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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; West Virginia Mountaineers running back Kennedy McKoy (4) celebrates after scoring a touchdown with wide receiver Jovon Durante (5) and offensive lineman Colton McKivitz (53) in the first quarter against the Miami Hurricanes at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers running back Kennedy McKoy (4) celebrates after scoring a touchdown with wide receiver Jovon Durante (5) and offensive lineman Colton McKivitz (53) in the first quarter against the Miami Hurricanes at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports /

West Region First Round

(1) Gonzaga vs. (16) South Dakota State

Gonzaga has not played football in nearly a century, so this one goes to South Dakota State with the now-seemingly casual No. 16 over No. 1 upset  in the football bracket. Pick: South Dakota State

(8) Northwestern vs. (9) Vanderbilt

Northwestern is in the basketball tourney for the first time in school history against a tough SEC team in Vanderbilt. However, the Commodores aren’t quite as intimidating on turf. Pick: Northwestern

(5) Notre Dame vs. (12) Princeton

Even with a 4-8 finish to the 2016 season, Notre Dame would beat anyone in the Ivy League no problem. Pick: Notre Dame

(4) West Virginia vs. (13) Bucknell

West Virginia had a pleasantly-surprising football season and the same can be said for the basketball team. Does Bucknell even have football? Pick: West Virginia

(6) Maryland vs. (11) Xavier

Maryland took major strides in the right direction in 2016 under new head coach D.J. Durkin and Xavier wouldn’t stand a chance even if it had an FBS squad. Pick: Maryland

(3) Florida State vs. (14) FGCU

Basketball-wise, this matchup is pretty intriguing for a No. 3 vs. No. 14 seed game. Football-wise, there’s supremely-athletic Florida Gulf Coast squad that could even remotely match up with Florida State. This one is easy. Pick: Florida State

(7) Saint Mary’s vs. (10) VCU

VCU has played seven football games in school history and Saint Mary’s hasn’t fielded a team since 2004. The winner? Neither, but I have to pick one, unfortunately. Pick: Saint Mary’s

(2) Arizona vs. (15) North Dakota

Arizona had a rough season under Rich Rodriguez in 2016, but the Wildcats have some talent at quarterback and not even a decent FCS squad could beat them. Pick: Arizona

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