RPI

Despite falling to 10th in the AP poll, Ohio St remains strong in the Consensus Ranking (CR). The computers were nonplussed by the Buckeyes loss to Wisconsin. Similarly, Missouri only fell two spots despite a pair of losses. The biggest losers this week were actually La Salle, West Virginia, and Marshall.

 

#14 Southern Miss (21-6, 10-4, CUSA)

#26 Colorado St (16-10, 6-6, MWC)

#30 UCONN (17-11, 7-9, Big East)

#35 Saint Louis (21-6, 10-4, A10)

#43 Northwestern (17-11, 7-9, Big Ten)

After missing last week's Consensus Ranking due to extensive travel, this week's list grows to include 7 new teams, the highest of which is #44 Belmont.

 

At the top of the ranking, Kentucky takes over #1, edging Syracuse who has slumped in the Sagarin & KenPom ratings (due to close wins).

 

Unlike the NBA, college basketball schedules are not equitable. In non-conference play, wealthy schools can host as many home games as they'd like, while other schools can go on the road to raise cash. Schools can choose to play cupcakes or challenge themselves in stacked pre-season tournaments. Even in conference play, some leagues have unbalanced scheduling that can alter the final standings substantially. (Georgetown will never get a chance to avenge last night's overtime loss to Syracuse.)

 

Consensus Ranking

Consensus Ranking

 

Nothing will rile up a fan more than thinking their team is under-rated, under-respected, and under-ranked in the national polls. As the voice behind CollegeHoops.net's Top 50 Ranking, I'm well aware of how mad fans get when they feel slighted. No doubt, I occasionally slip up, and no doubt the dozens of voters in the AP poll slip up even more often.

Kevin McNeill's weekly 5 Things column breaks down what's important in the world of college basketball.

 

This week, we learned that...