NCAA Tourney expands to 68 teams

In a surprising move that has disappointed many, the NCAA has expanded to allow 3 more teams - from 65 to 68 - starting next year. Also, CBS and Turner jointly will broadcast the tournament, putting the tournament's every game on television. Coaches have almost uniformly welcomed this, though disappointed since they were hoping expansion would be more to the 96 teams the power conferences wanted.

I've yet to see details of who these teams are and that may be the best part. Would these seeds be floating seeds? This year, the play in (opening round) is for a 16 seed. You know they're not going to expand to get four games weak sister conferences. I can't fathom four play ins for 16 seeds. Maybe the plan will be to have what the NCAA always says: take 68 teams, seed them, and let the play ins happen as they will. If you have this year, Miss St and Va Tech, let them play for a chance to be the 12 seed for instance.

It's an interesting development. I wonder if it does set the stage for more expansion later since the conf commissioners, coaches, ADs and presidents didn't get what they wanted this time around.

 

I've argued all along it's about the money.

When George Mason went on their run, would anyone argue that they were one of the best 65 teams in America before the tourney? Yet, the cinderella runs give the anti-expansion people a podium to scream from.

 

This could be the solution (four 16 seed play ins) but that would send the wrong message. Let's look at last tourney. Who are your eight weak sisters?
Obviously, Winthrop plays Ark Pine Bluff. I guess Lehigh plays UCSB, Vermonth plays No Texas, and ETSU plays Morgan State. Everyone slides down a notch and the "last three out" take somewhere between a 12-13 seed. Now....is it fair to reward a #4 with someone like Va Tech or Miss St as an opponent?

I still like the idea of a sliding seed. Maybe your last three in would fit on a 11-14. Then make a play in game for that seed. Honestly, does anyone want to watch the games above? Heck, I live just 150 miles or so from East TN St, but I'm not going to watch them play the MEAC champ. I would watch Va Tech play Miss St for the right to play BYU.

And remember, this is what will drive the bus....what sells ad dollars.