All across America, folks were rushing to complete their bracket sheets before noon today. That is when the NCAA men’s basketball tournament officially tipped off.
As an aside, I know there were the ‘First Four’ games last night and the night before, but most folks generally start tuning in today.
The whole notion of bracket sheets, I think, gives everyone the chance to have a personal stake in the tournament. So, for example, if you are following the UCLA-Minnesota game or Butler vs. Bucknell, you have a vested interest in the outcome.
If you picked Bucknell, for example, you wanted them to win. (Sorry to say…the Bison came up just short today).
The Mike and Mike in the Morning Bracket Wager is one of the most popular features of that morning sports talk show on ESPN Radio. Over the years, the Mikes have wagered a number of embarrassing activities. A few years ago, Golic had to participate in a competitive eating contest; last year Greeny did a ‘Dancing with the Stars’ kind of dance routine.
Basically, each of them submits a March Madness bracket and they agree on an embarrassing activity the loser must do. As the tournament unfolds, they get points for winning teams through the rounds and eventually, a winner is declared and the payoff scheduled.
March Madness has become one of the most exciting sporting events in America and also one of the most popular. In addition to bracket contests, I think it is attractive because of the pure nature of the competition – even in spite of all the dollars involved and the corporate nature of the month-long tournament. There is something about one of those fantastic finishes with a buzzer-beater shot that really captures people’s interest.
In a way, it’s the ultimate reality show.
Sorry to say our hometown team is not involved in The Big Dance. I am hoping that some of our other Tennessee-based teams – like Memphis and Belmont – have good showings. The Tigers won a close one in their first round game this afternoon; Belmont plays tonight.
The one thing that would interest me the least is if the Final Four brings us four of the blueblood programs. That would be akin to another Super Bowl featuring the Patriots and the Giants…or a Dodgers vs. Yankees World Series. Or Celtics vs. Lakers in the NBA Finals.
No Duke please. No Kansas. And you can bet that on Saturday, I won’t be pulling for Michigan State.
JG
(Source: cbssports.com)
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