Sounds a lot like MLB the past few years. Almost like momentum and avoiding rust means something. Just go to 16 teams. Any conference champs in top 16 are in. Those that aren't go into playin games the week of Army Navy game. If there is an odd number of Champs an at large team goes into the last play in. Seed 1 through 16 after the play ins but shift seeding as needed to avoid conference rematches in first round. No reseeding, straight bracket just like March Madness.