Goooooot damn! Who woulda thought Rutgers would go on the streak they’re on right now. They still have some hideous losses on their resume, but I’m more of a “what have you done for me lately” kinda guy, and all they’ve done is win 4 straight Q1 games to catapult them over the play-in games and firmly in the bubble conversation. I disagree with a lot of talking heads about other teams too, let’s get into it.
Last 4 in
Oregon
With a hideous loss to Cal, Oregon has dropped to a play in game. They still have a couple nice wins against USC and UCLA, but with a weak PAC-12 schedule and a shitty non-conference record, Oregon could be on the outside looking in come March.
Michigan
With a huuuuge dub against Iowa, Michigan has now won 7 of their last 10, and all three losses were to Q1 teams, with Q1 wins over Purdue, on the road at Indiana and last night’s road win vs Iowa. Every game other than the friskiest team in the nation, Rutgers, will be a Q1 opportunity for Michigan. Going .500 during that stretch would put them in the tournament. Hail.
Oklahoma
Call this an overreaction, but Oklahoma has lost 9 of their last 11…I know the Big 12 is a gauntlet every night, but some of these games have not been competitive. Send them to the bubble.
Memphis
With back to back quality wins against Houston and Cincy, Memphis has two more challenges ahead of them with a true bubble matchup against SMU this weekend and a rematch with Houston at the end of the season.
First 4 out
Creighton
I was a bit harsh on the Bluejays after they lost 3 of 4, including a 17 point ass whoopin’ to Butler on the road. They narrowly escaped the Bulldogs in a rematch at home, and have swept Georgetown…hardly a resume building stretch of games, but I’ll own up to giving them a quick hook last bracketology.
SMU
After getting a huge road win against Houston, SMU fell in a trap game at Temple. Dropping the Mustangs to the first four out is less about the Mustangs performance and more about the impressive runs from bubble teams Michigan, Rutgers and Memphis. SMU will have a chance to reclaim a spot in the tourney with a home game against Memphis.
Belmont
The Bruins have won 8 straight and have a ton of Q2 wins under their belt, they’ll have a chance to prove they belong in the bubble conversation next week against Murray State.
Virginia Tech
It’s not their fault the ACC stinks this year, and the only blemish on their resume is a loss to Boston College on the road. 3 of their final 5 games are on the road to strengthen their resume. Up next is a date with NC this weekend.
The Morning Flush 