Bracketology 2020 Projected Field: Maryland, Auburn quietly rising

AMES, IA - JANUARY 29: Freddie Gillespie #33 of the Baylor Bears dunks the ball in the second half of play against the Iowa State Cyclones at Hilton Coliseum on January 29, 2020 in Ames, Iowa. The Baylor Bears won 67-53 over the Iowa State Cyclones. (Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images) /

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AMES, IA – JANUARY 29: Mitchell of the Bears attempts. (Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images) /

South Region (Houston, TX)

(1) Baylor vs. (16) Monmouth/Prairie View A&M

(8) Houston vs. (9) Indiana

(4) Michigan State vs. (13) Vermont

(5) Auburn vs. (12) Liberty

(6) Colorado vs. (11) VCU

(3) Seton Hall vs. (14) Colgate

(7) Wisconsin vs. (10) BYU

(2) Louisville vs. (15) Little Rock

Auburn was easily one of the biggest risers in the field over the past few days given its win over Kentucky. This marked the Tigers’ best win of the season and definitely helps as they now have two victories in Quadrant 1. Their lack of volume in terms of high-quality wins still has them sitting a bit lower than they could potentially be seeded later in the year, in my opinion, but more opportunities are approaching. Auburn only has two losses all season and is 7-0 in Q2. This is a very good team that is in great shape for a quality seed come March.

VCU, on the other hand, remains in precarious position. The Rams had a big opportunity on the road against Rhode Island last week and a victory would have likely propelled them to a projected single-digit seed. They were unable to answer the call, though, and continue to hover around the cutline. VCU is yet to suffer a bad loss this season but is just 1-4 in Q1 (3-6 in Q1+2) and does not boast exceptional metrics (although they are quite solid). The Rams haven’t lived up to the preseason hype this season but they are still in a decent spot to land a bid – they just have to take advantage of another major opportunity or two.

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