Duke is usually seen as a tournament favorite. But this year might be different. This year, Duke is a No. 1 seed, but few people are talking about the Devils as the team to be feared. Instead of touting their chances at another national title, analysts are touting them as a potential upset victim.

This could be good for the Devils. For years, they went into March weighed down by expectations. They were like the New York Yankees, judging themselves by a different standard. For most teams, making the Final Four was a dream comes true. For Duke, anything less was a disappointing season.

A long time Stanberry Insurance Agency customer, Harold Morgan, was asked who would win this year. His response, “Duke, of course!”

Blood runs blue for many in our home state of North Carolina, though that is not always Duke blue. Many hardcore Tar Heel fans are saddened to see their favorite team didn’t make the cut this year after a disappointing season.

“With Carolina out of the picture, I am not even following it this year,” says Linda Proctor, Personal Lines Agent.

The Jayhawks are clearly ahead of the pack. Not only because of their talent, which is considerable (at least three future pros), but its diversity. Bill Self can go small, big, fast or have his team win a game playing entirely in the half-court. That’s what happened Saturday when Kansas State tried to ugly it up in the Big 12 tournament title game.

Receptionist Heather Hyatt says, “Kansas is probably the most talented team in the tournament but I don’t think it’s going to come easy. I still think it will come down to Duke and Kansas with Kansas winning.”

Earning the No. 1 seed, Kansas was rewarded with sites close to home. The proximity to Oklahoma City in the first and second rounds and St. Louis in the regional means that KU will be playing with the home court advantage until Indianapolis.

There have been questions about Kentucky all season long, about how young they are and how they haven’t really been tested in the SEC. Kentucky has yet to play a lot of close games against good teams. But there is no question that they’ll be tested in the East region with a wide range of opponents. If Kentucky makes it to the final four, they will have earned it. The East Region does not seem to be as difficult as the Midwest, but it’s definitely tough.

“I think it will be either Kentucky or Kansas even though it seems like Kentucky has the hardest bracket, I wouldn’t be surprised if Duke rolls through to the final four since their bracket has to be the easiest.  The sleeper to me is Pitt,” says Ken Peck, our Personal Lines Manager.

Many are predicting Cornell might be an upset team because of the amazing amount of attention they have received. However, the game against Kansas seemed to be one fluke right after another. Cornell has consistently kept things close against good teams because they can shoot the three well, but when things get close late in games, Cornell struggles handling the ball against teams that press.

Commercial Lines Agent Carolyn Jordan is rooting for Syracuse. “Syracuse all the way! My husband went to school with the coach and my grandfather is alumni. I root for Cornell too but I don’t think they stand a chance to win.”

The Syracuse Orange emerged from being something of an afterthought that was considered to be a middle of the pack Big East team to a conference champion and now a +600 betting favorite in March madness 2010 NCAA tournament odds. Syracuse did falter at the end of the season though which has scared off some of the gambling public’s money as they lost their regular season finale at Louisville and then lost their only game in the Big East tournament to the eventual runner up Georgetown. Syracuse still had an impressive season and is considered to be one of the favorites to make the Final Four in 2010 NCAA tournament odds.

Agent Mike Deitz believes “Duke will probably get knocked out during the second round. I don’t think they’ll make it all the way. I do think Syracuse will go far!”

“Baylor is going to upset Duke. In the end, Syracuse is going to beat out West Virginia in the finals,” says Kevin Stanberry.