Bracketology 2024: Latest Bubble Watch of key teams in late February

New Mexico (19-6) (NET: 24)
3-3 (Q1), 1-2 (Q2), 7-1 (Q3), 8-0 (Q4)

The Lobos boast a resume that’s been in great shape for much of this season, including those three Quad 1 wins. They came at home over san Diego State and Utah State in impressive performances before completing a sweep against Nevada last week on the road.

That Quad 3 loss still stings quite a bit, as the Lobos were upset at home by UNLV just a week and a half ago. That completed a season sweep that included a Quad 2 road loss against those Rebels, though those were New Mexico’s only losses against teams that won’t at least flirt with the Big Dance.

They have fewer losses than a few of their MWC rivals and did lose by double-digits at San Diego State this past weekend, but New Mexico should still be in the Big Dance as of this moment. They’ll have chances to improve their standing, hosting Colorado State this week before major road tests at Boise State and Utah State.

Northwestern (18-8) (NET: 56)
4-5 (Q1), 5-2 (Q2), 3-0 (Q3), 6-1 (Q4)

The Wildcats have stockpiled nice wins this season, starting way back in November when they beat Dayton at home. The true highlight of this resume is Northwestern’s win against Purdue on December 1st, though they’ve added additional Quad 1 wins against Illinois and Michigan State.

That NET is only 56 because of the abominable anchor on the resume: Northwestern’s shocking home loss to Chicago State. Only one or two other bubble teams have anywhere near a comparable loss, though at least they’ve avoided further disappointment in Big Ten play, winning every conference game at home to date.

What will that loss mean in the long run for these Wildcats? That’s a question that will taunt Chris Collins and company until Selection Sunday. That performance alone won’t keep them out of the Big Dance, but it certainly balances out things like the Purdue win. Northwestern simply needs to keep winning in the weeks ahead.