In an unexpected turn of events, the Northwestern Wildcats may have a shot at upsetting the No. 8 Florida Atlantic Owls in the first round of March Madness. Despite facing a depleted roster and entering the tournament with lower expectations, Northwestern's recent surge, led by standout guard Boo Buie and transfer player Ryan Langborg, has created value in what was once considered a toss-up game.

The Owls, who made headlines as the darlings of last year's March Madness, have struggled to find their groove this season. Despite returning their entire roster from their Final Four team, they faltered during the home stretch, resulting in an 8-seed in the tournament. Now, they face a determined Northwestern team hungry for a triumphant March Madness run.

Buie, Northwestern's star guard, has shouldered the burden of leading the team without some of his best-supporting contributors. However, the Wildcats finished the regular season on an upswing, securing an at-large bid despite a loss in their first game of the Big Ten Tournament. The team's resilience and determination have caught the attention of basketball pundits, making them a potential dark horse in the tournament.

The path to Northwestern's resurgence can be traced back to the unfortunate injury of senior point guard Ty Berry, who tore his meniscus in early February. Prior to the injury, the Wildcats seemed destined for the NIT, falling in the company of teams like Ohio State, Utah, and Iowa. However, Berry's absence provided an opportunity for Langborg to step up and fill the void.

Langborg, a veteran Princeton transfer, has proven to be a vital asset to Northwestern's lineup. In the 10 games leading up to Berry's injury, Langborg averaged 10.1 points and 2.1 assists. However, in the seven games following Berry's injury, Langborg's numbers soared, averaging 15.3 points and 3.3 assists. His contribution not only saw an improvement in Northwestern's offense but also had a positive impact on their defense.

The Wildcats' offensive efficiency jumped from No. 38 in the country to No. 30, thanks to Langborg's ability to handle the ball and provide much-needed scoring in crunch time. Additionally, their defensive ranking improved from No. 88 to No. 47, showcasing a well-rounded improvement that few teams can boast.

If Northwestern had played at this level throughout the entire season, they would have likely been seeded higher than the 8-9 matchup they currently face. Acknowledging the Sweet Sixteen performance of Buie, who averaged an impressive 18.7 points per game last year, further strengthens the case for the Wildcats as a team to watch out for in March.

The stage is set for an enthralling matchup between Northwestern and Florida Atlantic. While the Owls may have been March Madness darlings last year, Northwestern's recent surge, fueled by Langborg's emergence, has placed them in a position to potentially upset the higher-seeded team. With a spread within a bucket, this game is shaping up to be a thrilling start to the tournament.

In a tournament known for its unpredictability, Northwestern's newfound strength and the potential upset factor make this matchup all the more intriguing. As the players take the court, all eyes will be on Langborg and the Wildcats as they aim to defy expectations and make a significant statement in March Madness.