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Predicting 2017 NCAA Tournament based on 2016 football teams

By Connor Muldowney

Nov 19, 2016; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) looks to pass in the first quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 19, 2016; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) looks to pass in the first quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 27, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Baylor Bears defensive back Travon Blanchard (48) and safety Chance Waz (18) celebrate after an interception against the Boise State Broncos during the Cactus Bowl at Chase Field. Baylor defeated Boise State 31-12. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 27, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Baylor Bears defensive back Travon Blanchard (48) and safety Chance Waz (18) celebrate after an interception against the Boise State Broncos during the Cactus Bowl at Chase Field. Baylor defeated Boise State 31-12. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

East Region First Round

(1) Villanova vs. (16) New Orleans

Could this be an upset for the ages? Don’t get your hopes up, New Orleans doesn’t even have a football team and the only reason it got past the play-in game was because it’s a city which has an NFL team. Villanova’s football team finished 9-4 in the FCS in 2016. Pick: Villanova

(8) Wisconsin vs. (9) Virginia Tech

Both of these schools have solid football teams and the seeding may be a little lower than it would in a real-life tournament, but one has a slight edge. Based on the 2016 season, Wisconsin comes away with the victory as it won the Cotton Bowl. Virginia Tech makes it interesting, though. Pick: Wisconsin

(5) Virginia vs. (12) UNC Wilmington

The 5-12 game has the most upsets of any in the NCAA Tournament field, but this is football. Virginia may be bad, but UNC Wilmington doesn’t have an FBS program on the gridiron. Easy choice here. Pick: Virginia

(4) Florida vs. (13) East Tennessee State

This is another no-brainer. Florida’s defense wouldn’t even give up a first down. Pick: Florida

(6) SMU vs. (11) USC

While SMU football has had some success in its history, it’s been quite a while. On the other hand, USC will bulldoze right through the Mustangs into the round of 32. Pick: USC

(3) Baylor vs. (14) New Mexico State

Yes, Baylor had a rough year, but the Bears still won a bowl game and New Mexico State finished 3-9. Advantage, Baylor. Pick: Baylor

(7) South Carolina vs. (10) Marquette

One of these programs has an FBS team and one does not. Hint: Marquette does not. Pick: South Carolina

(2) Duke vs. (15) Troy

Duke’s football program has come a long way and Troy is constantly beaten up on by Power Five programs. The Blue Devils win this one easily. Pick: Duke

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