Ineligible Man Downfield

Courtesy of mustangx11 from Webshots.com

Finally we are here at the Final Four and I guess this place, Ford Field, is a fine representation of the current state of college basketball.  What does that statement mean you say?  Exactly, I’m not surprised you do not understand, but I will not leave you in the dark.  Essentially, the fiercest teams (Michigan State, Connecticut, North Carolina,Villanova) that have made it this far all reside east of the Mississippi River and, since the site of the Final Four is also east of the Mississippi,  it is only right that Ford Field can be used to as a median to represent averages (mathematical you see) in the current college basketball landscape.  The dominance of college basketball lies east of the Mississippi.  Yes, I know it is hard for me to say such a statement coming from the Golden State, but I truly have to admit that performance equals merit.  I congratulate the eastern part of the country for their development of powerhouse basketball teams.  I must say, I was spoiled by UCLA’s presence at the Final Four these previous four years.

Now onto more serious matters.  It is a good thing I am not betting on college basketball and no one serious is asking me for their analysis, because here at Imdownfield.com, we are a secondary news source and analysis site for sports.  In other words, whatever floats our boat is going to be the “North Star’ guiding the thoughts on our posting “strategery.”  Hence the “downfield analysis.”  (Aside: ideas are always welcome).  Apparently my picks on teams that were supposed to make it this far were “biased” to allow “western teams.”  I’ll get it right this time.  (A.k.a, my bracket is really busted).

Well enough said about the disclaimer, here are my thoughts on the national seminfinal games:

Villanova vs North Carolina:  All I have to say is when you have a hunch in your gut, go with it.  All bets are off, my heart lies with Carolina blue and they will ride to the finals with a monster game from all-around, all-heart Tyler Hansborough.

Michigan State vs Connecticut:  Defense wins championships and the Michigan State defense is absolutely beautiful (a.k.a ugly offensive game, but gets the job done like the Detroit Pistons of old).  Connecticut’s recruiting problems will be highlighted on this grand stage and that destraction will be their downfall.

Hopefully I get the job done this time.  I’ll give you my national championship predictions next time.

Courtesy of scooter1727 from Webshots.com

The dominance in college basketball surely belongs to the east this year.  If you don’t believe me, check out the Elite 8 teams for yourself:

Big East Conference:  Louisville, Connecticut, Pittsburgh and Villanova

I guess you can say the seeding was correct as the top three seeds in the tournament are still alive and are expected make it to the Final Four.  However, there’s more to this eastern dominance:

Big Ten:  Michigan State

ACC:  North Carolina

Both these teams are traditional basketball powers and they both reside in the east.

Big 12:  Missouri, Oklahoma

Luckily, the Midwest has some representation in the Elite 8, but that’s as far west you go.  Gone completely off the map are the UCLAs and USCs.  The teams that made it to the Sweet 16 were actually Arizona (normally thought of as a powerhouse, but were not expected to make it this year) and Gonzaga (from the WCC).  Is the committee conspiring against the West?
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