Bracketology 2024: Clemson, Utah, and Washington among big winners

Bracketology 2024: Clemson, Utah, and Washington among week’s biggest winners

Dec 9, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; Washington Huskies center Franck Kepnang (11) and forward Keion Brooks Jr. (1) celebrate during the first half against the Gonzaga Bulldogs at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports /

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Bracketology Utah Utes guard Gabe Madsen (55) and Utah Utes center Branden Carlson Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports /

8. Utah Utes

The rivalry matchup between BYU and Utah is always one of the more compelling matchups each year but there were more stakes this time around, as the Cougars were not only unbeaten to start the season, but they also were at one point, No. 1 in the NET rankings last week. But thanks to a hot start and being able to hold a 14-point halftime lead, the Utes got its best win of the season, a Quad 1 breakthrough at home.

That victory took Utah from around 50-30 in the NET rankings. And after Saint Mary’s and Wake Forest, teams the Utes have previously beaten, gotten their big wins in the past week, this team’s resume has gotten a nice boost overall. As long as that loss to St. John’s doesn’t start to look bad, Utah should now be fine entering league play.

7. Oklahoma Sooners

It’s been a great start to the season for Oklahoma, now at 9-0 and with a top-20 NET ranking. And they manage to build off its wins over Iowa and USC in the Rady Children’s Invitational with arguably two better ones.

The Sooners beat Providence and Arkansas in the past week by a combined 28 points, with the Razorback victory likely to be in the Quad 1 range all season. After finishing last in the Big 12 a year ago, this roster seems better equipped to survive league play and make it back to the NCAA Tournament.

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