Bracketology 2023: Complete Bubble Watch before final weekend of regular season
By Joey Loose
Utah State: 23-7 (12-5 in MWC) NET: 22
Despite having zero Quad 1 wins, Utah State’s metrics are in phenomenal shape. They’ve been one of those top-tier teams in the Mountain West, though they’ve yet to really make their mark against one of those teams. They beat New Mexico and Nevada at home with impressive performances but are still looking for that quality performance.
The Aggies were swept by San Diego State and lost really tough games at Boise State and Nevada, but it’s the earlier losses that drag down their resume. Back in December, they picked up a pair of Quad 4 losses against Weber State and SMU. It’s hard to brush off two Quad 4 losses when you don’t have a Quad 1 win, no matter how impressive that NET figure currently stands.
With the MWC Tournament beginning very shortly, the Aggies still have one final shot at that breakthrough win, getting a home game with Boise State to finish the regular season. Win that game, and a team that’s probably out of the current field might work its way back into the Big Dance. Losing the game would not be great, especially with Boise State vying on the bubble as well. Either way, the MWC Tournament is going to be very exciting and Utah State is a team that needs to make a good impression, perhaps winning a couple of games as well.