Bracketology: Arizona and Kentucky bump Baylor and UCLA from top line

The revolving door atop the bracket continues as we have a new set of 1-seeds. In our February 4th bracket update, our 1-seeds were Auburn, Gonzaga, Baylor, and UCLA. This week, only two of those teams (Gonzaga and Auburn) remain on the top line. Baylor — currently a 3-seed in the updated projected field — was demolished at Kansas (a current 2-seed) last Saturday as UCLA (a current 3-seed) lost to an unranked Arizona State team in three overtimes last Saturday.

We are only 30 days away from Selection Sunday, and lots can change from now till then. So let’s take look at the updated projected field; shall we?

UPDATED: FEBRUARY 10TH — 11:00pET/10:00pCT

Through February 10th games 

Why isn’t Purdue on the top line yet?

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been asked this during the week. Yes, Purdue passes the “eye test”, is 7-2 vs. Quad 1 opponents, 4th in the NET rankings, and 5th in the KenPom rankings (per February 10th evening update) but Duke holds the slightest of edges on them. The Boilermakers took Illinois to the house Tuesday night, winning by a score of 84-68, but then was routed by Michigan Thursday night 82-58. Purdue can still grab a 1-seed before Duke – don’t get me wrong – but the next task for them is hoping for either a loss by Arizona (@ Washington) or Kentucky (vs. Florida) this Saturday.

Providence as a 2-seed?

Yes, you read that right. Providence is indeed a 2-seed despite the metrics not being on their side. In order for the Friars to stay this high in the bracket and not let either Baylor or Illinois take their spot, is to strengthen their resume as best as they can before Selection Sunday, which again is only 30 days away.

Can Memphis and Michigan somehow make the NCAA Tournament this season despite their resumes?

I’ll keep my answer short and sweet. It’ll take a lot of work but it’s doable.

Seed List – UPDATED: FEBRUARY 10TH — 11:00pET/10:00pCT

Through February 10th games