Atlantic Coast

Predicting 2017 NCAA Tournament based on 2016 football teams

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 2:28 p.m. ET

Fansided, Connor Muldowney/FanSided via Saturday Blitz

Nov 19, 2016; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) looks to pass in the first quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

If we replaced the 2017 NCAA Tournament bracket field with college football teams from 2016, who would the national champion be?

In a perfect world, college football would have its own NCAA Tournament. Well, it could be argued that the sport has taken a major step in the right direction with the addition of the College Football Playoff, but fans of the sport want more — always.

While this won't curb the hunger that fans have for more football, we have put together a list of predictions for the 2017 NCAA Tournament based on each school's 2016 football team. This will give fans a dream scenario of what the perfect college football postseason tournament would look like, maybe with a few dozen extra teams.

Let's take a look at our 2017 NCAA Tournament bracket predictions if we replaced each basketball team with that program's 2016 football team.

Note: Not all teams that have made the 2017 NCAA Tournament have Division 1 FBS football teams, therefore they likely won't advance (unless they're playing another team without a Division 1 FBS program).

Play-in games

(16) Mount St. Mary's vs. (16) New Orleans

Neither of these teams have a D-1 football program, so I'm going to just go with the city that has a decent NFL team — New Orleans. Pick: New Orleans

(11) Kansas State vs. (11) Wake Forest

Wake Forest showed tremendous improvement this season on the gridiron, but the Demon Deacons aren't "there" just yet. Plus, it's tough to pick against the legendary Bill Snyder and his respectable football program, especially after a nice bowl win. Pick: Kansas State

(16) NC Central vs. (16) UC Davis

No, neither of these teams have FBS programs, but they both have teams in the FCS. Unfortunately for UC Davis, it won't be advancing in our football bracket because of its recent 3-8 season compared to NC Central's 9-3 campaign. Pick: NC Central

(11) Providence vs. (11) USC

While it'd be easy to say USC by default, I'm going to say USC because the Trojans are a football program on the rise and they may just pull off an unbelievable run to the Final Four in our football bracket as the No. 11 seed. Pick: USC

Dec 27, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Baylor Bears defensive back Travon Blanchard (48) and safety Chance Waz (18) celebrate after an interception against the Boise State Broncos during the Cactus Bowl at Chase Field. Baylor defeated Boise State 31-12. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

East Region First Round

(1) Villanova vs. (16) New Orleans

Could this be an upset for the ages? Don't get your hopes up, New Orleans doesn't even have a football team and the only reason it got past the play-in game was because it's a city which has an NFL team. Villanova's football team finished 9-4 in the FCS in 2016. Pick: Villanova

(8) Wisconsin vs. (9) Virginia Tech

Both of these schools have solid football teams and the seeding may be a little lower than it would in a real-life tournament, but one has a slight edge. Based on the 2016 season, Wisconsin comes away with the victory as it won the Cotton Bowl. Virginia Tech makes it interesting, though. Pick: Wisconsin

(5) Virginia vs. (12) UNC Wilmington

The 5-12 game has the most upsets of any in the NCAA Tournament field, but this is football. Virginia may be bad, but UNC Wilmington doesn't have an FBS program on the gridiron. Easy choice here. Pick: Virginia

(4) Florida vs. (13) East Tennessee State

This is another no-brainer. Florida's defense wouldn't even give up a first down. Pick: Florida

(6) SMU vs. (11) USC

While SMU football has had some success in its history, it's been quite a while. On the other hand, USC will bulldoze right through the Mustangs into the round of 32. Pick: USC

(3) Baylor vs. (14) New Mexico State

Yes, Baylor had a rough year, but the Bears still won a bowl game and New Mexico State finished 3-9. Advantage, Baylor. Pick: Baylor

(7) South Carolina vs. (10) Marquette

One of these programs has an FBS team and one does not. Hint: Marquette does not. Pick: South Carolina

(2) Duke vs. (15) Troy

Duke's football program has come a long way and Troy is constantly beaten up on by Power Five programs. The Blue Devils win this one easily. Pick: Duke

Jan 2, 2017; Arlington, TX, USA; Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Bart Houston (13) prepare to face the Western Michigan Broncos in the 2017 Cotton Bowl game at AT&T Stadium. The Badgers defeat the Broncos 24-16. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

East Region through Elite Eight

Second Round

(1) Villanova vs. (8) Wisconsin

Again, another instance of one school having an FBS team and another not. Plus, Wisconsin isn't too shabby. Upset special. Pick: Wisconsin

(5) Virginia vs. (4) Florida

Virginia has been a poor football program for years now and Jim McElwain has the Gators near the top of the SEC standings each season. This would be ugly for the Cavaliers. Pick: Florida

(11) USC vs. (3) Baylor

Cinderella will keep that slipper for at least another round as the 11th-seeded Trojans will continue their hot streak against a struggling Baylor program looking for some direction. Pick: USC

(7) South Carolina vs. (2) Duke

The SEC is annually considered the best conference in the country, but in 2016 the ACC changed that thinking a bit. Duke will prove just why the ACC is underrated. Pick: Duke

Sweet 16

(8) Wisconsin vs. (4) Florida

While Florida may be the better team on paper, there have to be upsets every now and then. This may not be considered a huge upset, but the Badgers were constantly overlooked in 2016 and the defense is no joke. Florida's offense just can't overcome that. Pick: Wisconsin

(11) USC vs. (2) Duke

Sam Darnold leads the Trojans past the Blue Devils. While Duke is a perennial powerhouse on the hardwood, the same can't be said on the football field — although it has been much-improved. The Trojans remain hot. Pick: USC

Elite Eight

(8) Wisconsin vs. (11) USC

The Elite Eight matchup everyone knew was coming, right? Obviously these two teams won't be making the regional final in the actually NCAA Tournament, but the Badgers and Trojans definitely stood out in this region on the turf. Who wins? The USC offense is just too strong. Final Four ticket has been punched. Pick: USC

Nov 26, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh during the third quarter against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State won 30-27. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports

Midwest Region First Round

(1) Kansas vs. (16) NC Central

Will I be harsh and penalize the Jayhawks for having a mediocre football program (putting it nicely)? Even though the Jayhawks aren't very good, FCS squads don't usually beat even the worst FBS teams. Pick: Kansas

(8) Miami vs. (9) Michigan State

If this were based off of 2015, I would have picked Michigan State in a heartbeat. However, the Spartans took a thousand steps back in 2016, going 3-9. Miami finished 9-4 and is trending up with Mark Richt as head coach. Pick: Miami

(5) Iowa State vs. (12) Nevada

Iowa State may play in a Power Five conference, but even the 5-7 Nevada Wolfpack would give the Cyclones a run for their money. Here's the annual 5-12 upset. Pick: Nevada

(4) Purdue vs. (13) Vermont

You have no idea how tempting it is to throw shade at Purdue for the lack of a quality football program, but even the Boilermakers would win this one on the gridiron. Pick: Purdue

(6) Creighton vs. (11) Rhode Island

Seeing as Creighton hasn't fielded a football team since 1942, even the 2-9 Rhode Island Rams could pull out a win. Pick: Rhode Island

(3) Oregon vs. (14) Iona

Easy choice yet again. Even with a lackluster 2016 season, Oregon is still Oregon and Iona is not on the map. Pick: Oregon

(7) Michigan vs. (10) Oklahoma State

In both football and basketball, this would be an intriguing matchup. However, Jim Harbaugh has brought the program back and his team would out-grit the Cowboys. Pick: Michigan

(2) Louisville vs. (15) Jacksonville State

Jacksonville State does have a decent FCS squad but Louisville has Lamar Jackson. Next. Pick: Louisville

Dec 28, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes quarterback Brad Kaaya (15) attempts a pass against the West Virginia Mountaineers during the second half at Camping World Stadium. The Miami Hurricanes defeat the West Virginia Mountaineers 31-14. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Midwest Region through Elite Eight

Second Round

(1) Kansas vs. (8) Miami

Even though Miami struggled near the middle of the season and wasn't the same as it was in non-conference play, the Hurricanes would still wipe the floor with Kansas. Pick: Miami

(12) Nevada vs. (4) Purdue

Ugly. Just an ugly game all around. Nevada has to be the free-falling Boilermakers, though. Pick: Nevada

(11) Rhode Island vs. (3) Oregon

If the Oregon football team was in this bracket, it would have all the confidence in the world after the first two rounds. Demolishing Iona and then having its way with Rhode Island. False hope, though. Pick: Oregon

(7) Michigan vs. (2) Louisville

This is honestly a tough one. Michigan hasn't truly faced a quarterback like Lamar Jackson and that could be the difference in this one. However, Louisville crashed and burned at the end of the year. Pick: Michigan

Sweet 16

(8) Miami vs. (12) Nevada

You would hope for a better Sweet 16 matchup than this in an actual football tournament, but this is what we are left with. Miami would have no issue here. Pick: Miami

(3) Oregon vs. (7) Michigan

Man, if these two teams met up at the end of the 2016 season, it would be an absolute bloodbath in favor of the Wolverines. And that's how it's decided. Pick: Michigan

Elite Eight

(8) Miami vs. (7) Michigan

A tough back-and-forth battle, Miami comes in with a chip on its shoulder and gives the Wolverines all they can handle. However, Michigan's defense picks off a pass late and takes it to the house for the game-clinching score and a trip to the Final Four. Pick: Michigan

Dec 30, 2016; El Paso, TX, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels running back Jordon Brown (2) scores a touchdown against the Stanford Cardinal defense at Sun Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ivan Pierre Aguirre-USA TODAY Sports

South Region First Round

(1) North Carolina vs. (16) Texas Southern

Mitch Trubisky would have no problem dismantling a Texas Southern football team that finished just 4-7 on the year. The Tar Heels have the talent on both sides of the ball and this would likely be a shutout. Pick: North Carolina

(8) Arkansas vs. (9) Seton Hall

Woo pig sooie. Arkansas would roll in this contest primarily because Seton Hall doesn't have an FBS team. The Razorbacks have made baby steps in the right direction over the past couple of years under Bret Bielema, though. Pick: Arkansas

(5) Minnesota vs. (12) Middle Tennessee

Even on the football field, this matchup has the makings of a potential upset. Middle Tennessee finished the year 8-5, but struggled in its bowl game against Hawaii. Minnesota surprised people with a win over Washington State. Close one. Pick: Minnesota

(4) Butler vs. (13) Winthrop

Butler finished the 2016 season with a 4-7 record, but Winthrop doesn't have a football team. Yay for default wins. Pick: Butler

(6) Cincinnati vs. (11) Kansas State

Would you bet against Bill Snyder in this matchup? That's right, the answer is no. They snuck up on just about everyone in 2016, finishing 9-4 and beating Texas A&M in the Texas Bowl. Pick: Kansas State

(3) UCLA vs. (14) Kent State

How the heck did a talented team like UCLA finish 4-8 in 2016? Josh Rosen was injured, so that's a main reason, but Kent State still had a worse year, going 3-9. The Bruins limp to a victory here. Pick: UCLA

(7) Dayton vs. (10) Wichita State

The last time Wichita State played a down of football was back in 1986. Dayton, on the other hand, is coming off a 9-2 season which concluded with a seven-game winning streak. Pick: Dayton

(2) Kentucky vs. (15) Northern Kentucky

Kentucky is no football school, but even the Wildcats would have no trouble running up the score in this one. The Wildcats are tested by strong SEC opponents game in and game out, so this one would be a breeze. Pick: Kentucky

Dec 28, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Kansas State Wildcats quarterback Jesse Ertz (16) celebrates with offensive lineman Reid Najvar (67) after scoring a touchdown during the second quarter against the Texas A&M Aggies at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

South Region through Elite Eight

Second Round

(1) North Carolina vs. (8) Arkansas

Everyone wants to see ACC vs. SEC matchups on the gridiron these days, but this one wouldn't exactly claim the best conference. North Carolina would give Arkansas a tough battle and ultimately I think the Tar Heels' offense would be slightly too much. Pick: North Carolina

(5) Minnesota vs. (4) Butler

Unfortunately, we can't judge this matchup with new head coach P.J. Fleck in mind since this is based off of 2016 teams, but Minnesota would still have its way with Butler's FCS squad. Pick: Minnesota

(11) Kansas State vs. (3) UCLA

It's too late to pick against Kansas State right now. The Wildcats are rolling through this bracket and a Josh Rosen-less UCLA team isn't going to change that. Kansas State wins this one relatively easily. Pick: Kansas State

(7) Dayton vs. (2) Kentucky

Dayton had a strong season in the FCS, finishing red-hot, but that won't be enough to take down even a middle-of-the-pack SEC program like Kentucky. The Wildcats did at least make it to a bowl game in 2016. Pick: Kentucky

Sweet 16

(1) North Carolina vs. (5) Minnesota

This one is tougher than it seems. While Minnesota was in turmoil near the end of the season because of a coaching controversy, the Tar Heels finished the season with three loss in their final four games, including to Stanford in the Sun Bowl. Still, North Carolina was just slightly better than Minnesota. Pick: North Carolina

(11) Kansas State vs. (2) Kentucky

Sorry, Kentucky, but this one wouldn't even be close. The Wildcats face better teams than Kansas State — such as Alabama — all the time, but they also get demolished. The Wildcats would take this one by three touchdowns. Pick: Kansas State

Elite Eight

(1) North Carolina vs. (11) Kansas State

The matchup everyone paid to see, right? OK, maybe not. However, this game would be an incredible showdown between the underrated Wildcats of Kansas State and North Carolina's elite gunslinger Mitch Trubisky. Based on overall teams, North Carolina gets the slight edge. Pick: North Carolina

Dec 28, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers running back Kennedy McKoy (4) celebrates after scoring a touchdown with wide receiver Jovon Durante (5) and offensive lineman Colton McKivitz (53) in the first quarter against the Miami Hurricanes at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports

West Region First Round

(1) Gonzaga vs. (16) South Dakota State

Gonzaga has not played football in nearly a century, so this one goes to South Dakota State with the now-seemingly casual No. 16 over No. 1 upset in the football bracket. Pick: South Dakota State

(8) Northwestern vs. (9) Vanderbilt

Northwestern is in the basketball tourney for the first time in school history against a tough SEC team in Vanderbilt. However, the Commodores aren't quite as intimidating on turf. Pick: Northwestern

(5) Notre Dame vs. (12) Princeton

Even with a 4-8 finish to the 2016 season, Notre Dame would beat anyone in the Ivy League no problem. Pick: Notre Dame

(4) West Virginia vs. (13) Bucknell

West Virginia had a pleasantly-surprising football season and the same can be said for the basketball team. Does Bucknell even have football? Pick: West Virginia

(6) Maryland vs. (11) Xavier

Maryland took major strides in the right direction in 2016 under new head coach D.J. Durkin and Xavier wouldn't stand a chance even if it had an FBS squad. Pick: Maryland

(3) Florida State vs. (14) FGCU

Basketball-wise, this matchup is pretty intriguing for a No. 3 vs. No. 14 seed game. Football-wise, there's supremely-athletic Florida Gulf Coast squad that could even remotely match up with Florida State. This one is easy. Pick: Florida State

(7) Saint Mary's vs. (10) VCU

VCU has played seven football games in school history and Saint Mary's hasn't fielded a team since 2004. The winner? Neither, but I have to pick one, unfortunately. Pick: Saint Mary's

(2) Arizona vs. (15) North Dakota

Arizona had a rough season under Rich Rodriguez in 2016, but the Wildcats have some talent at quarterback and not even a decent FCS squad could beat them. Pick: Arizona

Dec 30, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles quarterback Deondre Francois (12) walks off the field after a game against the Michigan Wolverines at Hard Rock Stadium. The Seminoles won 33-32. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports

West Region through Elite Eight

Second Round

(16) South Dakota State vs. (8) Northwestern

If this were North Dakota State vs. Northwestern, I'd probably have to pick the former — heck, it beat Iowa this year. However, South Dakota State wouldn't stand a chance. Pick: Northwestern

(5) Notre Dame vs. (4) West Virginia

DeShone Kizer would make this a game simply because he's one of the best quarterbacks in college football but West Virginia has a solid quarterback of its own. Notre Dame continues to falter against decent teams. Pick: West Virginia

(6) Maryland vs. (3) Florida State

Maryland is a feel-good story because of the turnaround it had in 2016 after a tumultuous 2015 season, but you'd have to feel bad for the Terrapins after witnessing this beatdown against Florida State. Pick: Florida State

(7) Saint Mary's vs. (2) Arizona

Again, Saint Mary's hasn't fielded a football team since 2004. Even hapless Arizona would come away with a win here. Pick: Arizona

Sweet 16

(8) Northwestern vs. (4) West Virginia

Northwestern's football team isn't exactly considered 'elite' in the Big Ten, but the Wildcats have quietly put together some nice seasons. Are they good enough beat West Virginia and that impressive offense? I'll give you a hint: no. Pick: West Virginia

(3) Florida State vs. (2) Arizona

Well, two years ago, I would have given Arizona a slight chance to keep it close with Florida State. After watching the Wildcats in 2016, I no longer feel that way. Arizona is trending down while Florida State is on the rise. Pick: Florida State

Elite Eight

(4) West Virginia vs. (3) Florida State

Skyler Howard was one of the best quarterbacks who no one talked about in 2016 and that might just motivate him in a matchup against a young star like Deondre Francois. West Virginia is a tough team, but Florida State has talent on talent in that depth chart. Florida State wins on a touchdown in the final drive to head to the Final Four. Pick: Florida State

Nov 12, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; USC Trojans quarterback Sam Darnold (14) walks back to the locker room following a 26-13 victory against the Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Final Four and National Championship

Final Four

(11) USC vs. (3) Florida State

Was there a hotter team in college football to end the 2016 season than USC? Probably not. The Trojans faced off against an also red-hot Penn State team in the Rose Bowl and that game was everything fans could have asked for, and more. However, the Trojans remained scorching and there are some who believed they should have made the playoff, despite three losses.

Florida State, on the other hand, got off to a nice start on the year with a freshman quarterback in Deondre Francois. After the Louisville defeat, national pundits started recognizing flaws within the team, but the talent was still there. After a rough patch, the Seminoles finished the year strong and beat Michigan in an Orange Bowl thriller.

This one is a toss-up, but I'm sticking with the Trojans. Pick: USC

(7) Michigan vs. (1) North Carolina

Although Michigan finished third in the Big Ten East division, the Wolverines are trending up. They did, however, lose three of their last four games on the year, ending on kind of a sour note. Do they have the offensive firepower to get it done and take down North Carolina?

The Tar Heels have one of the best quarterbacks in the country and Mitch Trubisky led them to an 8-5 record and even a road victory over Florida State (who beat Michigan in the Orange Bowl). However, they just won't be able to overcome Michigan's elite defense in this matchup. Pick: Michigan

National Championship

(11) USC vs. (7) Michigan

And here we are. The matchup that no one saw coming. If the 2017 NCAA Tournament bracket was made with football teams, this is what you'd likely see playing for the trophy.

Who wins this one? I think it comes down to the quarterback battle because USC isn't going to have trouble scoring against Michigan's defense with that loaded offense. However, Sam Darnold is worlds better than Wilton Speight and he will make the plays necessary to bring the title back to Southern California. Champion: USC