Bracket Analysis: Breaking Down Top Seeds with Easiest NCAA Tournament Paths

One of the most overlooked factors when filling out a bracket is the overall level of difficulty of the path each team would face to reach the Final Four. It plays a major role in determining which top seeds make deep runs and which ones disappoint.

Based on the 68-team bracket that was released on Selection Sunday (printable version here), it's clear that some top seeds have an easier road to Atlanta than others. That should be factored in when analyzing how to succeed in March Madness pools.

With that in mind, let's examine one team from each of the first three lines of seeds that should feel the most optimistic about their draw. While every team will face some hurdles along the way, these contenders have fewer obstacles in their way.

No. 1: Indiana (East)

Indiana starts the tournament by facing the winner of a play-in game between LIU Brooklyn and James Madison. It very likely would have been a blowout regardless, but the fact the winner will be working on short rest should help the Hoosiers take complete control early.

They won't face a real challenge until at least the Sweet 16, where Syracuse could be lurking. The Orange have lost five of their last seven games against ranked opponents, though. It's a matchup Indiana should win handily as long as Christian Watford and Jordan Hulls serve as zone busters.

Then the only team that would be standing between Indiana and the Final Four is probably Miami. The Hurricanes are undoubtedly the biggest threat to the Hoosiers in the East region, but the top seed definitely has the star-power advantage.

No. 2: Ohio State (West)

Although Iona enters the tournament on a five-game winning streak, it's not a threat to Ohio State. The Gaels recently lost six of seven games to unranked opponents. The Buckeyes will bring their recent hot streak to an end with relative ease.

From there they should be on cruise control for awhile. Neither Notre Dame nor Iowa State pose a serious threat. New Mexico's ability to make a deep run is being overrated. Its inefficiency on offense (outside the top 200 in field-goal percentage) means the Lobos would need to be perfect to beat the Buckeyes.

Win those games and Ohio State is already in the Elite Eight, where the opponent is a toss-up. Gonzaga is the obvious choice, but it could easily be Wisconsin or Kansas State. Regardless, the Buckeyes should be favored to reach the Final Four by that point.

No. 3: Florida (South)

Florida is gaining steam as a legitimate contender for the national title, and its path is a major reason why. Not only should it make it to the Sweet 16 without being pushed to the brink, but it is also in the region with the weakest No. 2 seed, Georgetown.

UCLA, a potential third-round opponent for Florida, would be an intriguing team in another region even without Jordan Adams. But the Gators' experience should win out in the matchup. After that, the Hoyas' offensive struggles give Florida the edge in that possible Sweet 16 encounter.

Reaching the Elite Eight would set up a likely clash with Kansas. While the Jayhawks are strong, the Gators are one team that can match up on the interior thanks to Erik Murphy and Patric Young. By eliminating that edge, it just comes down to which side's shooters get hot for a Final Four spot.

Make your picks for the 2013 NCAA Tournament here with the Bracket Challenge Game.