Here We Go

[Shuttlesworth]

The window is getting smaller, but we're still right there...

Jerry Palm's updated Bracketology is in and he has us as his first team out. Using that (and what I think I know), here's my best guess at where things stand:

-I believe that we are essentially in a battle with (8) other teams for (5) at-large spots.

-After looking at the schedules of the other teams on the fence, I still think that we have a good chance with two more wins (no matter where we can get 'em).

-At any rate, get buckled up...it's about to get crazy.

***Near Locks***

Iowa

George Washington

VCU

***Should Be In***

Stanford

Colorado

Xavier

SMU

Oklahoma St.

Pittsburgh

Saint Joseph's

Oregon

Southern Miss

Baylor

***On The Fence (In)***

Arkansas (vs Ole Miss...@ Alabama)

Providence (vs Marquette...@ Creighton)

California (vs Utah...vs Colorado)

Dayton (@ Saint Louis...vs Richmond)

Missouri (vs Texas A&M...@Tennessee)

***On The Fence (Out)***

Nebraska (@ Indiana...vs Wisconsin)

Minnesota (vs Penn St.)

BYU (West Coast Tourney)

Tennessee (@ Auburn...vs Missouri)

***Work To Do***

Florida St.

Green Bay

St. John's

Washington

Georgetown

[throwback]

That's a good breakdown - 8 teams for 5 assumes no big upsets in conf tourneys right?

 

Rather than worrying about 19, 20, whatever, the way I look at it for us is this way: We have a possible 5 games left to try to win to bolster our at-large resume (the 6th would be B1G tourney championship game, so a win there makes the at-large a moot point, so I'm not counting that one).

• at Indiana - likely 3 to 5 pt underdog
• Wisconsin - likely 3 to 5 pt underdog
• 1st round B1G (if necessary) - likely 6 to 9 pt favorite (likely vs NW/Ill/PSU/Pur)
• Quarterfinal B1G - likely 3 to 5 pt underdog (likely vs Iowa/OSU/MSU)
• Semifinal B1G - likely 5 to 10 pt underdog (likely vs Mich/Wis/MSU)

I think we have to do two things:

1. Win any game in which we're favored, which looks like only one, if we even play in it
2. Pull off 2 upsets and we're probably in - doesn't really matter where those 2 upsets occur - any of those upsets would be great resume builders, whether it's a true road win, neutral site win, or win vs highly ranked RPI team

Of course it depends on how many bids get stolen by upsets in conf tourneys, but if we just come up with 1 upset, I think it'll be a very nervous Selection Sunday. Could go either way.

 

NU won't be a significant 'dog at least until it would reach the B1G semis, so pulling 2 upsets wouldn't require any huge miracles. There's still a reasonable chance. 

 

We probably need to at least split this week, just to keep the confidence alive heading to the B1G tourney.

[hhcdave]

Let's just win both games this week so its a lock.

[KZRider]

Let's just win both games this week so its a lock.

 

This. Especially since one of those wins would be over Wisc which has to count for a lot.

 

First, go beat Indiana!

[Omaha Nebrasketballer]

Let's just win both games this week so its a lock.

Agreed. Man, I am so jacked up for these last two games and can't wait to get crazy at PBA next Sunday. Still can't believing we are having this discussion in year 2 and after the way we started big ten play. Need to pinch myself.

[unl]

So winning one of two between Indiana and Wisconsin, and the first game of the tourney (either quarterfinal as 4 seed, or, more likely in a 1-1 scenario, against the 12 seed, may not be enough.

 

Really think we need MSU to win both games this week to give us some breathing room, because losing both this week pushes other bubble teams ahead.  Heck, even if we win both, it would still help. 

 

This is the biggest week in Nebrasketball since when?   Last week?  1999?  

[Norm Peterson]

We certainly have more riding on how things turn out this week than we have in many years.  Kinda fun even if it is a little nerve wracking.

[HoiBall]

We certainly have more riding on how things turn out this week than we have in many years.  Kinda fun even if it is a little nerve wracking.

Love having so much on the line this late in the year. Honestly would not have guessed we'd be in this position just 2 months ago