: Southern Miss, Xavier, Missouri, Arkansas
Next Four Out: Green Bay, Utah, St. John's, Minnesota
Final Four (Arlington, TX): East vs South, Midwest vs West
Monday, March 10, 2014
NCAA Basketball - 2014 NCAA Tournament Projections
3/10/14
East Regional - New York
at Buffalo
1 Villanova 16 Weber State
8 Texas 9 George Washington
at Spokane
5 North Carolina 12 Utah/St. John's
4 Michigan State 13 NC Central
at Buffalo
6 UConn 11 Stanford
3 Syracuse 14 Iona
at Raleigh
7 Gonzaga 10 Arkansas
2 Louisville 15 Stony Brook
South Regional - Memphis
at Orlando
1 Florida 16 Wofford/Coastal Carolina
8 SMU 9 UMass
at Spokane
5 Ohio State 12 BYU/Florida State
4 Iowa State 13 Georgia State
at Orlando
6 VCU 11 Baylor
3 Virginia 14 Mercer
at Milwaukee
7 Oregon 10 Tennessee
2 Wisconsin 15 Robert Morris
Midwest Regional - Indianapolis
at St. Louis
1 Wichita State 16 Wright State
8 Iowa 9 Oklahoma State
at San Antonio
5 Kentucky 12 Southern Miss
4 Creighton 13 Toledo
at Milwaukee
6 New Mexico 11 Stephen F Austin
3 Michigan 14 Delaware
at St. Louis
7 Memphis 10 Arizona State
2 Kansas 15 Eastern Kentucky
West Regional - Anaheim
at San Diego
1 Arizona 16 Utah Valley/Alabama State
8 Pittsburgh 9 Harvard
at San Diego
5 Oklahoma 12 Nebraska
4 Cincinnati 13 North Dakota State
at San Antonio
6 St. Louis 11 Colorado
3 San Diego State 14 Boston U
at Raleigh
7 UCLA 10 Kansas State
2 Duke 15 UC Irvine
Last Four In: BYU, Utah, St. John's, Florida State
First Four Out: St. Joseph's, Dayton, Missouri, Cal
Next Four Out: Providence, Clemson, Xavier, Green Bay
Final Four (Arlington, TX): East vs. South, Midwest vs. West
East Regional - New York
at Buffalo
1 Villanova 16 Weber State
8 Texas 9 George Washington
at Spokane
5 North Carolina 12 Utah/St. John's
4 Michigan State 13 NC Central
at Buffalo
6 UConn 11 Stanford
3 Syracuse 14 Iona
at Raleigh
7 Gonzaga 10 Arkansas
2 Louisville 15 Stony Brook
South Regional - Memphis
at Orlando
1 Florida 16 Wofford/Coastal Carolina
8 SMU 9 UMass
at Spokane
5 Ohio State 12 BYU/Florida State
4 Iowa State 13 Georgia State
at Orlando
6 VCU 11 Baylor
3 Virginia 14 Mercer
at Milwaukee
7 Oregon 10 Tennessee
2 Wisconsin 15 Robert Morris
Midwest Regional - Indianapolis
at St. Louis
1 Wichita State 16 Wright State
8 Iowa 9 Oklahoma State
at San Antonio
5 Kentucky 12 Southern Miss
4 Creighton 13 Toledo
at Milwaukee
6 New Mexico 11 Stephen F Austin
3 Michigan 14 Delaware
at St. Louis
7 Memphis 10 Arizona State
2 Kansas 15 Eastern Kentucky
West Regional - Anaheim
at San Diego
1 Arizona 16 Utah Valley/Alabama State
8 Pittsburgh 9 Harvard
at San Diego
5 Oklahoma 12 Nebraska
4 Cincinnati 13 North Dakota State
at San Antonio
6 St. Louis 11 Colorado
3 San Diego State 14 Boston U
at Raleigh
7 UCLA 10 Kansas State
2 Duke 15 UC Irvine
Last Four In: BYU, Utah, St. John's, Florida State
First Four Out: St. Joseph's, Dayton, Missouri, Cal
Next Four Out: Providence, Clemson, Xavier, Green Bay
Final Four (Arlington, TX): East vs. South, Midwest vs. West
Monday, March 3, 2014
2014 NFL Mock Draft
3/3/14
*This is the second of several mock drafts prior to May's 2014 NFL Draft. The combine is done and over with, and now we have a better sense of where this year's class of prospects stand. Check out how things have changed since our initial mock draft (http://ringersports.blogspot.com/2014/01/2014-nfl-mock-draft.html). Pro Days are the next big thing leading up to the draft. More changes will come following the Pro Days. Please note that these picks are simply who I think each team will pick, without projecting trades.
1. Houston - Blake Bortles QB/UCF
2. St. Louis - Greg Robinson OT/Auburn
3. Jacksonville - Johnny Manziel QB/Texas A&M
4. Cleveland - Sammy Watkins WR/Clemson
5. Oakland - Jadaveon Clowney DE/South Carolina
6. Atlanta - Jake Matthews OT/Texas A&M
7. Tampa Bay - Khalil Mack LB/Buffalo
8. Minnesota - Teddy Bridgewater QB/Louisville
9. Buffalo - Anthony Barr LB/UCLA
10. Detroit - Justin Gilbert CB/Oklahoma State
11. Tennessee - CJ Mosley LB/Alabama
12. NY Giants - Taylor Lewan OT/Michigan
13. St. Louis - Haha Clinton-Dix S/Alabama
14. Chicago - Timmy Jernigan DT/Florida State
15. Pittsburgh - Mike Evans WR
16. Dallas - Aaron Donald DT/Pittsburgh
17. Baltimore - Kelvin Benjamin WR/Florida State
18. NY Jets - Eric Ebron TE/North Carolina
19. Miami - Zack Martin OT/Notre Dame
20. Arizona - Ra'Shede Hageman DT/Minnesota
21. Green Bay - Louis Nix DT/Notre Dame
22. Philadelphia - Calvin Pryor S/Louisville
23. Kansas City - Marquise Lee WR/USC
24. Cincinnati - Kony Ealy DE/Missouri
25. San Diego - Darqueze Dennard CB/Michigan State
26. Cleveland - Derek Carr QB/FresnoState
27. New Orleans - Jason Verrett CB/TCU
28. Carolina - Cyrus Kouandijo OT/Alabama
29. New England - Austin Seferian-Jenkins TE/Washington
30. San Francisco - Brandin Cooks WR/Oregon State
31. Denver - Dee Ford DE/Auburn
32. Seattle - David Yankey G/Stanford
*This is the second of several mock drafts prior to May's 2014 NFL Draft. The combine is done and over with, and now we have a better sense of where this year's class of prospects stand. Check out how things have changed since our initial mock draft (http://ringersports.blogspot.com/2014/01/2014-nfl-mock-draft.html). Pro Days are the next big thing leading up to the draft. More changes will come following the Pro Days. Please note that these picks are simply who I think each team will pick, without projecting trades.
1. Houston - Blake Bortles QB/UCF
2. St. Louis - Greg Robinson OT/Auburn
3. Jacksonville - Johnny Manziel QB/Texas A&M
4. Cleveland - Sammy Watkins WR/Clemson
5. Oakland - Jadaveon Clowney DE/South Carolina
6. Atlanta - Jake Matthews OT/Texas A&M
7. Tampa Bay - Khalil Mack LB/Buffalo
8. Minnesota - Teddy Bridgewater QB/Louisville
9. Buffalo - Anthony Barr LB/UCLA
10. Detroit - Justin Gilbert CB/Oklahoma State
11. Tennessee - CJ Mosley LB/Alabama
12. NY Giants - Taylor Lewan OT/Michigan
13. St. Louis - Haha Clinton-Dix S/Alabama
14. Chicago - Timmy Jernigan DT/Florida State
15. Pittsburgh - Mike Evans WR
16. Dallas - Aaron Donald DT/Pittsburgh
17. Baltimore - Kelvin Benjamin WR/Florida State
18. NY Jets - Eric Ebron TE/North Carolina
19. Miami - Zack Martin OT/Notre Dame
20. Arizona - Ra'Shede Hageman DT/Minnesota
21. Green Bay - Louis Nix DT/Notre Dame
22. Philadelphia - Calvin Pryor S/Louisville
23. Kansas City - Marquise Lee WR/USC
24. Cincinnati - Kony Ealy DE/Missouri
25. San Diego - Darqueze Dennard CB/Michigan State
26. Cleveland - Derek Carr QB/FresnoState
27. New Orleans - Jason Verrett CB/TCU
28. Carolina - Cyrus Kouandijo OT/Alabama
29. New England - Austin Seferian-Jenkins TE/Washington
30. San Francisco - Brandin Cooks WR/Oregon State
31. Denver - Dee Ford DE/Auburn
32. Seattle - David Yankey G/Stanford
NCAA Basketball - 2014 NCAA Tournament Projections
3/3/14
East Regional - New York
at Raleigh
1 Duke 16 Davidson
8 UMass 9 Oregon
at San Antonio
5 UConn 12 Missouri/BYU
4 Iowa State 13 Georgia State
at San Antonio
6 UCLA 11 Xavier
3 Michigan 14 NC Central
at Buffalo
7 Memphis 10 Harvard
2 Villanova 15 Boston U
South Regional - Memphis
at Orlando
1 Florida 16 Robert Morris/Southern
8 Texas 9 Arizona State
at Spokane
5 Michigan State 12 St. Joseph's
4 San Diego State 13 Southern Miss
at Orlando
6 Iowa 11 Utah
3 Louisville 14 Vermont
at Buffalo
7 Oklahoma 10 George Washington
2 Syracuse 15 Mercer
Midwest Regional - Indianapolis
at St. Louis
1 Wichita State 16 Weber State
8 VCU 9 Kansas State
at San Diego
5 North Carolina 12 Baylor/Colorado
4 Kentucky 13 Toledo
at Milwaukee
6 SMU 11 Green Bay
3 Wisconsin 14 Delaware
at St. Louis
7 New Mexico 10 Arkansas
2 Kansas 15 Belmont
West Regional - Anaheim
at San Diego
1 Arizona 16 Utah Valley/High Point
8 Pittsburgh 9 Oklahoma State
at Spokane
5 St. Louis 12 Stephen F Austin
4 Cincinnati 13 North Dakota State
at Milwaukee
6 Ohio State 11 Tennessee
3 Creighton 14 Iona
at Raleigh
7 Gonzaga 10 Stanford
2 Virginia 15 UC Irvine
Last Four In: Missouri, Baylor, Colorado, BYU
First Four Out: Florida State, Cal, St. John's, Providence
Next Four Out: Clemson, Minnesota, Dayton, Nebraska
Final Four (Arlington, TX): East vs. South, Midwest vs. West
East Regional - New York
at Raleigh
1 Duke 16 Davidson
8 UMass 9 Oregon
at San Antonio
5 UConn 12 Missouri/BYU
4 Iowa State 13 Georgia State
at San Antonio
6 UCLA 11 Xavier
3 Michigan 14 NC Central
at Buffalo
7 Memphis 10 Harvard
2 Villanova 15 Boston U
South Regional - Memphis
at Orlando
1 Florida 16 Robert Morris/Southern
8 Texas 9 Arizona State
at Spokane
5 Michigan State 12 St. Joseph's
4 San Diego State 13 Southern Miss
at Orlando
6 Iowa 11 Utah
3 Louisville 14 Vermont
at Buffalo
7 Oklahoma 10 George Washington
2 Syracuse 15 Mercer
Midwest Regional - Indianapolis
at St. Louis
1 Wichita State 16 Weber State
8 VCU 9 Kansas State
at San Diego
5 North Carolina 12 Baylor/Colorado
4 Kentucky 13 Toledo
at Milwaukee
6 SMU 11 Green Bay
3 Wisconsin 14 Delaware
at St. Louis
7 New Mexico 10 Arkansas
2 Kansas 15 Belmont
West Regional - Anaheim
at San Diego
1 Arizona 16 Utah Valley/High Point
8 Pittsburgh 9 Oklahoma State
at Spokane
5 St. Louis 12 Stephen F Austin
4 Cincinnati 13 North Dakota State
at Milwaukee
6 Ohio State 11 Tennessee
3 Creighton 14 Iona
at Raleigh
7 Gonzaga 10 Stanford
2 Virginia 15 UC Irvine
Last Four In: Missouri, Baylor, Colorado, BYU
First Four Out: Florida State, Cal, St. John's, Providence
Next Four Out: Clemson, Minnesota, Dayton, Nebraska
Final Four (Arlington, TX): East vs. South, Midwest vs. West
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