The Connecticut Huskies are, justifiably, the unanimous Number 1 in the AP Top 25. They are 15-0 and in the preseason looked to be even stronger than last year when they finished 36-1. Connecticut has beaten five teams that are currently ranked, two of which are currently in the Top 10. However, they struggled to put away both of those teams, trailing in the fourth quarter to Notre Dame (14-2) at home, and Texas (14-3) in Austin. While they may still be the Vegas favorite to win it all this year, there are two undefeated challengers to make a case for some first place votes at minimum, and possibly overtaking UConn atop the poll.
#3 Mississippi State
19-0, two 2nd place votes
The Bulldogs are the last team to defeat the Huskies, in dramatic fashion in the NCAA Final Four. They look even better this year than they did last year. They have defeated four teams currently ranked in the Top 25, highlighted by #7 Oregon, as well as two teams receiving votes (86-62 road win over #26 Georgia, and 76-65 neutral site win over #32 Syracuse).
The one thing standing between MSU and a 2nd consecutive 20-0 start is a January 21 road trip to #6 Tennessee. A victory over the 16-1 Vols could have some sway in moving the Bulldogs up ever so slightly.
Ranked games remaining on the schedule:
January 21 @ #6 Tennessee (3 PM ET on ESPN2)
February 1 @ #11 Missouri (8:30 PM ET on SECN)
February 5 vs. #10 South Carolina (7 PM ET on ESPN2)
February 18 vs. #16 Texas A&M
#2 Louisville Cardinals
19-0, thirty 2nd place votes, two 3rd place votes
The Cardinals have been playing UConn-style basketball, intent on demolishing what is in their path. They have shown signs of struggle, escaping with a road victory over South Dakota State along with a bizarre 12-point victory on the road against hapless Air Force (0-16).
On the other hand, the Cardinals have snagged victories over four Top 25 programs, three of which are currently in the Top 10 (#7 Oregon, #8 Ohio State, and #5 Notre Dame). The Cardinals crushed Notre Dame 100-67, granted the Irish have been decimated by injuries, and were not the same team that took UConn to the wire in December.
The Cardinals have 11 games remaining in their ACC schedule, and the challenging Atlantic Coast is currently #1 in conference RPI. The biggest shame (and what will likely hurt them the most in the eyes of AP voters) is that the Cardinals play Notre Dame, Duke, and Florida State only once, all at home. Also ahead of them is a formidable and tell-all road game against UConn.
Ranked games remaining on the schedule:
January 21 vs. #12 Florida State (5 PM ET on ESPN2)
February 12 @ #1 UConn (7 PM ET on ESPN2)
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