Kentucky hangs on as a No. 3 seed in ESPN's latest Bracketology

How does a trip to Catlanta sound, Big Blue Nation? You’d have to start in Denver, unfortunately, but the reward could be worthwhile if ESPN’s latest Bracketology holds true.

Despite the double-digit home loss to No. 1 Auburn, Kentucky sits tight as a No. 3 seed, according to Joe Lunardi. The bracket features a rematch with Mark Pope facing his old team, Utah Valley, in the opening round in the 3-14 matchup. Win that one and it could be the Wildcats vs. No. 6 seed Saint Mary’s or No. 11 seed Indiana for a spot in the Sweet 16 in the South Region down in Atlanta.

Get there, and UK could potentially take on No. 2 seed Iowa State for a spot in the Elite Eight, followed by a rematch vs. No. 1 seed overall seed Auburn for a spot in the Final Four.

No. 4 Purdue, No. 5 Clemson and No. 7 Illinois are the other names to watch in the South.

Elsewhere, Duke, Tennessee and Houston are the other No. 1 seeds while Florida, Michigan State and Alabama are the other No. 2 seeds. St. John’s, Texas Tech and Wisconsin join Kentucky as the No. 3 seeds, plus Arizona, Michigan and Texas A&M as the other No. 4s.

12 SEC teams are currently projected to make the NCAA Tournament with Auburn, Tennessee, Florida, Alabama, Kentucky and Texas A&M joined by No. 5 seed Missouri, No. 7 seed Mississippi State, No. 8 seed Ole Miss, No. 9 seed Vanderbilt and No. 11 seeds Georgia and Arkansas.

Take a look at the complete field of 68:

How do we feel about the potential path, BBN? It’s pretty favorable for those looking for a return to the second weekend, if you ask me. No teams are layups there, but Iowa State for a spot in the Elite Eight is something I’m personally rooting for.

March Madness is right around the corner, folks. Are you ready?