Here's where the proverbial "rubber meets the road" in what conference really exerts it's dominance over all comers. Among the P6 schools, we know that the Big Ten led the way with 4 teams hosting (7 teams total), SEC 3 hosts (7 total), ACC 3 hosts (8 total), PAC-12 3 hosts (7 teams total), Big East 2 hosts (5 total) and Big 12 1 host (6 total). Both WarrenNolan and Massey rank the conference strength (all the teams) as PAC, ACC, SEC, Big12, Big Ten, Big East.
Interesting dynamic. Making some very general predictions/observations, my initial thoughts are:
1. Big Ten is probably best set up for having multiple teams make deep runs. Realistically Iowa/Indiana are strong F4 candidates, Maryland a strong Elite 8 choice and Ohio State a likely Sweet 16 team. Plus Michigan could upset LSU and I wouldn't be surprised. That's 5 of 7 with a strong chance of winning 2+ games. If we get 1 Final Four team, 3 Elite 8 squads, and 4 Sweet 16 teams that's 11 wins right there.
2. Big East. They have 5 teams in which means fewer losses for the conference, and they have UCONN that will probably be good for 4+ wins. Villanova making the Sweet 16 automatically puts them at 6 wins, and Creighton could definitely pull an upset over Notre Dame without Miles. Realistically this conference could surge to #1 if UCONN makes the title game and both of those squads make the Sweet 16. At that point the worst the conference does is 9-5.
3. Pac-12. Has 2 stronger teams likely to make at least the Sweet 16 with potential for an Elite 8/Final Four run (Utah/Stanford), UCLA whose peak is likely Sweet 16, and Washington State as a potential Sweet 16 squad. I think Stanford makes the Final Four, Utah and UCLA makes Sweet 16 giving them 8 wins and that number could rise.
4. SEC doesn't look very strong outside of South Carolina but I think there's a good shot they go 6-0. If LSU/Tennessee can make the Sweet 16, they'll be sitting well with 10 wins right there. If not, it's an uphill battle for the SEC.
5. ACC I think will have a weaker percentage. There are some good teams in the conference but I think it's a long shot any of them make the Final Four outside of VaTech, who will an underdog to UCONN should they meet. They also have the most number of teams, which means they'll have more losses than anyone else. Duke has had a great year but IMO is ripe for a 2nd round upset based on their offensive production the last several games, and I don't think Notre Dame makes it out of the second round without Miles.
6. Big 12 just hasn't been a strong conference this year. I still think there's decent potential though, as Texas/Oklahoma/Iowa State all have Sweet 16 potential.