Twice this year, though, this super team, this unbeatable force, this blue blur of basketball Godliness, has faced its Kryptonite, watching two lesser teams and their exuberant fans rush the court and celebrate the temporary defeat of college basketball’s Goliath. Indiana and Vanderbilt won fair and square. Unfortunately for the rest of the teams in the Final Four, they unveiled the game plans that can dethrone the soon-to-be crowned Kings of the court. Now, Calipari and his team know where they are vulnerable. They’ll be ready for the Kryptonite.

That being said, the teams remaining in the Final Four do possess some qualities that should give the Big Blue Nation a moment of pause.  When Kentucky fell to the Hoosiers and the Commodores, a door was opened, leading to the ultimate possibility that this amazing team can be beaten. Formulas for success against the Cats were crudely scribbled on the courts on those fateful nights, and Louisville, Kansas, and Ohio State hope to take advantage.

In Indiana, the writing on the wall wasn’t that hard to decipher. Three glaring statistics clearly displayed why Indiana ultimately hit the winning shot that would end up haunting Cats fans the entire season (thanks to an ESPN commercial). One: Anthony Davis only played 24 minutes in that game and was subsequently held to six points (He averages around 32 minutes/game and over 14 points). Two: Indiana shot an incredible 60% from beyond the arc, including the infamous game winner that shook the house (UK opponents averaged a 3P% of 31.8). Three: Kentucky turned the ball over 16 times (they average closer to 11).

Kentucky should be safe from an Indiana-like assault in the Final Four. All three teams remaining fall outside the Top 200 in the nation in three-point shooting and are unlikely to approach the over 50% mark. However, the turnovers and keeping Anthony Davis in check could be an issue –keep that in mind.

The Vanderbilt formula is slightly more problematic. In the SEC Championship game, the big men of Vanderbilt came to play. Vanderbilt brought down 36 rebounds that night, about 5 rebounds more than Kentucky opponents averaged this season. Taylor and Ezeli both had big games and kept Davis from completely taking over, holding him to 12 points and making sure he spent as much time on the floor as he did around the rim.

If Kentucky can prove vulnerable due to turnovers and being beaten around the glass, as indicated by their only two losses, then they’ve drawn a tough crowd to join them in the Final Four. All three teams are top 10 in the country in rebounding, averaging over 37 rebounds per game. All three teams also force an average of 14 turnovers or more, compared to UK’s average of 11.

Against Michigan State, a number one seed featuring Draymond Green, Louisville forced 15 turnovers and brought down 34 rebounds. Against top seeded North Carolina, Kansas held Zeller to six rebounds while grabbing 40 rebounds of their own. Ohio State dominated Syracuse on the boards, but with the absence of Fab Melo, that could easily be an anomaly. At the end of the day, though, these three teams are among the best in the country at rebounding and forcing turnovers –two key ingredients to the only Wildcat losses.

Luckily for UK, two of these opponents are old news. For example, they already know that Louisville’s Dieng doesn’t stand much of a chance against Anthony “The Brow” Davis. In their first meeting, Davis only played 27 minutes but dominated the game and finished with a double-double. Despite winning the turnover battle, Louisville gave up 49 rebounds to the Wildcats. That won’t cut it…so don’t expect the Cardinals to cut the nets.

Kansas and Ohio State, though, pose a serious threat. Even though Kentucky out-rebounded Kansas in the early-season victory, they did so while Kansas’ best big man Thomas Robinson played only 27 minutes. Thomas Robinson is a presence beneath the glass, and could threaten to follow the Vanderbilt tradition and rough him up while bringing down lots of boards. Zeller was a non-factor for much of the UNC game. If Kansas can render Davis back to human status and force some turnovers, this rematch could be scarily close for the UK faithful.

Ohio State poses a very similar threat. Jared Sullinger is unarguably one of the best big men in college basketball, averaging over 9 rebounds a game by himself and playing at a level that few can match. Davis is one of those few, but Sullinger certainly has the size and strength to make things more difficult for The Brow. Ohio State, in many ways, appears to be the team no one is talking about. Don’t ignore them. With Syracuse losing Fab Melo, Ohio State hasn’t faced an opponent that strikes fear in the hearts of Wildcat fans. However, they certainly have the potential to pull a Vanderbilt-Indiana combo and deliver a shocking knockout to the tournament favorites.

That is what is both so terrifying and so exhilarating about March Madness. It’s one game…and you’re out. The Wildcats are the best team. The Wildcats will likely win this championship. But there are no guarantees. The smallest factors can tip the scale, and impossible upsets become reality. The Wildcats have proven, time and time again, that they are the best team to grace a hardwood floor in college basketball this year.

Twice, they’ve proven that their dominance can, for a night, be diminished. This article is but a warning, a disclaimer –a point that Calipari is likely driving home to his team in the locker room: We can be beat.

But I’d like to see them try.

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Follow Cory Collins on twitter @CoCoCoryCollins

Name the last year we weren’t debating the merits of Duke and Kansas on the No. 1 line? It seems like you have to go back to the 1990s for an answer (the truth is, neither team was a No. 1 seed in 2009 – Duke was a No. 2 and Kansas was a No. 3).

As Selection Sunday nears, both teams will again be in contention for a spot on the top line.

This week, Kansas takes the final No. 1 seed ahead of Michigan State, due to the Spartans’ road loss at Indiana. It wasn’t a bad loss for MSU, but it was a loss that bumped the Spartans behind the Jayhawks on the S-Curve.

I’ll make this guarantee: If the Spartans win the outright Big Ten Championship and the Big Ten Tournament title, they’ll be a No. 1 seed, at the expense of either Kansas or Duke. But, as things stand today, MSU is the best No. 2 seed.

I’ll update the bracket a few times this week, so things are really in flux at this point. What makes bracketing difficult at this stage are all the rules. Ideally, no teams in the same conference should be slated to meet before the Elite Eight, but when the Big East has 10 teams in the field, that is impossible. The top three seeds in a conference are also supposed to be in different regions. When factoring in these rules, trying to avoid both season and past tournament rematches makes it a mess.

The one thing that’ll make bracketing a little easier are mid-majors stealing bids. If neither Wichita State or Creighton win the Missouri Valley conference, that conference tournament winner would get a bid over one of the in-the-field-but-not-really-deserving teams currently in a “Last Four In” position.

NOTES: Keep an eye on a team like Cincinnati. While the Bearcats will finish either 11-7 or 12-6 in the Big East (the conference finale at Villanova will finalize the record), Cincinnati’s nonconference schedule strength is pathetic. It mirrors Colorado last year, who was one of the first teams out, in part, because the Buffaloes didn’t schedule anyone in the preseason. Cincinnati might be higher on the todum pole this year compared to the Buffs last year, but that is one of the teams who would really shake up the bracket if it wasn’t included.

Also, the Pac-12 situation is messy. California has the best at-large profile and will probably get in regardless. But even with three teams in, a “major” conference team having its top three seeds 11th, 12th and 13th is embarrassing. Pac-12 Tournament results notwithstanding at point, my Pac-12 pecking order is: California, Arizona, Washington. And trust me when I saw Arizona will do some damage in the tournament — a la VCU last year — if it gets a berth.

George: I think after UK and UNC that Kansas is the most talented team in the nation. The problem is, talent only goes so far. Consistency by TRob and Tyshawn Taylor is sorely lacking. They get beat by Mizzou by a few points but blew out Baylor twice. This team is the reason I hate my brackets but love filling them out every year.

nickev: I’m going Florida. Despite being handled by the Cats on Tuesday night, I really believe that this a top ten team. They are loaded with perimeter guys and if given touches Patric Young could be one of the best big men in the country. But, with their reliance on the three-point shot, you never know what is going to happen with this team. They have the ability to beat anyone in the country. But, I also think they could lose to anyone on a given night. Look at their double-overtime loss to Rutgers.

2. Gisele hating on Brady receivers…Do you care?

nickev: She’s hot and I’m really happy they showed her during the Super Bowl because it earned me a $30 profit via a prop bet. But, do I care about her getting on Brady’s teammates? No. To me it’s just like somebody’s grandma cussing out everyone except for little Jimmy after his baseball team fell in the 11-12 year old championship. Granny don’t know anything baseball but she is watching her grandson. Neither does Gisele. She’s just way, way hotter than Granny.

George: She was fired up and I love it. It was certainly a little Ralph Cramden bus driving but no big deal. Why does Brazil seem so amazing?

3. What did Marky Mark do with the Funky Bunch?

nickev: Was there ever really a Funky Bunch? If a tree falls in an empty forest, does it make a sound? Same thing applies here. No one’s ever seen a member of the Funky Bunch, so did they really ever exist? I’m getting ready to get proved wrong with a picture, aren’t I?

George: Come on! Without the Funky Bunch there would be no Good Vibrations. Then, where would we be?

See More from NickEv HERE

See More from George HERE

SAY WHAT????

A couple of days ago (they all run together when you live hammered), I had a ‘Finkle is Einhorn’ moment only I needed not to suction my face with my plunger. I’m just wonderin’ why in the world there aren’t more colleges and universities out there with a monkey as its mascot… I mean monkeys are hilarious!!! You could have Orangutans, Baboons, Gorillas, Chimpanzes, Marmosets, Spider Monkeys, Wooly Monkeys, etc. Imagine the hilarity that would ensue betwix a roaming monkey and the kiddos at every home game!! (Look how beloved the Phoenix Suns’ Gorilla is…)

Anyhow, here’s a small sample of some of the mascots out there:

Anteaters (University of California-Irvine), Antelopes (Grand Canyon University in Phoenix AND University of Nebraska-Kearney), Banana Slugs (University of California-Santa Cruz), Boll Weevils (University of Arkansas-Monticello), Camels (Campbell University in Buies Creek, North Carolina), Cobbers (Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota), Ephs (Williams College in Williamstown, Massachusetts), Humpback Whales (University of Alaska-Southeast), Kangaroos (Austin College in Sherman, Texas AND University of Missouri-Kansas City), Koalas (Columbia College in South Carolina), Moose (University of Maine-Augusta), Nads (Rhode Island School of Design), Wasps (Emory and Henry College in Emory, Maryland).

Seriously, you tellin’ me out in Santa Cruz they’d rather be sportin’ hoodies w/ Banana Slugs on ‘em than a Baboon?? Come on. And the Nads of Rhode Island? Really? Do they chant “Go Nads!” at every each home game?  Boll Weevils? You WANT to be named after a beetle pest who ruins cotton harvests and Mrs. Rudy’s flower gardens?  Kangaroos and Koalas?  Why not have Crocodile Dundee as your mascot!!  Ephs?  What the Eph?!?!?!  Moose?  Shouldn’t they be the UM-A Meese?!!?  And Humpback Whales?  I’d love to hear their battle cry/chants!!

I Just Don't Get It!!

Monkeys are even fierce beasts, and one of the dominant species in all the jungle. Gorillas’ only enemies are humans, and occasionally leopards, no one else dares mess with them. There’s not an animal out there than can measure up pound-for-pound to the sheer strength of a Silverback Gorilla. Wouldn’t this be a good mascot to have? Hilarious and Powerful? Entertaining and Dangerous?

Then there’s a whole slew of schools out there who don’t even have a nickname or mascot!! Like the University of Sarasota (Florida), Allen College (Waterloo, Iowa), Bastyr University (Seattle, Washington), and Sage College of Albany (New York). Again, the Bastyr Baboons? Sarasota Spider Monkeys?? Sage College of Albany Apes???

Bastyr Baboons???

The only monkey mascot I could stumble upon was the Pittsburg State University Gorillas out of Pittsburg, Kansas. And due to such they are now in my Top Six favorite institutions of learning. If any of yall know of any more schools out there repped by monkeys, please let me know…

RESPECT & RECOGNIZE!!

www.610sports.com

We didn’t need him anyway.

Likely more from Guy later. Until then here’s what everyone else has to say:

KSR hates Xavier.

Ballin’ Is A Habit puts KU #1 and UK #2.

Scout’s Evan Daniels Tweets about Xavier.

Danny Jett opines on what could have been the offical candy bar of the Cats.

Jeff Goodman summarizes the whole shebang.

And Newson6 courtesy of the AP.

Coach Cal, like me, tired of hearing about this.

Guy Smiley (on Monday):This upcoming humpday just got a lot more intriguing….

According to rivals.com and kusports.com, both Henry’s are going to decide officially on Wednesday and will not take a visit to UK.

What does this mean? Well, not much. One could argue either way, that not taking a visit is a death sentence for the Cats, or they have already chosen UK and a visit would be pointless.

I still think it’s a coin flip between UK and KU.

Louisville Courier-Journal: I am still trying to track down firm confirmation from the family, but multiple folks have told me and several internet sites are reporting Xavier Henry has committed to Kansas to spite UFR’s Martin Manley. But one good source of mine also said it’s not true (yet), so we shall see?

Kentuckyinc.com: Kentucky Ink learned tonight that Xavier and C.J. Henry have committed to Kansas after reading UFR. Although there is some uncertainty surrounding this announcement, as I have yet to confirm it with the Henry family, my source just re-affirmed to me that it is ’100 percent.’

Zagsblog.com: Upon learning what Martin Manley of UFR had to say, the Xavier and C.J. Henry sweepstakes took another turn Tuesday night when Carl Henry announced that his sons would not visit Kentucky this week. “They’re not visiting,” Carl said in a phone interview. “[Xavier's] going to a prom Friday.” Several sites are reporting that the Henrys have decided on Kansas, but Carl said no decision had yet been reached. “I think they’re going to decide this week,” he said in a phone interview. “To me they know enough. Kansas is Kansas. Kentucky is Kentucky.” A Kansas source said Tuesday they had not heard directly from the family, but a source very close to the situation said: “They’re going to end up going to Kansas.” Considering that Xavier has never been to Kentucky, it would be somewhat surprising if he committed there without having seeing the campus at all. Asked what he thought about Sherron Collins and Cole Aldrich returning to Kansas, Xavier said: “It means a lot to me that they’re going to try and stay and win it all.”

Kentucky Catspause: From one of my sources, it’s 100% that Xavier and CJ will be at Kansas next year. According to my source, CJ doesn’t want to leave Memphis, but their mother would really like Xavier at Kansas and would like the boys together at KU. Most importantly, she indicated she wanted to “stick it to that Manley of UFR”. I was told to expect an announcement within the next 24 hours.

According to rivals.com and kusports.com, both Henry’s are going to decide officially on Wednesday and will not take a visit to UK.

What does this mean? Well, not much. One could argue either way, that not taking a visit is a death sentence for the Cats, or they have already chosen UK and a visit would be pointless.

I still think it’s a coin flip between UK and KU.

“A” is for Arizona.

How in the world is this team in the field? Despite being 19-13 (9-10 in PAC-10 play), losing five of their last six, and sporting an RPI of 63 (SIXTY-THREE!!!), the committee felt this team belonged? This is a joke. ‘Zona’s only two true road wins came against Oregon and Oregon State, which won a combined 21 games. Nonetheless, Arizona is two tournament appearances away from matching North Carolina’s record of 27 consecutive bids in a row from 1975-2001. They have enough talent where they will probably win a game or two and the pompous committee will say “I told you they belonged.” A complete joke.

“B” is for Bison.

The North Dakota State Bison are making their first NCAA appearance, and it’s coming in the school’s first season as a full-fledged Division I member. The Bison have four fifth-year seniors who red-shirted just to be a part of this season, led by Summit League player of the year Ben Woodside. Woodside ranks among the nation’s top 15 players in scoring and assists. He scored 60 points and tied an NCAA record with 30 free throws in a regular-season game against Stephen F. Austin.

“C” is for CBS.

They do a great job with breaking into games and making sure you catch all the action. They will surely dominate the Nielsen’s for the next three weekends. The network again will stream the broadcasts for free on March Madness On Demand on the NCAA’s Web site.

“D” is for Dayton.

The city not the squad. It could be the toughest ticket to find of all of the eight first-round cities. Fans from Louisville, Pittsburgh and Ohio State will all converge on the University of Dayton Arena, none having to tax themselves for more than a four-hour drive. An hour after the bracket was announced, upper-level seats already were going for $250 and up on stubhub.com.

“E” is for Ebanks.

Devin Ebanks, freshman forward at West Virginia has come on strong of late and is key to the Mountaineers success. He will be matched up against Dayton’s Chris Wright. Wright is underrated nationally and is a big-time defensive player. If Wright can keep Ebanks under wraps, Dayton’s chances for an upset increase.

“F” is for Final Four Coaches.

Don’t blink, you might miss a coach with a Final Four on his résumé roaming the sidelines. Rick Pitino (Louisville), Tom Izzo (Michigan State) and Bill Self (Kansas) all have won national championships while Thad Matta (Ohio State) and Bob Huggins (Cincinnati) have been to the Final Four.

“G” is for Gene Smith.

It must be noted OSU got an awfully sweet site preference for an 8-seed in a year when the Buckeyes’ athletic director, Gene Smith, is serving on the committee… Now what’s the tie-in to ‘Zona makin’ it?

“H” is for Hasbrouck.

Siena’s Kenny Hasbrouck is an explosive player with range and the strength and quickness to get into the lane and finish. He has become a solid defender as well, averaging 2.0 steals per game. He dropped 30 on Vanderbilt in a first-round upset last year and as a 9-seed, pitted against No. 8 Ohio State, should have better odds of the upset this season.

“I” is for Indianapolis.

This is where all these squads are hoping to be booking a hotel at next weekend. Two wins and they are on their way.

“J” is for Jayhawks.

The defending National Champions could have their hands full with the aforementioned “B”, Bison of North Dakota State. In what amounts to essentially a home game for the Bison (eight players on their roster hail from Minneapolis), Kansas better watch out. The Jayhawks won the Big 12 regular-season title with five new starters this season. The last time Kansas was a three seed and played a gang of Bison? They lost to the Bucknell Bison in 2005.

“K” is for Kickingstallionsims.

This one was easy. The best name in the field belongs to Alabama State center Chief Kickingstallionsims, a transfer from Stetson who grew up in south Florida. As if being 7-1 isn’t enough to make him stand out in a crowd, his full name is Grlenntys Chief Kickingstallionsims Jr. His father is Navajo, and his mother is part Norwegian and English.

“L” is for Louisville.

The number one overall seed. The number one team in the country in both polls. The 2009 National Champions???

“M” is for Morehead.

Without question, we all love Morehead. Morehead State ended the longest tournament drought in the field for teams that had been at least once. The Eagles last went to the tournament in 1984, when they lost to Louisville 72-59 in the first round. If Morehead State beats Alabama State in the play-in game, the Eagles will face Louisville again.

“N” is for No More Packer!!

Finally he is gone. Replacing Packer alongside Jim Nantz behind the microphone will be Clark Kellogg.

“O” is for One Shining Moment.

CBS executive Doug Towey originally paired the song “One Shining Moment” with tournament highlights in 1987, and the montage has been a tournament staple ever since. Towey, 61, died March 11 after a battle with cancer.

“P” is for Pac-10 Champions.

The USC Trojans had a nice run in the Pac-10 tourney, and if they keep playing with confidence, they have the talent to get to the Sweet 16 – as long as Daniel Hackett can stay on the floor. Their backcourt depth is non-existent, and if Hackett were to get into foul trouble, a turnover-plagued team would be in big trouble.

“Q” is for Quiz.

Take this short NCAA Tournament quiz and test your knowledge.

“R” is for Rice, Tyrese and Mike.

Mike Rice of Robert Morris. In Rice’s two years at the suburban Pittsburgh school, the former Pitt and Saint Joseph’s assistant has won 50 games. This guy is going to ascend quickly up the coaching ladder.
Tyrese Rice is relentless; the engine that drives Boston College. He excels as a scorer and a distributor, and when on fire can carry this team.

“S” is for Sophomores.

This season was a down year for freshmen, especially when you consider the impact first-year players such as Kevin Durant, Michael Beasley, Greg Oden and O.J. Mayo had in the past couple of seasons. But it was a huge season for sophomores, including key cogs, Michigan State’s Kalin Lucas and Kansas’ Cole Aldrich.

“T” is for Terrance Williams.

T-Will hasn’t got much love from the postseason awards given out thus far, but he has gotten a sweet article written on him in Sports Illustrated. Why isn’t the best player on the team with the best record in the best conference better known?

“U” is for Under seeded.

West Virginia has a slight gripe, especially if Utah is a No. 5. WVU has four top-100 road wins and had one less win overall than the Utes in a much tougher league.

“V” is for Vikings.

Cleveland State is making its first appearance since 1986, when the Vikings made it to the Sweet 16 behind guard Kenny “Mouse” McFadden. Cleveland State coach Gary Waters was Kent State’s coach in 2001, when the Golden Flashes beat Indiana in the first round as a No. 13 seed.

“W” is for Wake Forest.

The former No. 1 Demon Deacons are back in the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2005, and they have what it takes to make a deep run. They have strong guard play, led by Jeff Teague, and solid inside play – led by James Johnson and Al-Farouq Aminu. They also have a little history on their side: Wake was the last unbeaten team, starting 16-0 before losing to Virginia Tech on Jan. 21. In five of the past six seasons, the last unbeaten team went on to at least the Sweet 16. Two reached the NCAA title game, and one – Florida in 2006 – won the national championship.

“X” is for X-Factor.

For all 16 teams “X-Factor” head on over to Yahoo! Sports/Rivals.com’s Midwest team capsules.

“Y” is for Youth.

With no seniors and only one junior starter, Ohio State’s youth will be tested. Wake Forest has only three seniors, and only one of them see more than a minute of action per game. West Virginia’s only senior Alex Ruoff will need to avoid putting up another scoring bagel as he did against Louisville on his Senior Night in the regular-season finale.

“Z” is for Zebras.

The referees as always are able to either ‘let them play’ or control the tempo of the game. With the BIG EAST squads known for their bruising style of play and swarming defenses, if the zebras blow a quick whistle Louisville and West Virginia will have a much more difficult path to Detroit.

References:

http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball/news?slug=df-tourneyatoz03162009&prov=yahoo&type=lgn

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/ncaatourney09/columns/story?columnist=oneil_dana&id=398363

http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball/news?slug=ys-2009ncaamidwestbrkdn&prov=rivals&type=lgn

Career Record: 47-40-2
Foxy’s Balance: $101.93