My March Madness Picks Based On Anything But Basketball: Sweet 16, Campuses
Anyone can get into the March Madness spirit by filling out a tournament bracket. It's easy—especially if your bracket is based on stats that have nothing to do with actual skill! In Round 1, I pitted the original 64 teams against each other based on their mascots. For Round 2, I judged the team uniforms. And now, for Round 3, the Sweet 16, my picks are based on the appeal of each university's campus.
Kansas vs. Maryland
Colleges look so much more collegiate in the fall, and both Kansas and Maryland are really workin' that autumnal angle. But I gotta say, this idyllic brochure shot of the Maryland campus is winning me over.
Miami vs. Iowa
No matter how quaint your campus may be, if you're landlocked, you're going to lose to a school with ready ocean access.
Oregon vs. Duke
Duke students basically walk around the grounds of a castle. Enough said.
Texas A&M vs. VCU
I'm still a sucker for an old-timey plaza, and this stone-paved courtyard at Texas A&M is just what I'm looking for.
UNC vs. Kentucky
UNC is just too picturesque to pass up.
Notre Dame vs. Wisconsin
I'm bored just looking at Wisconsin's campus. At least Notre Dame has some interesting dissecting pathways to keep pedestrians on their toes.
UVA vs. Little Rock
In the battle between historical and modern, historical wins out in my book.
Gonzaga vs. Syracuse
I'll be honest, when I first saw this Gonzaga picture, I was sure it would win. AND THEN I found this Syracuse masterpiece. I mean, I want to be married in that building and then live in it for the rest of my life, and I'm pretty sure that kind of emotion deserves a win.