With feast week behind us, mid-major programs only have a few more weeks to improve their resume with power conference and top mid-major wins.
Here are some of the biggest matchups that can boost resumes:
Yale’s Moment of Truth in Tuscaloosa
Yale at Alabama
Yale is a projected 11 seed, according to ESPN's Joe Lunardi
Alabama is Yale’s only power conference opponent this season. The Bulldogs rely on their frontcourt of Isaac Celiscar, Nick Townsend, and Samson Aletan.
Having a frontcourt-centric team as a mid-major usually does not pan out against power conference opponents because of their size and depth.
Yale will be a mid-major team to look out for this season.
UNI Heads West for a True MVC Litmus Test
Northern Iowa at Saint Mary’s
The Missouri Valley Conference is always one of the best mid-major conferences.
This year, Northern Iowa is sitting atop the Missouri Valley Conference standings with Belmont.
The Panthers have a test against Saint Mary's in Moraga, Califronia on Monday, Dec. 22.
This game will not only challenge Northern Iowa, but will also show how good the MVC is this year. Drake lost a lot when Ben McCollum left for Iowa and they have fallen off a bit, so someone will need to step up for the conference and UNI is right in line for that.
Aztecs Search for a Spark Against a National Power
San Diego State vs Arizona
This will be a tough one for the Aztecs. It is more about showing their talent and playing as a team against a top opponent.
San Diego State came out the gates slow with losses to Troy, Michigan and Baylor. The Mountain West isn’t as stacked compared to the last couple years, so SDSU won't get as many quad one opportunities in conference play. They need to show out in the few chances they get.
Broncos Chasing a Statement Against Surging Sun Devils
Arizona State vs Santa Clara
Arizona State surprised a lot of people when they upset Texas and finished runner-up in the Maui Invitational.
Santa Clara has impressed early on, but to get an at-large spot in the tournament, the Broncos need to seize every opportunity they have. The loss to St. Louis hurts when the committee is known to put in a mediocre power conference team over an impressive mid-major squad.
7'1" Buuky Oboye went viral for this post for his ability to run the floor at his height. Oboye is third in scoring, even though he averages 16 minutes per game.
Patriots Eye a Resume-Altering Shot in Blacksburg
George Mason at Virginia Tech
Head coach Tony Skinn has done a great job at George Mason, making them a potential tournament team.
The Patriots are 8-0 going into December and their game against Virginia Tech is a huge opportunity to boost their resume for March.
George Mason has five players averaging double figures in scoring and that does not include All-Atlantic 10 First-Team Selection Brayden O'Connor, who hasn't played since the Wofford game on Nov. 3.
Flyers Look to Add Another Marquee Win
Dayton at Virginia
Dayton played well in the ESPN Events Invitational, finishing runner-up behind BYU.
The Flyers are another A-10 team that can not just help their own resume, but also the conference's push toward being a multi-bid league.
Dayton also plays Florida State and Liberty at home later in the month, so they can carry their moment into conference play by finishing out non-conference strong with some quad one and two wins.
The Mid-Major Landscape Is Shifting — and These Games Will Shape It
Last year, the Mountain West received four spots to the tournament, while the West Coast Conference earned two. Those six spots aren’t designated to mid-majors, but the Mountain West lost a lot of talent and coaches.
The West Coast Conference stability with coaches outside of Gonzaga and St. Mary’s (Herb Sendek at Santa Clara and Chris Gerlufsen at San Francisco) helps with the programs ability to grow and develop talent and culture.