March Madness 2024 Predictions: Best Upset Picks for Every Region | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors

First-round upset: No. 13 Samford over No. 4 Kansas

"Bucky Ball" is an entertaining watch. Samford coach Bucky McMillan has installed an aggressive high-tempo system that produces a ton of steals and three-pointers. Kansas certainly has more talent, but an average perimeter defense and nagging injuries to stars Hunter Dickinson and Kevin McCullar Jr. are a concerning combo in fast-paced games.

Surprise Sweet 16 team: No. 9 TCU

No matter the opponent, creating havoc is generally a great way to win games. To upset Purdue, however, it's practically a necessity. The top-seeded Boilermakers have dropped only four contests this season, yet they committed 13-plus giveaways in each of those setbacks. TCU, meanwhile, ranks 18th nationally in steal rate and has forced 13-plus turnovers in 27 in its 33 games.