Volunteer Country

Predicting Each Game In The Midwestern Region

Predicting each first-round game from the Midwest Region of the NCAA Tournament. The Tennessee Volunteers have a tough path ahead.

Caleb Sisk

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The Tennessee Volunteers and 15 other teams are competing to make the final four, as each team represents the Midwest Region. Basketball has reached the most fun part of the season, as every team is now in a win-or-go-home situation. Every ounce of work and every slight mistake will show in the results, as it's a month filled with upsets, joy, sadness, angry fans, and elite basketball. All basketball fanatics will be at their TVs watching this one for days upon days as they see how their bracket unfolds.

Purdue vs. Grambling

This game is a no-brainer for me. Purdue will win by a good margin as they are a team run by their big-man standout, Zach Edey. Edey is going for another Player of the Year award, as he has had a dominant college career until this point when the Boilermakers are looking for a title. I have Purdue in a landslide. 82-57 Purdue.

Utah State vs. TCU

TCU is not the flashiest team in the nation, that's for sure. I'm a believer in Jameer Nelson, and I believe he gives the Horned Frogs a puncher's chance. However, I think this game ends in close fashion in favor of the Utah State Aggies. Utah State is coming off of a tough semi-final loss to a tough San Diego State squad. I believe Great Osobor is going to be too much, but this game will be close in the end. 67-64, Utah State.

Gonzaga vs. McNeese

Upset alert. I have McNeese winning this game, and here is why. The Cowboys have only dropped three games, and they have been a well-working team all season long! They are on a winning streak and have continued to dominate throughout the postseason. Many expect Gonzaga to come out like they usually do, as they are usually considered a powerhouse. I don't see that happening. I believe that McNeese comes out and punches them in the mouth early. This will still be a fairly close game. McNeese wins 80-74.

Kansas vs. Samford

There is no way I'm picking against the Jayhawks in this one. Despite star guard Kevin McCullar missing March Madness, I still believe they will go a decent distance in the tournament. I don't believe Samford has enough to defuse Hunter Dickinson or whatever weapon Kansas may throw at them. Give me the Jayhawks, 76-59.

South Carolina vs. Oregon

South Carolina is a really tough team. They are looking to get some March Madness wins under their belt; however, I don't expect that to happen. Something tells me this game will make the Gamecocks crumble under the bright lights. Oregon isn't a team I believe can make it far throughout the tournament; however, if they beat the Gamecocks, who knows what's next? N'Faly Dante is a menace down low, and I believe he is one of the biggest sleepers in the tournament. This may be an upset in many books, but pencil Oregon into the second round. Give me the Ducks, 63-59.

Creighton vs. Akron

I find it hard to believe this game will be close. No explanation is needed; I got Creighton in this one. Creighton wins, 79-54.

Texas vs. Colorado State

I'm going to keep this one quite simple. The Longhorns win this game, and I believe the quick turnaround that Colorado State will have, as they had to win in the first four games to make the tournament, plays a factor. Give me Texas, 81-67.

Tennessee vs. Saint Peters

I've got the Volunteers all day in this one. Dalton Knecht is arguably the best player in the nation, and I believe that Zakai Zeigler is the best overall point guard in the nation. Saint Peters is no slouch, and I believe they hang around in the first half. Give me the Volunteers, 84-66.

Tennessee Volunteers G Dalton Knecht during media availabilities at the NCAA Tournament. (Photo by Jim Dedmon of USA Today Sports)

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Caleb Sisk
CALEB SISK