It’s that time of year again, as the nation’s attention turns to the college hoops scene for the next few weeks. I’m in three different pools again this year, one at work, one at my mom’s work, and one run by a friend.  For the first time since 2012, the Purdue Boilermakers return to the tournament, though they will not have an easy go of it.

The Midwest bracket has the overall #1 seed, the undefeated Kentucky, who I envision will make it to the Final Four.  Purdue, should they make it past their first round opponent, will run into Kentucky in the second round, so it is extremely unlikely they make it past this weekend.

After winning the Big Ten Tournament, Wisconsin earned the #1 seed in the West bracket.  The only big upset I am picking here is Ohio State over VCU.

I’m going out on a limb in the East regional, picking 4 seed Louisville to make it to the Final Four.

Duke is the #1 seed in the South, and it would be easy to pick them coming out of this region, but I’m going out on another limb and going with the surprise Iowa State.

I’m envisioning Kentucky and Iowa State making it to the championship game, with Kentucky finishing off an undefeated season by winning the national championship.