Not All Change is Good Change

On the eve of another NCAA Basketball Tournament I can't help but find myself somewhat disappointed with some of the changes that the NCAA has instituted this year.  Between the continuous expansion (read: deluding) of the field and all of the television changes I have found myself wishing for the old days of March Madness.



Expanded Format

First of all, this new expanded format is garbage. Why include an extra 3 teams that everyone knows has no chance to win the tournament?  I can't think of one good reason why including VCU, UAB, and USC in the field makes the tournament better.  All it does is take away from the "second round" (which is what the delusional NCAA is now calling the first round).  You won't see as many 12-5 or 11-6 upsets like you used to because those 12 and 11 seeds will be on their second game of the week. 

Another issue I have with this expansion is that it just confuses the average fan.  One of the things that makes the NCAA tourny great is that it is embraced by so many people.  Throwing in these play in games and starting the tournament on Tuesday is throwing a wrench at all of those average fans.  Like Michael Scott always says, "keep it simple stupid".

New Television Format

This is where my gears are really grinding this year.  Charlie is having a heart attack about how great it is to be able to watch every single game this year.  Now, in theory, that sounds great but when I really sat down and thought about I think it will take away from the tournament experience.  I have no interest in having two TVs in the living room and watching two games at the same time.  I have no interest in bouncing between channels and missing half of each game.  All I want is to sit down on the couch, turn on CBS, and let them show me regional games along with the occasional look in at big moments.  For me its all about the experience of watching the tournament.  Ever since I can remember I have had that TV on CBS (or NBC when they used to have the tourny) and spent all day watching whatever game was on and following the scores across the top of the screen. 

Maybe I sound like the Peter Gammons purist of the NCAA tournament here, but that's fine.  Forget Tru TV, I'm sticking with CBS this March.