Perception » Duke has the easiest road.
Reality » The University of Pittsburgh wins that distinction. The Panthers’ bracket includes suspect Wisconsin (No. 4 seed) and a Florida team that is considered the weakest of the No. 2 seeds. Then there’s No. 3 seed BYU, which clearly isn’t the same without leading rebounder Brandon Davies. Meanwhile, Duke has a tough second-round game vs. either a young and improving Michigan or mercurial Tennessee as well as a possible date vs. No. 4 seed Texas, only a few weeks removed from being considered one of the best in the country.
Perception » Michigan State is always a tough out.
Reality » The Spartans have made six Final Fours in 12 years under Tom Izzo. But in the four seasons when they finished fourth or lower in the Big Ten (and made the tourney), Michigan State has lost in the first or second round three times and never advanced beyond the Sweet 16. Note: The Spartans haven’t won more than three straight games since the first three of the season.
Perception » Virginia Tech got hosed.
Reality » Sorry, not buying Seth Greenberg‘s annual conspiracy theories. This is a nondescript program, yet the NCAA somehow targets them? Really? Here’s a tip: Win more games and remove all doubt. Do they have a gripe? Sure. We don’t get VCU either. But Colorado has a bigger gripe. The Hokies followed their huge win over Duke with two straight losses; their RPI is 62; their strength of schedule is 88th; they lacked a solid road win and they were considered a bubble team. And they didn’t get in. How is this getting hosed?
