March Madness 2012 Bracket: Powerhouses That Won't Reach Final Four

There's only so many college basketball teams that can actually reach the Final Four—four, if I recall correctly—which doesn't leave much room in New Orleans for all the blue bloods set to partake in the 2012 NCAA tournament.

With the likes of Kentucky, Kansas and Michigan State already "staking out" places to stay in the Big Easy (in my bracket, anyway), let's have a look at some of the power programs that'll be out of the running for the national title before March Madness turns to...ummm...April Anxiety?

Syracuse

I know what you're thinking: Syracuse lost two games all season and has a 10-deep roster that's as talented as any Jim Boeheim has had since Carmelo Anthony led the Orange all the way to the national title.

So how, exactly, is the 'Cuse going to lose?

Rebounding and outside shooting.

Chew on this for a moment: the Orange have six players at 6'7" or taller who play significant minutes, yet they rank 235th in the nation in rebounding margin. Part of that deficiency can be chalked up to their vaunted 2-3 zone, but the overall trend would indicate a lack of consistent focus that's been borne out by close calls against lesser competition throughout the season.

And for all of their talent, the Orange aren't particularly proficient at shooting (140th) or defending (150th) the three.

It just so happens, too, that the 'Cuse could find themselves in the Sweet 16 against a Vanderbilt team that (wait for it) is among the best three-point shooting squads in the country and has a win against two-loss Kentucky under its belt. 

Duke

Speaking of teams that shoot threes, Duke has made a habit of living and dying by it this season.

As in, the Blue Devils shot themselves into a win over North Carolina in Chapel Hill and flat-out shot themselves in the foot during the second leg in Durham.

That sort of volatility from behind and reliance on the three-point arc is made all the more dangerous by Duke's unusually deficient defense, which ranks 182nd in field-goal percentage allowed and 218th in scoring.

It's bad enough that Mike Krzyzewski's squad would more than likely have to handle Kentucky in the Elite Eight, given the Wildcats' astronomical haul of talent and well-deserved status as prohibitive title favorite.

But, as streaky as they are, the Dukies could just as easily meet their tourney maker against, say, Notre Dame in the Round of 32 or UNLV/Baylor in the Sweet 16.  

North Carolina

Never fear, Cameron Crazies. You won't be the only ones headed back to Tobacco Road after booking accommodations in the Big Easy.

North Carolina could find its season in serious jeopardy in the next two weeks, especially if John Henson's wrist keeps him out of action. The Tar Heels weren't exactly proficient at stopping opposing offenses even with the ACC Defensive Player of the Year in the lineup.

Surely, they wouldn't be any better off without him.

Either way, Roy Williams will quietly be rooting for Kansas to bow out of the tourney before the Elite Eight, and not simply because he's tired of fielding questions about his relationship with the school at which he made his name as a coach.

Rather, should UNC and KU meet, they'd do so in St. Louis in what would essentially be a home game for Bill Self's Jayhawks.

For your printable NCAA Bracket, click here

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