Round of 16 picks

Florida over Purdue. Unfortunately for the Boilermakers, Florida probably got their stumbling out of the way v. FSU.

Texas over Illinois. The Illini showed the volleyball fans something by dismantling Cincinnati, but Texas is a whole 'nother structure.

Missouri over Duke. For one thing, I want to see Molly Kreklow in the round of 8.

Penn State over Oklahoma. This one could be closer than people expect, but the Big Ten is not going to be shut out in this round.

Stanford over Ohio State. I still think the Buckeyes are much better than they have shown and I don't think the Dayton win was OSU at their best. But it's Stanford.

USC over Indiana. This is another one that could be a better match than people are expecting.

California over Minnesota. I would not be surprised by the opposite result. This could be the most even match of the 8. Or it might not be. You never can tell with the Gophers.

Washington over Nebraska. I had to pick one true upset. I think U-dub at home is a different animal and it's been a while since the Huskers have been tested. Send in the Hate Mail. I could use something to read.

Rooting for Mary

So we're set for the round of 16. Time to talk about the Elephant in the Room:

Round of 32 -- 27 male head coaches, 5 female.
Round of 16 -- 13 male head coaches, 3 female.

I can't say I think much of Duke's or Indiana's chances. So, it's all down to Mary. Again.

I have my favorites, Minnesota and Cal (who, darnitall, play each other next), but I am also rooting for the Gators. I don't really have an overtly political reason for this allegiance. I just think it would be cool.

Go Gators!

The Second Rate Blog

Man, that's a load off my mind. All this time I felt like I needed to be putting out a First Rate Blog. Who knew?

I'm sure this will inspire me to mediocrity nowhere near my wildest dreams. I have a feeling I've already started. Right here. Just now.

Meanwhile, in Volleyballville, the DII tournament is coming to a close with Concordia-St. Paul vying for their 4th straight title. Didn't think they'd even get a crack at it. And, on the larger stage, the DI tournament has kicked off, after another Bracket Fracas of epic proportions. This year, the consequences have not been pretty: #15 Hawai'i out after having to play U-Dub in Seattle; #13 LSU out after having to play Tulsa in Oklahoma; #5 UNI out after being made a #5 seed; #11 Tennessee up against Indiana in Bloomington looks like trouble, too.

Oh, and Holly McPeak made Lauren Cook mad. Woo-hoo, I guess.