Haven't read the whole thread but guessing I am the only one around here that has an ISU undergrad degree and a Notre Dame graduate degree.
I have watched parts of about 5 ND games this year, although the 5OT game over Louisville felt like two games. Best way I can describe them is blue collar. Good on boards, good defense. Similarity with Iowa State is their coach squeezes every bit of ability out of his players. I think we match up well against them. I guess another similarity is Cooley is always in foul trouble much like Ejim and Niang. I hope Clyburn plays well, I think he will be a tough matchup for them. Grant is very good, he scored a ton of points in the last 47 seconds to get them to OT against Louisville.
Felt ND should have gotten a 6, ISU should have gotten a 9. Really bummed about the matchup as one of them will obviously lose. Glad we avoided the 8-9 game. Wish it wasn't in Dayton as that is pretty close to South Bend and of course Ohio State. I think they are the weakest 2 seed, but its their backyard.
I will be rooting for Iowa State. Thought they might meet when I was at ND and Digger was still the coach. Mentioned it to him and he said your heart is always with your undergrad school, which I agreed with. I think both schools have the perfect coaches to be running their basketball programs.