Bracketology 2024: Bubble Watch of key teams in early February

Butler (14-7) (NET: 49)
3-6 (Q1), 3-1 (Q2), 2-0 (Q3), 6-0 (Q4)

The Bulldogs boast two very impressive road wins in Big East play, defeating Marquette nearly four weeks ago before upending Creighton this past weekend. Their other Quad 1 win was over Boise State back in November, though they also have solid home wins over Texas Tech and Villanova on the resume.

Butler has just a single Quad 2 loss, which came at home against Seton Hall just days after that upset over Marquette. They got off to a bit of a rough start in conference play, losing by double-digits to both Providence and St. John’s (and later to Xavier), but lack any massive anchors.

This team is trending in a great direction, having won four straight games, including wins over Villanova and Creighton. Life in the Big East presents many opportunities, and the Bulldogs have a really tough on at Connecticut this week before three winnable home games in a row.

Cincinnati (15-7) (NET: 31)
2-4 (Q1), 2-2 (Q2), 3-1 (Q3), 8-0 (Q4)

Cincinnati’s first season in the Big 12 has certainly been a challenge, but it’s also been where the Bearcats have shown off their best. Both of their Quad 1 wins came on the road in league play, winning at BYU in the conference opener a month ago before last weekend’s upset at Texas Tech.

Unfortunately, the Bearcats lost at West Virginia nearly a week ago for a Quad 3 loss that doesn’t help their resume. They also fell at home to Texas and Oklahoma, results that currently stand as Quad 2 but could change in the weeks to come. Luckily, they survived nonconference play without any bad losses.

Things have been up and down for a Bearcats team that has some nice wins but really didn’t play a tough schedule in the nonconference. Cincinnati is hoping that this win at Lubbock can build some momentum. Their next two contests are home dates with Houston and Iowa State that will be both difficult and opportunities.