Lucas Oil Online Race Report 3/22/10

March (and April) Madness - THE PICKS

Here are my picks and predictions for the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament. I've given a bit more value to the Big 12 rather than the Big East, and UK looks to shine all the way to the end. Let me know what you think and enjoy the madness!

FIRST-ROUND WINNERS

EAST: Kentucky, Wake Forest, Cornell, Wisconsin, Marquette, New Mexico, Clemson, West Virginia

SOUTH: Duke, Louisville, Texas A&M, Siena, Notre Dame, Baylor, St. Mary's, Villanova

MIDWEST: Kansas, Northern Iowa, Michigan State, Maryland, San Diego State, Georgetown, Oklahoma State, Ohio State


WEST: Syracuse, Florida State, Butler, Murray State, Minnesota, Pittsburgh, BYU, Kansas State

SECOND ROUND
EAST: Kentucky over Wake Forest; Cornell over Wisconsin; New Mexico over Marquette; West Virginia over Clemson.

SOUTH: Duke over Louisville; Siena over Texas A&M; Notre Dame over Baylor; St. Mary's over Villanova.

MIDWEST: Kansas over Northern Iowa; Michigan State over Maryland; Georgetown over San Diego State; Ohio State over Oklahoma State.

WEST: Syracuse over Florida State; Butler over Murray State; Pitt over Minnesota; Kansas State over BYU.

ROUND OF 16:
EAST: Kentucky over Cornell; West Virginia over New Mexico.

SOUTH: Duke over Siena; Notre Dame over St. Mary's.

MIDWEST: Kansas over Michigan State; Georgetown over Ohio State.

WEST: Butler over Syracuse; Kansas State over Pitt.

ROUND OF 8
EAST: Kentucky over West Virginia.
SOUTH: Duke over Notre Dame.
MIDWEST: Kansas over Georgetown.
WEST: Kansas State over Butler.

NATIONAL SEMI-FINAL
Kentucky over Duke
Kansas over Kansas State

NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
Kansas 85  Kentucky 80

NFL Hardline 2009 - Super Bowl XLIV: Feb. 7, 2010

STATS
Season--
Straight Up: 173-83  68%  Against-The-Spread: 143-107-6 57%

Playoffs--
Straight-up: 4-6  Against-The-Spread: 4-6

The NFL Championship Game - Super Bowl Sunday: Feb. 7, 2010
NEW ORLEANS v. INDIANAPOLIS
Much has been written and too much said about this game. This match-up v. that match-up, this guy v. that guy, this 4th receiver v. that 5 cornerback...it's been an exhausting couple of weeks.

Peyton Manning is a superior talent. He has elevated the quarterback position with his attention to detail and preparation. When it comes to preparation, he has no equal. When it comes to play on the field, he lives among the Pantheon of the all-time greats.

New Orleans will try, desperately, to knock him out of his rhythm; off his game. They've talked about it considerably for this fortnight, but I don't see the Saints defense accomplishing that goal. They'll look to hit Peyton often, and, as they've done all season, look for their opportunities to strip the ball from backs and receivers. The Saints thrive on turnovers.

The Colts' defense, predicated on speed and quickness, is the better, more consistent defense in this game. If injured Colts DE Dwight Freeney can contribute, that will be a bonus. I expect to see him on the field, but not having much of an effect.

The game will be decided by turnovers. Watch the Saints get a little too aggressive trying to cause turnovers and then watch the Colts make them pay for that. Peyton and his bunch will get the big scores in the fourth quarter. Colts take the prize.
INDIANAPOLIS 34  NEW ORLEANS 24