Bubble Watch Week in Review: Where Have All the Mid-Majors Gone?

As the college basketball season slips into February the bubble picture has started to take some shape. The shape, however, doesn’t include many mid-major programs this year.

With Bracket Buster matchups scheduled to be announced later today, not many of these games will have a major impact as far as at-large bids are concerned.

Of the mid-major teams that could use a quality match-up, Old Dominion, Wichita St., and Siena are teams that would benefit the most.

Looking at the power conferences, the Big East and ACC continue to have several potential at-large teams. It will be interesting to see which teams emerge as we get deeper into February. 

The Big 12 and Big Ten, on the other hand, seem to be a little more cut and dry, while the SEC only has a couple of teams that are on the bubble at this time.

Let’s take a look at the teams that have put themselves in position for at-large consideration during the past week and some that didn’t.

Remember, if you have a gripe or just want to talk college basketball, leave a message. I would enjoy discussing it with you.

Winners:

Charlotte

The 49ers keep doing what they need to do to put them in position for at-large consideration. Charlotte knocked off league leading Temple earlier in the week and then dumped UMass to climb into the top of the A-10 standings. 

With George Washington and Fordham this week, the 49ers should be in great shape heading into a matchup with Dayton.

Marquette

In last weeks edition, I kicked the Golden Eagles out of “Bubble Watch.” So Marquette went out and picked up a couple of wins, including knocking UConn off on the road in a critical game. The schedule sets up really nice for the Golden Eagles to make a run into the upper half of the Big East.

UTEP

UTEP knocked off UAB on Saturday and have forced a three-way tie in C-USA. If the Miners can get by Houston on Wednesday, it sets up a huge showdown with fellow co-leader Tulsa. Is C-USA a multiple bid league? Still too early to tell.

Other Winners:  Illinois, S. Florida, S. Carolina, St. Mary’s, Wichita St., Siena, and Cornell

Losers:

Notre Dame

The Irish had to know that keeping their head above water in the Big East was of utmost importance. Sure, losing to Villanova wasn’t a shocker, but Notre Dame surely couldn’t afford losing to Rutgers. With Cincinnati and South Florida up next, a sweep is a must.

Texas Tech

I mentioned last week that Tech needed a split. They didn’t get it and now are facing an uphill battle. At 2-5 in the Big 12, the Red Raiders need wins now.

Northwestern

Coming off a big win against Illinois, the Wildcats looked poised to move up in the Big Ten. However, Northwestern dropped a critical game against Minnesota, and then were shredded by Michigan St. It looks like the Wildcats are NIT bound.

Other Losers:  Louisiana Tech, William & Mary, Washington St., Seton Hall, Louisville, and N. Carolina,