To be clear, not talking here about trying to get Aaron Judge vaccinated. It is time for SU to unveil its 2022 March Madness predictions. Full disclosure: SU is not good at this. I know – hard to believe. And it’s not because I don’t watch a lot of college basketball – I do – and especially the Big Ten games. Here are some things to think about as you finalize your brackets:

1. The Big Ten – while having a lot of teams in the tournament – is mediocre this year. They beat up on each other for the past 3 months but the difference across the top 9 teams is not that great. I do not see any of them emerging as an Elite 8 or Final 4 team. Sweet 16 at best for any of them.
2. Duke is getting a lot of love from the sports betters. Coach K’s final year and all that. SU does not see it. But they will win the games that they are supposed to win before falling to Gonzaga in the Regional finals.
3. Watch out for St. Mary’s. They beat Gonzaga this year and they are good. The game with UCLA will be very interesting in the round of 32, and SU sees St. Mary’s coming out on top and actually making it to the Regional Finals.
4. Kentucky is stacked. They could definitely win it all this year and SU has them in the Final Four.
5. SU’s true dark horse team this year is Providence. I think they are going to make it to the Final Four. Look, you have to pick some upsets and why not the Friars this year? The Midwest region is where you will see the most upsets with Auburn and Kansas losing early. Bill Self is not a good in-game coach at Kansas, and they have to win games by 10 or more to neutralize his decision-making. Great recruiter but not at his best during the games.
6. Many feel that it’s Gonzaga’s year as they return some seasoned players who almost won it all last year. They are certainly good and talented but SU sees Kentucky as a tad better in the Final 4 semis.

So, my Final Four is Kentucky, Gonzaga, Providence and Arizona. And then Arizona over Kentucky for the championship. Arizona plays at such a fast pace and has freakishly athletic players. SU saw them early in the year in Las Vegas as they pummeled Michigan and they just won the Pac-12 and the Pac-12 tournament. Peaking at the right time.

So, there you have it. Feel free to post your predictions and be recognized and admired if you win, and forgotten about if you are wrong. It’s your chance for fame and fortune (well, at least fame).