When one looks at the Final Four bracket, one can see it’s been a pretty uneventful year: two number one seeds (Florida and Ohio State) and two number 2 seeds (Georgetown and UCLA). In a sport where everyone loves an underdog, the seeds were pretty much bang on, and these teams all but coasted to the Final Four.

Still, the Final Four is one of the most exciting sporting events in North America. College basketball has exploded, and the skill level and excitement level found at these games is unprecedented. Besides, what other collegiate sport has Facebook appropriating a community-wide tool for betting on the national championship? Florida State even has a class called the Final Four Experience. What do they do? Go to the Final Four for course credit! Jealous? You bet I am!

This is my first year in five years with cable, and I have loved every minute of it. (Not just for the cheesy reality shows either!) I’ve been rusty on the analysis, but here is my–brief– take on what is going to go down this in this year’s Final Four:

Florida vs. UCLA

Florida might be here, they might be the defending champions, but they certainly haven’t been playing like it. This season., they struggled early and haven’t really recovered from it. Yes, their five starters all came back from last year and all play really well together, but never having the experience of being the guys on top and beat the team everyone is watching is taking it’s toll. Last year when they made their brilliant run at a championship title, they weren’t in many people’s pools to be at the Final Four, let alone win the entire thing. Then when they got there, they played Cinderella George Mason to get in the championship game. Kudos to George Mason and their brilliant run, but Florida didn’t need to put much effort into that one. Nor the final game, for that matter.

Now Florida is back and they have the talk to go with the walk. People aren’t underestimating them anymore. People are coming at them with their A-game. And they have struggled. Their skill and their desire for a second championship has gotten them this far, but do they have what it takes to beat UCLA this weekend?

I don’t think so. UCLA has been one of the most consistent—and one of the best—teams in the country this year. Plus, they made it to the final four last year and, well, got their ass handed to them by Florida is the final game. Revenge anyone?

UCLA is one of the best defensive teams in the country and has the ability to harass Joakim Noah, frustate the hell out of him, and possibly shut him down. I know they didn’t do it last year, but that was last year. It’s a whole new game now!

Shutting Noah down is the key to stopping Florida. The entire starting five at Florida has the skill to be Most Outstanding Player, but Noah is the heart and soul of this team. Get him frustrated and it will be difficult to for Florida to get out of the funk. Florida has had an inconsistent season at best, and when Noah isn’t completely involved in the offense, the game is over.

Prediction: UCLA by 8

Georgetown vs. Ohio State

Georgetown is a great team when they are in control of the game. Let them set the tempo and gets their half-court offense going, you lose, game over. However, frustrate them with tight, full court defense and they’ll make more turnovers than I ever did (note: it’s a lot). After losing most of their starting line-up this year, and having several very close wins (they beat Vanderbilt in the Sweet 26 by ONE), they aren’t together enough as a team to take it all the way. They have what it takes to win it, but it hasn’t really gelled yet. If it does though, I’m fucked.

They have a lot to prove though, and while most pools have them making it this far, not many have them winning it. Coach John Thompson III hasn’t been living up to his hype, nor has he ever taken a team this far. Look to him being the weak link for his team, and not being able to guide them through the rough minutes.

Ohio State is the only school in this Final Four with multiple high school standouts. That being said, they don’t rely on any one player to get the ball rolling. Yes, Oden is perhaps the best freshman player in the country right now, but Ohio State doesn’t completely depend on him. He was injured most of the season and the Buckeyes still brought it. They have a great balance of experience and superstars, and possibly the deepest bench of the tournament. When Oden’s off– or really, any one of their key players– they have four other starters who have what it takes to step up and be a star.

Ohio State is so good this year, I’m going to come out and say: this tournament is theirs to lose, not someone else’s to win.

Prediction:Ohio State by 14

Championship Game: Ohio State beats UCLA by 11

In the next couple days, I’ll do a quick assessment of the girl’s side. I know way more about it, but way less people care!

Agree? Disagree? Let us know!

Meanwhile, if you have a minute, check out how the Division II Championship game finished. It’s a little bit crazy:

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