NCAA Bracket 2012: Lower Seeds Primed to Pull off 2nd-Round Upsets

The NCAA Tournament is finally here, which means upsets are on the horizon.

Every year, a few Davids slay their proverbial Goliaths, shocking the sports world in the process. Last season, seven lower-seeded teams pulled off upsets in the second round (formerly the first round). I think it's safe to say that we can expect similar results this year.

If you're one of the millions of people who fill out a bracket every year, you should be starving for some insight on possible upsets. Well, don't worry, baby birds, because I'm here to feed you.

Pencil these upsets in on your bracket, and feel free to  leave me a nasty comment if I completely screw you over.

13 Montana (25-6) over 4 Wisconsin (24-9)

You may think this is a homer pick, but hear me out.

My boys have been on a rampage lately, stomping everybody in their path. They haven't lost since Jan. 14, winning 20 of their last 21 games.

Will Cherry, the Big Sky Defensive Player of the Year, is a menace in the backcourt. He'll be able to hassle Jordan Taylor with his length, quickness and instincts. He's also a capable scorer, putting up 16 points per game.

The Grizzlies also have an advantage at shooting guard thanks to Kareem Jamar, who is a threat to drop a triple-double every time he steps on the court. He's a great rebounder for his size, and he can catch fire at any time.

In the Big Sky championship game, he splashed four threes in the second half, including a ridiculous 25-footer with a hand in his face.

Montana only has one major weakness, which is their lack of a defensive presence in the post. But luckily for them, the Badgers are strictly a three-point shooting team.

I like the Grizzlies to pull off the upset.

13 New Mexico State (26-9) over 4 Indiana (25-8)

New Mexico State is loaded with freakish athletes who should be able to overwhelm Indiana.

Senior Wendell McKines is an absolute monster on the inside, averaging 18.8 points and 10.8 rebounds per game. In the WAC championship game, McKines was unstoppable, as he racked up 27 points and 14 rebounds. He should give Cody Zeller fits in the paint.

The Aggies will also be able to frustrate Indiana's guards with their ball pressure. Jordan Hulls and Victor Oladipo are turnover-prone, so expect New Mexico State's feisty defense to capitalize.

11 Texas (20-13) over 6 Cincinnati (24-10)

This is probably going to be a hideous game, as both teams struggle to knock down shots.

The Longhorns are shooting just 43.6 percent from the field and 32.7 percent from behind the arc this season. The Bearcats (42.0 percent on field goals, 34.3 percent on threes) aren't exactly lighting it up either.

In the end, I think this game is going to come down to the fact that Texas has J'Covan Brown and Cincinnati does not. Brown is a lethal scorer, averaging 20.1 points per game. He's also peaking at the right time.

In his last three games, he's averaged 25.6 points and 9.6 free-throw attempts. Look for him to put Texas on his back late and carry them to the third round.

For your printable NCAA Bracket, click here