NCAA Upset Predictions 2013: Projecting Biggest Round of 64 Surprises

The 2013 NCAA tournament promises to be one of the most thrilling events, as it could be chock-full of upsets and Cinderella teams making deep runs during the event.

Nothing is more exciting than a round of 64 upset, especially when an unknown double-digit seed overcomes a big-time program—sometimes on a buzzer-beater—whipping the crowd and viewing population at home into a frenzy.

Let’s take a look at three candidates to pull off the impossible in the second round of March Madness this year.

 

No. 11 Bucknell over No. 6 Butler

We’re giving the edge to the Bison over the Bulldogs in this showdown, as we believe Butler is severely over-seeded and should have been awarded a No. 10 slot or lower based on its body of work.

Bucknell has a legitimate seven-footer in Mike Muscala, holds a solid 28-5 record and fell just short of beating then-No. 12 Missouri (66-64) in its only matchup against a ranked opponent during the 2012-13 campaign.

Basically, the Bison are primed to win with a perfect combination of a star player, upper-class talent and experience.

While Butler isn’t going to be a pushover, the two-time national title runner-up is severely overrated in 2013. Don’t be surprised to see the Bulldogs fall before the first weekend is over.

No. 12 Ole Miss over No. 5 Wisconsin

It seems that a No. 12 upsetting a No. 5 is a March Madness tradition. This year, we love the Rebels taking out the Badgers in the round of 64.

Marshall Henderson has the confidence, shooting ability and supporting cast to make this upset happen. The junior guard has already proved his bravado by leading Ole Miss to an SEC tournament title as the No. 3 seed and has his sights set on a deep run in the Big Dance.

This 6’2” sniper averaged 20.1 points per game during the 2012-13 season and isn’t afraid to bomb away from beyond the arc, hoisting up 10.8 attempts from deep per contest.

If he’s able to slip the feisty Wisconsin defense, Henderson will be instrumental in sending coach Bo Ryan and his Badgers packing early on this spring.

 

No. 13 South Dakota State over No. 4 Michigan

The Jackrabbits are going to put up a major fight against the Wolverines in the round of 64, largely thanks to superstar point guard Nate Wolters.

The 6’4” scorer averaged 22.7 points during the 2012-13 season and once dropped 53 in a single game.

Wolters is going to be tasked with shutting down electrifying Big Ten Player of the Year Trey Burke, but should be up to the challenge due to his large frame and underrated athleticism.

If he’s able to contain Burke and get hot—especially from beyond the arc—there’s no telling just how far the Jackrabbits can go. They could upset Michigan and continue marching through the NCAA tourney on the strength of Wolters’ jumper.

Don’t sleep on South Dakota State upsetting Michigan, as it has the superstar able to put the team on his back and win the game.