There's a reason they call it March Madness, but I don't think it's because my significant other calls me crazy for watching 12 straight hours of the NCAA Tournament during a four-day span. I also don't think its called March Madness because I was angry after just four hours into last Thursday's action when one of my Final Four picks (Louisville) was eliminated. It's also, probably, not called March Madness because my buddies and I got together for a few days, like we usually do this time of the year, and it took me two solid days of rest to recoup (which the boss didn't like).
Yes, some would classify all of those things as madness, but I am pretty sure this is the real reason why the nickname was given to this time of the year.
However, what I am about to do next is pretty insane considering my bracket was ripped up and tossed into the garbage as soon as my National Title team (Pittsburgh) fell on Saturday night. But in America, we believe in second chances. So, without further delay here are my are previews of Thursday's games -- with predictions. Please, feel free to pick the opposite of what I am about to suggest.
(This StoryStream will be updated throughout the morning with each match-up getting its own preview and recap. Head to the top of the page and click the links to find a specific contest.)
Here is the NCAA bracket updated:
THURSDAY
West Region, Honda Center, Anaheim, California
- San Diego State vs. UConn (7:15 p.m. on CBS).
- Duke vs. Arizona (9:45 p.m. on CBS).
Southeast, New Orleans Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana
- Butler vs. Wisconsin (9:57 p.m. on TBS)
- Florida vs. BYU (7:27 on TBS)
FRIDAY
Southwest Region, Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas
- Kansas vs. Richmond (7:27 on TBS)
- Florida State vs. VCU (9:57 on TBS)
East Region, Prudential Center, Newark, NJ
- Ohio State vs. Kentucky (9:45 p.m. on CBS)
- North Carolina vs. Marquette (7:15 p.m. on CBS)
-- Visit SB Nation's NCAA Tournament hub for the rest of your March Madness needs, including a 2011 NCAA Tournament printable bracket that is updated after each round.