10. Vanderbilt (9-0)
Sometimes it takes time for a new coach to turn a program around, but Mark Byington took Vanderbilt to last season’s Big Dance and has Vanderbilt looking like a top contender in the SEC. The Commodores weren’t playing a murderer’s row to begin the season, but they took care of business at the Battle 4 Atlantis, punctuating that event with big wins over VCU and Saint Mary’s last week.
This week they were back home as part of the ACC/SEC Challenge and toppled a fellow unbeaten team, knocking off SMU 88-69 on Wednesday. Even though the outside shots weren’t falling, the Commodores got great production from the interior offense, including a 26-point, 6-assist effort from Tyler Tanner in the victory.
You could certainly compare Vanderbilt’s schedule to this point against a few other conference rivals and be less impressed, but the Commodores have taken no prisoners five weeks into the season. This talented lineup is getting the job done and that big win over Saint Mary’s in particular should age spectacularly in the months to come. They’ve earned a break and just get Central Arkansas on the docket next week, with ten days between games.