The Varying States of Bracketology
The 2020–21 college basketball season is unique. All involved — coaches, players, administrators, media, fans — can expect postponements, cancellations and adjustments to the normal cycle of games and the postseason.
This includes the NCAA tournament, which is under the largest microscope after the abrupt end to the 2019–20 season. The 2021 tourney is on schedule, albeit at a single site, but it would be foolish to proceed without pandemic contingencies.
In addition to the standard 68-team NCAA projections, Bracketology now includes 48-team and 16-team versions. The truth is there is no way to know at this point what Selection Sunday will bring, so all bases must be covered .
68-Team Bracket
Bracket Watch
Houston is the team to watch this week as an emerging No. 1 seed candidate. The Cougars are 5-1 against Q1/Q2 opponents and enter a stretch in which they play the better AAC opponents (SMU and Memphis) at home. With their closest competitors for the top line -- Villanova and Texas -- playing difficult road slates, the time may be just right for Houston to strike.
On the Bubble
Last Four Byes
First Four Out
Last Four In
Next Four Out
68-Team Bracket
First Four
48-Team Bracket
Bracket Watch
Let's take a moment to analyze Arizona, which just completed a sweep of archrival Arizona State. The Wildcats are playing under a self-imposed postseason ban but would be a No. 9 seed in the full bracket if eligible for this year's tournament. In the 48-team projection, Sean Miller's team would slot as the First Team Out, which seems oddly appropriate under the circumstances.
On the Bubble
Last Four In (at-large)
Last Four In (auto qualifiers)
First Four Out (at-large)
First Four Out (auto qualifiers)
48-Team Bracket
16-Team Bracket
Bracket Watch
Inquiring minds want to know if Baylor can surpass Gonzaga for the No. 1 overall seed, provided both teams remain undefeated. The answer is twofold: Numerically, the Bears would pass the Bulldogs based on more Q1/Q2 wins; realistically, given how they dominated a rugged nonconference schedule, the Zags aren't going anywhere unless or until they lose.