March Madness: Predicting Every NCAA Basketball Tournament Game

College basketball is once again at its most popular day.

More popular than the National Championship Game. More popular than any conference tournament game. The day college basketball brackets come out and we know which 68 teams will be dancing is the day most college basketball fans love most.

Fans of teams like Virginia Tech, Alabama, Colorado and St. Mary's are upset that they did not make the NCAA tournament.

However, snubs happen every year, and while the NCAA committee did falter in more areas than usual, they still made a very exciting schedule.

Tuesday can't get here soon enough.

Meanwhile, here are my predictions for the NCAA Tournament, directly from my own bracket.

First Round (Dayton, Ohio)

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GREENSBORO, NC - MARCH 12: The Clemson Tigers mascot performs during the second half against the North Carolina Tar Heels in the semifinals of the 2011 ACC men's basketball tournament at the Greensboro Coliseum on March 12, 2011 in Greensboro, North Caro

UAB vs. Clemson

This is the best game of the first round, no doubt. Clemson is hot as of late, destroying Boston College and barely losing to North Carolina in the ACC Tournament. The Blazers are dangerous as well, but are they good enough to win this game and advance to play West Virginia? Nope. In a close game....

Clemson wins.

UNC Asheville vs. Arkansas-Little Rock

UNC Asheville, since winning at Auburn to open the season, has consistently won and earned their way into the Big Dance. Arkansas-Little Rock is here representing the Sun Belt. I think this could be a close game for a half, but UNCA pulls away to advance.

UNC Asheville wins.

Alabama State vs. Texas-San Antonio

Alabama State won the SWAC tournament to make the field of 68 after going just 17-17 in the regular season, but I think they'll be able to handle UTSA in this match-up. It'll be really close, but Alabama State will advance.

Alabama State wins.

Southern Cal vs. VCU

This is the most controversial game of the first round. USC, who went just 19-14 overall in the Pac-10, which isn't particularly strong beyond Arizona and Washington, faces VCU, who lost SEVEN games in their conference, which is even weaker than the Pac-10. I think USC will beat VCU in a tight one.

USC wins.

Second Round: East Region

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 13: David Lighty #23 of the Ohio State Buckeyes reacts against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the championship game of the 2011 Big Ten Men's Basketball Tournament at Conseco Fieldhouse on March 13, 2011 in Indianapolis, Ind

Cleveland, Ohio

(1) Ohio State vs. (16) Alabama State

A No. 1 seed has never lost to a No. 16 seed. It won't happen this time, either. Sure, there's a first time for everything, but I would be shocked if this was an Alabama State win.

Ohio State rolls.

(8) George Mason vs. (9) Villanova

This is a very close call. Villanova has struggled lately, and George Mason has an impressive 26-6 record, but I think Villanova is just too talented in this game.

Villanova wins a pretty close game.

Tampa, Fla.

(5) West Virginia vs. (12) Clemson

This is one of my second-round upset picks. I like what the Mountaineers have done this year, in a tough conference no less, but I think Clemson is going to surprise WVU and spring the upset.

Clemson wins in a close game.

(4) Kentucky vs. (13) Princeton

Congratulations to the Princeton Tigers for making the 2011 NCAA tournament. Now it's probably time to leave. I think Princeton will scare Kentucky for about 25 minutes, but then the Cats take control.

Kentucky wins going away.

Cleveland, Ohio

(6) Xavier vs. (11) Marquette

Xavier had yet another strong season this year, going 24-7. Marquette went 20-14, which would look average, but in the Big East, that's great. The Golden Eagles are more mature and battle-tested than Xavier, so I give them the slight edge.

Marquette wins a very close game.

(3) Syracuse vs. (14) Indiana State

Indiana State has good basketball lore, sure. Upsets do happen, sure. Syracuse could go down, sure. But they won't.

Syracuse rolls.

Charlotte, N.C.

(7) Washington vs. (10) Georgia

Georgia is the second-weakest SEC team in this bracket while Washington comes in as Pac-10 tournament champions. I think both teams will play hard, but the Huskies are simply better than the Bulldogs.

Washington wins a pretty close game.

(2) North Carolina vs. (15) Long Island

I don't need to go deeply into this one. It's North Carolina against Long Island.

North Carolina rolls.

Second Round: West Region

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DURHAM, NC - FEBRUARY 23: Lavoy Allen #24 of the Temple Owls battles for a loose ball with Mason Plumlee #5 of the Duke Blue Devils during their game at Cameron Indoor Stadium on February 23, 2011 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty

Charlotte, N.C.

(1) Duke vs. (16) Hampton

This is an easy one.

Duke rolls.

(8) Michigan vs. (9) Tennessee

Tennessee is the popular pick in this game. NOT SO FAST, MY FRIENDS! I think Tennessee isn't even a tourney-caliber team, and while it may be close, the Vols will have to "hail to the victors."

Michigan wins a pretty close game.

Tulsa, Okla.

(5) Arizona vs. (12) Memphis

This one's tricky. Conventional wisdom says take Arizona, but Memphis is a very dangerous squad. However, I think Arizona's three-point shooting will be the difference in a game that might even need overtime.

Arizona wins a very close game.

(4) Texas vs. (13) Oakland

Upset city, baby. Texas is a good team, no doubt, but Oakland is one of the worst draws they could have gotten in the second round.

Oakland is a great team with an impressive resume, and I think that they will take down the Longhorns. The eyes of Texas are upon an upset.

Oakland pulls an upset in a very close game.

Washington, D.C.

(6) Cincinnati vs. (11) Missouri

This is a very intriguing game, and easily one of the best of this early round. I like what Cincy's accomplished, but I think the Tigers are going to take down the Bearcats in a close one.

Missouri wins a pretty close game.

(3) UConn vs. (14) Bucknell

This might not be a walk in the park for UConn early, but the Huskies should get the job done.

UConn rolls.

Tuscon, Ariz.

(7) Temple vs. (10) Penn State

The Nittany Lions have momentum after making it all the way to the Big Ten championship game, but I think Temple is a better team and will look like one, taking down Penn State.

Temple wins a fairly close game.

(2) San Diego State vs. (15) Northern Colorado

Northern Colorado is making their first NCAA tournament appearance ever, and their first game will not be very pretty. They draw mighty San Diego State.

San Diego State rolls.

Second Round: Southwest Region

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KANSAS CITY, MO - MARCH 12: Marcus Morris #22 of the Kansas Jayhawks celebrates after a play against the Texas Longhorns during the 2011 Phillips 66 Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament championship game at Sprint Center on March 12, 2011 in Kansas City, M

Tulsa, Okla.

(1) Kansas vs. (16) Boston University

This might be the best shot any No. 16 seed as at beating a top seed this year. The odds are still between slim and none.

Kansas rolls.

(8) UNLV vs. (9) Illinois

This one will be one of the best games in the second round this year. Both of these teams are good and have good basketball history. I think Illinois will take it... in overtime.

Illinois wins a very close game.

Denver, Colo.

(5) Vanderbilt vs. (12) Richmond

This will not be any easy game for Vanderbilt. Richmond is talented and well-coached. However, after losing to Murray State last year, I think Vandy will stay focused and edge Richmond.

Vanderbilt wins a fairly close game.

(4) Louisville vs. (13) Morehead State

Louisville might struggle early against a determined underdog, but they're just too good for Morehead State to keep up.

Louisville wins going away.

Chicago

(6) Georgetown vs. (11) Southern Cal

USC was able to make it here thanks to beating VCU. Now the Trojans get to fly back to L.A. Hey, maybe they can help out with this "battle" out there I've been hearing about.

Georgetown rolls.

(3) Purdue vs. (14) St. Peter's

St. Peter's accomplished a lot this season, but the Peacocks will not upset the Boilermakers here.

Purdue rolls.

(7) Texas A&M vs. (10) Florida State

In football, this is my projected Fiesta Bowl next year. But this is basketball. While it will be a very close game, I think the Aggies have the upper hand.

Texas A&M wins a very close game.

(2) Notre Dame vs. (15) Akron

Last year, Notre Dame had their national title hopes crushed in the first round. It won't be the same here. Notre Dame is an absolutely deadly team.

Notre Dame rolls.

Second Round: Southeast Region

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NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 10: The Pittsburgh Panthers mascot walks on the court during the game against the Connecticut Huskies during the quarterfinals of the 2011 Big East Men's Basketball Tournament presented by American Eagle Outfitters at Madison Square

Washington, D.C.

(1) Pitt vs. (16) UNC Asheville

This doesn't need a description.

Pitt rolls.

(8) Butler vs. (9) Old Dominion

This could be dangerous for Butler. Old Dominion has earned a reputation as a spoiler. But Butler will be ready to play and they'll take down Old Dominion.

Butler wins a fairly close game.

Tuscon, Ariz.

(5) Kansas State vs. (12) Utah State

Over/under on the number of times the big fat Utah State fan will be shown on TV? Around 25. But make no mistake, Utah State could give the Wildcats a run for their money. However, I think Kansas State is too talented for the Aggies here.

Kansas State wins a pretty close game.

(4) Wisconsin vs. (13) Belmont

Here's another UPSET ALERT! I think Belmont will get it done against the Badgers of Wisconsin here. Wisconsin just isn't that explosive offensively and I think Belmont will be able to capitalize on that and pull off a shocker.

Belmont pulls off an upset in a close game.

Denver, Colo.

(6) St. John's vs. (11) Gonzaga

This looks like an intriguing game, but to be honest, I actually think the Red Storm will take the Bulldogs behind the woodshed here. A great performance by St. John's here.

St. John's rolls.

(3) BYU vs. (14) Wofford

Look at this, Wofford is really starting to become a great basketball school! But BYU should win this game. Jimmer Fredette's shooting and the underrated defensive play of BYU pushes them to a win here.

BYU rolls.

Tampa, Florida

(7) UCLA vs. (10) Michigan State

Two basketball powers collide in Tampa. It will be a very close game, but the better team will win, and I think it's the Bruins of UCLA.

UCLA wins a close game.

(2) Florida vs. (15) UC-Santa Barbara

It's Florida vs. UCSB, for crying out loud. "I may be wrong, but I doubt it."

Florida rolls.

Third Round: East Region

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NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 11: Brandon Triche #20 of the Syracuse Orange passes the ball against the Connecticut Huskies during the semifinals of the 2011 Big East Men's Basketball Tournament presented by American Eagle Outfitters at Madison Square Garden on Ma

(1) Ohio State vs. (9) Villanova

This one is a total mismatch. Ohio State is just way too good for the sluggish Wildcats.

Ohio State rolls.

(12) Clemson vs. (4) Kentucky

Clemson has had a nice run so far in these predictions, but they will come to a halt here. Kentucky all the way here.

Kentucky wins going away.

(11) Marquette vs. (3) Syracuse

Two Big East teams meet in this match-up. Only one of them will come away victorious. That will be Syracuse.

Syracuse wins a pretty close game.

(7) Washington vs. (2) North Carolina

This one will be a very fun game to watch between two determined teams, but I have to go with the Tar Heels here.

North Carolina wins a pretty close game.

Third Round: West Region

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LAS VEGAS, NV - MARCH 12: San Diego State Aztecs mascot Aztec Warrior is filmed on the court during the championship game of the Conoco Mountain West Conference Basketball tournament against the Brigham Young University Cougars at the Thomas & Mack Cente

(1) Duke vs. (8) Michigan

I think Duke will keep their national title repeat hopes alive against Michigan. The Wolverines could stay close for 30 minutes, but Duke is just too good.

Duke wins going away.

(5) Arizona vs. (13) Oakland

Oakland's upset run won't reach its second week. I believe the Wildcats will be focused and, while it's close early, they take care of business against Oakland.

Arizona wins going away.

(11) Missouri vs. (3) UConn

This game is a toss-up in my mind, but I give the edge to UConn because they're battle-tested and on a hot streak.

UConn wins a close game.

(7) Temple vs. (2) San Diego State

This one might be billed as a close game. I don't see it. I think the Aztecs will run circles around the Owls.

San Diego State rolls.

Third Round: Southwest Region

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NASHVILLE, TN - FEBRUARY 12: Kyle Fuller #11 and Festus Ezeli #3 of the Vanderbilt Commodores react after forcing a turnover against the Kentucky Wildcats at Memorial Gym on February 12, 2011 in Nashville, Tennessee. Vanderbilt won 81-77. (Photo by Gran

(1) Kansas vs. (9) Illinois

I can't see the Illini taking this game. They're pretty good, but Kansas is really good.

Kansas wins going away.

(5) Vanderbilt vs. (4) Louisville

This one might take a buzzer-beater, it'll be that close. I REALLY hope my man Gus Johnson calls this one. I think "The Ville" will take it, though.

Louisville wins a very close game.

(6) Georgetown vs. (3) Purdue

Purdue will be challenged greatly, but I don't think Georgetown has enough to take down the Boilermakers.

Purdue wins a pretty close game.

(7) Texas A&M vs. (2) Notre Dame

Both teams are very talented and well-coached. However, I think the Fighting Irish will continue their march.

Notre Dame wins a pretty close game.

Third Round: Southeast Region

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KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 21: Nick Russell #12 of the Kansas State Wildcats in action during the game against the UNLV Rebels on December 21, 2010 at the Sprint Center in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

(1) Pitt vs. (8) Butler

Butler went to the national championship game last year and lost a close one. However, they won't get at winning it all this year. Pitt will be too strong for them.

Pitt wins a fairly close game.

(5) Kansas State vs. (13) Belmont

Kansas State will not have an easy time in this game, but in the second half, things may not be particularly hard.

Kansas State wins going away.

(6) St. John's vs. (3) BYU

THIS is a game. Will Jimmer Fredette lead the Cougars to the Sweet Sixteen? Will St. John's prove they are officially back as a program?

St. John's wins a very close game.

(7) UCLA vs. (2) Florida

These two played for the national title not that long ago, and this one will have the same result as the last time they played: a Gators victory.

Florida wins a fairly close game.

Sweet Sixteen

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CHAPEL HILL, NC - MARCH 05: The mascot of the North Carolina Tar Heels crowd surfs during their game against the Duke Blue Devils at the Dean E. Smith Center on March 5, 2011 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

East Region

(1) Ohio State vs. (4) Kentucky

UPSET ALERT: Ohio State goes down here to a team of freshmen! Kentucky has been unstoppable recently and seems to be playing with a lot of confidence. Not to say Ohio State is not, but I believe the Cats take down the Buckeyes here.

Kentucky wins a pretty close game.

(3) Syracuse vs. (2) North Carolina

Two games, two upsets in the East. I think these teams are evenly matched, but the Syracuse Orange will end up knocking off the Tar Heels from Chapel Hill.

Syracuse wins a very close game.

West Region

(1) Duke vs. (5) Arizona

Duke will not repeat as national champions. I like Arizona to stun the Blue Devils here in a thriller.

Arizona wins a very close game.

(3) UConn vs. (2) San Diego State

UConn is favored to win this game... NOT SO FAST, MY FRIEND! San Diego State is hot right now, and I think they'll come from behind, beat UConn, and go to the Elite Eight.

San Diego State wins a close game.

Southwest Region

(1) Kansas vs. (4) Louisville

Louisville has had a great year, but I can't see them getting past Kansas here. Kansas goes to the Elite Eight.

Kansas wins a very close game.

(3) Purdue vs. (2) Notre Dame

These two Indiana programs face off for a spot in the Elite Eight. I think the Boilermakers will prevail.

Purdue wins a pretty close game.

Southeast Region

(1) Pitt vs. (5) Kansas State

I believe that this is where Pitt's national title hopes end. Kansas State will surprise America, pounce all over Pitt and hold on for a win.

Kansas State wins a very close game.

(6) St. John's vs. (2) Florida

I like the St. John's Red Storm over the Florida Gators in a thriller here. St. John's now finds themselves three wins away from a national title.

St. John's wins a very close game.

Elite Eight

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LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 12: Jesse Perry #33 of the Arizona Wildcats moves the ball while taking on the Washington Huskies in the championship game of the 2011 Pacific Life Pac-10 Men's Basketball Tournament at Staples Center on March 12, 2011 in Los Ange

East: (4) Kentucky vs. (3) Syracuse

Both teams are great, despite not living up to preseason hype, but in this game I think the Wildcats will run out of gas.

Syracuse wins a close game and goes to the Final Four!

West: (5) Arizona vs. (2) San Diego State

Both of these teams have shocked people so far to even get to this point. I think San Diego State will show up motivated and put on a show, beating the Wildcats fairly easily. Not easily, but in the last minute, the outcome will not be in doubt.

San Diego State wins going away and goes to the Final Four!

Southwest: (1) Kansas vs. (3) Purdue

Kansas enters as the last No. 1 seed left...and they leave with their dreams crushed just like Ohio State, Duke and Pitt. I like the Boilermakers to pull the upset.

Purdue wins a very close game and goes to the Final Four!

Southeast: (6) St. John's vs. (5) Kansas State

The Red Storm has had an impressive run so far, but it comes to an end against the Wildcats of Kansas State, who pull it out at the buzzer.

Kansas State wins a very close game and goes to the Final Four!

Final Four and National Championship Game

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WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - JANUARY 12: E'Twaun Moore #33 of the Purdue Boilermakers dribbles during the Big Ten game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Mackey Arena on January 12, 2010 in West Lafayette, Indiana. Ohio State won 70-66. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Get

Game 1: Syracuse vs. San Diego State

The Aztecs have become a great story, rising from the ashes before the season to make it to Houston. And this won't be their last game, either. I like them to beat Syracuse.  

San Diego State is going to the national title game!

Game 2: Purdue vs. Kansas State

The Boilermakers end the Wildcats' run in a very tight game. It will come down to the end, but Purdue will pull it out.  

Purdue is going to the national title game!

National Championship Game: Purdue vs. San Diego State

I bet none of you saw this game coming, did you? This will be a back-and-forth affair, neither team will have a big lead and this will be a real treat for fans.

However, only one team can party in confetti in Houston. That team... will be the Boilermakers of Purdue.

PURDUE wins the NCAA Championship!