Dream matchups (for the schedulemakers and TV ratings.)

[mkasten25]

I think the ultimate goal is for the bean counters (and TV ratings, attendance, etc) would be for a UK vs Duke final. As someone who has a ticket already for 4/6, I hope for that as well. Picking from the top 8 or 16 what matchups do you think they'll desire?

Championship
UK has to make it for ratings. Duke would be their preference, then maybe Arizona and Kansas as their second choices. I think Duke will DEFINITELY be on the opposite side of the bracket.

Final Four
They will want UK to play Wisconsin in the FF (again). If not then, Arizona. They probably would like Duke vs Kansas on the other side. For Duke and Kansas, they will probably put Gonzaga and Villanova on that side as well, to increase a blue blood winning that side.

Elite 8
Virginia or Notre Dame for us. They'll want us to play an ACC team. Virginia vs UK has been a story line so I'm calling that. If not they'll put ND in as well.

Left side:
UK, Va, Wisconsin, Arizona

Right side:
Duke, Kansas, Villanova and Gonzaga
This post was edited on 3/14 2:11 AM by mkasten25

 

[MO_Blue]

I completely agree with your premise. An early exit for UK would not be in the NCAA's best interests.

 

[BBCatsExile]

I dream of Arizona vs. Kentucky for the title. A new rivalry can be formed. East Coast vs. West Coast. Calipari vs. Calipari of the west. Great match up, talent, size. Both teams travel really well. Indy has history that's where Arizona knocked off Kentucky in 97. It would be the perfect finale of an undefeated season.

 

[STUCKNBIG10]

I think you're overrating the ratings appeal of Arizona.

The dream title game matchups are UK vs. Duke or UK vs. UNC. It's those two, and it's not even close. UK vs. UL would also be a huge draw just b/c of the rivalry factor (though UL lacks the national cache of Uk, Duke, and UNC).

For ticket sales, Indianapolis obviously wants UK there, but any big 10 team (especially Wisconsin) is also preferred as they will also travel in large numbers. Notre Dame is a wildcard, as they bring lots of fans (especially in Indy) and tons of TV eyeballs.