You are lost. Staring at an empty bracket. Without a clue as to how to fill it out. Except to guess. Which means you need help. Which is why I am here.
Confused?
I am too. So let's get started.
First ... a few ground rules:
1. Guessing is a good strategy. You've seen the experiments, where a mutt points his paw toward a bracket and "correctly" picks the winner. Yes, when it comes to March Madness, we're no better than "Rocky."
2. There will be upsets, especially during the first week, so look for name-brand teams that played a weak schedule or struggled down the stretch. No, this doesn't mean Michigan State. Though, about Bucknell University ...
3. Find a trusted friend _ or spouse _ to fill out your bracket. They'll do a better job. This way, you'll feel no shame when your bracket goes to hell before the weekend.
4. Be wary of trendy teams. This isn't to say Michigan will lose to Montana on Thursday night in Wichita, Kan. Just remember, when you fall in love, love hurts.
5. Mike Krzyzewski is due. Not because he deserves it. Or because his Dookies are the best team (though they are the most talented). But because ... it's Duke, and America needs more suffering. On the other hand, Tom Izzo may be finally ready to beat his tormentor _ MSU and Duke could meet in the Sweet 16.
