In today’s bracket update, I will compare the resumes of Kentucky and Texas. I am not a Wildcat-hater, I just like to identify things that don’t make a lot of sense.
Overall Record: Kentucky 18-5/Texas 19-5
Conference Record and Standing: Kentucky 8-2, 2nd SEC/Texas 8-3, 2nd Big 12
Road Record: Kentucky 3-3/Texas 5-2
RPI: Kentucky 10/Texas 22
SOS: Kentucky 6/Texas 60
Record vs RPI Top 25: Kentucky 0-1/Texas 2-2
Record vs RPI Top 50: Kentucky 3-2/Texas 5-5
Record vs RPI Top 100: Kentucky 10-5/Texas 10-5
Record vs RPI Top 150: Kentucky 12-5/Texas 12-5
Best Wins: Kentucky – Louisville (34), Missouri (47), Tennessee (49), Providence (52)/Texas – Kansas (1), Iowa State (11), Kansas State (30), Oklahoma State (36), North Carolina (37)
Losses: Kentucky – Michigan State (9), North Carolina (37), Baylor (58), LSU (59), Arkansas (73)/Texas – Michigan State (9), Oklahoma (21), Kansas State (30), Oklahoma State (36), BYU (46)
This is where I feel RPI and SOS can be misleading. The teams have essentially the exact same record. Both teams are in 2nd place in conference, but Texas plays in the more difficult Big 12. Texas has a better road record, better wins and better losses. Yet because Texas played worse teams in the games against sub-150 opponents, their SOS and RPI get dragged down well below Kentucky’s, giving the perception that Kentucky would have the superior resume. But do they really? What is the difference if your cupcakes are 286,291,300 and 340 like Texas or 206,240,296 like Kentucky. Both teams were going to beat those teams anyway. Texas has played double the Top 50 teams, yet their SOS is 54 spots lower because of Rice and Houston Baptist.
If Kentucky beats Florida, they can at least argue that they took advantage of their lone big conference opportunity, something Texas has had more of. Still, that victory alone would only change the above analysis slightly.
East
(1) Syracuse
(16) Robert Morris/Coastal Carolina
BUFFALO, NY
(8) Memphis
(9) VCU
(5) UCLA
(12) Toledo
SAN DIEGO, CA
(4) Texas
(13) Mercer
(6) Oklahoma
(11) Tennessee
SAN ANTONIO, TX
(3) Wisconsin
(14) Iona
(7) Pittsburgh
(10) SMU
BUFFALO, NY
(2) Villanova
(15) Boston U.
West
(1) Arizona
(16) Utah Valley
SAN DIEGO, CA
(8) Gonzaga
(9) New Mexico
(5) St. Louis
(12) North Dakota State
SPOKANE, WA
(4) Virginia
(13) UCSB
(6) Ohio State
(11) Georgetown
SPOKANE, WA
(3) San Diego State
(14) Stephen F. Austin
(7) Connecticut
(10) California
ST. LOUIS, MO
(2) Kansas
(15) North Carolina Central
Midwest
(1) Wichita State
(16) Weber State/Southern U.
ST. LOUIS, MO
(8) George Washington
(9) Arizona State
(5) Kentucky
(12) Southern Miss
SAN ANTONIO, TX
(4) Iowa State
(13) Green Bay
(6) Louisville
(11) Minnesota
MILWAUKEE, WI
(3) Creighton
(14) Delaware
(7) North Carolina
(10) Stanford
MILWAUKEE, WI
(2) Michigan State
(15) Georgia State
South
(1) Florida
(16) Davidson
ORLANDO, FL
(8) Oklahoma State
(9) Colorado
(5) Iowa
(12) Providence/Richmond
ORLANDO, FL
(4) Cincinnati
(13) Harvard
(6) Kansas State
(11) LSU/Oregon
RALEIGH, NC
(3) Michigan
(14) Belmont
(7) Massachusetts
(10) Xavier
RALEIGH, NC
(2) Duke
(15) Vermont
Sports Blog specializing in Bracketology
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
College Basketball Field of 68 Bracket (Feb 11, 2014)
I missed the Monday update rush, but that allowed me to incorporate Monday’s action while also doing a full sweep of the seeds and adjusting where needed. Here are a couple topics in support of my bracket this morning.
Big Ten and Big 12
In the past few years, it has been the Big East that ruled the College Basketball world and would beat up on each other for 4 months. Those teams would in turn be seeded higher than teams in other conferences with similar win-loss records due to SOS and quality wins. This season, the Big Ten and Big 12 have taken the torch and are similarly beating each other up to the point where some people are dropping the conferences from the top 2 seed lines altogether. In my bracket, you will still find Michigan State and Kansas as #2 seeds. I have Duke as my #9 team in the seed listing, but they are sitting 3rd in the ACC. If the committee met today, I believe strongly the Big 10 and Big 12 Champion would be awarded a #2 seed. I might also be a bit higher on the seeding of other teams in these conferences…Michigan and Wisconsin as 3’s, Texas as a 4 and Kansas State as a 6.
The Wildcats were big movers in this update, as their 6 RPI Top 36 wins is enough for me to offset a bad loss to Northern Colorado and a 1-4 road record. Also, every time I compare Texas and Kentucky’s resumes, I come up with Texas, despite the 17 spot RPI difference. I am not sure the committee will see it the same way. Kentucky will have their chance if they can beat Florida Saturday, but if not, they could finish the regular season without an RPI Top 25 win. Top 4 seeds usually have at least one, typically more (Louisville could also ascend to the Top 25, which would give them one as well).
Last 4 in, Others Considered
The bottom of the bracket continues to see a constant shuffle and there are several spots waiting for a hot team to steal them. Florida State and Missouri are now absent from this bracket, replaced by Georgetown and St. Joseph’s. The Last 4 in are Providence, LSU, St. Joseph’s and Oregon. The Ducks remain in the field despite a 3-8 conference mark based upon their entire resume. I also looked at their schedule and see them getting to 8-10 as a real possibility. If they drop one of the 5 games I think they should win, that will likely put them on the other side of the bubble. Other teams in consideration are Florida State, Missouri, Mississippi, West Virginia, St. John’s, Richmond, BYU and Clemson. In the next group are Dayton, Baylor, Indiana, NC State, Maryland, Arkansas and Louisiana Tech.
East
(1) Syracuse
(16) Robert Morris/Coastal Carolina
BUFFALO, NY
(8) Memphis
(9) VCU
(5) UCLA
(12) Toledo
SAN DIEGO, CA
(4) Texas
(13) Mercer
(6) Oklahoma
(11) Oregon/LSU
SAN ANTONIO, TX
(3) Wisconsin
(14) Iona
(7) Massachusetts
(10) SMU
BUFFALO, NY
(2) Villanova
(15) Boston U.
West
(1) Arizona
(16) Utah Valley
SAN DIEGO, CA
(8) Gonzaga
(9) New Mexico
(5) St. Louis
(12) North Dakota State
SPOKANE, WA
(4) Virginia
(13) UCSB
(6) Kansas State
(11) Georgetown
RALEIGH, NC
(3) Michigan
(14) Belmont
(7) North Carolina
(10) Stanford
SPOKANE, WA
(2) San Diego State
(15) North Carolina Central
Midwest
(1) Wichita State
(16) Weber State/Southern U.
ST. LOUIS, MO
(8) Oklahoma State
(9) Arizona State
(5) Kentucky
(12) Southern Miss
SAN ANTONIO, TX
(4) Iowa State
(13) Green Bay
(6) Louisville
(11) Minnesota
MILWAUKEE, WI
(3) Creighton
(14) Stephen F. Austin
(7) Pittsburgh
(10) California
MILWAUKEE, WI
(2) Michigan State
(15) Vermont
South
(1) Florida
(16) Davidson
ORLANDO, FL
(8) George Washington
(9) Colorado
(5) Ohio State
(12) Providence/St. Joseph’s
ORLANDO, FL
(4) Cincinnati
(13) Harvard
(6) Iowa
(11) Tennessee
RALEIGH, NC
(3) Duke
(14) Delaware
(7) Connecticut
(10) Xavier
ST. LOUIS, MO
(2) Kansas
(15) Georgia State
Big Ten and Big 12
In the past few years, it has been the Big East that ruled the College Basketball world and would beat up on each other for 4 months. Those teams would in turn be seeded higher than teams in other conferences with similar win-loss records due to SOS and quality wins. This season, the Big Ten and Big 12 have taken the torch and are similarly beating each other up to the point where some people are dropping the conferences from the top 2 seed lines altogether. In my bracket, you will still find Michigan State and Kansas as #2 seeds. I have Duke as my #9 team in the seed listing, but they are sitting 3rd in the ACC. If the committee met today, I believe strongly the Big 10 and Big 12 Champion would be awarded a #2 seed. I might also be a bit higher on the seeding of other teams in these conferences…Michigan and Wisconsin as 3’s, Texas as a 4 and Kansas State as a 6.
The Wildcats were big movers in this update, as their 6 RPI Top 36 wins is enough for me to offset a bad loss to Northern Colorado and a 1-4 road record. Also, every time I compare Texas and Kentucky’s resumes, I come up with Texas, despite the 17 spot RPI difference. I am not sure the committee will see it the same way. Kentucky will have their chance if they can beat Florida Saturday, but if not, they could finish the regular season without an RPI Top 25 win. Top 4 seeds usually have at least one, typically more (Louisville could also ascend to the Top 25, which would give them one as well).
Last 4 in, Others Considered
The bottom of the bracket continues to see a constant shuffle and there are several spots waiting for a hot team to steal them. Florida State and Missouri are now absent from this bracket, replaced by Georgetown and St. Joseph’s. The Last 4 in are Providence, LSU, St. Joseph’s and Oregon. The Ducks remain in the field despite a 3-8 conference mark based upon their entire resume. I also looked at their schedule and see them getting to 8-10 as a real possibility. If they drop one of the 5 games I think they should win, that will likely put them on the other side of the bubble. Other teams in consideration are Florida State, Missouri, Mississippi, West Virginia, St. John’s, Richmond, BYU and Clemson. In the next group are Dayton, Baylor, Indiana, NC State, Maryland, Arkansas and Louisiana Tech.
East
(1) Syracuse
(16) Robert Morris/Coastal Carolina
BUFFALO, NY
(8) Memphis
(9) VCU
(5) UCLA
(12) Toledo
SAN DIEGO, CA
(4) Texas
(13) Mercer
(6) Oklahoma
(11) Oregon/LSU
SAN ANTONIO, TX
(3) Wisconsin
(14) Iona
(7) Massachusetts
(10) SMU
BUFFALO, NY
(2) Villanova
(15) Boston U.
West
(1) Arizona
(16) Utah Valley
SAN DIEGO, CA
(8) Gonzaga
(9) New Mexico
(5) St. Louis
(12) North Dakota State
SPOKANE, WA
(4) Virginia
(13) UCSB
(6) Kansas State
(11) Georgetown
RALEIGH, NC
(3) Michigan
(14) Belmont
(7) North Carolina
(10) Stanford
SPOKANE, WA
(2) San Diego State
(15) North Carolina Central
Midwest
(1) Wichita State
(16) Weber State/Southern U.
ST. LOUIS, MO
(8) Oklahoma State
(9) Arizona State
(5) Kentucky
(12) Southern Miss
SAN ANTONIO, TX
(4) Iowa State
(13) Green Bay
(6) Louisville
(11) Minnesota
MILWAUKEE, WI
(3) Creighton
(14) Stephen F. Austin
(7) Pittsburgh
(10) California
MILWAUKEE, WI
(2) Michigan State
(15) Vermont
South
(1) Florida
(16) Davidson
ORLANDO, FL
(8) George Washington
(9) Colorado
(5) Ohio State
(12) Providence/St. Joseph’s
ORLANDO, FL
(4) Cincinnati
(13) Harvard
(6) Iowa
(11) Tennessee
RALEIGH, NC
(3) Duke
(14) Delaware
(7) Connecticut
(10) Xavier
ST. LOUIS, MO
(2) Kansas
(15) Georgia State
Friday, February 7, 2014
College Basketball 2013-14 Field of 68 Bracket (Feb 7, 2014)
A couple minor changes after last night. Dropped UConn despite a good loss. I had them a little high anyway. LSU and Oregon hold on until the weekend. The last few spots are opening up for whoever wants them.
East
(1) Syracuse
(16) Robert Morris/Coastal Carolina
BUFFALO, NY
(8) George Washington
(9) Memphis
(5) UCLA
(12) Toledo
SPOKANE, WA
(4) Wisconsin
(13) North Dakota State
(6) St. Louis
(11) Tennessee
SAN ANTONIO, TX
(3) Iowa State
(14) UCSB
(7) Pittsburgh
(10) Minnesota
BUFFALO, NY
(2) Villanova
(15) American U.
West
(1) Arizona
(16) Weber State
SAN DIEGO, CA
(8) New Mexico
(9) Kansas State
(5) Louisville
(12) Oregon/LSU
ORLANDO, FL
(4) Michigan
(13) Mercer
(6) Oklahoma
(11) Providence
RALEIGH, NC
(3) Duke
(14) Canisius
(7) Connecticut
(10) California
SPOKANE, WA
(2) San Diego State
(15) Utah Valley
Midwest
(1) Wichita State
(16) Davidson/Southern U.
ST. LOUIS, MO
(8) North Carolina
(9) Colorado
(5) Kentucky
(12) Southern Miss
SAN ANTONIO, TX
(4) Texas
(13) Green Bay
(6) Oklahoma State
(11) Arizona State/Missouri
RALEIGH, NC
(3) Cincinnati
(14) Delaware
(7) Massachusetts
(10) Xavier
MILWAUKEE, WI
(2) Michigan State
(15) Georgia State
South
(1) Florida
(16) Stony Brook
ORLANDO, FL
(8) VCU
(9) Stanford
(5) Ohio State
(12) Harvard
SAN DIEGO, CA
(4) Virginia
(13) Belmont
(6) Iowa
(11) SMU
MILWAUKEE, WI
(3) Creighton
(14) Stephen F. Austin
(7) Gonzaga
(10) Florida State
ST. LOUIS, MO
(2) Kansas
(15) North Carolina Central
East
(1) Syracuse
(16) Robert Morris/Coastal Carolina
BUFFALO, NY
(8) George Washington
(9) Memphis
(5) UCLA
(12) Toledo
SPOKANE, WA
(4) Wisconsin
(13) North Dakota State
(6) St. Louis
(11) Tennessee
SAN ANTONIO, TX
(3) Iowa State
(14) UCSB
(7) Pittsburgh
(10) Minnesota
BUFFALO, NY
(2) Villanova
(15) American U.
West
(1) Arizona
(16) Weber State
SAN DIEGO, CA
(8) New Mexico
(9) Kansas State
(5) Louisville
(12) Oregon/LSU
ORLANDO, FL
(4) Michigan
(13) Mercer
(6) Oklahoma
(11) Providence
RALEIGH, NC
(3) Duke
(14) Canisius
(7) Connecticut
(10) California
SPOKANE, WA
(2) San Diego State
(15) Utah Valley
Midwest
(1) Wichita State
(16) Davidson/Southern U.
ST. LOUIS, MO
(8) North Carolina
(9) Colorado
(5) Kentucky
(12) Southern Miss
SAN ANTONIO, TX
(4) Texas
(13) Green Bay
(6) Oklahoma State
(11) Arizona State/Missouri
RALEIGH, NC
(3) Cincinnati
(14) Delaware
(7) Massachusetts
(10) Xavier
MILWAUKEE, WI
(2) Michigan State
(15) Georgia State
South
(1) Florida
(16) Stony Brook
ORLANDO, FL
(8) VCU
(9) Stanford
(5) Ohio State
(12) Harvard
SAN DIEGO, CA
(4) Virginia
(13) Belmont
(6) Iowa
(11) SMU
MILWAUKEE, WI
(3) Creighton
(14) Stephen F. Austin
(7) Gonzaga
(10) Florida State
ST. LOUIS, MO
(2) Kansas
(15) North Carolina Central
Thursday, February 6, 2014
College Basketball 2013-14 Field of 68 Bracket (Feb 6, 2014)
East
(1) Syracuse
(16) Robert Morris/Coastal Carolina
BUFFALO, NY
(8) George Washington
(9) Memphis
(5) UCLA
(12) Toledo
SPOKANE, WA
(4) Wisconsin
(13) North Dakota State
(6) Louisville
(11) LSU
SAN ANTONIO, TX
(3) Iowa State
(14) UCSB
(7) Pittsburgh
(10) Minnesota
BUFFALO, NY
(2) Villanova
(15) American U.
West
(1) Arizona
(16) Weber State
SAN DIEGO, CA
(8) New Mexico
(9) Kansas State
(5) Connecticut
(12) Arizona State/Missouri
ORLANDO, FL
(4) Michigan
(13) Mercer
(6) Oklahoma
(11) SMU/Oregon
RALEIGH, NC
(3) Duke
(14) Belmont
(7) Iowa
(10) California
SPOKANE, WA
(2) San Diego State
(15) Stephen F. Austin
Midwest
(1) Wichita State
(16) Davidson/Southern U.
ST. LOUIS, MO
(8) North Carolina
(9) Colorado
(5) Kentucky
(12) Southern Miss
SAN ANTONIO, TX
(4) Texas
(13) Green Bay
(6) Oklahoma State
(11) Providence
RALEIGH, NC
(3) Cincinnati
(14) Delaware
(7) Massachusetts
(10) Xavier
MILWAUKEE, WI
(2) Michigan State
(15) Georgia State
South
(1) Florida
(16) Stony Brook
ORLANDO, FL
(8) VCU
(9) Stanford
(5) Ohio State
(12) Harvard
SAN DIEGO, CA
(4) Virginia
(13) New Mexico State
(6) St. Louis
(11) Tennessee
MILWAUKEE, WI
(3) Creighton
(14) Canisius
(7) Gonzaga
(10) Florida State
ST. LOUIS, MO
(2) Kansas
(15) North Carolina Central
(1) Syracuse
(16) Robert Morris/Coastal Carolina
BUFFALO, NY
(8) George Washington
(9) Memphis
(5) UCLA
(12) Toledo
SPOKANE, WA
(4) Wisconsin
(13) North Dakota State
(6) Louisville
(11) LSU
SAN ANTONIO, TX
(3) Iowa State
(14) UCSB
(7) Pittsburgh
(10) Minnesota
BUFFALO, NY
(2) Villanova
(15) American U.
West
(1) Arizona
(16) Weber State
SAN DIEGO, CA
(8) New Mexico
(9) Kansas State
(5) Connecticut
(12) Arizona State/Missouri
ORLANDO, FL
(4) Michigan
(13) Mercer
(6) Oklahoma
(11) SMU/Oregon
RALEIGH, NC
(3) Duke
(14) Belmont
(7) Iowa
(10) California
SPOKANE, WA
(2) San Diego State
(15) Stephen F. Austin
Midwest
(1) Wichita State
(16) Davidson/Southern U.
ST. LOUIS, MO
(8) North Carolina
(9) Colorado
(5) Kentucky
(12) Southern Miss
SAN ANTONIO, TX
(4) Texas
(13) Green Bay
(6) Oklahoma State
(11) Providence
RALEIGH, NC
(3) Cincinnati
(14) Delaware
(7) Massachusetts
(10) Xavier
MILWAUKEE, WI
(2) Michigan State
(15) Georgia State
South
(1) Florida
(16) Stony Brook
ORLANDO, FL
(8) VCU
(9) Stanford
(5) Ohio State
(12) Harvard
SAN DIEGO, CA
(4) Virginia
(13) New Mexico State
(6) St. Louis
(11) Tennessee
MILWAUKEE, WI
(3) Creighton
(14) Canisius
(7) Gonzaga
(10) Florida State
ST. LOUIS, MO
(2) Kansas
(15) North Carolina Central
College Basketball 2013-14 Field of 68 (Feb 6, 2014)
1. Syracuse – Meeting every challenge put in their path, but can they really run the table through March?
2. Arizona – Loss to Cal not as concerning as loss of Brandon Ashley
3. Wichita State – Still undefeated with game at Indiana State looming this week
4. Florida – Arguably playing better than any team not named Syracuse and now they get Chris Walker eligible
5. Villanova – The Wildcats have to be the least talked about team toward the top of the rankings
6. Michigan State – Another loss without Payne and Dawson, but now have work to do to get a #1 seed
7. Kansas – As the losses pile up, even the schedule they have taken on might be too much for a #1 seed
8. San Diego State – The RPI is still unkind, but as teams fall around them, this becomes a greater possibility
9. Creighton – Coaches will be praying that Doug McDermott ends up in a different region come Selection Sunday
10. Cincinnati – Big road win at Louisville proves Bearcats are for real. I believe SOS is deceptively low.
11. Iowa State – Great road win at Oklahoma State has their resume right back on track
12. Duke – Game at Syracuse was College Basketball at its best and is as good as a loss can be.
13. Michigan - Road wins @Minnesota, @Wisconsin and @Michigan State are unmatched, still can challenge for a higher seed
14. Texas – The victory over Kansas proves the Longhorns are for real
15. Virginia – A great road win at Pittsburgh has the Cavaliers ascending while teams around them continue to spiral
16. Wisconsin – A terrible week with two home losses continues the fall of the Badgers, a more dramatic fall to come if they don’t get on track
17. Kentucky – Missouri was best road win…I don’t love their profile, but the high RPI would dictate the committee at this point
18. Connecticut – Like Iowa, this seeding out-ranks their RPI considerably, but with a win over a #1 seed and only one bad loss, I believe it is warranted
19. Ohio State – Two big road wins in a row has the Buckeyes back where they were before
20. UCLA – Just when the Bruins can make a move, they lose at Oregon State. Still 2nd best in a deep PAC-12.
21. Louisville – The loss at home to Cincinnati is a step backwards for a team lacking opportunities
22. St. Louis – Still lacking a lot of great wins, but only lost to Wichita State and Wisconsin
23. Oklahoma – A 2nd straight road loss, but they still lead the Cowboys in the Big 12 and have better RPI
24. Oklahoma State – Marcus Smart must turn this team around to justify his return
25. Iowa – I just don’t know what to do with Iowa. The losses are good, but the wins are starting to lag. Big drop.
26. Pittsburgh – All 4 losses are to top 15 teams on this list, but they have to beat somebody too
27. Gonzaga – Resume fits well with St. Louis and Pitt, except the Zags lost to Portland
28. Massachusetts – Losing 3 of 4 has the Minutemen moving in the wrong direction
29. VCU – Have righted the ship in conference play and look to be St. Louis’ top challenger in A-10
30. North Carolina – Hitting a 7 game stretch that will determine their season
31. George Washington – Another A-10 team bunched in the middle…beat Creighton and VCU
32. New Mexico – Continue to plod along against a softer Mountain West
33. Memphis – All Top 50 losses, but only 5 Top 150 wins make this an interesting profile
34. Colorado – 3-3 since loss of Dinwiddie, but all losses to teams in Field
35. Kansas State – A group of good wins, but 3 losses in 4 games precedes Texas and Kansas in the next week
36. Stanford – Victory over Cal vaults them past the Bears in the jumbled PAC-12
37. California – Big jump back into the Field, but who else has defeated Arizona (top seed wins carry weight)
38. Xavier – The Seton Hall loss was bad, Villanova was not, but Xavier now has the losses adding up
39. Minnesota – Teetering on the edge at 4-6 in Big 10 play
40. Florida State – Until last week, all losses were top 50, now the losses are adding up to too many
41. Providence – Recovered to beat DePaul, huge game at Xavier on Saturday
42. LSU – Consecutive wins over Kentucky and Arkansas have the Tigers moving up…hit break in their schedule where 4-1 mark is needed before trip to Kentucky and Florida
43. Tennessee – Recovered well from losses at Kentucky and Florida, probably 3rd best in SEC
44. SMU – Just when I thought the Mustangs were dropping out, they go and beat Memphis
45. Oregon – Two games this week are at Arizona and Arizona State…cannot afford a 3-8 conference start
46. Arizona State – Beat Cal, lost to Stanford…remain as 7th PAC-12 team in field
47. Missouri – The Tigers have played a bad schedule and have bad losses to boot.
(other considered: Baylor, Indiana, BYU, Georgetown, Richmond, St. Joseph’s, Clemson)
48. Southern Miss
49. Harvard
50. Toledo
51. Green Bay
52. North Dakota State
53. New Mexico State
54. Mercer
55. Belmont
56. UC-Santa Barbara
57. Delaware
58. Canisius
59. American
60. Stephen F. Austin
61. Georgia State
62. North Carolina Central
63. Weber State
64. Stony Brook
65. Robert Morris
66. Davidson
67. Southern U.
68. Coastal Carolina
2. Arizona – Loss to Cal not as concerning as loss of Brandon Ashley
3. Wichita State – Still undefeated with game at Indiana State looming this week
4. Florida – Arguably playing better than any team not named Syracuse and now they get Chris Walker eligible
5. Villanova – The Wildcats have to be the least talked about team toward the top of the rankings
6. Michigan State – Another loss without Payne and Dawson, but now have work to do to get a #1 seed
7. Kansas – As the losses pile up, even the schedule they have taken on might be too much for a #1 seed
8. San Diego State – The RPI is still unkind, but as teams fall around them, this becomes a greater possibility
9. Creighton – Coaches will be praying that Doug McDermott ends up in a different region come Selection Sunday
10. Cincinnati – Big road win at Louisville proves Bearcats are for real. I believe SOS is deceptively low.
11. Iowa State – Great road win at Oklahoma State has their resume right back on track
12. Duke – Game at Syracuse was College Basketball at its best and is as good as a loss can be.
13. Michigan - Road wins @Minnesota, @Wisconsin and @Michigan State are unmatched, still can challenge for a higher seed
14. Texas – The victory over Kansas proves the Longhorns are for real
15. Virginia – A great road win at Pittsburgh has the Cavaliers ascending while teams around them continue to spiral
16. Wisconsin – A terrible week with two home losses continues the fall of the Badgers, a more dramatic fall to come if they don’t get on track
17. Kentucky – Missouri was best road win…I don’t love their profile, but the high RPI would dictate the committee at this point
18. Connecticut – Like Iowa, this seeding out-ranks their RPI considerably, but with a win over a #1 seed and only one bad loss, I believe it is warranted
19. Ohio State – Two big road wins in a row has the Buckeyes back where they were before
20. UCLA – Just when the Bruins can make a move, they lose at Oregon State. Still 2nd best in a deep PAC-12.
21. Louisville – The loss at home to Cincinnati is a step backwards for a team lacking opportunities
22. St. Louis – Still lacking a lot of great wins, but only lost to Wichita State and Wisconsin
23. Oklahoma – A 2nd straight road loss, but they still lead the Cowboys in the Big 12 and have better RPI
24. Oklahoma State – Marcus Smart must turn this team around to justify his return
25. Iowa – I just don’t know what to do with Iowa. The losses are good, but the wins are starting to lag. Big drop.
26. Pittsburgh – All 4 losses are to top 15 teams on this list, but they have to beat somebody too
27. Gonzaga – Resume fits well with St. Louis and Pitt, except the Zags lost to Portland
28. Massachusetts – Losing 3 of 4 has the Minutemen moving in the wrong direction
29. VCU – Have righted the ship in conference play and look to be St. Louis’ top challenger in A-10
30. North Carolina – Hitting a 7 game stretch that will determine their season
31. George Washington – Another A-10 team bunched in the middle…beat Creighton and VCU
32. New Mexico – Continue to plod along against a softer Mountain West
33. Memphis – All Top 50 losses, but only 5 Top 150 wins make this an interesting profile
34. Colorado – 3-3 since loss of Dinwiddie, but all losses to teams in Field
35. Kansas State – A group of good wins, but 3 losses in 4 games precedes Texas and Kansas in the next week
36. Stanford – Victory over Cal vaults them past the Bears in the jumbled PAC-12
37. California – Big jump back into the Field, but who else has defeated Arizona (top seed wins carry weight)
38. Xavier – The Seton Hall loss was bad, Villanova was not, but Xavier now has the losses adding up
39. Minnesota – Teetering on the edge at 4-6 in Big 10 play
40. Florida State – Until last week, all losses were top 50, now the losses are adding up to too many
41. Providence – Recovered to beat DePaul, huge game at Xavier on Saturday
42. LSU – Consecutive wins over Kentucky and Arkansas have the Tigers moving up…hit break in their schedule where 4-1 mark is needed before trip to Kentucky and Florida
43. Tennessee – Recovered well from losses at Kentucky and Florida, probably 3rd best in SEC
44. SMU – Just when I thought the Mustangs were dropping out, they go and beat Memphis
45. Oregon – Two games this week are at Arizona and Arizona State…cannot afford a 3-8 conference start
46. Arizona State – Beat Cal, lost to Stanford…remain as 7th PAC-12 team in field
47. Missouri – The Tigers have played a bad schedule and have bad losses to boot.
(other considered: Baylor, Indiana, BYU, Georgetown, Richmond, St. Joseph’s, Clemson)
48. Southern Miss
49. Harvard
50. Toledo
51. Green Bay
52. North Dakota State
53. New Mexico State
54. Mercer
55. Belmont
56. UC-Santa Barbara
57. Delaware
58. Canisius
59. American
60. Stephen F. Austin
61. Georgia State
62. North Carolina Central
63. Weber State
64. Stony Brook
65. Robert Morris
66. Davidson
67. Southern U.
68. Coastal Carolina
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
College Basketball 2013-14 Field of 68 (Feb 5, 2014)
1. Syracuse – Meeting every challenge put in their path, but can they really run the table through March?
2. Arizona – Loss to Cal not as concerning as loss of Brandon Ashley
3. Wichita State – Still undefeated with game at Indiana State looming this week
4. Florida – Arguably playing better than any team not named Syracuse and now they get Chris Walker eligible
5. Villanova – The Wildcats have to be the least talked about team toward the top of the rankings
6. Michigan State – Another loss without Payne and Dawson, but now have work to do to get a #1 seed
7. Kansas – As the losses pile up, even the schedule they have taken on might be too much for a #1 seed
8. San Diego State – The RPI is still unkind, but as teams fall around them, this becomes a greater possibility
9. Creighton – Coaches will be praying that Doug McDermott ends up in a different region come Selection Sunday
10. Cincinnati – Big road win at Louisville proves Bearcats are for real. I believe SOS is deceptively low.
11. Iowa State – Great road win at Oklahoma State has their resume right back on track
12. Duke – Game at Syracuse was College Basketball at its best and is as good as a loss can be.
13. Michigan - Road wins @Minnesota, @Wisconsin and @Michigan State are unmatched, still can challenge for a higher seed
14. Texas – The victory over Kansas proves the Longhorns are for real
15. Virginia – A great road win at Pittsburgh has the Cavaliers ascending while teams around them continue to spiral
16. Wisconsin – A terrible week with two home losses continues the fall of the Badgers, a more dramatic fall to come if they don’t get on track
17. Kentucky – Missouri was best road win…I don’t love their profile, but the high RPI would dictate the committee at this point
18. Oklahoma – The loss at Iowa State was not a bad loss, but they need to bounce back at West Virginia
19. Connecticut – Like Iowa, this seeding out-ranks their RPI considerably, but with a win over a #1 seed and only one bad loss, I believe it is warranted
20. Ohio State – Two big road wins in a row has the Buckeyes back where they were before
21. UCLA – Just when the Bruins can make a move, they lose at Oregon State. Still 2nd best in a deep PAC-12.
22. Louisville – The loss at home to Cincinnati is a step backwards for a team lacking opportunities
23. St. Louis – Still lacking a lot of great wins, but only lost to Wichita State and Wisconsin
24. Oklahoma State – Marcus Smart must turn this team around to justify his return
25. Iowa – I just don’t know what to do with Iowa. The losses are good, but the wins are starting to lag. Big drop.
26. Pittsburgh – All 4 losses are to top 15 teams on this list, but they have to beat somebody too
27. Gonzaga – Resume fits well with St. Louis and Pitt, except the Zags lost to Portland
28. Massachusetts – Losing 3 of 4 has the Minutemen moving in the wrong direction
29. VCU – Have righted the ship in conference play and look to be St. Louis’ top challenger in A-10
30. North Carolina – Hitting a 7 game stretch that will determine their season
31. George Washington – Another A-10 team bunched in the middle…beat Creighton and VCU
32. New Mexico – Continue to plod along against a softer Mountain West
33. Memphis – All Top 50 losses, but only 5 Top 150 wins make this an interesting profile
34. California – Big jump back into the Field, but who else has defeated Arizona (top seed wins carry weight)
35. Colorado – 2-3 since loss of Dinwiddie, but all losses to teams in Field
36. Kansas State – A group of good wins, but 3 losses in 4 games precedes Texas and Kansas in the next week
37. Minnesota – 3 losses in 4 games for the Gophers…The Big 10 is eating each other alive
38. Xavier – The Seton Hall loss was bad, Villanova was not, but Xavier now has the losses adding up
39. Tennessee – Recovered well from losses at Kentucky and Florida, probably 3rd best in SEC
40. Stanford – Sometimes showing well in a loss goes noticed as well, followed that up with a win over Arizona State
41. Providence – Recovered to beat DePaul, huge game at Xavier on Saturday
42. LSU – Consecutive wins over Kentucky and Arkansas have the Tigers moving up…hit break in their schedule where 4-1 mark is needed before trip to Kentucky and Florida
43. Florida State – Until last week, all losses were top 50, now the losses are adding up to too many
44. SMU – Just when I thought the Mustangs were dropping out, they go and beat Memphis
45. Oregon – Two games this week are at Arizona and Arizona State…cannot afford a 3-8 conference start
46. Arizona State – Beat Cal, lost to Stanford…remain as 7th PAC-12 team in field
47. Missouri – The Tigers have played a bad schedule and have bad losses to boot.
(other considered: Baylor, Indiana, BYU, Georgetown, Richmond, St. Joseph’s, Clemson)
48. Southern Miss
49. Harvard
50. Toledo
51. Green Bay
52. North Dakota State
53. New Mexico State
54. Mercer
55. Belmont
56. UC-Santa Barbara
57. Delaware
58. Canisius
59. American
60. Stephen F. Austin
61. Georgia State
62. North Carolina Central
63. Weber State
64. Stony Brook
65. Robert Morris
66. Davidson
67. Southern U.
68. Coastal Carolina
2. Arizona – Loss to Cal not as concerning as loss of Brandon Ashley
3. Wichita State – Still undefeated with game at Indiana State looming this week
4. Florida – Arguably playing better than any team not named Syracuse and now they get Chris Walker eligible
5. Villanova – The Wildcats have to be the least talked about team toward the top of the rankings
6. Michigan State – Another loss without Payne and Dawson, but now have work to do to get a #1 seed
7. Kansas – As the losses pile up, even the schedule they have taken on might be too much for a #1 seed
8. San Diego State – The RPI is still unkind, but as teams fall around them, this becomes a greater possibility
9. Creighton – Coaches will be praying that Doug McDermott ends up in a different region come Selection Sunday
10. Cincinnati – Big road win at Louisville proves Bearcats are for real. I believe SOS is deceptively low.
11. Iowa State – Great road win at Oklahoma State has their resume right back on track
12. Duke – Game at Syracuse was College Basketball at its best and is as good as a loss can be.
13. Michigan - Road wins @Minnesota, @Wisconsin and @Michigan State are unmatched, still can challenge for a higher seed
14. Texas – The victory over Kansas proves the Longhorns are for real
15. Virginia – A great road win at Pittsburgh has the Cavaliers ascending while teams around them continue to spiral
16. Wisconsin – A terrible week with two home losses continues the fall of the Badgers, a more dramatic fall to come if they don’t get on track
17. Kentucky – Missouri was best road win…I don’t love their profile, but the high RPI would dictate the committee at this point
18. Oklahoma – The loss at Iowa State was not a bad loss, but they need to bounce back at West Virginia
19. Connecticut – Like Iowa, this seeding out-ranks their RPI considerably, but with a win over a #1 seed and only one bad loss, I believe it is warranted
20. Ohio State – Two big road wins in a row has the Buckeyes back where they were before
21. UCLA – Just when the Bruins can make a move, they lose at Oregon State. Still 2nd best in a deep PAC-12.
22. Louisville – The loss at home to Cincinnati is a step backwards for a team lacking opportunities
23. St. Louis – Still lacking a lot of great wins, but only lost to Wichita State and Wisconsin
24. Oklahoma State – Marcus Smart must turn this team around to justify his return
25. Iowa – I just don’t know what to do with Iowa. The losses are good, but the wins are starting to lag. Big drop.
26. Pittsburgh – All 4 losses are to top 15 teams on this list, but they have to beat somebody too
27. Gonzaga – Resume fits well with St. Louis and Pitt, except the Zags lost to Portland
28. Massachusetts – Losing 3 of 4 has the Minutemen moving in the wrong direction
29. VCU – Have righted the ship in conference play and look to be St. Louis’ top challenger in A-10
30. North Carolina – Hitting a 7 game stretch that will determine their season
31. George Washington – Another A-10 team bunched in the middle…beat Creighton and VCU
32. New Mexico – Continue to plod along against a softer Mountain West
33. Memphis – All Top 50 losses, but only 5 Top 150 wins make this an interesting profile
34. California – Big jump back into the Field, but who else has defeated Arizona (top seed wins carry weight)
35. Colorado – 2-3 since loss of Dinwiddie, but all losses to teams in Field
36. Kansas State – A group of good wins, but 3 losses in 4 games precedes Texas and Kansas in the next week
37. Minnesota – 3 losses in 4 games for the Gophers…The Big 10 is eating each other alive
38. Xavier – The Seton Hall loss was bad, Villanova was not, but Xavier now has the losses adding up
39. Tennessee – Recovered well from losses at Kentucky and Florida, probably 3rd best in SEC
40. Stanford – Sometimes showing well in a loss goes noticed as well, followed that up with a win over Arizona State
41. Providence – Recovered to beat DePaul, huge game at Xavier on Saturday
42. LSU – Consecutive wins over Kentucky and Arkansas have the Tigers moving up…hit break in their schedule where 4-1 mark is needed before trip to Kentucky and Florida
43. Florida State – Until last week, all losses were top 50, now the losses are adding up to too many
44. SMU – Just when I thought the Mustangs were dropping out, they go and beat Memphis
45. Oregon – Two games this week are at Arizona and Arizona State…cannot afford a 3-8 conference start
46. Arizona State – Beat Cal, lost to Stanford…remain as 7th PAC-12 team in field
47. Missouri – The Tigers have played a bad schedule and have bad losses to boot.
(other considered: Baylor, Indiana, BYU, Georgetown, Richmond, St. Joseph’s, Clemson)
48. Southern Miss
49. Harvard
50. Toledo
51. Green Bay
52. North Dakota State
53. New Mexico State
54. Mercer
55. Belmont
56. UC-Santa Barbara
57. Delaware
58. Canisius
59. American
60. Stephen F. Austin
61. Georgia State
62. North Carolina Central
63. Weber State
64. Stony Brook
65. Robert Morris
66. Davidson
67. Southern U.
68. Coastal Carolina
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
College Basketball 2013-14 Field of 68 (Feb 4, 2014)
The weekend brought losses from a good portion of the Field entering the weekend, jumbling things up a little bit. The next couple weeks should re-shape things, barring another weekend like we just had.
1. Syracuse – Meeting every challenge put in their path, but can they really run the table through March?
2. Arizona – Loss to Cal not as concerning as loss of Brandon Ashley
3. Wichita State – Still undefeated with game at Indiana State looming this week
4. Florida – Arguably playing better than any team not named Syracuse and now they get Chris Walker eligible
5. Villanova – The Wildcats have to be the least talked about team toward the top of the rankings
6. Michigan State – Another loss without Payne and Dawson, but now have work to do to get a #1 seed
7. Kansas – As the losses pile up, even the schedule they have taken on might be too much for a #1 seed
8. San Diego State – The RPI is still unkind, but as teams fall around them, this becomes a greater possibility
9. Creighton – Coaches will be praying that Doug McDermott ends up in a different region come Selection Sunday
10. Cincinnati – Big road win at Louisville proves Bearcats are for real. I believe SOS is deceptively low.
11. Iowa State – Great road win at Oklahoma State has their resume right back on track
12. Duke – Game at Syracuse was College Basketball at its best and is as good as a loss can be.
13. Michigan - Road wins @Minnesota, @Wisconsin and @Michigan State are unmatched, still can challenge for a higher seed
14. Texas – The victory over Kansas proves the Longhorns are for real
15. Virginia – A great road win at Pittsburgh has the Cavaliers ascending while teams around them continue to spiral
16. Iowa – The teams in Iowa have the best group of losses in the nation
17. Wisconsin – A terrible week with two home losses continues the fall of the Badgers, a more dramatic fall to come if they don’t get on track
18. Kentucky – Missouri was best road win…I don’t love their profile, but the high RPI would dictate the committee at this point
19. Oklahoma – The loss at Iowa State was not a bad loss, but they need to bounce back at West Virginia
20. Connecticut – Like Iowa, this seeding out-ranks their RPI considerably, but with a win over a #1 seed and only one bad loss, I believe it is warranted
21. UCLA – Just when the Bruins can make a move, they lose at Oregon State. Still 2nd best in a deep PAC-12.
22. Louisville – The loss at home to Cincinnati is a step backwards for a team lacking opportunities
23. St. Louis – Still lacking a lot of great wins, but only lost to Wichita State and Wisconsin
24. Oklahoma State – Marcus Smart must turn this team around to justify his return
25. Pittsburgh – All 4 losses are to top 15 teams on this list, but they have to beat somebody too
26. Gonzaga – Resume fits well with St. Louis and Pitt, except the Zags lost to Portland
27. Ohio State – Win against Wisconsin will look better if the Badgers stop their free-fall, but it gives the Buckeyes something
28. Massachusetts – Losing 3 of 4 has the Minutemen moving in the wrong direction
29. VCU – Have righted the ship in conference play and look to be St. Louis’ top challenger in A-10
30. George Washington – Another A-10 team bunched in the middle…beat Creighton and VCU
31. North Carolina – Hitting a 7 game stretch that will determine their season
32. New Mexico – Continue to plod along against a softer Mountain West
33. Memphis – All Top 50 losses, but only 5 Top 150 wins make this an interesting profile
34. California – Big jump back into the Field, but who else has defeated Arizona (top seed wins carry weight)
35. Colorado – 2-3 since loss of Dinwiddie, but all losses to teams in Field
36. Kansas State – A group of good wins, but 3 losses in 4 games precedes Texas and Kansas in the next week
37. Minnesota – 3 losses in 4 games for the Gophers…The Big 10 is eating each other alive
38. Providence – Recovered to beat DePaul, huge game at Xavier on Saturday
39. Xavier – The Seton Hall loss was bad, Villanova was not, but Xavier now has the losses adding up
40. Tennessee – Recovered well from losses at Kentucky and Florida, probably 3rd best in SEC
41. Stanford – Sometimes showing well in a loss goes noticed as well, followed that up with a win over Arizona State
42. LSU – Consecutive wins over Kentucky and Arkansas have the Tigers moving up…hit break in their schedule where 4-1 mark is needed before trip to Kentucky and Florida
43. Florida State – Until last week, all losses were top 50, now the losses are adding up to too many
44. Missouri – The Tigers have played a bad schedule and have bad losses to boot.
45. SMU – Just when I thought the Mustangs were dropping out, they go and beat Memphis
46. Oregon – Two games this week are at Arizona and Arizona State…cannot afford a 3-8 conference start
47. Arizona State – Beat Cal, lost to Stanford…remain as 7th PAC-12 team in field
(other considered: Baylor, Indiana, BYU, Georgetown, Richmond, St. Joseph’s, Clemson)
48. Southern Miss
49. Harvard
50. Toledo
51. Green Bay
52. North Dakota State
53. New Mexico State
54. Mercer
55. Belmont
56. UC-Santa Barbara
57. Delaware
58. Canisius
59. American
60. Stephen F. Austin
61. Georgia State
62. North Carolina Central
63. Weber State
64. Stony Brook
65. Robert Morris
66. Davidson
67. Southern U.
68. Coastal Carolina
1. Syracuse – Meeting every challenge put in their path, but can they really run the table through March?
2. Arizona – Loss to Cal not as concerning as loss of Brandon Ashley
3. Wichita State – Still undefeated with game at Indiana State looming this week
4. Florida – Arguably playing better than any team not named Syracuse and now they get Chris Walker eligible
5. Villanova – The Wildcats have to be the least talked about team toward the top of the rankings
6. Michigan State – Another loss without Payne and Dawson, but now have work to do to get a #1 seed
7. Kansas – As the losses pile up, even the schedule they have taken on might be too much for a #1 seed
8. San Diego State – The RPI is still unkind, but as teams fall around them, this becomes a greater possibility
9. Creighton – Coaches will be praying that Doug McDermott ends up in a different region come Selection Sunday
10. Cincinnati – Big road win at Louisville proves Bearcats are for real. I believe SOS is deceptively low.
11. Iowa State – Great road win at Oklahoma State has their resume right back on track
12. Duke – Game at Syracuse was College Basketball at its best and is as good as a loss can be.
13. Michigan - Road wins @Minnesota, @Wisconsin and @Michigan State are unmatched, still can challenge for a higher seed
14. Texas – The victory over Kansas proves the Longhorns are for real
15. Virginia – A great road win at Pittsburgh has the Cavaliers ascending while teams around them continue to spiral
16. Iowa – The teams in Iowa have the best group of losses in the nation
17. Wisconsin – A terrible week with two home losses continues the fall of the Badgers, a more dramatic fall to come if they don’t get on track
18. Kentucky – Missouri was best road win…I don’t love their profile, but the high RPI would dictate the committee at this point
19. Oklahoma – The loss at Iowa State was not a bad loss, but they need to bounce back at West Virginia
20. Connecticut – Like Iowa, this seeding out-ranks their RPI considerably, but with a win over a #1 seed and only one bad loss, I believe it is warranted
21. UCLA – Just when the Bruins can make a move, they lose at Oregon State. Still 2nd best in a deep PAC-12.
22. Louisville – The loss at home to Cincinnati is a step backwards for a team lacking opportunities
23. St. Louis – Still lacking a lot of great wins, but only lost to Wichita State and Wisconsin
24. Oklahoma State – Marcus Smart must turn this team around to justify his return
25. Pittsburgh – All 4 losses are to top 15 teams on this list, but they have to beat somebody too
26. Gonzaga – Resume fits well with St. Louis and Pitt, except the Zags lost to Portland
27. Ohio State – Win against Wisconsin will look better if the Badgers stop their free-fall, but it gives the Buckeyes something
28. Massachusetts – Losing 3 of 4 has the Minutemen moving in the wrong direction
29. VCU – Have righted the ship in conference play and look to be St. Louis’ top challenger in A-10
30. George Washington – Another A-10 team bunched in the middle…beat Creighton and VCU
31. North Carolina – Hitting a 7 game stretch that will determine their season
32. New Mexico – Continue to plod along against a softer Mountain West
33. Memphis – All Top 50 losses, but only 5 Top 150 wins make this an interesting profile
34. California – Big jump back into the Field, but who else has defeated Arizona (top seed wins carry weight)
35. Colorado – 2-3 since loss of Dinwiddie, but all losses to teams in Field
36. Kansas State – A group of good wins, but 3 losses in 4 games precedes Texas and Kansas in the next week
37. Minnesota – 3 losses in 4 games for the Gophers…The Big 10 is eating each other alive
38. Providence – Recovered to beat DePaul, huge game at Xavier on Saturday
39. Xavier – The Seton Hall loss was bad, Villanova was not, but Xavier now has the losses adding up
40. Tennessee – Recovered well from losses at Kentucky and Florida, probably 3rd best in SEC
41. Stanford – Sometimes showing well in a loss goes noticed as well, followed that up with a win over Arizona State
42. LSU – Consecutive wins over Kentucky and Arkansas have the Tigers moving up…hit break in their schedule where 4-1 mark is needed before trip to Kentucky and Florida
43. Florida State – Until last week, all losses were top 50, now the losses are adding up to too many
44. Missouri – The Tigers have played a bad schedule and have bad losses to boot.
45. SMU – Just when I thought the Mustangs were dropping out, they go and beat Memphis
46. Oregon – Two games this week are at Arizona and Arizona State…cannot afford a 3-8 conference start
47. Arizona State – Beat Cal, lost to Stanford…remain as 7th PAC-12 team in field
(other considered: Baylor, Indiana, BYU, Georgetown, Richmond, St. Joseph’s, Clemson)
48. Southern Miss
49. Harvard
50. Toledo
51. Green Bay
52. North Dakota State
53. New Mexico State
54. Mercer
55. Belmont
56. UC-Santa Barbara
57. Delaware
58. Canisius
59. American
60. Stephen F. Austin
61. Georgia State
62. North Carolina Central
63. Weber State
64. Stony Brook
65. Robert Morris
66. Davidson
67. Southern U.
68. Coastal Carolina
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