2013's edition was the last Bracketbusters and I'm trying to decide if I should be happy or sad.
In one respect, there's not much of a need for Bracketbusters anymore. In its infancy, mid-majors were still a bit of a novelty. That has all changed.
We live in an era now where Butler vs. Gonzaga was an ESPN Saturday night showcase game. We've had a final four with two mid-majors and Butler representing "the little guys" in the title game two of the past three years. No stunts needed for attention there.
With conferences constantly shuffling and the playing field leveling, the concept of mid-majors being forgotten is rapidly evaporating.
The idea of Bracketbusters was - and still is - a fun one. It can produce some fun matchups too. I'll never forget Bubba Walther going nuts from three and Ohio knocking off George Mason at the Convo when I was a student. The OZone was rocking that day and there was a big-game energy that sometimes disappears during stretches of brutal MAC West opponents.
Kent State fans surely have vivid memories of Al Fisher's electric 2008 BracketBuster performance on the road against a top 25 St. Mary's team, taking over that game and probably elevating the Flashes' NCAA tourney slot, a 9 seed that year.
Conference season can get monotonous, especially when the league is top-heavy, as the MAC is this year. You have Akron, Ohio and everyone else. The Bobcats have been in some tight finishes but all-in-all this isn't the most exciting MACtion we've ever seen.
That's why Saturday's matchup against Belmont was cool (despite the Bobcats' ugly performance). The Bears have a high RPI and represented a stiff road challenge outside of the MAC.
In the grand scope, the loss doesn't hurt the Bobcats. A win may have helped when it comes to seeding but the fact is the MAC is still a one-bid league. You play well in Cleveland and win the tournament or watch someone else go dancing.
When Bracketbusters was conceived, some saw it as a way for teams to get a significant win on their resume and elevate their tournament stock. That was an idealistic viewpoint but one that has rarely come to fruition.
Entertainment-wise these games give you some appetizing matchups like Creighton/St. Mary's this year. Ultimately though their impact is low.
Maybe there isn't a real need for BracketBusters now with smaller leagues on TV way more, ESPNU gaining more carriage and non-powerhouse programs strengthening.
I'll miss these games though for the intrigue a good matchup can provide and standout performances on a big stage like those of Walther and Fisher.
You remember those as a fan and they do have nostalgic value, even if their meaning is lacking in the grander picture.
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