I never did get around to making any predictions about the NCAA tournament, but in the pool that matters — and that would be the one with a $220 winner-take-all pot — I’m still alive, based on my fearless prediction that Georgia Tech would win it all.

I’m also still alive based on the fact that even in this particular pool, heavy with Terrapins, none of the ACC heads thought to pick the Yellowjacketed Ramblin’ Wrecks. Mr. Big Ten, however, thought that would be the way to go.

Um, Mr. Big Ten would be me.

And how come southern schools can’t just be satisfied with one mascot. Is my team the Ramblin’ Wrecks or the Yellowjackets? What does the goat at UNC — The Wife’s favorite team, basketballwise — have to do with being a Tar Heel? How many mascots does Auburn need? Has the Tiger ever threatened to eat the War Eagle?

And don’t even get me started on the apparent necessity to plant shrubs in the football stadiums of southern schools. Botany majors getting in some practice?

We’ll be in Columbus over the weekend, watching the semifinal games with Fred, Ethel and Juan. Eat some homemade Mexican, find some funky beers at The Andersons, watch some hoops…

…and pass out on the couch.