but Gonzaga was a 1-seed last year, so they would be in a 4 team playoff. They had a 3 game sweep over 7th seeded SMC, a win over SEC co-champion Florida (4 seed) and 5-seed Iowa State. They trashed Washington, Tennessee, and San Diego State. More importantly, they've been in the NCAA tournament 19 straight seasons, and advanced to the round of 32 for 9 straight seasons.

Part of what hurt UCF was that they were garbage the year before and have a thin pedigree. Several years ago, when Boise was ranked #2, I believe they would have been in a playoff if it had been in place that season) had they not lost to Nevada.

My post is not a defense of the playoff-it's ridiculous. But there is still an unproven and untested situation out there where a G5 that has a strong history and has been good for a number of years gets in the playoff. I think it would happen. The bar is much higher than it is for a P5, but it could happen IMO.

The better solution, as you say, is to put together a 16 team playoff. I don't even care if only 1-2 G5's usually get in. But everyone should have a crack at the title.