Lunardi's Latest Bracketology...

[CTWarrior]

has us as a 5 seed playing the winner of a play-in game between Iowa State and NC State.  I know that it is very premature to think about these things, but I was thinking that I'd much rather play a 12 seed who didn't play an opening round game.  I think that while it is a disadvantage in terms of travel and having to win an extra game, having gotten your feet wet is an advantage for the winner of the play in game going to the next round.  For the 16 seed winner it doesn't matter, but an 11/12 seed isn't generally a whole lot worse than a 5/6 seed.  What do you guys think?

[Lennys Tap]

I would rather not open against a team that already has an NCAA tournament win under their belt, especially if they're a decent team.

[brewcity77]

I think it's a horse apiece. Last year VCU won their play-in and used it as a springboard.  Clemson, on the other hand, played even with WVU for a half after their play-in win, then were pretty well handled in the second. I get what you're saying, but it's too soon to know if that extra game is a bane or boon.

[Clam Crowder]

I don't know why we observe these matchups so carefully when it's this early. We won't end up with this exact matchup. If we did I would be pretty content. I see us ending up a 6 or 7 seed.

[CTWarrior]

I understand its way too early and mention that it in the original post (in hopes of not getting a response like yours, which I could have guaranteed was coming anyway).  It is just a general question of whether you think it is good or bad to play a team that's already won a play-in game.

[Clam Crowder]

I would love to avenge a loss against NC State that ranks among the top 5 most disappointing losses in the last 3 years. I would take it for sure.

[lab_warrior]

I'm with brew here, I think over time, the play-in teams will be ~.500 in games after that first one.  Might get on a roll, might get tired/worn out.  Coin flip. 

And I'd play either of those two teams, no problem.  Key question, though:  What do we do about CHRISTOPHERSON, and his amazing ability to sometimes make wide-open jump shots against mediocre teams?

[bamamarquettefan]

I agree - would rather not play a team with a win already.  You don't really know exactly how good/hot each team is until they are under the bright lights, and the winner of the play-in game is probably a bit better than people thought when seeding.  The only problem with a 4/5 seed is your Sweet 16 game, and if we get to that point I'm already happy.

[JTBMU7]

I would love to avenge a loss against NC State that ranks among the top 5 most disappointing losses in the last 3 years. I would take it for sure.

this would also allow for revenge against Mark Gottfried for the Alabama loss in the 2007 tourney.

[muwarrior69]

I would love to avenge a loss against NC State that ranks among the top 5 most disappointing losses in the last 3 years. I would take it for sure.

How about 1974?