March Madness 2013 Predictions: Strong Sleeper Teams That Nobody's Picking

With the release of the 2013 NCAA tournament bracket (printable version here) comes the release of everyone's upset predictions for the tournament ahead.

After all, we all want winning brackets that are going to dominate whatever pools and competitions we might be in. And that means we want to know the teams most likely to surprise their Round of 64 opponents and make deep runs in the tournament that nobody saw coming.

Including the guys trying to pick the upsets.

Here's a handful of strong sleeper teams that nobody is talking about that could find early success in March Madness. And for you, that could be the difference between winning that office pool and finishing second to the secretary that picked the ones with the funny names.

Creighton

Creighton's dynamic offense makes them a must-have selection in the second round over Cincinnati, but it's their third-round matchup against Duke that's most fascinating about the tournament this year.

The Blue Devils do not have a strong defense this season and have been hurt by that right throughout the year. Thus, if a strong team with a powerful shooting presence comes along, Duke could be forced into a shootout—something that its opponent in this one would thrive in.

The Bluejays rank sixth in Ken Pom's offensive efficiency rankings, despite only coming in as the 15th-best team in the country, which, against a team that were showed to be left wanting in their postseason tournament, could mean big things for Creighton in 2013. 

North Carolina State

To match up with Indiana in the Round of 32, teams are going to have to be very strong on offense. It's as simple as that—without it, you can't beat Indiana.

The Hoosiers are the best offensive team in the country this year, but North Carolina State could cause them some problems in the third round. The Wolfpack feature near the top regarding points per game and field-goal percentage and are one of the most effective teams going forward in 2013.

Their biggest question is regarding consistency, and whether they can produce such dominance for the full 40 minutes. Indiana is a very strong team that will be tough to beat, and unless NC State stays switched on for the entire game, it's not going to get past the Hoosiers.

However, if it gets on a roll, watch out. This Wolfpack team has some serious talent, and they have the potential to cause even the most unlikely of upsets. 

Iowa State

Any team that attempts the second-most three-pointers in the country has to be touted as a danger side, and Iowa State certainly fits that title this year.

Led by Tyrus McGee, the Cyclones have one of the most dynamic offenses in the league and have the efficiency needed to challenge the top teams in 2013.

Notre Dame isn't a great defensive team, and the Cyclones should get past them in the second round as a result. And if that happens, a potential Round of 32 clash with Ohio State looms—a fixture that the Cyclones certainly won't be favorites for but are more than capable of winning.

The Buckeyes have a strong squad and are complete at both ends of the court but could fall victim to an explosive night from Iowa State. As could any team in the country this year, making the Cyclones a definite sleeper team to watch for.

Click here to download your printable 2013 March Madness bracket, or follow our live bracket of the 2013 NCAA tournament here. 

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Which sleeper teams are you looking at for the 2013 NCAA Tournament?

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