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Bracketology 2019: Arizona rises, Nevada drops in projected field

By Lukas Harkins

TUCSON, AZ - NOVEMBER 29: Brandon Williams #2 of the Arizona Wildcats during the second half of the college basketball game against the Georgia Southern Eagles at McKale Center on November 29, 2018 in Tucson, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
TUCSON, AZ - NOVEMBER 29: Brandon Williams #2 of the Arizona Wildcats during the second half of the college basketball game against the Georgia Southern Eagles at McKale Center on November 29, 2018 in Tucson, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GA – JANUARY 9: Hill #13 of the Virginia Tech Hokies celebrates. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – JANUARY 9: Hill #13 of the Virginia Tech Hokies celebrates. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) /

West Region

(1) Tennessee vs. (16) Abilene Christian

(8) Louisville vs. (9) St. John’s

(4) Indiana vs. (13) Vermont

(5) Florida State vs. (12) Texas/Fresno State

(6) Mississippi State vs. (11) Creighton

(3) Virginia Tech vs. (14) Georgia State

(7) Maryland vs. (10) Seton Hall

(2) Texas Tech vs. (15) Radford

When do we start talking about Virginia Tech as a serious national title contender? In my opinion, that time should be right now. Thanks to one of the most efficient and balanced offenses in the land to go with an opportunistic defense, the Hokies have risen up the national rankings to this point in the year thanks to their 14-1 record. Sure, their SOS is still quite weak but, at some point, winning takes precedence and this team gets it done.

Additionally, Texas Tech could be thought about in a similar way. Their strength of schedule, which is actually rated lower than VT’s, hurts their overall resume but the Red Raiders have simply dominated their opponents and it is showing up in the metrics used by the selection committee. Texas Tech’s defense has been historically great so far this season and the one-man offensive wrecking crew that is Jarrett Culver is getting it done.

This region, though, is headlined by Tennessee, who has not only played a stronger schedule but also boasts an awesome 13-1 record. The Volunteers have won nine consecutive games and have emerged as the clear favorite to win the SEC this season. This team is not only extremely talented but brings the experience needed to win close games in March.

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