Minus the reasoning and the whit of my normal write-ups, here is a dry version of how I see the weekend playing out. I didn?t even include how I see it all coming together for the final race. Note ? I only included teams that will make it to nationals.
West
1. Stanford
2. Oregon
3. Arizona State
Southeast
1. NC State
2. William and Mary
When was the last time this district only sent it?s top two?
South Central
1. Arkansas
2. Texas
Almost went with SMU but I believe Joe Thorne will return and make the difference for the longhorns.
South
1. Alabama
2. Belmont
Almost went with UT, even though they lost to Florida at SEC?s. In the end, I think Kemey will lead Belmont to the most undeserved spot at Nationals.
Northeast
1. PC
2. Iona
3. Dartmouth
Iona is the favorite at this point, but I?ll stick with the Friars and Adam Sutton for the team and individual championships.
Mountain
1. Colorado
2. NAU
3. Montana State
4. Weber
5. BYU
6. Colorado State
MSU could easily slip and they need to improve their 5th man to do well at Nationals. However, this meet is quite as large and they continue to impress. Either way, all six teams will go.
Midwest
1. Minnesota
2. Iowa
Iowa bounces back from sub-par race at Big Tens with Esche back in top form. By taking second, they keep Oklahoma State out of the Dance.
Mid-Atlantic
1. Villanova
2. Georgetown
LaSalle is one of the first teams out of the meet. Loses to Mich St and Mont St at PreNats will prove pivotal. They need to hope no one gets pushed in in either the Mountain or Great Lakes to increase their odds.
Great Lakes
1. EMU
2. Wisconsin
3. CMU
4. Butler
5. Michigan
6. Indiana
7. Notre Dame
8. OSU
9. Michigan State
Any way you order this district, it looks like a few teams are placed too low (OSU and Indiana stick out now). MSU has struggled most of the year and Toloff was unimpressive at Big 10s. Their points push ND into the meet, which has also been unimpressive much of the year. I?ll give EMU the win because they?ll race for it. The Badgers will race just to qualify much like when they were fourth last year.