Bracketology 2020 Projected Field: Maryland, Auburn quietly rising

East Region (New York, NY)

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

(8) Stanford vs. (9) Rhode Island

(4) Creighton vs. (13) Louisiana Tech

(5) Penn State vs. (12) Virginia/Memphis

(6) Kentucky vs. (11) Northern Iowa

(3) West Virginia vs. (14) Wright State

(7) Ohio State vs. (10) Florida

(2) Duke vs. (15) Murray State

Creighton has really picked up its play as of late while shooting to the No. 4 seed line. This might seem like a reactionary movement based on the Bluejays’ road win over Villanova but they have earned this placement. Creighton is quietly 6-5 in Q1 without a single loss in any other quadrant. The Bluejays are flashing exactly why they have the potential to be dangerous in March this season. Their defense is continuously improving while their offense is the most potent in the Big East.

On the flip side, I have cooled on Kentucky’s resume quite a bit. The Wildcats now rank in the Top 20 in only one metric and boast just six Q1+2 wins. While their quality of top-tier wins is obviously tremendous, that isn’t enough to make up for the lack of volume and the loss to Evansville to stay on the Top 4 lines. Kentucky is still a very good team that passes the eye test more often than not but its resume belongs no higher than a No. 5 seed at this moment.

Last Four Byes: USC, Saint Mary’s, Florida, Oklahoma

Last Four In: VCU, Mississippi State, Virginia, Memphis

First Four Out: Xavier, Georgetown, Minnesota, Alabama

Next Five Out: Arizona State, Richmond, Cincinnati, Utah State, Tulsa