East coast cupcakes playing each other in the first round is always gonna happen with regionalization, every playoff team has to put up with that.
Sac St wasn't that tough a draw, especially at home. They got beat pretty handily at SD the next week.
Ok, let's look at how legitimate top 16 teams would fall into that category. Top 8 teams get first round bye. Shouldn't 9 thru 16 seeds win at least one playoff game? I know upsets happen but it seems like the upsets are always happening the other way with Bubba.
I think a big part of it was when the decision to go Div 1. was made. Made more out of desperation in order to keep up with the neighbors. Meanwhile not much thought was put into increased expenses. Coaching salaries, facilities, etc.