Get ready for some unexpected twists in the world of college basketball! An unprecedented six teams remain undefeated as conference play kicks off.
Nebraska, with an impressive record, faces a crucial test against Ohio State in the Big Ten. But here's the kicker: this scenario is highly unusual, especially considering the past few seasons.
Last year, after nine weeks, only one team remained undefeated - Tennessee. However, their streak ended abruptly with a 73-43 loss to Florida. In fact, over the last five years, the number of undefeated teams after nine weeks has varied dramatically, from zero to two, with a notable meeting between Baylor and Gonzaga in the 2021 NCAA Tournament.
So, it's a big deal that we're seeing six undefeated teams this season! And get this: three of these teams - Michigan, Arizona, and Iowa State - are ranked as the top three in CBS Sports' daily college basketball rankings. Nebraska, Vanderbilt, and Miami-Ohio are also part of this elite group, with Miami-Ohio having a particularly intriguing path ahead.
Here's where it gets controversial: Miami-Ohio, currently unranked, could potentially be the last undefeated team standing. Despite their 15-0 record, they're ranked 98th at KenPom.com. But with no remaining regular-season games against top 110 teams at KenPom and no road games against top 140 teams, the RedHawks have a clear path to glory.
And this is the part most people miss: it's not just about the rankings. It's about the journey, the strategy, and the unexpected twists that make college basketball so thrilling. So, who do you think will emerge as the last undefeated team? And what impact will these rankings have on the season ahead? Let's discuss in the comments!
