Elite 8 Open Thread: Finding a Rooting Interest for UConn Fans

The Elite Eight is upon us, even though it seems like the tournament started just yesterday. The Madness this year has been absolutely incredible so far- it's a shame it'll be over next Monday and the 6+ month wait until next season will begin.

Here's who I'm rooting for this weekend:

#1 Oregon vs. #2 Oklahoma, Saturday, 6:09 p.m.

The Ducks did a great job of taking down Duke so we don't have to worry about the Blue Devils adding to their championship total or seeing any more of Coach K and Ted Cruz's love-child Grayson Allen, which is all good stuff.

But Oklahoma has one of the most exciting players in the country to watch in Buddy Hield. I'd like to see him keep playing. Boomer Sooner.

#1 Kansas vs. #2 Villanova, Saturday, 8:49 p.m.

The Jayhawks have looked like the best team in the tournament, but Villanova is giving them a run for their money after a dominant performance over Miami.

This should be an incredible game, but hopefully Kansas comes out on top. Plus, we gotta keep showing solidarity for our future conference mates.

#1 Virginia vs. #10 Syracuse, Sunday, 6:09 p.m.

London Perrantes reminds me of Shabazz Napier and UVA is actually my national champion pick, which is why I really want Virg-

They're playing Syracuse. 'Nuff said. Sunday night we are all Cavaliers.

Even though the Orange's path to the Elite 8 was easier than a part-time job at the YMCA, UConn got to play Butler for the national championship one time. Sometimes you get lucky.

Unfortunately for Syracuse, its luck is about to end. They've already made a Final Four this decade. You only get one, guys.

#1 North Carolina vs. #6 Notre Dame, Sunday, 8:49 p.m.

This is a tough one.

On one hand, you have the most openly cheatingest cheaters ever who happen to remain unpunished while coincidentally fielding a contender this year. On the other hand, you have Notre Dame, the team that gets to be in a major conference for basketball despite selfishly insisting on remaining independent in football.

I guess I dislike Notre Dame way more. So even though the underdog is always fun to root for, and this is going to make my skin crawl, I'll be rooting UNC here.

The UConn Blog Bracket Challenge Update

While I have disgraced my family name, currently sitting second from the bottom, blogmate Ian Bethune is in first.

We promised 10 seconds in our next podcast to anyone who beat me, but it looks like we may have to spread it out across a few of them since almost 30 people are ahead of me. That should be interesting.

Feel free to share your thoughts and comments on the Elite 8 action here!