NCAA Bracket 2011 Predictions: 3 Potential Second-Round Upsets in the Southeast

As part of the controversy over this year's bracket, the Southeast Region is by far the weakest bracket. Pittsburgh's road to the Final Four is already relatively easy, considering that No. 2 seed Florida is overseeded and No. 3 seed BYU is depleted.

But things could be getting even easier for Pittsburgh.

The matchups in the Southeast Region could lead to some big upsets.

No. 12 Seed Utah State over No. 5 Seed Kansas State

Utah State is a No. 12 seed playing a Big 12 team for the second year in a row. Last year, the Aggies lost to Texas A&M, and this year they look to make a run to the round of 32.

This game depends on which Kansas State team shows up for the opening weekend.

The Wildcats have played very well in the last few weeks, and it is hard to think that Kansas State would go back to playing like it did in January when the biggest game of the year comes around.

But if the good Kansas State team does not show up, it is all in Utah State's hands.

If the Aggies can come out and play good basketball, they could be in position to advance in the NCAA tournament. Utah State matches up well with Kansas State, but a good showing from Kansas State could end upset hopes for the Aggies. 

No. 14 Seed Wofford over No. 3 Seed BYU

With Brandon Davies, this is an easy win for BYU. The Cougars were undoubtedly one of the better teams in college basketball when they had the 6'9" sophomore. But without him, the Cougars are vulnerable, even to a No. 14 seed like Wofford.

Why is a No. 3 seed vulnerable to little Wofford?

Wofford's biggest weakness this season was its lack of a true big man. The Terriers have Noah Dahlman and Tim Johnson, who are both solid post players at 6'6", but neither of them was big enough to be too competitive against the better non-conference competition.

Without Davies, BYU does not have a strong post presence either.

Without Davies, Dahlman and Johnson will be more legitimate as post threats. If they have good games, Wofford could be set up for an upset.

Also, Wofford is a smart defensive team.

The Terriers do a good job of limiting opponent three-pointers. Jimmer Fredette will always find ways to make his share of three-pointers, but if his teammates do not, the Cougars could be in some trouble.

No. 13 Seed Belmont over No. 4 Seed Wisconsin

For the second straight year, Wisconsin is faced with a tough matchup. Last year, the Badgers just barely outlasted Wofford, and now they take on a 30-win team in 2011.

Belmont and Wisconsin match up very evenly, except Belmont is a better offensive team. The Bruins score 80 PPG to the Badgers' 68 PPG.

Many people have Belmont on their upset radar, and here is why.

Belmont is one of the most balanced teams in the nation. The Bruins have three players who average in double digits and six more players who average more than 5.0 PPG. They also have no player averaging more than 25 MPG, so fatigue is not a big problem.

Lastly, Belmont is a very good rebounding team. If the Bruins can rebound against Wisconsin, they will be in good shape to play a second game this weekend.