Bracketology 2020: Georgia/Kentucky, Baylor/Florida among key matchups

TEMPE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 14: Anthony Edwards #5 of the Georgia Bulldogs handles the ball against the Arizona State Sun Devils during the first half of the NCAAB game at Desert Financial Arena on December 14, 2019 in Tempe, Arizona. The Sun Devils defeated the Bulldogs 79-59. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

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COLLEGE PARK, MARYLAND – JANUARY 07: The Ohio State Buckeyes huddle (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

8. BYU (14-6, 3-2) at San Francisco (14-6, 3-2) – Saturday, Jan 25

NET rankings: BYU (37), San Francisco (99)

There was very little chance that BYU was going to beat No. 1 Gonzaga on the road without their best player Yoeli Childs but it doesn’t have a negative impact on the team’s resume. But this week could potentially decide the Cougars’ at-large fate. They first take on a dangerous Pacific squad who’s having their best season since entering the WCC nearly a decade ago.

If they get past the Tigers, BYU faces a San Francisco team that swept the Cougars a year ago. The Dons aren’t as good this time around but still can pull off another upset. With Childs (finger) questionable to play this week, Coach Mark Pope’s team will have to keep finding a way to win games possibly without him. Hovering around the 10-seed line, BYU can’t afford a loss to either WCC team and remain comfortable with their tourney hopes.

7. Minnesota (10-8, 4-4) at Ohio State (12-6, 2-5) – Thursday, Jan 23

NET rankings: Minnesota (41), Ohio State (19)

Not many teams can be on the bubble with a 10-8 record but the Gophers are holding on, thanks to wins over Ohio State, Penn State and Michigan. They take on the Buckeyes in a rematch, with them having lost five of their last six games. But even with Ohio State struggling, Minnesota has to find a way to do something they haven’t done all season… win on the road.

The Gophers are currently 0-6 away from home, most recently losing by eight points to Rutgers. With upcoming matchups against Michigan State and at Illinois, Minnesota could find themselves under .500 if they’re not careful. And as for Ohio State, their metrics still have them firmly safe into the field. But considering that they were in the No. 1 rank discussion just a few weeks ago, the Buckeyes need to get back on the winning end of things before getting a seed in the NCAA Tournament they don’t want to get.

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