Round of 64 Upsets in my 2024 March Madness Bracket

The greatest event in all of sports is finally here. March Madness is upon us, and I'm here to put my predictions on paper in case I happen to finally be correct. Every year, millions of Americans spend about 5 minutes trying to correctly pick 63 games. I am one of those millions of Americans, but I have spent a little extra time on my bracket this year.

I'm not going to sit here and tell you all 63 of my picks, but here are some of the Round of 64 upset picks I have made based on my research...

12-SEED UAB OVER 5-SEED SAN DIEGO STATE

-I have chosen this game for the inevitable upset of a 12-seed over a 5-seed. I think that San Diego State is a fraudulent team. They finished 2-3 in their last 5 games, and UAB is fresh off of winning their conference tournament. UAB has the athletes to match up with this long and athletic SDSU team. If the Blazers can run SDSU off the three-point line, I think they have a great shot at pulling off this upset.

**EDIT** This game was tied late in the second half. UAB had an opportunity to win this game, but their best player was on the bench a lot on the second half due to foul trouble. Overall, I liked this pick.

10-SEED DRAKE OVER 7-SEED WASHINGTON STATE

-This really isn't an upset. Drake is actually a 1.5 point favorite over Washington State, and for good reason. They're well-rounded, they can shoot it, and they are fresh off a big win over a really good Indiana State team in their conference championship game.

**EDIT** Another close matchup. Drake had back-to-back turnover late that cost them the ballgame. Again, I still liked this pick overall.

8-SEED MISSISSIPPI STATE OVER 9-SEED MICHIGAN STATE

-I know what you're thinking. "Will, Mississippi State is seeded higher, how is this an upset?" If this is what you're thinking, you are underestimating the power of Tom Izzo in March. Michigan State is a dangerous team during this time of the year, and for that reason, they are a 1.5 point favorite in this one. I'm not buying it this time. Mississippi State's defense is SUFFOCATING. This will be a low-scoring brawl, and after watching Mississippi State dismantle a really good Tennessee team in the SEC tournament, I think they should be able to pull this one out.

**EDIT** THIS was a bad pick. I got cute and picked against Tom Izzo in March. I won't be making that mistake again in the near future.

11-SEED NEW MEXICO OVER 6-SEED CLEMSON

-New Mexico is my cinderella team this year. I actually have them advancing as far as the elite eight. They are CRIMINALLY under-seeded based on their metrics. 22nd in Kenpom with good efficiency on both ends of the floor. Their guard defense is legit, and if they can slow PJ Hall down, I think they should win this game by a considerable amount.

**EDIT** This also turned out to be a not-so-great pick. Clemson dominated this game from start to finish. New Mexico was horrific offensively. 29% from the floor, 13% from three. I don't care how good your defense is, this just isn't good enough to win a game in March.

11-SEED OREGON OVER 6-SEED SOUTH CAROLINA

-I'll be honest. I just don't think South Carolina is very good. Their guards are inconsistent, and they lack depth (206th in NCAA in bench points per game). Granted, Oregon isn't very good either, but they are hot right now. They won the Pac-12 tournament, knocking off a really good Arizona team along the way. I like the Ducks in this matchup.

**EDIT** The only game I guessed correctly. I was never a believer in South Carolina. Just far too inconsistent. They got only nine points total out of their bench.

10-SEED NEVADA OVER 7-SEED DAYTON

-Dayton does not deserve a 7-seed. I am fairly positive that they did not beat a single team that received an at-large bid for this tournament. They are unproven, and Nevada is only one spot behind them in Kenpom. Look for Nevada to knock off Dayton and possibly Arizona in the Round of 32.

**EDIT** I turned this game off with about 3 minutes remaining because I was absolutely sure Nevada had it in the bag. I checked the score and was sure that there was a glitch in the system. It showed that Nevada lost by 3. Nope, no glitches here. Just a 24-4 run from Dayton to close the game. Come on, Nevada. I've got a reputation to keep here.

Those are all of my big upsets for the Round of 64. Kinda boring. I don't have any major upsets like a 15-seed over a 2-seed. If I had to pick one major upset, I'd probably go with Long Beach State over Arizona. Caleb Love is very inconsistent, so if he goes cold, maybe Long Beach State can pull it off. I don't think it will happen, so I didn't pick that upset. There's always some madness in this first weekend though.

So, who is my champion? You'll never guess it...

Give me the Auburn Tigers.

Hottest team in basketball, only team ranked in the top 10 in both offensive and defensive efficiency, fresh off of an SEC Championship blowout win. How can I not go with the homer pick here? Any time Auburn has even the slightest chance to make a run in the tournament, I'm going to have a hard time picking against them. I think this team has a legit shot at a deep run this year. UConn will be a tough out, but I don't think this team is scared of anyone.

**EDIT** Auburn losing was a double-whammy on my end. They're my favorite team AND I picked them as my champion in my bracket. Instant bracket-buster. This one hurts.

Tomorrow, the madness begins.