SEC Tournament First-Round odds…

Overall: 141-38 (79.4%)
Vs. Spread: 64-63 (52.0%)
Overall (SEC): 48-20 (71.9%)
Vs. Spread (SEC): 31-36 (49.2%)
East vs. West: East, 22-10

(13-17, 6-10) LSU [W4, #159] vs. (13-17, 5-11) South Carolina [E5, #140]
Spread: LSU by 1
Pick: LSU - The Tigers’ lanky inside men will be able to keep Downey shy from charging the lane, and LSU simply has more momentum at the moment.
—Keys: If fouls are called closely, the game may favor USC’s lane-driving. If not, LSU’s shot-blockers will have a field day unless the Gamecocks get hot from behind the arc.

(25-6, 10-6) #18 Vanderbilt [E3, #10] vs. (14-15, 4-12) Auburn [W6, #154]
Spread: Vanderbilt by 8.5
Pick: Vanderbilt - This is the easiest pick in some time, as the Tigers are seriously overmatched against the ‘Dores.
—Keys: The only thing that could keep this game close is Vandy’s tendency to play poorly on the road while Auburn has a good amount of experience on their squad.

(21-10, 8- Florida [E4, #65] vs. (16-15, 5-11) Alabama [W5, #118]
Spread: Florida by 3
Pick: Florida - Alabama’s utter lack of defense will cost them this game, as the Gators are one of the most offensively-efficient teams in the conference.
—Keys: Hendrix should gain the advantage inside against Speights, but the Florida guards are much better shooters and should have a field day in this game.

(21-9, 7-9) Ole Miss [W3, #44] vs. (13-16, 4-12) Georgia [E6, #152]
Spread: Ole Miss by 4.5
Pick: Ole Miss - Although this should be an entertainingly close game, the Rebels’ offensive execution should win out.
—Keys: Ole Miss’ youth could prove fatal in a high-pressure situation against a pretty solid defense in Georgia. The production of the Rebels’ freshmen will be vital to their victory.

Pre-SEC Tournament Breakdown

Here’s a recap of where each team stands a little over two weeks away from the SEC Tournament. This includes likely seeds in the conference tournament and postseason play, remaining games, etc.

Alabama (14-13, 3-9)

The Tide have played good teams close this season: 4-point loss at Arkansas, 10-point loss to #5 Georgetown, 7-point loss to #1 Tennessee, 7-point loss at Mississippi State. However, the lack of talented depth - particularly interior - has limited the numbers under the win collumn. The team’s defense is miserable, the worst in the SEC in fact, and the offense holds its own. Richard Hendrix is obviously the MVP here, as he is possibly the best overall player in the SEC and by far one of the most overlooked college players in the nation. Gee is a distant second, as he’ll need to work on his decision-making to be a serious threat in his senior season next year. Hendrix is certainly a threat to go pro - but without the press coverage of a good season, he should come back and set up Alabama with a potential to win the conference outright next season, as some talented recruits filter into the program, Steele becomes available for his senior season more healthy than he’s been in a while, and the squad loses nearly noone.

Remaining Games (Prediction)

vs. Arkansas (L)
@ Ole Miss (L)
@ LSU (W)
vs. #18 Vanderbilt (L)

Final Regular-Season Record

15-16, 4-12

SEC Tournament

West #5 seed
Round One: vs. Florida (W4)
Round Two: vs. Mississippi State (W1)
Semifinal: vs. Georgia (E6), Ole Miss (W3), or Kentucky (E2)
Final: vs. South Carolina (E5), Auburn (W4), LSU (W6), Vanderbilt (E3), Tennessee (E1), or Arkansas (W2)

Postseason

None

Arkansas (18-8, 7-5)

The Razorbacks have played well, but look to fall just short of their predicted finish of first in the Western division, mainly due to missed opportunites for wins at Georgia (L, 69-82) and versus South Carolina (L, 66-70). The team excels in rebounding and defense, its game-plan very similar to Mississippi State. Ironically, both Weems and Beverly lead the team in scoring threats, although Beverly’s shooting has dropped off significantly from last year and his rebounding has drastically improved, despite the squad’s reliance on its big-men. None of the Arkansas players will likely make any NBA draft, although the team loses Ervin, Hill, Hunter, Thomas, Townes, and Weems next year as 2008-2009 looks to be a gigantic rebuilding year for the ‘Backs.

Remaining Schedule (Prediction)

@ Alabama (W)
vs. #18 Vanderbilt (L)
@ Ole Miss (W)
vs. Auburn (W)

Final Regular-Season Record

21-9, 10-6

SEC Tournament

West #2 seed
Round One: Bye
Round Two: vs. LSU (W6) or Vanderbilt (E3)
Semifinals: vs. South Carolina (E5), Auburn (W4), or Tennessee (E1)
Finals: vs. Alabama (W5), Florida (E4), Georgia (E6), Ole Miss (W3), Mississippi State (W1), or Kentucky (E2)

Postseason

NCAA Tournament: 8 seed

Auburn (14-11, 4-

The Tigers have lots of potential to score, but only from their shooters - not their offensive plays. The team excels at racing and cutting to the basket, but are very vertically challenged with only one player on the roaster taller than their coach, Jeff Lebo. Free-throw shooting and field-goal percentage are the squad’s specialties, but nearly nothing else is - and rebounding is certainly the team’s biggest weakness. Depth has also been an enormous issue, as rarely do more than six Tigers score in a given game. Prowell leads the team in scoring, although Barber is arguably the team’s most important player with 13.8ppg, 6.9rpg and shooting 72.0% from the field. Quantez Robertson is one of the most under-appreciated point guards in the conference, as he sports 4.3 assists to 1.8 turnovers per game. None of the players have a shot at going pro, and the team loses Archie, Prowell, and Tolbert for next season…a significant scoring loss for a team that can’t afford to lose much depth.

Remaining Games (Prediction)

@ Mississippi State (L)
vs. South Carolina (W)
vs. Georgia (L)
@ Arkansas (L)

Final Regular-Season Record

15-14, 5-11

SEC Tournament

West #4 seed
Round One: vs. South Carolina (E5)
Round Two: vs. Tennessee (E1)
Semifinals: vs. LSU (W6), Vanderbilt (E3), or Arkansas (W2)
Finals: vs. Alabama (W5), Florida (E4), Georgia (E6), Ole Miss (W3), Mississippi State (W1), or Kentucky (E2)

Postseason

None

Florida (20-7, 7-5)

The very, very young Gators started off hot and looked to compete for the conference title, standing at 18-3 and 5-1 at one point. Since then, the freshmen have - like Ole Miss’ - hit the “brick wall”, as the squad has gone 2-4. The team is immensely talented (the nation’s top recruiting class for last year) but still very young and look to improve vastly next season. Defense has been shoddy at best, but the offense has been dynamic and nearly unstoppable. Calathes has been the catalyst for the team all season, as he leads the team with 15.3ppg, and also ranks among the top of the conference with 6.1 assists per game. Speights has proven to be a formidable inside prescense, putting up 7.8rpg and shooting 61.6% from the field. Losing noone for next year, this team looks to challenge for the overall SEC title next season and could very well end up as a Final Four threat before its all said and done.

Remaining Games (Prediction)

@ Georgia (W)
vs. Mississippi St. (W)
vs. #1 Tennessee (L)
@ Kentucky (L)

Final Regular-Season Record

22-9, 9-7

SEC Tournament

East #4 seed
Round One: vs. Alabama (W5)
Round Two: vs. Mississippi State (W1)
Semifinal: vs. Georgia (E6), Ole Miss (W3), or Kentucky (E2)
Final: vs. South Carolina (E5), Auburn (W4), LSU (W6), Vanderbilt (E3), Tennessee (E1), or Arkansas (W2)

Postseason

NCAA Tournament: 9 seed

Georgia (12-13, 3-9)

The Bulldogs, much like Alabama, have competed in nearly every game and played good fundamentals, but simply haven’t pulled through in the clutch. Close games include: 8-point loss at Gonzaga, a win over Arkansas, 5-point loss to Kentucky, 8-point loss to #18 Vanderbilt, 3-point loss to #1 Tennessee, and a 6-point loss at Kentucky. The team rebounds and defends well, but can’t get anything going offensively. Sundiata Gaines has proven to be a dominating player, shooting incredibly well and even averaging 6.6rpg. Gaines has a great potential to make the conference’s first-team, and certainly the second-team. With that said, when your playmaking guard is leading your team in rebounding, someone’s missing some assignments. Gaines will probably test the NBA waters but certainly won’t make the cut, and the team loses Gaines and Bliss headed into next season. Losing Gaines will likely mean yet another season at the bottom of the SEC East.

Remaining Games (Prediction)

vs. Florida (L)
@ LSU (L)
@ Auburn (W)
vs. Ole Miss (L)

Final Regular-Season Record

13-16, 4-12

SEC Tournament

East #6 seed
Round One: vs. Ole Miss (W3)
Round Two: vs. Kentucky (E2)
Semifinals: vs. Alabama (W5), Florida (E4), or Mississippi State (W1)
Finals: vs. South Carolina (E5), Auburn (W4), LSU (W6), Vanderbilt (E3), Tennessee (E1), or Arkansas (W2)

Postseason

None

Kentucky (15-10, 9-3)

The two most interesting storylines heading into the postseason will be Kentucky and Ole Miss - direct opposites of each other. As the Rebels have a decent overall wins record and RPI, their SEC record is miserable. Conversely, the Wildcats have won just 15 games and have home losses to both Gardner-Webb (L, 68-84) and San Diego (L, 72-81) but have amassed an impressive 9-3 conference record with wins over #18 Vanderbilt, #1 Tennessee, and Arkansas. The team has taken advantage of a solid defensive prescense, decent rebounding, and the conference’s best free-throw shooting to edge into second place in the conference and within a game and a half of Tennessee for the lead. The interesting issue for Kentucky is that the NCAA selection committee will likely either have to leave out a 10+ win SEC team for the first time ever or hand out an at-large to a 18 or 19-win team. Crawford, Patterson, and Bradley each contribute more than 15 points for a Wildcat team that has struggled with talented depth. Patterson will battle Calathes and Ogilvy for SEC Freshman of the Year, averaging 16.5 points and 7.8 rebounds per game. Bradley leads the league in free-throw shooting with an 85.6% mark from the charity stripe. The only likely NBA-bound player will be Patterson, although he would be advised not to leave this season. The Wildcats will take a major blow in the points column by losing both Bradley and Crawford next season.

Remaining Games (Prediction)

vs. Ole Miss (W)
@ #1 Tennessee (L)
@ South Carolina (W)
vs. Florida (W)

Final Regular-Season Record

18-11, 12-4

SEC Tournament

East #2 seed
Round One: Bye
Round Two: vs. Georgia (E6) or Ole Miss (W3)
Semifinals: vs. Alabama (W5), Florida (E4), or Mississippi State (W1)
Finals: vs. South Carolina (E5), Auburn (W4), LSU (W6), Vanderbilt (E3), Tennessee (E1), or Arkansas (W2)

Postseason

NCAA Tournament: 10 seed

LSU (10-16, 3-9)

Surprisingly competitve following coach Brady’s firing, the Tigers have since upset Florida, handed a 20-point demolition to Ole Miss, played #1 Tennessee to 2 points, and played Kentucky to 4. However, the big picture is an ugly one for the Tigers, as they trail the entire conference in an enormous amount of statistical categories. Rebounding isn’t good, defense is mediocre, and offense is horrendous. About the only plus for LSU is ranking [a distant] second in the league in blocks per game. Marcus Thornton is the playmaker for the Tigers, as he averages 18.3 points and 5.5 rebounds per game. Anthony Randolph is a quality big-man down low, although he hasn’t fared particularly well against the SEC’s other great big-men, with 8.7 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game. Both players would be legitimate NBA material if on another team, but the obscene lack of depth and the absence of a point-guard for LSU will limit that until the team steps back onto the national scene. As a positive, the team loses noone of importance heading into next season, and should have every opportunity to improve upon this year’s dismal record.

Remaining Games (Prediction)

@ South Carolina (L)
vs. Georgia (W)
vs. Alabama (L)
@ Mississippi State (L)

Final Regular-Season Record

11-19, 4-12

SEC Tournament

West #6 seed
Round One: vs. Vanderbilt (E3)
Round Two: vs. Arkansas (W2)
Semifinals: vs. South Carolina (E5), Auburn (W4), or Tennessee (E1)
Finals: vs. Alabama (W5), Florida (E4), Georgia (E6), Ole Miss (W3), Mississippi State (W1), or Kentucky (E2)

Postseason

None

Mississippi State (18-8, 9-3)

With a two-game lead in the West with four games remaining, the Bulldogs have a strangle-hold on the division. Also just a game and a half back overall, the overall title is still a distant hope. None of this would have been predicted earlier in the season when MSU stood at 5-5 on the season with losses to both Miamis and Southern Illinois among others. No terrible losses, but games a Western-Division champion should win. State has improved drastically since that point, with the only noticeable losses being a 20-point blowout at Arkansas and a loss at rival Ole Miss. The team has peeled off this impressive stretch by ranking 2nd in the nation in both field-goal percentage defense and blocking, while sophomore defensive expert Jarvis Varnado leads the entire nation in blocks per game. Varnado has totalled more blocks personally than at least 7 SEC teams as a whole, and has long since surpassed MSU’s all-time single-season block record. Rebounding is also a specialty for the Bulldogs, although ball-handling and free-throw shooting could prove to be fatal shortcomings in the NCAA Tournament. State’s Gordon will challenge Vandy’s Shan Foster for SEC Player of the Year, as the all-america candidate is leading the team with 17.5ppg, 6.3rpg (as a point guard) and 4.7 assists per game - although 4.0 turnovers per game is far from desirable. Rhodes has stepped up his play lately to put himself into the argument for All-SEC First Team. Rhodes will likely throw his name into the draft as a senior, and if Gordon will follow Rhodes into the NBA will perhaps become the SEC’s biggest question this off-season. If not, Gordon could lead the Bulldogs back to the top of the West and to the NCAA’s.

Remaining Games (Prediction)

vs. Auburn (W)
@ Florida (L)
@ #18 Vanderbilt (L)
vs. LSU (W)

Final Regular-Season Record

20-8, 11-5

SEC Tournament

West #1 seed
Round One: Bye
Round Two: vs. Alabama (W5) or Florida (E4)
Semifinals: vs. Georgia (E6), Ole Miss (W3), or Kentucky (E2)
Final: vs. South Carolina (E5), Auburn (W4), LSU (W6), Vanderbilt (E3), Tennessee (E1), or Arkansas (W2)

Postseason

NCAA Tournament: 6 seed

Ole Miss (18-8, 4-

The Rebels have officially become “this year’s Clemson” after throwing the SEC on its heels by starting 13-0 but since have posted a 4-8 record, including being swept by Auburn and posting a 20-point loss at the SEC’s worst team, LSU. After appearing to be a certain NCAA lock, the team is now teetering on the wrong side of the bubble as the best possible outcome will be a sub-.500 SEC record. The team’s offensive efficiency has been outstanding for most of the season until recently, with freshman Chris Warren leading the charge. Defensively, the Rebels are non-existent although rebounding (behind Curtis) has become a trademark. Warren leads the Rebs both in scoring but in leadership - which has proved a major problem, as he is only a freshman. Curtis follows Hendrix as the conference’s best big-man, nearly averaging a double-double at 14.2 points and 9.2 rebounds per game. The team is very young and has tons of potential, but will lose most of its frontcourt with the exodus of Curtis (to graduation and then the NBA) and Williams, the teams’ often-overlooked but very talented forward (to graduation). Next year, the Rebels look to be equally as talented offensively but rebounding will suffer badly and defense should continue to struggle.

Remaining Games (Prediction)

@ Kentucky (L)
vs. Alabama (W)
vs. Arkansas (L)
@ Georgia (W)

Final Regular-Season Record

20-8, 6-8

SEC Tournament

West #3 seed
Round One: vs. Georgia (E6)
Round Two: vs. Kentucky (E2)
Semifinals: vs. Alabama (W5), Florida (E4), or Mississippi State (W1)
Finals: vs. South Carolina (E5), Auburn (W4), LSU (W6), Vanderbilt (E3), Tennessee (E1), or Arkansas (W2)

Postseason

NIT: 1 seed

South Carolina (12-14, 4-

The Gamecocks are a stereotypical USC team - one talented point guard, and very little surrounding him. Downey can’t win every game on his own, and thus the squad has struggled. Amidst Odom’s announcement of his retirement at the end of the season, South Carolina has seemed just fall just short in nearly every game. South Carolina is actually one of the SEC’s best - if not the best - three-point shooting teams from a percentage aspect, but their reliance on the longball can get them into some trouble if they’re not falling. Downey is one of the conference’s top scorers, averaging 19.7 points per game, though he’s also putting up over 17 attempts per game. Downey is responsible, however, for 5.1 assists per outing. As a sophomore, Downey will likely leave his name out of the NBA waters, but he has the talent to get there at some point in his career. Losing literally noone from this year’s team, the Gamecocks are poised to be a competitive bunch next season, depending on the coaching change.v

Remaining Games (Prediction)

vs. LSU (W)
@ Auburn (L)
vs. Kentucky (L)
@ #1 Tennessee (L)

Final Regular-Season Record

13-17, 5-11

SEC Tournament

East #5 seed
Round One: vs. Auburn (W4)
Round Two: vs. Tennessee (E1)
Semifinals: vs. LSU (W6), Vanderbilt (E3), or Arkansas (W2)
Finals: vs. Alabama (W5), Florida (E4), Georgia (E6), Ole Miss (W3), Mississippi State (W1), or Kentucky (E2)

Postseason

None

Tennessee (25-3, 11-2)

After a thrilling upset of the nation’s top-ranked team in Memphis, the Vols were ushered into the top spot with welcome arms the following Monday. However, the excitement of the program’s first #1 ranking ever was soon lost on Tuesday night, as the Vols dropped a 3-point road decision to 18th-ranked Vanderbilt. Tennessee is still a menacing team sure to stretch their season long into the NCAA Tournament and continue to vie for a top seed barring no more losses until the conference tournament’s final game. Rebounding has been a pleasant surprise for head coach Bruce Pearl, mainly due to his genious coaching skills and the team knowing their placements on shot-selection. The team makes more three-pointers than any other team in the conference, but barely shoots an above-average percentage from that range. Balanced scoring has highlighted the team’s dynamic, as pre-season All-American Chris Lofton’s percentages has suffered this year. He still leads the team in scoring, but isn’t shooting even 40% from the field and is hoisting up almost 2 more shots per game than any other teammate. JuJuan Smith has evolved into a Jamont-Gordon-like dynamic player who’s able to do almost anything with the basketball, and Tyler Smith has lived up to the pre-season hype as one of the nation’s best incoming transfers. The immense wealth of talent that Pearl has so quickly stock-piled is unrivaled in the conference, and any number of players could prove to have NBA skills, including Lofton, Tyler/JuJuan Smith, and others. Because of this, it’s very difficult to pick out who may actually jump, although I suspect both Lofton and JuJuan Smith will put their names in the hat due to their lack of remaining eligibility. Those two are the only players lost for Tennessee (although they are very important pieces to the puzzle), so Tennessee could once again be in the running for a divisional or conference title next season.

Remaining Games (Prediction)

vs. Kentucky (W)
@ Florida (W)
vs. South Carolina (W)

Final Regular-Season Record

28-3, 14-2

SEC Tournament

East #1 seed
Round One: Bye
Round Two: vs. South Carolina (E5) or Auburn (W4)
Semifinals: vs. LSU (W6), Vanderbilt (E3), or Arkansas (W2)
Finals: vs. Alabama (W5), Florida (E4), Georgia (E6), Ole Miss (W3), Mississippi State (W1), or Kentucky (E2)

Postseason

NCAA Tournament: 1 seed

Vanderbilt (24-4, 9-4)

The Commodores started off at a red-hot clip, winning 16-straight games before losing 4 of their next 5. Appearing to be mimmicking Ole Miss’ epic implosion, the Commodores bounced back to a very good SEC record and have long since sealed their NCAA fates. The team (seemingly among many others in the Eastern Division) relies heavily on three-point shooting while rebounding isn’t a specialty, and has been anchored by SEC Player of the Year candidate Shan Foster and outstanding SEC Fresham of the Year candidate A.J. Ogilvy. Foster is near the top of the conference in scoring, averaging 19.8 points per contest on an absolutely excellent 51.6% shooting despite putting up over 13 attempts per game. Foster also is shooting over 45% from behind the arc and 5 rebounds per game. Ogilvy has proved formidable on the offensive end and less so on the defensive end, averaging 16.6ppg and 6.8rpg. Both players have NBA potential, although Foster is an almost definite as this is his last year. Ogilvy is a big question-mark, as he’s been on scouts’ radars even since his high-school days in Australia. If the team loses both, next year could be a semi-rebuilding year, although the NCAA’s would still be well within reach.

Remaining Games (Prediction)

at Arkansas (W)
vs. Mississippi State (W)
@ Alabama (W)

Final Regular-Season Record

27-4, 12-4

SEC Tournament

East #3 seed
Round One: vs. LSU (W6)
Round Two: vs. Arkansas (W2)
Semifinals: vs. South Carolina (E5), Auburn (W4), or Tennessee (E1)
Finals: vs. Alabama (W5), Florida (E4), Georgia (E6), Ole Miss (W3), Mississippi State (W1), or Kentucky (E2)

Postseason

NCAA Tournament: 3 seed

Pomeroy Ratings Week Fourteen prediction…

East

1. [#14] Tennessee (27-4, 14-2)
2. [#34] Florida (23-8, 10-6)
2. [#48] Kentucky (16-13, 10-6)
4. [#70] Vanderbilt (23-8, 8-
5. [#67] South Carolina (15-15, 7-9)
6. [#97] Georgia (14-15, 5-11)

West

1. [#30] Mississippi State (21-9, 12-4)
2. [#31] Arkansas (22-8, 11-5)
3. [#40] Ole Miss (22-8, 8-
4. [#82] Alabama (16-15, 5-11)
5. [#141] Auburn (13-16, 3-13)
5. [#130] LSU (10-20, 3-13)

SEC Overall Title: Tennessee

SEC Eastern Division Title: Tennessee

SEC Western Division Title: Mississippi State

Monday odds…

Overall: 12-1 (92%)
Vs. Spread: 5-4 (56%)

LSU vs. Southeastern Louisiana
Spread: Off the table.

South Carolina vs. The Citadel
Spread: South Carolina by 22
Pick: South Carolina - The Citadel is among the worst D-1A programs in the nation, and South Carolina has enough firepower to overcome a 22-point handicap.

Week Two predictions…

Overall: 12-1 (92%)
Vs. Spread: 5-4 (56%)

Alabama

Tuesday, Nov. 13: Alabama (71) @ Mercer (75)

I’m taking the upset here, with a now-scary-looking Mercer team at home. I’d have taken the Tide if they were at home, but Mercer’s James Florence (who scored 30 on USC) is too dynamic for any of the Bama guards to stop him. Hendrix will have a big game, but I’m suspecting it won’t be enough to stop Mercer at home.

Arkansas

Thursday, Nov. 15: Arkansas (75) vs. College of Charleston (50)

Although CoC has some hot freshman - Andrew Goudelock scored 27 points in his debut - they have very little experience and won’t compete heavily on the road with Arkansas’ shut-down defense.

Auburn

Tuesday, Nov. 13: Auburn (73) vs. Kennesaw State (56)

Auburn will get things a little better organaized and look decent in this game. Look for Quantez Robertson to approach a points/assists double-double.

Friday, Nov. 16: Auburn (65) @ Alabama State (54)

This game could get ugly. Auburn should win with relative ease, but the shooting won’t be great.

Florida

Wednesday, Nov. 14: Florida (87) vs. North Carolina Central (59)

UNC-Central will get handled from the beginning and the Gators’ shooting will continue to be red-hot.

Saturday, Nov. 17: Florida (7 vs. Rutgers (56)

Rutgers won’t look as out-matched, but will lose with ease.

Georgia

Wednesday, Nov. 14: Georgia (81) vs. Grambling State (65)

The Tigers return four starters and are an offensive-oriented team capable of competing for the SWAC crown this season. Look for GSU to compete early but fall too far back in the last half to overcome.

LSU

Monday, Nov. 12: LSU (75) vs. Southeastern Louisiana (54)

LSU will turn the ball over 20+ times, but still win easily with SELA returning very little experience.

Wednesday, Nov. 14: LSU (77) vs. McNeese State (61)

The Cowboys will actually make this a competitive game for the majority of the contest but will eventually get out-hustled by the Tigers.

Mississippi State

Thursday, Nov. 15: Miss. State (6 vs. Clemson (60)

Both the Tigers and Bulldogs rely heavily on their defense. Clemson returns an impressive amount of experience, but their consistently-poor free-throw shooting will fail them late as State pulls away.

Saturday, Nov. 17: Miss. State (80) vs. Tennessee-Martin (57)

UT-Martin will be feeding their only returning starter Gerald Robnson every given opportunity, which could mean double-figure blocking for State’s human fly-swatter Jarvis Varnado.

Ole Miss

Tuesday, Nov. 13: Ole Miss (83) vs. South Alabama (74)

Although I’ll go on record as saying Ronnie Arrow is one of the most underrated coaches in the nation, Kennedy isn’t bad himself. This overlooked battle of coaching ability should end the Rebels’ way, although I don’t see USA getting blown out.

Friday, Nov. 16: Ole Miss (87) vs. Lamar (65)

Although the rebuilding process is coming along for the Cardinals, Kennedy’s SEC talent will out-match Lamar.

South Carolina

Monday, Nov. 12: South Carolina (85) vs. The Citadel (49)

The Citadel returns two starters from a 7-win team. This one won’t be close.

Saturday, Nov. 17: South Carolina (77) vs. USC (83)

This will be one of the most exciting games to watch all week. Mayo won’t have a problem playing away from home, but the Gamecocks won’t have an answer for him defensively and it will cost them the game late.

Tennessee

Wednesday, Nov. 14: Tennessee (106) vs. Arkansas-Monticello (46)

Ouch. Lofton will regain his stroke.

Friday, Nov. 16: Tennessee (110) vs. Prairie View A&M (57)

And why is Tennessee in this tournament again?

Vanderbilt

Tuesday, Nov. 13: Vanderbilt (74) @ Toledo (62)

Toledo was competitive last year, winning 22 games, but doesn’t return enough talent or experience to defeat the Commodores. With that said, the game shouldn’t get too out of hand.

Here we go…

After months and months of anticipation and anxiety, the season is finally approaching. SEC games begin next week, so here’s how the predictions will play out.

Every week, score predictions for every SEC team and their games for that week will be released together.

In addition, my pick for or against the spread will come the day before the actual game - namely because the odds aren’t released until that point.

I will be keeping a running total of my percentages both win/loss but also versus the spread. These numbers will appear at the beginning of every prediction post.

With that said, we begin Week One!

Alabama

Friday, Nov. 09: Alabama (85) vs. Troy (49)

Troy loses four doube-figure scorers this season and will be absoutely outmatched from tipoff by the Tide’s defense.

Arkansas

Friday, Nov. 09: Arkansas (75) vs. Wofford (62)

Wofford is a height-disadvantaged team but brings back experience and talent - including All- Southern Conference Freshman Junior Salters. The Razorbacks will pull away after a closely-fought 30 minutes or so.

Auburn

Friday, Nov. 09: Auburn (75) @ Tulane (77)

Tulane is an experienced, talented squad and will own home-court advantage. I am on the fence with this one, but Lebo’s Tigers should fall short after losing Prowell to suspension and Dollard to redshirt.

Florida

Friday, Nov. 09: Florida (80) vs. North Dakota State (50)

North Dakota State will be heavily outmatched. Not much to say here.

Sunday, Nov. 11: Florida (74) vs. Tennessee Tech (61)

Tennessee Tech returns first-team all-OVC forward Amadi McKenzie but loses three starters. The Gators will struggle with Tech early, but pull away in the second half.

Georgia

Friday, Nov. 09: Georgia (74) vs. Jacksonville State (5

Jacksonville State returns three starters from a nine-win team. As long as the shots are falling for the Bulldogs, this game shouldn’t prove challenging.

Kentucky

Tuesday, Nov 06: Kentucky (89) vs. Central Arkansas (49)

Another case of absolute domination in the first-round game of the 2K Sports College Hoops Classic.

Wednesday, Nov. 07: TBA

Prediction will be made after result of first-round game.

LSU

No Game

Mississippi State

Saturday, Nov. 10: Mississippi State (95) vs. Louisiana Tech (49)

Tech returns one starter, Drew Washington (4.8ppg, 2.2rpg) from a 10-win team. Enough said.

Ole Miss

Saturday, Nov. 10: Ole Miss (69) vs. Mississippi Valley State (53)

Despite losing nearly every starter, the Rebels should only struggle with MVSU the first ten minutes or so. Kennedy will be looking to contain first-team all-SWAC Stanford Speech, who does it all for the Delta Devils.

South Carolina

Friday, Nov. 09: South Carolina (70) vs. South Carolina State (52)

Under their fourth new head-coach in three seasons, the SCSU Bulldogs have a limited amount of talent in their guards but very little inside presence.

Tennessee

Friday, Nov. 09: Tennessee (103) vs. Temple (79)

Temple has tons of shooters, and is led inside by senior forward Mark Tyndale who avergaed nearly 20 points per game. This should be a high-tempo game with lots of shooting from both sides.

Vanderbilt

Saturday, Nov. 10: Vanderbilt (73) vs. Austin Peay (70)

Upset alert on this one. AP returns all five starters from a 21-win, OVC championship squad. Ogilvy will have to prove his worth immediately inside to take advantage of Peay’s reliance on their guards. This should be a spectacularly entertaining game to watch.

So there you have it…picks versus the spreads to come!

Schedule Breakdown: Vanderbilt

Predicted wins and losses, with wins in bold and losses italicized.

vs. Austin Peay
@ Toledo
vs. Valparaiso
vs. Utah State - South Padre Island Shootout
vs. Iowa or Bradley - South Padre Island Shootout
vs. South Alabama
vs. Georgia Tech
vs. Wake Forest
vs. Lipscomb
@ DePaul
vs. Tennessee State
vs. Tennessee-Martin
vs. Iona
vs. Rice
vs. Massachusetts
————————-
vs. South Carolina
@ Kentucky
@ Tennessee
vs. LSU
@ Florida
@ Ole Miss
vs. Auburn
@ Georgia
@ South Carolina
vs. Kentucky
vs. Florida
vs. Georgia
vs. Tennessee
@ Arkansas
vs. Mississippi State
@ Alabama

This would put the Commodores at (19-12) and (7-9) on the year, good enough for a high NIT bid, around a 1 or 2. With a win in the SEC tournament, Vandy could squeak into the NCAA’s.

So, there ya have it - preseason predictions for every SEC team and every game. Once the season blesses us with its coming, I will be making weekly predictions on every game (along with scores and spread coverage) and tallying my results.

There’s much more to come, so stay tuned!

Schedule Breakdown: Tennessee

Predicted wins and losses, with wins in bold and losses italicized.

vs. Temple
vs. TBA - Legends Classic (Knoxville, TN)
vs. TBA - Legends Classic (Knoxville, TN)
vs. Middle Tennessee State
vs. TBA - Legends Classic (Newark, NJ)
vs. TBA - Legends Classic (Newark, NJ)
vs. North Carolina A&T
vs. Louisiana-Lafayette
@ UT-Chattanooga
vs. Western Kentucky - Nashville, TN
vs. UNC-Asheville
@ Xavier
@ Gonzaga
———————–
vs. Ole Miss
@ South Carolina
vs. Vanderbilt
vs. Ohio State
@ Kentucky
vs. Georgia
@ Alabama
@ Mississippi State
vs. Florida
@ LSU
vs. Arkansas
@ Georgia
vs. Auburn
@ Memphis
@ Vanderbilt
vs. Kentucky
@ Florida
vs. South Carolina

This gives Tennessee a record of (26-5) and (13-3), with a share of the SEC title. This great record versus a high-RPI schedule should grant Tennessee a top seed going into the tournament.

Schedule Breakdown: South Carolina

Predicted wins and losses, with wins in bold and losses italicized.

vs. South Carolina State
vs. The Citadel
vs. Southern California
vs. Penn State - Old Spice Classic (Orlando, FL)
vs. TBA - Old Spice Classic (Orlando, FL)
vs. TBA - Old Spice Classic (Orlando, FL)
vs. Campbell
@ Clemson
vs. Providence - Philadelphia, PA
vs. Baylor
vs. College of Charleston
vs. UC-Irvine
vs. Radford
vs. UNC-Asheville
———————
@ Vanderbilt
vs. Tennessee
@ Arkansas
vs. Florida
@ Kentucky
vs. Georgia
@ Ole Miss
vs. Vanderbilt
@ Georgia
vs. Alabama
@ Florida
vs. Mississippi State
vs. LSU
@ Auburn
vs. Kentucky
@ Tennessee

South Carolina won’t be going much of anywhere this season with a (14-16) and (4-12) projected record, which would leave the Gamecocks well short of a postseason bid.

Schedule Breakdown: Ole Miss

Predicted wins and losses, with wins in bold and losses italicized.

vs. Mississippi Valley State
vs. South Alabama
vs. Lamar
vs. Louisiana-Monroe
vs. Troy
vs. New Mexico
@ UCF
vs. Winthrop - Jackson, MS.
vs. DePaul - San Juan Shootout (San Juan, Peurto Rico)
vs. LaSalle - San Juan Shootout (San Juan, Peurto Rico)
vs. Clemson - San Juan Shootout (San Juan, Peurto Rico)
@ Southern Miss
vs. Alabama A&M
———————
@ Tennessee
vs. LSU
vs. Florida
@ Auburn
@ Mississippi State
vs. Vanderbilt
vs. South Carolina
@ Arkansas
vs. Presbyterian College
@ Alabama
vs. Auburn
vs. Mississippi State
@ LSU
@ Kentucky
vs. Alabama
vs. Arkansas
@ Georgia

A rebuilding year should put Ole Miss around (13-17) and (3-13), along with no postseason bid.

Schedule Breakdown: Mississippi State

Predicted wins and losses, with wins in bold and losses italicized.

vs. Louisiana Tech
vs. Clemson
vs. Tennessee-Martin
vs. UC-Irvine - Anaheim Classic (Anaheim, CA)
vs. Southern Illinois/Chattanooga - Anaheim Classic (Anaheim, CA)
vs. TBA - Anaheim Classic (Anaheim, CA)
vs. Murray State
vs. Southeastern Louisiana
vs. Miami (FL)
@ South Alabama
@ Loyola Marymount
@ Texas A&M Corpus-Christi
vs. Missouri
vs. Lafayette College - Jackson, MS
————————————
@ LSU
vs. Georgia
vs. Kentucky
@ Alabama
vs. Ole Miss
@ Arkansas
vs. Tennessee
vs. Alabama
@ Auburn
vs. Arkansas
@ Ole Miss
@ South Carolina
vs. Auburn
@ Florida
@ Vanderbilt
vs. LSU

After close research, I’ve come up with a (26-4) and (13-3) record for the Bulldogs. State’s schedule suits them extremely well this coming season, only travelling to USC, a rebuilding Florida, and a Byars-less Vanderbilt while owning home-court advantage to a Kentucky team MSU played to a four-point game in Lexington a year ago, SEC-favorite Tennessee, and an improved Georgia team.

The schedule suits up well for MSU, and the Bulldogs should be challenging Tennessee for the SEC title as well as a seed in the NCAA Tournament as high as a 1-3 seed.

Schedule Breakdown: LSU

Predicted wins and losses, with wins in bold and losses italicized.

vs. Southeastern Louisiana
vs. McNeese State
vs. Oklahoma State - Maui Invitational (Maui, HI)
vs. Marquette/Chaminade - Maui Invitational (Maui, HI)
vs. Nicholls State
vs. Southern
@ Villanova - Big East vs. SEC Challenge
vs. Northwestern State
@ Wichita State
vs. Oregon State
vs. Washington
@ Tulane
@ Texas A&M
—————————
vs. Mississippi State
@ Ole Miss
vs. Auburn
@ Vanderbilt
vs. Arkansas
@ Auburn
@ Alabama
vs. Tennessee
@ Florida
vs. Kentucky
@ Arkansas
vs. Ole Miss
@ South Carolina
vs. Georgia
vs. Alabama
@ Mississippi State

This scenario sees LSU going (11-1 and (3-13) on the season, with the bottom falling out in Baton Rouge and Brady likely being ushered out the door. Poor scheduling and an unfavorable SEC draw will cost the Tigers dearly this season. This would obviously leave LSU without a postseason bid.

Schedule Breakdown: Kentucky

Predicted wins and losses, with wins in bold and losses italicized.

TBA - 2K Sports College Hoops Classic (Lexington, KY)
TBA - 2K Sports College Hoops Classic (Lexington, KY)
TBA - 2K Sports College Hoops Classic (New York, NY)
TBA - 2K Sports College Hoops Classic (New York, NY)
vs. Liberty
vs. Texas Southern
vs. Stony Brook
vs. North Carolina
@ Indiana
vs. UAB
@ Houston
vs. Tennessee Tech
vs. San Diego
vs. Florida International
vs. Louisville
————————–
vs. Vanderbilt
@ Mississippi State
@ Florida
vs. Tennessee
vs. South Carolina
@ Georgia
@ Auburn
vs. Alabama
@ Vanderbilt
@ LSU
vs. Georgia
vs. Arkansas
vs. Ole Miss
@ Tennessee
@ South Carolina
vs. Florida

This record would put the Wildcats at (23- and (11-5) on the year, easily placing into their hands a NCAA Tournament at-large bid - around a 3 or 4 seed considering their very strong RPI.

Schedule Breakdown: Georgia

Predicted wins and losses, with wins in bold and losses italicized.

vs. Jacksonville State
vs. Grambling State
vs. Elon
@ Wisconsin
vs. Deleware State
vs. Augusta State
vs. Wake Forest
vs. East Tennessee State - Rainbow Classic (Honolulu, HI)
vs. Presbyterian College
@ Gonzaga
vs. Georgia Tech
—————————–
@ Mississippi State
vs. Alabama
vs. Arkansas
@ Tennessee
@ South Carolina
vs. Kentucky
vs. Vanderbilt
@ Florida
vs. South Carolina
vs. Tennessee
@ Kentucky
@ Vanderbilt
vs. Florida
@ LSU
@ Auburn
vs. Ole Miss

This count would set the Bulldogs at (16-11) and (7-9) in the SEC. Keep in mind there should be 1 or 2 more games in the Rainbow Classic, which could boost the Dawgs up near 17 or 18 wins. With a weak overall RPI, this should set Georgia up with an NIT bid, near a 3 or 4 seed.

Schedule Breakdown: Florida

Predicted wins and losses, with wins in bold and losses italicized.

vs. North Dakota State
vs. Tennessee Tech
vs. UNC-Central
vs. Rutgers
vs. North Florida
vs. Florida State
vs. Stetson
vs. Vermont - Tampa, FL
vs. Jacksonville
vs. Florida A&M
vs. Georgia Southern - Jacksonville, FL
@ Ohio State
vs. Temple - Sunrise, FL
vs. High Point
—————————-
@ Alabama
vs. Auburn
@ Ole Miss
vs. Kentucky
@ South Carolina
vs. Vanderbilt
@ Arkansas
@ Tennessee
vs. Georgia
vs. LSU
@ Vanderbilt
vs. South Carolina
@ Georgia
vs. Mississippi State
vs. Tennessee
@ Kentucky

This would put the Gators at (21-9) and (8- on the season. A very weak RPI would still grant Florida with a NCAA bid, around a 10 or 11 seed.

Schedule Breakdown: Auburn

Predicted wins and losses, with wins in bold and losses italicized.

@ Tulane
vs. Kennesaw State
@ Alabama State
@ Charleston Southern
vs. George Washington - BB&T Classic (Washington D.C.)
vs. West Virginia - Big East vs. SEC Invitational (Birmingham, AL)
vs. Southern - Coors Classic (Mobile, AL)
vs. Mercer
vs. Alabama A&M
vs. Towson
vs. Texas A&M Corpus Christi
vs. Xavier
——————————-
vs. Arkansas
@ Florida
@ LSU
vs. Ole Miss
vs. Presbyterian College
@ Alabama
vs. LSU
@ Vanderbilt
vs. Kentucky
vs. Mississippi State
@ Ole Miss
@ Tennessee
vs. Alabama
@ Mississippi State
vs. South Carolina
vs. Georgia
@ Arkansas

I have the Tigers at (19-10) and (8- for the season. This would put them just squarely on the bubble for the NCAA’s, possibly making the cut as a 10-11 seed.

Schedule Breakdown: Arkansas

Predicted wins and losses, with wins in bold and losses italicized.

vs. Wofford
vs. College of Charleston - Puerto Rico Tipoff (San Juan, Puerto Rico)
vs. Providence/Temple - Puerto Rico Tipoff (San Juan, Puerto Rico)
vs. TBA - Puerto Rico Tipoff (San Juan, Puerto Rico)
vs. Deleware State
vs. Missouri
vs. Oral Roberts
vs. Missouri State
vs. Texas-San Antonio
@ Oklahoma
vs. Northwestern State
@ Appalachian State
vs. Louisiana-Monroe
@ Baylor
—————————
@ Auburn
vs. Alabama
vs. South Carolina
@ Georgia
@ LSU
vs. Mississippi State
vs. Florida
vs. Ole Miss
@ Tennessee
@ Mississippi State
vs. LSU
@ Kentucky
@ Alabama
vs. Vanderbilt
@ Ole Miss
vs. Auburn

This scenario gives the Razorbacks an overall record of (25-5) and (12-4). This would easily provide Pelphrey’s squad with an at-large NCAA bid - around a 4 or 5 seed due to the below average strength of schedule out of conference.

Schedule Breakdown: Alabama

Here’s how it will work. The schedule will be listed again, this time a complete schedule with all the SEC games, with wins being bolded and losses being italicized. None of those sissy “toss-up” games…I’ll call it either a “W” or an “L”. At the end, you’ll see a total for regular-season wins and losses, as well as SEC wins and losses predicted.

With that said, I’ll work down the list of SEC schools alphabetically, meaning Alabama is first! Here goes.

vs. Troy
@ Mercer
vs. Belmont
vs. Southern Mississippi
@ Texas A&M
vs. Southeastern Louisiana
vs. Georgetown - Birmingham, AL
vs. Nicholls State
vs. Wofford
vs. Texas Pan American
vs. Missouri State - Las Vegas, NV
vs. Purdue or Iowa State - Las Vegas, NV
vs. George Washington
vs. Clemson
vs. Chicago State
——————————————–
vs. Florida
@ Arkansas
@ Georgia
vs. Mississippi State
vs. Auburn
vs. Tennessee
vs. LSU
@ Mississippi State
@ Kentucky
vs. Ole Miss
@ South Carolina
@ Auburn
vs. Arkansas
@ Ole Miss
@ LSU
vs. Vanderbilt

This would put the Crimson Tide at (19-12) and (7-9). That would put Alabama just outside the NCAA bubble, with a 1 or 2 seed in the NIT.

Next up: Arkansas.

Link now working…

http://collegehoopsnet.com/new/story/alabama_the_nations_most_overrated_team

That’s where you can find the bold - and accurate - prediction from last season.

2007-2008 Preseason SEC Power Poll

You heard the title right, it’s time for the first edition of the Official 2007-2008 Preseason SEC Power Poll. The poll could, and very possibly will, change due to inelligibilities, injuries, etc when the second version is released closer to the beginning of the season. Until then, here ya go.

Side note: Overall records are assuming 29 regular-season games played.

Clearly the best…

1. Tennessee - Obvious first choice here. Chris Lofton (solid pick for National Player of the year) should do nothing but improve, and Tyler Smith’s immediate elligibility will help round out this talented, deep squad. Pearl has proven he can do everything else, now is his best chance to make a run in the tournament. A weak(er) Eastern Division should help.

Overall Record: 25-4
SEC Record: 13-3
Postseason: NCAA 1 seed, Final Four

Take your pick, 2-5…

2. Kentucky - With very little inside presence, Patterson was just what the doctor ordered. Billy Gillespie has had amazing success at every school he’s led, and despite the Blue being a different crowd, I see no reason he won’t get off on the right foot in his first year. A lack of balance could be the Achille’s Heel for this squad.

Overall Record: 21-8
SEC Record: 11-5
Postseason: NCAA 4 seed, Elite Eight

3. Mississippi State - The loss of the Delk twins will hurt depth a small bit, but not talent. Both will easily be replaced by last season’s All-SEC freshman Hansbrough and Stewart. Jamont Gordon is one of the most talented players in the country, and this team could have a shot at a run in the tournament barring injuries, etc.

Overall Record: 22-7
SEC Record: 11-5
Postseason: NCAA 5 seed, Sweet Sixteen

4. Arkansas - An amazing amount of talent returning, but led by an unproven coach. Ervin is too inconsistent to lead the team every game, and Hill needs more offense to be a constant threat. Expect Beverly to be consensus First-Team All-SEC this season.

Overall Record: 21-8
SEC Record: 10-6
Postseason: NCAA 7 seed, 2nd Round

5. Alabama - Talented, balanced depth continues to challenge Gottfried. Despite a very talented starting five, last year’s bench will be asked to step up this year despite seeing little playing time last season. Don’t expect Steele’s injury to simply “go away” - knee injuries linger. Torrence must step up in a big way, and look for Hendrix to be one of the most dominant big-men in the conference.

Overall Record: 20-9
SEC Record: 9-7
Postseason: NCAA 8 seed, 1 and done

Potential darkhorses…

6. Auburn - Losing practically noone from a squad a game away from winning a share of the divisional championship, the Tigers seem to be poised for a potentially big year. While this year will be Lebo’s opportunity to prove his worth, Quantez Robertson’s amazingly underrated talent could be enough to get this squad to the NCAA’s.

Overall Record: 19-10
SEC Record: 8-8
Postseason: NCAA 11 seed, 1 and done

7. Florida - After losing its’ top 6 scorers and rebounders leave to graduation or the NBA, new (technically) head coach Donovan brings in the nation’s top recruiting class including a couple of 5-stars and three 4-stars. With that much talent on the roster, it’s hard to count out the Gators regardless of youth.

Overall Record: 19-10
SEC Record: 8-8
Postseason: NIT 2 seed, Semifinals/Final Four

8. Georgia - Tons of “potential”, but is this the year the Bulldogs finally realize it? 2007-2008 is certainly Felton’s put-up-or-shut-up year, with the most raw talent and balance he’s seen since taking over the program. Providing Mercer can stay healthy, the Bulldogs could surprise a team or two.

Overall Record: 18-11
SEC Record: 7-9
Postseason: NIT 4 seed, 2nd Round

9. Vanderbilt - Ogilvy is the blaring question. The Australian standout has been grabbing a lot of attention here in the States, where he is preparing to attend Vanderbilt University. My gut tells me the guy will prove overrated when facing SEC-caliber competition, but I’m also hungry. Could be it. Either way, Foster will have to become the go-to guy this year, or it could be a long one for the Commodores.

Overall Record: 18-11
SEC Record: 7-9
Postseason: NIT 5 seed, 1 and done

The rest…

10. LSU - The bottom of the SEC is particularly ugly this season. LSU is suffering from a complete lack of talent and will suffer hugely from the loss of Big Baby Davis. No point guard, no shooting - John Brady could be looking for a new job two years after a Final Four appearance.

Overall Record: 16-13
SEC Record: 6-10
Postseason: None

11. South Carolina - Finally a decent recruiting class for Odom, but it won’t be enough to lift the Gamecocks very high. With very little proven talent, the loss of Tre’ Kelley will sting that much more. Look for Odom to conveniently “retire” at the end of the season.

Overall Record: 15-14
SEC Record: 5-11
Postseason: None

12. Ole Miss - Effectively rebuilding a team from scratch, Kennedy returns from an impressive turnaround-year to a rebuilding year. Despite their lumps, the Rebels are headed in the right direction under the right coach.

Overall Record: 15-14
SEC Record: 5-11
Postseason: None

That’s my story, and I’m stickin’ to it.

Speaking of predictions…

Time to brag a little.

Last season about this time of year, I was contributing to CollegeHoopsNet.com. As the main SEC correspondent, I first predicted the SEC and came out with a second article (which is not viewable at the moment due to CHN’s site maintenence) focused solely on the most overrated team in the country - Alabama.

Despite arguing my case well, supported by a wealth of statistics from across the board, the article became one of the site’s hottest at the moment. Most, if not all, were highly critical and even personal.

Need I say more? After being predicted to reach the Final Four and receiving pre-season rankings as high as fifth, the Tide finished fifth in the West and was booted in the first round of the NIT.

 Argue Steele’s health, but your argument is weaker than the Tide’s season. Steele was coincidentally the most overrated player in the nation (and still competes for the spot, despite averaging less than 9ppg last season), and his health simply wouldn’t have accounted for five or more games.

Either way, it’s one of those calls that never gets made, and when it does - people pay attention. I continue to chug along the blog, with my ego that much bigger.

2007-2008 Preseason Top 25 + 10

Hold your breath…it’s another one. Yep, another preseason poll swearing it correctly picks and chooses the sleepers and the flops. With that said, try to not fall out of your chair - I’m a rare breed in that I’m not afraid to venture a radical prediction (as compared to the “other guys”).

 Without further ado…

1. Memphis
2. Tennessee
3. UCLA
4. Kansas
5. North Carolina
6. Michigan State
7. Georgetown
8. Louisville
9. Marquette
10. Duke
11. Pittsburgh
12. Oregon
13. Texas
14. N.C. State
15. Connecticut
16. Clemson
17. Mississippi State
18. Arkansas
19. Washington State
20. Stanford
21. Davidson
22. Alabama
23. Southern Illinois
24. Kentucky
25. Oklahoma State
—
26. Georgia Tech
27. Texas A&M
28. Notre Dame
29. Gonzaga
30. Ohio State
31. Arizona
32. Kansas State
33. Villanova
34. Indiana
35. USC

So there ya go, 1-35. I retain my right to shake things up a bit before the season actually arrives (it always seems so far away). Until next time.