CBS NCAA Bracket 2012: Jeff Goodman Correct in Negative Review of Syracuse

CBS college basketball insider Jeff Goodman hit the nail completely on the head with his negative review on Syracuse's chances of NCAA tournament success without Fab Melo.

It's just not going to happen.

Sure, could they maybe make it to the Sweet 16 by the skin of their teeth? Of course, this is a very talented team we are talking about.

With that in mind though, please remember that this is a team many had slated to be in the national championship game, including myself.

This is a Syracuse team that had only lost two games all season and seemed like the clear favorites to roll through the East region on their way to the Final Four.

That's not going to be the case anymore though. According to Goodman, losing Melo spells doom for the Orange:

"

The top-seeded Orange aren't the same team without him. I'd like a bracket do-over, please -- and I'm not alone. This 'Cuse team could easily go down early now, maybe in its second game against Kansas State or in the Sweet 16 against a Vanderbilt team that just got done taking care of Kentucky in the SEC tournament championship contest.

"

Like I said, Goodman is spot on.

Melo was a huge part of this team, and losing him is something they won't be able to overcome. Well, at least not in time to do anything worthwhile.

He averaged 7.8 points and 5.8 rebounds a game, but so much of his impact came as the middle-man in the zone defensive scheme.

That's going to be hard to replace.

The Orange went from favorites to liabilities real fast. They may not even make it out of round two.

Even if they do though, don't expect much.