68-Team Format Unveiled

[Who Dey Time]

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=5374116

Not a huge fan of this but it will make the "opening round" more exciting.

[jkwuc89]

Personally, I was hoping that the last 8 at-large teams would have to play each other because I think auto-qualifiers should not have to play these play-in games. I am glad that the NCAA did not go the other route and force the lowest 8 auto-qualifiers to play each other. So the solution they chose is a good compromise.

[red_n_black_attack]

I am torn a little because sometimes there are several teams "better" than the automatic qualifiers. Personally, under this format I think the automatic bid should revert to the regular season league champs, then the bottom eight play in "First Four" (doesn't that sound a little like fourth meal by Taco Bell?).

Anyway if the regular season champs get the automatic bid, then the at-large bids are selected we are more likely to see the best 64 or 68 teams. When 12-18 teams go on a winning streak in conderence tourney, does that really mean they get a shot at the National Championship?

[cincycpaw]

Originally Posted by red_n_black_attack

I am torn a little because sometimes there are several teams "better" than the automatic qualifiers. Personally, under this format I think the automatic bid should revert to the regular season league champs, then the bottom eight play in "First Four" (doesn't that sound a little like fourth meal by Taco Bell?).

Anyway if the regular season champs get the automatic bid, then the at-large bids are selected we are more likely to see the best 64 or 68 teams. When 12-18 teams go on a winning streak in conderence tourney, does that really mean they get a shot at the National Championship?

Do you not like the conference tournaments? I sure do. In fact it's like beginning the NCAA tournament early...and every team in a conference with a tournament has a chance. No matter how slight.

DO any of those teams that win a regular season championship but lose in their conference tourney and then do not get selected as an At-Large really have a chance to win the NCAA championship anyhow?

[McMickenKid]

Originally Posted by red_n_black_attack

I am torn a little because sometimes there are several teams "better" than the automatic qualifiers. Personally, under this format I think the automatic bid should revert to the regular season league champs, then the bottom eight play in "First Four" (doesn't that sound a little like fourth meal by Taco Bell?).

Anyway if the regular season champs get the automatic bid, then the at-large bids are selected we are more likely to see the best 64 or 68 teams. When 12-18 teams go on a winning streak in conderence tourney, does that really mean they get a shot at the National Championship?

The majority of those low major tournaments are won by the regular season champion anyways. You're only talking about two or three conferences where upsets happend, not 12.

[red_n_black_attack]

Originally Posted by McMickenKid

The majority of those low major tournaments are won by the regular season champion anyways. You're only talking about two or three conferences where upsets happend, not 12.

I meant their won/loss record was 12 wins and 18 losses

[DBSUC1982]

Originally Posted by red_n_black_attack

I am torn a little because sometimes there are several teams "better" than the automatic qualifiers. Personally, under this format I think the automatic bid should revert to the regular season league champs, then the bottom eight play in "First Four" (doesn't that sound a little like fourth meal by Taco Bell?).

Anyway if the regular season champs get the automatic bid, then the at-large bids are selected we are more likely to see the best 64 or 68 teams. When 12-18 teams go on a winning streak in conderence tourney, does that really mean they get a shot at the National Championship?

Reg. season champs do get autobid to NIT if they don't receive bid to NCAA, so that is a good compromise IMO.