Bracketology Notes: Jan. 5, 2010

As we ring in the new year, conference play is getting started, and thus bracketology is starting to get hot. I'll give some of these notes from time to time as quick-hitters, instead of remaking and/or updating my whole bracket. I'm just going to bring you the hot teams that are on the rise, as well as the teams I thiknk are falling. So, with that being said, here we go!

Mid-Majors on the Prowl

William & Mary— The tribe is currently ranked No. 2 in terms of RPI and No. 12 for SOS. Before their loss last night, they were arguably one of the hottest teams in basketball. They have some notable wins over Maryland and Wake Forest, as well as mid-major foes Richmond and VCU, who both should make the dance. So, not too bad for William & Mary. They could play a big role in March.

Rhode Island— The Rams pulled a huge win out against Oklahoma State earlier in the week, and that will be huge for them. They can really make some noise in the A-10 and they should grab some more good wins to go along with Oklahoma State and Boston College. The Rams have players that could be gamechangers come March.

Rising

Wisconsin —The Badgers have jumped back into the top 25 as they thrashed Ohio State and Penn State to open their Big-10 schedule. They have a chance to improve upon what they have as they play Michigan State on Wednesday. I really like Wisconsin because they are very well coached and play fantastic defense, both which will be huge in the tournament.

Pittsburgh —Yes, Pittsburgh is on the rise. The same team that was defeated by Indiana early in December; my, oh my have they grown up since that loss. Jamie Dixon didn't schedule terribly tough teams early-on due to his youth movement, but it looks like it may be paying off for him and his team. His team has knocked off two Big East title contenders in Syracuse and Cincinnati to put themselves in the talks for the Big East title. The schedule doesn't get any easier for the young team however. We will see how good of a team they really are once conference play ends.

Dropping

Tennessee —The Vols aren't looking good after the arrests of four players, including Tyler Smith and Cameron Tatum, both huge contributors to the team. With them gone indefinitely, it will be tough for them to get much of anything done. I don't know if we see these four guys back, but if we don't, Tennessee could be in some big trouble.

USC- Easily the hottest thing the Pac-10 has to offer, Southern Cal will not be dancing come March as they punished themselves for the allegations of O.J. Mayo. Tough break for the Trojans as they were going in the right direction to get in the tournament. So, no doubt, USC is definitely falling from my board, as well as others. Yet again another setback for the Pac-10.

With USC getting hot, I saw the Pac-10 getting three teams (possibly four) in the tournament. Now, they will be lucky to get two. Not a good year for the Pac-10 at all.

Well, that's all I have for now. Feel free to leave questions and/or comments and I will reply to the thoughts you have.