Today's Sign of the Apocolypse

In my effort to start the "Hype-Machine" for the March Madness Tournament, I will be trying to take a look each day at some of the teams and games that will have impact on the Dance.

Today's look will be self-serving as I look at the University of Northern Iowa who are ranked #25 in the AP Poll.

UNI struggled on Thursday, losing 71-49 to Bradley and will face Southern Illinois this Saturday at 1 on ESPN2. Even thought UNI lost this game, it is significant to spotlight the Missouri Valley Conference due to its significance on the national scene. It has long been debated in college basketball expert circles where and how to rank the "Mid-Majors" and at what point does a Mid-Major get elevated to 'Major' status in terms of National ranking.

The MVC is comprised of UNI, Wichita State, Bradley, Creighton, Drake, Evansville, Illinois State, Indiana State, Missouri State, Southern Illinois. The men's conference in basketball has 6 teams that have 17 or more wins and a couple of teams (UNI and Wichita State) that have been in and out of the Top 25. Some of these teams should be very familiar to those obsessed with March Madness, sending Southern Illinois, Creighton, and Northern Iowa to last year's tournament. Southern Illinois made it to the second round last year and played Oklahome State tough, losing 85-77. Both Creighton and UNI played well in their opening round games but the Blue Jays got Pintznoggled and lost to West Virginia by 2. UNI lost to Wisconsin 57-52.

It will be interesting to see how the year finishes out in the MVC Conference Tournament during the first week of March. Depending on how the tourney goes, the MVC should probably get in at least 3-4 teams again, sending Wichita State, Creighton, UNI, and either Missouri State (formerly SW Missouri State) or Southern Illinois.

I really don't know how the committee will look at these teams since UNI is the only team that has any kind of quality win, when they beat then ranked 13 Iowa. Wichita State lost by one to then ranked 14 Illinois but could not come away with the win on the road. In the end, I think that the MVC will send 3 teams: Wichita State, UNI and Missouri State, who is finishing strong with 4 straight wins at this point.

TOMORROW: I will preview the Big Ten and the GREAT matchup on Saturday between #22 Iowa and #8 Illinois.


SUNDAY: Look forward to a possible Final Four preview, in the GAME OF THE WEEK, as #2 Villanova travels to #4 Connecticut.



THIS WEEK'S SIGN OF THE APOCOLYPSE:



I watched American Idol last night.