(12-12-2017 08:20 AM)ken d Wrote:  

(12-12-2017 01:31 AM)_C2_ Wrote:  Umm, the unknowns are what make March Madness what it is, you just don't want too many of them or at least want them gone by the Elite 8, if not by the Sweet 16. No one is tuning in to watch Clemson versus Arizona State in the 7-10 or in a 12-13 surprise.

I think you are giving the "unknowns" way too much credit for the success of the NCAAT. When there is a choice between #1 Duke vs #16 Unknown U in the first round or Clemson vs Arizona State in the 7-10, most people are watching the latter. When, occasionally, a high seed isn't blowing out their unknown opponent, fans will use their remote to check in on that game from time to time.

The "real" NCAAT starts at the round of 32. And no school is moving up to FBS because of what it may or may not do for its NCAAT chances.

You really can't be serious. People obviously tune in to watch the bigger schools more, the ratings bear that out but they'll watch a 1/16 matchup if 16 is pushing 1.