Bracketology: Bubble Watch (Building a resume and the bubble as it is)

After multiple early editions of Bracketology, here is a look at how to create an impressive resume and a look at the bubble for now.

Making the field of 68 is not an easy task for everyone, despite the ease in which teams like Duke, Kentucky, and Wisconsin make the tournament every single season. Receiving an invitation to the Big Dance comes back to having a solid resume and passing the eye test, albeit as broad as that might sound. No worries, we will get into depth on that throughout this article.

First off, and I know this sounds simple, a team needs to pass the eye test. There are a lot of games played by each team and aside from just the win/loss record, it is important to note how each team looks. In a win, were they in control of the game throughout? In a loss, were they supposed to win or did they play well or on par with a team that is considered better than them? Did they, like Purdue against Notre Dame a few weeks ago, make a big comeback and snatch a victory out of the depths of defeat?

On top of the eye test, teams have to build a resume, and that starts right at the beginning of the season with scheduling. Playing an easy schedule brings its benefits, such as a higher likelihood of a good non-conference record, but it also has its faults. Playing quality opponents allows for steeper competition and more experience for the players, although it is harder to garner victories.

There is no simple answer as to which approach to take. If a soft schedule is used, then the team better win those games. But if they play a strong schedule, there is more room for mistakes.

And on top of scheduling and the eye test, clearly the No. 1 thing a team can do for its resume is win. A team cannot make the Big Dance without wins, and even more importantly, big wins. Wins over the RPI top-25, top-50, etc. These kinds of wins are considered marquee or quality wins and can sometimes go a long way towards creating a strong resume, especially if those wins come on the road.

Categories for the Bubble Watch:

Lead-Pipe Lock: These are teams that are guarantees to make the tournament and there are no ways that they are left out. For the following Bubble Watch, it is too early in the season to list anyone as a “lead-pipe lock.” There are too many factors, such as injuries, suspensions, etc. that could potentially cause a team to fall from grace. Because of that, teams will only be found in the lower two categories for the time being.

Some Perspiration: These are teams that should make the tournament. They’re likely already in the Bracketology prior to this Bubble Watch and are usually in with room to spare.

Better double up on the deodorant: These teams are very much on the fence. They could be in the tournament at the time, but there is very little room between them being in and them being out. Most of these teams are out of the tournament and are looking for wins to play their way in.

Also, if there is a team not mentioned in this edition of the Bubble Watch that should be, don’t worry. There is plenty of time left for teams to work their way up onto the bubble and potentially into the tournament.

For any questions or comments on this Bubble Watch, tweet your thoughts at @BustingBrackets or @hardwiredsports (that’s me!).