The NCAA Tournament has reached the Sweet 16 and several "mid-major" teams are still hanging around.
In most years, the third round (which is now called for the fourth round for some bizarre reason just because of a few extra play-in games) is where the music stops for these media darlings, but Butler proved last year that it's possible to take it even further, as did George Mason in 2006.
The times are changing and the Rams of VCU and Spiders of Richmond are among the top contenders to make the Elite 8 with a win this week.
Which teams have the best chance to pull big March Madness upsets in the Sweet 16?
Butler vs. Wisconsin, 9:55 pm Thursday:
Wisconsin is favored by -4 in this one, a game between two solid teams that don't beat themselves.
Both have good front lines and undersized but explosive guards in Jordan Taylor for Wisconsin and Shelvin Mack for the Bulldogs.
Butler has a shot to pull the upset and might cover but Wisconsin is too well-coached, big and physical for Butler; this one is a bad matchup.
Straight up pick: Wisconsin
ATS pick: Butler
Richmond vs. Kansas, 7:15 pm Friday:
The Jayhawks are favored by 11 in this one, but the Spiders are deep, athletic, and confident.
Kansas looked good but not overwhelming on Sunday against an Illinois team that had been scuffling a bit heading in.
The Jayhawks probably won't cover this one but they should win.
SU pick: Kansas
ATS pick: Richmond
VCU vs. Florida State, 9:55 pm Friday
VCU beat down a good Purdue team and now they have their sights set on the athletic Seminoles.
FSU is getting too much credit for being from the ACC which was far weaker than in past years.
The 'Noles are 4-point favorites almost solely because of their conference of origin.
Purdue coach Matt Painter said he believes VCU can play with anyone in the country on a neutral floor and many agree with the parity in college hoops this year. Take the Rams and don't look back.
SU pick: VCU
ATS pick: VCU
