First things first. Make sure you enter the FanIQ vs "Experts" Bracket Contest. Quickly approaching 500 entrants and 35+ "experts." Remember you can still win a solid prize by recruiting the bracket winner if you don't fancy yourself a college basketball genius.

I realize you don't care, but I'm going to give you my picks anyway. Here's where I'm at in the Midwest Bracket:

1 Kansas vs Portland St. (Thurs, 12:25) The best chance the Vikings have to keep this close to exploit the Michael Strahan Factor with a group of cheerleaders who seem more than willing to try any distraction. From the Jayhawks, look for a return of the Rock Chalk White Out for long periods of the second half. We'll get more into Kansas later and the Bill Self dilemma. Did I really just pick them to win it all? Pick: Jayhaws 92-45

8 UNLV vs 9 Kent St. (Thurs, 2:55) The Golden Flashes are decent, but not worthy of a 9th seed. They're this high because the committee for whatever reason wanted to pair every mid-major together. Kent State's biggest problem has been turnovers (22% of their possessions) and definitely have weaknesses on the glass. On the flip side, UNLV is fantastic with the basketball and plays the type of slower paced basketball that will give KSU fits. You'll get acquainted with the Golden Flashes Haminn Quaintance, but the pick here is UNLV. Pick: Rebels 59-52

5 Clemson vs 12 Villanova (Fri, 9:50) I know the Tigers played well in the ACC Tournament in beating Duke and hanging with North Carolina until the later stages of the second half, but I remain unimpressed with their play translating well into March Madness. They're atrocious from the free-throw line and playing a team that I believe matches up very well. Plus, I've got to pick at least one 12 over 5. Pick: Wildcats 82-80

4 Vanderbilt vs 13 Siena (Fri, 7:20) The Saints play at a pace that will give the Commodores problems early on. After watching Siena win their conference I said I expected them to possibly lead their first round game at halftime with another streaking 3-point effort from Tay Fisher. I'll stand by that, but Vanderbilt should out muscle and out execute as the game tightens up. If A.J. Ogilvy doesn't got off for 25 points, their game plan was flawed. Pick: Commodores 81-65

6 USC vs 11 Kansas St. (Thurs, 7:10) I hesitate to even write Kansas State because the Wildcats are only here because of Michael Beasley. The selection committee was told to make this matchup work, pitting two of the most hyped freshman against each other, in hopes of cashing in on some solid first night TV ratings for CBS. It's obvious and who's to blame them as it's one of the most intriguing games of the entire first round. KSU has been horrible of late, losing 7 of their last 9, but the fact Beasley is in the building makes you consider a win. Then you consider Frank Martin is coaching and it's forgotten. USC has 3 losses in their last 9, but two are to UCLA. As talented as any team in the bracket and capable of shutting down anyone defensively it's hard to go against the Trojans. One last positive for the Beasley's, the game is near by in Omaha. Pick: Trojans 64-57

3 Wisconsin vs 14 Cal St. Fullerton (Thurs, 9:40) Talk about a fun contrast of styles. Wait, did I just mention fun and Wisconsin in the same paragraph. Sorry about that. The Titans are the 5th highest scoring team in the country and average 72 possessions; the Badgers were rather bore you to death and are quite effective. This is a frightening game for any Big Ten fan. It's going to be close, but I've got enough confidence that Brian Butch and Joe Krabbenhoft will be too much down low. The Titans tallest player is 6'6. Pick: Badgers 68-63

7 Gonzaga vs 10 Davidson (Fri, 12:25) Nice of the committee to the make higher seeded Zags travel across the country and play their opponent close to home. Davidson and Stephen Curry can play. We know this much, but I like the individual matchups that Gonzaga can throw at them. Jeremy Pargo vs Curry might be the most entertaining backcourt showdown of the first round. I'd very much like Davidson to win, but my gut and head says otherwise. Pick: Bulldogs 74-70

2 Georgetown vs 15 UMBC (Fri, 2:55) For for the Retrievers to play the basketball power in their area, but the only thing they'll be retrieving are made Hoyas buckets. Could stay close for a while if Georgetown doesn't get the ball to Hibbert on every first half possession but I trust III will have it figured out. Pick: Hoyas 73-48

Best Game: Gonzaga vs Davidson, without a doubt.

Team that could easily ruin my bracket: Any team that possesses a talent like Michael Beasley could win several games more than I've projected.

Underrated player you should follow: A stretch to call him underrated after last year's run, but Wink Adams seems to have been overlooked this year on a national level. He'll give Chalmers, Robinson and crew fits in the second round with his size.

Filling the rest of the bracket out:

Kansas over UNLV
Vanderbilt over Villanova
USC over Wisconsin
Georgetown over Gonzaga

Kansas over Vanderbilt
Georgetown over USC

Kansas over Georgetown despite by better judgment.