The middle of February signifies one thing for college basketball fanatics like myself: March Madness is only a few weeks away.
One month from today, the NCAA Tournament’s second round will kick off at venues across the country.
With the madness creeping closer, teams on the bubble face increasing pressure to win games.
 While I don’t see any bubble teams making a deep run to the Final Four a la VCU last March, there are a few teams that I see as legitimate contenders to cut down the nets in New Orleans.
Some schools, however, won’t have what it takes to bring home the National Championship in 2012. To the contenders:
KENTUCKY
Coach John Calipari has one of those teams that screams, to steal a quote from Ron Burgundy, “Hey everybody, come see how good I look.” I caught a glimpse of the Wildcats when they thrashed LSU on Jan. 28. Kentucky is as good as advertised.
Two years ago, Calipari’s first Kentucky team went to the Elite Eight, and last year his squad made it to the Final Four. Is this the season Cal finally brings home a title?
KANSAS
A few weeks ago, I would have labeled the Jayhawks as pretenders.
Kansas turned around and convincingly beat Baylor on the road Feb. 8. From there, I was sold. Even without junior Player of the Year candidate Thomas Robinson playing his best game, the Jayhawks ran past the Bears for the second time this season.
Senior guard Tyshawn Taylor and Robinson form one of the most dynamic scoring duos in the country. If those two get hot, Kansas will be a tough team to take down in March.
MICHIGAN STATE
If you haven’t watched Spartan senior forward Draymond Green, or as I call him, “The Dancing Bear,” you’re missing out.
The Spartans lost its first two games to perennial powers North Carolina and Duke. But it’s not how you start, it’s how you finish.
Michigan State coach Tom Izzo has taken less-talented teams to the Final Four. It’s not out of the question that this veteran team can finagle its way to New Orleans.
And now for the pretenders:
DUKE
I have never been a fan of Coach K.
This year’s version of Duke basketball doesn’t jump out at me. Austin Rivers’ shot to beat North Carolina last week was epic, but I don’t see this team executing well down the stretch once tourney time rolls around.
The guards that led Duke through the NCAA Tournament in 2010 are gone. I won’t put the Blue Devils past the Sweet Sixteen.
OHIO STATE
Even though sophomore Jared Sullinger is one of the top forwards in America, the Buckeyes lack depth in the frontcourt after him. As much as I’m a fan of head coach Thad Matta, Ohio State doesn’t have a go-to scorer down the stretch.
The Buckeyes will be in trouble if they have to face a quality rebounding team in the tournament. After Sullinger, Ohio State’s second leading rebounder only averages 4.8 boards a game.
I rest my case.
BAYLOR
Although Bears coach Scott Drew almost made me a believer in his team when they started the season 17-0, Baylor has struggled since conference play began.
Baylor has lost only four games, but they were against two teams — Kansas and Missouri. The Bear’s inability to beat elite teams will be a huge thorn in its side as the tournament nears.
Micah Bedard is a 21-year-old mass communication senior from Houma. Follow him on Twitter @DardDog.
 
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Contact Micah Bedard at [email protected].