Who's The Favorite? NCAA Bracket Talk

In a year where no #1 team has stayed atop the rankings for an extended period of time, many experts and fans have tossed around the label "favorite" for countless teams. Kentucky started as the favorite at the beginning of the year, until UCLA knocked them off their perch. After a few stumbles in their conference, they now find themselves at #16. Michigan State got bumped around in conference play, suffering two losses two Iowa and then some scattered other, yet are back up at the six spot. The other big favorite has been Kansas, who I see as a legit contender. Of their four losses, 3 were at the hands of ranked teams, with the lone non ranked loss to OK State. Kansas has unmatched depth that can spark a big tournament run come March. As good as OU is, their lack of tournament experience can't be overlooked by Buddy Hield. This brutal tournament requires composure and experience, something Bill Self has. I also do not believe in Villanova. Of their 27 games, six of those were against ranked teams. Of those six, three were losses. Sure you can argue that the other three were wins, but not against teams posing a legit come tournament time. Sure Villanova can make a sweet sixteen bid, if they remain a one seed. However, don't count on them to make it any further.

My personal favorite is the Virginia Cavaliers out of the ACC. Despite their 5 losses, I still believe this overlooked team has the best chance to make it to Houston and come out victorious. The cavaliers have a smothering defense that forced Louisville to commit 18 turnovers and shoot 66% from INSIDE the arc. This team should have beat Duke, thanks to one controversial travel call, and have quality wins against West Virginia, and Villanova. The major test for them is their next two games, Miami and UNC. We will learn the most about the resiliency and determination of the Cavaliers in these next two games, and will tell us why they belong as a #1 seed. Keep in mind that they beat Louisville this year, who would be my favorite to take the title home in Houston barring their postseason ban.