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Bracketology: 10 key storylines for Championship Week in 2019

By Tristan Freeman

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - FEBRUARY 27: Mamadi Diakite #25 and the Virginia Cavaliers bench cheers in the second half during a game against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at John Paul Jones Arena on February 27, 2019 in Charlottesville, Virginia. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - FEBRUARY 27: Mamadi Diakite #25 and the Virginia Cavaliers bench cheers in the second half during a game against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at John Paul Jones Arena on February 27, 2019 in Charlottesville, Virginia. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images) /
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LUBBOCK, TX – JANUARY 28: Jarrett Culver #23 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders drives to the basket against RJ Nembhard #22 of the TCU Horned Frogs during the first half of the game on January 28, 2019 at United Supermarkets Arena in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images)
LUBBOCK, TX – JANUARY 28: Jarrett Culver #23 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders drives to the basket against RJ Nembhard #22 of the TCU Horned Frogs during the first half of the game on January 28, 2019 at United Supermarkets Arena in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images) /

2. Who sneaks up to grab a two seed?

Every season, there’s always a team on Selection Sunday that seemingly comes out of where and grabs a three or four seed in the NCAA Tournament. But based on the amount of attention they’ve received, there are a few programs who’ll shock some by getting a No. 2 seed.

While most of the attention in the Big Ten has been on Michigan and Michigan State, the Purdue Boilermakers have quietly excelled in conference play to tie for the regular season crown. There’s a real possibility that three Big Ten teams could be in the top eight overall seeds.

It’s a similar situation in the SEC as LSU defeated both Tennessee and Kentucky this season to win the regular season title outright. They don’t have a good enough resume to warrant a one seed but could sabotage both the Vols and Wildcats’ quest for a top seed themselves. Of course, the absence of head coach Will Wade and possibly a couple of key players could affect not only their seeding but how far they advance in the Big Dance.

After losing four out of six games in late January, Texas Tech has since won nine straight to share the Big 12 Regular season title. With a 26-5 overall record, the top team in the Big 12 should normally get one of the top two seeds.

But the biggest surprise may be what the Houston Cougars have done. They’re 28-2 on the season and the clear top team in the AAC. If they finish 31-2 heading into Selection Sunday, Houston should absolutely be a two seed. Whether or not they’re Final Four caliber will be determined.

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