Agree that some posters are taking some things for granted. But that's just what fans do.

Idle talk and speculation, often including unfounded observations and unreasonable expectations. I'm extremely worried about UNC. If I did predictions, I'd be tempted to pick UNC. Some fans are not worried, and expect the Irish to roll. Neither side of it is going to impact the team or influence any outcomes. I do think you touch on an interesting point regarding how fans view things depending on whether they played the game or not. I think there is something to that.