What was it about the mid-80s that produced such unlikely NCAA Champs?

[taterguy]

The only two teams that won it all that NO ONE had in their brackets were NC State in 83 and Villanova in 85.

What was it about that era that made the almost impossible happen not once but twice?

Other than all the coke that was around?

What are your theories?

[era veteran]

1. I was working close to Rupp Arena when Villanova won

I think after that Tournament they went to football stadiums.
In '85 the bluegrass did have a lot of powder everywhere.

It was almost as cool as UK winning. Unbelievable game. I like an underdog (except this year).

[NoGOPZone]

2. stretch it to the late eighties and you can include Kansas

an unranked 6th seed beating Big 8 regular season and conference tournament champion Oklahoma in the final.

[taterguy]

3. At least KU had Danny Manning

I was drinking a lot that year so I'm not sure how much of a surprise it was.

[era veteran]

4. Wow

My last year of the drinking, I 'm still surprised I 'm alive.

[taterguy]

5. 92 was the year I should have been killed

Too many no lights no helmet drunken bike rides to count.