The highly anticipated first round of the 2024 NCAA Tournament bracket is set to kick off, with 68 teams vying for a chance to make a deep run in March Madness. With the increasing parity in college basketball, Cinderella stories have become more commonplace, making the task of filling out brackets all the more challenging.

Fortunately, SportsLine's proven computer model is here to help. Having simulated the 2024 NCAA Tournament bracket a staggering 10,000 times, the model has successfully predicted 20 double-digit seed upsets in the past and boasts an impressive track record. In fact, it has outperformed over 92 percent of all CBS Sports brackets in three of the last five tournaments.

Looking back at the 2023 NCAA Tournament, which was filled with upsets, the model correctly predicted UConn's surprising Final Four run as a 4-seed. It excelled in the first round, going 23-9 overall and an astounding 12-4 in the Midwest and West regions. As a testament to its accuracy, the model has correctly predicted 20 first-round upsets by double-digit seeds since its inception in 2016.

With the 2024 NCAA bracket now out, the SportsLine model has wasted no time in simulating the matchups. One game that promises to be particularly intriguing is the clash between No. 5 seed San Diego State and No. 12 seed UAB. The Aztecs, who made it to the national championship game last year, will face a tough challenge in the red-hot UAB team, which won the AAC Tournament and the NIT final in the previous season.

Another matchup to keep an eye on is No. 8 seed Florida Atlantic versus No. 9 seed Northwestern in the East Region. Despite having eight losses, FAU has faced a tougher conference and non-conference schedule this year. But they face a formidable opponent in Northwestern, who boasts Boo Buie, a player capable of taking over the game.

In another exciting matchup, No. 4 seed Auburn will square off against No. 13 seed Yale in the East Region. Both teams are conference tournament champions and possess strong offensive and defensive prowess. However, their challenges against top-tier competition have been evident. Johni Broome from Auburn and Danny Wolf from Yale are expected to engage in an intense battle in the post.

For avid bracket-fillers seeking guidance, SportsLine's model offers invaluable insights into potential upsets and overall tournament outcomes. With its proven track record and thorough analysis, relying on luck becomes unnecessary when advanced technology is at your disposal. The model's 2024 March Madness bracket picks can be found exclusively at SportsLine.

As the NCAA Tournament tips off, fans, friends, family, and co-workers alike can make their predictions more confidently using the SportsLine model's expert guidance. With the excitement and unpredictability that March Madness always brings, it's time to put your knowledge to the test and join in the frenzy of bracket-busting basketball action.

Remember, before finalizing your 2024 March Madness bracket, be sure to consult SportsLine's simulation-based picks to increase your chances of bragging rights among your peers. The road to the Final Four begins now, so let the madness commence!