2018 Barstool Bracketology: Version 1
Listen, it’s never too early for some bracketology, especially this week. It’s an easy thing to argue over, tell me I’m a moron and simply get mad at some projections, but it sure is fun. So while people are sitting in their cubes or traveling, here’s a bracket to look at. The first one of the year is always a massive pain in the ass just because of all the little rules i.e. first 3 conference selections have to go in different regions, no rematches in the 1st round and then trying to figure out who is going to win the smaller conferences. I’m the first to admit, there’s probably a mistake in here somewhere. That’s just the Barstool difference.
What I realized when doing this is there is plenty of chances to steal bids. I feel like the conference tournament week is going to be insane and stolen bids will leads to some major shakeups down the road. The bubble is weird this year as the mid majors simply aren’t that strong. The A-10 is down to a 2-bid league, the MVC feels like a 1-bid league. Even the AAC feels like they are going to get 3-4 max in while the Big 10 and Pac-12 are down too. That means more chances for the Big East/ACC and even the SEC to get some bids. There’s also a bunch of close teams from the 2 seed to the 5 seed. They will be absolutely interchangeable as the season goes on. I mean, I made the entire the bracket the first time and completely forgot Miami.
I know there will be some debate, but it was tough to figure out what to do with teams like Kentucky, Cincinnati, Purdue, Miami and Arizona. Even UNC has a weird resume with the loss to Wofford now. So I’m sure people will be upset, just remember I hate your team and always cheer for your rival. So what do you agree/disagree with? Let me know @barstoolreags. But, if you’re stuck at the cube at least you have something to get irrationally angry about until your boss lets you leave.