March madness quickly approaching

February is a very important time of the year. It's Black History Month. There's also Groundhog Day and Valentine's Day. And every four years, there's a little surprise at the end of the month.

There's also one other important thing about February. It's only one month before March, which, no offense to February, is a much more exciting month. There are many reasons why, but the main reason March is so riveting is March Madness.

You have your baseball your NASCAR and your NBA, but those things pale in comparison to the joys of March Madness. Sixty-five teams duking it out for a national championship in a tournament that's bound to be unforgettable.

Of course, you remember last year's March Madness, right? There was George Mason's improbable run to the Final Four, Adam Morrison's breakdown into tears when his career ended with Gonzaga's defeat and, of course, Florida's victory over UCLA in the finals. Though the sight of Gators celebrating might have upset some Georgia stomachs last year, rest assured the Gators will be a factor this year.

Along with Florida, the favorites have to be UNC, 2005 national champion; Ohio State, with freshman phenom Greg Oden; and UCLA, last year's runner-up. Unless there's a monumental surprise, expect to see those three in the Elite Eight, maybe even the Final Four.

As Dick Vitale might say, �It's gonna be a blast, baby!�

Of course, part of the majesty of March Madness is making your own bracket�which only entices you to watch even more college basketball. Making your own bracket is not without risks, though. Always beware the bracket busters. My bracket from last year was up in smoke before the Sweet 16, thanks to George Mason.

Speaking of George Mason, there's always the Cinderella story every year�a small college, mid-major usually, who rises up to the challenge and knocks off a major contender. Who will it be this year? No one knows, but I'm putting my money on Brigham Young to pull out a win and turn some heads in the process.

This year's tourney will begin on March 13 and continue until April 2. The championship game will be played in our very own Georgia Dome. So, during that time, if you're unlucky enough to have plans set up, drop them and watch the Big Dance.

If it's anything like last year, you're in for one hell of a rollercoaster ride.