The first 32 teams would have byes, which means the MEAC and SWAC and Patriot winners would have a chance for a first-round upset. A No. 16 isn't going to beat a No. 1, but it could, and sometimes would, beat a No. 9.
28. But if the worst team in the tournament beats a No. 9 seed, will we care?
Good point. We won't.
29. When was the last time two Atlantic Ten schools reached the second weekend?
That was 2004, when St. Joseph's and Xavier both reached the Elite Eight.
30. Upset specials?
No. 11 San Diego State beating No. 6 Tennessee will barely be considered an upset. As a No. 7 seed, BYU could win two, beating No. 10 Florida before taking out No. 2 Kansas State. No. 10 Georgia Tech beating No. 7 Oklahoma State is plausible. And look out for the Butler-UTEP winner.
31. How did Joe Lunardi do?
America's bracketologist had Illinois in and Florida out, for his only miss. The Gators obviously surprised him since he had them as the third team out.
Lunardi knows his stuff, scarily so. (We have to say that, since we were the first to call him a "bracketologist" in print, years ago). So the seeds he was off on are instructive. For instance, Lunardi had Wake Forest three spots lower than the committee and Marquette two spots lower. Meanwhile, he had Northern Iowa two spots higher than the committee and UTEP three spots higher. Translation: This particular selection committee favored the power conferences.
31. Final Four picks?
Kansas, Baylor, Kentucky, and Somebody Other Than Syracuse - haven't decided who, yet.
32. Who wins it all?
Temple fans already know the answer: When they bring their A game, the Kansas Jayhawks will run you over. Sherron Collins will be the outstanding player of the Final Four.
Contact staff writer Mike Jensen at 215-854-4489 or mjensen@phillynews.com.
