Bracketology 2019: Tennessee, Seton Hall rise in projected field

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 09: Jordan Bowden #23 of the Tennessee Volunteers celebrates after defeating the Gonzaga Bulldogs in the game at Talking Stick Resort Arena on December 9, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Volunteers defeated the Bulldogs 76-73. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – NOVEMBER 16: Head coach Kermit Davis of the Mississippi Rebels is seen. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

East Region

(1) Duke vs. (16) Howard/Texas Southern

(8) Iowa State vs. (9) San Francisco

(4) Nebraska vs. (13) New Mexico State

(5) Marquette vs. (12) Wofford

(6) NC State vs. (11) Ole Miss/Fresno State

(3) Texas Tech vs. (14) South Dakota State

(7) Buffalo vs. (10) Florida

(2) Michigan State vs. (15) Vermont

This region features three teams that have really surprised early on to deserve at-large bids at the end of non-conference play. For starters, San Francisco deserves an at-large bid right now. There, I said it. The Dons have easily been one of the most impressive mid-majors in the country through non-conference play thanks to their dominant performances en route to a 12-1 record (only loss came to Buffalo). They rank fairly well in both the NET and predictive metrics and that will mean something later down the road. Additionally, the WCC as a whole has been impressive so far this season so there is a legitimate chance that the Dons hold onto an at-large bid.

Speaking of conferences who have impressed so far this year, the Mountain West receives three bids in this projected field. Perhaps the most surprising of these bids, though, goes to Fresno State, who has casually put together a strong resume without any national attention. The Bulldogs stand at 9-2 on the year and they are led by an elite senior duo of Braxton Huggins (18.7 points) and Deshon Taylor (18.0 points). When these two are on their game, this is a potent offense that can beat anyone.

Lastly, Ole Miss is a major conference team that is threatening for an at-large bid early on despite entering the year with extremely low expectations. This is just the first season for the program under head coach Kermit Davis and he is already making a major impact. Upperclassmen guards Breein Tyree (17.6 points) and Terence Davis (15.1 points) have taken the next level with their games to push the team to 9-2. The Rebels have made the NCAA Tournament just twice in the past 17 years. Could they dance this year? Maybe.

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