Bracketology 2021: Georgia Tech, Memphis among week’s biggest losers

Mountain West Conference

To get this out the way, San Diego State is exempt from this. Their big-time over a ranked UCLA team was the lone bright spot from what was an otherwise rough opening week for the conference.

Utah State had the best overall opportunity, playing in the Crossover Classic. Unfortunately, the Aggies lost to South Dakota State and VCU to end up in the 7th place game against Northern Iowa. They got the win to salvage something but 1-2 for a mid-major at-large contender isn’t great.

The Aggies still did better than UNLV, who opened the season with a dreadful 91-78 loss to Montana State. The talented Rebels now take on North Carolina in the Maui Invitational on Monday and will look to get at least one resume-builder in the event.

Add Boise State getting stomped by Houston this week, and you have a conference in trouble when it comes to being a multi-bid league. And while San Diego State certainly won’t run through the field like they did last season, there’s definitely a gap between them and the rest of the Mountain West.

It’s a long way to go and the Aztecs will continue carrying the flag for the league but someone will have to step up as the No. 2 and get some needed non-conference signature wins. UNLV has the best shot but that Montana State result doesn’t give out confidence.