March Madness: Five Most Interesting Potential Round of 32 Scenarios

Yeah, so the NCAA Tournament is here and the brackets are out. Sure, the Selection Show on TBS blew chunks and there are only four Big Ten teams, but it’s March Madness and that means the world is in a good spot.

Like usual, the first round will be full of some good games, some absolute blowouts, and a few that are in between. Instead of breaking down some of the coolest first-round games, though, we’re gonna jump right to the second round because everyone and their mother is doing it for the first. Cool, right?

Most Interesting Potential Round of 32 Scenarios:

-No. 11 San Diego State versus No. 3 Michigan (West Region)

While the Aztecs will have to pull off the upset of No. 6 Houston to get here, the potential meeting is notable because of their first-year head coach Brian Dutcher. You see, Dutcher was a big part of the Wolverines 1989 National Title and their Fab Five run in the early 1990’s. He was the Associate Head Coach at the time behind Steve Fisher, then followed him to SDSU. After last season, Fisher retired and turned the keys over to his longtime assistant.

Dutcher was featured prominently in the ESPN 30 for 30 about the Fab Five.

-No. 4 Arizona versus No. 5 Kentucky (South Region)

Two blue-blood programs in the Round of 32 isn’t something you see every day, but that’s what we can get this year. Arizona will need to knock off Buffalo while Kentucky can move on by beating Davidson, one of the hottest teams in the country.

Also, they’re both Wildcats…and that’s dope.

-No. 11 Syracuse versus No. 3 Michigan State (Midwest Region)

Another potential meeting between legendary programs. Only problem? The Orange will need to beat Arizona State in the First Four, then No. 6 TCU in the Round of 64.

If it does happen, it’ll be cool to see Tom Izzo stalking the sidelines opposite of Jim Boeheim again, especially after the biting comments Jimmy made about Michigan State last year. Also, the last time Michigan State won the National Championship, they beat Syracuse in the semi-finals.

-No. 2 Purdue Boilermakers versus No. 10 Butler Bulldogs (East Region)

Indiana in the BUILDING! Yeah, these two teams are in-state rivals and are both a part of the Crossroads Classic — a yearly event that features the four best college teams from the state of Indiana. They’ve played four times since the event started in 2011 with Butler going 3-1. With that said, the two programs played this season and Purdue demolished the Bulldogs 82-67.

Purdue needs to beat No. 15 Cal State Fullerton while the Bulldogs will play No. 7 Arkansas.

-No. 5 West Virginia Mountaineers versus No. 13 Marshall Thundering Herd (East Region)

This one is sorta like Butler/Purdue, only the potential West Virginia/Marshall meeting would be a battle for West Virginia and they’re the only two Division-1 programs in the state. The rivalry was featured in ESPN’s Rand University documentary (in football) which makes it clear that the two programs don’t exactly love one another.

Although it’ll take a big upset by Marshall to make it happen — they’re playing No. 4 Wichita State — the idea of Dan D’Antoni coaching against Bob Huggins is March Madness porn. Actually, the idea of a D’Antoni coaching in the NCAA Tournament at all is March Madness porn. Let’s hope it happens.

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