T.M. Selection: Middle Tennessee.

The line is moving toward Chattanooga here but the Mocs play in a weak Southern Conference. They won the regular season title but lost in the Conf Tourney which cost them a chance at the Big Dance. Not only is this demoralizing, the Mocs also played in a conference that ended up being represented in the NCAA Tourney by a 19-15 Wofford team! The Southern Conference is not on par with Conference USA and plus the Blue Raiders are at home for this one. MTSU was 11-4 at home this season and, again, they faced tougher competition than this Chattanooga team. Liberty won CUSA and beat a Big 12 team in the regular season plus the Flames will be facing Oregon in the Big Dance. The CUSA teams at a higher level than the Southern Conference. MTSU also beat a Big Dance team this season and also almost beat Liberty as well. The Blue Raiders get it done at home here.

T.M. Prediction: 81-73 Middle Tennessee