NCAA Tournament Bracket 2012: Major Programs Whose Tournament Stock Is Slipping

With Selection Sunday finally here, there are a number of teams who stubbed their toes in the conference tournament that will be anxious to see just how far they have fallen in the eyes of the selection committee. 

There are still some things that have to be settled today, but for the most part the boards are set following Saturday night's action. 

With that in mind, here are some major programs that will find themselves a line or two lower than they originally anticipated, thanks to a lackluster conference tournament performance. 

Kansas Jayhawks

The Big 12 tournament was supposed to feature a rematch between Kansas and Missouri, but Baylor got in the way of that plan. 

After the regular season ended, Kansas was likely going to be a No. 1 seed. The Jayhawks still have some hope to squeeze in the top line, especially with Syracuse losing, but they could be in trouble after Missouri won the Big 12 tournament. 

There are too many "What If's" still floating around to expect the Jayhawks to stay on the top line. They are still dangerous, but won't have the luxury of being a No. 1 anymore. 

Projected Seed: No. 2

Indiana Hoosiers

Indiana was dealt a tough blow when Verdell Jones III went down with a torn ACL in the opening round of the Big Ten tournament. The Hoosiers were overmatched and outclassed against Wisconsin in the quarterfinals, and now they find themselves awaiting their fate. 

All things considered, it doesn't matter where the Hoosiers get in. The fact that they are back in the tournament is a victory in itself.

But that loss did take some of the luster off the Hoosiers. Where they were likely a No. 4 seed prior to that loss, it is plausible to see them drop down to a No. 5. 

Three big victories over Kentucky, Ohio State and Michigan State could be enough to keep their stock high in the eyes of the selection committee.

As a whole, their body of work does leave something to be desired. After all, they did lose to Nebraska and Minnesota. 

Projected Seed: No. 5

Notre Dame Fighting Irish

It is so hard to predict what is going to happen in the Big East tournament. That is why it should never be a surprise when a lower-seeded team makes it to the finals. 

Notre Dame fell victim to Louisville in the semifinals because the Irish couldn't match the speed and athleticism the Cardinals put on display. 

That loss, combined with other poor performances against Georgia, Maryland, Rutgers and St. John's, are going to spell doom for the Irish on Selection Sunday.

Their stock has dropped precipitously in recent weeks, which means they will be closer to a double-digit seed than most of us would have predicted before the season. 

Projected Seed: No. 8

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