March Madness 2015: Breaking Down Best Round of 64 Upset Picks

The fun is about to begin. The NCAA tournament is upon us, and the first week of competition is arguably the best stretch in all of sports. The passion and action are part of what makes the Big Dance special. However, nothing is more compelling than an upset.

Let's take a look at two games with upset potential.

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No. 11 Texas Longhorns over No. 6 Butler Bulldogs

Eric Gay/Associated Press

This is a tough call. The Texas Longhorns are undoubtedly the more athletic and explosive team, but they have played beneath their potential the entire season. This team has too much talent to have been on the bubble down the stretch of the season. However, that was the case.

The Butler Bulldogs are a disciplined bunch. They don't turn the ball over as much as Texas, but rebounding can forgive a multitude of hoops sins. Texas pounds the glass—specifically on the offensive end.

The Longhorns are getting just under 11 second chances for their offense per game. To add another layer on this concept, Texas is also second in the nation in defensive rebounding with 26.1. This is stylistically a bad matchup for the Bulldogs, and Eric Rosenthal of HoundSports.com agrees.

Led by dynamic and lightning-quick point guard Isaiah Taylor and with a decided edge on the glass, the Longhorns are one of my upset picks in the round of 64.

No. 14 Georgia State Panthers over No. 3 Baylor Bears

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The Georgia State Panthers are the most dangerous team in the tournament seeded 14th or lower. They defend and have two players capable of shooting an opponent out of the gym from beyond the three-point line.

Between R.J. Hunter and Ryan Harrow, the two young men sink 3.79 threes per game. Hunter is streaky, but he's had two games this season with at least six three-pointers and has made at least three shots from downtown in 11 games.

Harrow makes 39 percent of his deep balls to add more consistency. The Panthers also defend very well. They hold opponents to 38 percent shooting.

Baylor has the clear advantage on the inside with Rico Gathers anchoring the middle. He's the nation's No. 1 rebounder and a load to deal with in the paint. Still, the Panthers' experience, passion and outside shooting will push them to the upset win.

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