14. Virginia Cavaliers - 5-3
The Cavs have a new coach in Ron Sanchez, but the team's playstyle remains the same. It ranks in the bottom 15 nationally in scoring offense (63 ppg). They do have a neutral-site win over Villanova, but in the other three notable games (Tennessee, St. John’s, Florida), they lost by at least 18 points.
Isaac McKneely (13.1 ppg) is the lead scorer as expected, and San Diego State transfer Elijah Saunders (10.3 ppg) has had a solid impact. Freshman forward Jacob Cofie has been a positive impact newcomer but Duke transfer TJ Power (2.1 ppg) has struggled early. They haven’t been bad but the ceiling is certainly low for them this year.
13. Syracuse Orange - 4-3
To this point, Syracuse has been the mid-majors and lost to all the high-majors. They’re one of the worst defensive units in the country, giving up over 80 ppg through seven games. But it’s going to be hard to win shootouts in the next month, with leading scorer JJ Starling (19.8 ppg and 3.0 apg) out with a wrist injury.
Four others are averaging at least 9.0 ppg, including wing Chris Bell and freshman forward Donnie Freeman (11.7 ppg and 8.4 rpg). Ultimately, the loss of Starling, combined with the defensive issues, could dig the Orange too much of a hole by January.