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March Madness 2021 has been revealed, and we’re going to dissect it.
Contributors
Santiago Leon – @sleon
Ryan Christa – @maddawgreport
The undefeated Bulldogs, fresh off a West Coast Conference championship, will play the winner of the opening round matchup between Norfolk State and Appalachian State.
Norfolk State won the MEAC championship and Appalachian State won the Sun Belt Conference title to earn automatic bids in the tournament.
Baylor will play the No. 16 seed Hartford. Illinois will play the No. 16 seed Drexel. Michigan will play the winner between Mount St. Mary’s and Texas Southern.
Out of the No. 1 seeds, Gonzaga and Illinois are the only teams to win their conference tournaments.
The men’s basketball tournament will begin with the First Four on March 18. The first games will be played at the Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall in Bloomington and the Mackey Arena in Lafayette. The championship will be held on April 5. Lucas Oil Stadium is also a host site.
The NCAA will allow a limited number of fans for the men’s tournament in each round. Each game will carry a 25% capacity with social distancing.
The NCAA said, “Event capacity will include all participants, essential staff and family members of each participating team’s student-athletes and coaches and a reduced number of fans. All attendees must wear face coverings and physically distance during the event. Thorough cleaning, disinfecting and safety measures will be a priority in all venues.”
Virginia, who made the tournament despite being taken out of the ACC tournament due to a coronavirus issue, is the defending men’s champion.
Winthrop the cinderella?
play Villanova first, in the Baylor bracket
Liberty?
Play OK STa, in Ililinois bracket
PAC-12
97% completion pass rate
Drew Brees retires
Who will replace Drew Brewes for #Saints QB?
Jamein Winston -58%, Taysom Hill- 17%, Someone else – 25%
RC: Tayom Hill
https://twitter.com/thesportscast1/status/1371425759747784714
Aaron Jones and the Packers have come to terms on a four-year, $48 million that includes a $13 million signing bonus.
Shaq Barrett re-signs with the Bucs, 4yr 72M
Predictions
NBA
LAC-DAL
RC: DAL
LAL-GSW
RC: LALA
Polls
Who is your favorite Kansas Team
Chiefs- 40%, Kansas State- 0, KC Royals- 40%, Kansas Jayhawks- 20%
RC: Royal
Transcript
Santiago Leon 0:13
The sports cast March 15 2021. If you haven’t yet, please subscribe to all our channels Periscope, iTunes. And if you’re an apple podcast, please leave a rating and review it will help us out tremendously. And of course it could visit us on the sports cast dotnet the sports cast dotnet or on our iOS app, the sports casts iOS mean meaning iPhone. March Madness 2021 has been revealed. This is the COVID COVID tournament they call it last year there was no COVID one year ago, when Rudy go bear which which he’s an NBA guy canceled sports when I haven’t, but he got the virus. And sports was canceled for a few months. And the big question back then was can march madness happen? At first they were gonna say yeah, we could we could, you know, have no fans. Okay, so they said no fans, and then and then afterwards, they just canceled it completely. So this is the first this is the first March Madness in two and two years. So it’s quite interesting, the whole, like the whole dynamic of this tournament and how much anticipation? One of the big big minuses this year is Duke not participating due to Duke to COVID protocols and I believe one other team and and I’m not gonna say it Virginia. Anyways, we got someone that is a March Madness expert and also who coaches basketball in a professional level. Ryan Krista all the way from upstate New York, Rochester. Welcome back to the sports cast.
Ryan Christa 2:01
And yeah, what a beautiful day. Welcome to bracket Monday.
Santiago Leon 2:05
Ryan, you emphasize this month more than NFL playoffs? But hey, all power to you.
Ryan Christa 2:11
Yeah, you know, it says the great American tradition. March Madness. It’s so interesting being you know, college football, and college basketball lunatic here as I am. I’m halon college football, you know, the regular season is so important. And if you’re not, you know, winning to four teams, if you know the rest of the bowl games becoming absolutely, almost Well, you know, the college basketball season is almost the same as a bowl season. It’s not, not a lot of attention, but then you get to march in everybody, you know, everybody’s you know, jumping on board, but you know, me kind of recap everybody up to speed, you know, as I go through this tournament, you know, as he’ll help you fill out those brackets, you know, because a lot of you may not pay attention from November to March. Let me help you out here this during this podcast. Have you fill out your brackets correctly?
Santiago Leon 3:05
Yes. And you got till Friday, right Ryan or till Thursday night to fill them out? If you’re putting money into it. Listen to Ryan, he’s pretty good at predicting these things. No one that has ever predicted a perfect bracket. I believe pat robertson came close one year, but 100% accuracy now. It’s hard.
Ryan Christa 3:25
Yeah. So. So here’s the little difference, you know, so each team, you know, we’ll talk about some of the you talked a little bit about Duke not being able to compete while they weren’t going to make it anyway. So there that’s absolutely Virginia, Kentucky or Virginia, Kansas, I’m sorry, are the two teams right now who are their games postponed last weekend? Or everybody’s holding their breath? So we have the 60 teams, we got those two teams that are you know, ice right now if they’re unable to compete by tomorrow, we’ve already got four teams that are lined up to replace them starting off let’s just say Virginia can play in the tournament. Louisville would step in their place as the foresee that’s just how it is it’s not they don’t be working bracket once the brackets out. That’s how
Santiago Leon 4:11
so Virginia could still play.
Ryan Christa 4:14
Yeah, Virginia that they’re scheduled to play the four seed in the West Region scheduled to play Ohio. So but you know, they have till tomorrow and if they say they can play by, you know, and then they end up canceling then Ohio we’ll move on to the next round. So if this kind of the way, you know, liftings a little bit different, but that’s COVID and, and you know, the selections. I was so sweet yesterday after you’re not having it just to see those brackets out, you know? Yes, it’s a little differently. So it’s kind of a micro bubble here in Indianapolis, but it’s better than nothing.
Santiago Leon 4:54
Exactly. This will be a bubble style being one location and previously would be enforced. different locations this time is one for cover protocols and we’ll go over what’s going to happen who can go, who cannot go in the stands but it’ll definitely be quieter scenario. Ryan, do the honors which which part of the bracket you want to start the west, south, north or east? Or Midwest? Let’s go into West number one Gonzaga gives Norfolk State or Appalachian State. Gonzaga has been the heavy favourites to win the whole thing. They’ve been undefeated in the regular season. Ryan, Krista, what do you got there?
Ryan Christa 5:34
Obviously, this is a kind of a slam dunk start to the you know, their prediction, Gonzaga undefeated regular season. Should they have any trouble with either North works or Appalachian State whoever it may be.
Santiago Leon 5:48
Who do you think would be better challenger between the two Norfolk or Appalachian State?
Ryan Christa 5:56
The little that I’ve seen. I saw a little bit north folks a couple months ago. Decent team just doesn’t have the other kind of athletic but they’re they’re not in the same heights. You know, they’re very undersized. Appalachian State is a team that caught fire here a couple weeks ago there and I don’t think they’re that great, but you know, they caught but yeah, how did the right time that’s you know, they’re gonna send about you what usually you know, produces a 13 or 14 seed because you got one of your middle of the road teams when the conference tournament that turns in the into a first for matchup for you know, sunbelt team. So Appalachian State known as more of a football powerhouse gets their first tournament appearance and I think since it was 94 I think I read so welcome to the dance to the mountaineers. But you know, whether whoever wins that game will be a short stay centered at night, and then the app less so but vaga going to be one going for the first undefeated season since Indiana.
Santiago Leon 7:02
Next, match Oklahoma, Missouri, Oklahoma is number eight number nine is Missouri Ryan, who do you got for this matchup much closer than the previous one
Ryan Christa 7:12
a couple weeks ago you probably see these two teams in the five to six range both teams are free falling pretty quickly so this is your always unbelievable a difficult matchup the a nine matchup so I think all four of them there’s no more than a two point point spread right now in all four games. So basically, you put two teams in a hat and you pull it out this is a very tough you know, seeing of all teams play a lot is more of a one man show and Tillman Oklahoma’s You know, when they’re playing good, they’re balanced. But they’re you know, they’re losers I think five straight five out of six games only win against lowly Iowa State. So I’m gonna go the Tigers the win this game.
Santiago Leon 7:58
Missouri tigers. Next one. Creighton versus U S. S UCSB
Ryan Christa 8:08
University of California Santa Barbara you know any famous alumni from Santa Barbara
Santiago Leon 8:13
I do not recall but when I think of Santa Barbara I think of habit burger grill which their their headquarter there
Ryan Christa 8:20
I think of Mr. radio personality Jim Rome when I think of Santa Barbara, UC Santa Barbara, but they’re, you know, this is the five problem matchups that tend to be you know, the big upset picks, you know, for some reason where I don’t commit, he just loves to, you know, throw the overachieving mid major maybe against a powerhouse like Cray and so I haven’t seen a lot of Santa Barbara. I saw the championship game they’re very impressive. But Cray n coming off of a really good season. Tough ending against Georgetown. We’ll talk about later in the same matchup five tough matchup really destroyed in the championship game but I think creating well in this game,
Santiago Leon 9:07
Creighton is going to win this game by the way I am filling this bracket in real time So anyway, for people that are interested next one a pen a pending Virginia against a Ohio number 13 Ohio, Virginia is number four, Ryan what’s gonna happen there with the Cavaliers
Ryan Christa 9:31
your pilot case which is a tier one so basically everybody’s contract trace and basically, you know that person who we don’t know who it is is not going to play in the tournament we don’t know but what we do know is if everything goes well the rest of the team will leave Thursday night to head for Friday morning to head to Indianapolis so in they’re not going to practice from them. So this is really a great chance for the Ohio bobcats who really came on strong in the Mac tournament so you know my Virginia it’s hard to go against you know what we still is the defending champion because there was no tournament last year I’m gonna I’m gonna send you a VA will win this game but it will be a close game if they do play
Santiago Leon 10:18
USC number six USC vs number 11 well it could be Wichita State or Drake What do you got?
Ryan Christa 10:28
I’m gonna go wherever it is I’m gonna go USC to Evan Mobley Player to watch good good you know freshmen for you know for USC does everything for them. I don’t think either Drake or Wichita State will have an answer for them. I yell It’s nice to see both of those two teams you know coming from the med major market to make it in even though they didn’t win their conference tournament. The committee definitely respected you know a good body of work by both teams but I will say whoever wins that game USC I’ll just say you know I think what you’ve asked say well when but in Southern California will beat Wichita State in that first round
Santiago Leon 11:05
number three, Kansas versus Eastern Washington.
Ryan Christa 11:12
Got ya good Kansas, another team. I think they’re in a little better shape than UVA in the sense that I think they’ll both should be able to make it and they should be will beat the Eagles from Eastern Washington. So Kansas,
Santiago Leon 11:26
Kansas Jayhawks Oregon Ducks, Tyler Turner’s team against VCU number 10 Oregon is a numbers What do you guys it’s a bit closer matchup there.
Ryan Christa 11:41
Yeah, I got you know, 710 can be a little tricky too. I gotta go Oregon. We see you. You know, their defensive driven team. They’ll press you they don’t have a you know, they’re they got a guy named I kill your who will ever tell you that? I’m sorry. Hi, Kelly. former football player Sorry about that. I’ve been here who will do all their scoring No, but they will press you they’ll play hard, you know, very athletic. I think the lack of scoring i think that that should be able to pull this game out.
Santiago Leon 12:12
Oregon. You go. You’re going with the ducks. Number two Iowa against number 15 Grand Canyon.
Ryan Christa 12:21
Alright, Grand Canyon s&d? I was like I like to say the poor man’s Liberty University trying to do the thing out there in the West Coast but led by former or former Gulf former Valparaiso star Vanderbilt coach and brother Baylor coach Scott BRYCE DREW leading the antelopes against Luca, Luca Garza and probably the player of the year in college basketball this year. The hot guy should win this game pretty easily.
Santiago Leon 12:53
The archives Okay, we’re done with the West. Ryan, you want to go east south or Midwest?
Ryan Christa 12:59
Let’s just keep on going down. Let’s
Santiago Leon 13:00
go east. Okay, number one, Michigan versus Mount St. Mary’s or Texas? Texas.
Unknown Speaker 13:08
Texas. Yeah, who
Santiago Leon 13:09
do you have between Mount St. Mary’s were to take this out then versus Michigan.
Ryan Christa 13:15
I’m gonna go to Texas out there and you really uh, you know, pretty consistent program in the southwest Athletic Conference. Athletic led by coach Mike Davis, former Indiana coach that is showing that game I believe, but they will be taken down by Michigan and former NBA Fab Five. Player juwan Howard in Michigan should win this game against Texas Southern Michigan
Santiago Leon 13:39
the Wolverines LSU vs. St. Bonaventure.
Ryan Christa 13:45
Fandango this game had some local teams St. Bonaventure you know, if you ever come to Western New York, you will have to go out to New York to visit St. Bonaventure. What are you crazy little college town only in New York is against amino SSC powerhouse losing. This is a great you know, the coolness about the NCAA tournament is every team’s got a story of a comeback comes from a different place and that what it can track trust and you know, differences in university. I am going to go with my heart in this then St. Bonaventure
Santiago Leon 14:21
same bond over over LSU tigers. Let’s go Colorado versus Georgetown which you have something to say about Georgetown.
Ryan Christa 14:30
Yes Georgetown you know a team two weeks ago you know was probably contemplating that they made the right hire and rain former star Patrick you didn’t coach that team but
Santiago Leon 14:39
which he was not allowed at Madison Square Garden last week keep going
Ryan Christa 14:42
but he was alive they just they they you know just funny you know being former Knicks superstar you know, they had a flu shot his security badge to get into you know, but is this kind of a joke after the but Colorado pretty solid team you know Tad boys guys team playing well I just think the magical runoff for the horses and the buffalo should win this game.
Santiago Leon 15:04
Colorado buffaloes you know, that I know that’s a so much about that team because we’ve had so much a PAC 12 people to the sportscasting. Anyways, Florida State second to Florentines, maybe this year, and they’re going up against UNC Greensboro. Ryan, what’s going on there?
Ryan Christa 15:23
Why stay is looks like every Florida State team that’s ever been you know, since years. They’re tall, they’re athletic. They played hard the friends you know, they’re gonna you know pressure the ball next kind of cookie cutter in the way you know, type of players Yeah, it’s you know, you just they read madness, you know, which could drive you know, UNC Greensboro crazy but you’re on cigarettes as well coached by former UNC basketball player West Miller. I think this will be a nail biter but I think plus they’re the athletes is and will be winning out of me and
Santiago Leon 15:59
the school that jameis Winston went and might be starting quarterback anyways a BYU Okay, first, we have between Michigan State and UCLA. Those are two heavy hitters, where you got
Ryan Christa 16:10
to go to blue was playing the first four, you know, Michigan state’s probably a little miffed that, you know, they’ve, they won games against you know, you know, three, three other top five teams in the country, you know, but they have some bad losses. So, they’re stuck in the first four against, you know, an average UCLA team that kind of, they never peak but they never hit bottom. They just kind of tread water all year. I’m gonna go Michigan State. Okay, and then
Santiago Leon 16:37
they go against BYU, which is a Mormon school.
Ryan Christa 16:40
Yes. BYU, the only team that really give Gonzaga trouble throughout the regular season. They are up by 12 points, and it’s the Bulldogs you know the WCC championship game last week. So very fundamentally sound team very tall and lanky. I don’t think they’re as good as some of the BYU teams in the past but just so well coach they’re fun team to watch and I think there’ll be you know, Michigan State
Santiago Leon 17:04
wow, you know, it’s interesting you Michigan State UCLA I mean these are like you know, UCLA that’s where Russell Westbrook when Kevin Love when Michigan State won the tournament a couple years ago. I mean, this is pretty early for that face off.
Ryan Christa 17:18
Yeah, you know, I said the two teams you know, I have this is definitely the year that the year for the Blue Bloods you know, you don’t have Duke you don’t have Kentucky you know, Michigan say UCLA barely got in or wide open. I think it’s wide open. So, you know, it’s it’s a T it’s a year of COVID. So it’s here of unpredictability and also a lot of new faces to dance.
Santiago Leon 17:42
Texas. matchup here Texas versus Abilene Christian author Abilene Christian is Yeah, it isn’t Texas. Yeah. Abilene Christian. Ryan, who you got there with the with the Texas Derby.
Ryan Christa 17:54
I you know, San Diego I don’t think many people have heard of Abilene Christian before. You know, yesterday is you know, six you know, whenever that came out 615 this bracket there you know, I I’ve read a lot. I’ve seen a little bit of their games. They will give texas a lot of trouble. But in the end, Texas is just playing well. First Team and team from Texas to ever win the big 12 tournament San Diego that is a fun fact for trivia. Ah, they’re, you know, they’re just, they’re playing too well, Texas, it’s hard for them to I could imagine losing to them. So horn should win.
Santiago Leon 18:29
Let’s go to the upper east Yukon versus Maryland. This is a good match of close matchup who you got up in the north you kind of has a lot of history that term says well, Ryan, who you got
Ryan Christa 18:42
I you hand his back, you know, Danny Hurley you know. Finally putting in blue pen there back in the Big East where they belong. You know that things are turning out for UConn. This is not a championship team but the future’s bright for the Huskies. The terps shake up in all year. You gotta win against Michigan stay in the first round the big 10 tournament which kind of put them into turn this the big tournament. Before there’s an a Michigan I’m gonna say UConn wins this game
Santiago Leon 19:12
UConn, which they do have a good women’s team. But
Ryan Christa 19:17
that’s, that’s an underestimate.
Santiago Leon 19:19
Exactly. They’re like the Brazil in college basketball. Um, Alabama versus Iona. Alabama’s number two I own is number 15 and Alabama team that has not been doing well. These past couple years this year. They flipped and they’re completely good. Justin Riley says if Herb Jones and Javan Quintin Lee continues to play at a high level Alabama is in the Elite Eight Ryan we got this might be close you think?
Ryan Christa 19:45
I Yeah, I definitely think this is going to be close. Alabama should definitely play on your A game that you know, this is definitely not your average to 15 matchup. I think the only reason I own is a 15 see is that they basically didn’t play back For six weeks Santiago they’ve only got 17 games they’re 12 and five
Santiago Leon 20:05
so they’re well rested or
Ryan Christa 20:07
yeah for those games yo for those wins came in the last four days yo can their tournament you know so but they blew through there you know the other Mac ma Metro athletic and Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference net demand America conference represented by Ohio but they’re coached by one Rick Pitino well turn this I think I own a you know, into men major powerhouse Yeah, I don’t think they’re gonna win this game because, you know, like you said, you know, Alabama instead of Justin Riley gave a lot of good points. Herb Jones is Swiss Army Knife inside you know, there’s not a great score. He’s not the best defender but he’s not the best shot blocker but I don’t think there’s a guy in America who does everything that well like Herb Jones is they shoot the ball you know, the thing about Alabama they live and die by the three point shot you know, I think they’ll have enough athleticism over Iowa even if they don’t shoot the ball good. But you know the pressure I will put on Alabama will make this game I think tight for at least you know. Yeah. I have one more half half. Yeah, definitely going to the second half. Alabama should pull away
Santiago Leon 21:17
and is Alabama a a lead aid squad?
Ryan Christa 21:21
Oh, absolutely. San Diego as long as they you know, as the competition goes on, you know, they’re gonna have to continue to shoot the ball well. A game potentially against potential against Connecticut, and it stuck around could loom danger, but I think there’ll be okay.
Santiago Leon 21:39
Baylor University versus Hartford were started in the house bracket. Ryan, I don’t think you’re gonna think too much about this one.
Ryan Christa 21:48
So yeah, Baylor let’s move on Harford good story. First time in the tournament. Um, good job for for the Northeast conference champion, or American East champion. I’m sorry. But you know, the tournament. Yeah, they’re staying in a tournament will be about two hours.
Santiago Leon 22:03
North Carolina Tar hills against Wisconsin Badgers. What do you got in them?
Ryan Christa 22:09
Again, really alone. blue blood not either in the in the tournament, not in the first four. So they’ll have pressure on North Carolina. You know, definitely not vintage. tarheel team but they do have athleticism. They’re not a walkover. You know, Wisconsin couple weeks ago. I think looks like a top four seed. But they’re falling falling fast. I think North Carolina wins this game
Santiago Leon 22:36
UNC tar hills baby blue wins. Villanova versus Winthrop a Villanova team that a lot of people are saying could be a Cinderella team. Ryan What are your thoughts? Winthrop Winthrop I mean
Ryan Christa 22:50
well what definitely this circle this game this is gonna I think it’d be obviously the end of the day you know there’s imagine a couple years ago Middle Tennessee State was a 12 c versus five see Minnesota remember in Middle Tennessee State was a favorite to win a game and I think you might see this I haven’t seen a line on this but I wouldn’t be surprised if winter will be the favorite to win this game. They’re well under see that I think this is I mean they’re 23 one San Diego I know they’re playing the Big South but they crushing everybody like this is a really good team. I think that’d be Villanova. Villanova is trending way down. They lost in turn the blue a huge lead to eventual champion Georgetown, but this is not. I’m going winter beagles in this game.
Santiago Leon 23:38
Winthrop eagles and let’s see how deep they go. Purdue Indiana team versus North Texas. Ryan Hill you got
Ryan Christa 23:48
Purdue Yeah, you know, you gotta like the home court advantage. You know, and I know they won’t be playing in their own court which will be one of the venues Mackey arena,
Santiago Leon 23:55
but that’s a difference. I think.
Ryan Christa 23:57
I Well, you know, like they can stay in their own area. I think you know, North Texas is a good story. The Mean Green. I think this will be a good game. Purdue is is a really balanced team. I don’t think they have a superstar team. You know, they’re tall or lanky and they shoot the ball. Well, Purdue wins this game.
Santiago Leon 24:15
Purdue wins it Texas Tech versus Utah State six vs 11
Ryan Christa 24:21
Ah, Red Raiders. Texas Tech should win this game Aggies Are you know, fundamentally sound team? Well, I think there’ll be a very low scoring game and playing probably early 50s both teams are pretty deliberate but I think Texas Tech is just got a little bit more new Arsenal
Santiago Leon 24:39
Arkansas versus Colgate
Ryan Christa 24:42
Ah, there’s I think the highest team in America you know, I know they lost in the semis at LSU but Arkansas winners of eight out of nine games now um, so they you know they they play you hired Earth Muslim ins got it really going on down in Fayetteville Colgate, you know, good Dory, again, you know, small small college in the middle of nowhere New York won’t have enough classes to keep up with Arkansas.
Santiago Leon 25:11
Arkansas, eight is Florida. Your Florida Gators versus Virginia Tech. Two teams you’re very familiar with.
Ryan Christa 25:20
Yeah, I you know, Florida I think very lucky seat. I don’t know if they really deserve the seven seat averaging attack due to COVID hasn’t played much lately. They kind of hit their stride in the middle of season faltered and then they hit COVID. The last couple weeks got blown out by North Carolina in the ACC tournament last week. Two teams that I don’t think are really trending up. Again, you know, you get this a lot of times 897 10 matchups I’m gonna go to the Gators I think they just just a little bit more well rounded of a team and then that
Santiago Leon 25:57
Hokies Of course he will say that next number two Ohio State versus number 15. Or Roberts University, another Christian school and the marchman is what do you got there?
Ryan Christa 26:08
I think Ohio State was you know, has a lot more talent and oral roberts playing well, you know, they last this week and big 1010 min came very close to winning the game last yesterday against Illinois. They should have really no trouble at all robbers the crystal admins really done a great job of, you know, bringing back to addition of Ohio State basketball,
Santiago Leon 26:33
a solid basketball school from Ohio Roberts, Illinois. Le vs. Drexel number one verse 16.
Ryan Christa 26:41
I know I should have no trouble at the dragons at Drexel. Nice to see the dragons back in the tournament first time in a long time. Once power in the Philadelphia area that you send out as a side story, there’s no city that loves college basketball more than the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, home of Villanova. St. Joe’s, Penn LaSalle Drexel it’s, there’s a lot of good basketball going on, going on there.
Santiago Leon 27:07
Yeah. When it comes to basketball at
Ryan Christa 27:08
the same time, they don’t have the athletes Illinois has an it should be no trouble for the line.
Santiago Leon 27:14
Number eight Loyola, Chicago versus number nine, Georgia Tech.
Ryan Christa 27:21
Ramblers are back here San Diego, coming off from two years ago that final four run with iconic fans, sister Jean, everybody’s favorite fan going into ACC champion Georgia Tech. This is definitely isn’t I’ve been thinking about this game a lot. Well, usually, you know, I think I do a nine games there. You know, I’m looking at it and both teams are kind of trending down. And I kind of just meet in the middle. You know, these are two teams that are trending up. You know, both conference champions. Georgia Tech may have a little bit more athleticism. I just love the way they were way Chicago does it and does it their way each and every game they play. You know, they’re very, very methodical. They play hard and those defenses. I mean, it’s not a Georgia Tech, you know, Josh Pastner Finally, you know, was kind of this boy wonder first couple years and Memphis and then I fell on hard times. And again, we really haven’t found much success in Georgia Tech into the last couple of weeks. So yeah, here we go. They’re full throttle here. I spent a little while
Santiago Leon 28:29
so Yola wins against Georgia Tech. Ryan says it is the closest matchup in the first round. Tennessee Volunteers, Oregon State beavers Ryan number five verses 12 we got their
Ryan Christa 28:44
Oregon State and I wanted a like a Georgetown bid steel, you know, team and probably not no one was talking about before beginning of last week, you know, goes on a big run in the PAC 12 tournament ends up being you know, winning at this weekend. You know, so props to the beavers and Wayne tinkle you know for really having success there. You know, game two tournament. But you know, kind of the team has been up and down all year at once was a top five team you know, fell back now that kind of trending up a little bit. I kind of got volunteers to win this game.
Santiago Leon 29:19
Tennessee wins. Oklahoma State versus Liberty University, our alma mater, Oklahoma State is number four Liberty’s doing is number 13. There were actually the first the qualified to March Madness. Ryan, break it down.
Ryan Christa 29:36
Santiago, this will be a good matchup I this is not the Liberty team that we had a couple years ago that being Mississippi State and came very close to being a Virginia Tech. But this is not a slouch either. You know they have some of those same parts there. They might this might be a better offensive team than a couple of years ago but they just don’t have you know, they’re not as well you know, rounded as a team a couple years ago, but It’s sad. It’s because I think last year that was the best team Liberty’s ever had, you know, but didn’t really get a chance to show it off in the tournament. You know, that returns a couple players and they go back and run the table again and no antics. But they’re going it’s Cade Cunningham and I think of Arkansas as the hottest team in America. Oklahoma State might be the second hottest team in America. Ah, this is gonna be very tough for liberty. You know, my heart says let’s go flames. San Diego, for the better for people giving expert advice. I think I’ll go oklahoma state but I will be sharing my heart for me to be wrong. And
Santiago Leon 30:35
yeah, Ryan, you know, a lot of people are putting a lot of money into this. So you got to pick your heart. What your mind says?
Ryan Christa 30:42
Yes, yes.
Santiago Leon 30:44
Number six San Diego State versus number 11. Sara Q’s a team. One team. You’re very familiar with San Diego not sure we got there.
Ryan Christa 30:53
And he goes staying you know, back in a tournament, you know, after one Steve Fisher, your legendary coach of you know, San Diego say retires again. Great team plays hard and knows you know, mountain less basketball which is very physical. Against Jim Boeheim, the legendary Syracuse coach in two three zone used to definitely hit or miss this. I’m gonna go to Syracuse because I think they just have a little more talent. I don’t think they ever reached it this year. Because they’ve shown you know, moments where they peaked I think they think they’ll have just enough to be the Aztecs this week.
Santiago Leon 31:33
Go orange, West Virginia versus Morehead State number three verses 14
Ryan Christa 31:41
a West Virginia should win this game pretty easily. Morehead State a very, very fundamentally sound team. Be what I think the overwhelming favorite note about Ohio Valley Conference and dama you know, which isn’t a good surprise for you know, upset for them, you know, but I think mountain air is again playing well, you know, I think the only key there struggle against West Virginia in the last couple weeks has been oklahoma state so they won’t see them until I think the regionals here so they should be good. And at least in this game for West Virginia.
Santiago Leon 32:16
Number seven, Clemson vs number 10 ruckers.
Ryan Christa 32:21
Welcome to the tournament the Scarlet Knights
Santiago Leon 32:27
The only jersey only in the jersey team here. I don’t know. I’m just saying.
Ryan Christa 32:32
Yeah, it was the first time in the I think this. I wouldn’t say it’s been a very long time if ever the records has ever made the NCAA Tournament. So this is a historic, you know, team isn’t that great progressing? This is a team that is building a legacy for this foundation for future records team. But they did play through a very tough big 10 season and you know, I know the record isn’t good but they whether the you know, games against a lot of good teams there in the big 10 Clemson tough loss and ACC tournament in Miami. Brad renolit is a very good defensive coach that guarantee the laptop and this game could get out of the San Diego in the sense of points will come at a premium I don’t expect the first team that get the 60 will definitely win this game but I’m gonna it’s history here San Diego let’s go wreckers
Santiago Leon 33:25
right kurz New Jersey, I’m doing this real time bar scene when I’m writing this right now. Number two Houston vs number 15 Cleveland State
Ryan Christa 33:37
Oh, ah, this is Calvin Sam’s since San Diego is rejuvenating his his coaching career once legendary Oklahoma coach and then you know found troubling Indiana Hoosiers coach you know it Where do people point to the troubles in the basketball it’s probably where they started when they were under probation under Calvin Sampson but finding success again and Houston You know, this is a well well rounded team I think that should we’ll win this game and I think make a lot of noise in the NCAA Tournament. They have some puzzling losses that puzzled lost East Carolina which is a really bad team in their conference. You know, that’s probably why they’re not a Wednesday because I think they would be a one two without that loss. You know, they’re 24 and two, what to okay losses. It’s it’s kind of puzzling, but I think that I don’t think Cleveland State will give them much of a trouble, I could even say is a, you know, a very fundament, if I play there, they’re playing good defense to play defense all across the whole core. I just don’t think that again, a lot reminds me of VCO team, they don’t think they’re as good as VCO but in a sense, they’re, they’re all their best offenses are defense,
Santiago Leon 34:56
Houston, it is okay, how you’re doing the time.
Ryan Christa 35:01
Let’s see. It’s one o’clock one o’clock That’s what I said. Let’s finish this next round San Diego and then we’ll do Part Two a little bit later this this
Santiago Leon 35:10
Hey, that sounds like a plan. Okay, Gonzaga, Missouri for the second round would you got there?
Ryan Christa 35:18
Let’s go Gonzaga. I think this will be a good test for good. Zach, I think this will be I think the Bulldogs evelo too much for them.
Santiago Leon 35:28
Creighton versus Virginia, if they make it
Ryan Christa 35:36
that I think I’m gonna go crazy because I’m not sure like I said we I picked Virginia, which is you know, I don’t think you’re like that in stone there. But so no matter if Virginia doesn’t make it over to Ohio originally, but I think crane will win that next game,
Santiago Leon 35:52
USC vs. Kansas.
Ryan Christa 35:56
I think you know, Kansas is a little bit deeper team USC is has my will have the bass player core, but I think Kansas has more talent around them. So I’m gonna Jayhawks, go, Jayhawks.
Santiago Leon 36:09
Okay. Oregon versus Iowa.
Ryan Christa 36:15
Yeah, and I wanted I think this I was as long as they played good defense should be able to outlet outlasts ducks and this one’s ongoing hot guys
Santiago Leon 36:24
go hot guys. Midwest, Michigan versus St. Bonaventure.
Ryan Christa 36:31
I again I think I’m saying everything they want but I think Michigan is just a little too much talent size and math classes. I’m further Bonnie’s
Santiago Leon 36:40
Michigan have an easy Colorado buffaloes at the versus the FSU Knowles
Ryan Christa 36:49
very good defensive battle here between Leonard Hamilton and Tad Boyle. I’m gonna go flow state one word is
Santiago Leon 36:58
BYU versus Texas all Texas another Texas matchup here
Ryan Christa 37:05
I’ll be using Utah was but ah
Santiago Leon 37:08
oh yeah, it is my bed my bed I was thinking about baler my bag I confuse that with the bees. I just talked
Ryan Christa 37:14
with the team from Texas Longhorns when the game
Santiago Leon 37:17
Texas is UConn versus Roll Tide Alabama.
Ryan Christa 37:25
Alabama songs they shoot the ball halfway decent should win these first two games and make it to the sweet 16
Santiago Leon 37:31
well Ryan saying it Baylor UNC yeah go
Ryan Christa 37:36
You gotta go No, no no, I said I got a lot of chalk here I know that too many upsets on the board for me
Santiago Leon 37:43
okay always a Baylor UNC ah
Ryan Christa 37:49
this is my I’m well I’m gonna go Baylor I think I’m very tempted to go UNC on this one but I think Baylor just a little more more well rounded right now but more veteran chained in North Carolina
Santiago Leon 38:02
guys. Excuse my, my handwriting is horrible. Winthrop versus Purdue.
Ryan Christa 38:09
Again, this is this is I’m gonna carry that momentum. I think the Eagles may get into this 360 or mango Winthrop,
Santiago Leon 38:15
Winthrop, but I’m telling you dude, a lot of people have been talking about it. But you know, you got proven the point. I mean, you got proven in the court. And a games. Yeah.
Ryan Christa 38:22
As I’m saying this, I don’t think I’m saying anything that I think other experts might say you know this, that’s a very trendy pick. And it’s a trendy pick for a reason a 23 and one great team.
Santiago Leon 38:35
No pressure Ryan No, I mean, someone is betting $10,000 on this and they’re dependent on us.
Ryan Christa 38:43
I just want to cut it out then if they’re using our bracket.
Santiago Leon 38:46
Anyways, Texas Tech versus Arkansas.
Ryan Christa 38:49
I gotta go to hogs a witness. I just think there’s a lot of talent in the Arkansas team and they just playing very well together. Arkansas,
Santiago Leon 39:01
Florida versus Oh, versus Ohio State.
Ryan Christa 39:05
Wow. You know, I don’t want to pick the gear San Diego, but my my head says Ohio State should win again. They’re very balanced team. Florida can be you know, go cold and yellow. They can struggle on offense at times. And I think Ohio saves just they can play great defense and they can get baskets consistently which is key in a march
Santiago Leon 39:28
Illinois versus low Yola.
Ryan Christa 39:34
battle but you know, Illinois, Illinois, Illinois tough line I
Santiago Leon 39:43
le Tennessee vs. Oklahoma State. Hey, if
Ryan Christa 39:49
I can say Oklahoma State to be librium and setting and omega 316 I think the Cowboys advanced under a future number one pick k coming in
Santiago Leon 39:57
actually know someone in Oklahoma State anyways, Syracuse. versus West Virginia mountaineers.
Ryan Christa 40:03
An old school a Big East show down near San Diego is
Santiago Leon 40:10
it’s pretty close to
Ryan Christa 40:12
think that I can go west virginia to witness
Santiago Leon 40:15
w v. A. Rutgers versus Houston.
Ryan Christa 40:21
Yeah. Houston it is a better basketball team. I think it just rockers is fun to be there. I think that they’ve made such great strides. And I think they’re going to be, you know, a team to be reckoned with in the big time for a long time. This is not a one, one show pony, because this is the thing that would have gotten the NCAA tournament last year, so they’re just building on the success.
Santiago Leon 40:42
Alright guys, I’m taking the picture. This will be finishing off this bracket later. Not today. Maybe tomorrow or Wednesday. Wednesday is good, right? Well, no, Virginia. And by then, right?
Ryan Christa 40:57
Yeah, well know that we can make adjustments to our racket, you know, based on that. So yeah, let’s do it. Wednesday.
Santiago Leon 41:03
Let’s do it. Wednesday. Ryan will be available Wednesday. I got Champions League show that day as well. So we’re gonna double it up with Ryan. Okay, um, before we go, Ryan, your thoughts on Drew Brees retiring at 42 years old after 20 seasons?
Ryan Christa 41:19
Why guy you know, I remember being where I was, you know, I think in you were juniors in college, Santiago. His winter break I was just about to headed to Thailand, you know, and he was the starting quarterback for the chargers and they just had drafted his replacement, Philip Rivers. And john Lynch he got back in last game this season. And john Lynch rips his shoulder off his arm I swear his arm off his shoulders, you know, and we realize that this is the guy who doesn’t have a good army now he’s got a bad shoulder you know, so that you know the future you know, the rest of the history for the charges that they’re bringing and philip rivers have a lot of success. But you know, he was looking for a job and you know, the dolphins basically had a choice between him and Dante called pepper and they chose Dante Cole pepper and the dolphins. Well, we know Yeah, dolphin that. And what’s happened to the same snow consistent playoff team Super Bowl champion. Going into his time and and New Orleans had only been one by 1000 yard passer since then he’s done it five times, Santiago, and it is our record numbers. I think, you know, we talked about Belichick and Brady, but you know, next Ashley, next below that you got to talk about Peyton and Sean Payton and Drew Brees, what, what they had. So it’s
Santiago Leon 42:52
something I’ve really talked about as much.
Ryan Christa 42:54
Yeah, you know, I think that you know, it was just a match my head out the statement, Arlene was looking for, you know, something after Hurricane Katrina. You know, his his devotion to the city into the area is, I think it goes beyond a football field, the impact he left in that area, and he really turned around a franchise that had little or no, you know, but really, you know, growing up the saints are always a team, you know, if you’re a team player, the saints, okay, you’re gonna win that game. But you know, since you know, 2006, seven, whatever it was, we came over, you know, you you hope, you know, to compete against the saints, you know, when you played against these teams, so his impact will be felt. I don’t know. I think if there’s a shot it wasn’t so bad this right now, I think he would be back next year. But I think he took some time to evaluate it and just realize that he just couldn’t do it side by eye. He’s a competitive person. I you know, he lost the time right? He played a pretty bad game against the Buccaneers is not the way you want to go out to San Diego. So I think I think the hope was that he at least make it to the Super Bowl. But that was a that didn’t happen. So he did hang it up. I think he realized there wasn’t anything left in the team game. Time for the saints turning the corner. And I think they just did some remarkable deal. taysom Hill I read this morning. So
Santiago Leon 44:22
yeah, it’s just a restructuring. People are saying don’t read into it too much, which leads us which leads us to our next question, which is a poll question on on our sportscast, Twitter, who will replace Drew Brees for saints quarterback? And the options are jameis Winston taysom hill or someone else?
Ryan Christa 44:41
I mean, this Yeah, I think he’s got he tasted hella good. The first crack I think jameis Winston well, place I’m good. I think Jason Well, it was struggle. And I think they will be looking for their future quarterback this time next year.
Santiago Leon 44:54
The poll has James Winston, winning at 58% someone else 25 and taysom Hill 20%
Ryan Christa 45:02
yeah i mean i it’s I can’t I think you can make reasons for all of them I just gotta it’s kind of bizarre the way they were using case I’ve held for last couple of years even when nobody’s got hurt this year you know who is who came in taysom hill that drew jameis Winston so I think taysom Hill will get the first crack at him but he again he’s a very limited and what they can do with him he he’s a runner you know, so he’s basically anything but would you agree is was so jameis Winston obviously has all that talent in the world but you know what he lacks in between his ears and so
Santiago Leon 45:46
now Yeah, we’ll see what happens like going on with the saints good team. Of course got Michael Thomas good wide receivers a lot going on there. And we’ll see what what direction that will go another late breaking story in the last 30 minutes. Shaq Barrick of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers resigns with the bucks for your four year deal? $72 million. Ryan real quick what are your thoughts?
Ryan Christa 46:10
So interesting. So, you know, obviously being a big Bronco fan you know, this is a guy we’ve picked off an undrafted player so years ago who has just gotten to the extra rusher you had Bob Miller on one side to Marcus where you know in the markets where need a break you bring in Chuck Berry you know he had a lot of sacks maybe not a lot of plays he goes to Tampa Bay and becomes an all around good defensive player. I’m happy for him we use a good guy what are the foundations of what makes Tampa Bay such an interesting you know, choice I think the Tampa Bay if they can find that right quarter. Back to succeed Tom Brady, this could be a team that’s a contender for a long time.
Santiago Leon 46:51
And there you have it. That’s our NFL news. NBA predictions for tonight. clippers at Dallas Ryan who you have
Ryan Christa 47:00
San Diego is that even a question? Go Luca.
Santiago Leon 47:03
Go Lakers at Golden State in San Francisco.
Ryan Christa 47:09
I think the Lakers should win that one.
Santiago Leon 47:12
And poll question on Twitter. Another one we had to and this is the second one What is your favorite Kansas team of options are Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas, Kansas State Kansas City Royals or the Kansas Jayhawks.
Ryan Christa 47:28
I’m gonna go because I don’t really big fan of any of them except for any of them. But I’m gonna go with the Royals, because that’s the least thing that bothers me. So
Santiago Leon 47:41
less noise. And then of course today is the I believe today’s Kansas day nationally, Kas Kansas day, so that’s why we have the question. And Ryan, what is the best way to reach you online to try to determine these brackets?
Ryan Christa 47:58
I’m mad dog report. 89. Men report Sorry, I’m Twitter. Yeah, so let’s see what happens. It’s interesting. Like I said, well, we’ll be back here in a couple of days to finish up the bracket, you know, and see where you know, where we are, you know, with COVID, and all that with all the teams. So we will have a good foundation and what’s going to happen coming up starting Friday, which is interesting, having turned missed our Friday instead of Thursday. So
Santiago Leon 48:26
yeah, and I would. So here’s what’s gonna happen. Um, it’ll be played on March 18. On my birthday, the first games will be played at the assembly hall in Bloomington, and then lafaye, the championship we held on April 5, at Lucas Oil Stadium. That’s where the Colts play. And the NC double A will be well, our unlimited number of fans for the men’s tournament, and each round each game will carry 25% capacity, not bad with social distancing, the NC and then Virginia as the ones the question mark. But of course, things could change by Wednesday, and things like that. Follow us at the sports cast one on Twitter, or at the sports cast. dotnet for the latest would definitely be announcing any late breaking news. But of course, by Wednesday, come back around noon at the same time, Ryan will finish out the Elite Eight, then the Final Four, then the championship finale. And Ryan is probably going to etch it out. So because I know he has some doubts, but I know he’s 80% confident, right, Ryan?
Ryan Christa 49:27
Oh, yeah. Right. But we’ll see.
Santiago Leon 49:32
We’ll see what happens. I’m just
Ryan Christa 49:33
going by what I see. So I don’t know. So that’s the magic of March Madness is there’s going to be a game that we don’t expect the result to happen. And that’s why no one ever gets a perfect because no one can predict that crazy one.
Santiago Leon 49:46
single elimination, there’s no second chance there’s no second game when you play these opponents. So it’s a one off one all and if you have a stomach, if one of your players your best players has stomach bug that might affect the whole matchup but we’ll see what happens. Later today at 4pm Eastern Jordan Vargas will have his first show on the sports cast we’ll be talking NBA hoops maybe some college we’ll see what he what he dabbles with. So 4pm live show with with Jordan Varga is trying to flesh out what’s going to happen probably predict the Lakers and the Warriors game. And of course reaches at the sports cast dotnet or on our app, the sports cast But anyways, Ryan Krista man, I can’t wait for part two.
Ryan Christa 50:24
I can’t wait to I can’t wait to see how our brackets end up here. You know, I I think and I can go We’ll go into more maybe specifics and each team when we get to sweet 16 you know why I like each team what you know, what their strengths and weaknesses are, you know, and how they’re going to advance and what could kill them. So look forward to that. Look forward to finishing that up. And we’ll see NFL free agency here Sarah starts is already started. We’re back. So I started
Santiago Leon 50:56
with what’s going on with Houston.
Ryan Christa 51:00
Hey, it’s letting you know I think we’re gonna see when they gave it a shot a lot and I think they’ll wait for a while. I don’t think there’s any Russian training him so everybody else like a team like Denver who really wants him you know, what are they going to do? In the meantime where their quarterback position so we’ll see where that lies. You know, they’re not going to be a very good team no matter who the quarterback is next year the Texan so we’ll see.
Santiago Leon 51:29
We’ll and we’ll see what that GM from Houston came from New England. So we’ll see what what magic key works. So anyways, right Chris lays a handful because he’s a hybrid knows everything from the NCAA tournament to the Champions League. So it’s, it’s a lot to bear here. Ryan, thanks for coming on to the sports cast. Good one, everybody.
Transcribed by https://otter.ai