#5 versus #12

[BiloxiUMreb]

Y'all are all saavy enough to know the 5/12 history so I won't waste your time w/ background. That being said, I'm up 16.5 units on the 12s over the past eight seasons, so MAYBE I'm a little biased. This year's matchups look better than ever though. Can't make a case for an underperforming, weak conference, patsy like the Aggies against the Cuse, and I think Pitt will pleasently surprise their backers through the dance. BUT...after watching Utah State lose by 7 in OT (should've won it in reg) to Nevada on Nevada's home floor, I can't overlook the irony in the Wash and Minn regions. I love Utah State (#12) to upset a Washington team that I still haven't figured out. Parlay (not literally) that with Nevada(#5) going in against a Montana team (#12 obviously) that nobody outside of Bozeman has ever even seen. One of the reasons the 12s have historically done so well against the 5s is the fact that generally, the 12s have little or no public support. Presto...a #12 that NOBODY cares about versus a #5 from the state of Nevada....I'm playing both these 12s on the ML, but even if you can't swallow that, the line value rests clearly with Montana....GL to all...

[Buffalo66]

I actually disagree with you on your 'Cuse analysis - I feel the 'Cuse is emotionally drained - they've already reached the peak of the mountain per se with their Big East tourney win and subsequent coronation of G-Mac as Jesus Christmas. Perfect spot for an A&M team that has played Texas tough last two times out in their first tourney appearance to upend this overrated 'Cuse squad.

I concur that Nevada has a tough out against a game Grizzly squad that fought back down 20 against UW last year to only lose by 11.

Utah State will be out to prove that their ticket to the dance was no fluke - since UW doesn't play good defense, I think they are always susceptible to ATS L.

[BigWeiner]

I like Utah St., Washington hasn't shown me anything lately, Utah St. has been battling. I don't think Montana is very good, from what I've seen, and Nevada is an up and coming program. I could see Texas A&M or Syracuse winning that game, it's a toss up, but I have to lean with the hot team, Syracuse. Pitt should roll. Good luck

[RJeremy]

I took A&M and Utah St. in all my polls!