Friday’s March Madness Upset Picks

Thursday’s games are barely under way but Al Dannity is already making his picks for the shocks on tomorrow’s slate.

We’re going to start in the West for our first upset pick. Notre Dame have shocked the College Basketball betting world with their crimes against fashion. Freaky jerseys or no, I still don’t like the 7 seed Fighting Irish against Iowa State. The Cyclones hung tough in a decent year for the Big 12 and pulled off some good results along the way. The Irish have some decent names on their resume too but their post-season history of late is horrifying. Frankly, sorry Mr Doyle, it’s hard for me to pick the Irish in the opening round if they have anything worse than a 4 seed. Iowa State to win and promptly get whupped by the Buckeyes.

Is it really an upset if everyone’s picking it? Yes, yes it is. UCLA may be over-rated as a 6 seed but they did win the Pac-12 regular season title and reach the tournament title game. That’s far from shabby. Shabazz Muhammad however will have to be other-worldly to save their depleted roster on Friday. The Minnesota Golden Gophers came through a tough Big Ten season to snag an 11 seed. They won’t be in the mood to go home early. Golden Gophers to pull the 11-6 upset.

When is a major upsetting a mid-major an upset? When the numbers say so. Oklahoma, like Iowa State, enters the Big Dance with a good record but little in the way of fanfare. San Diego State nabbed a 7 seed despite some seriously mixed form in the Mountain West conference. On the whole the Aztecs are solid but they lack the shooting and the size to inspire confidence in tournament play. Goliath and David may be in unusual uniforms but I’m picking the Big 12 underdog. Oklahoma to pull the 10-7 upset.

Don’t worry; I’ve saved the best for last. The Explorers of La Salle took care of business against Boise State on Wednesday night and look capable of going onto greater things. There’s no question they face a massive test on Friday against Kansas State. The Wildcats are good, as in Elite Eight good, but they have landed a tough draw despite being a 4 seed. If I see La Salle as the First Four team with the best chance to make the Final Four, it would be criminal of me to go against them now. La Salle will keep on exploring for another day in March.