College Basketball's Early Season Mid Major Top 10

The parity in college basketball may be at its highest point ever. Great teams from all over the nation are representing a host of different conferences now a days. This isn't like the traditional days where the ACC, Big 10, Big 12, Pac 10, SEC, and Big East would make up the entire field in the sweet sixteen.

In recent years we have seen several occasions where at least three or four mid major squads advance past their first location. 2008-2009 is stacked with mid major talent. Here is how I rank them!

For some mid-major clarification. For this poll, mid major constitutes any team that is not in the BCS conferences or Conference USA. I would have named the article Non BCS Basketball top 10 but as you can see that's not very appealing.

1. Gonzaga (5-0) (Vs Major Conference teams 3-0)

Still considered a mid-major, Gonzaga may have their best team ever. This is no longer the team that consisted of Morrison, Stepp, and Dickau. Instead super stars Heytvelt, Downsand, and Daye lead the squad. However, unlike years past, this Gonzaga team is as balanced as its ever been.

Five players are averaging double digits and Pargo is closing in at 9.6 points per game. Gonzaga also just ran off three straight wins against Oklahoma State, Maryland, and No. 12 Tennessee. Look for the Zags to go deep into the tournament this year!

2. Xavier (7-0) (Vs Major Conference Teams 4-0)

Mid Major? I'm saying yes just because they aren't part of one of the big six. Xavier is the real deal. The Musketeers already have three quality wins this season including a 63-62 thriller over Virginia Tech, and a solid five point win against No. 12 Memphis. Xavier has all the tools again this year with B.J Raymond and Derrick Brown.

Although no one stands out in terms of scoring for Xavier, the defense has been solid only giving up 60 points per game. Xavier isn't done yet either, they have Duke, LSU, Butlerand, and Cincy remaining on their schedule. How well they do against these elite teams will determine if the Musketeers can be in the prime time seeding position come March.

If they keep finding a way to win they could make a deep tourney run.

3. Davidson (5-1) (Vs Major Conference Teams 0-1)

Let's not be fooled by their loss to Oklahoma. Davidson went on the road and challenged a very talented Oklahoma team in a hostile environment. An eventual four points loss brought us back to the pre conference schedule the Wildcats went through last year.

We also know that those close losses early produced great fruit in the tournament as Davidson was a last second shot away from the Final Four. Stephen Curry is leading the NCAA in scoring at 29.2 points per game and is getting help from the supporting cast of Lovedale (14.8 ppg) and Barr (11.2 ppg.)

Davidson's five wins this year could be considered cupcakes, but their schedule heats up from here as they play NC State, West Virginia, and Purdue in three of their next four games. Look for Davidson to make another run in the tournament this year.

4. BYU (7-0) (Vs Major Conference Teams 0-0)

It's debatable as to whether or not this team is a mid-major, but for the purpose of this article I will say they are. After a 27-8 campaign last season the Cougars are off to a hot 7-0 start. BYU is led in scoring by senior sensation Lee Cummard.

Cummard is doing it all for the Cougars so far this year averaging 20.6 ppg 6.6 rpg, and 2.4 apg, respectively. BYU has gone untested so far this year as their schedule has been rather weak. However BYU has a great opportunity at another respectable mid major, Utah State (5-0).

We will find out if BYU is the real deal later on in the holiday season as they play No. 19 Arizona State and No. 17 Wake Forest. BYU will make the tournament, but we will have to wait and see how they play against some major teams later on in the season.

5. Rhode Island (6-2) (Vs Major Conference Teams 1-2)

Rhode Island is a new team on the scene in NCAA basketball this season. Flying under the radar with an impressive 21 win season a year ago the Rams have already made a name for themselves in 2008 with a close game against ACC opponent Duke. Taking it to the last seconds the Rams lost to No. 5 Duke by three points, but landed themselves in the Mid Major Top 10.

Rhode Island is led by sharp shooter and son of the head coach, Jimmy Baron who shares the same name as his father. This kid can flat out shoot it from deep. Averaging just over 18 per game this year.

Baron is joined by Keith Cothran and Kahiem Seawright who are also averaging double digits. The Rams tough schedule only gets easier from here on out as they begin play in the A-10 conference. Top heavy with Xavier, and possibly Dayton, you can look for Rhode Island to challenge for a conference championship. NCAA tournament destiny..TBD

6. Western Kentucky (4-2) (Vs Major Conference Opponents 2-0)

After a slow 1-2 start the Hilltoppers are back to playing good basketball. Their last three games have consisted of wins over Southern Illinois, No. 3 Louisville, and Georgia.

Western Kentucky is led in scoring by A.J. Slaughter who is averaging 17.5 points per game. After missing two games his presence has turned the team's season around. Western Kentucky's conference should allow them to finish with a strong record and another chance to wear the slippers.  

7. Dayton Flyers (7-0) (Vs Major Conference Opponents 2-0)

The Dayton Flyers are off to a great start in their second consecutive season. Last year the Flyers floundered after early season recognition and failed to make the tournament. This year they have knocked off a solid No. 25 Marquette team and also has a win against Auburn.

The rest of Dayton's schedule has been pretty easy so far this year. The Dayton vs. Creighton matchup will determine which team will be in the mid major top 10 next week. Is Dayton for real? We might need the whole season to find out.

8. Butler Bulldogs (5-0) (Vs Major Conference Opponents 1-0)

Butler is back. Instead of rebuilding it looks like the Bulldogs are reloading. Still a step away from a big time program, all Butler does is win. Five early season wins is good enough to land this team in the top 10.

Butler's biggest win of the year came against Northwestern who isn't considered to be much of anything. Until Butler loses a game though, I have to keep them in.

9. Illinois State (7-0) (0-0 Vs Major Conference Opponents)

Illinois State is coming off one of their best seasons in school history. After an embarrassing loss in the conference championship to Drake, Illinois State has not let it carry over.

The Redbirds are 7-0 this season and are beating teams by an average of 17 points per game. Illinois State will not be tested until January when they square off with Creighton. If the Redbirds don't keep winning big they can kiss the mid major top ten goodbye.

10. Utah Utes (5-1) (Vs Major Conference Opponents 2-0)

I struggled including Utah in this mix. Their play of late is what landed them the final spot in my mid major top ten poll.

After an embarrassing loss to a Division II school, Utah has rebounded with five consecutive wins. Impressive wins over Mississippi and Oregon has pulled this team back into the picture and has showed us first hand that the Utes will compete this year.

The Utes have four players averaging double digits which gives them many options to turn to. Luke Nevill is closing in on averaging a double-double which would really help this young team succeed.

Next Three In: Creighton, San Diego State, St. Mary's