NCAA Bracket 2011: The 10 Most Intriguing First-Round Matchups
The first round of the NCAA tournament never fails to disappoint when it comes to bringing intriguing matchups, and these opening-round matchups offer plenty for fans to look forward to.
This year's field even offers more potential for upsets than in recent years due to the fact that there aren't really any "great" teams in college basketball this year.
There are plenty of good teams in this field of 68—no doubt about that.
Reward yourself by checking out these 10 matchups—which will technically be considered the second round—because they will reinforce why we call this time of year "March Madness."
10. Virginia Commonwealth Vs. Southern Cal (Tuesday in Dayton)
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This will technically be the first round of the NCAA tournament as part of the new fielding system that starts with essentially four play-in games instead of just one.
With that said, there's a ton of controversy surrounding VCU's tournament berth, considering it's less than impressive tournament résumé. That alone adds intrigue to this game with Southern Cal out of the Pac-10.
The Rams like to play a fast-paced style of basketball, and I'm sure all of the analysts saying they don't deserve to be in the tournament field will add fuel to the fire.
On the other hand, Southern Cal finished the season on a strong note and has huge wins over teams like Texas, Tennessee and Washington.
It also only lost by two to Kansas.
Don't let the First Four tag fool you. This will be an exciting game to watch.
9. UCLA Vs. Michigan State (Thursday in Tampa)
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Two traditional powerhouses that had sub-par seasons will face off in this game.
Michigan State earned its way into the tournament thanks to its gauntlet of a schedule that ranked 14th in the nation in terms of difficulty.
The Spartans are loaded with talent and will make this game a fun one to watch, but UCLA will not be an easy out. The Bruins feature a couple of big men who can cause havoc for opposing teams in the paint.
This is where Tom Izzo-coached teams hit their stride and make the NCAA tournament so fun to watch.
8. Temple Vs. Penn State (Thursday in Tucson)
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This game features a Pennsylvania-school showdown between Penn State and Temple.
Penn State would've added intrigue to almost any matchup it was put in thanks to its improbable run to the Big Ten championship game this past week.
This game against a solid Temple squad will show whether the Nittany Lions are legit.
The Nittany Lions feature a player who is really fun to watch in Talor Battle, and they'll be facing a team that loves to make it rain from behind the arc.
If Penn State finds a way to win, it will be considered by most an upset. There's upset potential just due to the fact that Penn State has been on such a strong run over the last few weeks of the season.
The winner will most likely get San Diego State in the round of 32.
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7. Texas vs. Oakland (Friday in Tulsa)
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At one point in the season Texas was considered a No. 1 seed, but it sputtered somewhat down the stretch, dropping down to a No. 4 seed.
That's critical because now the Longhorns have to play a mid-major that has a lot of upset potential in the Oakland Golden Grizzlies.
What makes Oakland so dangerous is its force down low in Keith Benson, who is considered an NBA-ready type player.
It defeated Tennessee and only lost by one to Michigan State.
Texas should obviously win this game, but if you're looking for the tournament's major upset, then don't overlook this game.
6. Wisconsin Vs. Belmont (Thursday in Tucson)
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The relatively-unknown Belmont Bruins are in uncharted waters right now, and now they're staring down a matchup with Wisconsin.
Anytime you have a mid-major that lives and dies by the three, there's always potential for an upset. Add to that their unquestionable balance and they are extremely dangerous.
Obviously the Badgers will use their defensive prowess to most likely pull this one out, but expect a close game.
Anyone remember the scare Belmont gave Duke in 2008? They lost by one point as a 15 seed.
5. Kansas State Vs. Utah State (Thursday in Tucson)
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Kansas State performed below expectations this season, whereas Utah State exceeded expectations by finishing 30-3.
What hurt Utah State was its strength of schedule, which was 133rd in the nation.
It'll get its chance to prove that it's ready to play with the big boys if it knocks off a well-coached Kansas State team that played on the bubble for much of the season.
Much like Boise State in football, it will be interesting to see if Utah State is just a product of its weak schedule.
4. Michigan vs. Tennessee (Friday in Charlotte)
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Watching Scotty Hopson break down a defense while Bruce Pearl sweats through his suit on the sideline is intriguing enough, but there are other things that will make this a fun game to watch.
It's a little confusing as to how Michigan was able to grab a No. 8 seed despite going 0-8 against the top 25.
However, Tennessee is no darling either. The Volunteers have their fair share of quality wins, but they have some head-scratching losses to go with them.
Expect Hopson and Michigan's Tim Hardaway Jr. to make their fair share of amazing plays to light up the scoreboard.
This matchup has all the makings of coming down to the last possession, so good luck predicting the winner of this game in your bracket.
3. Gonzaga Vs. St. John's (Thursday in Denver)
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It's been a while since St. John's has been relevant in college basketball, and now it has a date with a team that has become a permanent stay in the spotlight in Gonzaga.
St. John's became one of the most exciting teams to watch over the second half of the season, and the Red Storm play very smart basketball with 10 seniors on the roster.
Both teams have a balanced attack and are well coached, which always leads to a grudge match.
Don't be surprised if this ends up being one of the better games of the NCAA tournament.
2. Butler vs. Old Dominion (Thurs. in Washington DC)
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We all have to be intrigued by whether or not Butler will be able to make another run through the NCAA tournament like it did last year, a run that ended in the championship game on a last-second, half-court shot that rimmed out.
Although we probably won't be lucky enough to see another ending like that from Butler, we all are fortunate that it made the tournament.
Ironically enough, Old Dominion is another team that has a lot of potential to make a strong run through the bracket.
Expect an exciting game thanks to Old Dominion's ability to force turnovers, along with Butler's perimeter offense and down-low presence in Matt Howard.
1. George Mason vs. Villanova (Friday in Cleveland)
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True college basketball fans will never forget George Mason's run to the Final Four back in 2006. It may be highly unlikely that it'll do that again in 2011, but it's still a fun mid-major to watch.
On the other hand, very few saw Villanova going 5-10 to end the season. However, anytime Corey Fisher steps on the floor, you have to treat yourself as a fan and watch how well he plays the game.
If you like watching the mid-majors take down powerhouse programs, then this game has a great chance to make your day.
This will be a hard-fought game and the winner will most likely get the daunting task of Ohio State up next.
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