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!