Latest Bracketology

[Ben Shadeland]

We're currently sitting at a 3-seed, which is higher than we've been in a long time (at least, on the days that I've checked over the last several years). Personally, I would love to end up a two or three, but that would take some serious winning in the Big Ten. Obviously, if you're a two-seed, your road to the Elite Eight is considerably easier than it would be if you were a five-seed.

http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/bracketology

Looking over our schedule yesterday, I figured we'd end up with seven total losses prior to the BTT, but I'm hoping it's more like...five. To accomplish that, of course, we could only lose three more times. But if we only had five losses at season's end and performed well in the BTT, I'd think we'd be no worse than a three-seed.

What do you all think?

 

[Schnelk]

Beat Butler...

 

[hamcoboiler]

i am really surprised by that. been so many losses this year by good teams to inferior teams. purdue's early losses have been negated by a run of good wins.

 

[Ben Shadeland]

Beat Butler...

Right. Obviously. But it is fun to speculate.

 

[boilernuke]

My prediction is 4 Big Ten losses, and still a 3 seed. Well...its what I'm hoping for at least. A BTT championship would definitely help, especially with it finishing a week early this year.

 

[PU52Chevy]

Beat Butler.......

I think with an experienced team as long as we are a 4 seed or better we will go far in the tourney.

Avoiding the 5/12 upset matchup is key.......

Predicting with our experience and record and luck this year we make Final 8 for sure.....if some other bench players develop and no injuries maybe Final 4.

Boiler Up!

 

[Boilersss]

I see us as a 4-seed at best unless we win the Big Ten. We won't have a very strong SOS after Big Ten play.

 

[ejs1111]

My original prediction was 3-4 B1G losses and a share of the B1G title with MSU. After seeing how the conference is shaping up, and our senior leadership... I'm cautiously optimistic. I'm raising the bar personally. The Atlantis debacle reset the team focus imo.

2 losses and still a share with MSU for the conference title. I really think the B1G is down this year and we can plow thru many teams. I can see us splitting with either Michigan or Minny and sweeping the other. Then we upset MSU and lose to someone we shouldn't, or we fall to MSU and regroup and beat everyone else. The seniors and experience will help us on the road games and lack of it will hurt MSU... despite all their talent. That is how I see them dropping a couple games (on the road).

4-5 losses will be a solid 2-3 seed in March and top10 ranking.

 

[kevindub]

My prediction is 4 Big Ten losses, and still a 3 seed. Well...its what I'm hoping for at least. A BTT championship would definitely help, especially with it finishing a week early this year.

Well the ACC will get all of the 1 and 2 seeds in addition to 2 of the 3 seeds. That leave 2 - 3 seeds which Villanova and Duke will get so the best that a BT school can hope 4 is a 4 at best.

 

[Do Dah Day]

I'll take a contrarian view ... just to ramp up some adrenaline. YES, beat Butler and everyone else. We control our destiny

... now, let's take a look at who we will compete against for these 2-3 seeds. What will they do from now on? What will their SOS be? Who are they?
ASU - NC - Miami - KY .... TA&M - Gonzaga - VA - WV .... X - KU - TCU - SetonH .... A LOT of games to be played by a LOT of teams

 

[Mackeyman]

We're currently sitting at a 3-seed, which is higher than we've been in a long time (at least, on the days that I've checked over the last several years). Personally, I would love to end up a two or three, but that would take some serious winning in the Big Ten. Obviously, if you're a two-seed, your road to the Elite Eight is considerably easier than it would be if you were a five-seed.

But if we only had five losses at season's end and performed well in the BTT, I'd think we'd be no worse than a three-seed.

What do you all think?

It would be helpful for 5 or so teams to separate themselves at the top of the Big Ten and go 12-6 or better, especially if those teams include Minnesota, Michigan, and Maryland. We play each of those teams twice, and I actually think our schedule (particularly our road schedule with the changes to RPI) gives us enough chances for good wins. That is dependent on that separation happening, though.

If it does, I think we will get a 3 seed even if we lose 4 more times. Assuming a trip to the BTT title game, our record would be 28-6. Beating Butler, going 15-3 in conference, and losing to Mich St in the BTT title game seems within reach to me.

So much conjecture there, but that's part of the fun.

IMO, we'll know a ton after January 13th. At that point, we'll have just played @Michigan and @Minnesota. There's a real good chance we are 15-2 before those games. If we are 17-2 AFTER those games, then it gets fun to think about seeding.

 

[Roeder]

We're currently sitting at a 3-seed, which is higher than we've been in a long time (at least, on the days that I've checked over the last several years). Personally, I would love to end up a two or three, but that would take some serious winning in the Big Ten. Obviously, if you're a two-seed, your road to the Elite Eight is considerably easier than it would be if you were a five-seed.

http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/bracketology

Looking over our schedule yesterday, I figured we'd end up with seven total losses prior to the BTT, but I'm hoping it's more like...five. To accomplish that, of course, we could only lose three more times. But if we only had five losses at season's end and performed well in the BTT, I'd think we'd be no worse than a three-seed.

What do you all think?

I think 3 seed is realistic IF this team keeps the edge they've had during this win streak. The table has been set for this team to make a nice run IMO.

Butler is a MUST win. Last chance for a non conference Top 50ish win. Better not come out flat.

I don't see this team losing a home game the rest of the season. I know that is bold, but Maryland, Mich, OSU all have flaws. Minny is toughest remaining home game, but no way this team loses in ramped up Mackey on SR night with this group IMO.

I think there will be 3 B1G road losses. @UM, @MSU, and @Minny being most likely. However, history has shown Purdue might get one or 2 of those and instead lose in a upset with a poor performance somewhere like @Iowa, @IU, or @ILL when they aren't locked in.

All in all though, I like what I've seen so far. The starting 5 has been outstanding. Haarms has blown away expectations, Cline's shot is starting to fall, and Eastern should continue to improve as year progresses and he gains confidence.

This is a fun team to watch, and looking forward to how they do over the next few months.

 

[Wolegib]

I believe a higher seed will be dependent on how we finish the season. and also beating Butler. We NEED to win the rest of our non-conference games, and have a strong showing in the BIg 10 tourney. I expect us to lose a couple of big 10 conference games along the way. last year we bowed out early. if we had beaten Michigan and made the conference final that #3 seed at indy would have been ours for the taking.

 

[FirstDownB]

One thing I am liking about this year's tourney...
The regional sites:
Atlanta, LA, Boston, Omaha

None are too friendly for Purdue, but none are too friendly for other contendors either.

That Omaha (midwest) is probably the most concerning with Kansas lurking. But the rest are relatively protected from the potential of a fanbase taking over the arena.

 

[Do Dah Day]

One thing I am liking about this year's tourney...
The regional sites:
Atlanta, LA, Boston, Omaha

None are too friendly for Purdue, but none are too friendly for other contendors either.

That Omaha (midwest) is probably the most concerning with Kansas lurking. But the rest are relatively protected from the potential of a fanbase taking over the arena.

This is interesting. Not sure this has been as true for any recent years. I may do a rough map over the weekend just to see how close the closer (or not) probables are.

 

[Purdue Grad in Texas]

One thing I am liking about this year's tourney...
The regional sites:
Atlanta, LA, Boston, Omaha

None are too friendly for Purdue, but none are too friendly for other contendors either.

That Omaha (midwest) is probably the most concerning with Kansas lurking. But the rest are relatively protected from the potential of a fanbase taking over the arena.

Which do you like as the First/Second round sites:

Boise
Charlotte
Dallas
Detroit
Nashville
Pittsburgh
San Diego
Wichita

Detroit, Nashville, Pittsburgh?

Pencil in Duke and UNC in Charlotte; Kansas in Wichita, and Kentucky in Nashville. I would suspect Michigan State would be in Detroit....as it looks now.

 

[Do Dah Day]

Which do you like as the First/Second round sites:

Boise
Charlotte
Dallas
Detroit
Nashville
Pittsburgh
San Diego
Wichita

Detroit, Nashville, Pittsburgh?

Pencil in Duke and UNC in Charlotte; Kansas in Wichita, and Kentucky in Nashville. I would suspect Michigan State would be in Detroit....as it looks now.

To travel to:
Nashville ....

Wichita St in Wichita
Cinti, Xavier, VA, WV maybe to Pitt or Detroit
AZ and ASU to San Diego,
TA&M to Dallas ...
Gonzaga to Boise
Villanova, Seton Hall to Boston
ND to Detroit


Possibly less competition (WHO KNOWS) ...

 

[JohnnyDoeBoiler]

Which do you like as the First/Second round sites:

Boise
Charlotte
Dallas
Detroit
Nashville
Pittsburgh
San Diego
Wichita

Detroit, Nashville, Pittsburgh?

Pencil in Duke and UNC in Charlotte; Kansas in Wichita, and Kentucky in Nashville. I would suspect Michigan State would be in Detroit....as it looks now.

Wouldn't pencil in Kansas exactly yet....what's to say Wichita State doesn't get that considering they are already highly ranked and likely not going to lose many games in their conference this season.

 

[FirstDownB]

This is interesting. Not sure this has been as true for any recent years. I may do a rough map over the weekend just to see how close the closer (or not) probables are.

Seems like there is one near Kansas and one near UNC/Duke every year. Kentucky in Memphis/Louisville. Maybe Syracuse in NY/NJ when they were good.

 

[FirstDownB]

Which do you like as the First/Second round sites:

Boise
Charlotte
Dallas
Detroit
Nashville
Pittsburgh
San Diego
Wichita

Detroit, Nashville, Pittsburgh?

Pencil in Duke and UNC in Charlotte; Kansas in Wichita, and Kentucky in Nashville. I would suspect Michigan State would be in Detroit....as it looks now.

Not too worried about the first round sites. Things would have to go off the rails to get a seed that would match us up against one of the pod home teams the first weekend. If that happens we are a like a 7 seed or worse and have bigger problems.

 

[Wolegib]

I would take Nashville. To be the best, yo u have to beat the best. we shouldn't worry about who our competition will be. We have proven we can beat the best and also lose to the worst! So go for the place you like.

I've already been to Whicita, Pittsburg, Boise and Detroit. I don't want to go back.

Ohma is BORING despite who we would play.

Dallas and Charlotte sound exciting.

San Diego !!!!

like I said, to be the best we have to beat the best so we might as well go to a place that is nice with a nice view. San Diego !!!! although charlotte in march would be beautiful. and Dallas is a fun town. party after the game, not before it.

 

[Purdue Grad in Texas]

Wouldn't pencil in Kansas exactly yet....what's to say Wichita State doesn't get that considering they are already highly ranked and likely not going to lose many games in their conference this season.

I hear you, JDB....but with the POD system, Kansas and Wichita State could be in the same site but different brackets, no?....if it's WSU's home arena (which I'm not sure), I don't think they can be placed there.

 

[BoilerinLouisville]

Nashville would be ideal for us, and this is the year we would want KY in our bracket. Very over-rated. Painter has to figure out to get far in the tourney, he has the team to do it.

 

[FirstDownB]

I would take Nashville. To be the best, yo u have to beat the best. we shouldn't worry about who our competition will be. We have proven we can beat the best and also lose to the worst! So go for the place you like.

I've already been to Whicita, Pittsburg, Boise and Detroit. I don't want to go back.

Ohma is BORING despite who we would play.

Dallas and Charlotte sound exciting.

San Diego !!!!

like I said, to be the best we have to beat the best so we might as well go to a place that is nice with a nice view. San Diego !!!! although charlotte in march would be beautiful. and Dallas is a fun town. party after the game, not before it.

I suppose it is easier for those of us who likely won't be traveling regardless to say, but I want every possible disadvantage for our team removed. That would include.. oh, maybe not playing Kansas in freaking Kansas City like last year. Lots of teams get breaks on their way to the Final 4. We are due a few... hundred.

 

[FirstDownB]

I hear you, JDB....but with the POD system, Kansas and Wichita State could be in the same site but different brackets, no?....if it's WSU's home arena (which I'm not sure), I don't think they can be placed there.

Yep, if you are a 1 or 2 seed there is a very good chance you will be playing near home the first weekend. Louisville and Kentucky both played in Indy last year from different regions.

And if you are a 3 or 4 seed there is a very good chance you will not be playing against somebody near their home the first weekend.

 

[Purdue Grad in Texas]

I suppose it is easier for those of us who likely won't be traveling regardless to say, but I want every possible disadvantage for our team removed. That would include.. oh, maybe not playing Kansas in freaking Kansas City like last year. Lots of teams get breaks on their way to the Final 4. We are due a few... hundred.

Maybe finally....we shall see. Ironically, the last time Purdue made the Final Four, the Boilers did play the first two rounds as a 6-seed in West Lafayette and avoided the potential Regional Final playing Kentucky @ Rupp Arena, thanks to Duke. It's been uphill since then......(although in 2000 the bracket opened up for 6-seed Purdue also).

First things, first......FREAKIN beat Butler on Saturday, Boilers!

 

[Do Dah Day]

I would take Nashville. To be the best, yo u have to beat the best. we shouldn't worry about who our competition will be. We have proven we can beat the best and also lose to the worst! So go for the place you like.

I've already been to Whicita, Pittsburg, Boise and Detroit. I don't want to go back.

Ohma is BORING despite who we would play.

Dallas and Charlotte sound exciting.

San Diego !!!!

like I said, to be the best we have to beat the best so we might as well go to a place that is nice with a nice view. San Diego !!!! although charlotte in march would be beautiful. and Dallas is a fun town. party after the game, not before it.

Didn't we play in SD in '89? I'm too lazy to look it up, but seems to ring a bell.

 

[Do Dah Day]

Here's a wee bit-a data: (from 1985 - when it went to 64 teams)
Seed ----- final 4s ---- Champ game ---- Champ
1 ..................54................32 ....................20
2 ..................28 ...............12 ..................... 5
3 ..................15 ...............10 ..................... 4
4 ..................13 ........ ....... 3 .............. ....... 1
5 ........... ....... 6 .......... ..... 3 ........... .......... 0
6 ............. ..... 3 ......... ...... 2 .......... ........... 1
7 ............. ..... 3 ......... ...... 1 ......... ............ 1
8 ............. ..... 5 ................ 3 ......... ............ 1

 

[02Boilermaker]

if it's WSU's home arena (which I'm not sure), I don't think they can be placed there.

It's not WSU's home arena, but WSU is the host school & can't play there because of it.

 

[Purdue Grad in Texas]

Didn't we play in SD in '89? I'm too lazy to look it up, but seems to ring a bell.

Purdue didn't make the tourney in '89, DDD. They've been out West a few times, Portland, Spokane, Albuquerque....can't find San Diego.

 

[Do Dah Day]

Purdue didn't make the tourney in '89, DDD. They've been out West a few times, Portland, Spokane, Albuquerque....can't find San Diego.

Thanks. I thought my daughter went there as a cheerleader... Maybe it was a bowl game... No big deal