I Hope The Good Pack Plays

I enjoy the NCAA Tournament. It really is the best time of the year for me. I watch the games, even if NC State isn't in it.

Fortunately, we seem to have turned the corner where being in the Tournament is becoming routine. Although, the previous 3 years, we've squeaked into the field. This year, we knew we were in, even though we're still a low seed.

The goal is for it to become routine, like Dook or UNCheats. Making the tournament every year with a decent seeding - say a 5 or 6 or higher - i.e. a Top 25 team. Realistically it's the 1 through 3 seeds that have a real chance to get to the Final Four.

If winning it all were based on what a team looks like 'on paper' - then Dook or Kentucky or Cheats would 'win' each year. That doesn't happen. It takes a lot of luck, timing, and all the stars have to line up just right to win a National Championship.

State has a tremendous match up in the first game with LSU. They are almost just like us. When LSU plays great - they are almost unstoppable. Then the next game - they can play awful. Just like State.

I hope both LSU and State bring their "A" game. It should be a good one. I'd sure like us to win one game at least and then bring the "A" game again against Villanova.

My pick for the National Championship game is Kentucky - Dook.

While Kentucky is my pick to win it all - they'll have to be lucky to not lose that "one game".

Frankly, if you take Kentucky out of it, this year's NCAAT field is wide open.