South Region:
1. Kansas Jayhawks vs. 16. Austin Peay Governors
In most cases a Jayhawk—which, by the way isn’t a real bird—would lose to any other mascot. But a Governor? They’d be too caught up in red tape, legislation and standing behind Donald Trump too to fight.
8. Colorado Buffaloes vs. 9. Connecticut Huskies
One buffalo may not stand a chance against one husky looking for a meal, but a stampede of buffaloes would trounce a group of huskies. Size matters.
4. Maryland Terrapins vs. 12. South Dakota State Jackrabbits
Turtle against a rabbit? I’ve seen this before.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MeZe2qPLPh0
Turtle wins.
5. California Golden Bears vs. 13. Hawaii Rainbow Warriors
While a bear might stand a chance against a warrior, in this fight we’ll have to give the advantage to Hawaii. Though I’m sure I’m not the only one who wishes teams would be okay with odd nicknames that stand out. The Rainbows was special. The Rainbow Warriors is trying too hard.
6. Arizona Wildcats vs. 11. Vanderbilt Commodores/Wichita State Shockers
A commodore is a rank in the navy superior to a captain and a Shocker is literally a person who cuts down wheat. The Wichita State mascot is, itself, a wheat man. Advantage Commodores, in both the play-in and the match up with the Wildcats. A navy man should be able to handle a small, wild cat.
3. Miami Hurricanes vs. 14. Buffalo Bulls
Unlike Tulsa, Miami won’t have to worry about any celestial beings, spirits or magic fighting elves in this region. Pencil the Hurricanes all the way to the Final Four.
7. Iowa Hawkeyes vs. 10. Temple Owls
This one is for the birds, and a hawk would beat an owl in any fight. But is a hawkeye a hawk? From hawkeyesports.com:
The University of Iowa borrowed its athletic nickname from the state of Iowa many years ago. The name Hawkeye was originally applied to a hero in a fictional novel, The Last of the Mohicans, written by James Fenimore Cooper. Author Cooper had the Delaware Indians bestow the name on a white scout who lived and hunted with them.
Well then, that’s interesting, and still winning over an owl.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qqx_9ncbtac
2. Villanova Wildcats vs. 15. UNC-Asheville Bulldogs
I have no faith in a bulldog winning in a fight against anything, especially a wildcat.
Second Round
1. Kansas Jayhawks vs. 8. Colorado Buffaloes
5. Maryland Terrapins vs. 13. Hawaii Rainbow Warriors
11. Vanderbilt Commodores vs. 3. Miami Hurricanes
7. Iowa Hawkeyes vs. 2. Villanova Wildcats
Fake birds can fly, but they can’t exactly fight, so let’s give the Buffaloes the win. The Rainbow Warriors take out the Terrapins, while the Hurricanes blow through the commodores in a sea battle for the ages.
In the final game, let’s put the Hawkeyes over the Wildcats, not that it’s going to matter.
Sweet 16 & Elite Eight
Hurricanes blow through the Rainbow Warriors and head to the Final Four.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxdmw4tJJ1Y
South Region Final Four Representative: Hurricanes. No contest.
Continue to the West on the next page…