March Madness is finally here.

It’s the time to win money and gain bragging rights, but my favorite part is watching the underdog in an upset victory.

However, for all the fun the upset provides, it ruins my bracket every time.

So as I was sitting at my computer, waiting to fill out my Facebook NCAA bracket, I thought to myself: “What’s the best way to go about picking a champion?”

I watched ESPN’s bracketology and listened to the in-depth analysis. I examined statistics and numbers for the top teams. But after all of this, I knew there had to be an easier way.

After I almost gave up hope, it finally hit me. I had found the shortcut for filling out your bracket.

It only takes four easy steps to decide what team will be cutting down the net on April 7.


Mascot

The key to any team’s success lays within the power of their mascot.
For example, there is no way the Stanford Tree is making its way to the Final Four. It’s a tree that smiles.

Instead I think the UCLA Bruin has a decent chance in any mascot matchup. That bear would tear the Stanford Tree to bits. It's simply a question of who has the better mascot.


Jersey coordination

When both teams have less–than–impressive mascots, it’s time to look at the teams’ jerseys.

Two words: color coordination.

UNC has enough style points to grab the championship, no questions asked. I am a huge fan of the baby blue uniform. And the argyle striping down the sides are the finishing touches to the perfect jersey.

Marquette has gotten too fancy with their multicolored striping. Uniforms are supposed to represent the pride of your school. But Marquette’s uniforms represent some kind of really gross vomit.


Vacation spot

Now I understand that sometimes two very fashionable teams go head to head. So when you can’t chose the cuter uniform, consider which campus would be a better vacationing spot for you and some friends.

My top pick would be Arizona. Who doesn’t like sunshine combined with a little dry heat? Just think about the tanning possibilities!

On the other hand, Boise State would be knocked out right away. Who’d want to spend a week up there?


Cute player factor

Sometimes these steps make decisions even harder. So basketball fans, when all else fails, pick the team with the cuter players. Sometimes I even skip the previous three steps and come straight to this stage.

That’s what I am doing for 2008. Tyler Hansbrough is gorgeous, even with the face guard. And that’s precisely why the UNC Tar Heels are going all the way.

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