Bracketology: Shifting on the top line in the projected field after crazy week

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VILLANOVA, PA – JANUARY 06: Cosby-Roundtree /

East Region

(1) Villanova vs. (16) Texas Southern/NC Central

(8) Missouri vs. (9) Texas

(4) Clemson vs. (13) Belmont

(5) Auburn vs. (12) Vermont

(6) Arizona vs. (11) St. Bonaventure

(3) North Carolina vs. (14) Towson

(7) Butler vs. (10) Syracuse

(2) Oklahoma vs. (15) UC Santa Barbara

The only No. 1 seed to escape last week without a loss, Villanova is the top overall seed in this bracket. The Wildcats played only one game this week and they were able to avoid an upset on their home floor against Marquette. Jay Wright’s team is currently sitting at 14-1 on the season but they have a massive test coming up this week. On Jan. 10, nationally-ranked Xavier comes to town as they look to move past Villanova in the conference standings.

The No. 2 seed in this bracket, Oklahoma, stayed comfortably at their spot despite falling to West Virginia on the road. Trae Young continues to be the man for the Sooners and they would have moved to the top line if they were able to knock off the Mountaineers. Big 12 is getting started and Young is about to experience the rigors of conference play.

North Carolina lost both of their games this week but still remains on the No. 3 line. Several of the teams behind them also suffered losses and that is the reason that the Tar Heels remained where they were. If they drop another, though, it will be time for Roy Williams’ team to drop down a seed or two.

Rounding out the top four seeds in this bracket is Clemson. Arguably my favorite story of the year so far considering their play last season, the Tigers have been excellent in the early going. Not only does Clemson possess a sparkling 14-1 record but they hold wins over Ohio State, Louisville, Florida, and South Carolina.

Looking at the rest of the bracket, Auburn has been another pleasant surprise. Out of the SEC, the Tigers are 14-1 and hold an RPI in the top-15. Their wins over Tennessee and Arkansas are the clear-cut resume-builders already in SEC play.

Of teams who took minor stumbles this week, both Arizona and Butler are still in good shape. Arizona’s road loss to Colorado isn’t that bad considering the Buffaloes also took down Arizona State. For Butler, they missed on two huge opportunities this week but neither was a bad loss. They hung around with Xavier on the road early in the week and then lost a 10-point lead in the final 10 minutes against Seton Hall in their latest game.

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