March Madness Factory of Sadness Tournament Championship
SWEET 16
EAST REGION
Ryan – Andrew Miller (1) v. J.R. Smith (4): Upset alert for Miller? The dominant lefty was recently tagged in the World Baseball Classic, and it is happening again here. Only one of the former New Yorkers has a title in Cleveland, and the one that does, advances. Pick: Smith (4)
Ryan – Corey Kluber (3) v. Marc Loving (7): The Cinderella Run ends here for Loving, as he runs into a buzzsaw in Kluber. Kluber’s intensity against Smith’s humor makes for an interesting Elite 8 matchup. Pick: Kluber (3)
Must Read: 5 Longest World Series Championship Droughts
Eric – Andrew Miller (1) v. J.R. Smith (4): If there was an overtime, this matchup would go into overtime. And maybe a second overtime. The only difference between these two guys is that one has helped bring a championship to Cleveland, while the other fell just short. Pick: Smith (4)
Eric – Corey Kluber (3) v. Sam Hubbard (2): With what Kluber brings to the table for the Indians, he out matches what Hubbard does for the Buckeyes rather easily. Pick: Kluber (3)
WEST REGION
Ryan – J.T. Barrett (1) v. Kyle Korver (5): Barrett has drawn two easy opponents back-to-back, thanks to my love of Mr. Korver. However, I’m only giving him one round, as Barrett fights into the Elite 8. Pick: Barrett (1)
Ryan – Kevin Love (2) v. Danny Shelton (3): Both Love and Shelton went to school out west, and this matchup is just as close as you will get to an old western duel. Love’s ability to more directly affect the game gives him the advantage here. Pick: Love (2)
Eric – J.T. Barrett (1) v. Kyle Korver (5): Barrett has helped lead the Buckeyes to a National Championship, despite being hurt for the entire playoffs. Without J.T., there is no telling what might have been of the Buckeyes 2014 Championship run. That gives him the edge here. Pick: Barrett (1)
Eric – Kevin Love (2) v. Jae’Sean Tate (6): This one is easy. Love is key piece to a winning team. Tate is a key piece on his team, too, but they are not nearly as good. For that reason, Love advances. Pick: Love (2)
MIDWEST REGION
Ryan – Joe Thomas (1) v. Christian Kirksey (5): The big, burly offensive lineman certainly seems favorable to the speedy linebacker, but Kirksey does not go down without a fight. Thomas advances thanks to his experience and leadership. Pick: Thomas (1)
Ryan – Francisco Lindor (2) v. Richard Jefferson (6): Even with all the great things I have said about Jefferson, it is important to remember he is 36-years-old. The veteran runs out of gas against the highly-energized Lindor. Pick: Lindor (2)
Must Read: 5 QBs The Browns Must Consider After Round 1
Eric – Joe Thomas (1) v. Christian Kirksey (5): Both of these guys are on the worst team in Cleveland. One has several more years of tenure and is a captain for the team. For those reasons, Thomas advances. Pick: Thomas (1)
Eric- Francisco Lindor (2) v. Tristan Thompson (3): Lindor is the present and future of the Indians, as well as one of the biggest superstars in Cleveland. Thompson is no match for Frankie. Pick: Lindor (2)
SOUTH REGION
Ryan – Kyrie Irving (1) v. Cody Allen (5): Allen had a nice victory against Joe Haden in the Round of 32, but Irving is simply too talented to handle. The Cavalier is heading to the Elite 8. Pick: Irving (1)
Ryan – Jamie Collins (2) v. Myles Garrett (6): Garrett has a chance to become a top EDGE player in the NFL, and his potential is astronomical. Collins being traded for a third-round pick last year hurts him here. Pick: Garrett (6)
Eric – Kyrie Irving (1) v. Cody Allen (5): There is no doubt in anyone’s mind that both of these guys are key parts for their championship-contending teams. However, without Kyrie there is no championship for Cleveland. Pick: Irving (1)
Eric – Nick Bosa (3) v. Carlos Carrasco (7): Carrasco is a guy who is very vital to his team, as we all saw in the late games of the World Series when the rotation ran thin. Bosa is important as well, but with Urban Meyer at the helm, defensive lineman are easier to come by. The Cinderella story lives on. Pick: Carrasco (7)