2/16: Just a taste of 2026 Bacatology
- Thread starter bac2therac
- Start date
Agreed, the only contingency is if they beat Purdue, the other win probably needs to be PSU. Can't afford to have a bad loss at this stage to go with one Quad 1 win
OSU also needs to hope that Wisconsin climbs to a Quad 1 game. That would help their resume a lot
New Update 2/24...will try and get a capsule look at bubble in/bubble out schools later this week in a new thread
17 at large bids still left and 29 schools fighting for them...weak and small bubble overall
ONE SEEDS: Michigan*, Duke*, Arizona*, Connecticut*
TWO SEEDS: Iowa State, Purdue, Houston, Illinois
THREE SEEDS: Florida*, Nebraska, Kansas, Gonzaga*
FOUR SEEDS: Michigan State, Virginia, Alabama, Texas Tech
FIVE SEEDS: Tennessee, Arkansas, Vanderbilt, BYU
SIX SEEDS: Saint John's, North Carolina, Wisconsin, Utah State
SEVEN SEEDS: Louisville, Villanova, Saint Louis*, Kentucky
EIGHT SEEDS: North Carolina State, Iowa, SMU, Miami (Florida)
NINE SEEDS: Saint Mary's, Central Florida, Georgia, Miami (Ohio)*
TEN SEEDS: Texas, Clemson, Auburn, UCLA
ELEVEN SEEDS: Missouri, Indiana, Texas A&M/USC, TCU/Santa Clara
TWELVE SEEDS: South Florida*, Belmont*, Liberty*, Yale*
THIRTEEN SEEDS: Stephen F Austin*, Utah Valley State*, UNC Wilmington*, High Point*
FOURTEEN SEEDS: Hawaii*, North Dakota State*, Austin Peay*, Portland State*
FIFTEEN SEEDS: East Tennessee State*, Wright State*, Navy*, Merrimack*
SIXTEEN SEEDS: Appalachian State*, Long Island*, UMBC*/Bethune Cookman*, Howard*/Southeast Missouri State*
FIRST FOUR BYES: AUBURN, UCLA, MISSOURI, INDIANA
LAST 4 IN: USC, SANTA CLARA, TCU, TEXAS A&M
FIRST 4 OUT: NEW MEXICO, OHIO STATE, CALIFORNIA, VIRGINIA TECH
NEXT 4 OUT: VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH, WEST VIRGINIA, CINCINNATI, SAN DIEGO STATE
ON DECK: SETON HALL,OKLAHOMA STATE, STANFORD, BOISE STATE
17 at large bids still left and 29 schools fighting for them...weak and small bubble overall
ONE SEEDS: Michigan*, Duke*, Arizona*, Connecticut*
TWO SEEDS: Iowa State, Purdue, Houston, Illinois
THREE SEEDS: Florida*, Nebraska, Kansas, Gonzaga*
FOUR SEEDS: Michigan State, Virginia, Alabama, Texas Tech
FIVE SEEDS: Tennessee, Arkansas, Vanderbilt, BYU
SIX SEEDS: Saint John's, North Carolina, Wisconsin, Utah State
SEVEN SEEDS: Louisville, Villanova, Saint Louis*, Kentucky
EIGHT SEEDS: North Carolina State, Iowa, SMU, Miami (Florida)
NINE SEEDS: Saint Mary's, Central Florida, Georgia, Miami (Ohio)*
TEN SEEDS: Texas, Clemson, Auburn, UCLA
ELEVEN SEEDS: Missouri, Indiana, Texas A&M/USC, TCU/Santa Clara
TWELVE SEEDS: South Florida*, Belmont*, Liberty*, Yale*
THIRTEEN SEEDS: Stephen F Austin*, Utah Valley State*, UNC Wilmington*, High Point*
FOURTEEN SEEDS: Hawaii*, North Dakota State*, Austin Peay*, Portland State*
FIFTEEN SEEDS: East Tennessee State*, Wright State*, Navy*, Merrimack*
SIXTEEN SEEDS: Appalachian State*, Long Island*, UMBC*/Bethune Cookman*, Howard*/Southeast Missouri State*
FIRST FOUR BYES: AUBURN, UCLA, MISSOURI, INDIANA
LAST 4 IN: USC, SANTA CLARA, TCU, TEXAS A&M
FIRST 4 OUT: NEW MEXICO, OHIO STATE, CALIFORNIA, VIRGINIA TECH
NEXT 4 OUT: VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH, WEST VIRGINIA, CINCINNATI, SAN DIEGO STATE
ON DECK: SETON HALL,OKLAHOMA STATE, STANFORD, BOISE STATE
That OSU/Indiana to close out the regular season is going to have massive tourney implications. It could possibly be a win-and-in for both teams
OSU likely now has a Q1 win, so that result really helps the Buckeyes
Yeah i think they had something similar in years past if not last year when neither got in
I dont think NW becoming Q1 means much though. Both Indiana and Ohio State need a big win besides each other. Usc also in need
Yes the bubble is weak but we always have bid stealers
some really bizarre results last night from schools not taking care of business in spots they almost had to
First lets start with Auburn who dropped to 15-13 with a road loss to mediocre Oklahoma. The Tigers appear to be the most scandalous bubble school of 2026. If it wasnt for last years incusion of Texas at 19-15 and 9-14 vs Q1/2/3 school, I would have Auburn currently out of the field and on thin ice to get back in being just 2 games over 500 and the bulky loss total which may end up being 15 by seasons end. That was the precident for selection but last years inclusion of Texas changed everything and remember Texas was the 14th school to come out of the SEC. Its not like they HAD to select them.years being just 2 win.
The good: Overall net of 36 and SOR at 40 pretty solid. SOS is 1 overall and 16 non conference...way better numbers than Texas last season. 6 wins vs the field 6-11 actually 8 wins if you include AQ projected Merrimack and Bethune Cookman. 2 strong OOC wins over St Johns and NC State. Big time road win at projected 2 seed Florida. Additional quality wins vs Arkansas, Kentucky and Texas
The Oklahoma loss only counts as a Quad 1 on paper but its still a bad loss because its #13 and they already have a questionable Q2 loss at anothr mediocre school Miss St. The Tigers have not lost a game out of Q1/2 and 11 of their losses are in Q1. 5-11 Q1, 7-13 Q1/2, 9-13 Q1/2/3.
The latter number is alarming but consider Texas was 5 games below on that number and made it last season.
Auburn still has 3 regular season games left....bottom feeder Ole Miss/LSU at home and a trip to Alabama. Assuming the Tigers can win at home and an expected loss at Bama, it would leave them 17-14 going into the SEC tourney, 5-12 Q1, 9-14 Q1/2, 11-14 Q1/2/3. Do they have to win a SEC tourney game? Well even Texas did that and actually got 2. Auburn at 17-15 might be shaky. So alot to be determined. Should they win all 3 games and beat Bama, they will be a lock before SEC tourney at 18-13. Resume says in for now and given what happened with Texas last year I think 1 SEC win will likely do given their profile vs weak ones like USC or Ohio State or even Indiana
Next up is Indiana at 17-11. The Hoosiers who missed the tourney last year with a poor resume 4-13 in Q1 and 2-10 vs the field are trending toward the same profile. Indiana's home loss Northwestern is just a Q2 not 3 for now but every knows Northwestern is a Big 10 bottom feeder once they dig in. Hooisers overall net slipping to 40 and SOR now in the hazy area at 46. Just 2-10 in Quad 1 and 4-11 vs Q1/2. Q1/2/3 does improve to 10-11 but even last year that was above 500 for them. 3-10 vs the field ...a 4th win if you include Bethune Cookman. No loss outside Q2. Highlighted by a win over Purdue Wisconsin, at UCLA. Is that enough? Well a home game with Michigan State followed by Minnesota and then a trip to bubble Ohio State awaits. I will say Indiana's profile is better than OSU and USC (who they lost to). I dont know if finishing 1-2 to go 18-13 keeps them out of the last 2 in/last 2 out grouping. A win over Michigan State though will go a long way to giving them some cushion.
I didnt expect USC to win at UCLA last night and I really do not know what to do with the sputtering Trojans who are doing their best to play their way out of the NCAA tourney week by week. Right now I still have them as last team in but clinging barely over New Mexico. USC down to 17-10. Their NET has fallen to a problematic 63 but their SOR is still only one spot behind Indiana at 47. 2-7 in Q1 but that 7-2 mark in Q2 puts them 9-9 Q1/2 which is pretty solid and despite a Q3 loss in there to Oregon...(Northwestern moved from a Q3 to Q2 loss last night), the overall Q1/2/3 mark at 14-10 is stronger than some other bubbles..see Auburn/Indiana. USC is just 2-6 vs the field with a win at Wisconsin and a home win over Indiana. There are 3 decent neutral site wins in Q2 over distant bubbles SHU, Boise State and Arizona State. Trojans finish with home games against Nebraska and UCLA sandwiched around at trip to Washington. I think if they can 2 of them preferably the 1 vs Nebby they will still be in fairly good position. A sweep of all 3 locks them. 1-2 bounces them out pending the Big 10 tourney.
St Louis fell at Dayton lost for the 2nd time in 3 games to fall to 24-3. Bilikens still look like the A10 regular season champ but no longer look invincible in league play so now you start to look at their at large chances and the possibility the A10 becomes a 2 bid league. St Louis looks to have a decent enough resume to sustain a loss or two more though their profile isnt overwhelming....1 win vs the field Santa Clara. 2-1 in Q 1 and 6-3 in Q1/2 and 14-3 in Q1/2/3. The loss at URI is barely into Q2. I think the only way questions arise if they lose 2 of their last 3 which are home to Duquense/Loyola and a trip to Geo Mason.
As far as some other games...
Missouri got the biggest impact win by taking down Tennessee. I get that some blowout losses have impacted Missouri's NET numbers and there always seems to be an outlier like them where the numbers do not match the resume strength. I dont see the Tigers having a real issue getting into the tourney, its the seeding that takes the ding. Now 19-9 but only 57 in the NET, 5-5 in Q1 and 9-9 in Q1/2. 11-9 in Q1/2/3. SOR of 35 is very strong for a bubble school. 6-6 vs the field highlighted by home wins over Florida, Vandy, Tennessee, and Auburn plus road wins over Kentucky/Tex A&M......and actually if you include 3 current projected AQ that number swells to 9..Howard, Bethune Cookman, SE Missouri St. Trips to Miss St/Okie up next followed by home finale vs Arky...2-1 should make them safe, 1-2 I guess there will be some questions
UCLA looks to be in a very good spot now above the bubble fray after following up the Illinois win by taking down USC. 3-7 in Q1 and 9-9 Q1/2 and 12-9 Q1/2/3. 3-7 vs the field and Purdue is the other big one. Beating 2 projected 2 seeds go along way. No real bad losses but I will note they lost to 3 bubble schools Indiana, Ohio State and Cal. Last 3 are at Minny, Nebby at USC so they still need to win 1 of those, 2 of them make them a lock.
UCF notched a signficant victory at BYU and now move to lock status for me 5-4 vs field, 5-5 in Q1, 10-7 in Q1/2 and 13-7 in Q1/2/3. Just wondering what the NIL is at this school
New Mexico loses at Nevada, not a bad loss per se but the Lobos need everything they can get at this point. Its a resume without a lot of meat despite a 44 NET.. 1-5 in Q1 and 8-6 in Q2. The win over Santa Clara their only vs a team in field. Their is an additional quality win over VCU but that Q3 loss at New Mexico State is killer. Last 3 needing sweep at home over fading San Diego State, Colorado State and then a biggie at Utah State
I suppose Nevada jumps on the fringes of the bubble with this win. Just 1-5 in Q1, 6-7 in Q2, they are a notable 16-7 in Q1/2/3 games but they have 2 Q4 losses to UC Davis and San Jose State which makes them a non starter in the end
TCU took care of business with a win over ASU, 4-7 in Q1 and 8-8 in Q1/2. The neutral site wins over Florida/Wisconsin and home to Iowa State are quite strong. The issue is having a loss in both Q3 Notre Dame and Q4 New Orleans likely dings their spot on the pecking order and keeps them in the last 4 in. Tricky 3 game finish at KSU, at Tex Tech, Cincy where they need to win 2 of 3.
In a battle of distant bubbles, Oklahoma State knocks off WVU which at least keeps them in the running. At 17-11 with 4-7 record vs field and 8-11 vs Q1/2 but that NET of 80 is ugly and SOR at 55 is no bueno right now. The win did stop a 5 game losing streak and the Cowboys need to make some serious hay in last 3....at Cincy, at UCF, Houston.. I will say if they get 2 of them with one being Houston, I think they are going to be right up on the last 2 in/last 2 out grouping.
Cincinnati who was sliding up the bubble pecking order after winning at Kansas, had their 4 game win streak broke at Texas Tech. No shame in that loss but at 15-13 and rueing a Q4 loss to Eastern Michigan, . 3 wins vs field over Kansas, Iowa State UCF puts them in play but that 8-12 Q1/2/3 is trouble. the Bearcats need a clean sweep of their last 3 of Ok State, BYU, at TCU
WVU down to 16-12, really needed this to keep pace. Just 2-7 vs field highlighted by Kansas but now 8-12 in Q/2/3 games Will have to sweep last 3 of BYU/at KSU/UCF to be in realistic contention
Boise State got a win over Wyoming but remain way out on the fringes
FIRST FOUR BYES: CLEMSON, MISSOURI, TEXAS A&M, INDIANA
LAST 4 IN: USC, SANTA CLARA, TCU, AUBURN
FIRST 4 OUT: NEW MEXICO, OHIO STATE, CALIFORNIA, VIRGINIA TECH
NEXT 4 OUT: VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH, OKLAHOMA STATE, CINCINNATI, SAN DIEGO STATE
ON DECK: SETON HALL, WEST VIRGINIA, BOISE STATE, STANFORD
First lets start with Auburn who dropped to 15-13 with a road loss to mediocre Oklahoma. The Tigers appear to be the most scandalous bubble school of 2026. If it wasnt for last years incusion of Texas at 19-15 and 9-14 vs Q1/2/3 school, I would have Auburn currently out of the field and on thin ice to get back in being just 2 games over 500 and the bulky loss total which may end up being 15 by seasons end. That was the precident for selection but last years inclusion of Texas changed everything and remember Texas was the 14th school to come out of the SEC. Its not like they HAD to select them.years being just 2 win.
The good: Overall net of 36 and SOR at 40 pretty solid. SOS is 1 overall and 16 non conference...way better numbers than Texas last season. 6 wins vs the field 6-11 actually 8 wins if you include AQ projected Merrimack and Bethune Cookman. 2 strong OOC wins over St Johns and NC State. Big time road win at projected 2 seed Florida. Additional quality wins vs Arkansas, Kentucky and Texas
The Oklahoma loss only counts as a Quad 1 on paper but its still a bad loss because its #13 and they already have a questionable Q2 loss at anothr mediocre school Miss St. The Tigers have not lost a game out of Q1/2 and 11 of their losses are in Q1. 5-11 Q1, 7-13 Q1/2, 9-13 Q1/2/3.
The latter number is alarming but consider Texas was 5 games below on that number and made it last season.
Auburn still has 3 regular season games left....bottom feeder Ole Miss/LSU at home and a trip to Alabama. Assuming the Tigers can win at home and an expected loss at Bama, it would leave them 17-14 going into the SEC tourney, 5-12 Q1, 9-14 Q1/2, 11-14 Q1/2/3. Do they have to win a SEC tourney game? Well even Texas did that and actually got 2. Auburn at 17-15 might be shaky. So alot to be determined. Should they win all 3 games and beat Bama, they will be a lock before SEC tourney at 18-13. Resume says in for now and given what happened with Texas last year I think 1 SEC win will likely do given their profile vs weak ones like USC or Ohio State or even Indiana
Next up is Indiana at 17-11. The Hoosiers who missed the tourney last year with a poor resume 4-13 in Q1 and 2-10 vs the field are trending toward the same profile. Indiana's home loss Northwestern is just a Q2 not 3 for now but every knows Northwestern is a Big 10 bottom feeder once they dig in. Hooisers overall net slipping to 40 and SOR now in the hazy area at 46. Just 2-10 in Quad 1 and 4-11 vs Q1/2. Q1/2/3 does improve to 10-11 but even last year that was above 500 for them. 3-10 vs the field ...a 4th win if you include Bethune Cookman. No loss outside Q2. Highlighted by a win over Purdue Wisconsin, at UCLA. Is that enough? Well a home game with Michigan State followed by Minnesota and then a trip to bubble Ohio State awaits. I will say Indiana's profile is better than OSU and USC (who they lost to). I dont know if finishing 1-2 to go 18-13 keeps them out of the last 2 in/last 2 out grouping. A win over Michigan State though will go a long way to giving them some cushion.
I didnt expect USC to win at UCLA last night and I really do not know what to do with the sputtering Trojans who are doing their best to play their way out of the NCAA tourney week by week. Right now I still have them as last team in but clinging barely over New Mexico. USC down to 17-10. Their NET has fallen to a problematic 63 but their SOR is still only one spot behind Indiana at 47. 2-7 in Q1 but that 7-2 mark in Q2 puts them 9-9 Q1/2 which is pretty solid and despite a Q3 loss in there to Oregon...(Northwestern moved from a Q3 to Q2 loss last night), the overall Q1/2/3 mark at 14-10 is stronger than some other bubbles..see Auburn/Indiana. USC is just 2-6 vs the field with a win at Wisconsin and a home win over Indiana. There are 3 decent neutral site wins in Q2 over distant bubbles SHU, Boise State and Arizona State. Trojans finish with home games against Nebraska and UCLA sandwiched around at trip to Washington. I think if they can 2 of them preferably the 1 vs Nebby they will still be in fairly good position. A sweep of all 3 locks them. 1-2 bounces them out pending the Big 10 tourney.
St Louis fell at Dayton lost for the 2nd time in 3 games to fall to 24-3. Bilikens still look like the A10 regular season champ but no longer look invincible in league play so now you start to look at their at large chances and the possibility the A10 becomes a 2 bid league. St Louis looks to have a decent enough resume to sustain a loss or two more though their profile isnt overwhelming....1 win vs the field Santa Clara. 2-1 in Q 1 and 6-3 in Q1/2 and 14-3 in Q1/2/3. The loss at URI is barely into Q2. I think the only way questions arise if they lose 2 of their last 3 which are home to Duquense/Loyola and a trip to Geo Mason.
As far as some other games...
Missouri got the biggest impact win by taking down Tennessee. I get that some blowout losses have impacted Missouri's NET numbers and there always seems to be an outlier like them where the numbers do not match the resume strength. I dont see the Tigers having a real issue getting into the tourney, its the seeding that takes the ding. Now 19-9 but only 57 in the NET, 5-5 in Q1 and 9-9 in Q1/2. 11-9 in Q1/2/3. SOR of 35 is very strong for a bubble school. 6-6 vs the field highlighted by home wins over Florida, Vandy, Tennessee, and Auburn plus road wins over Kentucky/Tex A&M......and actually if you include 3 current projected AQ that number swells to 9..Howard, Bethune Cookman, SE Missouri St. Trips to Miss St/Okie up next followed by home finale vs Arky...2-1 should make them safe, 1-2 I guess there will be some questions
UCLA looks to be in a very good spot now above the bubble fray after following up the Illinois win by taking down USC. 3-7 in Q1 and 9-9 Q1/2 and 12-9 Q1/2/3. 3-7 vs the field and Purdue is the other big one. Beating 2 projected 2 seeds go along way. No real bad losses but I will note they lost to 3 bubble schools Indiana, Ohio State and Cal. Last 3 are at Minny, Nebby at USC so they still need to win 1 of those, 2 of them make them a lock.
UCF notched a signficant victory at BYU and now move to lock status for me 5-4 vs field, 5-5 in Q1, 10-7 in Q1/2 and 13-7 in Q1/2/3. Just wondering what the NIL is at this school
New Mexico loses at Nevada, not a bad loss per se but the Lobos need everything they can get at this point. Its a resume without a lot of meat despite a 44 NET.. 1-5 in Q1 and 8-6 in Q2. The win over Santa Clara their only vs a team in field. Their is an additional quality win over VCU but that Q3 loss at New Mexico State is killer. Last 3 needing sweep at home over fading San Diego State, Colorado State and then a biggie at Utah State
I suppose Nevada jumps on the fringes of the bubble with this win. Just 1-5 in Q1, 6-7 in Q2, they are a notable 16-7 in Q1/2/3 games but they have 2 Q4 losses to UC Davis and San Jose State which makes them a non starter in the end
TCU took care of business with a win over ASU, 4-7 in Q1 and 8-8 in Q1/2. The neutral site wins over Florida/Wisconsin and home to Iowa State are quite strong. The issue is having a loss in both Q3 Notre Dame and Q4 New Orleans likely dings their spot on the pecking order and keeps them in the last 4 in. Tricky 3 game finish at KSU, at Tex Tech, Cincy where they need to win 2 of 3.
In a battle of distant bubbles, Oklahoma State knocks off WVU which at least keeps them in the running. At 17-11 with 4-7 record vs field and 8-11 vs Q1/2 but that NET of 80 is ugly and SOR at 55 is no bueno right now. The win did stop a 5 game losing streak and the Cowboys need to make some serious hay in last 3....at Cincy, at UCF, Houston.. I will say if they get 2 of them with one being Houston, I think they are going to be right up on the last 2 in/last 2 out grouping.
Cincinnati who was sliding up the bubble pecking order after winning at Kansas, had their 4 game win streak broke at Texas Tech. No shame in that loss but at 15-13 and rueing a Q4 loss to Eastern Michigan, . 3 wins vs field over Kansas, Iowa State UCF puts them in play but that 8-12 Q1/2/3 is trouble. the Bearcats need a clean sweep of their last 3 of Ok State, BYU, at TCU
WVU down to 16-12, really needed this to keep pace. Just 2-7 vs field highlighted by Kansas but now 8-12 in Q/2/3 games Will have to sweep last 3 of BYU/at KSU/UCF to be in realistic contention
Boise State got a win over Wyoming but remain way out on the fringes
FIRST FOUR BYES: CLEMSON, MISSOURI, TEXAS A&M, INDIANA
LAST 4 IN: USC, SANTA CLARA, TCU, AUBURN
FIRST 4 OUT: NEW MEXICO, OHIO STATE, CALIFORNIA, VIRGINIA TECH
NEXT 4 OUT: VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH, OKLAHOMA STATE, CINCINNATI, SAN DIEGO STATE
ON DECK: SETON HALL, WEST VIRGINIA, BOISE STATE, STANFORD
So a bit of movement last night
Say hello Calfornia. Goodbye Southern California.
California pushes into the field after a Q2 home win over SMU. Bears have a lagging NET at 57 but now 6-8 Q1/2 and 4-4 in Q1 and 11-8 Q1/2/3 Bears are 4-3 vs the field....wins over North Carolina, SMU at Miami, neutral site UCLA. SOS at 330 is a red flag but Cal is taking advantage of other schools playing their way out of the field. Its something they will need to avoid during what should be an easy 3 game finish...Pitt, at GT, at Wake. Win those 3 and they dance, its as simple as that
USC which has been floundering loses their spot and moves to last team out just ahead of OSU who they actually lost to earlier this year.
Ohio State failed to get a win at Iowa and now things remain murky. They do keep hanging around but opportunities are running out. Purdue up next followed by a trip to Penn State and then Indiana in what could be a bubble eliminated game
San Diego State revived their hopes with a big home win over Utah State which actually moves them into a tie for first in the Mountain West. They split the series and I dont know the tiebreak at the moment so they actually could be the projected AQ at this time which would actually take a spot from the field taking a 11 seed spot and bounce Santa Clara out. Aztecs still up against it because that was their first win vs the field 1-3. They are 2-5 in Q1, 7-7 in Q2, 12-8 in Q3. Its a very unremarkable profile and SOR at 55. Next up though is 2 Q1 road opportunities at New Mexico and at Boise
Santa Clara precariously holding on to last team in and looked awful losing to St Marys last night in a game which pretty much clinced a bid for the Gaels. The Broncs are just 1-5 in Q1 and 1-4 vs the field, a home win over St Marys. Q2 is 8-6 but its the Q3 mark that has them looking as an attractive at large at 17-6. Note that Q4 loss to Loyola though may be their ultimate undoing. SOR at 43 is above some others.
Stanford beat Pitt to stay on the outer edges of the bubble
Some other games mainly revolved around teams fairly safe above the fray not being to pull wins against better schools that could have locked them in. No harm no foul. Texas losing to Florida. Texas A&M losing to Arkansas. Georgia losing to Vanderbilt.
Some other notables. Connecticut emasculating St John's 72-40. Oregon upsetting Wisconsin.
ONE SEEDS: Michigan*, Duke*, Arizona*, Connecticut*
TWO SEEDS: Iowa State, Purdue, Houston, Illinois
THREE SEEDS: Florida*, Nebraska, Kansas, Gonzaga*
FOUR SEEDS: Michigan State, Virginia, Alabama, Texas Tech
FIVE SEEDS: Arkansas, Tennessee Vanderbilt, North Carolina
SIX SEEDS: Saint John's, BYU, Wisconsin, Saint Louis*
SEVEN SEEDS: Louisville, Villanova, Kentucky, Iowa
EIGHT SEEDS: Utah State*,North Carolina State, Central Florida, Miami (Florida)
NINE SEEDS: Saint Mary's, SMU, Clemson, Miami (Ohio)*
TEN SEEDS: Georgia, UCLA, Texas, Missouri
ELEVEN SEEDS: Auburn, Texas A&M, TCU/Santa Clara, Indiana/California
TWELVE SEEDS: South Florida*, Belmont*, Liberty*, Yale*
THIRTEEN SEEDS: Stephen F Austin*, Utah Valley State*, UNC Wilmington*, High Point*
FOURTEEN SEEDS: North Dakota State*, UC Irvine*, Austin Peay*, Portland State*
FIFTEEN SEEDS: Marshall*, East Tennessee State*, Navy*, Wright State*
SIXTEEN SEEDS: Merrimack*, Howard*, Long Island*/Bethune Cookman*, UMBC*/Morehead State*
FIRST FOUR BYES: TEXAS, MISSOURI, AUBURN, TEXAS A&M
LAST 4 IN: SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA, INDIANA, TCU
FIRST 4 OUT: USC, OHIO STATE, SAN DIEGO STATE, NEW MEXICO
NEXT 4 OUT: VIRGINIA TECH, VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH, OKLAHOMA STATE, CINCINNATI
ON DECK: SETON HALL, WEST VIRGINIA, BOISE STATE, STANFORD
BRACKETMATRIX.COM
Say hello Calfornia. Goodbye Southern California.
California pushes into the field after a Q2 home win over SMU. Bears have a lagging NET at 57 but now 6-8 Q1/2 and 4-4 in Q1 and 11-8 Q1/2/3 Bears are 4-3 vs the field....wins over North Carolina, SMU at Miami, neutral site UCLA. SOS at 330 is a red flag but Cal is taking advantage of other schools playing their way out of the field. Its something they will need to avoid during what should be an easy 3 game finish...Pitt, at GT, at Wake. Win those 3 and they dance, its as simple as that
USC which has been floundering loses their spot and moves to last team out just ahead of OSU who they actually lost to earlier this year.
Ohio State failed to get a win at Iowa and now things remain murky. They do keep hanging around but opportunities are running out. Purdue up next followed by a trip to Penn State and then Indiana in what could be a bubble eliminated game
San Diego State revived their hopes with a big home win over Utah State which actually moves them into a tie for first in the Mountain West. They split the series and I dont know the tiebreak at the moment so they actually could be the projected AQ at this time which would actually take a spot from the field taking a 11 seed spot and bounce Santa Clara out. Aztecs still up against it because that was their first win vs the field 1-3. They are 2-5 in Q1, 7-7 in Q2, 12-8 in Q3. Its a very unremarkable profile and SOR at 55. Next up though is 2 Q1 road opportunities at New Mexico and at Boise
Santa Clara precariously holding on to last team in and looked awful losing to St Marys last night in a game which pretty much clinced a bid for the Gaels. The Broncs are just 1-5 in Q1 and 1-4 vs the field, a home win over St Marys. Q2 is 8-6 but its the Q3 mark that has them looking as an attractive at large at 17-6. Note that Q4 loss to Loyola though may be their ultimate undoing. SOR at 43 is above some others.
Stanford beat Pitt to stay on the outer edges of the bubble
Some other games mainly revolved around teams fairly safe above the fray not being to pull wins against better schools that could have locked them in. No harm no foul. Texas losing to Florida. Texas A&M losing to Arkansas. Georgia losing to Vanderbilt.
Some other notables. Connecticut emasculating St John's 72-40. Oregon upsetting Wisconsin.
ONE SEEDS: Michigan*, Duke*, Arizona*, Connecticut*
TWO SEEDS: Iowa State, Purdue, Houston, Illinois
THREE SEEDS: Florida*, Nebraska, Kansas, Gonzaga*
FOUR SEEDS: Michigan State, Virginia, Alabama, Texas Tech
FIVE SEEDS: Arkansas, Tennessee Vanderbilt, North Carolina
SIX SEEDS: Saint John's, BYU, Wisconsin, Saint Louis*
SEVEN SEEDS: Louisville, Villanova, Kentucky, Iowa
EIGHT SEEDS: Utah State*,North Carolina State, Central Florida, Miami (Florida)
NINE SEEDS: Saint Mary's, SMU, Clemson, Miami (Ohio)*
TEN SEEDS: Georgia, UCLA, Texas, Missouri
ELEVEN SEEDS: Auburn, Texas A&M, TCU/Santa Clara, Indiana/California
TWELVE SEEDS: South Florida*, Belmont*, Liberty*, Yale*
THIRTEEN SEEDS: Stephen F Austin*, Utah Valley State*, UNC Wilmington*, High Point*
FOURTEEN SEEDS: North Dakota State*, UC Irvine*, Austin Peay*, Portland State*
FIFTEEN SEEDS: Marshall*, East Tennessee State*, Navy*, Wright State*
SIXTEEN SEEDS: Merrimack*, Howard*, Long Island*/Bethune Cookman*, UMBC*/Morehead State*
FIRST FOUR BYES: TEXAS, MISSOURI, AUBURN, TEXAS A&M
LAST 4 IN: SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA, INDIANA, TCU
FIRST 4 OUT: USC, OHIO STATE, SAN DIEGO STATE, NEW MEXICO
NEXT 4 OUT: VIRGINIA TECH, VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH, OKLAHOMA STATE, CINCINNATI
ON DECK: SETON HALL, WEST VIRGINIA, BOISE STATE, STANFORD
BRACKETMATRIX.COM
I believe lock no question even if their resume is poor
Some bracketologists are floating a controversial scenario for clicks
good to see, its tumbleweeds around here and its going to get worse next season
Well that might be the best news on the basketball side since the site roll over. I barely look at the bracketology update thread because I find our situation too depressing. Glad I decided to glance at it this AM though. Welcome back.
How bout an RIP specialty post on the state of the defense for old times sake? I find it head scratching how bad we are at D. Didn’t think we’d be great, but also didn’t think we’d be historically bad. Curious on your take.
Not much last night, mainly smaller conference action except for one huge Big 10 game.
The Michigan State win at Purdue was Spartys best win of the season as it gave them a much need high end road win. Its tighter than you think on the 2-4 lines with 4 Big 10 schools and 3 Big 12 schools. I like the idea of the SEC leader who is currently surging Florida supplanting Purdue as the last 2 for now at least. Houston has lost 3 in a row even if they were to all top 15 schools. Illinois and Iowa State have very strong profiles and metrics. I think Michigan State did enough yesterday to slightly nudge ahead of Kansas for that last 3 spot.
So did learn that San Diego State who is tied with Utah State atop the Mountain West standings and who split with the Aggies do indeed win the tiebreak so for now the Aztecs get slotted as the AQ and that puts Utah State as an at large where they are basically a lock. It does mean one spot is removed from the at large pool, so say goodbye for now Santa Clara. California now move to last team in and Texas A&M moves the to the first four games.
One doozy tonight is Michigan at Illinois. Illinois can basically lock up a 2 seed with a victory tonight. A loss still leaves them safely a 2..for now. Michigan remains a one seed either way but would almost lock up their positioning as the 2nd #1 spot.
ONE SEEDS: Duke*, Michigan*, Arizona*, Connecticut*
TWO SEEDS: Iowa State, Illinois, Houston, Florida*
THREE SEEDS: Purdue, Nebraska, Gonzaga*, Michigan State
FOUR SEEDS: Kansas, Virginia, Alabama, Texas Tech
FIVE SEEDS: Arkansas, Tennessee, Vanderbilt, North Carolina
SIX SEEDS: Saint John's, BYU, Wisconsin, Saint Louis*
SEVEN SEEDS: Louisville, Villanova, Kentucky, Iowa
EIGHT SEEDS: ,North Carolina State, Utah State, Central Florida, Miami (Florida)
NINE SEEDS: Saint Mary's, SMU, Clemson, Miami (Ohio)*
TEN SEEDS: Georgia, UCLA, Texas, Missouri
ELEVEN SEEDS: San Diego State*, Auburn, Texas A&M/California, TCU/Indiana
TWELVE SEEDS: South Florida*, Belmont*, Yale*, Liberty*
THIRTEEN SEEDS: Stephen F Austin*, Utah Valley State*, UNC Wilmington*, High Point*
FOURTEEN SEEDS: North Dakota State*, UC Irvine*, Austin Peay*, Portland State*
FIFTEEN SEEDS: Marshall*, East Tennessee State*, Navy*, Wright State*
SIXTEEN SEEDS: Merrimack*, Howard*, Long Island*/Bethune Cookman*, UMBC*/Morehead State*
FIRST FOUR BYES: UCLA, TEXAS, MISSOURI, AUBURN
LAST 4 IN: CALIFORNIA, INDIANA, TCU, TEXAS A&M
FIRST 4 OUT: SANTA CLARA, USC, OHIO STATE, NEW MEXICO
NEXT 4 OUT: VIRGINIA TECH, VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH, OKLAHOMA STATE, CINCINNATI
ON DECK: SETON HALL, WEST VIRGINIA, BOISE STATE, STANFORD
The Michigan State win at Purdue was Spartys best win of the season as it gave them a much need high end road win. Its tighter than you think on the 2-4 lines with 4 Big 10 schools and 3 Big 12 schools. I like the idea of the SEC leader who is currently surging Florida supplanting Purdue as the last 2 for now at least. Houston has lost 3 in a row even if they were to all top 15 schools. Illinois and Iowa State have very strong profiles and metrics. I think Michigan State did enough yesterday to slightly nudge ahead of Kansas for that last 3 spot.
So did learn that San Diego State who is tied with Utah State atop the Mountain West standings and who split with the Aggies do indeed win the tiebreak so for now the Aztecs get slotted as the AQ and that puts Utah State as an at large where they are basically a lock. It does mean one spot is removed from the at large pool, so say goodbye for now Santa Clara. California now move to last team in and Texas A&M moves the to the first four games.
One doozy tonight is Michigan at Illinois. Illinois can basically lock up a 2 seed with a victory tonight. A loss still leaves them safely a 2..for now. Michigan remains a one seed either way but would almost lock up their positioning as the 2nd #1 spot.
ONE SEEDS: Duke*, Michigan*, Arizona*, Connecticut*
TWO SEEDS: Iowa State, Illinois, Houston, Florida*
THREE SEEDS: Purdue, Nebraska, Gonzaga*, Michigan State
FOUR SEEDS: Kansas, Virginia, Alabama, Texas Tech
FIVE SEEDS: Arkansas, Tennessee, Vanderbilt, North Carolina
SIX SEEDS: Saint John's, BYU, Wisconsin, Saint Louis*
SEVEN SEEDS: Louisville, Villanova, Kentucky, Iowa
EIGHT SEEDS: ,North Carolina State, Utah State, Central Florida, Miami (Florida)
NINE SEEDS: Saint Mary's, SMU, Clemson, Miami (Ohio)*
TEN SEEDS: Georgia, UCLA, Texas, Missouri
ELEVEN SEEDS: San Diego State*, Auburn, Texas A&M/California, TCU/Indiana
TWELVE SEEDS: South Florida*, Belmont*, Yale*, Liberty*
THIRTEEN SEEDS: Stephen F Austin*, Utah Valley State*, UNC Wilmington*, High Point*
FOURTEEN SEEDS: North Dakota State*, UC Irvine*, Austin Peay*, Portland State*
FIFTEEN SEEDS: Marshall*, East Tennessee State*, Navy*, Wright State*
SIXTEEN SEEDS: Merrimack*, Howard*, Long Island*/Bethune Cookman*, UMBC*/Morehead State*
FIRST FOUR BYES: UCLA, TEXAS, MISSOURI, AUBURN
LAST 4 IN: CALIFORNIA, INDIANA, TCU, TEXAS A&M
FIRST 4 OUT: SANTA CLARA, USC, OHIO STATE, NEW MEXICO
NEXT 4 OUT: VIRGINIA TECH, VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH, OKLAHOMA STATE, CINCINNATI
ON DECK: SETON HALL, WEST VIRGINIA, BOISE STATE, STANFORD
I haven't watched a second of college basketball since the BYU-Alabama game in the NCAA tournament.
Tell me if there are rule changes,......NCAA offensive efficiency was 1.067 PPP last year and is 1.095 PPP this year. It has been ticking up every year, but not an increase like this year.
JUST WATCH THE NBA....at least you have roster continuity.
Posts like this reinforces my decision....
That’s fine. But in my opinion it should probably only be cut and dry like this for 3 spots on the roster.
1) Francis (must be paid starter dollars 1.5 M). 500K budgeted for whoever backs him up (whether that’s Lino or J Mike).
2) Center (we have to pay over 2M for this). Then pay Ogbole the back up rate.
3) I want a two way forward who sees the floor well and can handle the ball for starter number 3. In our price range this player won’t be efficient (think Caleb). I don’t care. 1.2 M for this role.
Beyond this, I see it as a flat out competition. We are offering the high end of the “back up” range to several guys who all have a chance to start. Powers 750k, Zrno 750k, Buchanan (closer to $1M probably because he plays multiple positions), Grant I would be offering in similar range as Buchanan but he might not be happy with that. Just looking at his paper numbers a team might offer him 1.3M based on his size. I don’t think personally think he’s worth that because of his defense. I think the goal would be to target - couple additional proven low-major kids to compete with these guys. Maybe keep Dortch as a utility if he’s cheap.
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Well, you decided to take the time to set up an account on a discussion forum about a sport you haven’t watched in almost a year so there’s that…. I’m not sure what made you check in, but I figured if we ever heard from you again it would probably be before a coaching change was made.
You like Pike. You appreciate that he likes to win the way you like to win - through defense, which as you alluded to, is becoming rarer and rarer - a dying breed. Pike tried to resurrect his defensive identity this season but there were just too many holes to fill in starting from scratch after “selling his soul” with the type of recruiting he did around Ace and Dylan. You called it back then. Nobody else listened. I hope you’ll stick around and watch Pike fight through the hot seat pitch forks next season to restore his defensive identity. To your point, it might be the last chance you’ll get to root for your team attempting to play the style of the game that you want to see. I guess that’s my case for why you should come back now. The train wreck his D has become this season. It has to be killing Pike. But I’m telling you, my view is it could be drastically fixed by addressing a few major defensive holes. Two key additions and continued development. Im convinced many of the guys on the current team are improving despite our results. That’s where I was interested in your perspective. Maybe I can convince you to watch a game or two… maybe not.
The contrarian in you probably would’ve liked Tariq this season, by the way. Everyone hated on the kid like he was some kind of disease all pre-season (me included), and we still have a collection of fans who won’t admit he’s any good. He’s, in your words, a “willing defender” despite his size limitations, and not a selfish player despite being the best scorer on the team by far.
To your point about offensive efficiency, I would imagine as more coaches eliminate long 2-pointers and opt for shots at the rim and behind the arc only, this trend will continue. Pike is one of a dying breed regarding that.
Plus, like the NBA, it seems like every position player can take and make 3 pointers these days (except at RU of course).
Saturday AM update
Troy becomes the AQ of the SunBelt and moves to the 14th line pushing Portland State to 15
Miami Ohio survives at Western Michigan 69-67 and are two games away from an undefeated regular season and ncaa tourney lock
Yale is now tied with Harvard for first in the Ivy
previewing today....
Seton Hall needs to win at Connecticut to have a realistic chance at an large
the loser of Oklahoma State/Cincinnati is eliminated from bubble discussion
Enormous bubble matchup in the Mountain West between San Diego State/New Mexico. Aztecs remain MW AQ with a road win which also improves their at large chances. A loss combined with a Utah State win over Grand Canyon will put the Aggies back as the conference AQ opening up a spot in the field for another at large. San Diego State would be on the wrong side of the bubble. New Mexcio can help their at large chances with a win but still may leave them short currently. With a loss they may slip further down the bubble pecking order
USC is almost facing a must win situation at home vs Nebraska today. A win there will significantly beef up their resume
California needs to take care of business at home vs Pittsburgh to remain in the field
Texas A&M can move out of the last 4 in grouping with a home win over Texas
West Virginia will be eliminated from bubble discussion with a home loss to BYU. A win would move them from fringes to longshot
Stanford needs a home win over SMU to remain at least in longshot bubble status
a Yale loss at Columbia combined with a Harvard win over Penn would give the Ivy AQ to Harvard
TCU cannot afford a loss to lowly Kansas State if they want to stay in the field
Santa Clara last team out can potentially move back into the field with a San Diego State loss and a win over Oregon State
Virginia Tech has an opportunity for a season changing win at North Carolina
Auburn must win at home vs Ole Miss to remain in the field. A loss drops them to 15-14 and a bridge too far
Troy becomes the AQ of the SunBelt and moves to the 14th line pushing Portland State to 15
Miami Ohio survives at Western Michigan 69-67 and are two games away from an undefeated regular season and ncaa tourney lock
Yale is now tied with Harvard for first in the Ivy
previewing today....
Seton Hall needs to win at Connecticut to have a realistic chance at an large
the loser of Oklahoma State/Cincinnati is eliminated from bubble discussion
Enormous bubble matchup in the Mountain West between San Diego State/New Mexico. Aztecs remain MW AQ with a road win which also improves their at large chances. A loss combined with a Utah State win over Grand Canyon will put the Aggies back as the conference AQ opening up a spot in the field for another at large. San Diego State would be on the wrong side of the bubble. New Mexcio can help their at large chances with a win but still may leave them short currently. With a loss they may slip further down the bubble pecking order
USC is almost facing a must win situation at home vs Nebraska today. A win there will significantly beef up their resume
California needs to take care of business at home vs Pittsburgh to remain in the field
Texas A&M can move out of the last 4 in grouping with a home win over Texas
West Virginia will be eliminated from bubble discussion with a home loss to BYU. A win would move them from fringes to longshot
Stanford needs a home win over SMU to remain at least in longshot bubble status
a Yale loss at Columbia combined with a Harvard win over Penn would give the Ivy AQ to Harvard
TCU cannot afford a loss to lowly Kansas State if they want to stay in the field
Santa Clara last team out can potentially move back into the field with a San Diego State loss and a win over Oregon State
Virginia Tech has an opportunity for a season changing win at North Carolina
Auburn must win at home vs Ole Miss to remain in the field. A loss drops them to 15-14 and a bridge too far
We have seen a gradual uptick every year (your explanation is reason). This year is a much bigger move up (guessing it is an effort thing).
snow....but i have looked every once in awhile. I think Pike has no interest in the way the game is today. Add to that he has no ammunition.
me leaving has nothing to do with not winning.
I will say Myles and Cliff was the backbone of our successful squads. No Myles no NCAAs. Most important player to put on a Rutgers uniform in the past 40+ years
Yeah and we still have many fools for fans who think MJ wasn’t any good…
I never for a second thought you lost interest because of the losing. You detest what college BB has become. However, I still believe seeing Pike have success next season the way YOU like college basketball to be played would bring joy back into it for you - even if just transient…
Anyway - that’s my case for you. One more year (operating under the assumption Pitt doesn’t take Knight). That’s not a NIL thing nor is TF’s flight risk. Knight is simply like family to him. They’re a package. In many ways, Tariq’s journey to RU is the antithesis of traditional NIL politics / money. If you rooted for Yeboah you could root for TF under the same pretense because his path here was similar just via a relationship to Knight.
Despite countless posts from our fan base stating otherwise, as long as we get him back as a backbone on offense, I’m telling you there’s a chance. Pike could retain 6-7 kids from this team that he thinks are most coachable. He’d be in need only of an MJ (UCLA) and a Caleb (sophomore or junior stats) and it would make a massive difference. He needs those pieces - and he could play his brand of basketball again…. Even in a world that challenges his brand’s very existence.
You’ve concluded that Pike is discouraged and defeated. I think he’s worn out but has one last fight in him. So that’s my case to you. Stick it out for that last ride. Not because you only care about winning per se - but because Pike winning again would symbolize that playing defense doesn’t have to be obsolete. I’m banking (hoping) that still matters to you at least a little.
A lot of people won't realize it but losing Cason is a huge blow to Michigan's chances. He was really coming on ,don't think Cadeau is a good enough outside shooter to keep teams honest.
recapping a wild Saturday with a ton of bubble schools losing
Lets start with Auburn losing a Q3 home game to Ole Miss. Now down to 15-14. That is a bridge to far currently for me despite 6-11 mark vs the field..they need to get to 2 games above 500 or they are not getting in
San Diego State fell at New Mexico and with Utah States win over Grand Canyon the Aggies move back to MW AQ and the Aztecs fall back into the at large pool but out of the field for now. New Mexico quite possibly may have eeked into the field after yesterdays results around the cut line
Saint Marys knocks off Gonzaga and the Gaels lock themselves in while possibly putting themselves in play for a 7 seed
Seton Hall put in a heroic effort vs UConn but fell short. Pirates are still hanging around the bubble and will need to beat St Johns to be on the bubble board before the Big East tourney
Florida roughed up Arkansas by 38 points and the Gators are looking as a very solid 2..in fact may be the top 2 right now.
Virginia Tech lost at UNC and now are really in trouble on the wrong side of the bubble
West Virginia revived their hopes with an unexpected win over BYU
Sagging Clemson moved into lock status with a win over Louisville
Missouri moved into lock status with a win at Miss St. Disregard the funky net at 54
Cincinnati kept their flickering hopes alive by clouting Oklahoma State. The Cowboys now on life support
California dealt a crushing Quad 3 home loss to Pitt but the Bears are going to remain in the field for now due to the bubble drek around them
Texas wins at Texas A&M and appears to be very close to a lock. The Aggies with just 2 lower end road wins vs team in the field plus Auburn are still stuck in a precarious spot in the last 6 line somewhere
Georgia knocks off South Carolina and like Texas appear in that very close to lock catagory
Iowa inexplicably loses at Penn State, qualifies as a Q2 loss but the Hawkeyes miss on a chance to lock even as they still appear to be above the fray
Full update and scrub with deep analysis tomorrow...thinking about 12 spots left and open and 24 schools still realistically competing
FIRST FOUR BYES: SMU, UCLA, TEXAS A&M, TCU
LAST 4 IN: NEW MEXICO, CALIFORNIA, SANTA CLARA, INDIANA
FIRST 4 OUT: OHIO STATE, AUBURN, USC, SAN DIEGO STATE
NEXT 4 OUT: VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH, VIRGINIA TECH, WEST VIRGINIA, CINCINNATI
ON DECK: SETON HALL, OKLAHOMA STATE, STANFORD, BOISE STATE
SMU also appears to be above the fray but not a lock after being dismantled at Stanford. The Cardinal at least keep their hopes alive but those 3 Q3 losses stick out.
Yale knocks off Columbia and Harvard falls to Penn so Yale now moves back to sole possession of first in the Ivy
TCU knocks off Kansas State to remain in the field but on that last 6 in grouping
Santa Clara takes care of business over Oregon State and nudge into the field for now
Boise State wins at Fresno State but appear to be the longest of longshots right now
VCU continues to inch up the bubble pecking order but still outside the field for now
Nevada losses at UNLV and their faint hopes are officialy extinguished
Lets start with Auburn losing a Q3 home game to Ole Miss. Now down to 15-14. That is a bridge to far currently for me despite 6-11 mark vs the field..they need to get to 2 games above 500 or they are not getting in
San Diego State fell at New Mexico and with Utah States win over Grand Canyon the Aggies move back to MW AQ and the Aztecs fall back into the at large pool but out of the field for now. New Mexico quite possibly may have eeked into the field after yesterdays results around the cut line
Saint Marys knocks off Gonzaga and the Gaels lock themselves in while possibly putting themselves in play for a 7 seed
Seton Hall put in a heroic effort vs UConn but fell short. Pirates are still hanging around the bubble and will need to beat St Johns to be on the bubble board before the Big East tourney
Florida roughed up Arkansas by 38 points and the Gators are looking as a very solid 2..in fact may be the top 2 right now.
Virginia Tech lost at UNC and now are really in trouble on the wrong side of the bubble
West Virginia revived their hopes with an unexpected win over BYU
Sagging Clemson moved into lock status with a win over Louisville
Missouri moved into lock status with a win at Miss St. Disregard the funky net at 54
Cincinnati kept their flickering hopes alive by clouting Oklahoma State. The Cowboys now on life support
California dealt a crushing Quad 3 home loss to Pitt but the Bears are going to remain in the field for now due to the bubble drek around them
Texas wins at Texas A&M and appears to be very close to a lock. The Aggies with just 2 lower end road wins vs team in the field plus Auburn are still stuck in a precarious spot in the last 6 line somewhere
Georgia knocks off South Carolina and like Texas appear in that very close to lock catagory
Iowa inexplicably loses at Penn State, qualifies as a Q2 loss but the Hawkeyes miss on a chance to lock even as they still appear to be above the fray
Full update and scrub with deep analysis tomorrow...thinking about 12 spots left and open and 24 schools still realistically competing
FIRST FOUR BYES: SMU, UCLA, TEXAS A&M, TCU
LAST 4 IN: NEW MEXICO, CALIFORNIA, SANTA CLARA, INDIANA
FIRST 4 OUT: OHIO STATE, AUBURN, USC, SAN DIEGO STATE
NEXT 4 OUT: VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH, VIRGINIA TECH, WEST VIRGINIA, CINCINNATI
ON DECK: SETON HALL, OKLAHOMA STATE, STANFORD, BOISE STATE
SMU also appears to be above the fray but not a lock after being dismantled at Stanford. The Cardinal at least keep their hopes alive but those 3 Q3 losses stick out.
Yale knocks off Columbia and Harvard falls to Penn so Yale now moves back to sole possession of first in the Ivy
TCU knocks off Kansas State to remain in the field but on that last 6 in grouping
Santa Clara takes care of business over Oregon State and nudge into the field for now
Boise State wins at Fresno State but appear to be the longest of longshots right now
VCU continues to inch up the bubble pecking order but still outside the field for now
Nevada losses at UNLV and their faint hopes are officialy extinguished
As for today
Ohio State will move into the field with a home win over Purdue
Indiana can move out of last 4 in with a home win over Michigan State
Ohio State will move into the field with a home win over Purdue
Indiana can move out of last 4 in with a home win over Michigan State