Kentucky is still a No. 3 seed while 13 SEC teams are included in the field of 68, Texas sliding back in as the last team in to potentially shatter the all-time record. That’s not why we’re here, though.

We’re here for the absolute madness that would be the Round of 32 if things unfold the way ESPN is currently projecting, setting up a second-round battle vs. none other than No. 6 seed Louisville to really get this new era of the rivalry started. It would be in the South Region, starting in Wichita with the Cats first taking on No. 14 seed Northern Colorado in the opener. The Cards would have to beat No. 11 seed New Mexico to set up the must-see, win-or-go-home battle for a spot in the Sweet 16.

That would potentially set up a matchup vs. No. 2 seed Marquette for a spot in the Elite Eight, then an SEC clash vs. No. 1 seed Auburn to advance to the Final Four.

Auburn (No. 1), Alabama (No. 1), Tennessee (No. 2), Florida (No. 2), Kentucky (No. 3), Texas A&M (No. 4), Mississippi State (No. 5), Ole Miss (No. 5), Missouri (No. 7), Vanderbilt (No. 10), Oklahoma (No. 10) and Texas (No. 11) make up the SEC representatives in ESPN’s latest update.

Check out Kentucky’s potential path:

And the complete field:

How quickly would you book travel arrangements to Wichita, BBN? I would say Card Nation would do the same — but they’re still struggling to sell out the Yum! Center as is.

Either way, I’m sure everyone would love Cats vs. Cards Pt. 2. The Selection Committee certainly would.

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