The NCAA really messed up when they labeled them play in games. They made those 4 teams red headed stepchildren. By their logic, when the field went from 32 teams to 64, in 1985, that first round should have been considered play in games.
Winning in a 68 team field is no less honorable than winning in a 64 team tournament.
Just win, Huskers, and this discussion is moot.