11. Michigan State
After I doubted their offense in consecutive weeks, the Spartans hung 91 on Maryland this past weekend, thanks in large part to getting a rare 17-point, 17-assist performance from Jeremy Fears. However, it was against Maryland. Let’s see them do it against an average Big Ten team.
12. Florida
The Gators’ streak finally came to an end on Saturday, losing to Auburn in the Jungle on Saturday. The SEC is a gauntlet, and it’s hard to knock Todd Golden and the Gators for finally losing a game. I still think they’re the best team in the best conference in America.
13. BYU
AJ Dybantsa. AJ Dybantsa. AJ Dybantsa. This team will go as the potential #1 NBA Draft pick goes. When he drops 40 points, they’re going to be nearly impossible to beat. Anything less, and it’s a really narrow pathway to winning that will rely on the outside shooting of Rob Wright and Richie Saunders.
14. Kansas
Even without the services of Darryn Peterson, the Jayhawks throttled in-state rival Kansas State on Saturday. Melvin Council and Tre White were portal additions that didn’t receive a whole lot of buzz in the offseason, but have proven vital to the Jayhawks keeping the train rolling with Peterson being in and out of the lineup.
15. Iowa State
The Cyclones are in an interesting situation. They seem to thoroughly throttle inferior teams, but don’t always have their A-game against top competition. We’ll get a few more opportunities to see how they fare against the best of the Big 12, but not this week.
