It's that time of year when underdogs secure a spot in The Big Dance, brackets are filled out, brackets get busted and the winner knows nothing about college basketball. It's unpredictable, it's exciting, and it's what the fourth annual Allstate March Mayhem Challenge featuring Dick Vitale is all about.
Every year, more than 60 million consumers fill out tournament brackets whether they deem themselves "experts" or pick winners based on color of their uniforms. Either way, a little cosmic intervention in selecting a winning bracket never hurts, and that is what Buzz Aldrin is looking for as he faces off against Vitale today at the Space Center Houston.
A former U.S. astronaut and second man to walk on the moon, Aldrin, will pick his very first bracket ever against one of the most respected and knowledgeable basketball analyst to predict the on-the-court action.
"Statistically speaking, you are more likely to become an astronaut than pick a perfect bracket, so while Buzz's college basketball knowledge may not be as vast as Dick's, he's no stranger to beating the odds," said Pam Hollander, vice president of marketing for Allstate Insurance Company. "Dick knows the game, but Buzz will have the Mayhem Bracket Predictor tool to rely on for probability and insights to crack the tournament code. It's the perfect illustration that life can be unpredictable, so being prepared for mayhem is a necessity for the uncertainties that no doubt will happen."
This is not the first time Allstate Insurance Company, an official corporate partner of the NCAA, has challenged Vitale to put his college basketball expertise to the test against improbable opponents. The broadcasting legend remains undefeated against a variety of animal prognosticators. With Vitale's winning streak on the line, the mission is clear for Aldrin – select the teams for your bracket, avoid the inevitable Mayhem that ensues during NCAA March Madness®, and beat Dickie V at his own game.
"I don't know a lot about college basketball – certainly not as much as my competitor – so my bracket strategy will be centered on what I do know," Aldrin said. "While Mr. Vitale may have the empirical knowledge based on his experience, my approach will be rooted in a probability and statistical analysis around this year's tournament. Performing when the stakes are high is something I know a little bit about."
No matter who reigns supreme this March, Allstate will reward both competitors with a donation to the Space Center Houston on behalf of Aldrin, and the V Foundation for cancer research on behalf of Vitale.
"Buzz Aldrin, man, he's out of this world, baby! Talk about a guy who knows how to elevate his game no matter the task; I have my hands full for sure, and hopefully I can keep Mr. Aldrin grounded," Vitale said. "I've had some close calls with past challengers, but let the record speak for itself; this is one bracket battle I won't lose."
This year, fans will also have the chance to personally experience the Mayhem by signing up for Allstate's Tourney Challenge Sweepstakes for a chance to win $50,000 and a trip to the 2016 NCAA Men's Final Four in Houston. To sign up visit, ESPN.com and search "Allstate," then enter the ESPN Tournament Challenge.
Additionally, Allstate is once again providing fans with a statistical analysis tool to help the bracket-building process for their personal enjoyment. Following Selection Sunday, fans can check out the Mayhem Bracket Predictor tool at MayhemBracket.com which aides users in completing their bracket. Individual team stats and historical tournament data are also available to help fans make difficult picks.
This year's Mayhem Bracket Predictor allows fans to come back to the site throughout the tournament to see if their bracket is busted through the Tournament Predictor feature. The Tournament Predictor will provide team updates as games take place.
posted 03-15-2016 08:13 AM
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