If there is one lock or sure thing come NCAA Tournament time, everyone comes out of the office, the kitchen, the church and the possibly the ground as "an expert". Mark me down as NOT one of them. In fact, without cheating I challenge anyone to even name all 64 nicknames of the schools bracketed to play. Too bad they don't have a contest for that. And what would be the odds if the Wofford Terriers met the Albany Great Danes in the Finals? Likely a billion to one. And maybe that's good as one mascot might attack the other on April 6th in Indiana.

The point is compared to Division I College Football, the competitive level of play, foreign conferences and lack of cohesive data make it a tremendously difficult situation to handicap. Also keep in mind the high percentages of college basketball players that play only ONE or TWO years before being drafted vs. FOUR in college football. The opportunity to form a team environment is a huge factor and why so many tiny schools loaded with talented senior players thrive.

But then again what can we make out of the Kentucky Wildcats? It's fascinating how a team that barely has much experience playing together has accomplished an undefeated season thus far. They are currently listed as whopping 11/10 favorites to cut down the nets as champions at Bovada and most major online sportsbooks. Depending on your perspective, they are either that incredibly special or extremely vulnerable and a very bad bet. Keep in mind this team also is playing without center Nerlens Noel of the 76ers, who would be their senior starter. Win or lose the championship, they could lose as many as four starters next year as well. The "experts" making a reminiscent comparison to Jerry Tarkanian's Running Rebels of UNLV from the early 90's have a good case. Perhaps that's when the greed and temptation jumping to the NBA early really began.

That's why it's very tempting to take the points on a team like 12th seeded Wofford University from Spartanburg South Carolina. The Terriers lost but covered the spread against 5th seed Arkansas as an ironic +7.5 underdog, no pun intended. I would have to believe that every guy recrutied to play for Wofford signed on to play for a FULL four years and was recruited within the USA's largest region of basketball talent.

Same thing goes for the Butler Bulldogs. Still no respect after their NCAA tournament success the last two years. They beat Texas in the first round as an underdog despite having a better record and being the higher seed in the tournament!! Maybe because they can't compete with America's largest university and "afford" to recruit and lose a Kevin Durant early before he graduates. Oh well. Just take the point and take the points.

NCAA Tournament Betting Opportunity (Duke vs. Robert Morris)

Today's chalkboard example might be found in Charlotte, NC where the mighty Duke Blue Devils take on the Robert Morris Colonials. Named after one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, don't call him "Bob Morris" is a small university located in a suburb of Pittsburgh.

Considering the close NC location and army of Duke maniacs, you will only likely locate the team's relatives in the stands rooting for the Colonials. Therefore, 1st seeded Duke is currently a -22.5 and climbing favorite at Diamond Sports and other established sportsbook locations. Despite the desparity in college basketball talent, I would have to believe Coach K has his mind on Sunday and beyond and only wants to walk out with a comfortable win, not a crushing one. And with their imposing 29-4 record, Duke is a vulnerable 19-14 against the spread.

Keeping with their traditon of not destroying oppoents early on, Robert Morris makes for a pro-typical example of a senior-laden cohesive team that can remain competitive and cover the pointspread here. There will be no shocking upset. Simply an opportunity to cash, move on and now know Robert Morris signed the Declaration of Independence.