There has been recent good news about NCAA Tournament seeding projections for the Alabama Crimson Tide. A top Bracketologist from last season moved Alabama up to a Big Dance 3-seed. A more well-known bracket source, Fox Sports' Mike DeCourcy, has joined the parade. DeCourcy is currently bullish on the Crimson Tide with Alabama at No. 10 on his overall seed list.
DeCourcy projects that the Crimson Tide will play in the Midwest Region as the 3-seed. Alabama would open the Big Dance against Austin Peay. After dispensing with the Governors, Alabama would face the winner of Louisville vs. the winner of a play-in game pitting Ohio State vs. New Mexico. Joe Lunardi is sticking with the Crimson Tide as a 4-seed in the East Region.
The projected 2-seed in the Midwest Region is Houston. The Cougars are ranked No. 6 by Bart Torvik's computer model. Houston is a legit national title contender, with Torvik's model rating their offensive efficiency No. 10 and defensive efficiency No. 5. Even in a stat in which Houston ranks poorly, defensive rebounding, Alabama being one of college basketball's worst rebounding teams, would favor Kelvin Sampson's team.
An underdog Crimson Tide, not totally dominated on the glass, while blistering threes could beat Houston and advance to the Elite Eight. If Lundardi's projection plays out, Alabama would get Duke in a Sweet 16 game.
Gaining a 3-seed on Selection Sunday would be a no-brainer if the Crimson Tide wins the SEC Tournament. Losing to the Gators AGAIN would likely mean two or three other 3-seed contenders would have to falter, or Alabama would slide to a 4-seed.
SIx 'other' games could impact Alabama Crimson Tide
- Wisconsin at Purdue (projected 3-seed) - The Boilermakers are solid a favorite
- Iowa at Nebraska (projected 3-seed) - The Huskers are favored
- Arizona State at Iowa State (projected 3-seed) - The Cyclones are a heavy favorite
- Texas Tech (projected 4-seed) at BYU - Most probable help for Alabama if the Red Raiders lose
- Kansas State at Kansas (projected 4-seed) - The Jayhawks are heavily favored
- Virginia Tech at Virginia (projected 4-seed) - Virginia is a double-digit favorite
Bust Auburn's bubble in the IBOB and multiple upsets in the games listed above would make for a huge weekend for the Crimson Tide.