Rush The Court

Another week in the books, and we’re now only 6+ semanas from Selection Sunday.  How different will this poll look then?  Who has been the beneficiary of a soft schedule and/or is prone to a late-season collapse?

Ed. Note: Poll does not include Monday night’s games.

QnD Analysis.

• Kentucky reigns at #1. With Texas falling twice this week to Kansas State and Connecticut, it’s Kentucky laying claim to the top spot in our poll for the first time this season. Unlike both national polls, this decision was not unanimous, however, as one pollster tabbed Syracuse as the best team in the nation. Maybe he likes their overall portfolio and how they’re trending more than Kentucky. Just a hunch. Former #1 Texas fell to #5 in our rankings and #6 in the national polls.
• In n’ Out.  Dropping from #16 to completely out of the poll is Clemson following two losses at Georgia Tech and at home vs. Duke. Also falling out are those very Yellow Jackets after their close loss on the road to Florida State. The Seminoles enter the ranks at #23. Northern Iowa lost mid-week at Wichita State and dropped from their #22 perch as a result. The two other fresh entries are Wake Forest at #18 and Vanderbilt at #21. The Commodores may not last long, though, with road trips to Tennessee and Kentucky upcoming this week.
• Variance. Gonzaga placed anyhere from #11 to #17 likely depending on how much you value their work out-of-conference. Also, Mississippi came in at #18 or completely unranked. They play a tricky road game at Auburn next. Both New Mexico and Mississippi State also checked in anywhere from #19 to out of the rankings.
• Conference Call.  Big East (5), SEC (5), Big 10 (4), Big 12 (3), ACC (3), MWC (2), A10 (1), WCC (1), CUSA (1).