Maneater Bracketology: Midwest regional breakdown
The brackets are set, but that doesn't mean I'll just stop making predictions. After getting 64/65 teams in the field correctly, I'm hoping to stay on a roll. Here's your Midwest Region breakdown:
Best team: Kansas. The Jayhawks earned the overall No. 1 seed by winning the Big 12 regular season and conference tournament championships. With Sherron Collins, Cole Aldrich and Xavier Henry, this team is built to win the championship.
Contenders: Although KU is head and shoulders above the rest of the NCAA teams, the Midwest region is the toughest. No. 2 Ohio State had an argument for a No. 1 seed, and Georgetown, Maryland, Michigan State and Tennessee (seeded Nos. 2 through 6, respectively) all have game. The Vols actually beat Kansas earlier this season.
Best matchup: Oklahoma State vs. Georgia Tech could be a good one in the first round. Both boast great talent (James Anderson on OSU and Derrick Favors on GT) and both can play quick basketball at any time. The winner has a chance of upsetting Ohio State in the second round.
Game we want to see: Maryland vs. Michigan State in the second round would feature two great coaches (Gary Williams and Tom Izzo) and two great players (Greivis Vasquez and Kalin Lucas), and the winner could give Kansas fits in the Sweet 16.
Cinderella: No. 13 Houston is a more likely bet to get to the Sweet 16 than the trendy pick, No. 11 San Diego State. Why? Maryland and Michigan State haven't been entirely consistent, and Houston showed a lot of fight in the Conference USA tournament. San Diego State was fighting just to get in the tournament after a snubbing last year, and I think Tennessee will be a tougher game for the Aztecs.
So, who wins?: Kansas is the best team in the field of 65, and I think they find a way to fight through this beast of a region.