Florida’s pathway to another Final Four is now set in stone. Selection Sunday didn’t have too much drama for the Gators, as they knew they would safely be in the tournament as either a No. 1 or No. 2 seed, and it was pretty much set in stone that Florida would start in Tampa before a potential trip to Houston.
With the actual bracket out, Florida is going to like the bulk of their bracket, but there is one major disservice the tournament committee did for the Gators as they attempt to go back-to-back.
Florida’s March Madness pathway is a mix of good and bad
Once it was revealed that UConn was a No. 2 seed in the East Region, it effectively locked in that Florida would be the No. 1 seed in the South Region. That also locked in Florida getting to start things off in Tampa against either Prairie View A&M or Lehigh before a potential second-round matchup against either Clemson or Iowa.
Both Clemson and Iowa are awful rebounding teams, though Iowa tends to be a bit more efficient on offense. Florida should feel comfortable against either team.
Assuming Florida can clear Tampa, it’s the trip to Houston that gets tricky. In the Sweet 16, if chalk holds, they would see either Vanderbilt or Nebraska.
Between those two, Florida would take it poison against Nebraska. The Cornhuskers can create turnovers but they don’t cause defend the paint all that well. Vanderbilt, meanwhile, has been a pain in Florida’s side this year, and the Gators would probably prefer not to see them again.
Then there is the potential collision in the Elite Eight. If chalk holds, the Gators would take on the Houston Cougars in a rematch of last year’s national championship. And beyond Houston being a complete pain to play against, who can exploit Florida’s propensity to turn the ball over, the game will be in Houston.
So much for there being a neutral court in March Madness.
Todd Golden isn’t going to look around to play the pity card, and he isn’t going to seek excuses. No matter who is in front of the Gators or where the game is played, Florida has to go out and win six games in a row to repeat as champions.
If chalk holds, Florida is going to like its pathway to at least the Elite Eight. But the Sweet 16 and beyond could turn into another high-stressor experience for Gator fans everywhere.