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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 28, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes quarterback Brad Kaaya (15) attempts a pass against the West Virginia Mountaineers during the second half at Camping World Stadium. The Miami Hurricanes defeat the West Virginia Mountaineers 31-14. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes quarterback Brad Kaaya (15) attempts a pass against the West Virginia Mountaineers during the second half at Camping World Stadium. The Miami Hurricanes defeat the West Virginia Mountaineers 31-14. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

Midwest Region through Elite Eight

Second Round

(1) Kansas vs. (8) Miami

Even though Miami struggled near the middle of the season and wasn’t the same as it was in non-conference play, the Hurricanes would still wipe the floor with Kansas. Pick: Miami

(12) Nevada vs. (4) Purdue

Ugly. Just an ugly game all around. Nevada has to be the free-falling Boilermakers, though. Pick: Nevada

(11) Rhode Island vs. (3) Oregon

If the Oregon football team was in this bracket, it would have all the confidence in the world after the first two rounds. Demolishing Iona and then having its way with Rhode Island. False hope, though. Pick: Oregon

(7) Michigan vs. (2) Louisville

This is honestly a tough one. Michigan hasn’t truly faced a quarterback like Lamar Jackson and that could be the difference in this one. However, Louisville crashed and burned at the end of the year. Pick: Michigan

Sweet 16

(8) Miami vs. (12) Nevada

You would hope for a better Sweet 16 matchup than this in an actual football tournament, but this is what we are left with. Miami would have no issue here. Pick: Miami

(3) Oregon vs. (7) Michigan

Man, if these two teams met up at the end of the 2016 season, it would be an absolute bloodbath in favor of the Wolverines. And that’s how it’s decided. Pick: Michigan

Elite Eight

(8) Miami vs. (7) Michigan

A tough back-and-forth battle, Miami comes in with a chip on its shoulder and gives the Wolverines all they can handle. However, Michigan’s defense picks off a pass late and takes it to the house for the game-clinching score and a trip to the Final Four. Pick: Michigan

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