QUARTERS

First please take a moment with me to remember those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for this great country of ours..... .... ...... Thank you!

We've had a very fun first two rounds to the 142 playoffs so far! There have been hearts broken and tears shed. There have been upsets and blow outs. This is what makes the post season so great! I haven't had my best go round of predictions this season but overall still doing alright. We are down to the regional finals and down to just 8 teams. Good luck to those of you still in it. I plan on doing my usual final four and championship game write-ups but in case things get crazy I decided to use this extra day to do something for the "elite 8".... wait that's basketball.

NORTH

This matchup is the one I would have predicted for this region. UNI went about their business pretty much like I expected them to up to this point. They take on Dayton, who I figured would be here but they have proven more vulnerable than I would have originally expected. Both of these squads average over 60 ppg and are allowing the same 13 ppg on defense. I expect this to be closer than many will give credit for. Mostly because of the flack thrown to coach at Dayton. I really think whoever comes from this region has a very real shot at winning the NC, yes I think either team could make it happen. Both of these teams use and interesting, 2 QB system and all of them have proven to be capable on the field.

SOUTH

This game is very intriguing to me. I wouldn't have expected SFA to be here but who would have expected a nice run from a 7 seed? SFA did the same thing last year... sort of. Kind of an overshadowed team who made the national title game. New players and coach this season but the dream is the same. They face a Central Connecticut team who has really hit their stride in the rebuild/perennial power endeavor. CCSU is going to rely on their stud of a SR QB and sprinkle in a nice mix of runs. SFA is going to use their 1-2 punch from the backfield to carry most of the load for their offense. Both teams seem to be vulnerable at times to the opponents strength in this matchup so filling those holes better in this game will be key.

EAST

This contest is another that I thought was inevitable... albeit it took some research into FIU to get that determination. These two teams have talent and coaching that would make anyone they face cringe. These squads are loaded with top 25-top 100 players all across the board. The signal callers on these clubs have combined for 144 TD and 0 INT. They are definitely careful with the pigskin. The defenses on the other side of the ball are pretty good at getting turnovers though. Both teams average nearly 2 INT and 1 fumble a game and average over 2 sacks per game. This will be the third meeting in Wilkinson between these two coaches and the series is deadlocked at 1 win a piece.

WEST

This region to me was pretty wide open at the beginning. I liked Texas State's chances but as far as their opponent I couldn't make a decision. Nevertheless we have determined their opponent and it will be conference mate St. Mary's. This is the 3rd meeting this season between these two teams with the first two meetings being decided by a combined 11 points. You best believe we will see some unpredictable fireworks in this one. TSU comes in throwing the ball a vast majority of the time. Their veteran QB has thrown 113 TD (38 more than the 2nd most TD by QB) and only 1 INT. SMU has a very balanced attack which is always difficult to gameplan for. Their starting QB has thrown over 4000 yds and their main back has rushed for nearly 3000 yds. What a doozy this will be.

Good luck to all of these great teams. The predictions for these games can be found by clicking this link.