First off, if I got even odds, I probably would bet the house on Michigan
State being at Munn.  My main thrust is the "better safe than sorry" theory.
 Let's face it, the NCAA doesn't have a lot of places falling over each other
for the right to host these regionals (note the immense variety in locations
that have developed over the last few years).  If they send MSU to Albany and
ticket sales don't live up to expectations, they'll have themselves in a real
pickle for the future.  Rick Comley may be saying that it isn't a lock, but I
think he's bluffing.  Most likely, he just doesn't want to put the words in
print in case there is ever a reason to not do it.  I don't see that being
the case this year, so I don't see them taking the chance.  Also, if the
committee is worried about attendence in Albany, I wouldn't be surprised to
see both Cornell and Clarkson there (unless someone corrects me on the
potential drawing power of those two teams).  If they don't get a bye, I also
would think that Michigan could end up there as the Western team most likely
to draw fans (God, those alumni are everywhere.)
 
Second, as a Minnesota fan, I'll agree with Nathan Boyle, at least partially.
 I really covet the #3 or #6 Albany seeds.  Perhaps I'm underrating Vermont,
but I still remember Minnesota-Duluth winning handily in the Catamount's
holiday tournament.  Lowell is certainly very good and they're hot.   Still,
if my other choices to face if we win the first round are Michigan or Lake
State, bring on the River Hawks.  I'm not sure about CC, given their playoff
history, but they really frightened me in the regular season.  I really think
that the easiest team to beat getting a bye will be the #2 East seed.  That's
not an every-year kind of statement, but I think it's the case this year.
 
J. Michael Jackson
 
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