Selection Sunday has arrived, and the NCAA Tournament field is growing clearer by the minute. Here’s where the experts project the Hawkeyes as of Sunday morning:
Joe Lunardi, ESPN: #8, Midwest region vs. South Carolina
Jerry Palm, CBS Sports: #8, East region vs. VCU
Howie Schwab, FOX Sports: #9, West region vs. Syracuse
Shelby Mast/USA Today: #8, West region vs. Utah State
Bleacher Report: #9, Midwest region vs. UCF
Jerry Palm finally relented after Saturday’s action, moving Iowa down to the eight line, aligning himself with the vast majority of other bracket projections. According to the Bracket Matrix, Iowa now projects as the top eight-seed in the field. It is worth noting two of our experts placed the Hawkeyes in the Midwest region, not that it really matters unless they find a way to advance to the second weekend.
As for opponents, the nine line has been incredibly fluid over the last few days. Currently, Bracket Matrix projects Minnesota, Ole Miss, Syracuse and Utah State as the nine-seeds. There is a considerable logjam between nine and 10, though, with eight teams between average seeding positions of 8.86 and 9.99. For what it’s worth, should Iowa slot into the 8/9 game and pull off a win, Bracket Matrix is projecting Virginia, Duke, Gonzaga and North Carolina as one-seeds, likely meaning a matchup with one of those teams in the round of 32.
Top photo: David Banks/USA Today sports
