ESPN releases updated Bracketology, NCAA Tournament projections

Even though we are only a month and a half into the college basketball season, the March Madness projections are beginning to take shape. The bubble is beginning to form and teams are working hard to stay off it. Elite programs are also fighting for top spots and hoping to maintain them over the next few months.

With some marquee nonconference games already taking place, ESPN’s Joe Lunardi has put out his updated Bracketology.

There is one notable omission from the entire field, including First Four In and Next Four Out — Michigan State. Once thought to be a serious national championship contender, Tom Izzo is off to a 4-5 start in East Lansing and is already 0-2 against Big Ten play. Serious ground is needed to get back into Lunardi’s projections.

West Region (Los Angeles)

1. Arizona vs. 16. Lipscomb

Early in the season, Lunardi has Arizona as the No. 1 overall team in the NCAA Tournament. The resume speaks for itself, earning wins against some big-name programs thus far.

Tommy Lloyd is making sure the schedule stays difficult too. Purdue and Alabama are next up for the Wildcats before getting into the thick of Pac-12 play. This type of nonconference scheduling sets up to be in this position come March.

2. Creighton vs. 15. South Dakota State

These two schools are separated by just a few hours but would be meeting for the first time since 1975. Creighton is certainly projected to keep up their side of the bargain, being one of the most well-balanced teams in the country.

South Dakota State is the AQ out of the Summit League despite having a 5-5 record. A long regular season and conference tournament are ahead of the Jackrabbits before maybe thinking about the postseason.

3. Gonzaga vs. 14. Vermont

Not too many programs have been as consistent in college basketball as Gonzaga. Mark Few is expected to have another great season and could be rewarded with one of the top seeds in their region of the country.

If this matchup were to come true, it would be a home game for Gonzaga. The three-seed in the West will play in Spokane, while Vermont would be flying over 2,600 miles for the Round of 64 matchup. A huge advantage for the Bulldogs if it somehow plays out this way.

4. BYU vs. 13. UC Irvine
5. Auburn vs. 12. Grand Canyon
6. Colorado State vs. 11. Washington/Butler
7. Ohio State vs. 10. Mississippi State
8. Texas vs. 9. Florida

East Region (Boston)

1. UConn vs. 16. Morehead State

There have not been back-to-back national championships won since 2007 when Florida pulled off the achievement. UConn will be looking to break the streak and is already in a great position to do so.

Earning a No. 1 seed means the Huskies could play their first four games of the tournament in the Northeast before moving to Glendale. Home court advantage would be secured in Dan Hurley‘s quest for another ring.

2. Baylor vs. 15. Youngstown State

Baylor is another former national champion projected in the East, with Scott Drew having a rejuvenated squad in Waco. Led by freshman phenom Ja’Kobe Walter, the Bears are ready to grind out a competitive Big 12.

And if you are able to win the Big 12, your seeding is usually quite high in the NCAA Tournament. Baylor looks the part through mid-December.

3. Clemson vs. 14. Colgate

Clemson has been a fringe NCAA Tournament team a times under Brad Brownell but is looking to change the narrative. The ACC is looking to get back to its normal self and the Tigers rising would certainly help the conference.

PJ Hall has been fantastic early on, averaging over 20 points per game. Memphis on Saturday will be a test but Clemson has a great chance of entering conference play with an undefeated record.

4. FAU vs. 13. UNC Greensboro
5. Wisconsin vs. 12. Princeton
6. Kentucky vs. 11. James Madison
7. San Diego State vs. 10. Providence
8. Miami vs. 9. Kansas State

Midwest Region (Detroit)

1. Purdue vs. 16. Marist/Norfolk State

This would be quite a familiar position for Purdue, just one year later. Becoming just the second-ever 1-seed to lose to a 16, revenge is certainly going to be on the Boilermakers’ mind all season.

Lucky for them, Zach Edey is once again playing at a National Player of the Year level. Purdue looks like a force to be reckoned with just before getting into the thick of the Big Ten schedule.

2. Houston vs. 15. Portland State

Kelvin Sampson was quick to say how Houston transitioning to the Big 12 might be difficult for the program. While they have not played a conference game quite yet, the Cougars still play an impressive brand of basketball.

Jan. 16 will officially kick off a new era, facing off against West Virginia in the Big 12 opener. Getting through the grind of the conference schedule will tell us if Houston can earn a two-seed in the NCAA Tournament.

3. North Carolina vs. 14. Hofstra

Hubert Davis has brought a mixture of experience and youth to the table this season. Belief is beginning to rise in Chapel Hill through nine games.

Anything will be better than missing last year’s tournament, where the Tar Heels were the preseason favorites to cut down the nets. Getting back to the Final Four is certainly a goal North Carolina will have as the season progresses.

4. Oklahoma vs. 13. Liberty
5. Virginia vs. 12. Indiana
6. Memphis vs. 11. Dayton
7. Texas A&M vs. 10. Utah
8. Villanova vs. 9. Iowa State

South Region (Dallas)

1. Kansas vs. 16. Prairie View/Merrimack

Kansas fans are known for traveling during the NCAA Tournament and being placed in the South Region would be quite the advantage. The first two rounds would be in Omaha before heading to Dallas for the Sweet Sixteen and Elite Eight.

Of course, the Jayhawks must get there first by playing worthy of a one-seed. Avoiding a Round of 32 loss would certainly help as well but having Bill Self back on the sidelines in good health boosts the cause.

2. Marquette vs. 15. Longwood

Shaka Smart had one of the best teams in the country a season ago, winning the Big East regular season and conference tournament. Marquette returned nearly all of their production and is now looking for a deeper run in the NCAA Tournament.

Tyler Kolek is one of the best guards in America, putting up 15.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.5 assists a night. The Big East is a grind and the Golden Eagles are expected to be up there.

3. Tennessee vs. McNeese State

This year’s Tennessee team is supposed to be different and it’s thanks to the offense. While the No. 28 ranked offense according to KenPom may not sound great, it’s a huge improvement from last season, finishing at No. 64.

Dalton Knecht is the real deal on Rocky Top, being the difference maker Rick Barnes has needed for a few years. Getting into the NCAA Tournament has never been an issue for the Vols. Playing deep into the second weekend and pushing for the Final Four is the hurdle they are looking to overcome.

4. Illinois vs. 13. Akron
5. Alabama vs. 12. Drake
6. Duke vs. 11. New Mexico/Cincinnati
7. Northwestern vs. 10. South Carolina
8. Colorado vs. 9. Ole Miss