There’s a slight change at the top in our latest edition of bracketology. Two SEC squads still project as No. 1 regional seeds, but it is now Alabama joining Auburn on the first line.
But fret not, Tennessee fans which saw their team drop after a loss to Auburn. The Volunteers remain a solid second seed along with yet another SEC member, Florida, and both will have ample opportunities for quality wins in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, Duke and Iowa State continue to project as No. 1’s along with the Tigers and Crimson Tide. Marquette and Michigan State are well positioned as No. 2 seeds, with Houston moving up to a No. 3.
Most of you are familiar with the nuances of bracketology after nearly four decades of true March Madness, but here are a couple of reminders as you examine this projection. For now, conference leaders in one-bid leagues are considered to be in the field even though the actual bids will go to the tournament champ at season’s end. Also, the NCAA’s NET rankings change on a daily basis, meaning results might gain or lose value between now and Selection Sunday.
Bracketology: Projecting the NCAA tournament field
Last four in
Ohio State, San Diego State, North Carolina, Central Florida.
Last four out
Wake Forest, SMU, Arizona State, Brigham Young.
NCAA Tournament bids conference breakdown
Multi-bid leagues: SEC (13), Big Ten (9), Big 12 (8), ACC (5), Big East (4), Mountain West (2), West Coast (2).