20. Colorado State (10-0)
It’s great to win ten straight games to start the season, especially when you’re Colorado State and expecting to compete highly (and win) the Mountain West. It’s not so great when a COVID pause hits the program at the absolute worst time. The Rams just entered the Top 25 rankings and had to withdraw this weekend, cancelling their game against Tulsa. What’s even worse is that the Rams have already cancelled next week’s big matchup with Alabama in Birmingham, robbing the Rams of their biggest opportunity in the nonconference season.
With wins over Creighton, Saint Mary’s, and Mississippi State, Colorado State isn’t 10-0 with a pathetic schedule; they’ve been more challenged than a few power conference programs. Unfortunately, losing that game with Alabama is really going to hurt their resume down the line, especially if they had found a way to pull off the upset.
Still, we look at Colorado State has a team that’s very solid on offense and has been playing better defense in recent weeks. Hopefully they can get back on the court very soon, though their next currently scheduled game isn’t for nearly two weeks, the start of MWC play.
19. Kentucky (8-2)
With the usual high expectations, Kentucky had been a bit disappointing before this week, losing both of the games they had played away from home, dropping a tough game to Duke before losing a stunner at Notre Dame. Still reeling from that loss to the Irish last weekend, the Wildcats proved they belonged this weekend with a big win in Las Vegas. The Wildcats took care of North Carolina in a 98-69 effort, getting 26 points and 8 assists from Sahvir Wheeler in the win.
Kentucky looked good in their dominant effort against the Tar Heels, scoring their first impressive win of the season. Prior to this weekend, Ohio had been their best win, though this performance perhaps proves that they can win some of these important games this year. The SEC looks even more improved and the Wildcats are looking for a bounce-back season after horrific results last year. Ahead, they had a very winnable home date with rival Louisville, which also gives them a second chance for a power conference win.