JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- It is time to answer the question, who are these Florida Gators? Are we about to see one of Billy Donovan's best coaching jobs or will we be shouting at the television, "Why can't Florida score inside?"
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MARCH MADNESS: FOLLOW YOUR ANCHOR'S BRACKETS]
Our unscientific poll that has been up on actionnewsjax.com for a couple of weeks wonders the same thing, albeit in a different form. The answer to the question of how far will Florida go in the NCAA is a mixed bag:
24.1 percent of you think that the Gators are out early
19.8 percent think they are a Sweet 16 team
25.1 percent believe it is an Elite 8 team
31 percent say "bring on the Final 4"
The experts on the CBS Selection show say the Gators are in the easiest region to make it to Atlanta. The naysayers point to a poor road record and an (0-6) record in games decided by six points or less and a lack of scoring output from down low.
Billy Donovan is ready to go with this team. He says Kenny Boynton is a big game guy and that Patric Young should have shot more and passed the ball less in the loss to Mississippi in the SEC tournament. Time to take it to the floor in Austin. Miami is an interesting team. Can the Canes put the top seed snub behind them and go all the way?
I have Indiana beating Louisville for the whole thing with Florida getting beat by Kansas in the Elite 8. I think the Gators are ready for some pressure that will be a little different than SEC road pressure. Wisconsin is my surprise team in the Final 4. I have Ohio State getting beat by Notre Dame. Miami makes a good run but loses to Indiana with a Final 4 bid on the line. New Mexico is my other surprise team. "Watch out for Saint Louis" is the cry from a lot of the so-called experts.
The thing about this tournament is that nobody knows. You could have your bracket crushed by somebody who only picks favorites (Mark Spain!!!! ) Or, you might get pummeled by the pretty in promotions who goes by the theory, "Who wins in a cage match or who has the more stylish team color combos" philosophy. Either way, Let the March Madness begin!
