Duke having made the Final Four teams has NCAA breathing a sigh of relief

Duke, West Virginia, Butler and Michigan State are your Final Four teams for 2010. For all the NCAA bracket devotees, that's two five seeds, an upstart two seed, and a one seed. Even the autistic kid's bracket is wrong by now since this is the first time since 2000 that a team lower than fourth seed has progressed this far. These Final Four teams nearly gave the NCAA a disastrous coronary, because the NCAA depends upon March Madness for more than 90 percent of its annual revenue, according to the San Jose-Mercury News. Duke brings name recognition to casual basketball fan flocks so the bigwigs can rest easy. In a TV contract negotiation year, no less, there should be a big spike in merchandise and massive television ratings. Without Duke, there will be no big bargaining chips and a need for money lenders.

Catch the Final Four teams with the Final Four Use the schedule

Saturday, April 3 on CBS or March Madness On Demand in you would rather watch online, all Final Four teams will play. The winners will meet for the NCAA Championship game on Monday, April 5, which happens to also be the first full day of the Major League Baseball season. Again, CBS and March Madness On Demand will be the places to look at the championship game. Normally the games are played in the early evening, including the championship game, but the time it will start exactly has not yet been announced. Check your local listings!

The Final Four teams – things to watch out for

1. Butler has the opportunity to play only 15 minutes away from their home campus. The "Gonzaga" of the Horizon conference should not be a shock to anyone for they placed in the Final Four teams, especially since they are on a 24-game winning streak.

2. Michigan State lost to North Carolina in last year’s championship, and Tom Izzo is an ace coach. No surprises here, either.

3. Since 1959, this is the first Final Four appearance being made by West Virginia. That was way back when Jerry West, Mr. Clutch, was still lacing them. Here’s the bracket buster, the black sheep among the Final Four teams for 2010. They always win, whether it is pretty or not. Luckily, Da'Sean Butler is an amazing scorer.

4. Duke may be well-coached, plays basketball smart, and has amazing ability. Coach Krzyzewski learned the trade from Bobby Knight, a drill sergeant in coach’s clothing. His players probably qualify for military payday loans. Although they could be exploited by more athletic teams, that is what makes them the favorite. Is it possible for the other Final Four teams to wear Duke down?