Predictions for the rest of the 2014 Tornament based on team nicknames. (strategy, win)

[Harrier]

Since Harrier's bracket is blown to pieces he thought that he would do a reboot starting with the Sweet 16, and use a different selection strategy.

Essentially, Harrier is comparing team nicknames and judging how much harm they would do to each other if the actual moniker namesakes were in combat 5 against 5.

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SOUTH

Florida Gators vs. UCLA Bruins

Harrier doesn't like UCLA, but he is trying to imagine 5 black bears going against 5 alligators who have been transplanted out of their swamp and put in Memphis.

The Gators being out of their element lose to the Bruins.

UCLA

Dayton Flyers vs. Stanford Cardinal

Does anyone know what kind of "flyers" constitute the Dayton team? There are human pilots, birds, drones, and paper airplanes!

Whatever they are, they are going up against a reddish color.

Dayton

UCLA Bruins vs. Dayton Flyers

This is hard (for Harrier).

He would like nothing better then to keep UCLA out of the Final 4

However, every Cinderella story has to end at some point, and since he finally got it (Flyers refers to the Wright Brothers airplane) this is a cinch.

The Wright Flyer was impressive for its day but it didn't get all that far.

Once it hits the ground, the Bruins maul it to shreds.

UCLA

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EAST

Virginia Cavaliers vs. Michigan State Spartans

This is really straightforward.

The Cavaliers were fighting to keep their man Charles on the English throne.

The Spartans were fighting for their survival.

Michigan State

Iowa State Cyclones vs. Connecticut Huskies.

What do you call 5 counterclockwise rotating storm systems with a calm center intermingling with each other?

A super storm.

What do you think is going to happen when they meet a pack of dogs?

Iowa State

Michigan State Spartans vs. Iowa State Cyclones

As impressive as the Spartans were, they would succumb to weather just like the Germans did on the Eastern Front during WW2.

Iowa State

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WEST

Arizona Wildcats vs. San Diego State Aztecs

The Aztecs put up a pretty good fight against the conquistadors.

Harrier thinks that they could take care of a few felines.

San Diego State

Baylor Bears vs. Wisconsin Badgers

A bear would step on a badger before the badger could even get close.

Baylor

San Diego State Aztecs vs. Baylor Bears

A well armed Aztec squad should be able to handle a handful of solitary bears.

San Diego State

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MIDWEST

Kentucky Wildcats vs. Louisville Cardinals

Here is where the felines do have the advantage - assuming they can catch hold of the birds.

It should be a great game.

Kentucky

Tennessee Volunteers vs. Michigan Wolverines

Those men who volunteered during the Mexican War were a force to be reckoned with.

Harrier would like to think that they would use some wolverines for target practice.

Tennessee

Kentucky Wildcats vs. Tennessee Volunteers

In a battle of SEC teams, an unlikely Cinderella emerges (the Volunteers did start out in the First Four).

Harrier just does not see some wild felines doing much damage to a squad of riflemen.

Tennessee

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FINAL FOUR

UCLA Bruins VS. Iowa State Cyclones

Forces of nature always win over mammals.

Iowa State

San Diego State Aztecs vs. Tennessee Volunteers

A battle between two militarily oriented squads (and much better than Virginia vs. Michigan State)!

This is a tough one - but the Aztecs were known for their military prowess, and no team that started in the First Four has ever made it to the NCG.

San Diego State

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NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

Iowa State Cyclones vs. San Diego State Aztecs

If the Aztecs couldn't fight off the Spanish, can they really muster what is needed to fight off a mass of spinning wind and water?

Iowa State

[sskink]

See, it's all about matchups and when you face certain teams!

Anyway, I disagree with your premise in the FF. Volunteers had guns, Aztecs didn't. Vols should win.

But as you have the Aztecs going to the NC, I think they easily withstand Cyclone weather as all of their buildings were built with stone.

[Harrier]

Originally Posted by sskink

See, it's all about matchups and when you face certain teams!

Anyway, I disagree with your premise in the FF. Volunteers had guns, Aztecs didn't. Vols should win.

But as you have the Aztecs going to the NC, I think they easily withstand Cyclone weather as all of their buildings were built with stone.

Good points.

Using your logic, Harrier thinks that he will put the Vols in the NCG now.

But for the sake of argument, lets stick with SDS vs. ISU.

The idea is that one "mascot" does more damage to another.

How does an Aztec even begin to damage a cyclone?

If they are playing a really good defense with their stone buildings but can't slow down the storm - you end up with a 0-0 game.

Maybe it isn't fair to have Iowa State in the NCG, but the alternative is to put UCLA in its place.

Ugh.

[Toxic Toast]

An Aztec damages a cyclone by existing in San Diego, where the atmosphere does not allow Iowa's version of cyclones to form.

Advantage Aztecs.

[Harrier]

Originally Posted by Toxic Toast

An Aztec damages a cyclone by existing in San Diego, where the atmosphere does not allow Iowa's version of cyclones to form.

Advantage Aztecs.

Yeah, but they would be "butting heads" in North Texas.

[Toxic Toast]

Originally Posted by Harrier

Yeah, but they would be "butting heads" in North Texas.

Then go underground and wait for it to pass. They dissipate after a couple of minutes in most cases. They'll be visiting, so there is no risk to their property in San Diego. Just hide and wait.

Advantage Aztecs.

[Harrier]

Originally Posted by Toxic Toast

Then go underground and wait for it to pass.

Wouldn't that mean forfeiting the game?

[Old School Reactionary]

The Badgers were named for the miners who lived in the SW part of the state. They built homes in the ground called Badger holes.

[Harrier]

Originally Posted by Old School Reactionary

The Badgers were named for the miners who lived in the SW part of the state. They built homes in the ground called Badger holes.

What would happen if they were attacked by bears?

[Harrier]

Well, given todays action, Harrier has to make some changes to his predictions.

Dayton Flyers vs. Florida Gators

Unless the Flyers fall from the sky into a swamp (Hard to do in Memphis - a location where gators shouldn't thrive) it is hard to see Florida doing much damage to Cinderella.

Dayton

Arizona Wildcats vs. Wisconsin Badgers

Old School Reactionary made it clear that the "Badgers" were named after human beings.

Wisconsin
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