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Bracketology 2020 Projected Field: Baylor, Kansas on the No. 1 seed line

By Lukas Harkins

LAWRENCE, KANSAS - JANUARY 11: Jared Butler #12 and Davion Mitchell #45 of the Baylor Bears smile as Baylor defeats the Kansas Jayhawks to win the game at Allen Fieldhouse on January 11, 2020 in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
LAWRENCE, KANSAS - JANUARY 11: Jared Butler #12 and Davion Mitchell #45 of the Baylor Bears smile as Baylor defeats the Kansas Jayhawks to win the game at Allen Fieldhouse on January 11, 2020 in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /
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SPOKANE, WASHINGTON – DECEMBER 21: Gonzaga huddles. (Photo by William Mancebo/Getty Images)
SPOKANE, WASHINGTON – DECEMBER 21: Gonzaga huddles. (Photo by William Mancebo/Getty Images) /

East Region (New York, NY)

(1) Gonzaga vs. (16) South Dakota State

(8) Ohio State vs. (9) Florida

(4) Maryland vs. (13) Vermont

(5) Colorado vs. (12) Liberty

(6) Creighton vs. (11) Minnesota/Rhode Island

(3) Louisville vs. (14) Belmont

(7) Marquette vs. (10) USC

(2) West Virginia vs. (15) Colgate

Gonzaga, in my opinion, is the best team in the country. The Bulldogs might not play the toughest schedule in the country but they are absolutely tearing through solid, albeit not elite, opponents right now. The most notable performance of late was Gonzaga’s 50-point evisceration of Santa Clara, a very solid mid-major squad. I had thought that the Bulldogs played quite well in non-conference play while deservedly being regarded as a Top 10 team in the nation. Now, though, it feels as though they are just hitting their stride and should continue to roll into the future. Their resume might not be the best in the country right now but it warrants a No. 1 seed.

Moving further down the region, I want to praise Maryland this week for finally winning a true road game. After losing their first four games of this variety, the Terps went on the road and took down Northwestern to cement itself as a Top 4 seed for this bracket. Northwestern is far from the toughest opponent in the country but Maryland needed a little bit of a confidence boost with regard to winning away from home. The Terps still have a very high ceiling even if they are not the most trustworthy team in the country.

Rounding out this region, Rhode Island makes its first appearance in a projected field so far this season. The Rams are currently in the midst of a five-game winning streak and have moved to 13-5 (5-1 A10) record on the season. A three-bid A10 is a reasonable possibility this season with the SEC/ACC/B12 suffering down seasons in terms of depth and Rhody (as well as Richmond and VCU) is looking to take advantage.

dark. Next. Week 12 National Power Rankings

Bubble Snapshot

Last Four Byes: Texas Tech, Oklahoma, NC State, Virginia Tech

Last Four In: Minnesota, Rhode Island, Memphis, Richmond

First Four Out: Alabama, DePaul, VCU, Georgetown

Next Four Out: Tennessee, Xavier, Purdue, Syracuse

Others considered (not comprehensive or in order):  Cincinnati, Washington, TCU, Virginia, Mississippi State, Arizona State, Texas, Saint Louis, UNC-Greensboro, Utah State, Pittsburgh, Clemson, and St. John’s.

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