NCAA Upset Predictions 2012: Underdogs Who Will Shock the World

Considering the runs that we have seen schools like VCU and George Mason make in recent years, upsets in the NCAA tournament should have less impact. We know better than to think that way though.  

No matter what has happened in the past, we still marvel when an underdog pulls off an upset. It's what keeps us coming back to this madness year after year. 

With that in mind, here are the second-round underdogs who will pull off big upsets that will send your bracket spiraling into oblivion. 

No. 14 BYU Cougars (vs. No. 3 Marquette)

The world got a glimpse of what BYU is capable of against Iona in the first round of the NCAA tournament, but the Cougars were just getting started. 

Andy Katz of ESPN.com said that the Cougars are one of the best No. 14 seeds in history, and there is nothing to dispute that. They play an up-tempo style on offense, with size in the middle from Noah Hartsock and good shooters on the perimeter like Brock Zylstra. 

Marquette has an underrated offense that can keep up with BYU. The problem is the Golden Eagles are missing their size on the inside. Davante Gardner's return will help, but he probably won't be playing more than 15-20 minutes per game. 

That win on Tuesday night was not a fluke. Just wait until you see what happens Thursday afternoon. 

No. 12 Harvard (vs. No. 5 Vanderbilt)

Picking a No. 12 over a No. 5 is like picking a No. 1 over a No. 16—everyone does it because it always happens. 

Harvard is an underrated No. 12 seed in this tournament. The Crimson aren't going to overwhelm their opponents with speed or athleticism. Where they do shine is in offensive efficiency and a strong defensive presence. 

Vanderbilt is riding high after beating Kentucky in the SEC Tournament finals, but you have to wonder how much energy the Commodores have left. They fought hard to win three games in three days. They will be stifled by the tough Crimson defense. 

No. 13 New Mexico State (vs. No. 4 Indiana)

Regardless of which team wins this game, it should be one of the most entertaining matchups in the Round of 64. Both New Mexico State and Indiana are going to shoot the lights out of the arena with little regard for what happens on defense. 

The difference between the Aggies and Hoosiers comes on the inside. Wendell McKines and Hamidu Rahman are going to cause all sorts of problems for Tom Crean's squad. They rebound and create second-chance opportunities for their offense, which is not something Indiana does well. 

Unless the Hoosiers come out at the start on fire, hitting three-point shots and forcing New Mexico State to change its style, they will have a difficult time keeping up later in the game. 

Indiana is on the right track, but this is a bad matchup for the Hoosiers. 

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