The 2011 NCAA Tournament’s Southeast region is this year’s most forgiving, but few expect the Florida Gators to be able to take advantage and reach the Final Four. Most experts are picking the Pittsburgh Panthers almost by default in the Southeast, with a self-depleted BYU Cougars team the only real option besides Florida, unless you think Kansas State can go on another March Madness tear.
Or maybe you think Wisconsin can reach the Final Four by winning four consecutive road games. No! They will fall to the mighty Belmont Bruins! Quake and tremble!
As far as the computers go, Kenneth Massey has the Gators ranked as the worst No. 2 seed, Joel Sokol has them ranked below various double-digit seeds, and Ken Pomeroy probably would’ve ranked them as a No. 4 or No. 5 seed.
It’s been a mystery to many why Florida earned a No. 2 seed, but with a friendly home pod location (Tampa) they should be able to survive long enough to meet Pitt or K-State.
For more on Florida, visit Alligator Army and SB Nation Tampa Bay.