2023 MARCH MADNESS PICK SHEETS , UPDATES AND OCCASIONAL OPINION

   IT’S OVER   San Diego St.  59 UCONN.            76 Look here for the score for the Championship game.  I will add them to the brackets tomorrow.  The reason for this I live in a state that is located in the CENTRAL Time Zone.  But a several years ago we had a DiCTATOR for Govenor.  Who came from. Most of his life being spent in Washington DC.  We were already using Eastern Standard Time all year round Which put us ahead of the sun by 1 hour.  We made the most if it.  THEN he decided he wanted us to go 2h hours ahead of the sun.  For those of you who don’t  already know, DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME is an antiquated system.   Although his change did not pass in legislature.  He put a pause on the voting before it was final.  He and his thugs pretty much of the opposition to change their votes. (Even the ones who won their seat by telling the voters they would never vote for EDT.   Which in reality is ATLANTIC TIME).   We only have one state that has a very, very small part in the Atlantic time Zone This means when the sun says 7:30 pm  we are observing 9:30 pm.  I have a 9am appointment which is a 1 hour drive away.  This means I have to be up and about by no later than 7am am.    With the game ending around midnight here, finishing my blog puts it 1 am before I get to bed.  Then another hour to settle down to sleep.  So yeah I may get 4-5 hours sleep. But it is usually 4 hours at most.   WHY this late start. To coddle those in California. Let California move 2 hours ahead of the sun.  Let all states in the good old USA move their clocks 2 hours ahead of the sun.   Health organizations have pointed out many many health hazards to the change of 1 hour.  Think what it is if you are 2 hours ahead.  So enjoy your game California.   We all know how screwed up your legislature is. ( Maybe they will let you move 3 hours ahead of the sun. This is where you can print your “OFFICE POOL” Bracket, Check the scores, etc. Yes I will have “MY PICKS” so you can compare your picks to mine. (And Laugh or Cry).I will have A “MASTER BRACKET”,  “WHAT IF YOU CHOSE THE HIGH PICKS”  for each game. .An “UPSET” will be RED on “ALL HIGH PICKS”  Bracket.  GREEN indicate HIGH SEED Win What is a seed?  Merely a starting place.  Although unlikely, IT is possible for two 16 seeds to meet in the final game.  Would lets say Michigan St  were to be seeded as a number 16.  They would still have  to win all games to be CHAMPION ! SEEDING attempts to give a more favored team an easier path to the CHAMPIONSHIP.  Seeding should lead to  the best 2 teams playing in the final game.  However there  is always that upset minded team;  or  the chance that the favored team has a bad game, a stand out player is sick or injured. To  print BRACKET:  HOVER OVER SHEET.  You will see a window at bottom with an arrow pointing down (second from right).  Click this button.  It will open a new window with the bracket then click the printer icon or go to file,  and PRINT. Purdue number one seed upset by play in team Fairleigh-Dickinson 58-63.  BUT, they deserved the loss.  I saw them give up with about a minute to go.  Down by, (I think 3),   They just stood there and let FDU run the clock down.  Purdue made no move to gamble a foul.  Just stood there while the clock worked against them.   I put the blame for this squarely on Coach Painter.  Any coach would be yelling at them to foul.  I think it is time for Purdue to start looking for a new coach.  TONIGHT !! The year 1979 was the inaugural year for SEEDING the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament.  THIS is the first year NO number 1,2,or 3 team made it to the FINAL FOUR.  To make things more interesting. this is the first time Florida Atlantic has won an NCAA Tournament game.  San Diego State  finally got to the ELITE EIGHT.  Last year was the first time  Miami got to the Elite Eight.  UConn hasn’t been fairing well the past few years Remember when before the MADNESS began?  I told you seeding is just a place to start.   This year proves my point. The seeds add up to a total of 23.  UConn is the highest seeded team, being seeded number 4.  Followed by TWO number 5 teams.  Miami, and San Diego St.  Rounding out the FINAL FOUR is number 9 Florida Atlantic.  NO NUMBER 1 SEEDS TO ELITE 8.   FIRST TIME EVER !!!! Kansas St wins 1st overtime of the tournament 96-93  over Michigan ST. KANSAS ST.  Marcus Novell sets NCAA March Madness Record  for ASSISTS, with 19 in one game.  Against Michigan St. 03/28/2023 15 seed Princeton UPSETS number 2 seed Arizona 59-55. 15 seeded Furman Paladins make most of 1st appearance since 1980.  UPSETS number  4 seed Virginia.  With help by a Virginia player, trapped in a corner with 5 seconds to go; tried to throw the ball high into the other half court.  Furman player intercepted the throw fed another who sank a 3 pointer winning by one.   I have no idea why the throw was made.  Up by 2 and 5 seconds,  trapped a foul was likely to happen.  Which would give Virginia a chance to  make it a 3 point lead with a single free throw.  Or a game icing 4 point lead with the second free throw.  Sorry I don’t remember the  players names.  I was just too awe struck and taken by surprise. FURMAN PALADINS gain 1st NCAA Tournament since 1980. With Southern Conf Championship. TRIVIA:  The 1st NCAA basketball tournament… Continue reading 2023 MARCH MADNESS PICK SHEETS , UPDATES AND OCCASIONAL OPINION

NFL CONFIDENCE PICKS WEEK 3 09/22-25-26/2022

For those of you who are new here. This is  how confidence ranking goes, let me explain. If we were playing an office pool,(which we ARE NOT).  The object is to score the most points. To obtain the score YOU rank the teams by how confident you are a team will win its game.  EXAMPLE:  Say this week we have 16 games.  The team you are most confident will win you would assign the number 16 and follow down to the team you are least confident in and assign that number 1.   You add up the TOTAL CORRECT PICKS.. That would be your score.  We use the Monday night (Last game played) as a TIE BREAKER.  The tie is broken by the closest to the total (that is the COMBINED score of the two participating teams) final score, without going over. YOU can adopt the scoring  described above.  Or, the optional method.  A  negative score for missed games.  We will continue to get a positive score for correct predictions.  EXAMPLE:   if you scored     1 pt on the first game and you had 15 pts on the second game and lost you would still have  1 pt. 1.  HOWEVER. with the same scenario new scoring system would result with a –14 score If we were playing this is how my sheet would look;  My pick will be in bold Capital letters.  you can use circling, underlining, or highlighting.  I will show my correct points in Bold I will fill in my picks Thursday.  Until then feel free to: Just copy and paste for your own Fun Pool Use.  Or to see if you can beat me. IF YOU SEE I MADE A MIS-COPY OF THE GAMES AND TIMES FEEL  FREE TO EMAIL ME AND TELL ME I GOOFED. BYES: None All Times AST (Erroneously referred to as EDT) GAME # TV VISITOR SCORE   HOME SCORE CONFIDENCE RUNNING SCORE     THUR     09/22//22   20:20                     1 Prime Video Steelers (1–1) 17 @ BROWNS (1–1) 29 10 10/10                       SUNDAY     09/25/22   13:00                     2 FOX SAINTS (1–1) 14 @ Panthers (0–2) 22 8 10/2 3 CBS Texans (0–1–1) 20 @ BEARS(1–1) 23 6 16/8 4 CBS CHIEFS (2-0) 17 @ Colts (0–1–1) 20 11 27/19 5 CBS BILLS (2–0) 19 @ Dolphins (2–0) 21 13 27/6 6 FOX Lions (1–1) 24 @ VIKINGS (0–2) 28 12 39/18 7 FOX RAVENS (1–1) 37 @ Patriots (1–1) 26 7 46/25 8 CBS BENGALS (0–2) 27 @ Jets (1–1) 12 15 61/40 9 FOX RAIDERS (1–1) 22 @ Titans (0–2) 24 5 61/35 10 FOX EAGLES (2–0) 24 @ Commanders (1-1) 8 14 75/49                       SUNDAY     09/25/22   16:05                     11 CBS Jaguars (1–1) 38 @ CHARGERS (1–1) 10 16 75/33                       SUNDAY     09/25//0   16:25   12 FOX RAMS(1–1) 20 @ Cardinals (1–1) 12 9 84/42 13 FOX Falcons (0–2) 27 @ SEAHAWKS (1–1) 23 1 84/41 14 FOX Packers (1–1) 14 @ BUCCANEERS (2–0) 12 3 84/38                       SUNDAY     09/25/22   20:20                     15 NBC 49’ERS (1–1) 1o @ Broncos (1–1) 11 4 84/34                       MONDAY     09/26/22   19:10                     16 ESPN Cowboys (1–1) 23 @ GIANTS (2–0) 16 2 84/32                 62%–24%                                                                                                       8–8 50%–50%   GAMES       Points   Possible 136               Tie Break (Total score   Last Game) 41         Total       39         Points Off     +3                         Views: 132

2021 MARCH MADNESS PICK SHEETS , UPDATES AND OCCASIONAL OPINION

This is where you can print your “OFFICE POOL” Bracket, Check the scores, etc. Yes I will have “MY PICKS” so you can compare your picks to mine. (And Laugh or Cry)I will have A “MASTER BRACKET”,  “WHAT IF YOU CHOSE THE HIGH PICKS”  for each game.  Yes I will have MY PICKS. .An “UPSET” will be RED on “ALL HIGH PICKS”  Bracket.  GREEN indicate HIGH SEED Win What is a seed?  Merely a starting place.  Although unlikely, IT is possible for two 16 seeds to meet in the final game.  Would lets say Michigan St  were to be seeded as a number 16.  They would still have  to win all games to be CHAMPION ! SEEDING attempts to give a more favored team an easier path to the CHAMPIONSHIP.  Seeding should lead to  the best 2 teams playing in the final game.  However there  is always that upset minded team;  or  the chance that the favored team has a bad game, a stand out player is sick or injured. To  print BRACKET:  HOVER OVER SHEET.  You will see a window at bottom with an arrow pointing down (second from right).  Click this button.  It will open a new window with the bracket then click the printer icon or go to file,  and PRINT. The NCAA has named replacement teams in the event any team is unable to start the tournament due to COVID-19.  The 4 teams are Louisville, Colorado State, St. Louis and Mississippi.  These teams were the first 4 to miss the cut.  After Tournament starts there will be no replacements.  Any team deemed unable to play will be considered a “NO CONTEST” , and team still able to play will automatically advance. Tournament may have to have to switch days the East Region and Midwest Region play their Sweet 16 games.  If number 6 seed BYU advances to SWEET SIXTEEN.  The reason is; the East Region is scheduled to play on Sunday March 28.   BYU being a Mormon, (Latter Day Saints), have a strict rule of not playing games on SUNDAY.  Out of respect for the religion NCAA has agreed to switch the 2 Play dates.  NCAA  ANNOUNCES Oregon advances with no contest.  VCU Covid-19 Was it just me or did UCLA Coach Mick Cronin,  have a surprised look on his face after defeating Michigan St. Six Referees sent home from Tournament.  COVID-19 related.  I have to think Texas Tech Coach Chris Beard lost the chance for his team to advance.  Why did he leave his team playing the last couple of minutes as if they had a 10 point lead.  Letting them play a stall tactic, instead of attacking the basket.  The momentum of the game was on their side.  WHY?  I’m sure Coach Beard had his reasons.  We may never understand his thinking at that time; even if we know. I would like to see the CHAMPIONSHIP GAME played between UCLA; because they have come the farthest starting the tournament as a play in game.   AND Baylor,  because they have waited 61 years to return to the FINAL FOUR  Then I would like to see Baylor win the whole thing.  They are so long overdue.  The Baylor team last played in Championship game in 1948, getting beat by Kentucky, (who won their first championship), 58-42 at Madison Square Garden. TRIVIA Baylor in first FINAL FOUR  since 1950. Gonzaga’s last trip to the FINAL FOUR was in 2017. UCLA last appeared in Final Four in 2008. (Their 3rd consecutive appearance). Houston last made the FINAL FOUR in 1984. Star players that year were Ralph Sampson, Clyde Drexler, and Hakeem Olajuwon Arkansas 1st Elite appearance since 1995 Oregon St advances to ELITE 8.  After 39 year absence. St Louis mascot is called a Billiken.  A Billiken is a mythical “Good Luck Figure. ”    To see image of Billiken scroll to bottom of page.  Wisconsin snaps Roy Williams’ 29-0 first round winning streak. Oral Roberts University becomes 2nd, 15 in Tournament history to reach SWEET 16. The only other 15 seed was FGCU, (Florida Gulf Coast University), in 2013   MASTER BRACKETT [pdf-embedder url=”http://worldfootballcenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/2021-MARCHMADNESS-MASTER.pdf” title=”2021 MARCHMADNESS MASTER”] ALL HIGH PICKS [pdf-embedder url=”http://worldfootballcenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/2021-MARCHMADNESS-All-HIGH-PICKS.pdf” title=”2021 MARCHMADNESS All HIGH PICKS”] UPSET BRACKET [pdf-embedder url=”http://worldfootballcenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/2021-MARCHMADNESS-UPSETS.pdf” title=”2021 MARCHMADNESS UPSETS”] Warning !  Do not look at MY PICKS.  please? MY PICKS [pdf-embedder url=”http://worldfootballcenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/2021-MARCHMADNESS-MY-PICKS.pdf” title=”2021 MARCHMADNESS MY PICKS”] My Cinderella team Pick is Colgate.  No rhyme. No reason.  I just thought I would add another way to be RIGHT or wrong. So much for my Cinderella Team.  I hope yours does better. GAME TIME, CHANNEL, WHERE PLAYED NCAA Tournament national championship Monday, April 5 Game Time (ET) TV Game 67 9 p.m. Gonzaga Vs Baylor CBS, fuboTV   Views: 197

2020 MARCH MADNESS PICK SHEETS , UPDATES AND OCCASIONAL OPINION

MARCH 12,2020 “Today, NCAA President Mark Emmert and the Board of Governors canceled the Division I men’s and women’s 2020 basketball tournaments, as well as all remaining winter and spring NCAA championships,” the NCAA said in a statement. “This decision is based on the evolving COVID-19 public health threat, our ability to ensure the events do not contribute to spread of the pandemic, and the impracticality of hosting such events at any time during this academic year given ongoing decisions by other entities.” This marks the first year the NCAA tournament has not been played since its inception in 1939. That year, the event featured only eight teams, and Oregon beat Ohio State to win the first championship. National Championship   ]This is where you can print your “OFFICE POOL” Bracket, Check the scores, etc. Yes I will have “MY PICKS” so you can compare your picks to mine. (And Laugh or Cry)I will have A “MASTER BRACKET”,  “WHAT IF YOU CHOSE THE HIGH PICKS”  for each game.  Yes I will have MY PICKS. .An “UPSET” will be RED on “ALL HIGH PICKS”  Bracket.  GREEN indicate HIGH SEED Win What is a seed?  Merely a starting place.  Although unlikely, IT is possible for two 16 seeds to meet in the final game.  Would lets say Michigan St  were to be seeded as a number 16.  They would still have  to win all games to be CHAMPION ! SEEDING attempts to give a more favored team an easier path to the CHAMPIONSHIP.  Seeding should lead to  the best 2 teams playing in the final game.  However there  is always that upset minded team;  or  the chance that the favored team has a bad game, a stand out player is sick or injured. To  print BRACKET:  HOVER OVER SHEET.  You will see a window at bottom with an arrow pointing down (second from right).  Click this button.  It will open a new window with the bracket then click the printer icon or go to file,  and PRINT. TO Enlarge each sheet: Hover over and select the square on the far bottom RIGHT.  To return to PAGE  Repeat. MASTER BRACKET 2020 NCAA tournament schedule and locations: DATES ROUND WATCH CITY, STATE HOST(S) FACILITY March 15 Selection Sunday 6 p.m. ET on CBS N/A CBS will broadcast the Selection Show at 6 p.m. ET N/A March 17-18 First Four March Madness Live Dayton, OH University of Dayton UD Arena March 19/21 1st/2nd Rounds March Madness Live Albany, NY Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Times Union Center March 19/21 1st/2nd Rounds March Madness Live Spokane, WA University of Idaho Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena March 19/21 1st/2nd Rounds March Madness Live St. Louis, MO Missouri Valley Conference Enterprise Center March 19/21 1st/2nd Rounds March Madness Live Tampa, FL University of South Florida Amalie Arena March 20/22 1st/2nd Rounds March Madness Live Greensboro, NC Atlantic Coast Conference Greensboro Coliseum March 20/22 1st/2nd Rounds March Madness Live Omaha, NE Creighton University CenturyLink Center Omaha March 20/22 1st/2nd Rounds March Madness Live Sacramento, CA Sacramento State University Golden 1 Center March 20/22 1st/2nd Rounds March Madness Live Cleveland, OH Mid-American Conference/Cleveland State Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse March 26/28 Midwest Regional March Madness Live Indianapolis, IN Horizon League/IUPUI Lucas Oil Stadium March 26/28 West Regional March Madness Live Los Angeles, CA Pepperdine University STAPLES Center March 27/29 South Regional March Madness Live Houston, TX University of Houston Toyota Center March 27/29 East Regional March Madness Live New York, NY St. John’s University/Big East Conference Madison Square Garden April 4/6 Final Four and title game TBS/ March Madness Live Atlanta, GA Georgia Institute of Technology MASTER BRACKET [pdf-embedder url=”https://fromthemiddle.blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/2020-MARCHMADNESS-MASTER.pdf” title=”2020 MARCHMADNESS MASTER”] ALL HIGH PICKS   MY PICKS Views: 119

2019 MARCH MADNESS PICK SHEETS , UPDATES AND OCCASIONAL OPINION

WELCOME TO YOUR 2019 NCAA TOURNAMENT HEADQUARTERS VIRGINIA YOUR 2019 NCAA CHAMPION.  WITH OT VICTORY.   VIRGINIA 85  TEXAS TECH 77 I am not sure how many years we have been doing this BUT counting pre blog days… It has been 28 years.  Most of those have been over the internet For all the Auburn fans and MEDIA PEOPLE who call that last foul as QUESTIONABLE (?)   Let  me tell you  THERE WAS NO QUESTION to it.  IT was definitely a foul !!  The defender JUMPED into the shooter.  That is a foul all day long.  As to the missed double dribble call.   THAT was just that a missed call in a crucial game; at a crucial time.  But it is one of those things I didn’t pick it up until the replay.  The commentators, and most anyone would miss it.   Unfortunate?  YES.  But that game was  moving at a quick pace.  Think of all the rules a referee has to look for.  Take that times 10 athletes.  I am sure the officials were looking more for contact,  than a rare ball handling miscue.  After all remember the rules have changed so much over the years.  They let them get by with palming the ball, (turning the ball over in their hands,  OFFENSIVE can legally GOAL TEND,  but Defense is not allowed to defend in like manner. THEY call it DUNKING THE BALL.  Any time the hand is in the imaginary circle immediately above the rim THAT IS GOAL TENDING.  They rarely call travel, and I can’t count the times i have seen this violation,  (it also occurs when one palms the ball).  They are getting better about watching the three second lane violation; but it still happens.  I saw one instance of kicking the ball not called.  Because apparently they changed that rule also.  Time was any time the ball hit your foot it was kicking the ball.  Apparently now it has to be deemed INTENTIONAL. Basketball used to be a no contact sport.  Not so much anymore National Championship  Minneapolis  April 8 CBS Virginia Vs  Texas Tech  20:30 This is where you can print your “OFFICE POOL” Bracket, Check the scores, etc. Yes I will have “MY PICKS” so you can compare your picks to mine. (And Laugh or Cry)I will have A “MASTER BRACKET”,  “WHAT IF YOU CHOSE THE HIGH PICKS”  for each game.  Yes I will have MY PICKS. .An “UPSET” will be RED on “ALL HIGH PICKS”  Bracket.  GREEN indicate HIGH SEED Win What is a seed?  Merely a starting place.  Although unlikely, IT is possible for two 16 seeds to meet in the final game.  Would lets say Michigan St  were to be seeded as a number 16.  They would still have  to win all games to be CHAMPION ! SEEDING attempts to give a more favored team an easier path to the CHAMPIONSHIP.  Seeding should lead to  the best 2 teams playing in the final game.  However there  is always that upset minded team;  or  the chance that the favored team has a bad game, a stand out player is sick or injured. To  print BRACKET:  HOVER OVER SHEET.  You will see a window at bottom with an arrow pointing down (second from right).  Click this button.  It will open a new window with the bracket then click the printer icon or go to file,  and PRINT. TO Enlarge each sheet: Hover over and select the square on the far bottom RIGHT.  To return to PAGE  Repeat. MASTER BRACKET [pdf-embedder url=”http://worldfootballcenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/2019-MM-MASTER-Bracket.pdf” title=”2019 MM MASTER Bracket”] ALL HIGH PICKS [pdf-embedder url=”http://worldfootballcenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/2019-ALL-HIGH-PICKS.pdf” title=”2019 ALL HIGH PICKS”] MY PICKS [pdf-embedder url=”http://worldfootballcenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/2019-MM-MY-PICKS.pdf” title=”2019 MM MY PICKS”] FIRST FOUR 03/19/19 DAYTON, OHIO   1 Fairleigh Dickenson 20-13 82 3 Belmont 27-5 81   FDU   BELMONT 2 Prairie View  22-12  76 4 Temple 23-9 70     13/20/20   5 N.C Central 18-15 74 7 Arizona St 22-10 75   NC CENTRAL   AZ STATE 6 N. Dakota St 12-18 78 8 St. John’s 21-12 65   Views: 108

NCAA March Madness 2018

VILLANOVA 2018 NCAA CHAMPIONS. MICHIGAN    62          VILLANOVA  79  Notre Dame 61-58 over Mississippi State with a buzzer beating 3 pointer. 17 years after Notre Dames last National Championship…  NOTRE DAME 2018 NCAA Women’s CHAMIONSHIP !!! This gives the state of Indiana bragging rights.  Having teams win both NCAA and NIT Women Championships. IF Michigan can pull off the Win tomorrow night the Big Ten will have both NCAA Mens and Mens NIT Championship.  And a combined Men and women 3 National Champions in one year.  WE CAN ONLY WAIT AND SEE.  (I have no idea when OR if that has ever happened. Indiana Hoosier Women WIN WNIT 65-57  over  Virginia Tech Hokies Big 1o looking strong.  with two NIT Championships under their belt this year.    WILL Michigan be able to add the NCAA Championship to this list? Penn St Nittany Lions defeats Utah Utes 82-67.   WE ALL WAITED FOR IT .  AFTER ALL THESE YEARS A NUMBER 16 SEED UPSET A NUMBER 1.  NOT JUST ANY NUMBER 1.  THE OVERALL NUMBER  1 SEED.  AND BY 20 POINTS.  UMBC  UPSET VIRGINIA.  HOW ABOUT A BIG HAND FOR UMBC.  Can they go on and be a true “CINDERELLA” Team.  If they continue to play like they did today.  A real possibility. Alas the dream came to an end.  However, it may signal a new era of  parity in this Modern Era of  college basketball.  Seems we were treated, in the past few years with more 15 Seeds upsetting 2 seeds.  Now a 16 upsetting a 1 seed.   We will just have to wait and see, what the future brings. I can’t help wondering if anyone has a perfect bracket.  With only 2 number 1 seeds left; and 2 number 2 seeds left.  On the SOUTH bracket, we see highest seeds of  5 (Kentucky), and 7th seeded Nevada.  Remaining. The WEST  has a number 3 seed, (Michigan), and a number 4 seed (Gonzaga), yet on a possible quest to the FINAL FOUR.   The Right side, EAST, and MIDWEST, (for the most part), has pretty much remained intact, both with number 1 and number 2 seeds still in play. WELCOME TO OUR 2018 MARCH MADNESS.  I am not sure How many years we have been doing this.  I will have to look it up. (Pre-Blog days  Has been online since 1992) Warren Buffett has once again offered $1 million dollars for life to any of his employees who gets the final 16 correct.(there’s a 1 in 1.24X1064 chance of accurately predicting all 16 teams. ) Not everyone will go home empty-handed, though. Whichever employee’s bracket makes it the furthest in the tournament will win $100,000.  I wonder if anyone still has a chance to win it; NOW. This is where you can print your “OFFICE POOL” Bracket, Check the scores, etc. I will have A “MASTER BRACKET”,  “WHAT IF YOU CHOSE THE HIGH PICKS”  for each game.  An “UPSET BRACKET”  (if the favored team wins it will be in Green, if it is an upset it will be listed in RED”.  And, Yes I will have “MY PICKS” so you can compare your picks to mine. (And Laugh or Cry)  What is a seed?  Merely a starting place.  Although unlikely, IT is possible for two 16 seeds to meet in the final game.  Would lets say Michigan St  were to be seeded as a number 16.  They would still have  to win all games to be CHAMPION !    SEEDING attempts to give a more favored team an easier path to the CHAMPIONSHIP.  Seeding should lead to  the best 2 teams playing in the final game.  However there  is always that upset minded team;  or  the chance that the favored team has a bad game, a stand out player is sick or injured. Selection Sunday will be Sunday March 11, 2018.  At 6pm.  You can watch the Selections Live on TBS.  Something different this year.  ALL 68 teams will be announced at the beginning.  Teams will know if they are in or out before the seeding announcements. The First Four, (play in games), will be played March 13 and 14. On TRU tv.  All games will be played in Dayton Ohio.  Two games March 13. Two games March 14.   Time is to be determined later. To  print BRACKET:  HOVER OVER SHEET.  You will see a window at bottom with an arrow pointing down (second from right).  Click this button.  It will open a new window with the bracket then click the printer icon or go to file,  and PRINT.  Will only print in black and White. TO Enlarge each sheet: Hover over and select the square on the far bottom RIGHT. I think my sentimental favorite, right now has to First Time Ever entry the “BISONS” of LIPSCOMB ! I must say I am very disappointed, by the Selection Committee’s decision.  Placing Conference Champions in a play in position, while seeding others (with questionable credentials), in the set field. All Times Atlantic Standard Time (or for the uneducated EDT) MASTER BRACKET [pdf-embedder url=”https://fromthemiddle.blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/2018-MM-Brackett-Master.pdf” title=”2018 MM Brackett Master”] ALL HIGH PICKS [pdf-embedder url=”https://fromthemiddle.blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/2018-MM-Brackett-HIGH-.pdf” title=”2018 MM Brackett HIGH”]   UPSETS [pdf-embedder url=”http://worldfootballcenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/2018-MM-Brackett-UPSETS.pdf” title=”2018 MM Brackett UPSETS”] MY PICKS [pdf-embedder url=”http://worldfootballcenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/2018-MM-Brackett-MY-PICKS.pdf” title=”2018 MM Brackett MY PICKS”]   Views: 121

The Native American Mascot GENOCIDE !!

GENOCIDE  The DELIBERATE and SYSTEMATIC  EXTERMINATION  of  a National, Political, Racial, or CULTURAL GROUP.       It appears to me the “MEDIA”, has triggered a movement to eradicate the MEMORY, of our Native American Culture. We now see few movies featuring the “INDIAN”.  Westerns we all watched, most of the time, featured the Indian in a fashion that could be interpreted in a bad light.  The Massacre of Custer’s troops.  Attacking wagon trains, etc. etc. Then we also had the ones which showed the other side the “Indians” who worked  as Scouts for the Calvary. SACAGAWEA, Who was instrumental in the movement to push the boundaries of the United States to the Pacific Ocean.  Without her, the USA may have ended at the Mississippi River.  Let’s not forget the “INDIANS” who befriended the first SETTLERS, and saved their live by teaching them how to grow keeps in this “Untamed Land”. We had Tonto, faithful companion to The Lone Ranger, NOT just a companion, BUT actually his life saver.  And many more. In reality many of us wanted to be the “INDIAN” when we played Cowboys and “INDIANS”. We admired  the family values, they depicted.  We appreciated their courage. Their tenacity to hold on to their Land and way of LIFE. WHO?  Among us would not FIGHT  to defend our LAND, OUR WAY  OF LIFE.   We took away their Land, Food, and most likely their dignity.  We moved them around, for our convenience.  Put them on little parcels of  land  called RESERVATIONS.  Before we came this whole country was theirs.  They welcomed us with open arms, and we treated them badly. Now the NCAA and PRO Sports, even our Primary Schools, are wanting to abolish the use of any reference of the “INDIAN”.  I know of a small town about 20 miles from where I live, began as an “INDIAN”  village.  The school there taught them our ways, and took their name as the school’s nickname.  Thanks to school consolidation, the town has only an elementary school, but still carries the “INDIAN” name.  The meaning has several interpretations today, from the native name  of a type of  TREE, to what they called EELS.  HISTORY LOST.  But ask any of the alumni, or any of the townspeople.  They are proud of the that name regardless of what it means. By removing the last remnants, the team NICKNAMES, and MASCOTS; the GENOCIDE, of our Native Americans will move closer to being nothing more  than a footnote in history.  These Mascots, (even if not exactly accurate),  remind of the American Heritage.  There were many Tribes. Few of us know more than a handful of their names.  But with the Colleges, Pro, and Primary Schools, we find our last tributes, to the brave native people who settled here long before “”AMERICANS”‘, thought of coming here.   What people are missing is this.  The names were given with respect and admiration. Whether, like the nickname of the school previously mentioned, (remember the tree, or eel, or whatever it meant).  Or a local tribe, or chief, or warrior.  They remain as a reminder, lest we forget… If you have noticed I used quotation marks each time I wrote “INDIAN”.  American should be used.  The word “INDIAN” came about because Chris Columbus thought he was in INDIA. In conclusion, I think removing these  last few reminders, of the REAL American, would be an absolute tragedy. That Is How I See It.     Views: 125

NCAA MARCH MADNESS 2017

You will see scores here when I am away from the computer Gonzaga 65  NORTH CAROLINA 71 North Carolina came from behind with a 9-2 run. To become your 2017 NCAA MENS BASKETBALL CHAMPIONS !! This is number 6 for the Tarheels.  And number 3 under Coach Roy Williams. Congratulations to the LADIES of South Carolina on becoming the 2017 NCAA Womens Basketball CHAMPIONS !!! The table is set. Two number One Seeds will face off tor the 2017 version of the NCCA 2017  Campionship Jump ball set to begin at 9pm (EST), Monday April 3rd, On CBS As I pointed out earlier; this will be GONZAGA’S 19th,consecutive tournament appearance. (It will be their 20th appearance counting their one and done, in 1995).  Could this be their year?  As I previously pointed out If they could score more than 62 points in that crucial  (for them), 4th game.  They would have a really good chance of winning their FIRST EVER Men’s NCAA  BASKETBAL  TITLE. I must admit the Gonzaga Bulldogs, if not considered a Cinderella team ; THEY have to be a SENTIMENTAL favorite.   Good luck to both teams.  Although I will be rooting for my sentimental favorite and SPIKES Favorite, GONZAGA.  (For those of you who didn’t  know, SPIKE is the name of Gonzaga’s mascot). North Carolina ended Oregon’s run, edging them out by a single point 77-76. Gonzaga, (a mid major college), withstood a 16-0 charge by South Carolina to eliminate South by 4 points. 77-73 Does it say anything that both finalist scored the same (77), number of points.  In their respective Semi-Final games,  Wouldn’t it be a great game if after 40 minutes the two teams were tied 77-77.  WOW! USA Today appeared a mite bias today.  I counted four headlines regarding the North Carolina game and zero regarding Gonzagas game.  If they had any I missed them. HOW about those Musketeers!  From an eleven seed to Elite Eight berth.  Of course I will still root for my TEAM, or any of its fellow conference members, as long as they last. It would be nice to see an eleven seed win it all. Gonzaga is  a sentimental favorite.  Having made the tournament EVERY year sine 1999.  Amassing 25 wins in the prior  17 year span.  Their best years were 1999 and 2015 with 3 wins advancing to to the Regional Final.  In 1999 they were ousted 67-62 by UCONN.   2015 saw the Zags Return to the regional final only to be defeated 66-62 by Duke.  Seems if they reach the Regional Final again and can score more than 62 points, They just might win their region. I really hate to add this item at this time.  But I Think it is relevant.  The Biggest Tourney the NCAA has.  is now going on.     The NCAA is trying to exert their  power of  FINANCIAL GAIN to the CITIES, and STATES.  Example is the  threat to North Carolina.  Change your STATE LAW: regarding restroom use OR…ELSE !!    No hosting of  NCAA Events.  They did this with College mascots…and got by with it.  NOW!  They are pressuring States to…  DO AS WE TELL YOU.  NOT WHAT YOUR RESIDENTS WANT.  It seems to me the NCAA has outgrown their britches and either needs to be ousted or NEW leadership that does what the organization was set up to do, and not overstep their bounds. I don’t know how to fight this.  We could boycott all NCAA events.  But that would also hurt the Schools, its Athlete, and punish the FAN BASE.  The only real answer is for the colleges,and universities to withdraw from the NCAA and set up a new organization to oversee the SPORTS, and leave it at that.  But that will never happen.  They apparently can not see where the NCAA is leading them. It appears North Carolinians have bowed to the almighty    dollar.  NCAA money apparently speaks louder than the  citizens voice.  North Carolina ceded to the GIANT  NCAA to  repeal their bathroom bill.    While I am on my stump.  There is all this talk of  “Student Athletes”  being paid to play.   THEY ARE BEING PAID, They are getting an education,  for all intents and purposes FREE.  ONE other thing I will inject here, (like it or not).  Enough of these athletes going to school, (basically free), then abandoning their education, for the big bucks of  PROFESSIONAL SPORTS.  I have no problem with them jumping for the big money they are offered.  BUT!!!  They have taken  scholarship money from students who really need it to get an education.  I PROPOSE.  Any student athlete, not completing school, (to go pro),  should REPAY the scholarship money.  OR The Professional Team/Organization, employing them should Repay the scholarship.  These Professional teams USE College/Universities as a “MINOR LEAGUE” to develop players.  Not so much Baseball, Hockey, or other sports, HOWEVER, it seems FOOTBALL, and Basketball are the big offenders of this use. As always this is just my opinion.  That Is The Way I See It. NORTHWESTERN WINS FIRST NCAA MARCH MADNESS GAME EVER.  Defeating Vanderbilt 68 to 66.  Congratulations NORTHWESTERN WELCOME TO OUR 2017 MARCH MADNESS.  I am not sure How many years we have been doing this.  I will have to look it up.  I do know all totaled I have been having this same POOL since, 1991.  Just not sure how many years I have posted on this blog.   Two years in a row I had a female player win my pool.  When I asked her method that made this result possible , her reply was, “I just pick the team with the best looking coach”.  So everybody has their own way and reasoning of picking the winner. This is where you can print your “OFFICE POOL” Bracket, Check the scores, etc. I will have these… “MASTER BRACKET”,  “What if you chose all  HIGH PICKS”  for each game.  An “UPSET BRACKET”  (if the favored team wins it will be in Green, if it is an… Continue reading NCAA MARCH MADNESS 2017

This That and the Other Thing

Today I will be talking about a few things.  Football, Politics, Basketbal, and anything else that pops into my mind. FOOTBALL:  Questions.  Will Peyton Retire?  YES! I believe he will retire.  But follow the lead of Jeff Saturday and retire as  a COLT. Will Johnny Manziel find a home?   Despite his intolerable behavior….I believe someone will find a spot for him.  JAMESIS WINSTON found a home,  DIDN’T he. What about Robert  Griffin III ?  I think he will land some where.  BUT as I wrote before his, Russel Wilson, and Andrew Luck’s drafting.  R.G.III needs to play behind a veteran for at least one or two years.  Then I think he will be ready.   POLITICS:  Same old thing.  people will elect another MULTI-MILLIONAIRE, who has no interest in the working people.  Right now it looks like our choice will be Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton.   Before I move on let me remind you I do not affiliate with any party.  It is my belief THERE IS NO ROOM IN GOVERNMENT FOR PARTIES.    That said;  Donald Trump has set a precedent as one who will, if things get a little tough he will bail.  Just look how many times he has bailed out of businesses using  BANKRUPTCY!!!!   Hillary Clinton:  Don’t forget Who’s name was on NAFTA which sent and continues to send AMERICAN JOBS to another country.  CLINTON.  She has been caught in so many LIES already.  Yes I know  LYING is a politician’s pre-requisite.   As an INDEPENT VOTER I must say our choices get worse every election. Lastly. BASKETBALL: Thank goodness we have something to look forward to.  I will have your printable brackets, and updates for the NCAA Tournament.  This year is the first time in many years the Tournament looks wide open.  Every week we see I would say about 5 upsets.  Who will peak at just the right time, or have an outstanding game: or the worst game of their season. Yes I will have my selections, how you would do if you had picked the favored team,  AND the upset sheet which will highlight every upset for the Tourney. Time to go now. Talk to again.  Be sure to check back for my coverage of MARCH MADNESS. PS: I almost forgot. The Oscars.  As usual most all awards go to the least deserving.  I usually go to one movie a week,  and the movies I watched were MUCH better than the winners.  I truly believe the pre-reqisite for an Oscar is a bad job which needs the “MAGICAL ACADEMY AWARD”   to get a push. I won’t go through every award.  Let me just say BEST ACTOR:  DiCaprio???? Are you kidding.  He was a terrible actor as a child, and is still terrible.   The best movie he even came close to giving a really good performance was 14 years ago.  CATCH ME IF YOU CAN.  Sorry but that is truly the only movie I could call him creditable.  THE REVENANT was an interesting story.  But really a Chimpanzee could have turned in as good a performance. So as you can see they should have made a special category to score him as Oscar.  The category should have been  PARTICIPATION OSCAR.  Just as the little soccer players win or lose get a Participation trophy. PSS:  I forgot I wanted to mention the threat of the Louisiana Governor to do away with LSU Football.  We all know that LSU brings in a massive amount of money to the state for their football games.  To take away the financing would be a bigger blow to Louisiana’s economy than the program costs. That Is How I See It.           Views: 118

NCAA Rule Changes For 2015 Season

This post will be short and to the point.  Maybe too short to get anyone’s attention. The NCAA is excited about their rule changes. One change is the elimination of the 5 second closely guarded rule.  I am not sure when they added the closely guarded rule.   But in the days of REAL BASKETBALL.  There was no such rule. Another change is the no touch rule.  EXCUSE me but that was a rule many years ago.  BASKETBALL, was meant to be a no contact sport.  I am not sure if they made a rule saying it was okay to grab and/or keep a hand on your opponent.  Or if they just decided not to enforce that rule.  Some of the rules they don’t enforce are  PALMING THE BALL, TRAVEL, and I cannot tell you how many times I have seen DOUBLE DRIBBLES.   They talk of how much more control the  players have of the ball as they come down the court.  Let me explain as many of you don’t know how the rules WERE.  Palming the ball is when the player puts his hand under the ball and turns it over as he dribbles.  Watch.  See how many times you see the players do this. You will see this when the ball handler is coming down the court, or executing a turn. Travel is anytime you make 2 steps while holding the ball.  You are (or should I say were) allowed to move one foot as long as your pivot foot stayed anchored.  If, for any reason your pivot foot moved,  even a little slide.  YOU TRAVELED. Double Dribble, Is anytime you either use both hands on the ball at the same time to dribble, or stop your dribble and then resume to dribble.  This infraction you will see most often when a player chases down a ball and may dribble it, until he clears the opposition.  He then will begin to dribble again. NOW, if only we could get them to enforce the GOAL TENDING rule.  For those of you who do not know the definition of GOAL TENDING, this is it.  GOAL TENDING:  When a players hand or any body part enters the extended area directly above the rim.  (As far as I know there is no height limit here it extends higher than any player could reach.  AS YOU can see a DUNK is a direct violation of this rule.  Any DUNK you will see the players hand is inside this extended area.  Now not only is this a violation of the rule, It gives the OFFENSIVE DUNKER  an unfair advantage.  You see as a defender CANNOT  put his hand in the area.  Besides how much skill does it take for these 6’10” – over 7′ players to achieve this,  They either don’t have to jump, or maybe a little hop.   IF they want to allow this it should only be worth a single point.  Due to the low skill level to accomplish this shot.  Maybe less,  perhaps a half point.  After all it takes more skill to sink a free throw which only gets 1 point. I know the thrill I felt when I dunked the ball, I never got called for it because if they watch me in warm up I could not touch the rim, (lead feet),  but with the adrenaline flowing during a close game, I could dunk the ball.  Go figure. That Is How I See It.       Views: 108