Looking Back @ Football Predictions 2015

It is important for anybody who makes predictions to go back and truly assess how they did. In this post, I look to do just that for the past football season 2015-2016, before making new predictions for this year. Some of these predictions were pretty accurate, but some were horrifically bad. This seeks to give us some perspective on what I have gotten right and wrong before any predictions are made for the 2016-2017 season. I had four prediction pages for last football season. Last year I had an ACC preview, a preview for the rest of the country, an NFL preview, and a preview of Noles in training camps. Each of those will be looked at in great detail on this post.

Let's start with the Noles in training camps post. This post was the least predicting out of these posts, but was still informative and had some predictions in there. I said that it was put up or shut up time for EJ Manuel in Buffalo and that it was about time for him to win the job. I may have picked him to win Super Bowl MVP in another post (embarassed face) which was by far my worst prediction. Manuel of course was beaten out by Tyrod Taylor and even I think the lofty expectations I (and the Bills) had for him will never be fulfilled at this point. I was too much of a homer in the case of EJ. I will continue to root for the guy though. Sticking with the Bills, injuries forced Karlos Williams into the starting lineup and he exceeded my expectations. This guy did much better than anticipated and had a great rookie season. Another error in this post was not being bullish enough about Devonta Freeman, who ended up in the MVP conversation. He blew everyone away. Finally, Kelvin Benjamin did not start because of the ACL injury, but looks to be strong heading into this season. Everything else in this post is 100% accurate on where they were heading into the 2015-2016 season. You could write pretty much the same stuff for each player heading into 2016-2017, but you will need to include some new teams.

Now onto the NFL season predictions. As bad as the Bills Super Bowl pick was and subsequent EJ Manuel pick as described above, I actually hit on a lot here. You have to forgive me some as well, because the Bills pick was an opportunity pick based partially on the expected suspension of Tom Brady. That suspension was overturned after these selections. I had the Cardinals and Texans winning their respective divisions when few others did. I also had the Cardinals going all the way to the Super Bowl, which possibly could have happened without the Tyrann Mathieu injury. They still made the NFC Championship as I predicted. Three of my bold predictions were right in that Marcus Marriota did not start every game due to injury, the Titans would finish with the #1 pick, and Jameis Winston would be rookie of the year. I was a little too bullish record wise on the Bucs though who I gave 5 extra wins. The Ravens was another big miss for me as they too missed the playoffs. My biggest miss, was probably my continued hope for Sam Bradford. I had him leading the Eagles to a division title and an NFC Championship Game appearance and he again came up short on my expectations. Take out those bullish predictions for Bradford and Manuel and these predictions look solid. Will not make that mistake again for those two. This time I will hope to be wrong in their favor for once. Just keep rooting for the good injury prone guys to catch a break.

The NCAA preview went considerably better for me than the NFL did. I got 2 of the 4 playoff teams correct, including going against the grain and picking Michigan State to win the Big 10 over Ohio State. Nearly everyone had the Buckeyes at least making the playoff while I said the pressure to repeat would eventually catch up to the talented Buckeyes. Another favorite though, TCU, is another team I had in the playoff and they fell short. My worst prediction in here was Arizona winning it all. Yikes! So maybe not so great with the picks. The darkhorses I had were all pretty weak too, especially Georgia Tech, but more on that later.
On the Heisman trophy front, I had weak darkhorses, but my main guys were threats for at least a while other than the injured Wright. The eventual winner, Derrick Henry, was my #3 contender coming into the season. Henry was one of four offensive All-Americans I hit on (using the AP list), the other three were Spencer Drango, Jack Allen and Landon Turner. I hit on three defensive players in A'Shawn Robinson, Jaylen Smith, and Vernon Hargreaves. These numbers were pretty low as I look to hit on half of the picks this upcoming season.

Finally, is the ACC preview I did. I thought it would be interesting to do a preview of the conference FSU is in, and that proved to be true. It comes as no surprise that the Seminoles were my pick to win the conference. That was wrong, but I did say the biggest threats in conference to that happening were Georgia Tech and Clemson. The only regular season losses for FSU were to Georgia Tech and Clemson. Those Jackets really only showed up for the FSU game though unfortunately for them and the conference. Clemson had a very impressive season winning the conference and helping Dabo Swinney to win coach of the year over the ever-deserving Jimbo Fisher. I stated that Jalen Ramsey was the most talented player in the conference and that proved true as he was the #1 player on many teams draft boards a few weeks ago. Ramsey was the #5 overall pick to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Now, for how accurate I was picking the all-conference team....
Between not knowing if Dalvin Cook would be eligible and James Connor's injury, I missed on the RBs, but hit on many other positions. I hit on 4 of 11 on the offensive side. Correctly selecting Matt Skura, Landon Turner, Roderick Johnson, and Artavis Scott. On defense I hit on 3 of 11, correctly selecting Jalen Ramsey, Nile Lawrence-Stample, and Stephen Daniels. Some injuries hurt me in other spots including the FSU LB core and Kendall Fuller. The 1st team specialist was also correct as I selected the automatic, Roberto Aguayo. Every one of my selections that was not injured made one of the 3 all conference teams with the exception of Jacoby Brisett, Derwin James and George Campbell, so there is that. My worst selection was certainly Campbell as he barely saw the field in 2015. 8 people correctly selected on the 1st team All-ACC is a number that will improve for 2016.

Stay tuned for more takes on the latest news in sports and of course, more predictions....

-Noland

2015-16 NCAA Football Predictions

Another glorious football season is upon us. Fall is practically here and our favorite sport will be played before you know it. Since it is so close, that can only mean that it is prediction time. So my predictions for the 2015-2016 football season are what this entry is all about.

After their surprising run last season, most people are on Ohio State to win, but not this guy. Despite their incredibly manageable schedule and incredible amount of talent returning, it is just an entirely different animal to repeat. Something can and will go wrong for the Buckeyes. Who does that leave us to compete? Let's start with some teams that nobody is talking about that could have an impact on the College Football Playoff that I have outside of my playoff and most people have outside their top 10 teams.

The Darkhorse Teams

5. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
The Irish lately have seemed to be the team that provides just enough to make you believe they are a contender before eventually fading away. Last year, they had that incredible almost win in Tallahassee where they came closest to ending Florida State's winning streak. They had a lot of injuries late in the year that contributed to their late slide. You better expect this team to compete though and if they lose a game or less, they will be in the hunt.

4. Penn State Nittany Lions
I can't believe I am writing this team as a darkhorse playoff contender a few years after crippling sanctions, but they are just that. Bill O'Brien did a fantastic job keeping this program afloat and was succeeded by another incredible coach in James Franklin. The Nittany Lions have a guy that is arguably the best QB in the country and a lot of returning talent. They also play in a conference that behind the top two teams of Ohio State and Michigan State is fairly weak. The opportunity is there for Penn State with a giant bullseye on Ohio State should Michigan State falter. Do not be shocked if this team surprises the majority of the country.

3. Oklahoma State Cowboys
Oklahoma State demonstrated last year that they have an incredible amount of young talent. They also saw injuries derail part of their season, but were still able to beat rival Oklahoma. The Cowboys return talented QB Mason Rudolph who was able to lead that upset over the Sooners. Perhaps more importantly, the Cowboys get to play Big 12 powers Baylor, Oklahoma, and TCU in Stillwater. Mike Gundy could follow-up his worst season since 2007 with a playoff appearance.

2. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets are being talked about by practically nobody to be a player on the national scene, but it is quite possible that they can achieve just that. There is only one legitimate threat in the Coastal division and should they dispose of Virginia Tech and somehow finish 13-0, they have a real legitimate shot at competing for a National Title. Almost the entire Yellow Jacket defense is back and they have 6 starters returning on offense including quarterback Justin Thomas. Do not be surprised if these guys shake up some things nationally and not just in the ACC.

1. Arizona State Sun Devils

USC was picked by practically everyone to be the PAC representative in the College Football Playoff this year. I though had a hard time deciding between two other PAC South teams for the spot. USC to me has a lot of talent, but most of it is overrated as is QB Cody Kessler. Add in that they lost to Boston College last year have a lot to replace up front and I am not a believer. That is especially true when several in conference coaches are superior. One of those superior coaches is Todd Graham who has led Arizona State to 20 wins the last two seasons. This team has a lot of returning talent this season. They do not have their QB returning though which is why I chose another team to represent the conference. However, I am not that concerned because QB Mike Bercovici had three great starts at QB last season.

The Playoff Teams

4. Alabama Crimson Tide

Assuming Coker is the starter, I think that Alabama makes it here despite losing a great deal of talent. He could have the best arm out of any QB Saban has coached. Notice I didn't say be the best QB (although perhaps he will develop into that), but best arm. I am unsure how they will do should Coker not get the nod. If he does not get it, my pick is Auburn to get this last spot.

3. Michigan State Spartans

The Spartans were not far off the playoffs last year and a lot of people seem to forget that they beat trendy pick Baylor in one of the best games in years. They also have a serious amount of talent returning led by QB Connor Cook who I will have more about later. I think the pressure to repeat will be too much for Ohio State and that Michigan State will be the team to take advantage of that.

2. TCU Horned Frogs

This is the one team that everyone else is picking that I agree with. It is hard not to. The coaching and talent for the Horned Frogs are incredibly elite. However, how do they deal with being the favorites all year long, it is a new role for them. Do not be surprised at all if Oklahoma State plays spoiler in the big 12 and knocks either TCU or Baylor out of the championship race. Perhaps, they can knock both teams out and head to the playoff themselves.

1. Arizona Wildcats

The Arizona Wildcats led by Rich Rodriguez are my pick to be National Champions this season. They have 7 returning starters on offense including QB Anu Soloman. They also have all their skill position players returning for Rodriguez's explosive offense. On defense, they have 6 starters returning including All-American Scooby Wright. Do not forget either that these guys beat Oregon by 21 last season @ Oregon. This is a very capable team with a lot of returning talent. 

5 Best Regular Season Matchups

5. 11/7 TCU @ Oklahoma State

4. 11/28 Penn State @ Michigan State

3. 11/27 Baylor @ TCU

2. 11/21 Michigan State @ Ohio State

1. 11/21 Arizona @ Arizona State 

5 Best Week 1 Matchups

5. 11/5 3:30 PM BYU @ Nebraska

4. 11/5 7PM Arizona State v. Texas A&M (NRG Stadium in Houston)

3.11/5 8PM Wisconsin v. Alabama (AT&T Stadium)

2. 11/7 8 PM Ohio State @ Virginia Tech 

1. 11/5 3:30 PM Louisville v. Auburn (Georgia Dome)

Heisman Darkhorses NOBODY is Talking About

5. Mario Pender RB Florida State

Nobody is talking about Mario Pender even at Florida State University, but perhaps they should be. Pender was on a roll before suffering an injury early and would be in line for the majority of the carries should Dalvin Cook be unable to play. Florida State has had a 1,000 yard rusher each of the last three seasons and it isn't something that is likely the change. The question is who gets the most carries. If it is Pender, than he very well could be invited to New York.

4. Mason Rudolph QB Oklahoma State
Should the Cowboys have the season I am expecting and should they knock off multiple Big 12 powerhouses, it will be hard to deny Rudolph the big stage. He is a very capable quarterback with a great quarterback coach. With several favorable matchups in marquee games, he will have plenty of opportunity to shine as well.

3. Jacoby Brissett QB North Carolina State
Last week, I posted in my ACC preview, that Brissett is my selection for ACC Offensive Player of the Year. Should he pull that off, he will likely be a Heisman candidate, especially if he does it in leading the Wolfpack to the ACC Championship.

2. Malik Zaire QB Notre Dame
The talented sophomore quarterback will surely be invited to New York and will likely be the favorite to win the award should he lead the Irish to an undefeated regular season. He has a better arm and more talent than the departed Evert Golson, the question is whether he is able to put all of that raw talent into production on the field.

1. Mike Bercovici QB Arizona State
He has only had 3 career starts, but in those starts Bercovici has played quite well. The Arizona State QB leads one of the most consistent teams in the Pac 12 and a team that I expect to compete for the national championship.

My Heisman Top 5

5. Taysom Hill QB BYU

He was one of the favorites last season before going down with a devastating injury and there was even some talk that BYU could make the playoff. That injury ended that talk and his Heisman campaign, but there is no reason to think it can't be queued back up for this season.

4. Trevoyne Boykin QB TCU

This will be most people's pick to win the Heisman and it isn't for nothing. He is the quarterback of the team that is favored to win the title. However, I think that the weaknesses of defenses in the Big 12 will hurt Boykin as will his comparisons to Taysom Hill for that reason. 

3. Derrick Henry RB Alabama

While I'd like to think that this will be Coker if there is an Alabama Heisman candidate, chances are that they will still rely more on the ground game. History shows us that a dominant Alabama runningback has a very good chance at coming away with the Heisman trophy.

2. Scooby Wright LB Arizona

Scooby has a legit chance to make history should Arizona do what I am predicting them to do and he dominate on the field as expected. There will be a defensive player invited this year, the question is whether it will be him, Joey Bosa, or Shawn Oakman. I expect it to be Wright.

1. Connor Cook QB Michigan State

Cook is the best quarterback in the country and he will play for one of the best teams in the country. Especially if he takes down the Ohio State Buckeyes, this is his award to lose. He already has some Heisman hype and it won't be going anywhere.

Offensive All-Americans

QB Connor Cook Michigan State

RB Derrick Henry Alabama

RB Nick Chubb Georgia

WR DJ Foster Arizona State

WR Laquon Treadwell Ole Miss

TE Bucky Hodges Virginia Tech

OT Spencer Drango Baylor

OT Ronnie Stanley Notre Dame

OG Landon Turner North Carolina

OG Pat Elfein Ohio State

C Jack Allen Michigan State

Defensive All-Americans

DE Emmanuel Ogbah Oklahoma State

DE Joey Bosa Ohio State

DT A'Shawn Robinson Alabama

DT Anthony Zettel Penn State

LB Scooby Wright Arizona

LB Terrance Smith Florida State

LB Jaylon Smith Notre Dame

LB Myles Jack UCLA

CB Vernon Hargreaves Florida

CB Jalen Ramsey Florida State

FS Quin Blanding Virginia

SS Eddie Jackson Alabama

Specialist All-Americans

K Roberto Aguayo Florida State

P Austin Rehkow Idaho

KR/PR Deandre Reaves Marshall

Coach of The Year

Mike Gundy Oklahoma State
Gundy will once again show off his coaching chops by having a team that is not expected to go anywhere, competing for a national title. This time, he will be rewarded for his effort.

It should be a wonderfully exciting football season indeed.

-Noland

2014-2015 College Basketball Preview

We are a little over a week away from the start of college basketball season. This year I decided to do a prediction for the whole season, rather than just the NCAA Tournament. It is more fun to have some predictions locked in early and see what I had right or wrong heading into March Madness. These predictions will be structured the same way as my college football predictions which can be found here. From each major conference, I will pick the champion and at least one team that will do better than expected. I will make a few other predictions on the season as well and at the end will predict the 4 teams to get #1 seeds. Finally, I will pick the national champion although I reserve the right to change that champion before March Madness begins.

ACC
Champion
North Carolina

The North Carolina Tar Heels will win the ACC because of fantastic coaching and returning talent. Most people are picking Duke eventhough they lost the guy who was by far their best player. I do not think Duke will be better than last year without Jabari Parker. Meanwhile UNC has a lot of talent returning and that talent is hungry to reclaim the ACC throne. That talent is led by fantastic junior guard Marcus Paige. That guard is a legitimate threat for player of the year. These guys are serious contenders and could easily win it all. However, the ACC is loaded this year and Duke or another team could easily take the crown.

Darkhorse
Virginia Tech

Here CBS is saying that the Hokies finish 14 out of 15 teams in a loaded ACC. I say they finish 8th and become the 8th team from a loaded ACC. These guys will be hungry because they are led by Buzz Williams. I have never seen so much excitement for Hokie basketball and with good reason. Williams is one of the best coaches in the country. He will absolutely have these guys ready and willing to prove the doubters wrong.

Bonus Darkhorse
Florida State

Now come on, you didn't expect me to do a preview without mentioning the Seminoles did you? These guys are picked 6th in that same CBS article and are a threat to do major damage in the ACC and NCAA picture. Do not be surprised if FSU cracks the mighty top 5. Those 5 teams are quite incredible, but FSU has the size and athletes to contend in a loaded ACC. The 7 footers sure will not hurt at least.

Big East
Champion
Villanova

These guys should dominate the Big East and their incredibly tough OOC should determine whether they get a 1 seed. If they can pull off a win against Syracuse and VCU in non-conference play, they should get that one seed. Jay Wright has a very talented team on his hands.

Darkhorse
Providence
I just don't see these guys as the 6th best team in the Big East as CBS predicted. To me, these guys are the 2nd or 3rd best team in the conference and will possibly be the biggest threat to Villanova's championship hopes.

Big 10
Champion
Wisconsin

This is the team to beat in the Big 10 and possibly the country. his team is a serious title contender not only in the Big 10, but nationally. I think the world of the job Coach Ryan does and will be shocked if they don't at least win their conference. Coming off a Final Four trip, these guys could easily be heading back, and might be getting more...

Darkhorse
Maryland
Entering the Big 10 for the 1st time, Maryland really is the team to watch. These guys are 10-5 in the ACC-Big 10 challenge which leads you to believe that they play the Big 10 well. We will have to see how that translates. The predictors don't believe it to be a benefit, as they were picked to finish 10th in the conference. I see a top 5 finish in the Big 10 for Maryland, but I could be wrong.

Big 12
Champion
Texas
Some predict Texas to finish 3rd in the Big 12 like CBS, but they will win it. It won't be the biggest conference lead, but Texas should win and fight for a 1 seed. This team is deep and is the Big 12's best shot at a national champion.

Dark Horse
Oklahoma State
The Cowboys are picked 8th in the 10 team league largely because of several newcomers. I do not buy it though. This is the 4th or 5th most talented team and the league and there is no way they finish 8th. Oklahoma State is heading for their 3rd straight NCAA appearance. No doubt about it, these guys are a tournament team.

Pac 12
Champion
Arizona

This is the biggest slam dunk in any conference for conference champ. Arizona is a mile ahead of the rest of the Pac 12 and I will be shocked if they don't get the #1 overall seed. These guys are as serious as any to win the title. They lost narrowly to Wisconsin in the elite 8 last year and it may come down to those two teams. Depending on the matchups in March, these guys could easily win it this year.

Darkhorse
USC
The USC Trojans led by Andy Enfield are picked 10th in the Pac 12. I know they were disappointing last season, but this is a good team and a good coach. A coach that led Florida Gulf Coast to a Sweet 16 Appearance and has most of his talent returning this season. These guys could finish as high as 3rd in the Pac 12 and will make the NCAA Tournament.

SEC
Champion
Florida
I despise the Gators, but this team is really good and they are coming off being the favorites in the tournament heading into the thing. This team absolutely has what it takes to win the national title. Sure Kentucky is in the SEC, but Florida is the better and more experienced team. This will be the tightest conference battle (Kentucky vs. Florida).

Darkhorse
Arkansas
Unlike football, in basketball, Arkansas actually wins conference games. However, those wins don't transfer far as the Razorbacks have missed the playoffs for 3 straight years. These guys haven't been to the Sweet Sixteen for 18 years. I am picking these guys as my darkhorse because I think they finish in the Top 4 of the SEC and make the tournament. They might even beat Kentucky and/or Florida once during the year.

Player of the Year
Marcus Paige, G North Carolina

I see Paige leading an incredibly talented team to a championship of the most difficult conference. He will be the best player on one of the best teams in the country. This guy might not be player of the year, but he is a favorite in my book.

Coach of the Year
Buzz Williams

On CBS sports, they predict the Hokies to finish 14th out of 15 teams. Many other publications are picking the Hokies dead last. I say they make the tournament because Williams is that good a coach. Obviously, if they exceed expectations that much, Williams would be the favorite for Coach of the Year.

Five Other Predictions for the Season
1) Everyone's favorite Kentucky, will not only not win the national title, but they won't win the SEC and won't advance to the Final Four.
2) The Big 12 favorite (Kansas) will also not win the conference and will not make it to the Final Four.
3) The ACC favorite (Duke) will not win their conference either and will not make the Final Four. That's the 3rd pre-season top 5 team and conference favorite I have predicted this outcome for. With Duke I am the most confident. I wouldn't be surprised if the Blue Devils finished 4th or 5th in a loaded ACC.
4) VCU finishes as the highest ranked mid-major (although the A10 is debatable as a mid-major.
5) Gonzaga will dominate conference play and once again get a high seed only to disappoint in the NCAA Tournament and exit before the Sweet 16.

Four Number One Seeds
Arizona
Florida
North Carolina
Texas

North Carolina will get a one simply because it survives a grueling schedule and wins the most difficult conference in the country IMO. Texas will surprise many and get either a 1 or 2 by winning a tough Big 12. Arizona will run away with the Pac 12 and get the #1 overall seed. Finally the team I dislike the most will surprise everyone and win the SEC gaining a 1 seed. None of these teams win the title though. The 2015 NCAA Champions will be the Wisconsin Badgers. The tournament expertise of Bo Ryan added with a talented roster will put that team in the National Title race. They ultimately prove tough and win it all.

-Noland

Seminoles Eliminate #2 UCLA

The Florida State Seminoles are one step closer to that elusive title in the College World Series. They just took out the UCLA Bruins. UCLA was #2 and the highest ranked team left after the Gators were eliminated a night earlier. With UCLA and Florida knocked out, the highest ranked team is....The Florida State Seminoles. Don't get too excited though.

The Seminoles may now be the favorite on paper, but if you go by where they are at in the bracket they can't be the favorite. FSU will now take on the Arizona Wildcats again. Arizona beat FSU in 12 innings on the 1st day of this tournament. Arizona also has not lost in the CWS yet. In this double elimination tournament, that means that FSU has to beat Arizona twice. Not impossible, but a tall order. I will get to the other side of the bracket after I tell you about last night.

Scott Sitz was the hero for the Seminoles who have had surprisingly strong pitching through this CWS. He went 6 2/3 innings and had 8 huge strikeouts. UCLA had one threat, and Sitz struck out the side to end that threat as soon as possible. Sitz stranded the bases loaded in that instance and helped the Noles secure the victory. He shut down a very good UCLA lineup and only gave up 1 run in the 4-1 Noles victory. Robert Benincasa, the future Nationals closer, earned his 16th save of the season.

The top of the order again was what delivered for the Noles. Sherman Johnson was 2-3 with 2 runs scored. Including scoring on a bunt by Jayce Boyd. Boyd's bunt was so perfect, that Devon Travis also scored on the play after the 3rd baseman didn't field it cleanly. Travis was also 2-3 in the game. The captain, James Ramsey, was also 2-3 with a run scored. Great night from the three at the top, again.

No word yet on Thursday night's starter.

Anyways, back to the bracket. On the other side of the bracket, Arkansas has yet to lose a game, and of course Florida is eliminated. Defending back to back champ South Carolina's winning streak was snapped by Arkansas and they will play Kent State in an elimination game tonight. The winner will meet Arkansas on Thursday and then play again on Friday if they win Thursday night. Hopefully Kent State wins out on their side and plays us for the title. We will see though.

Go Noles!

-Noland

Who Will the Noles Play in the CWS?

So we know the Noles are in and we are all excited. There are 8 teams that play in the College World Series though. Who are the other 7? Well only a few have been announced yet, but I thought I'd post some pics from the victory first. If you want one of the shirts posted, head to Seminoles.com and click on the shop. You will find them easily.

You can tell by the shirts that there are 5 teams who advanced and that there are three to still be decided. Unfortunately, our rivals and the current #1 overall seed, the Florida Gators advanced. The #2 team was UCLA and they also advanced. We were the #3 overall seed. Any time the top 3 teams advance it looks like chalk city, but as Lee Corso says "not so fast my friends."

Cinderella has also joined the dance. Stony Brook who was a 4th seed in a regional which is basically a 16th seed has advanced to the College World Series. Not just that, but they look hungry. They knocked Miami out and won the Coral Gables Regional. From there they went to the Baton Rouge Super Regional and knocked out the #7 overall LSU Tigers. What a huge win for the Stony Brook team. Just a few years ago Stony Brook was Division 3. Now they are 1 of 8 teams left. In case you were wondering, Gausman (the Orioles 1st rounder) won game 1 for the Tigers in relief and then lost game 2 as a starter.

The other team to advance already was the Arizona Wildcats. Arizona was a #1 seed, but not in the top 8 national seeds. So they are somewhere between 9-16. If you do the math, Arizona would have been matched up with UNC who was #7 so that would put Arizona @ #10 in this tournament. Therefore, 4 top 10 teams have advanced so far and we can get 3 more.

#5 Oregon is currently tied with the Cinderella Kent State @ 1 game a piece. Will another top 10 get in or will we have two Cinderellas.

Two time defending champion and #8 South Carolina is up one game on Oklahoma. Oklahoma would love to knock out the reigning champs. Meanwhile, SC would love the three-peat.

Finally, #3 Baylor is taking on SEC powerhouse Arkansas. While Arkansas is a 2 seed, they are more than capable of taking down Baylor. That series is tied at a game a piece. This could be the positive news that Arkansas is desperately looking for following the Petrino scandal.

-Noland