I just filled out my NIT bracket. No, really. First time I’ve ever done that. Took maybe 10 minutes. Actually did a bit of research on some teams.

So I’ll come right out and say it: I’ve got MSU winning the whole dang thing. That’s right. My reason: State was the best team left out of the NCAA tournament field. The question is whether the Bulldogs, a No. 1 seed, can find the energy and motivation to make a run back to New York. They got there in 2007, losing to West Virginia in the semifinals.

Here’s how I have MSU getting to the Big Apple:

• Easy win tonight over Jackson State.

• Tough win over North Carolina, which has never before visited Starkville (the teams have faced four times, with UNC winning all of them). Sure, these aren’t your typical Tar Heels (16-16), but they’re still the defending NCAA champions.

• Another hard-fought win over South Florida, which finished ninth in the very deep and very brutal Big East.

And that brings us to the NIT Final Four, which I have as MSU, Northeastern (Cinderella!), Illinois and … wait for it … Ole Miss. The Bulldogs smash Northeastern’s glass slipper, and Ole Miss … falls short against Illinois. Sorry, but reality kicked in there for me. MSU over Illinois in a thrilling final.

Mississippi State, NIT champions. Beats sitting at home.