Bubble Teams 2013: What Fringe Squads Must Do to Feel Safe

The bubble is weak. 

As we move closer to Selection Sunday, it would appear that no one is interested in helping fill out the Field of 68. When it comes to the last remaining at-large spots, several squads have gotten the chance to secure their places in the Big Dance, and several squads have, well, lost. 

As such, there is still plenty at stake in the upcoming conference tournaments.  

Virginia Cavaliers

It's not surprising that the Cavaliers are going down to the wire right smack in the middle of the bubble. It only makes sense considering the season they've had. 

Virginia has an RPI of 72 and has lost to powerhouses like Old Dominion, Clemson and Wake Forest, but it has also knocked off Duke, North Carolina, NC State and Wisconsin (in Madison). 

Tony Bennett's squad likely gets NC State in the quarterfinals, and it should treat that as a must-win game. If it advances, a win over (probably) Miami would completely lock up a spot. 

Kentucky Wildcats

The 'Cats are an interesting case. After losing Nerlens Noel, they have gone 4-3 with wins over Missouri and Florida, the latter being a victory that likely has Kentucky in the field right now.

However, without Noel, John Calipari's boys have been horrendous on the road, losing by 30 to Tennessee and dropping two straight against Arkansas and Georgia.

The Wildcats need to show the committee they can win away from home. A win in the quarters over Arkansas or Vanderbilt won't change things, but a semifinal victory over Ole Miss or Missouri will secure a spot in the Big Dance for Kentucky. 

Rest of the SEC

The SEC is completely bubble-ridden. In addition to Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama and Ole Miss are all still fighting for their lives. 

If Tennessee wins its second-round game, its matchup with Alabama in the quarters will likely be a win-or-go-home battle. 

Ole Miss, meanwhile, will have to beat Missouri in the quarters, but if it wants to feel completely safe, it needs to make it to the championship. 

Baylor Bears

The Bears got a massive victory over Kansas that put them right back into the bubble conversation, and a win over third-seeded Oklahoma State will put them in a "last four in" spot. 

Beating Kansas State would completely eliminate the need to sweat out the rest of the week. 

Southern Miss Golden Eagles

The problem for Southern Miss is that the Conference USA tournament only provides opportunity for one resume-boosting win.

And while the Golden Eagles have an impressive RPI of 36, they have zero wins in the top 50 and just one in the top 75. The only thing that is truly going to improve their resume is a win over Memphis, which would come in the championship.

It's 3-0 or bust for Southern Miss. 

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