OCS Power Rankings Week 7: Many new faces, but same old ones at the top

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The top-three teams in the OCS Power Rankings remain unchanged. However, things could get dicey this upcoming week. With a chance to wrap up the regular season crown, No. 1 Kentucky faces two of the SEC’s better teams in Mississippi State and Vanderbilt, the former on the road.

The Wildcats were not exactly sharp against Ole Miss this past Saturday, but Darius Miller posterized senior forward Reginald Buckner, proving that even when they’re not at their best, they’re still capable of completely embarrassing you.

No. 2 Syracuse has to travel to Storrs, Connecticut, to play a hungry Husky team in search of a statement victory. The third-ranked Missouri Tigers culminate their historic rivalry with fellow Big 12 conference leader Kansas, which comes in at number four this week.

The No. 5 Duke Blue Devils needed a furious comeback to survive at home against NC State. On the other hand, No. 6 Michigan State coasted this week with comfortable victories against Wisconsin and Purdue.

North Carolina remains in the number seven slot. Ohio State dropped down to the eighth spot after falling on the road in Ann Arbor. Big East foes Georgetown and Marquette come in at ninth and tenth, respectively.

Well that’s peculiar … :

A pair of losers over the week actually moved up in the rankings: Louisville moved up one spot to No. 17 even though it dropped a home contest to Syracuse. Even after getting demolished in East Lansing, the Wisconsin Badgers vaulted up three places in the standings to No.16. Must have been that super impressive ten-point victory versus Penn State that did the trick.

Despite winning both of its games, Harvard curiously exits the power rankings. The OCS bias against the Crimson has already been well-documented.

Georgetown jumped over Florida and Kansas leaped over Duke for no apparent reason. UNLV dropped a pair of games, including a blowout at the hands of New Mexico, yet still sits three spots ahead of the Lobos at 18th. Murray State demolished a nationally-ranked St. Mary’s team in BracketBusters over the weekend, but lost ground in the standings.

The Washington Huskies – yes, the same Washington Huskies that lost South Dakota State  - became the first Pac-12 team to enter the OCS Power Rankings. That sentence was not a misprint; they really lost to the Jackrabbits at home by 19 points. Gotta love the Pac-12.

Leader of the pack:

The Mountain West Conference isn’t messing around. The league now boasts three teams – UNLV, New Mexico, and San Diego State – the same amount as the ACC and the Big 12 and more than the SEC (2) and the Pac-12 (1). However, the Big Ten and Big East still hold the conference lead with five teams apiece. The Atlantic 10, Missouri Valley, and the OVC are the only other conferences with a team on the list.

Welcome to the party:

We had an OCS Power Rankings-high four exits this week, meaning we have a lot of fruit baskets to give out. A hearty welcome to the aforementioned New Mexico Lobos, who made the so-called MWC powerhouses, SDSU and UNLV, look like bottom-feeders. The Temple Owls finally found their way into the rankings, probably 2-3 weeks too late. But hey, Fran Dunphy, it’s better late than never, right? Please don’t sic John Chaney on us.

The “How in the heck are they still here” award goes to Indiana this week. The Hoosiers lost by double-digits on the road to Iowa, and are barely north of .500 in the conference at 8-7. I guess dramatic home wins over then-No. 1 Kentucky and No. 2 Ohio State really left a lasting impression. Games this week against North Carolina Central and a frustrated Minnesota Golden Gopher squad should prolong their stay in the rankings.

Biggest Climb: 7 –  Michigan (22 to 15)

Largest Drop: 8 – UNLV (10 to 18)

 

1. Kentucky 26-1 (Previous week: 1)

Last week: W vs. Ole Miss 77-62

This week: 2/21 at Mississippi State, 2/25 vs. Vanderbilt

“Except for one game, Kentucky has been on cruise control all season. The only question this team faces is their youth. Will this team be able to overcome inexperience in March? Only time will tell.” – Jared Groff, Temple ’14

 

2. Syracuse 27-1 (Previous week: 2)

Last week: W at Louisville 52-51, W at Rutgers 74-64

This week: 2/13 at Louisville, 2/19 at Rutgers

“Close call against Louisville, but Syracuse is a great team that will find a way to win the big games every time.” – Trevor Lowry, Colorado State ’13

 

3. Missouri 25-2 (Previous week: 3)

Last week: W vs. Oklahoma State 83-65, W at Texas A&M 71-62

This week: 2/21 vs. Kansas State, 2/25 at Kansas

“Mizzou has won seven in a row and is on fire as of late. Marcus Denmon is shooting 90% from the line which will be key in the tourney.  The Tigers have a big date with Kansas Saturday.” – Trevor Hass, Syracuse ’15

 

4. Kansas 20-5 (Previous week: 6)

Last week: W at Kansas State 59-53, W vs. Texas Tech 83-50

This week: 2/22 at Texas A&M, 2/25 vs. Missouri

“I’m not completely sold but with a win at Kansas State they are showing they deserve this ranking.” – Dominic DeLoya, Minnesota ’12

 

5. Duke 23-4 (Previous week: 4)

Last week: W vs. NC State 78-73, W at Boston College 75-50

This week: 2/23 at No.14 Florida State, 2/25 vs. Virginia Tech

“Down by 20 points in the second half, the Blue Devils found a way to win. What Duke team will we see this week?” – Trevor Lowry, Colorado State ’13

 

6. Michigan State 22-5 (Previous week: 8 )

Last week: W vs. Wisconsin 69-55, W at Purdue 76-62

This week: 2/22 at Minnesota, 2/25 vs. Nebraska

“Sparty is playing like a #1 seed.” – Evan Bailey, Arizona ’12

 

7. North Carolina 23-4 (Previous week: 7)

Last week: W at Miami 73-64, W vs. Clemson 74-52

This week: 2/21 at NC State, 2/25 at Virginia

“UNC is second in the nation in points per game and has scored 100+ on four occasions. They’ll look to get revenge against Duke in the last game of the regular season.” – Trevor Hass, Syracuse ’15

 

8. Ohio State 22-5 (Previous week: 5)

Last week: W at Minnesota 78-68, L at Michigan 56-51

This week: 2/ 21 vs. Illinois, 2/26 vs. No.16 Wisconsin

“Tough loss to rival Michigan. Sullinger will still lead this team deep into the NCAA tourney.”  – Evan Bailey, Arizona ’12

 

9. Georgetown 20-5 (Previous week: 13)

Last week: W at Providence 63-53

This week: 2/21 at Seton Hall, 2/25 vs. Villanova

“The Hoyas were able to win in their lone game against Providence this week, and find favorable matchups against Seton Hall and Villanova this week.” – Jared Groff, Temple ’14

 

10. Marquette 22-5 (Previous week: 14)

Last week: W at UConn 79-64

This week: 2/22 vs. Rutgers, 2/24 at West Virginia

“Led by Darius Johnson-Odom and Jae Crowder, Marquette will be a tough out come March.” – Dominic DeLoya, Minnesota ’12

 

11. Florida 21-6 (Previous week: 12)

Last week: W at Alabama 61-52, W at Arkansas 98-68

This week: 2/21 vs. Auburn, 2/25 at Georgia

“After two straight losses, the Gators beat two tough teams in the SEC. A 30-point win against previously unbeaten Arkansas at home looks great for the Gators. ” – Trevor Lowry, Colorado State ’13

 

12. Murray State 26-1 (Previous week: 11)

Last week: W at SEMO 75-66, W vs. St. Mary’s 65-51

This week: 2/23 at Tennessee State, 2/25 at Tennessee Tech

“Murray State got exactly what it needed: a win over a quality opponent.  The Racers beat Saint Mary’s by 14 and proved that they’re for real.” – Trevor Hass, Syracuse ’15

 

13. Baylor 22-5 (Previous week: 9)

Last week: W vs. Iowa State 79-64, L vs. Kansas State 57-56

This week: 2/20 at Texas, 2/25 vs. Oklahoma

“Before I thought Baylor would only lose to Missouri and Kansas in the Big 12, but then they proved me wrong by getting knocked off against Kansas State.” – Trevor Lowry, Colorado State ’13

 

14. Florida State 19-7 (Previous week: 17)

Last week: W vs. Virginia Tech 48-47, W at NC State 76-62

This week: 2/23 vs. Duke, 2/26 at Miami

“Florida State barely edged out Virginia Tech, but followed it up with a convincing road win against NC State. The Seminoles next big test? A rematch against Duke on Thursday.” – Jared Groff, Temple ’14

 

15. Michigan 20-7 (Previous week: 22)

Last week: W vs. Ohio State 56-51

This week: 2/21 at Northwestern, 2/25 vs. Purdue

“With a huge win against Ohio State, the Wolverines show signs that they can hang with the big boys.” – Dominic DeLoya, Minnesota ’12

 

16. Wisconsin 20-7 (Previous week: 19)

Last week: L at Michigan State 69-55, W at Penn State 65-55

This week: 2/23 at Iowa, 2/26 at Ohio State

“If the Badgers fail to shoot the three ball well they will lose. Jordan Taylor is very good and they are getting good play from Mike Bruesewitz.” – Dominic DeLoya, Minnesota ’12

 

17. Louisville 21-6 (Previous week: 18)

Last week: L vs. Syracuse 52-51, W at DePaul 90-82 OT

This week: 2/23 at Cincinnati, 2/26 vs. Pittsburgh

“The Cardinals almost pulled off the upset against Syracuse and they’ve been playing much better basketball of late. Peyton Siva can penetrate nearly any defense and Kyle Kuric is always deadly from outside.” – Trevor Hass, Syracuse ’15

 

18. UNLV 22-4 (Previous week: 10)

Last week: L at TCU 102-97 OT, L at New Mexico 65-45

This week: 2/22 vs. Boise State, 2/25 vs. Air Force

“It’s a hard knock life in the Mountain West. Back-to-back losses for the Rebels.” – Trevor Lowry, Colorado State ’13

 

19. Notre Dame 17-8 (Previous week: 23)

Last week: W vs. Rutgers 71-53, W at Villanova 74-70 OT

This week: 2/22 vs. West Virginia. 2/25 at St. John’s

“Notre Dame was able to handle Rutgers, but also managed to escape a loss to an unimpressive Villanova squad in overtime.” – Jared Groff, Temple ’14

 

20. Wichita State 24-4 (Previous week: T25)

Last week: W vs. Missouri State 73-58, W at Davidson 91-74

This week: 2/22 at Illinois State, 2/25 vs. Drake

“I like this team a lot and I see them winning the Missouri Valley Tournament.” – Dominic DeLoya, Minnesota ’12

 

21. New Mexico 22-4 (Previous week: NR)

Last week: W at San Diego State 77-67, W vs. UNLV 65-45

This week: 2/21 at Colorado State, 2/25 at TCU

“No one in college basketball had a better week than Drew Gordon” – Evan Bailey, Arizona

 

22. San Diego State 20-6 (Previous week: 15)

Last week: L vs. New Mexico 77-67, L at Air Force 58-56

This week: 2/22 vs. Wyoming, 2/25 vs. Colorado State

“SDSU has lost three in a row and has struggled to put up points during that stretch.  Jamaal Franklin averages 16 points per game to lead the Aztecs, but he’s shooting a mere 29% from three.” – Trevor Hass, Syracuse ’15

 

23. Indiana 20-7 (Previous week: 20)

Last week: W vs. Northwestern 71-66, L at Iowa 78-66

This week: 2/22 vs. North Carolina Central, 2/26 at Minnesota

“The Hoosiers have been a bubble crusher as of late, but did they really just lose to Iowa?”  - Trevor Lowry, Colorado State ’13

 

 

24. Temple 21-5 (Previous week: NR)

Last week: W at Saint Bonaventure 76-70, W vs. Duquesne 78-59

This week: 2/22 at La Salle, 2/25 at St. Joseph’s

“The Owls continue to fly under the radar this year. Temple hasn’t lost a game in over a month.” – Jared Groff, Temple ’14

 

 

25. Washington 19-8 (Previous week: NR)

This week: W vs. Arizona State 77-69, W vs. Arizona 79-70

Last week: 2/25 at Washington State

“I have no idea how UW isn’t ranked. The Huskies pass the eye test.” – Evan Bailey, Arizona ’12

 

 

No longer ranked: St. Mary’s, Virginia, Gonzaga, Harvard

Also receiving votes: St. Mary’s, Creighton, Harvard, Vanderbilt, Virginia, Long Beach State, Gonzaga

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