NCAA Upset Predictions 2012: Favorites That Won't See Second Week of Action

The first two games of the tournament are going to badly for these favored teams. The seeding may suggest that a long run is in the cards, but it's not going to happen for this group.

As far as what defines "favorite," that's simple. In a chalk bracket, the 1-4 seeds would advance to the Sweet 16 in every bracket. These teams are seeded that high, but won't be so fortunate. 

Kansas, No. 2 Midwest

This team has lacked consistency this season, and I don't like how they match up to Saint Mary's at all. Outside of Thomas Robinson and Tyshawn Taylor, the Jayhawks don't have enough scoring options to compete with St. Mary's, who is one of the more complete teams in the country. 

Matthew Dellavedova and Rob Jones are a great inside/outside duo, and they will pull the upset out over the second-seeded Jayhawks. This will be the third year in a row where Kansas has an uncharacteristically early exit from March Madness, as the Gaels will move on to the Sweet 16. 

Baylor, No. 3, South Region

The Bears will get through San Diego State, but that is where their Big Dance will end. This has been one of the more inconsistent teams in the country this season, having a blistering first half and a poor second. 

Unfortunately, they are now riding no real momentum, and that's going to be their undoing. UNLV doesn't have a real weakness to exploit, and they move the ball very well. The Rebels are third in the nation in assists. That ball movement will allow them to control the game and find easy shots, which is essential for underdogs. 

That is exactly what's going to happen against Baylor, who will view this season as a massive disappointment, given their electric start. 

Marquette, No. 3, West Region

I do not trust one team from the Big East. That is a conference that features many teams that padded their records against each other, and that's not going to work in the NCAA tournament.

In the second round, Marquette is looking at a date with Murray State, who was the last undefeated team in the country, only dropping one game all season. They shoot very well from the outside, which will lead to the Golden Eagles having an early exit from the tournament. 

This is going to be a lot like 2011. The Big East will send a lot of teams, but don't expect many to be there for long. 

Wisconsin, No. 4 East

Wisconsin is a little different from the other teams on this list. Unlike all of them, the Badgers' flaws will not get them in trouble. No, what will cost Wisconsin is that its second-round opponent, Vanderbilt, is just an incredibly hot team. 

The Commodores will not only get past the opening week, but they are a Final Four squad. They have depth at different positions to fill different gaps in the game, and that's going to be too much for Wisconsin to handle. 

Michigan, No. 4 Midwest

Michigan is one of the tournament's greatest mysteries to me. They don't do anything particularly well, yet boast a solid record. However it happened, that is not going to last long. Temple scores well, move the ball well and shoot at a high percentage. 

Like all of the aforementioned teams, I do see Michigan advancing out of the first game. Unlike the others, I don't see a close game here. The Owls average 76 points a game. If they score 65, I don't see Michigan staying close. I also don't see the Owls scoring fewer than 70. 

The Wolverines will need more than Trey Burke and Tim Hardaway Jr. to put up good numbers. The rest of the team won't do anywhere near enough. 

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