Want to play a bracket contest with a chance to win big money? Try theScore $100K Team Tourney Ch...

Want to play a bracket contest with a chance to win big money? Try theScore $100K Team Tourney Challenge! Download theScore app on iOS or Android and play today!Programs are punching tickets all over the nation, which means that the Big Dance is right around the corner. Dunk City is back after <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/385" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/385">Florida Gulf Coast</a> bested <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/768" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/768">North Florida</a> at home for the A-Sun’s automatic bid. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/1233" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/1233">Winthrop</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/509" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/509">Jacksonville State</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/1213" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/1213">Wichita State</a> have joined the Eagles in the field of 68. There’s more madness to come this week with bubble teams battling and national powers jockeying for the top seeds.In our final installment of bracketology this season, we examine everything from the First Four to the Final Four and all the potential upsets in between.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>West Region</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/232511/cropped_2017-03-05T040533Z_2016204991_NOCID_RTRMADP_3_NCAA-BASKETBALL-WEST-COAST-CONFERENCE-TOURNAMENT-GONZAGA-VS-PACIFIC.jpg?ts=1488691185"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>(1) Gonzaga vs. (16) UC Irvine (8) Wisconsin vs. (9) Arkansas(5) SMU vs. (12) UT-Arlington (4) West Virginia vs. (13) Akron(6) Notre Dame vs. (11) Seton Hall (3) Butler vs. (14) Florida Gulf Coast(7) Oklahoma State vs. (10) Xavier (2) Oregon vs. (15) CSU BakersfieldThis region is stacked with potential Final Four dark horses. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/816" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/816">Oklahoma State</a> nearly upset the top-ranked Jayhawks at home on Saturday, further demonstrating how an elite point guard can elevate an entire team. The Pokes’ <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/45059" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/players/45059">Jawun Evans</a> has averaged 18.5 points and 8 assists in Oklahoma State’s last four games against ranked opponents. The Big Ten tournament in Indianapolis this week provides <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/1234" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/1234">Wisconsin</a> a chance to get back on track. The Badgers were 21-3 a month ago and had risen as high as seventh in the AP poll. A potential semifinal matchup with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/872" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/872">Purdue</a> could give them the marquee win they’ve been missing all season.The Sun Belt is a highly competitive mid-major conference whose champions have NCAA tournament wins in back-to-back seasons (<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/417" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/417">Georgia State</a> ‘15, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/76" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/76">Little Rock</a> ‘16). <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/1081" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/1081">UT-Arlington</a> has the kind of team to make it three in a row. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/39105" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/players/39105">Kevin Hervey</a> is a rare mid-major stretch four who has recorded a double-double in five of his last six games. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/164" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/164">Butler</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/792" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/792">Notre Dame</a> met in the Round of 32 back in 2015, producing a memorable overtime thriller at the Consol Energy Center in downtown Pittsburgh. A rematch would be equally intriguing in 2017.<h3>East Region</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/231132/cropped_2017-02-25T211032Z_1988888885_NOCID_RTRMADP_3_NCAA-BASKETBALL-CREIGHTON-AT-VILLANOVA.jpg?ts=1488061175"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>(1) Villanova vs. (16) Mt. St. Mary’s/North Carolina Central (8) Miami (FL) vs. (9) Michigan(5) Cincinnati vs. (12) UNC Wilmington (4) Duke vs. (13) Vermont(6) Iowa State vs. (11) Syracuse/Providence (3) Arizona vs. (14) South Dakota State(7) Maryland vs. (10) Marquette (2) Kentucky vs. (15) Siena<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/531" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/531">Kentucky</a> has turned the corner at the right time. Winners of eight straight, the Wildcats are headed into the SEC tournament with a ton of momentum. The fact that they were easily able to close out <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/1070" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/1070">Texas A&amp;M</a> on the road during one of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/53736" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/players/53736">Malik Monk</a>’s down games is a great sign. Speaking of teams going up, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/501" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/501">Iowa State</a> boasts wins over <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/524" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/524">Kansas</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/109" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/109">Baylor</a> and the Cyclones are a top-ten shooting team from both three-point range and the foul line. Steve Prohm’s team has what it takes to get to Glendale.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/240" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/240">Cincinnati</a>’s Mick Cronin has been outspoken about the Selection Committee’s true motivations, so it’s safe to say a potential second round matchup against <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/329" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/329">Duke</a> won’t sit well with the veteran coach. If the Bearcats are caught looking ahead, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/764" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/764">UNC Wilmington</a> has more than enough firepower to pull off the upset. Five of Cronin’s eight Big Dance appearances have ended with a first-round exit. UNC-Wilmington has four starters who average 12 or more points per game and their head coach, Kevin Keatts, is in line for his third straight CAA Coach of the Year award.<h3>Midwest Region</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/231551/cropped_2017-02-28T031905Z_1096419309_NOCID_RTRMADP_3_NCAA-BASKETBALL-OKLAHOMA-AT-KANSAS.jpg?ts=1488255183"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>(1) Kansas vs. (16) North Dakota (8) Virginia Tech vs. (9) Wichita State(5) Minnesota vs. (12) Middle Tennessee (4) Florida State vs. (13) Princeton(6) Creighton vs. (11) Kansas State/Wake Forest (3) Florida vs. (14) East Tennessee State(7) Dayton vs. (10) Michigan State (2) Louisville vs. (15) Jacksonville State<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/31935" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/players/31935">Frank Mason III</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/37664" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/players/37664">Devonte' Graham</a> both scored in double figures during their Round of 32 loss to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/1213" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/1213">Wichita State</a> two years ago. You can bet that revenge will be on their minds should they run into the Shockers again. Wichita has won 21 of its last 22 and tore through the MVC tourney like a force of nature. They’re far from an average nine-seed. A <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/674" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/674">Minnesota</a>-<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/664" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/664">Middle Tennessee</a> draw would be a fantastic game. Minnesota is playing its best basketball in nearly two decades and Middle Tennessee has a trio of scorers that would make any major program jealous. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/71" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/71">Arkansas</a> transfer <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/24632" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/players/24632">JaCorey Williams</a> has been particularly impressive (17.5 ppg, 7.5 rpg).<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/37855" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/players/37855">Quentin Snider</a> is the key cog in Rick Pitino’s offense. When the junior point guard scores more than 15 points, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/589" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/589">Louisville</a> is undefeated. Even if he plays his best, the road to the Final Four is anything but tailor-made for the Cardinals. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/380" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/380">Florida</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/303" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/303">Dayton</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/660" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/660">Michigan State</a> all present difficult challenges. Dayton entered the season with a decent amount of hype, but after a slow 2-2 start, the Flyers fell off the national radar. Now that they have the full lineup at their disposal, Archie Miller’s starting five is good enough to make an Elite 8 run as they did back in 2014.<h3>South Region</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/231429/cropped_2017-02-19T042450Z_1409495191_NOCID_RTRMADP_3_NCAA-BASKETBALL-VIRGINIA-AT-NORTH-CAROLINA.jpg?ts=1488202745"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>(1) North Carolina vs. (16) Northern Kentucky/New Orleans (8) Northwestern vs. (9) VCU(5) Virginia vs. (12) Nevada (4) Purdue vs. (13) Bucknell(6) St. Mary’s (CA) vs. (11) Vanderbilt (3) UCLA vs. (14) Winthrop(7) South Carolina vs. (10) USC (2) Baylor vs. (15) Texas SouthernThe Tar Heels continue to struggle on the road, but it’s hard to argue with just how dominant they’ve looked in the past month, particularly in the front court. It will take a special team to challenge <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/756" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/756">North Carolina</a> on the glass, but Purdue and its Naismith finalist <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/45073" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/players/45073">Caleb Swanigan</a> could be that team. That is, of course, if Purdue can avoid a third straight first-round exit. A matchup with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/161" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/161">Bucknell</a>, a program with a rich history of upsets in March, wouldn’t exactly inspire confidence in West Lafayette.The bottom half of this projected region would be a lot of fun to watch. A second round matchup between Baylor and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/954" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/954">South Carolina</a> could be a defensive clinic with Baylor dominating the block and South Carolina causing all kinds of defensive havoc out on the perimeter. Then there’s the potential for a Golden State grudge match between <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/1114" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/1114">UCLA</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/915" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/915">Saint Mary’s</a>. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/53246" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/players/53246">Lonzo Ball</a> has made Bruin games appointment television and the Gaels are so insanely efficient that if this game wasn’t a memorable affair I’d be shocked. Before that potential Round of 32 meeting, don’t miss Winthrop’s <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/31160" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/players/31160">Keon Johnson</a>. The five-foot-seven dynamo has five 30-plus point scoring performances in his last 12 games.(Photos courtesy: Action Images)

Bracket preview: Predicting the Round of 64

Sign up now for theScore $100k Team Tourney Challenge, and you'll be the first to know when you c...

<a target="_blank" href="https://thescore.app.link/ujqcz0bH0A">Sign up now</a> for theScore $100k Team Tourney Challenge, and you'll be the first to know when you can enter!The college basketball season is switching into high gear as the regular season draws to a close, which means that legacies will be cemented in the coming weeks. For a select few, that legacy could include a coveted Naismith Trophy, which is given annually to the Player of the Year in college basketball.Here’s a breakdown of the top five candidates for the honor this season:<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Josh Hart, Villanova (18.6 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 3.1 apg)<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/217359/cropped_GettyImages-627403388.jpg?ts=1484157044"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>The defending champs have an undisputed leader in <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/30695" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/players/30695">Josh Hart</a>. A throwback to the days when players stayed for four years, Hart embodies what it means to be an extension of your coach out on the floor. Just check the box score and you’ll see he can do it all. He’s scored 25 points or more on seven occasions, posted four double-doubles, one triple-double, all while shooting 40 percent from three-point range. Hart’s also a skilled perimeter defender who picks opponents’ pockets with ease (1.5 spg). Most importantly, he doesn’t need to dominate the ball to make a big impact. He could be the most well-rounded award recipient since <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/3708" href="http://www.thescore.com/nba/players/3708">Evan Turner</a> back in 2010.Marcus Keene, Central Michigan (29.4 ppg, 4.9 apg, 4.5 rpg)<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/230115/cropped_GettyImages-632945268.jpg?ts=1487517922"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>Keene was one of four players from mid-major conferences included in the Naismith Trophy Top 30, which was <a href="http://naismithtrophy.com/2017-naismith-top-30-mens-players-list-announced/">released last month</a>. The pint-sized playmaker is running away with the DI scoring title this season and had a memorable game-winning shot against in-state rival <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/1197" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/1197">Western Michigan</a> back on Feb. 3.The issue for Keene is simple: His team stinks. Setting aside the fact that only eight true mid-major programs have produced Naismith winners in the last 47 years, exactly zero Naismith winners have played on teams that failed to make the postseason. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/218" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/218">Central Michigan</a> is currently in the midst of a six-game losing streak. Barring a great run in the MAC tournament, they won’t be playing in any postseason tournament.Caleb Swanigan, Purdue (18.6 ppg, 12.5 rpg, 2.8 apg)The lone “big” with a real chance to win this prestigious award is the Boilermakers’ power forward, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/45073" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/players/45073">Caleb Swanigan</a>. The frontcourt force is <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/872" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/872">Purdue</a>’s best player since Glenn “Big Dog” Robinson, who coincidentally is the only player in program history to win the Naismith. Making Swanigan's case even stronger is that he’s delivered a regular-season conference championship. If he were a little bit more impactful on the defensive end he’d be the prohibitive favorite, but he’s just not the defensive stopper that previous frontcourt winners like <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/11373" href="http://www.thescore.com/nba/players/11373">Anthony Davis</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/106" href="http://www.thescore.com/nba/players/106">Kenyon Martin </a>were during their historic seasons.Lonzo Ball, UCLA (15 ppg, 7.6 apg, 6.3 rpg)<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/217364/cropped_GettyImages-627409468.jpg?ts=1484192558"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>When the Atlanta Tipoff Club hands the Naismith Trophy to the nation’s top college basketball player next month, don’t be surprised if it’s <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/53246" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/players/53246">Ball</a> who is on the receiving end. The sharpshooter with a bright NBA future has turned it up a few notches lately. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/1114" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/1114">UCLA</a> hasn’t lost since January and Ball is shooting a blistering 53 percent from the field and 40 percent from three-point range during the Bruins eight-game winning streak. He wants the ball in crunch time, evidenced by his <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/1228778" href="http://www.thescore.com/news/1228778">parking lot three</a> that helped UCLA knock off then fifth-ranked <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/823" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/823">Oregon</a> at Pauley Pavilion. A memorable March Madness run for the Bruins could be enough to win him this great honor.Frank Mason III, Kansas (20.3 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 4 apg)<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/168665/cropped_GettyImages-517694236.jpg?ts=1484157044"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>Handing the trophy to the best player on the best team in America is often a cop-out, but <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/31935" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/players/31935">Mason III</a> is a special kind of leader. The heart and soul of the Jayhawks has the numbers and the wins to warrant inclusion on this list. When <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/524" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/524">Kansas</a> finds itself in a close game, you can count on Mason to put his head down and get to the hoop. In KU’s last three games against top-10 opponents, all wins by the way, Mason shot 36-for-38 from the foul line. The bigger the moment, the better he plays and when it comes to this award, rising to the occasion matters.(Photos Courtesy: Getty Images)

Naismith Award Watch: Swanigan, Hart leading Player of the Year race

<a target="_blank" href="https://thescore.app.link/ujqcz0bH0A">Sign up now</a> for theScore $100k Team Tourney Challenge, and you'll be the first to know when you can enter!Every Monday, for the remainder of the season, theScore will present a look at how the upcoming March Madness tournament will shake out with a prediction of the bracket. This will rank teams 1-16 in each of the four regions, and include the potential opponents for the tournament-opening First Four.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/421" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/421">Gonzaga</a>’s quest for perfection came to an end on Saturday night against <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/155" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/155">BYU</a>, reminding the college basketball world that every team is mortal heading into March Madness. While the Zags are looking to regroup before the WCC tournament in Las Vegas, programs like <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/756" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/756">North Carolina</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/1114" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/1114">UCLA</a> are surging into the postseason. The Tar Heels, winners of four straight, have moved up to the No. 1-line in our projections. If they can avenge their road loss to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/329" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/329">Duke</a> on Saturday in Chapel Hill, a top seed is all but a certainty for Roy Williams’ club.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>UCLA scored an impressive victory on the road in Tucson and have a decent chance of stealing away a No. 1 seed from Gonzaga should the Bruins win the Pac-12 tourney. According to our projected field, the Pac-12 has three top-three seeds, giving the conference its best collection of Final Four threats in nearly a decade. On the mid-major front, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/664" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/664">Middle Tennessee</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/1081" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/1081">UT-Arlington</a> continue to strengthen their resumes and could pose major problems for blue-blood programs during the opening weekend.<h3>West Region</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/228220/cropped_2017-02-05T035157Z_1482300004_NOCID_RTRMADP_3_NCAA-BASKETBALL-SANTA-CLARA-AT-GONZAGA.jpg?ts=1486570183"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>(1) Gonzaga vs. (16) North Dakota (8) Xavier vs. (9) USC (5) Notre Dame vs. (12) Illinois State (4) WVU vs. (13) Princeton (6) Wisconsin vs. (11) Providence/Kansas State (3) Kentucky vs. (14) East Tennessee State (7) Oklahoma State vs. (10) Michigan (2) Oregon vs. (15) CSU BakersfieldGonzaga’s eight-point home loss to BYU has certainly taken some wind out of its sales, but it would be an overreaction to say that the Zags are not worthy of a top seed next month. With a pair of wins over St. Mary’s and two excellent non-conference victories over <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/69" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/69">Arizona</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/380" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/380">Florida</a>, the Bulldogs are clearly an elite team. That being said, this region doesn’t do them any favors. Both <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/792" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/792">Notre Dame</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/1190" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/1190">West Virginia</a> could present stiff tests, albeit with completely different styles of play. The Irish shoot the ball very well from long range while the Mountaineers are pure monsters on the offensive glass.After years of horrendous draws, the hypothetical road for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/531" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/531">Kentucky</a> this time around seems to be tailor-made for Coach Cal and his team. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/1234" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/1234">Wisconsin</a> is falling apart down the stretch, and a Sweet 16 meeting with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/823" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/823">Oregon</a> could expose the Ducks’ perimeter defense. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/816" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/816">Oklahoma State</a> is certainly the darkhorse in this region, capable of making a deep run thanks to its dynamic backcourt.<h3>East Region</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/231424/cropped_2017-02-25T225521Z_306763446_NOCID_RTRMADP_3_NCAA-BASKETBALL-CREIGHTON-AT-VILLANOVA.jpg?ts=1488201139"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>(1) Villanova vs. (16) UC Irvine/Mt. St. Mary’s (8) Miami (FL) vs. (9) VCU (5) Minnesota vs. (12) UNC Wilmington (4) Duke vs. (13) Vermont (6) Creighton vs. (11) Middle Tennessee (3) Florida vs. (14) UNC Asheville (7) Maryland vs. (10) Wichita State (2) Louisville vs. (15) BucknellAnother season, another Big East regular-season title for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/1145" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/1145">Villanova</a>. A potential Duke-Nova clash at the Garden has ticket brokers jumping for joy. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/764" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/764">UNC Wilmington</a> is a team to keep an eye on. The Seahawks share the ball incredibly well, and when they find the open man behind the 3-point stripe, they bury it (the team averages 9.4 triples per game). Don’t look now, but Richard Pitino has the Golden Gophers playing some inspired basketball. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/674" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/674">Minnesota</a> hasn’t won multiple games in the Big Dance in 20 years, but its currently positioning itself for a visit to the second weekend.Someone is going to get stuck with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/1213" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/1213">Wichita State</a> in the Round of 32, and win or lose, that top seed is going to be singing the Shockers' praises postgame. Wichita has just one loss since Dec. 22 and closed out its MVC regular season with winning margins of 29, 26 and 19 in the last three contests. You can pencil in Middle Tennessee for an upset, particularly if they catch a team without a true point guard like <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/287" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/287">Creighton</a>.<h3>Midwest Region</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/230006/cropped_2017-02-18T202403Z_53205580_NOCID_RTRMADP_3_NCAA-BASKETBALL-KANSAS-AT-BAYLOR.jpg?ts=1487465026"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>(1) Kansas vs. (16) Texas Southern/New Orleans (8) Dayton vs. (9) Northwestern (5) Cincinnati vs. (12) Nevada (4) Florida State vs. (13) Monmouth (6) St. Mary’s (CA) vs. (11) Cal/Syracuse (3) Butler vs. (14) Akron (7) Iowa State vs. (10) Michigan State (2) UCLA vs. (15) North Dakota State<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/524" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/524">Kansas</a> is looking better and better as the season progresses. In this scenario, the Jayhawks would have very little resistance before an Elite Eight showdown against either <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/164" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/164">Butler</a> or UCLA. The feel-good story of this region would be Northwestern. The Wildcats have never punched their ticket to the Big Dance.If UCLA were to face <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/501" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/501">Iowa State</a> in the second round, it would be must-watch television. The Cyclones boast wins over Kansas and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/109" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/109">Baylor</a> to go along with a “quality” two-point neutral-site loss to Gonzaga. UCLA, meanwhile, is simply electric on offense, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/53246" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/players/53246">Lonzo Ball</a> has the look of a future lottery pick ready to cement his legacy with a deep March Madness run. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/1056" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/1056">Syracuse</a>-<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/182" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/182">Cal</a> would be a fantastic play-in game in Dayton.<h3>South Region</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/231429/cropped_2017-02-19T042450Z_1409495191_NOCID_RTRMADP_3_NCAA-BASKETBALL-VIRGINIA-AT-NORTH-CAROLINA.jpg?ts=1488202745"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>(1) North Carolina vs. (16) North Carolina Central (8) Virginia Tech vs. (9) Arkansas (5) Virginia vs. (12) Texas-Arlington (4) Purdue vs. (13) Valpo (6) SMU vs. (11) Marquette (3) Arizona vs. (14) Belmont (7) South Carolina vs. (10) Seton Hall (2) Baylor vs. (15) Florida Gulf CoastAs we mentioned at the top, UT-Arlington could be this year’s surprising 12-5 upset. The Sun Belt has produced some great Cinderellas recently (<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/76" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/76">Ark Little Rock</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/417" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/417">Georgia State</a>) and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/39105" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/players/39105">Kevin Hervey</a> has the all-around game to carry the Mavericks into the second weekend. An in-state battle between <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/872" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/872">Purdue</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/1140" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/1140">Valpo</a> would be a lot of fun to watch, particularly the matchup between <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/45073" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/players/45073">Caleb Swanigan</a> (18 ppg, 12 rpg) and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/31337" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/players/31337">Alec Peters</a> (23 ppg, 10 rpg).The bottom half of this region is truly wide open. Baylor, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/69" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/69">Arizona</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/971" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/971">SMU</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/954" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/954">South Carolina</a> have all had stretches in which they’ve looked like quality top-15 programs and lows where they looked like prime one-and-done candidates. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/113" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/113">Belmont</a> should be marked as a dangerous double-digit seed simply for its coach and superstar combination. Bruins senior <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/31379" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/players/31379">Evan Bradds</a> has seven games this season in which he's scored more than 20 points and grabbed more than 10 rebounds.

Bracketology: Kentucky-Wisconsin matchup highlights potential 2nd round

According to VegasInsider.com, seven teams have odds of 12:1 or lower to win the men’s college ba...

According to VegasInsider.com, seven teams have odds of 12:1 or lower to win the men’s college basketball national championship. The small group includes an undefeated team (<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/421" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/421">Gonzaga</a>), one program looking to repeat (<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/1145" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/1145">Villanova</a>), and another with two lottery picks in its backcourt (<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/531" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/531">Kentucky</a>).With so much to like about the top contenders, it's hard to nitpick as to why they'd flame out in the Big Dance. Here's a look at the fatal flaws each program is saddled with as the postseason approaches.Duke (15:2) - No True Point Guard<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/329" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/329">Duke</a>'s offense is far from stagnant (81.7 ppg) yet it does struggle at times without a true floor general. The team's final possession against <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/1056" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/1056">Syracuse</a> on Wednesday was a great example of how disorganized it can look without a primary ball handler running the show. Only half of the Blue Devils made field goals come via an assist, a troubling statistic that places them in the mid-200s nationally.Gonzaga (17:2) - Mark Few<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/156683/cropped_GettyImages-501167774.jpg?ts=1486755631"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>Mark Few is Gonzaga basketball. The 10-time WCC Coach of the Year has led the Bulldogs to the Big Dance in each of his 17 seasons as their head coach. For all of his success, however, he hasn't been able to reach the Final Four despite receiving a four-seed or better from the Selection Committee on six separate occasions. He’s also been upset by a lower seed five times, a fact that will likely be referenced ad nauseum during the first weekend of the tournament.North Carolina (17:2) - No Place Like HomeThe Tar Heels have struggled away from home this season, with a few lopsided losses on their resume that are downright ugly. It started with a nine-point loss at <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/490" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/490">Indiana</a>, got worse with a 12-point loss to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/418" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/418">Georgia Tech</a> in Atlanta, and culminated with a baffling 15-point loss to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/657" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/657">Miami</a>. UNC was favored by at least 5.5 points in all three contests before laying some massive eggs. The regional sites won't do North Carolina any favors, with the closest landing spot nearly 500 miles away in New York City.Kansas (9:1) Rebounding<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/218989/cropped_2016-01-20T000000Z_1_MT1ACI14252561_RTRMADP_3_SPORT.jpg?ts=1484157044"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>Opponents snag 10.2 offensive rebounds per game away from the Jayhawks and despite <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/44976" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/players/44976">Carlton Bragg Jr.</a>'s return to the lineup, their rebounding issues have persisted. Since the 6-foot-10 sophomore has returned, KU is actually allowing opponents to do more work on the glass (14.4). This likely won't bite the Jayhawks on the first weekend but should they collide with a team that has a strong frontcourt later on, such as <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/872" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/872">Purdue</a>, they could find themselves on upset alert.Villanova (9:1) Falling In Love With The 3Nova fires up nearly 24 treys per game, and while they connect on a healthy amount of them (37.3 percent) the deep ball can take the Cats out of their regular offense at times. If you isolate the Wildcats' three losses this season, you'll find that they shot just 21.4 percent from long range. The Cats' 18-for-84 stat line from deep during those Ls jumps off the page, including a horrific night in Milwaukee where Jay Wright's bunch connected on just 6-of-34. If they want to repeat, they should try to avoid any 3-point competitions.UCLA (11:1) Defensive PressureThe Bruins do a wonderful job of avoiding turnovers. In fact, UCLA leads the nation in assist-to-turnover ratio as a team. What they don't do well, however, is force teams into turnovers on the defensive end. The Bruins have given up more than 85 points in five separate games and that has a lot to do with teams feeling very comfortable on the offensive end. If Steve Alford wants to reel off six wins when it counts, he'll need to coax a bit more defense out of his team.Kentucky (12:1) Close Games<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/230102/cropped_2017-02-19T020710Z_1194131935_NOCID_RTRMADP_3_NCAA-BASKETBALL-KENTUCKY-AT-GEORGIA.jpg?ts=1487511210"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>Big Blue Nation is hoping that the Wildcats can play a bit better in crunch time next month. Kentucky is just 2-3 in games decided by five points or less. Coach Cal has been .500 or worse in tight games in three of the last four seasons, which is often a solid predictor of success in the Big Dance. Saturday's showdown with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/380" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/380">Florida</a> in Lexington will likely come down to the wire, so if UK is hoping to do a better job closing out games, this SEC East matchup is as good a time as any to turn things around.(Photos courtesy: Getty and Action Images)

Fatal flaws for 7 national title contenders

Every Monday, for the remainder of the season, theScore will present a look at how the upcoming M...

Every Monday, for the remainder of the season, theScore will present a look at how the upcoming March Madness tournament will shake out with a prediction of the bracket. This will rank teams 1-16 in each of the four regions, and include the potential opponents for the tournament-opening First Four.The top seeds are beginning to solidify their respective positions. Only two teams in the AP top 25 (<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/388" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/388">Florida State</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/954" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/954">South Carolina</a>) lost to unranked opponents over the weekend. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/329" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/329">Duke</a> continues to surge, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/421" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/421">Gonzaga</a> hasn't played in a close game in months, and the Big 12 may have to consider handing the Jayhawks a regular-season bye straight to the conference tournament. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/524" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/524">Kansas</a> has made their dominance look positively routine.A pack of early season underachievers could prove to be serious headaches for top seeds in the second round. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/660" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/660">Michigan State</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/501" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/501">Iowa State</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/71" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/71">Arkansas </a>have the kind of talent to bust more than a few brackets during a surprising March run. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/695" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/695">Monmouth</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/764" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/764">UNC Wilmington</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/664" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/664">Middle Tennessee</a> highlight a strong crop of mid-majors with serious Cinderella potential.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>West Region</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/229232/cropped_2017-02-03T070822Z_788256426_NOCID_RTRMADP_3_NCAA-BASKETBALL-GONZAGA-AT-BRIGHAM-YOUNG.jpg?ts=1487096876"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>(1) Gonzaga vs. (16) North Carolina Central (8) USC vs. (9) Miami (FL) (5) Purdue vs. (12) Nevada (4) Butler vs. (13) Monmouth (6) SMU vs. (11) Kansas State (3) Florida State vs. (14) North Carolina Asheville (7) Minnesota vs. (10) Arkansas (2) Oregon vs. (15) CSU Bakersfield Gonzaga continues its march towards a perfect season. The Zags haven't played in a game decided by less than 10 points since their seven-point win at <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/69" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/69">Arizona</a> on Dec 3. A potential second round matchup with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/1131" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/1131">USC</a> would likely bring the Mark Few critics out of the woodwork. The Trojans don't beat themselves and would pose a real threat to the Bulldogs in the Round of 32.The other side of the region has considerably more upset potential. FSU has a handful of strange losses, including its recent 17-point loss to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/850" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/850">Pitt</a>. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/758" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/758">UNC Asheville</a> has the guard play to catch the Seminoles napping. Arkansas could be a Sweet 16 sleeper for a few reasons. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/30844" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/players/30844">Moses Kingsley</a> is one of the best bigs in the projected bracket and their perimeter shooting has improved greatly over their current three-game winning streak.<h3>East Region</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/229940/cropped_2017-02-18T184506Z_1689450522_NOCID_RTRMADP_3_NCAA-BASKETBALL-VILLANOVA-AT-SETON-HALL.jpg?ts=1487447359"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>(1) Villanova vs. (16) Texas Southern/Mt. St. Mary’s (8) Oklahoma State vs. (9) Virginia Tech (5) Cincinnati vs. (12) UNC Wilmington (4) West Virginia vs. (13) Vermont (6) Notre Dame vs. (11) Seton Hall (3) Florida vs. (14) Princeton (7) Northwestern vs. (10) Wichita State (2) North Carolina vs. (15) Florida Gulf CoastThings couldn't be lining up much better for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/1145" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/1145">Nova</a>. If they can finish the season strong, a one-seed and a potential second weekend trip to Madison Square Garden would be their reward. Don't just mindlessly advance Jay Wright to the Sweet 16 though. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/816" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/816">Oklahoma State</a> and its backcourt could prove to be an extremely difficult out in the second round. An old Big East rivalry could be renewed between <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/240" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/240">Cincinnati</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/1190" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/1190">West Virginia</a> in the Round of 32. Both teams have played Final Four level basketball already this season and both play highly effective defense. WVU leads the nation in forced turnovers and Cincy surrenders a paltry 60.9 ppg.Casual fans should cross their fingers for a Tar Heel-Shocker showdown in the second round. If those two offenses clash, to borrow a phrase from Brazilian soccer fans, you’ll be in store for a "beautiful game." Both offenses could crack the 90s. The Gators lost <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/32152" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/players/32152">John Egbunu</a> to a torn ACL, which makes them mortal against a team with a quality frontcourt. The Irish's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/30800" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/players/30800">V.J. Beachem</a> just sat up in his chair.<h3>Midwest Region </h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/229947/cropped_2017-02-18T190202Z_27781503_NOCID_RTRMADP_3_NCAA-BASKETBALL-KANSAS-AT-BAYLOR.jpg?ts=1487449049"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>(1) Kansas vs. (16) Weber State/UC Davis (8) Dayton vs. (9) Michigan State (5) Wisconsin vs. (12) Akron (4) Virginia vs. (13) Valpo (6) St. Mary’s (CA) vs. (11) Wake Forest/Syracuse (3) Kentucky vs. (14) Bucknell (7) Xavier vs. (10) Michigan (2) Arizona vs. (15) North Dakota StateThe Jayhawks essentially sealed up their 13th straight regular-season Big XII title once they completed their season sweep of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/109" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/109">Baylor</a>. To give KU's reign of dominance some context, the last time a program other than KU won the conference was Oklahoma State in 2004. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/27" href="http://www.thescore.com/nba/players/27">Tony Allen</a>, now 35, is the only member of that team still playing professionally. A second-round tussle with Tom Izzo and the Spartans would be a ratings bonanza.When the play-in game between 11 seeds was introduced, skeptics argued that an extra team wasn’t really necessary or worthy. History has proven otherwise with numerous play-in winners making the second weekend. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/1159" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/1159">Wake Forest</a>'s <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/45122" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/players/45122">John Collins</a> has been so impressive at center that it wouldn't be shocking to see him put the Deacs on his back during an upset or two. A second weekend matchup between Arizona and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/531" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/531">Kentucky</a> could involve four or five top-20 NBA draft picks.<h3>South Region</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/229952/cropped_2017-02-18T185238Z_236001398_NOCID_RTRMADP_3_NCAA-BASKETBALL-VIRGINIA-TECH-AT-LOUISVILLE.jpg?ts=1487449873"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>(1) Louisville vs. (16) New Orleans (8) Iowa State vs. (9) California (5) Creighton vs. (12) Middle Tennessee (4) UCLA vs. (13) UT Arlington (6) Maryland vs. (11) Marquette/TCU (3) Duke vs. (14) Belmont (7) South Carolina vs. (10) VCU (2) Baylor vs. (15) Furman<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/501" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/501">Iowa State</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/182" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/182">Cal</a> have been playing more like AP top-25 squads than bubble teams. The Cyclones’ backcourt and the Golden Bears' frontcourt could equally give <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/589" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/589">Louisville</a> problems. If the Cards make it to the second weekend their reward in this scenario would be a shootout with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/53246" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/players/53246">Lonzo Ball</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/1114" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/1114">UCLA</a>. When the Bruins are clicking offensively they're arguably the most dominant offensive team that college basketball has seen in years.If WVU-Cincy wet your appetite for old rivals, how about <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/627" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/627">Maryland</a>-<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/329" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/329">Duke</a> in the second round? Duke appears to have "figured it out" and Maryland is as good a team as any in the country when <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/37689" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/players/37689">Melo Trimble</a> is feeling it. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/52649" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/players/52649">Harry Giles</a> would be overwhelmed with Baylor's front line but a Gamecock upset in the Round of 32 could spare him that test.

Bracketology: USC-Miami, Xavier-Michigan matchups highlight potential 1st round

As we inch closer to March Madness, we turn our attention to the bubble and the respective teams ...

As we inch closer to March Madness, we turn our attention to the bubble and the respective teams living on it. Every Friday for the rest of the season, theScore will provide a look at teams sitting on the bubble and their chances of making the NCAA tournament.Arkansas 19-7 (8-5) RPI: 35 SOS: 73The Hogs scored a critical victory Wednesday night when they grounded out a win in Columbia against <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/954" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/954">South Carolina</a>. That seven-point victory represents their best win of the season and gives the Razorbacks an inside track to a coveted “double-bye” in the upcoming SEC tournament. Equally encouraging has been the improved play of senior guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/25361" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/players/25361">Dusty Hannahs</a>. The perimeter marksman from Little Rock, Ark., has connected on 19 of his last 34 attempts from downtown (55.8 percent) during his five-game hot streak.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Hannahs’ range, combined with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/30844" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/players/30844">Moses Kingsley</a>’s performance in the low post, gives <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/71" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/71">Arkansas</a> a challenging inside-outside game to defend. If the Hogs can hold serve at home against <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/680" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/680">Ole Miss</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/1070" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/1070">Texas A&amp;M</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/413" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/413">Georgia</a> down the stretch, they likely won’t need a victory in Nashville to punch their ticket to the Big Dance. This postseason push would likely save Mike Anderson’s job to boot.Wake Forest 15-11 (6-8) RPI: 36 SOS: 22<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/229740/cropped_2017-02-04T212638Z_2051915592_NOCID_RTRMADP_3_NCAA-BASKETBALL-GEORGIA-TECH-AT-WAKE-FOREST.jpg?ts=1487339417"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>The Demon Deacons haven’t gone dancing since 2010 and haven’t made the second weekend of the tournament in 13 years, but the program appears to have things headed in the right direction under the leadership of Danny Manning. After winning 21 games with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/1107" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/1107">Tulsa</a>, which included an automatic bid to the Big Dance in 2014, Manning decided that the rebuilding process in Winston-Salem wasn’t too daunting. After two sub-.500 seasons down on Tobacco Road, it would appear that <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/1159" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/1159">Wake Forest</a> has turned the corner and is ready to partake in March Madness. The RPI loves the Demon Deacons but their resume feels incomplete without a true signature win. They travel to Cameron Indoor on Saturday and host <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/589" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/589">Louisville </a>on March 1, two potential wins that could really help them differentiate themselves from the at-large pack.Marquette 15-10 (6-7) RPI: 82 SOS: 77Ten losses, including four in its last five games, makes <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/620" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/620">Marquette</a> a tough sell until you dig deeper into its resume. Mid-January upsets of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/287" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/287">Creighton</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/1145" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/1145">Villanova</a> plus two additional RPI top-50 wins (<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/935" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/935">Seton Hall</a>, Georgia) make the Golden Eagles more attractive to the Selection Committee than other programs sitting on the bubble. That being said, Steve Wojciechowski and his squad need to run the table in the regular season or put on quite a show during the Big East tournament to feel any level of confidence that an at-large bid is headed their way. Should they crack the Field of 68, they’d be a dangerous 10 or 11 seed capable of an upset or two thanks to their phenomenal shooting prowess both from inside and outside the arc. Marquette ranks eighth nationally in effective field goal percentage (57 percent) and first in three-point accuracy (41.9 percent).Houston 18-7 (9-4) RPI: 59 SOS: 114<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/229741/cropped_2017-01-25T040440Z_572131118_NOCID_RTRMADP_3_NCAA-BASKETBALL-TULANE-AT-HOUSTON.jpg?ts=1487339466"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>The Coogs are red-hot and have a real opportunity to snatch an at-large bid during what can only described as a weak year for bubble teams. Much like Wake Forest, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/471" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/471">Houston</a> is in need of at least one signature win to impress the Selection Committee and they have two opportunities to snag said win before the AAC conference tournament next month. The Cougars host <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/971" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/971">SMU</a> on Saturday on national television and then travel to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/240" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/240">Cincinnati</a> on March 2. According to <a href="http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/bpi">ESPN’s BPI rankings</a>, Saturday’s showdown between the Cougars and Mustangs is the second best game this weekend in terms of overall quality (behind only <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/1146" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/1146">Virginia</a>-<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/756" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/756">North Carolina</a>). What makes UH so much fun to watch is its dynamic backcourt that has taken an immense step forward thanks to the improved play of former <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/823" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/823">Oregon</a> guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/24746" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/players/24746">Damyean Dotson</a>. Dotson and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/44958" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/players/44958">Rob Gray Jr.</a> combine to average nearly 38 points, 11 rebounds, and six made three-pointers per contest out of the Houston backcourt.(Photos Courtesy: Action Images)

Bubble Watch: What do Arkansas, Wake Forest need to do to make the Big Dance?

Predicting the March Madness matchups for each region

As we inch closer to March Madness, we turn our attention to the bubble and the respective teams living on it. Every Friday for the rest of the season, theScore will provide a look at teams sitting on the bubble and their chances of making the NCAA tournament.Syracuse 16-9 (8-4) RPI: 58 SOS: 56The Orange were left for dead after an 18-point road loss to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/792" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/792">Notre Dame</a> on Jan. 21. Since then, Jim Boeheim’s bunch has reeled off five straight wins, including a pair of top-10 victories over <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/388" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/388">Florida State</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/1146" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/1146">Virginia</a> at the Carrier Dome. Syracuse’s once stagnant offense has caught fire, averaging 82.2 points over that five-game run.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Despite losing the turnover battle in three of the five wins, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/1056" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/1056">Syracuse</a> has become a much more efficient offense thanks to its lights-out 3-point shooting. A pair of games against <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/589" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/589">Louisville</a> and a home date with resurgent <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/329" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/329">Duke</a> await the Orange in the next two weeks. If they handle their business against <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/850" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/850">Pitt</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/418" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/418">Georgia Tech</a> and steal one game against Louisville or Duke, they should be on the safe side of the bubble come next month.Cal 18-6 (9-3) RPI: 35 SOS: 45<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/222822/cropped_GettyImages-625835212.jpg?ts=1484157044"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>The early departure of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/45455" href="http://www.thescore.com/nba/players/45455">Jaylen Brown</a> and the transfer of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/30848" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/players/30848">Jordan Mathews</a> set the stage for subdued optimism surrounding the Golden Bears program this season. Four losses before the calendar turned to 2017 didn’t help change the narrative that this would be a down year in the Bay Area for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/182" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/182">Cal</a>. But much like Syracuse, Cal has turned the corner in the past month.Winners of eight of their last nine, the Berkeley boys are powered by double-double machine <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/45457" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/players/45457">Ivan Rabb</a>. The potential lottery pick has been nothing short of sensational for Cuonzo Martin. The schedule gets rocky over the next week with a Saturday trip to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/69" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/69">Arizona</a> and a Feb. 22 home date against <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/823" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/823">Oregon</a>. But with 18 wins already, neither game is a must-have for Cal. Barring a full-on collapse down the stretch, Cal could be in line for an 8- or 9-seed next month.Rhode Island 16-7 (8-3) RPI: 38 SOS: 48While Syracuse and Cal’s tournament chances are bolstered by their respective conference’s RPI, the A-10 won’t do <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/886" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/886">Rhode Island</a> any favors. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/1147" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/1147">VCU</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/303" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/303">Dayton</a> look to be in line for tournament bids and it’s unlikely the conference gets three teams in, leaving the Rams on the outside.The good news is that Rhody has a quality non-conference win against <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/240" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/240">Cincinnati</a> and the committee historically takes injuries into account when selecting at-large candidates. The Rams’ <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/30944" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/players/30944">Hassan Martin</a> missed five games due to injury and slowly got back into game shape once he returned. When Martin plays 25 or more minutes, R.I. is 7-3 and much better defensively. They get the Flyers at home tonight at the Ryan Center, a matchup teeming with at-large implications.Indiana 15-10 (5-7) RPI: 76 SOS: 58<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/228496/cropped_2017-01-27T042206Z_270070319_NOCID_RTRMADP_3_NCAA-BASKETBALL-INDIANA-AT-MICHIGAN.jpg?ts=1486736594"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>While some of the bubble teams profiled this week are surging, the Hoosiers are doing exactly the opposite. Tom Crean’s team was a fixture in the AP top 25 early in the season but has since fallen off a cliff. After getting waxed by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/659" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/659">Michigan</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/786" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/786">Northwestern</a> by a combined margin of 43 points, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/490" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/490">Indiana </a>stopped the bleeding with an eight-point, triple-overtime victory against <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/837" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/837">Penn State</a>. Unfortunately for the Crimson and Cream, they followed up that win with a pair of five-point losses to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/1234" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/1234">Wisconsin</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/872" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/872">Purdue</a>.Their once-dynamic offense continues to sputter and it appears they may have found their ceiling (read: NIT) without the services of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/46480" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/players/46480">OG Anunoby</a>. A four-game stretch against non-ranked opponents awaits IU and anything less than a 3-1 outcome could knock the Hoosiers off the bubble altogether.

Bubble Watch: Syracuse looking to repeat last season's magic

Bracketology: Gonzaga, Louisville, Villanova, Kansas claim top seeds

As we inch closer to March Madness, we turn our attention to the bubble and the respective teams living on it. Every Friday for the rest of the season, theScore will provide a look at teams sitting on the bubble and their chances of making the NCAA tournament.TCU 15-7 (4-5) RPI: 41 SOS: 36The Horned Frogs' midseason backslide mercifully came to an end on Wednesday night in the Little Apple. Their six-point overtime victory over <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/525" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/525">Kansas State</a> was just what the doctor ordered with two home games coming up against fellow bubble brethren <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/642" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/642">Texas Tech</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/816" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/816">Oklahoma State</a>. After storming out to an impressive 11-1 start, Jamie Dixon's squad has failed to put up much of a fight defensively since the calendar turned to 2017. If Dixon wants to return to the Big Dance, he'll need his team to clamp down on opponents the way they did earlier in the season when they limited teams to just 63 points per game during their first 12 contests.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Road trips to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/109" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/109">Baylor</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/524" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/524">Kansas </a>this month present golden opportunities for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/1061" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/1061">TCU</a> to nab a marquee victory, but fans in Fort Worth should circle Feb. 25th on their calendars when <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/1190" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/1190">West Virginia</a> comes to town. A home win over Bob Huggins and company could send TCU to the tournament for the first time since 1998.Michigan 14-8 (4-5) RPI: 62 SOS: 54<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/220096/cropped_2016-12-11T040505Z_274725793_NOCID_RTRMADP_3_NCAA-BASKETBALL-MICHIGAN-AT-UCLA.jpg?ts=1484157044"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>The "Little Brother" chants added insult to injury on Sunday afternoon in East Lansing, as the Wolverines fell to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/660" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/660">Michigan State</a> by eight points at the Breslin Center. That loss, its fourth in seven games, also signaled that <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/407" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/407">Michigan</a> is losing its grip on an at-large bid. What's confounding is that despite their excellent effective field-goal percentage (55.8 percent, 19th), the Wolverines' average margin of victory is just 8.6 points per game (45th). What's more is that Michigan is scoring 74.4 points per game, the highest average since John Beilein guided the Maize and Blue to the Final Four in 2013, yet they can't seem to differentiate themselves from a flagrantly mediocre Big Ten.With just a single win against the RPI top 50 (<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/971" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/971">SMU</a>), Michigan has a lot of work to do before Selection Sunday. Five of its last seven regular-season games come on the road, which leaves little room for error if it wants to return to the Field of 68 for the second straight season.Seton Hall 13-8 (3-6) RPI: 45 SOS: 41Speaking of teams losing momentum, the Pirates are taking on water in the Big East. Losers of five of its last six, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/935" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/935">Seton Hall</a> is in desperate need of another win over a ranked opponent. The Dec. 12 triumph over <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/954" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/954">South Carolina</a> looks better and better which each passing victory for the Gamecocks, but it won’t be enough on its own to sway the committee in six weeks.Luckily for fans in South Orange, the Big East will afford SHU plenty of opportunities to notch a splashy victory before Selection Sunday. Both <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/287" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/287">Creighton</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/1145" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/1145">Villanova</a> visit Newark in mid-February and the Pirates set sail for Indianapolis to play <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/164" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/164">Butler</a> in their regular-season finale. If Kevin Willard's team can win two of those contests and avoid an early exit at Madison Square Garden, it should feel pretty confident about returning to the Big Dance in back-to-back seasons for the first time since 1994.Wichita State 20-4 (10-1) RPI: 78 SOS: 260The Shockers may be this year's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/915" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/915">Saint Mary’s</a>, which speaks both to their overall quality and their unfortunate reliance on an automatic bid. Just like the Gaels in 2016, Wichita may be on the outside looking in should it fail to come out on top of this year's "Arch Madness" in St. Louis.<figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/197413/cropped_USPW_484450.jpg?ts=1484157044"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>The Missouri Valley appears to run through <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/485" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/485">Illinois State</a> in 2017, and the Redbirds have already handed WSU one of its four losses this year. With zero wins in the RPI top 100, Saturday's MVC showdown between Illinois State and the Shockers could be a de facto at-large elimination game. That makes for great TV on Saturday night, but a bad night for the loser on Selection Sunday.If you don't have a dog in the fight and simply want to see high-quality basketball in March, rooting for WSU is the way to go. Gregg Marshall's offense creates the kind of ball movement that makes all five players on the floor a threat. Their team features seven players who shoot better than 36 percent from downtown.

Bubble Watch: TCU trying to end lengthy tournament drought

In what felt like a heavyweight title fight from opening gun to final whistle, Clemson answered A...

In what felt like a heavyweight title fight from opening gun to final whistle, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/158" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/158">Clemson</a> answered <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/40" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/40">Alabama</a> at every turn. Down by 10 points at two separate junctures in the second half, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/84667" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/84667">Deshaun Watson</a> and the Tigers fought and clawed back against not just an undefeated No. 1-ranked program, but against a burgeoning juggernaut.College football had been clamoring for a team to truly test Alabama. What the Crimson Tide got, in the end, was more than a test, they were felled by a team led by a truly transcendent quarterback.Nick Saban’s ascension to the coaching throne has been delayed by at least one season. Bear Bryant spent a quarter-century roaming the sidelines in Tuscaloosa, and when it was all said and done he’d acquired six national championships. Nick Saban remains at five titles, four in a decade in T-Town, but Monday wasn’t about him.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>In many ways, it was about Clemson’s struggle to reach the class of the elites in college football. Their trials in this particular game was emblematic of the program’s slow climb to the top. Brick by brick Dabo Swinney has built the Tigers into champions.This is what college football needed. As Rece Davis said after the game, “the sequel was better than the original.” The last-second victory shattered Alabama’s aura of invincibility and has given not only Clemson, but 15-20 other programs in the nation, hope. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/521" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/521">Penn State</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/676" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/676">USC</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/237" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/237">Florida State</a> will receive plenty of attention this offseason, and now they won’t have to labor under the daunting question of “can you unseat a dynasty and derail a potential three-peat?” Each program now has a clean slate, able to operate in the sun instead of under the looming shadow of the Crimson Tide program.Quite simply, the conversation is more interesting. Alabama made winning routine; this upset throws a brick of dynamite into an already unpredictable sport. And the game as a whole is better for it.Instead of incessant three-peat talk, we can look forward to the first truly wide open season of college football since 2012 when three teams (USC, Alabama, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/370" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/370">LSU</a>) all entered the fall with sizable national championship hype. Watson’s game-winning drive pumped life into offseason articles and talk shows coast-to-coast. He may be basking under the confetti in Tampa but it’s the sport as a whole which should be celebrating. The college football universe has wiggled free of Saban’s grasp and every last fan can now in unison say: we can’t wait for 2017.

Why Alabama's loss is good for college football

Last season's matchup between Clemson and Alabama served as a showcase for O.J. Howard. The seldo...

Last season's matchup between <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/158" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/158">Clemson</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/40" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/40">Alabama</a> served as a showcase for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/72387" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/72387">O.J. Howard</a>. The seldom utilized tight end broke the national championship game wide open in the second half and accounted for 208 yards and two touchdowns against the Tigers. He also represented a common phenomenon in pressure-packed title games: the presence of a wild card.The Tide and Tigers will likely send close to a dozen of their collective starters to the NFL in the coming years, but some of their less heralded players may end up swaying Monday night's colossal rematch in their program's favor.Here's a look at who those X-factors may be in the title tilt in Tampa:<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>ArDarius Stewart</h3><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/78291" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/78291">Stewart</a> is a prime example of a player who would be a star on nearly every other team in the country except his own. The supremely athletic wideout has six career games in which he's caught seven or more passes and after he was shut out in the Peach Bowl, the junior is primed to surprise in Tampa. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/99606" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/99606">Calvin Ridley</a> rightfully will demand attention from Clemson's secondary and you can bet Brent Venables will look to take away Howard this time around.Those defensive assignments, combined with the Tigers' desire to stop the run, will afford Stewart one-on-one coverage for most of the night. If he's able to capitalize on that opportunity, he could well be lifting an MVP trophy by midnight.<h3>Anthony Averett</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/222805/cropped_GettyImages-631075062.jpg?ts=1483933203"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>The Alabama defense has lived up to its nickname this fall, washing over opponents for the first 14 games of 2016 with the relentlessness of a driving tide. That's what makes it difficult to pinpoint a darkhorse MVP candidate from their starting 11. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/60606" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/60606">Ryan Anderson</a>, a hybrid pass-rush/linebacker for Jeremy Pruitt's defense, was a candidate for this role until he took it upon himself to blow up the Peach Bowl with a pick-6 against the Huskies.Now that Anderson has established himself as a known quantity, attention turns to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/78272" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/78272">Averett</a>. The junior corner will be tested early and often Monday night and has the opportunity to contribute against the run as well. Averett finished with eight tackles and a sack against <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/699" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/699">Washington</a> and may draw occasional assignments against <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/72673" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/72673">Mike Williams</a>. If he plays his best game of the season against the Tigers, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/84667" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/84667">Deshaun Watson</a> and company will be hard pressed to score in the 30s against Alabama.<h3>Jordan Leggett</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/222807/cropped_2016-01-12T000000Z_1_MT1ACI14244223_RTRMADP_3_SPORT.jpg?ts=1483933448"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>It's hard to blame media members and the college football public at large for having high hopes in regards to Clemson's offense in 2016. Clemson returned a Heisman finalist at quarterback, a 1,500-yard rusher, and two pro-caliber wide receivers. The lone knock on the Tigers was a relatively inexperienced offensive line that had just 46 career starts under their belts.Whether it was the front five's lack of experience or a lack of focus out of the gate, the Tigers struggled in September. After setting the world on fire offensively in 2015, they averaged just 25 points per game against FBS opponents in September. As the season progressed, however, the offense found its groove as did their veteran tight end <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/72665" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/72665">Leggett</a>. The senior had just one catch in his first three games, but closed 2016 with 10 receptions for 157 yards and three touchdowns in the Tigers' final three regular-season games. It would be fitting for the Clemson to use its own tight end against the Tide in the title game after Nick Saban's bunch gouged the Tigers with the very same position last January.<h3>Clelin Ferrell</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/222809/cropped_2017-01-01T034600Z_1192724489_NOCID_RTRMADP_3_NCAA-FOOTBALL-FIESTA-BOWL-OHIO-STATE-VS-CLEMSON.jpg?ts=1483933575"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>Experts point to Clemson's defensive line when lobbying for the Tigers in Monday's game. If they can jump out to an early lead, Dabo Swinney's bunch will be able to cut their pass-rushers loose against a Crimson Tide offense light on experience of playing from behind.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/61620" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/61620">Carlos Watkins</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/94542" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/94542">Christian Wilkins</a> received most of the attention this season, and rightfully so, but <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/94527" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/94527">Clelin Ferrell</a> was equally disruptive at times for the Tigers. Ferrell registered double-digit tackles for loss numbers in 2016 and did almost all of his damage in big games. Don't be surprised if he's able to rattle fellow freshman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/105247" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/105247">Jalen Hurts</a> all night long.<h3>Artavis Scott</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/149018/cropped_REU_2346656.jpg?ts=1450284410"><figcaption></figcaption></figure><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/66001" href="http://www.thescore.com/nfl/players/66001">Kenyan Drake</a> and a savvy surprise onside kick from <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/66004" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/66004">Adam Griffith</a> helped Saban capture his fifth national championship 12 months ago. This time around don't be shocked to see Clemson's special teams unit making the larger impact on college football's biggest stage.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/84681" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/84681">Scott</a> has been a solid kick returner for the Tigers the past two seasons and the Crimson Tide ranked 50th nationally in special teams efficiency this season. With an iron clad run defense and an opportunistic pass defense, sparking a big play on special teams may be the Tigers' only way to swing the game in their favor.

CFP National Championship X-factors to watch

We're currently in an era of analytics. From the Super Bowl to the Little League World Series, da...

We're currently in an era of analytics. From the Super Bowl to the Little League World Series, data is king. Not all statistics, however, are created equal. The glut of facts and figures that surround college football have almost made it more difficult to discern what will happen.With enough selective cherry picking, it's fairly easy to make a compelling argument for each of the four programs in this year's College Football Playoff. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/40" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/40">Alabama</a>'s historic defense enters the CFP as the nation's top unit in numerous meaningful metrics (scoring, rushing, opp. yards/play, def. TDs). The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/699" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/699">Washington Huskies</a> will take the field in the Peach Bowl with a top-10 scoring offense and defense (44.8-18.4) and the nation's second-best turnover margin (plus-1.5 per game).If <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/507" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/507">Ohio State</a> were to meet Alabama in Tampa for the national title, you can bank on Urban Meyer's 6-0 straight-up record as an underdog over the past five years being bandied about by every sports outlet in America. And finally, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/158" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/158">Clemson</a> is piloted by a two-time Heisman Trophy finalist and was ranked as the country's most efficient offense by Football Outsiders. The point is, statistical window dressing can make any of these teams look terrifying.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>So if the statistical analysis of the teams can't be trusted, what can fans point to this New Year's Eve to sound smart before kickoff? The bowl games themselves actually paint a pretty clear picture of what can be expected. Both the Peach and Fiesta Bowls have a rich history of upsets. So many, in fact, that a prohibitive favorite walking away with a win feels a bit like an upset.Start with the Fiesta Bowl. In the last 10 years, half of the games out in the desert have witnessed a defeat of a top-10 ranked favorite. The last two times the national championship was decided in the Fiesta Bowl, the underdog won outright (Ohio State '02, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/630" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/630">Tennessee</a> '98). One of the sport's greatest upsets also took place in the 45-year-old bowl game. The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/405" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/405">Miami Hurricanes</a>' infamous fatigue-clad arrival in Phoenix back in 1987 for the matchup dubbed "The Duel in the Desert" ended with a shocking 14-10 victory for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/521" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/521">Penn State</a>. Needless to say, Ohio State shouldn't feel the least bit cocky as a three-point favorite in Glendale.The Peach Bowl doesn't take a backseat to the Fiesta Bowl in terms of upsets. Underdogs have knocked off ranked favorites in six of the last 10 games played on the carpet inside the Georgia Dome. If you're hoping for a monumental upset from Chris Petersen's bunch, you can take comfort in the fact that three teams this century have entered the Peach Bowl as more than a touchdown underdog, and two of them proceeded to win their games outright by double digits (<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/370" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/370">LSU</a> '00, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/290" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/290">Houston</a> '15).<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/202" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/202">Duke</a> was the lone long shot that failed to notch a surprise victory, and it led Johnny Manziel and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/635" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/635">Texas A&amp;M</a> by 21 points before the Aggies mounted an all-timer of a comeback.What's happened before in Glendale and Atlanta suggests that penciling Ohio State and Alabama into the championship game could be a mistake. At the very least, the history books should give folks in the Pacific Northwest a little bit of hope before their afternoon tussle with the Tide.

Analysis: If history is any indicator, CFP favorites should be on high alert

The coaching carousel is slowing down, bowl season is just about to kick off, and the "WakeyLeaks...

The coaching carousel is slowing down, bowl season is just about to kick off, and the "WakeyLeaks" scandal is rocking the ACC, so it’s easy to lose track of transfers this time of year. That being said, programs are getting a major boost under center, as college football’s version of musical chairs plays out. Here’s a list of the top-five most impactful QB transfers on the market:<h3>Jarrett Stidham, Auburn</h3>It’s incredibly rare for a former five-star QB to end up going the JUCO route, but that’s exactly what Stidham decided to in the fallout from the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/81" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/81">Baylor</a> scandal. Equally puzzling was his decision to enroll at McLennan Community College, which does not in fact have a football team. Despite just 109 career attempts at the FBS level, Stidham was easily the most sought-after transfer nationwide. After an uneven 2016 offensively for the Tigers, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/67" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/67">Auburn</a> now enters next fall as a legitimate threat to in-state rival <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/41" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaab/teams/41">Alabama</a>, thanks to Stidham’s commitment. The athletic quarterback gives Malzahn a bona fide pocket passer for the first time since he took over as the head coach on The Plains. We may also see a domino effect from Stidham’s decision, with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/74537" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/74537">John Franklin III</a> potentially leaving the program in search of a starting position elsewhere.<h3>Blake Barnett, Arizona State</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/206584/cropped_REU_2541731.jpg?ts=1475192220"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>Barnett is one several quarterbacks leaving Tuscaloosa now that <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/105247" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/105247">Jalen Hurts</a> has taken control of the starting job, as <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/72376" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/72376">Cooper Bateman</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/87137" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/87137">David Cornwell</a> have joined the quarterback exodus from T-Town in recent weeks. Barnett’s transfer utilizes an obscure NCAA loophole which will allow him to play for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/58" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/58">Arizona State</a> by Week 5 of the 2017 season. After losing his starting job this fall to Hurts, Barnett decided to go the JUCO route at the end of September. Per NCAA rules, he will be ineligible to play at the FBS level in one year, which means he’ll be ready to suit up for the Sun Devils on Saturday, Sept. 30 against a Pac-12 opponent to be determined. This will make spring practice and fall camp all the more interesting as Barnett competes with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/82661" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/82661">Manny Wilkins</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/93423" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/93423">Brady White</a> for the QB1 distinction in Tempe.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Cooper Bateman, TBD</h3>Speaking of Alabama quarterbacks, Bateman may be best positioned to start for a Power 5 program in 2017. The Utah native played his high school football in Salt Lake City and was heavily recruited by the Utes back in 2013. It just so happens that Kyle Whittingham’s major weak spot in 2016 was at quarterback, as <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/71584" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/71584">Troy Williams</a> only completed 38 percent of his passes against ranked opponents this season. The possibility exists that Bateman could follow former quarterback coach and offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/235" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/235">FAU</a>, although the Owls recently signed De’Andre Johnson out of the now-famous East Mississippi Community College. Either way, Bateman won’t be short on suitors in the coming weeks.<h3>Malik Zaire, TBD</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/202099/cropped_USPW_515203.jpg?ts=1473029413"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>It seems ages ago that <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/72652" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/72652">Malik Zaire</a> was tearing up <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/634" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/634">Texas</a> in <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/501" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/501">Notre Dame</a>’s 2015 opener. His 300-plus yard, three-touchdown performance against the Longhorns was a coming-out party for a soon-to-be superstar. Unfortunately, he was injured the following week against Virginia and lost his starting job in 2016 to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/89687" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/89687">DeShone Kizer</a>. The talent is undoubtedly there for the former four-star recruit out of Kettering, Ohio, which means that a lot of programs are going to be knocking on his door. If he doesn't want to travel far, there are four programs that initially offered him scholarships out of high school that are all within 150 miles of his hometown (Akron, Cincy, Miami of Ohio, and Pitt). Pete Sampson of Irish Illustrated stated three weeks ago that <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/748" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/748">Wisconsin</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/526" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/526">Pittsburgh</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/408" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/408">Michigan State</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/233" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/233">Florida</a> are frontrunners for Zaire.<h3>Anu Solomon, TBD</h3>Solomon was a highly decorated recruit out of Las Vegas’ Bishop Gorman High School back in 2012, and he wasted very little time putting his stamp on RichRod’s program. But like many players on this list, issues staying healthy and a demotion followed a promising start. After a gangbuster freshman season (4,000-plus total yards, 30 total TDs), injuries and inconsistent play left Solomon buried on the depth chart. He’s an ideal second-chance candidate, which explains why so many programs out west are scrambling to make a run at him. An early favorite should be Tony Sanchez and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/671" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/671">UNLV</a>. Sanchez coached Solomon in high school, and needs to win now to avoid getting axed. The Rebels started three separate quarterbacks last fall, meaning Solomon could walk onto campus and assume the starting role from Day 1.

Top transfer QBs to watch in 2017

The college football regular season is now in the books, which makes this as good a time as any t...

The college football regular season is now in the books, which makes this as good a time as any to look back on the most memorable highlight reel moments of 2016.Here are the top five plays from college football this season:<h3>5. Lamar Arrives</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/q9XaPvz-Dcg" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></figure><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/97162" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/97162">Lamar Jackson</a> set record books ablaze this fall and quickly made <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/369" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/369">Louisville </a>games appointment television. After an eight touchdown debut against <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/789" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/789">Charlotte</a>, Jackson single-handedly obliterated <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/625" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/625">Syracuse</a> at the Carrier Dome. This run in particular became his season-long calling card, and spawned more than a few pieces of merchandise. Jackson made off with the Heisman Trophy three months later thanks to plays like this one.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>4. The Dobbsnail Boot</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iXcD2LA3Oco" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></figure>For those unfamiliar with the storied history between <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/255" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/255">Georgia</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/630" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/630">Tennessee</a>, the title of this year’s Hail Mary is a dig at one of the Bulldogs' best wins in the series. Back in 2001, the No. 6 ranked Vols fell to the Dawgs when David Greene connected with Verron Haynes in the final minute to seal a 26-24 upset victory. The <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OmJyUgd_tlI">play itself was immortalized</a> by Georgia’s late, great play-by-play man, Larry Munson. “We just stepped on their face with a hobnail boot and broke their nose!” Munson howled. “We just crushed their face!” he continued. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/74296" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/74296">Josh Dobbs</a> flipped the script, as the Vols returned the favor 15 years later when he hooked up with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/94099" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/94099">Jauan Jennings</a> on a 43-yard buzzer beater for the ages.<h3>3. Tre’Davious White’s Circus Punt Return</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JWMiu8QEdX8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></figure>The Bayou Bengals have had their fair share of dynamic returners over the years. Billy Cannon, Kevin Faulk, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/20421" href="http://www.thescore.com/nfl/players/20421">Patrick Peterson</a>, and the Honey Badger all come to mind. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/71558" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/71558">Tre’Davious White</a> may not leave Baton Rouge with any return records in tow, but he certainly has a touchdown trot that rivals Cannon’s Halloween gallop back in <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GIHdlAg4Uic">1959</a>. The sheer lunacy of retreating backward nearly 25 yards before turning it back upfield made this touchdown a must-watch for years to come.<h3>2. Penn State Knocks Off The Buckeyes</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpTM-q730Kk" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></figure> <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/521" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/521">Penn State</a>’s surge from 2-2 to Big Ten champs was largely tied to this incredible special teams play against <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/507" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/507">Ohio State</a> on Oct. 22. The Buckeyes attempted to add to their four-point lead with just 4:39 remaining in the game, only for Penn State’s <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/87896" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/87896">Marcus Allen</a> to soar over the line and reject <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/97640" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/97640">Tyler Durbin</a>’s 45-yard attempt. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/87908" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/87908">Grant Haley</a> quickly scooped up the football and turned the sellout crowd at Beaver Stadium in a seismic event. Penn State’s scoop-n-score TD catapulted the Nittany Lions to their first Big Ten Conference title in eight years and their first outright conference title since 1994.<h3>1. Central Michigan Hail Mary</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/a24Vg-0QSzU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></figure>The Chips have a history of successful <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=otXlDgqxp9k">Hail Mary</a> attempts, and are no stranger to the hook-and-lateral add-on that made this year’s legendary play possible. The play itself <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/1098755" href="http://www.thescore.com/news/1098755">should never have happened</a>, making this wacky last-second ending all the more memorable. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/510" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/510">Oklahoma State</a> reeled off seven straight mid-season wins, which kept <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/138" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/138">CMU</a> in the headlines as the only resume line standing between the Pokes and a potential invite to the CFP. Equally shocking was CMU’s fall from grace following the program’s best win. After a 3-0 start, complete with their ranked win over Oklahoma State, the Chips proceeded to drop five conference games, including a three-point defeat to 3-9 <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/332" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/332">Kent State</a>. The officiating, the play itself, and the impact it had on both programs moving forward, made this the bizarre ending the highlight of the year.

Top 5 college football plays of 2016

It’s unanimous, Alabama is the undisputed king of college football right now. The committee didn'...

It’s unanimous, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/40" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/40">Alabama</a> is the undisputed king of college football right now. The committee didn't have to debate for one second as to who would be the No. 1 team in this year's CFP. But what exactly makes Alabama a force to be reckoned with?Here's a look at the top three reasons why Alabama will be going back to back in five short weeks.<h3>Defense</h3>Jeremy Pruitt was a highly-regarded defensive coordinator long before Nick Saban tasked him with running his defense last December. The former Broyles Award Finalist transformed Florida State's defense into a menacing unit back in 2013 en route to the school's first national championship in 14 years. Yet many Alabama fans felt that replacing Kirby Smart would be a daunting task. After all, Smart's defenses regularly finished in the top five nationally and churned out first-round NFL Draft picks at will.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Even a half step back for the Tide's defense in Pruitt's first season calling the plays could have been a reasonable expectation. Instead, Alabama's fearsome defense appears even more dominant than it did under Smart. Pick a metric and Alabama's defense hits it out of the park. Run Defense? First in the nation, allowing a paltry 2.2 yards per carry. Havoc rating? Second in the nation at 22.9 percent. That means that nearly a fourth of their defensive snaps end in a tackle for loss, a pass defensed, or a forced fumble. Pruitt's unit has also crossed the goal line 10 times this season.Florida, the team they just manhandled in the SEC Championship Game, only had 11 rushing touchdowns all season offensively and they get to start each play with the ball. An interception or fumble that doesn't end with a touchdown for the Crimson Tide almost feels anticlimactic. To borrow a phrase from ESPN's Dan Le Batard, this defense looks like a motorcycle gang running roughshod over a church picnic. Their dominance is so apparent that the statistical accomplishments are an afterthought. You don't need to back it up with facts, just flip on the tape and it's plain to see for everyone that this is the best defense in recent memory.<h3>Jalen Hurts</h3>Freshmen quarterbacks fall apart at some point. It's the way things are supposed to work out. They can dazzle, rack up gaudy statistics, even orchestrate an upset or two, but in the end, they have their fair share of "freshmen moments." Not Jalen Hurts.Aside from a slight fumbling issue, the 18-year-old has piloted the Tide attack flawlessly. Lane Kiffin has undoubtedly protected Hurts with his game plans, but Hurts' sheer playmaking ability - particularly outside of the pocket - transcends scheme. His decision making has been remarkable and his ability to break defenses' backs with timely scrambles on third downs has become a calling card.He has a higher Total QBR than other household names and fellow dual-threat quarterbacks <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/74317" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/74317">Greg Ward Jr.</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/71818" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/71818">J.T. Barrett</a>. He has six games this season without an interception and four 100-yard-plus rushing performances on his tally already. Schematically he takes the best defensive play calls away from opposing defensive coordinators because spying him is a necessity. And the best part for Hurts and the Tide is that he's still growing both as a passer and as a leader. That's bad news for Washington and whoever it faces in Tampa.<h3>Confidence</h3>This isn't to be confused with cockiness or swagger. You'd never mistake Alabama's dynasty for the Miami Hurricanes of the 1980s. Players rarely speak out of turn and Saban keeps a tight leash on his coaching staff. If you just listened to his weekly press conferences you'd swear the Tide were a struggling 7-5 team in search of an identity. But that's just what Saban preaches to the press corps.Internally this team is resolute in its unwavering belief in Saban's “Process.” That system has led to countless wins and an aura around this particular team. The Crimson Tide simply don't panic, they don't come apart at the seams, they know what they have to do and they do it. Teams often lose to Alabama twice on Saturdays, first psychologically and then on the field. There's no true accounting for this kind of supreme confidence but it's easy to see that this bunch has it in spades.From Saban all the way down to the water boy, this program is full steam ahead to the national title game.

3 reasons why Alabama will win the College Football Playoff

For three months, opposing fans and college football pundits openly wondered if Alabama was beata...

For three months, opposing fans and college football pundits openly wondered if <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/40" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/40">Alabama</a> was beatable and if the Crimson Tide had any fatal flaws that could be exploited. Win after win answered each question thrown the Tide's way as they trudged through their schedule. And after 13 straight wins in 2016, Alabama has clearly proven it's the only juggernaut in college football. The Tide have been so dominant, articles are popping up speculating if their back-ups could win the SEC East. Yes, the distance between Alabama and the next best team really is that far.The recipe for Alabama hasn't exactly been tried and true for the ultimate tactician, Nick Saban. Alabama's head coach avoided starting a true freshman quarterback for his first 20 years as a head coach, only to willingly hand the reins to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/105247" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/105247">Jalen Hurts</a> this fall. The 18-year-old has rewarded Saban's faith by repeatedly refusing to wilt under pressure.Related: <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/1173536" href="http://www.thescore.com/news/1173536">Don't even think about trying to run on Alabama this year</a><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Thanks to Hurts' dynamic presence under center, the Tide offense has finally drawn closer to their impressive defense. The running game, in particular, has come into its own, punctuated by a physically dominant performance against the Gators' fifth-ranked defense in Saturday's SEC title tilt. Alabama's 38-point victory gives the Tide the opportunity to finish the season with the best average scoring margin since <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/237" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/237">Florida State</a>'s 41.8-point mark set back in 2013.The offense, which has improved markedly since September, gives Alabama a well-rounded feel, but it is the Tide's defense and special teams that, for lack of a better word, make this team special. There was a common belief that Alabama's dynamic defense couldn't possibly keep pouring in defensive touchdowns week after week.Yet, in the title game against Florida, it was another parade of non-offensive touchdowns that quickly erased any upset thoughts from the Gators' sideline. NFL Draftniks speculate that there's a good chance that the entire starting 11 on Alabama's defense will be in NFL training camps within the next three years. The talent is executing Jeremy Pruitt's defense so well that there's a good chance his defense will score more points than they allow in any given game.The folks in the desert are now attempting to properly handicap Alabama's potential playoff games, which is proving to be an experiment testing the public's appetite for massive spreads. Westgate Superbook <a href="https://www.betlabssports.com/blog/alabama-vs-top-playoff-contenders/">released</a> the hypothetical spreads this week and it's not looking great for the competition:<figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>
Opponent</th>
<th>Potential Spread</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>
Ohio State</td>
<td>+8.5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Clemson</td>
<td>+11.5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Michigan</td>
<td>+11.5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Washington </td>
<td>+13.5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Wisconsin</td>
<td>+17.5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Penn State</td>
<td>+21
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure>The spread that jumps out the most, other than Vegas' respect for Urban Meyer in underdog situations, is <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/699" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/699">Washington</a> coming in as nearly a two-touchdown underdog. The Huskies have been dominant in recent weeks and their lone loss came against the nation's hottest team. But this bookmaking consensus is really about Alabama and not the other teams.Alabama has proven for three straight months that it can dominate quality opponents without the benefit of a truly spectacular offense. It's been years since we've seen a team go about dismantling the national scene without a truly terrifying offense, which makes this squad so much fun to watch. The numbers simply don't do this program justice right now, but one number would punctuate this historic season perfectly in five weeks: 15-0.

Analysis: Alabama's unrivaled dominance

Despite two November losses to unranked opponents, Lamar Jackson remains the prohibitive Heisman ...

Despite two November losses to unranked opponents, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/97162" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/97162">Lamar Jackson</a> remains the prohibitive Heisman favorite with a week remaining in the race. Expert panels from ESPN and CBS Sports both have Jackson favored considerably, and his odds out in the desert have only dropped from 1:30 to 1:25 in recent weeks. Which begs the question: Has the final margin only tightened or are we in store for a Heisman upset next week at the Playstation Theater in Times Square?To answer that hypothetical, it helps to identify at least two candidates who have credentials worthy of the most sought after individual prize in sports. Despite a late push from <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/676" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/676">USC</a>’s <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/87563" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/87563">Adoree Jackson</a>, it appears that only two quarterbacks have a legitimate shot at leapfrogging Jackson. Thanks to an extra game each, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/699" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/699">Washington</a>’s <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/93471" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/93471">Jake Browning</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/158" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/158">Clemson</a>’s <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/84667" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/84667">Deshaun Watson</a> are positioned to impress the Heisman voters one last time. Browning (85.6) and Watson (80.4) both rank in the top-10 of ESPN’s Total QBR metric, and have accounted for 44 and 38 touchdowns respectively. To give their Total QBR scores some perspective, here’s a list of recent quarterbacks who all scored in the mid-80s during their Heisman Trophy seasons.<figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>
Name</th>
<th>School</th>
<th>Year</th>
<th>Total QBR</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>
Johnny Manziel</td>
<td>Texas A&amp;M</td>
<td>2013</td>
<td>86.7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Tim Tebow</td>
<td>Florida</td>
<td>2007</td>
<td>86.5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Robert Griffin III</td>
<td>Baylor</td>
<td>2011</td>
<td>83.5
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure>A dominant conference championship performance is necessary for both Watson and Browning to legitimize their Heisman hopes, but their performances can’t simply begin and end with gaudy statistics. For either QB to derail Jackson’s wire-to-wire Heisman candidacy, they’ll need a distinctive Heisman moment. As it stands today, Jackson’s <a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9XaPvz-Dcg">hurdle of Syracuse’s Cordell Hudson</a> way back on Sept. 9 remains the Heisman moment of the 2016 season. That play, however, lacks the kind of CFP significance that is available to both Watson and Browning this weekend. Posterizing a defender on a 4-8 team in the second week of the season, as physically impressive as it was, falls short of the mark when weighed against other truly meaningful Heisman moments. Desmond Howard’s punt return against <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/507" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/507">Ohio State</a> was downright magical, but it also assured the Wolverines a trip to Pasadena for the Rose Bowl. Johnny Manziel’s wizardry against <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/40" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/40">Alabama</a> allowed <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/635" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/635">Texas A&amp;M</a> to capture the program’s second victory over a team ranked No. 1 in the nation. It’s moments like that that stand the test of time, and Jackson has left the door open for Browning and Watson to capture a signature moment during a game wrought with CFP implications.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The last piece of hope for Jackson’s challengers is the voting process. Browning is at a decided geographic advantage. Should Browning have a massive performance on Friday night against <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/164" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/164">Colorado</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/510" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/510">Oklahoma State</a> upset <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/509" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/509">Oklahoma </a>in the Bedlam game, it could be argued that the UW QB is the best candidate west of the Mississippi. Winning the Far West region is a necessity for Browning, but a dominant performance on the national stage could put him in line to capture significant votes in both the Southwest and Midwest regions as well. In a strange way, it could also help Browning if Watson were to have a stellar ACC Championship Game, to cut into Jackson’s presumed lead in the eastern regions. Some voters might feel compelled to go with Watson, who beat Jackson head-to-head should he finish strongly with a big night against <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/689" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/689">Virginia Tech</a>.There’s a reason that Browning and Watson are currently listed as 12:1 and 14:1 long shots respectively, but Heisman history has shown late charges are possible. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/20737" href="http://www.thescore.com/nfl/players/20737">Robert Griffin III</a>'s late push past <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/18750" href="http://www.thescore.com/nfl/players/18750">Andrew Luck</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/19959" href="http://www.thescore.com/nfl/players/19959">Mark Ingram</a>’s SEC title game springboard over <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/18732" href="http://www.thescore.com/nfl/players/18732">Toby Gerhart</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/760" href="http://www.thescore.com/nfl/players/760">Charles Woodson</a>’s narrow victory over <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/887" href="http://www.thescore.com/nfl/players/887">Peyton Manning</a> all prove that playing your best at season’s end can sway Heisman voters at the 11th hour. So I wouldn’t cash those <a target="_blank" href="http://abcnews.go.com/Sports/10000-lamar-jackson-heisman-bet-sale/story?id=43830831">Lamar Jackson tickets</a> just yet.

Analysis: Is there any way Lamar Jackson doesn't win the Heisman?

It took nine years and two interim head coaching gigs, but Coach O finally has full control of a ...

It took nine years and two interim head coaching gigs, but Coach O finally has full control of a program again.Despite <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/1164969" href="http://www.thescore.com/news/1164969">multiple reports</a> linking <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/290" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/290">Houston</a>'s Tom Herman to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/370" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/370">LSU</a>, it was Orgeron who got the good news from AD Joe Alleva that the job was his. The fact that he wasn't LSU's first choice may sting, but the school now has one of the nation's finest recruiters at the helm and invaluable program continuity moving into 2017.The Tigers closed the regular season 5-2 under Orgeron, complete with two top-25 victories. The "Orgeron Bump" was noticeable in the team's first three games following Les Miles' ouster, but many college football pundits believed he needed a win over Nick Saban to secure his second head coaching job. As it turned out, all he needed was Tom Herman to pass.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Now that the dust has settled, Coach O has an opportunity to build something special down on the bayou. For starters, he already has a top-five recruiting class, according to both ESPN and 247Sports. The next encouraging factor for the Tigers is that there's a boatload of young talent already on the roster, headlined by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/players/93343" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/players/93343">Derrius Guice</a>. The sophomore tailback had two 250-plus-yard performances in his final three games of the regular season, and is a near-lock to be a preseason first-team All-SEC selection next summer.The program's talent, and Orgeron's ability to bring more on board, will keep LSU fans hopeful all offseason, but his ability to assemble a crack coaching staff is what could ultimately separate him from his predecessor. Les Miles' allegiance to Cam Cameron played a huge role in his dismissal, and if Coach O wants to hang around for awhile, he'd be wise to find himself an offensive mastermind.There's already buzz out of Baton Rouge that LSU will make a play for Lane Kiffin, but that seems like wishful thinking at this point. There are numerous coordinators who could make an instant impact, namely <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/628" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/628">TCU</a>'s Sonny Cumbie, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/676" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/676">USC</a>'s Tee Martin, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/118" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/118">Cal</a>'s Jake Spavital. Also keep an eye on Kliff Kingsbury, should he be fired in Lubbock. He's always been able to coach up quarterbacks, so his failures as a head coach wouldn't scare off Orgeron from taking a run at the charismatic young coach.Bagging any of those names would also help Orgeron's quest to sign a transformational quarterback. Young passers want to play in QB-friendly systems, for coordinators with a proven track record of success. For this reason, you could see a domino effect in Baton Rouge. Get the coordinator, get the quarterback, and then start lighting up the SEC. That will be the new Orgeron regime's strategy.Due to the staff uncertainty, the hiring is difficult to grade. Should he lure a top-flight coordinator and play-caller to the Pelican State, he could end up being a home run hire. But if Orgeron can't solve the offensive challenges that have ailed the Tigers for far too long, well then it's fair to say LSU had to settle for a retread hire. We'll likely know which one it is within a matter of a few weeks. Please keep all arms and legs inside the ride until the coaching carousel has come to a complete stop.

Analysis: Orgeron can build something special at LSU

The logjam of multi-loss teams vying for the CFP has swelled to double digits in recent weeks. An...

The logjam of multi-loss teams vying for the CFP has swelled to double digits in recent weeks. And one of the most compelling resumes for a coveted playoff berth is <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/510" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/510">Oklahoma State</a>’s. Offensively, the Pokes rank in the top-20 in numerous metrics (PPG, S&amp;P+, Passing Yds) and have beaten opponents by an average of two touchdowns during their current seven-game winning streak. Mike Gundy’s defense has even been deceptively decent since early October, and is now the nation’s 22nd-ranked front seven according to Football Outsider’s “Havoc Ratings.”The numbers and star power in Stillwater help to make the Cowboys’ case, particularly when you blend them with the fact that Gundy’s bunch passes the eye test with flying colors. But the real story of their season boils down to a single play, or, to put a finer point on it, a single play that should never have been.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaaf/teams/138" href="http://www.thescore.com/ncaaf/teams/138">Central Michigan</a> knocked off Oklahoma State way back on Sept. 10 with a Hail Mary-lateral combination that had to be seen to be believed. Unfortunately for the Pokes, the play should never have happened due to an officiating error, and both the MAC and Big XII conferences have acknowledged and admitted that Oklahoma State was the rightful victor. Yet, somehow, with both parties agreeing that the outcome should have been reversed, Central Michigan has retained the W and consequently Oklahoma State could be on the outside looking in at the CFP due to the loss. The officiating crews were suspended, everyone is in agreement, but the CFP committee has said, unequivocally, that they can’t consider OSU a one-loss team. Why they can’t is lost on me, but many writers, including Fox Sports’ Stewart Mandel, claim that reversing the outcome would be too messy and could create a slippery slope for the committee.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Setting a standard in which the committee is empowered to, in effect, overturn a game-deciding officiating error, based on uniform agreement from both programs and their conferences, isn’t a slippery slope, it’s rational. It’s the right thing to do, and it allows the committee to perform its function as was intended, i.e., to select the four best teams in the nation. Not the four best teams that weren’t burned by a critical officiating gaff.Oklahoma State has an opportunity to finish the season with a top-ten victory over their in-state rival, and the Bedlam game deserves to play a vital role in this year’s playoff chase. Let’s hope that if Oklahoma State knocks off the Sooners in Norman, the 13 members of the CFP committee come to their senses and give the Pokes full consideration as a one-loss conference champion. It only makes sense.

Analysis: Making the playoff case for Oklahoma State

https://rich-content.thescore.com/authors/michael-j-calabrese/content_cards