Breaking down the brackets: The Deep South

(Do DJ Augustine and the Horns have what it takes to get through the south?).

Glancing at the brackets, I have to say that the South looks like the toughest to me, and could the one that gives us the best games early on in the tournament.

First off, Memphis got hosed (again). Remember last year they had to play Acie Law and Texas A&M in Texas? Well they could have an Elite 8 matchup with Texas in Houston this year. Ouch. Here's my take on the south.

• Memphis won't have a problem getting through to the Sweet 16, because they are just too athletic for UT-Arlington and Mississippi State, who I think will get by Oregon in the first round. But the Tigers can't shoot free throws. They're awful. Yes, they've only lost once this year (to Tennessee), but free throw shooting is going to be the reason they don't get to the Final Four.

• One team I like is Pitt. Remember, before their best player got hurt early in the season, they were a top 15, maybe a top 10 team. And he's back now, and they just navigated through a tough Big East tourney and took the whole thing. They are very, very dangerous. Trust me, no one wants to play them.

• I also like Temple to upset Michigan State in round 1 in the token 12-5 upset. But the Owls will lose to Pitt in the second round.

• Other first round teams I like are Marquette, Stanford, St. Mary's and Texas (who I think should be a No. 1 seed).

• Advancing to the Sweet 16, I have the top four seeds (I know, I'm going all Clark Kellogg on you. Sorry). Memphis, Pitt, Stanford and Texas.

• I think Pitt/Memphis could be the game of the tournament. And to be frank, it's pretty much a toss up of who wins. I could see both pulling it out. But I'm not sold on Memphis. I think they're selfish and undisciplined, no matter how good Derrick Rose is. I'm taking Pitt to get to the Elite 8, where they'll play Texas. Playing in Houston, Texas will come out of the bracket to get to the Final Four. Pitt's got a tough road, though. I mean, Oral Roberts is legit and will push them. But if they get by them in the first round, they'll be battle-tested and ready to roll.

• Remember, all four No. 1 seeds have NEVER made it to the final four. That continues this year.

•Overall, this bracket is LOADED. Memphis, Texas, Stanford, Pitt, Oral Roberts, Temple, Mich. St., all good teams. It ain't going to be easy.

On a side note, the Terps won their first NIT game last night. Whoopee.