Same with hockey. Student section was in the balcony. Went to a few games with my brother. They would bring newspapers and act like the were reading it during opponents player intros. A bunch also wore those hard hats with police car 🚨 on top.
Seven through 11 are pretty interchangeable. Did IU catch lightning in a bottle, or do they have back to back very good seasons...that question is a toss up for me.
IMHO, there are zero reasons to have play-in games. Pick the top 16 and use a normal bracket. Home field goes to the higher ranked team in first two rounds.