Not much changed among our top 40 last week with just two teams dropping out, but there is certainly some shake-up at the back end for teams fighting for an at-large spot.
Whether you thought week one was a amazing or a letdown, I can gurantee you that week two won’t disappoint. There are several key matchups between teams that will decide who makes the 2019 NCAA Tournament and who doesn’t.
There is a lot of cover, so I will try to go over as many as I can as quickly as possible.
UCLA-Georgia Tech (Fri. 3pm CT; Sat. 1pm CT; Sun. 12 pm CT – all on ACCNE)
Our new number one team travels to Atlanta to face a Georgia Tech team that was really hyped going into the season and has gotten off to a decent start. The Bruins have a chance to display their dominance on the East Coast, while the Yellow Jackets can make themselves known as a real contender this season.
Southern Miss-Mississippi State (Fri. 4pm CT; Sat. 2pm CT; Sun 1pm CT – all on WatchESPN)
It’s part two as last year the Golden Eagles swept Mississippi State at home. Both teams come into this weekend undefeated. This will certainly be the most raucous stadium of the weekend.
USF-North Carolina (Fri. 3 pm CT, Sat. 1 pm CT; Sun 1pm CT – all on ACCNE)
After USF got a big win over Florida during the week, this matchup became even more anticipated. This two played last year as well with the Tarheels taking two-of-three. North Carolina looked great against Xavier last weekend, but almost slipped up against NCA&T on Tuesday.
Kentucky-Texas Tech (Fri. 3pm CT; Sat. 3pm CT; Sun. 2pm CT)
Another rematch from 2018, these teams start 2019 at opposite ends of the spectrum. Texas Tech is a top five team and Kentucky isn’t even ranked in our top 40. This will be a chance for the Wildcats to prove everyone wrong, and a chance for the Red Raiders to pick up some big wins over an SEC team.
Auburn-UCF (Fri. 5pm CT; Sat. 5pm CT; Sun. 12pm CT)
A rare road trip by an SEC team to a non-power team. UCF will try to build off a solid 4-0 start to prove they are the team to beat in the AAC this year. Auburn has a chance to pick up some quality road wins.
Other Series to watch:
Wright State-Oklahoma State: Wright State had a big win over Ole Miss last weekend, and they have another chance to pick up some high RPI wins against Oklahoma State. I have not been as high on Okl. State as others, this will be an early season chance to prove me wrong.
Miami-Florida: The Hurricanes are out to an impressive 4-0 start including a mid-week win over FAU. Meanwhile, the Gators dropped mid-week games to USF and North Florida. This will be a good, early season test for Gino DiMare and his young Miami team.
Purdue-Texas: The Boilermakers had a tough time at Southern Miss last weekend, and things won’t get much easier in Austin, Texas. This will be a chance for Purdue to get back on track as at-large contenders after making the postseason last year.
Other series to keep an eye on between at-large contenders:
Ole Miss-Tulane
UConn-College of Charleston
Wake Forest-Elon
Indiana-Tennessee
Illinois-FAU
Minnesota-DBU
