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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; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles quarterback Deondre Francois (12) walks off the field after a game against the Michigan Wolverines at Hard Rock Stadium. The Seminoles won 33-32. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles quarterback Deondre Francois (12) walks off the field after a game against the Michigan Wolverines at Hard Rock Stadium. The Seminoles won 33-32. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports /

West Region through Elite Eight

Second Round

(16) South Dakota State vs. (8) Northwestern

If this were North Dakota State vs. Northwestern, I’d probably have to pick the former — heck, it beat Iowa this year. However, South Dakota State wouldn’t stand a chance. Pick: Northwestern

(5) Notre Dame vs. (4) West Virginia

DeShone Kizer would make this a game simply because he’s one of the best quarterbacks in college football but West Virginia has a solid quarterback of its own. Notre Dame continues to falter against decent teams. Pick: West Virginia

(6) Maryland vs. (3) Florida State

Maryland is a feel-good story because of the turnaround it had in 2016 after a tumultuous 2015 season, but you’d have to feel bad for the Terrapins after witnessing this beatdown against Florida State. Pick: Florida State

(7) Saint Mary’s vs. (2) Arizona

Again, Saint Mary’s hasn’t fielded a football team since 2004. Even hapless Arizona would come away with a win here. Pick: Arizona

Sweet 16

(8) Northwestern vs. (4) West Virginia

Northwestern’s football team isn’t exactly considered ‘elite’ in the Big Ten, but the Wildcats have quietly put together some nice seasons. Are they good enough beat West Virginia and that impressive offense? I’ll give you a hint: no. Pick: West Virginia

(3) Florida State vs. (2) Arizona

Well, two years ago, I would have given Arizona a slight chance to keep it close with Florida State. After watching the Wildcats in 2016, I no longer feel that way. Arizona is trending down while Florida State is on the rise. Pick: Florida State

Elite Eight

(4) West Virginia vs. (3) Florida State

Skyler Howard was one of the best quarterbacks who no one talked about in 2016 and that might just motivate him in a matchup against a young star like Deondre Francois. West Virginia is a tough team, but Florida State has talent on talent in that depth chart. Florida State wins on a touchdown in the final drive to head to the Final Four. Pick: Florida State

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