Who wins the Final Four?

Maurice Bobb : Izzo is the shizzo

Like most of March Madness nation, my NCAA Tournament bracket is busted. With all of the major programs sitting on the sidelines, I’m forced to choose between Duke, Michigan State, Butler and West Virginia. Butler is on a 24-game win streak, meaning the Bulldogs have not lost in 2010 and have managed to upset teams in the tourney because of their ability to draw teams into their pace. But I don’t think that plan will work against the Spartans. Tom Izzo is also a great coach and strategist, so I see Michigan State pulling out the win.

West Virginia felt that they should have been a No. 1 seed and I’m inclined to agree. But I can’t count on Duke to continue its horrid shooting. Kyle Singler is as tough as nails and will find his touch.

Izzo against Krzyzewski is about the biggest marquee matchup left in the Tournament. Both coaches have storied careers on the bench, but it’s Izzo who is able to get the most out of inferior talent and it’s Izzo that can lead the Spartans to cutting down the nets. Duke will not go down without a fight, but the Spartans will do what it takes to get the win. My pick: Michigan State.

Joey Clarke : The Butler did it in the gym

Much like Maurice, my bracket was destroyed after the first day. I didn’t pick any of these teams to be in the Final Four, but I’ll work with it.

I’ve been quite impressed with Butler’s play of late. The Bulldogs seem to be comfortable under pressure and in close-game situations. Michigan State is well coached and is no stranger to big games, but Butler is really on a roll, and I’m not sure anyone can stop it. I’m going to go out on a limb here and say that Butler continues its streak and knocks off Michigan State.

Duke’s biggest challenge came against Baylor on Sunday. Yes, Kyle Singler had a terrible game, but Duke still managed to pull out the victory. West Virginia will be riding the thrill of beating Kentucky on Saturday, but truthfully, Kentucky lost that game with bad shooting from players on whom it could normally count to produce offense. I say Singler gets his groove back and Duke wins.

On paper, a Duke-Butler matchup seems like a no brainer. But to me, it’s a coin toss. Judging the Tournament thus far, it doesn’t seem like this is the year for No. 1 seeds. I say Butler wins.

Chris Losee: Duke is still the earl of the Dance

Story time is over guys Cinderella never made it to the ball. Since their last Final Four appearance, the Duke Blue Devils, the only No.1 seed left in the tournament, have stockpiled the talent and momentum to go all the way. Butler, Michigan State or West Virginia is not going to stop the Blue Devils from winning the NCAA Tournament.

The Blue Devils tore up No. 4 Baylor without the help of their number one scorer Kyle Singler, who had six points in the victory. Explosive guard play by Jon Scheyer and Nolan Smith combined for 49 points, which elevated Duke to a level that made Baylor’s height advantage a non-issue. Coach K’s experience and his team’s free-throw shooting ability will be deciding factors in the fourth quarter.

Once Duke wins over West Virginia, they will have to play the winner of Michigan State and Butler. Tom Izzo’s magic will stop with Butler. Duke will have no problem when they get to the championship game. The game plan will be the same as the one against Baylor, which was crashing the boards offensively and making every possession count. None of the teams can match up with the athleticism of this Duke team.

Judge Beard: When is Opening Day?

All you guys make interesting points, and I like that each of you picked different winners. But since my bracket got busted, I really don’t care anymore, and instead of judging your responses I will school ya’ll on the only two sure things left in college basketball — that Connecticut will win the women’s championship, and still, no one will care.

Truth be told, this Tournament has been so upset-ridden that I’m more excited about the start of baseball season, and I’m an Astros fan. Do you guys know what that means? I care more about a team that could lose more than 90 games than I do about of a bunch of no-names in college basketball.

I know Duke is a perennial power, but I don’t like the Blue Devils and I don’t know why. Michigan State is a nice story with all the injuries the Spartans have overcome, but it’s still Big Ten basketball, and I don’t know anyone who can truly get excited about that.

If I had to pick, I’d say Butler wins but sorry Joey — I still take the verdict. And with that, I leave you with my Face time, courtesy of one Tyrone Biggums.

Verdict: Due to an over-active Chuck Norris gene, my exceptionally thick beard trumps all others and therefore I win.

Face time: You know what dog food tastes like? Do you? It tastes just like it smells … delicious.