10. Iowa State (9-0)
Has any first-year head coach done as much this season as T.J. Otzelberger? After winning just two games last season, the Cyclones have run off nine straight victories to start the season, picking up another impressive win this past week. While already possessing wins away from home over Xavier, Memphis, and Creighton, the Cyclones welcomed rival Iowa to town and took care of business, winning 73-53 in a fantastic defensive effort, containing the Hawkeyes and getting 29 points and 10 rebounds from Izaiah Brockington.
With these kinds of wins, it’s time to wonder what exactly we’re going to get from Iowa State this season, a question we might get answered once Big 12 play begins in a few weeks. They seem like a real contender, especially with the way their defense has played in recent weeks. Iowa State is no fluke unbeaten, with those nice wins we previously mentioned. The Cyclones still have a few more easy games before that gauntlet of conference play, with a Sunday matchup with Jackson State being the only thing on the menu for the next seven days.
9. Gonzaga (8-2)
After marching all the way to the national championship game with an unbeaten record last season, Gonzaga has certainly been more challenged this season and clearly look beatable. Fortunately, they got back on track against an inferior opponent this past week after recent losses to Duke and Alabama. On Thursday night, they took care of Merrimack 80-55 in an easy home win, getting an efficient 22-point effort from Drew Timme.
The Bulldogs still have one of the best offenses in the nation and certainly figure to be a top team this season. Gonzaga won’t be quite as tested when WCC play begins in a few weeks but does still have one more challenging game on the horizon.
Next Saturday, the Bulldogs get that last big challenge against Texas Tech, giving them another shot to show off their talent and prove this team belongs among the best. After those unfortunate efforts against Duke and Alabama, surely they’ll come out swinging against the Red Raiders?