2 JAN Bracket Analysis

The goal is to take a week or so off before revisiting again... can't jump and jive at every result.

Kansas is the big mover here, who promptly crapped the bed at home against Texas Tech. So we know Chris Beard can coach, but seriously, look at the Big 12 right now:

Bill Self (1), Shaka Smart (9), Jamie Dixon (5), Huggy Bear (2), Bruce Weber (11), Scott Drew (11), Lon Kruger (3), Chris Beard (4), Steve Prohm (just out), and Mike Boyntin (just out, other considerations).

You gotta feel a little bit for Boyntin... got thrown into a tough situation with little resources or experience.  If the Cowboys stink up the joint for a couple years because the conference is 10 deep, he'll deserve another chance.  As of right now, all 10 teams are within reasonable position to grab a bid if they can get to 7 league wins (6 maybe even, though Iowa State put themselves in an early hole).

Spartans are my #1 overall by an eyelash over Villanova, though SoS will likely shift in favor of the Cats or Duke as the season progresses. 

Kentucky is back from the 7 line, and will likely finish with a 3-4 seed.  Holding 5 this week.  I wish I had held on to that Auburn stock from last year... I said they were a dark horse to win the SEC... then they sucked, then their coaches did nefarious things and I really thought this season was lost... ooops.

Major injuries had me reconsider Maryland and Notre Dame.  Both we on the fringes, and the Terps escaped bubble bath buddy PSU last night, which is big. Long term, however, is that these teams were already underachieving and will not pull it together by March.

My last 5? Boise and Baylor, Syracuse and Southern Cal, and KSU jumps in.  A road loss at the Carrier Dome tells me little about VT, so they remain in the 10-11 range for now. 

First 5 out? MD, ND, Utah, Missouri, Providence

Next 5 out? Ohio State, Penn State, San Diego State, Oregon, Boston College

Talk about a bad week: St. John's, Temple, Iowa State, UT Arlington

Will need help: Northwestern, Georgia, Marquette, BYU, New Mexico State

Sidelined for now: Louisville, Oklahoma State

Newcomers from One-bid leagues: Belmont (Jax St), Santa Barbara (Hawaii), Iona (Monmouth/Manhattan)