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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 30, 2016; El Paso, TX, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels running back Jordon Brown (2) scores a touchdown against the Stanford Cardinal defense at Sun Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ivan Pierre Aguirre-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2016; El Paso, TX, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels running back Jordon Brown (2) scores a touchdown against the Stanford Cardinal defense at Sun Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ivan Pierre Aguirre-USA TODAY Sports /

South Region First Round

(1) North Carolina vs. (16) Texas Southern

Mitch Trubisky would have no problem dismantling a Texas Southern football team that finished just 4-7 on the year. The Tar Heels have the talent on both sides of the ball and this would likely be a shutout. Pick: North Carolina

(8) Arkansas vs. (9) Seton Hall

Woo pig sooie. Arkansas would roll in this contest primarily because Seton Hall doesn’t have an FBS team. The Razorbacks have made baby steps in the right direction over the past couple of years under Bret Bielema, though. Pick: Arkansas

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(5) Minnesota vs. (12) Middle Tennessee

Even on the football field, this matchup has the makings of a potential upset. Middle Tennessee finished the year 8-5, but struggled in its bowl game against Hawaii. Minnesota surprised people with a win over Washington State. Close one. Pick: Minnesota

(4) Butler vs. (13) Winthrop

Butler finished the 2016 season with a 4-7 record, but Winthrop doesn’t have a football team. Yay for default wins. Pick: Butler

(6) Cincinnati vs. (11) Kansas State

Would you bet against Bill Snyder in this matchup? That’s right, the answer is no. They snuck up on just about everyone in 2016, finishing 9-4 and beating Texas A&M in the Texas Bowl. Pick: Kansas State

(3) UCLA vs. (14) Kent State

How the heck did a talented team like UCLA finish 4-8 in 2016? Josh Rosen was injured, so that’s a main reason, but Kent State still had a worse year, going 3-9. The Bruins limp to a victory here. Pick: UCLA

(7) Dayton vs. (10) Wichita State

The last time Wichita State played a down of football was back in 1986. Dayton, on the other hand, is coming off a 9-2 season which concluded with a seven-game winning streak. Pick: Dayton

(2) Kentucky vs. (15) Northern Kentucky

Kentucky is no football school, but even the Wildcats would have no trouble running up the score in this one. The Wildcats are tested by strong SEC opponents game in and game out, so this one would be a breeze. Pick: Kentucky

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