And the winner is..........

JACOB!!!

Congratulations to Jacob on winning the 2010 edition of the Young Family Bracket Challenge in just his FIRST try!!!

Butler lost, 61-59, for Jacob to win the challenge.

Alright everybody, be sure to send your $5 to Jacob. And be sure to include some smack talk "words of encouragement" when you send him your money.

This ends the 2010 Challenge!!! Great job Jacob!!!

Here are the final standings:

1. Jacob Young - 227 points
2. Allison Young - 222 points
3. Teresa Matters - 209 points
4. Eric Young - 198 points
5. Brad Young - 168 points
6. Nathaniel Abbott - 147 points
7. Robert Young - 140 points
8. Lindsey Abbot - 137 points
9. Jeremy Bird - 127 points
10. Melissa Young - 114 points
11. Heather Abbott - 105 (Disqualified)
12. Beth Bird - 77 points

Also, congratulations to Ali bug! She has correctly chosen the Champion two years in a row! Way to go, Ali! I'm copying your bracket next year!

It's down to two!

Defending Young Family Bracket Challenge Winner, Teresa Matters, and rookie Jacob Young are the only two people left in the running for the 2010 Challenge Trophy!

Much like the Young Family Challenge, a smaller and new team will take on a past Champion for the title. Butler beat Michigan State to advance to its first Championship game ever, while West Virginia choked and was unable to advance.

Teresa, Jacob, Allison, and Eric all chose the team to face Butler in the Final Game. So, here are the standings:

1. Teresa Matters - 209 points
2. Jacob Young - 177 points
3. Allison Young - 172 points
4. Brad Young - 168 points
5. Eric Young - 148 points
6. Nathaniel Abbott - 147 points
7. Robert Young - 140 points
8. Lindsey Abbot - 137 points
9. Jeremy Abbott - 127 points
10. Melissa Young - 114 points
11. Heather Abbott - 105 (Disqualified)
12. Beth Bird - 77 points

Monday night will tell the tale and for the second year in a row, the Challenge title has come down to the final game! Way to go Teresa and Jacob! I am so proud of you guys for kicking ass!

I can't believe how low scoring this challenge is (for reference, the winner had 333 points last year, this year max is 227). This was by far the weakest NCAA tournament ever and the most absurd (the set up and seeding). Huge props are deserved to Jacob and Teresa for predicting as well as they have with all of the upsets that have happened! Way to go, guys!!!

Final Four... today!

There are only Four teams left in the NCAA Basketball Championship... and there are only four people vying for the Young Family Bracket Challenge Trophy!

Teresa, Brad, Jacob, and Nathaniel are the only member remaining that could win the challenge... and here is how:

Teresa will win if... Duke defeats West Virginia in the Final Four game, but loses in the Championship.

Brad will win if... West Virginia defeats Duke in the Final Four game, but loses in the Championship game.

Jacob will win if... Duke wins the National Championship.

Nathaniel will win if... West Virginia wins the National Championship.

It's as simple as that!

Go WVU... and then Butler or Michigan State to win it all!

In other news, I'm happy to report that if Brad does not win, he cannot finish in second place... again...!

Beth & Jeremy Bird Flee Vegas Amid Gambling Charges

It has come to the attention of the Young Family Bracket Challenge that Beth and Jeremy Bird have fled Las Vegas, Nev. amid information that they may have put money on Nathaniel Abbott and West Virginia to win the National Championship - a team neither of them selected in their own brackets.

It is believed to be a strategy to make money off of the NCAA Tournament after both of them had been out of contention to take the 2010 Challenge.

Reports of Beth Bird repeatedly saying, "I called it!! ...I said Nathaniel would take it this year... GO NATHANIEL!!!!!!!!!!!!," has spurned concern to bracket challenge participants. Nathaniel Royce Abbott is currently in third place and is the lead contender for the 2010 Challenge crown if West Virginia does win the National Championship.

Also, numerous anonymous reports have come in, including a tip from a close friend of the family, saying they mentioned placing a bet in Vegas on the National Championship game.

While gambling is not prohibited by the Young Family Bracket Challenge Rules, this situation is frowned upon based on the rule that prohibits participating in other bracket challenges. It is believed that the two suspects placed money on West Virginia in hopes of making a formidable amount of money after not winning the Bracket Challenge three years in a row.

The initial report came from the receptionist at the Treasure Island Resort on the strip of Las Vegas. She mentioned hearing Jeremy tell Beth he planned on buying a brand new Toyota 4Runner with the winnings he would receive after placing money on Nathaniel Abbott to win it all. The witness also reported that Beth was practically drooling over the ideas of remodeling her kitchen and installing a see-through fireplace to connect the living room and family room.

"I'm appalled by their actions and their decision to exploit my beautiful and innocent child," says Heather Abbott, mother and fan club president of Nathaniel Royce Abbott. "If anyone should be able to exploit him for money, it should be me and his father, not an Aunt and Uncle who lives hundreds of miles away. I'm disgusted by this, and if they wish to ever see my son again, they better hope they win because they will need to split the winnings 50/50 with me. I've got some new prescription drugs ER bills coming my way, and that sh*t is expensive... you know... 'doctor's orders'."

The last report about Beth and Jeremy placed them boarding American Airlines Flight 1476 in Dallas/Fortworth, Texas... destination unknown.

We will give you the most up to date information as we receive it while the Board will discuss any ramifications of their exploitation of their nephew for money.

Past Winner DISQUALIFIED from 2010 Challenge

The Board of the 2010 Young Family Bracket Challenge was presented evidence, today, that acknowledges and proves the use of drugs by a participant during the Bracket Challenge time period. The use of drugs is strictly forbidden and is grounds for immediate disqualification based on board approval.

The Board has voted for the disqualification of Heather Hartley Young Abbott, the winner of the 2008, and inaugural, Young Family Bracket Challenge after receiving a transcript of this text message:

"The drugs are making me feel like I can do anything... my mind was so deluted that I tried to give the drugs up today and concuree...".

No one is sure what "concuree" is... but our guess it's the drugs talking.

"We are deeply saddened to see a disqualification in our world-renowned Bracket Challenge," says the Media Representative for the Board. "However, there is a no-tolerance policy for drugs in this game. Heather Abbott's actions were inexcusable and her disqualification was the right decision... in other words, she sucks."

This is the first time a member of the Young Family has been disqualified for drug use. Abbott was in 11th place before the disqualification with the opportunity to achieve more points as her national champion selection was West Virginia.

Abbott has self proclaimed that she is "'Heart'ly", but when asked about her disqualification, she seemed under the influence and unashamed of her disqualification; which could defy her own self proclamation.

"OMG! I AM [on drugs]!..." Abbott says, but later followed with a snicker and said, "He he he... he he... he he."

Members of the 2010 Young Family Bracket Challenge are outraged and disappointed upon hearing the news.

"This is effin' ridiculous. You think you know someone... you think you can trust them to make all the right decisions and then they don't! It makes me wonder how long she has been on drugs. Maybe the 2008 title should have been mine - she was probably hopped up on drugs then, too; it sure explains how she can't spell things correctly. She needs to watch out for me and my calves... I may kick some ass." - Bradley Young

"I can't believe how freely the words came out... 'The drugs are making me feel like I can do anything.' She couldn't function at Wally World. I'm at a loss for words. I really hope the kids aren't reading this... so, so disappointing. I guess finishing 2nd to last has pushed her over the edge. Did she really think us being on the Board would save her? I'm afraid the only thing that will save her for next season is... rehab. I'm now sure those were not disturbing texts... it was the drugs making her paranoid. They didn't say 'I'll break your other foot'... it probably read, 'I hope you're careful and don't hurt your other foot.' As for her son... it wasn't, 'Can I pay Nathaniel off?'... it was more like 'Can I send Nathaniel some money for that game he is saving for?' See how the drugs make her delusional? Well, at least she wasn't in the top five... man, she didn't even make the top 10... but at least she finally admitted it. I just hope I can sleep tonight." - Teresa Matters, 2009 Bracket Challenge Winner

"I really don't know how I feel. Nathaniel has been doing so good thus far. She keeps saying that she has been teaching Nathaniel everything she knows. What exactly is that? I'm worried about the safety of the other participants." - Robert Young

Heather Hartley Young Abbott... your FAIL is now official.

Abbott's Injury Responsible for Poor Showing

When Heather Abbott filled out her bracket, she had something more on her mind. With those disturbing text messages being sent to her from the very beginning, she understood that soon in the future she was going to get hurt... emotionally and physically.

Then, low and behold, back on Sunday, March 28, 2010, while attending church, the moment she had been waiting for occurred. She tripped over a step coming down from the altar, fell and sprained her foot and ended up in the Holzer Medical Center Emergency Room.

"I knew from the very first time I received that first text message that something was going to happen to me," Heather Abbott said, shaking with fear and paranoia and with a big homemade black censor circle covering her face. "I was fearful and worried and my mind was not focused on the Challenge at hand because I knew I was going to go down... hard."

So it's no surprise that she currently sits in 11th place with only 85 points, healthily out of contention for the Challenge crown - one that she won in its inaugural season after predicting all four members of the Final Four correctly (a Young Family Bracket Challenge Record).

"It worked out for the best - me not finishing well in the Challenge," Abbott continued, "because imagine what would have happened to me had I been in the running for first place. He/She who must not be named could have really hurt me."

Is it a coincidence that this happened at church? Does He/She who must not be named have connections with the big Man upstairs?

"I don't think it's a coincidence at all. I've always known that He/She who must not be named was 'divinely' dangerous and was capable of striking me down if I posed a threat. It's a horrible curse to be so perfect. I guess I'm simply too much of a bad ass and a threat to the family in this Challenge that they have to take me down at church."

Abbott later commented that she's afraid to go back to church until after the winner of the 2010 edition of the Young Family Bracket Challenge has been announced. Until then, she admits, she will stay indoors under the protection of Lindsey Abbott and her dogs Bo and Bristol.

Abbott is currently still in a considerable amount of pain, but is able to occasionally walk without her crutches. She is open to 'Get Well' cards and balloons, especially since she's been traumatized not only physically but emotionally. For information on how to send Heather Abbott a care package, please contact Brad.

The pictures below are graphic and not suitable for children or the weak of stomach. However, it is important for everyone to know what they're dealing with... First text messages, then this... what's next, He/She who must not be named?... What's next?

Disturbing Text Messages

I am about to share with all of you something that I feel, is of great importance. On Sunday March 28, at exactly 3:34 pm, while I was suffering from extreme pain from a sprained foot, my phone dinged with the arrival of a text message from one of our own. What I am about to write next, may be very graphic, so parental discretion is advised....the text message read....."SHUT IT UP....or ill BREAK ur other foot-LOL".
One of our own everyone, this came from one of our own...I didn't know what to say....I mean I was devastated by their words...and then to make it worse..4 minutes later, the same person texted me another disturbing message, and it read...."can i pay off Nathaniel.....dont tell brad?"
I wish to keep the texters identity a secret, in order to protect my other foot, and to protect my son, who is a contender for this years Bracket Challenge. I hope that you all can respect my decision to keep my family safe. I just felt it was necessary to let all of you know, that one of our own, did this and you all to could be their next victim. So when you receive a text message from any one of us, beware, because you could be the next target.

WE HAVE A NEW LEADER!

For the first time in the 2010 Bracket Challenge, someone other than Brad is in the lead. The defending champion Teresa Matters correctly predicted the two games today - MSU over Tenn and Dook over Baylor - to take the lead with 179 points.

Brad is in second with 168 points while Jacob and Nathaniel are tied for third place with 147 points.

The Bracket Challenge will come down to those four people! We will have a special update in the coming week to discuss how each player can win the Challenge.

So here are the standings:

1. Teresa Matters - 179 points
2. Bradley Young - 168 points
T3. Jacob Young - 147 points
T3. Nathaniel Abbott - 147 points
5. Allison Young - 142 points
6. Robert Young - 140 points
7. Lindsey Abbott - 137 points
8. Jeremy Bird - 127 points
9. Eric Young - 118 points
10. Melissa Young - 114 points
11. Heather Abbott - 85 points
12. Beth Bird - 77 points

There is only one more weekend to go! Everybody, stay out of trouble this week! And throw your support to one of the four remaining members in the hunt for the title .

Saturday: Butler vs. Michigan State & West Virginia vs. Dook

BREAKING NEWS! Heather Abbott sprains foot!

In BREAKING NEWS, Heather Abbott sprained her left foot, Sunday, while attending church service playing basketball. Heather fell as she was attempting to step down from the altar had a break away for a layup.

ER officials from Holzer Medical Center were not readily available for comment.

We'll bring you more coverage as we receive more news.

A quick convo with Jake!

Brad caught up with Jacob Young really quickly to talk about his amazing run in the 2010 Young Family Bracket Challenge. Currently he is one of four people remaining in the running for the Challenge victory!

If Duke wins tonight, he'll still be in the thick of the hunt. If not, he'll be out of the running (Oh no!).

He's had a tight race with Nathaniel the entire time, will it continue?!


BY: How do you think you've been doing in just your first appearance in the Young Family Bracket Challenge?
JY: Good.

BY: Have you been following all of the games - and keeping up with the blog?
JY: Yeah, I was mad that Kansas lost to UNI. I have followed the blog.

BY: How did you choose your teams? What was your strategy?
JY: My mom helped me, but I went mostly by what they were ranked.

BY: How does it feel to know that you beat everyone in your family?
JY: Good!

BY: Are you giving them a hard time - telling them that you beat them?
JY: No, because I don't want to.

BY: If Duke wins, you are in a good position to win the challenge. Why'd you choose Duke?
JY: Because they had a big score.

BY: You know that breaks your Uncle Brad's heart, right?
JY: Yeah.

BY: After watching all the games, do you still think Duke is going to make it to the Final Four?
JY: Yeah, because they're good.

BY: Is there anything you want to say to everyone in the family?
JY: Nope!

Thanks Jacob! Good luck (BOO DOOK!)

It's down to the Final Four...

I love these pictures!!! Nice PJ's Jacob and Teresa!

...members vying for the 2010 Young Family Bracket Challenge victory! In terms of the tournament, today, two teams punched their tickets to Indianapolis - both of which were upsets.

Butler defeated Kansas State to make its first Final Four in school history, and West Virginia took down Kentucky to make it to its first Final Four since 1959. Random tidbit: Butler's campus is 5 minutes away from the Final Four location... can someone say, home court advantage?!!

So there are only four members of the family that could take the challenge this year. Brad, Jacob, Nathaniel, and Teresa (Defending Champion). And tomorrow we'll find out who the final two people will be vying for the championship.

If Baylor wins tomorrow, the Bracket Challenge will come down to Brad and Nathaniel. If Baylor loses tomorrow, all four contenders are still alive! OH THE INSANITY!!!

So, Brad continues his lead in the Bracket Challenge, as he currently posts 168 points, while Nathaniel has separated himself from Jacob (for the time being) to take second place with 147 points. Robert (140 points) has sneaked up into third place but after the Kansas State loss is not in the running to win the Bracket Challenge as he and Nathaniel both have the same selections from here on out. Although this is his best performance in the bracket challenge yet!

Teresa is sitting comfortably in fourth place with 139 points while Lindsey Abbott has risen into FIFTH PLACE - her highest placement in the standings ever! - with 137 points. Jacob sits dangerously tied for sixth place with Jeremy with 127 points, anxiously awaiting the results of the Baylor/Duke game. Here is the complete list of standings:

1. Bradley Young - 168 points
2. Nathaniel Abbott - 147 points
3. Robert Young - 140 points
4. Teresa Matters - 139 points
5. Lindsey Abbott - 137 points
T6. Jacob Young - 127 points
T6. Jeremy Bird - 127 points
8. Allison Young - 122 points
9. Melissa Young - 114 points
10. Heather Abbott - 105 points
11. Eric Young - 98 points
12. Beth Bird - 77 points

There are two more games tomorrow to complete the Final Four docket... it could be down to only two people by Sunday night! Or it could still be between the four again... who knows?!

Everyone else, be prepared to send your money to one of those four people, and Teresa, get ready to ship out the trophy because you are NOT repeating! I won't allow it!!!

The Elite 8 is set... Brad still leads, Teresa retakes second place!

We're down to the Final 8 teams... and two members of the 2010 Young Family Bracket Challenge are officially done. Beth and Melissa no longer have the opportunity to gain anymore points in this year's challenge. Beth finished with 77 points, cementing her spot in the Toilet Bowl (as we so lovingly call last place :-p), while Melissa finished with 114 points.

Beth did finish with a bang, however, as she was the only one who predicted Tennessee in the Elite 8! Way to go, Boo Boo! Better luck next year!

UNI's Cinderella story ended tonight by the hands of Michigan State, as did St. Mary's who was humiliated by Baylor. So that leaves: Michigan State, Tennessee, Kentucky, West Virginia, Duke, Baylor, Butler, and Kansas State.

Brad still leads, for most likely the last time, however, it IS possible that he could win. However, that requires major upsets!!! Oh, I can wish... So he leads still, but Teresa retook second place while Jacob and Nathaniel are tied for 3rd place!!! It's exciting!

Here are the standings...

1. Bradley Young - 148 points
2. Teresa Matters - 139 points
T3. Jacob Young - 127 points
T3. Nathaniel Abbott - 127 points
5. Allison Young - 122 points
6. Robert Young - 120 points
7. Lindsey Abbott - 117 points
8. Melissa Young - 114 points
9. Jeremy Bird - 107 points
10. Eric Young - 98 points
11. Heather Abbott - 85 points
12. Beth Bird - 77 points

So there are the standings.

Tomorrow begins the road to the Final Four... And Teresa has THREE of her Final Four STILL ALIVE!! Just so everyone knows, here are the listings of how many teams are still alive for everyone.

Teresa Matters- 3 of 4
Jacob Young- 2 of 4
Allison Young - 2 of 4
Robert Young - 2 of 4
Nathaniel Abbott - 2 of 4
Eric Young - 2 of 4
Bradley Young - 1 of 4
Jeremy Bird - 1 of 4
Lindsey Abbott - 1 of 4
Heather Abbott - 1 of 4
Beth Bird - 0 of 4
Melissa Young - 0 of 4

Tomorrow Kansas State will take on Butler and West Virginia will take on Kentucky in what could be the BEST game of the tournament!

We'll see some separation tomorrow!

March Madness indeed... WOW!

Well... the evening started with SYRACUSE falling to the Butler Bulldogs. That's three more people's National Champion selections to fall as Teresa, Melissa and Jeremy each had the Orange cutting down the nets in Indy. WOW! Then, on top of that, Kansas State survived a 2-OT game against Xavier to make it to the Elite 8. There have been some great games in this tournament! Sucky games for our brackets, but good...

But before I list the standings, I want to leave you with a quote from defending Young Family Bracket Challenge winner, Teresa Matters, gave me via text message after the Syracuse loss.

"F*CKIN' BUTLER!"

Amen, sister... Amen.


Now to the standings... Brad leads still leads (133 points) after correctly predicting three of the four games tonight correctly. The big move today, however, was from Jacob Young, who also predicted three of the four games correctly, and moved into second place with 112 points!!! Jacob is in a good position and could possibly take the entire Challenge in just his first appearance (medically unavailable in 2009).

1. Bradley Young - 133 points
2. Jacob Young - 112 points
3. Teresa Matters - 109 points
T4. Allison Young - 107 points
T4. Jeremy Young - 107 points
6. Robert Young - 105 points
7. Nathaniel Abbott- 97 points
8. Lindsey Abbott- 87 points
9. Heather Abbott- 85 points
10. Melissa Young- 84 points
11. Eric Young - 83 points
12. Beth Bird - 62 points

Now, I know everyone (except for me) is sick of seeing me on top of the standings, but don't you worry... it's possible that when the Final Four is announced, I will finally fall out of the top of the standings... unless the small schools win, ha!

INTERESTING NOTE! Nathaniel is the ONLY person who could get 3/4 of the games tomorrow... he is the only person who has three teams alive for tomorrow's games. He could make a big push tomorrow!

March is craaaaazy!

Catching up with Nathaniel Royce Abbott

We were able to catch up with Nathaniel Royce Abbott, who is currently tied for fifth place with his cousin Jacob Young. Nathaniel has selected West Virginia to win the championship and has been ranked as highly as third place in this year's challenge!

BY: So tell me, what do you think about all of the upsets that have happened so far?
NA: It’s kind of on my nerves… you would not think that some of the teams that have lost already would have lost. It’s sad that some of the teams have lost to the teams they have lost to. The biggest surprise I have seen yet was probably, maybe, the Notre Dame game. Because they were ranked sixth and Old Dominion was ranked eleventh. Actually, Kansas losing to Northern Iowa was the more surprising one. But I’m still upset about Notre Dame losing, too.

BY: You’re doing well in the Bracket Challenge – you were up to third place the other day. How do think things have been going?
NA: I think I’ve been doing very good. I am doing way better than my mom is!

BY: How do you think you will finish?
NA: I think I’m going to finish in at least the top five.

BY: What do you think has been the biggest surprise so far in the family?
NA: That Lindsey was beating me at one point. It made me feel pretty sad because she was beating and she is just a little kid. I think the grown ups are pretty upset that I’m beating them too. But mom said she loves it, she says she taught me everything she knows… but she didn’t.

BY: Who do you think is your biggest competition is in the bracket challenge?
NA: Probably, you [Uncle Brad]. You’re in first and you haven’t been out of first place the entire time of the bracket challenge.

BY: After seeing the games, do you still think West Virginia is going to win?
NA: Yes, I do. They’re a good team especially with Da’Sean Butler!

BY: What do you think about the injury to WVU point guard.
NA: Oh my gosh… that is bad!

BY: You’re ahead of your mom and sister, have you been smack talking them?
NA: Yes, I have! I keep telling them that they’re going down and that I’m going to finish in the top 5!

BY: What have they been saying to you?
NA: They keep saying, “Oh, whatever!”

BY: What do you want to tell everyone competing against you in the Challenge?
NA: I hope you lose and I better win it!

Well, there you have it! Nathaniel Abbot wants to win it... and for everyone else to lose! Keep a close eye out... we'll hopefully have another interview with Jacob coming soon!

Also, remember, tonight and tomorrow there are games to decide who goes to the Elite 8! Then on Saturday and Sunday, we'll see who makes it to the Final Four! So look out for new standings starting tomorrow!

West Virginia starting point guard out for tourney

This could hurt a lot of people...

From ESPN.com

West Virginia starting point guard Darryl "Truck" Bryant will miss the rest of the NCAA tournament after breaking his right foot, school officials confirmed to ESPN.com on Tuesday night.

Bryant, a sophomore from Brooklyn, N.Y., started 31 of the team's 35 games this season, averaging 9.3 points, 3.1 assists and 2.2 rebounds. The No. 2-seeded Mountaineers play No. 11-seeded Washington Huskies in Thursday night's East Regional semifinals in at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse, N.Y.

School officials said Bryant fractured the fifth metatarsal in his right foot.

Bryant will probably be replaced in the starting lineup by junior Joe Mazzulla, whose playing time has increased recently after he missed most of last season with a shoulder injury. Mazzulla is averaging 2.2 points and 1.8 rebounds, but he had 15 assists in the last three games.

The Sweet Sixteen is set! Brad still leads!

The Sweet Sixteen is set. However, I think it should be called the Shotty Sixteen. You know why.

Only two real upsets today: Cornell beat Wisconsin in decisive fashion to set up a meeting with Kentucky and Xavier upended Pittsburgh to meet Kansas State.

Luckily, we have a few days off to rest and compose ourselves and watch UNC play in the NIT quarterfinals on Tuesday night on ESPN... :-p

So after the second round, Brad still holds the lead after predicting 12 of the 16 correct, bringing his point total to 88 points. Teresa (79 points) stays in second place after predicting 11 of the 16 correct while Melissa and Eric wrap up the top four positions with 69 and 68 points, respectively. Talk about a close one between those two... I'd hate to hear the smack talk they're giving each other! (Suggestion: share it on the blog!)

Nathaniel dropped from third place into a tie for fifth with Jacob but still has an edge with a surprising Final Four pick under his belt. So here is the list of complete standings.

1. Bradley Young - 88 points
2. Teresa Matters - 79 points
3. Melissa Young - 69 points
4. Eric Young - 68 points
T5. Jacob Young - 67 points
T5. Nathaniel Abbott - 67 points
T7. Allison Young - 62 points
T7. Beth Bird - 62 points
T7. Jeremy Bird - 62 points
10. Robert Young - 60 points
11. Lindsey Abbott - 57 points
12. Heather Abbott - 55 points

Now looking ahead... Nobody still has their entire Elite Eight intact. There are, however, SIX people whom have six of the eight still alive: Brad, Teresa, Jacob, Nathaniel, Allison, and Doodle bug!

There are only three people whom have their Final Four still intact: Teresa, Nathaniel and Jacob (Way to go kids!!!!)

Yet, there are FIVE people whom have their Championship game opponents intact: Teresa, Nathaniel, Jacob, Jeremy, and Robert.

It's going to get really interesting from here on out. There is no North Carolina Tar Heel favorites for everyone to choose to win the title, there is a very diverse selection of champions and Final Fours. It's going to be really fun to see who comes out on top!

On a personal note: It has been a pleasure leading the YFBC for the first two rounds and I have thoroughly enjoyed it! If it weren't for Villanova and Kansas screwing me into submission, I had a shot to continue, but I sadly do not think it's in my future. So, as much as it pains me to acknowledge that someone will take the lead other than me soon... I think you all need to be prepared that it will happen... SOON!

WILL IT BE YOU?!?!

(12) Cornell routed heavily favored (4) Wisconsin 87-69 to advance to the Sweet 16 where they will face Kentucky. No one had Cornell in their Sweet 16.

(5) Michigan State and Korie Lucious hit a three at the buzzer to beat (4) Maryland 85-83 to advance to the Sweet 16. Everyone but a few had this upset. However, Michigan State has likely lost their star player and Big 10 Player of the Year Kalin Lucas due to a likely torn Achilles tendon. He will not likely play in the rest of the tournament. Uh oh...

(6) Xavier beat (3) Pittsburgh 71-68. Pitt was too young!

Wow...

WOW! Well, after a very surprising Day 3 of the NCAA tournament. Here are the standings. Brad is still in the lead with 53 points after correctly picking five of the eight games correctly on Day Three - although don't worry, the lead is definitely short lived after today (enjoy the cute pictures while you can!). The defending champion, Teresa, also chose five correct on Day Three, including the Northern Iowa upset over Kansas, and jumped up to second place with 49 points. Nathaniel and Melissa are in third and fourth place with 42 and 39 points, respectively, as they begin to creep up to the top of the leader board! And then the rest of the standings are as follows:

1. Bradley Young - 53 points
2. Teresa Matters - 49 points
3. Nathaniel Abbott - 42 points
4. Melissa Young - 39 points
5. Eric Young - 38 points
T6. Allison Young - 37 points
T6. Beth Bird - 37 points
T6. Jacob Young - 37 points
T6. Jeremy Bird - 37 points
T10. Heather Abbott - 35 points
T10. Robert Young - 35 points
12. Lindsey Abbott - 32 points

I, personally, am unbelievably incredulous over the fact that both Villanova and Kansas lost today. In fact, it makes me question everything I know about college basketball. It's just wrong. I don't think it'd be wrong if I predicted the upsets, but since I didn't, it's just wrong!

Meanwhile, everyone, start looking at the kids to take over the bracket challenge! Baylor is heading to the next round only an hour or so away from its own campus, giving them an insane home court advantage. Nathaniel has Baylor in the Final Four! He could take the bracket by storm. Jacob and Allison still have three of their Final Four still alive, too, and Lindsey has some interesting upsets that could happen... and don't say they wont, cause today proves otherwise.

So, watch out for those kids... they're sneaky!!!

Round 2 Upsets

(10) St. Mary's beat (2) Villanova - who decided not to show up this year - 75-68. NO ONE had this upset. Everyone except Teresa, Eric, Jacob, Allison, and Nathaniel had Villanova in their Final Four. This one is a big upset. The biggest so far. Thanks a lot, Nova, I can't believe you screwed me over this bad!

(11) Washington beat (3) New Mexico 82-64. Brad and Lindsey got this upset!

(9) Northern Iowa pulled the biggest upset of the tournament dropping the number 1 overall seed (1) Kansas 69-67. Brad, Heather, and Beth seem to be out of the running for the moment as their National Champion selection is out. WOW! We need some more upsets!!! Everyone's National Champions need to be eliminated ;-) WAIT! TERESA PREDICTED THIS UPSET! HOLY CRAP TERESA!!!!!!!!!!! THAT IS WHAT IT IS TO BE THE DEFENDING CHAMP!

Round 1 Over!

The first round of the 2010 NCAA Basketball Tournament and Young Family Bracket Challenge is complete! Two days... 32 games... 32 teams eliminated... 32 teams left fighting for the National Championship... 12 people still fighting for the Young Family Bracket Challenge victory. It's an amazing time.

Brad correctly guessed 14 of the 16 games correctly on Day 2, following his 14 correct predictions on Day 1 for a total of 28 first round points - breaking the Young Family Bracket Challenge record of the most correct first round selections (25) held by Beth, Joe and Melissa from last year (See Records page -->) - and the lead.

"HOLLA!," Brad said.

Following him in the standings are ...

1. Bradley Young - 28 points
2. Robert Young - 25 points
T3. Melissa Young - 24 points
T3. Teresa Matters - 24 points
5. Eric Young - 23 points
T6. Allison Young - 22 points
T6. Beth Bird - 22 points
T6. Jacob Young - 22 points
T6. Jeremy Bird - 22 points
T6. Lindsey Abbott - 22 points
T6. Nathaniel Abbott - 22 points
12. Heather Abbott - 20 points

So the first round is over and the quest for the Sweet 16 begins tomorrow. Eight games will be played Saturday and another eight will be played on Sunday before a few days of rest begin.

Everyone is still in good position to take the Young Family Bracket Challenge. Currently, everyone's National Champion is still alive in the tournament and only a few people have lost a Final Four contender. It is still anyone's game - especially since the first round only counted for one point each.

There are some big games coming up this round and some people have some interesting upsets that could lose them some points. Keep your eyes open, just because you do well in the first round doesn't mean you do well for the whole thing.

In the meantime, you can congratulate Brad on his job very well done with his 28 correct selections in the first round.

Also, give a big round of applause for Allison, Lindsey, Jacob, and Nathaniel. Lindsey made tremendous improvement from last year with 22 points in the first round! Jacob, who was unable to participate last year due to medical issues is doing EXTREMELY WELL! And Nathaniel and Allison are continuing to prove that they are tough competitors this year! It's possible that one of the kids could be the 2010 Young Family Bracket Challenge winners! Way to go kids!!! We're all very proud of you! Keep it up!

Day 2 Upsets:

After 7 upsets on day one, let's see how many go down today...

(12) Cornell routed (5) Temple 78-65. The famous 12-5 upset rears it's head again! Brad and Robert were the only two to predict that 12-5 upset.

(10) Missouri beat (7) Clemon 86-78 for another upset on the day. Brad, Robert, Lindsey, and Heather called the upset.

(10) Georgia Tech beat (7) Oklahoma State 64-59. Everyone but Beth, Nathaniel, Jacob, and Heather called the upset. Sorry guys... it was close!

Day 1 Standings

Well, a very stressful Day 1 of the 2010 NCAA Basketball tournament is FINALLY over. In a day that saw 7 upsets... yes, 7!... it was a tight and frustrating battle for everyone. Beth and Lindsey lost one of their Final Four selections, a few lost an Elite 8 selection in Georgetown - which, if I may say, WHAT THE F?! - and we saw a lot of Final Four teams struggle.

If I can speak for everyone, I'm glad today is over!

Also, a random tidbit. Last year there were only two overtime games in the entire tournament. Today alone... there were three. Talk about stressful...

But tomorrow is a new day! Another 16 games tomorrow... but until then, let's celebrate the leader of Day 1 and his achievements. HOLLA 'ATCHA BOY!!! (See picture above...)

1- Bradley Young - 14 points
T2- Teresa Matters - 12 points
T2- Robert Young - 12 points
T2- Melissa Young - 12 points
T5- Beth Bird - 11 points
T5- Eric Young - 11 points
T7- Jeremy Bird - 10 points
T7- Nathaniel Abbott - 10 points
T7- Lindsey Abbott - 10 points
T7- Jacob Young - 10 points
T11- Allison Young - 9 points
T11- Heather Abbott - 9 points

Brad is in the lead after day 1 after only mis-predicting (is that a word? If not, I'm making it one... contact Merriam-Webster) two games: Georgetown and Vanderbilt. The defending Young Family Bracket Challenge winner is tied for second place with Robert and Melissa as they only missed four selections.

Don't worry everyone... it's only one day. And these were only for 1 point. Just remember that last year I had one of my Final Four selections get ousted in the first round and finished strong... you're definitely not out of the bracket challenge.

So, tomorrow's a new day... but until then, let's celebrate that I'm winning! Because we all know that it won't freaking last... or will it? MUAHAHA

Good luck tomorrow! Hopefully there aren't many upsets!

Comment below!

Upsets on Day 1:

Here are the big upsets that happened on day 1:

(11) ODU defeated (6) Notre Dame 50-51. Only Beth, Brad, Eric, and Lindsey called that upset.

(13) Murray State defeated (4) Vanderbilt 66-65 with a buzzer beater. No one predicted the upset.

(10) St. Mary's defeated (7) Richmond 80-71. Only Brad, Melissa and Teresa predicted the upset.

(9) Northern Iowa defeated (8) UNLV 69-66. Beth, Brad, Jacob, Jeremy, Lindsey, Melissa, Robert, and Teresa all picked the upset.

(14) Ohio routed (3) Georgetown 97-83. Only Lindsey Doodle predicted the outcome of this game! Way to go, Doodle!

(11) Washington dropped (6) Marquette 80-78... the Big East has only won one game in the tournament so far. Brad, Lindsey Doodle and Robert called the upset!

(9) Wake Forest hit a late buzzer beater against (8) Texas to win 81-80 in OT. Almost everyone had that pick though, so phew!

Tip off at Noon ET!

Today's the day! At noon ET the NCAA Tournament will begin... but more importantly the Young Family Bracket Challenge begins!

I will post everyone's final four when the games begin! Good luck!

2010 Challenge Preview

Before the first tip-off of the 2010 NCAA Basketball Tournament, here is a look at who everyone picked for the Final Four and the eventual National Champion.

I am very happy with some of people's selections and very excited to see how things turn out. However, there are a few that I am not happy about. Not happy at all. But I digress. They'll regret it later!

Allison: Kansas, Kentucky, Duke (Champion), Syracuse
Brad: Kansas (Champion), West Virginia, Villanova, Syracuse
Beth: Kansas (Champion), Wisconsin, Villanova, Florida
Eric: Kansas, Kentucky, Duke (Champion), Syracuse
Heather: Kansas (Champion), West Virginia, Louisville, Syracuse
Jacob: Ohio State, Kentucky, Duke (Champion), Syracuse
Jeremy: Kansas, West Virginia, Villanova, Syracuse (Champion)
Lindsey: Ohio State (Champion), West Virginia, Richmond, Xavier
Melissa: Georgetown, Wisconsin, Villanova, Syracuse (Champion)
Nathaniel: Ohio State, West Virginia (Champion), Baylor, Syracuse
Robert: Kansas, West Virginia (Champion), Villanova, Kansas State
Teresa: Michigan State, Kentucky, Duke, Syracuse (Champion)

Alright guys, pay attention. 16 games today, 16 games tomorrow! It's going to get crazy!

2010 NCAA Bracket Released

The 2010 NCAA Bracket has been released and the Young Family Bracket Challenge is about to begin.

The rules and guidelines, as well as the Excel format of the bracket, have been sent to your email. Let me know if you need them again. You can find the rules on a page above.

Brackets are due to Brad by Wednesday night... don't be late! Or if you need to, let me know... they absolutely HAVE to be back to me by noon on Thursday.

I'm taking it all this year, so good luck fighting for second place.

HOLLA 'atcha boy!

If you'd like to begin to research...

This year I've decided that I would try to help out those who use the "not knowing enough about college basketball" excuse for SUCKING at the bracket challenge not doing well in the challenge. So, here are two links. The first link is a brief overview of the teams that should be in, who shouldn't be there and how well they should do, etc. The second link is a "projected" bracket so you can see how things would pan out if they were to make the bracket now. Remember, this is just a PROJECTED bracket. This is not the real one.

OR now that I think about it, if you'd like to submit your projections for this bracket, I'd be alright with that!

College Basketball Bubble Watch - ESPN.com

Bracketology - ESPN.com

Power rankings - ESPN.com

OK, so I threw in an extra one... this is a list of the 25 teams that are doing the best right now.

You're welcome. Really, I just don't want to hear any excuses when I kick your ass you don't do as well as you wanted to.

Have fun!

2010 Young Family Bracket Challenge Countdown Begins!

The 2010 Young Family Bracket Challenge will begin Tuesday, March 18.

Teresa Matters claimed the 2009 Challenge victory with 333 points, followed by Brad, Eric and Allison, respectively, to round out of the top four.

Brackets will be due no later than 11:59 p.m. on Monday, March 17.

Email Brad if you would like to take part in the challenge. I'd like to know in advance who is going to play this year.

Let the smack talk begin!