Before I get to the picks, I'll go over my criteria for picking. I'm going by the city the school is located in. Oregon doesn't represent the whole state, but only Eugene. I will generally consider anything within an hour drive as part of the destination. My picks are based on what I like when I take a vacation, so if one place has something that you would like, but I wouldn't, that's just too bad. I'm choosing the things that I like to do. So, without further ado, let's knock this bracket out and see what happens.
Hampton Vs. Kentucky
So, our first matchup is already difficult. Hampton has a few things going for it. A town with much history including the civil war. It is also near the Atlantic Ocean and Virginia Beach. Lexington also is full of historical places to tour. It also has lots of craft breweries and distilleries. The city itself is probably more fun to explore so Kentucky squeaks by Hampton by 2.
Purdue Vs. Cincinnati
The 2nd matchup and the first blow out. I don't know if anyone has been to West Lafayette, but it doesn't have much for the tourist. Cincinnati has pro sports, rivers, parks, and many museums and historical buildings to see. The Bearcats win by 30.
West Virginia Vs. Buffalo
This game stays close. Morgantown is a unique place, and the Appalachian mountains are a fun place to explore. However, Buffalo is the gateway to Niagara Falls, one of the most popular tourist spots in the country. Buffalo also has some unique buildings and architecture. Lots of water activities can be enjoyed here in the warmer months too. Buffalo wins by 10.
Maryland Vs. Valparaiso
Another Indiana school, another blowout. College Park is part of the Washington DC metropolitan area, so all the nations most famous landmarks are nearby. Valparaiso is kind of close to the lake and kind of close to Chicago, but you wouldn't stay here as your home base for vacation. Maryland cruises in this one.
Butler Vs. Texas
Finally, an Indiana school that has a chance. Butler is located in Indianapolis. The sight of super bowls and the NFL combine. Indianapolis has a lot of great places to eat. It has great museums and the INDY 500. Austin keeps it weird. The state capitol of Texas has a unique feel all its own. SXSW takes place there every year, and it is also home to many great museums. Butler barely gets by.
Notre Dame Vs Northeastern
Northeastern happens to be in Boston, MA. Boston obviously is the setting of many historical events leading up to and during the revolutionary war. South Bend has Notre Dame. These poor Indiana schools are getting very poor matchups. The selection committee didn't do them any favors.
Wichita State Vs. Indiana
While Wichita isn't exactly a tourist mecca, there are quite a few attractions in the area. It has a great zoo, the Old Cowtown Museum, and some of the best movie theaters you can find. The best thing to see in Bloomington is probably Indiana University. So, another Indiana school goes down.
Kansas Vs. New Mexico State
The other Kansas school doesn't fare as well in this matchup. Las Cruces has a very unique art scene, and fun craft markets. There are also many outdoor recreation areas nearby. Lawrence, Kansas is the quintessential college town. However, just being an awesome college town is not enough to get by New Mexico State.
Wisconsin Vs. Coastal Carolina
Madison is much like Lawrence, the perfect college town. Madison also is the capital and has tons of fun things to see and do. Coastal Carolina is located right outside Myrtle Beach, one of the most popular tourist spots in the United States. I'm sad to see 2 straight awesome college towns fall, but they had very stiff competition.
Oregon Vs. Oklahoma State
Stillwater is another great college town worth a stop. It has an awesome place to eat in Eskimo Joe's.
Eugene is an less than an hour to the ocean, and less than an hour to the Cascades. It also has a vibrant food and beer scene, leaving the outdoor lovers and foodies in heaven here. Oregon wins this one handily.
Arkansas Vs. Wofford
Little Rock is an amazing tourist stop. Its near Hot Springs, the Ozarks, and has a ton of history going for it. It also helps that its the capital of Arkansas. Wofford is in the ocean bordering state of South Carolina. Unfortunately it is not near the beach or historic Charleston. Arkansas takes this one in a blowout.
North Carolina Vs. Harvard
At the heart of the research triangle, Chapel Hill has some things going for it. Harvard, is located in Cambridge, a suburb of Boston. Harvard also has tons of history itself, so North Carolina just can't keep up in this matchup.
Xavier Vs. Ole Miss
This is a tough matchup. Cincinnati is a fun metropolitan city. However, Oxford is a unique southern gem that is worth a visit. Unique wins this one.
Baylor Vs. Georgia State
Waco, Texas might be worth a stop in a road trip through Texas. Atlanta is a major US city and one of the largest in the south. It also helps that Georgia State is right in the heart of Atlanta. No contest here as Georgia State wins this easily.
VCU Vs. Ohio State
The battle of the state capitals here. Columbus lives breathes and dies by the Buckeyes. It also has great shopping, a great botanical garden and some fun museums. Richmond has more history, better museums, and a much more unique feel. The historical buildings of Richmond eventually put VCU over the top.
Arizona Vs. Texas Southern
The last matchup of the night is another close one. Houston has a lot going for it, great museums, great restaurants, pro sports, and its relatively close to the beach. The NASA Space Center is also here. What I'm trying to say is that Houston is a great place to visit. Tucson is surrounded by scenery the Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway and Sabino Canyon are awesome sites. Tucson aslo has an amazing zoo. This is the first matchup where I feel that my preferences in a vacation are the deciding factor. I'd much rather explore the desert and mountains around Tucson than explore the giant city of Houston. So Arizona wins in overtime.
The other half of the bracket gets underway tomorrow!
Thanks for reading.
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