The Real Charlie: MacotMatcher(TM) 2007

STILL TO COME -- LORD JEFFS V. SCOTS: We have been honored over the years to host Charlie Glassenberg's annual MascotMatcher analysis of the NCAA tournament. But after going 28-4 in last year's first round, there was almost no room left for Charlie to go up . . . so he's gone over this year, hosting MascotMatcher(TM) 2007 on his own blog, The Real Charlie.

We, however, retain first serial rights, and note a few highlights for round one:

Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs. Winthrop Eagles: Based a bar confrontation a few St. Patrick's Days ago, I know how the Fighting Irish do against the Slightly Buzzed Jew (the Jew runs like hell). They do similarly against these raptors. Birds of prey? Think birds of pray. Fighting Irish.

Wisconsin Badgers vs. Texas A&M Corpus Christi Islanders: Once they face these fearsome rodents, these Aggies of the Sea will surely be wishing for the resurrection. Forget the laurels, they'll be lucky for a crown of thorns. I could go on, but I've blasphemed enough for this round. Badgers.

Southern Illinois Salukis vs. Holy Cross Crusaders: Holy Cross will ravage the Salukis like a band of armed and feverish Rhineland peasants passing through the Mainz ghetto on their way to Jerusalem. Crusaders.

Texas A&M Aggies vs. Pennsylvania Quakers: Pacifism has no place on the basketball court. Good meeting, brothers. Now go home. Aggies.

The rest is here, and it's a good year for #16 seeds. Our free ESPN group (ALOTT5MA) remains open for your entry.