Prognosticators,
Welcome back to another year of the “Definitely NOT For Gambling – Porch Madness” bracket challenge. There are so many exciting story lines in this year’s games, and in this year’s pool, and I just saw the first of the ~400,000 Capital One commercials they’re going to make us watch. In other words, I couldn’t be more excited. Here are some key story lines in advance of Round One!
The Defending Champ
As I reviewed last year’s results, I realized that I made a terrible error: while we recognized Daniel Seward as champion in the group message, I failed to send out the final newsletter coronating him! Sew, I apologize wholeheartedly. Congrats on the win and excellent picking.
I asked the Champ if he had any thoughts on defending the title this year. He remained silent on the matter, but I’m sure some shit-talking may start when he’s fully recovered from his St Paddy’s hangover.
Rags to Riches
2024 is looking up for Dan Martin. First, he got engaged to a wonderful girl. Second, we’re set up for a Donald Trump Joe Biden rematch, and while he may not actually be happy about that, it creates the crazy-ass, on-edge, conspiracy-theory-ridden political environment that Dan absolutely thrives in.
But last spring was not a great year for Dan’s bracket, as he finished dead last on top of Jim Nantz’ Shit List. Maybe, if I’m reading the signs correctly, this is the year of Dan Martin. Or, he’ll take an eight seed to win it all and make me look like a shmuck. Oh well.
Alumni Corner
We don’t have a broad range of alma maters in our bracket pool… In fact, we don’t have any except for Matt Hunt. But this year we can all celebrate that both Tennessee and Mississippi State made the Big Dance. The Vols play a scary St. Peters (aka St. Peepee) first, while the Bulldogs play blue-blood Michigan State. Izzo has a 65% winning percentage against lower seeds in the tourney, so I’d say the Vols will last longer. Then again, St. Peters is Catholic and God might hate Tennessee in March. I hate life.
Final Notes and Reminders
Rules: The entry fee is $25, with first place taking 100% of the winnings. As far as the Andy Brock Bylaw… uh, we’ll figure that out.
There is no bank, just hold onto your money for now and everyone will venmo the winner at the end.
There is one bracket max per player.
You can submit your picks any time before the first game of Round One tips off on Thursday.
Happy March Madness, and best of luck to you all.
Pouring through KenPom rankings, I remain yours,
Neece
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