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Here are the parts that relate to the Valley. Interesting that he has Bradley listed third in the conference, behind Missouri State and SIU.
Work left to do: Bradley, Drexel, Creighton, Brigham Young, Wichita State, Dayton, Appalachian State, Davidson, Indiana State, Xavier, Gonzaga, Western Kentucky, Northern Iowa, New Mexico State, Old Dominion, Hofstra, Virginia Commonwealth, Winthrop
If the Valley is looking like a four-bid league again, then the current top two teams should be locks. The writer is referring to Missouri State and SIU.
Bradley [12-6 (4-3), RPI: 26, SOS: 10] Great computer numbers mask a profile that doesn't seem nearly that robust. Beating DePaul was nice, especially by that margin, but the blowout at Michigan State and the decisive losses at UNI and Wichita State make you wonder about the upside.
Creighton [11-6 (5-2), RPI: 34, SOS: 39] Yes, the Bluejays are currently one of three teams tied for the Valley lead, but the overall profile is not there to make them any more comfortable than this. Too many disappointing losses despite the computer numbers being there. Creighton's no better than fourth in the Valley pecking order right now, and could also be behind Wichita State.
Wichita State [11-6 (3-4), RPI: 43, SOS: 22] Amazing to see the Shockers this far from lock status given the start they had, but five losses in six games will do that to you. Got a big win at home over Creighton and has another four winnable games in a row to get back above water.
Indiana State [10-5 (4-2), RPI: 55, SOS: 71] The Sycamores have to be here for now with their wins over Butler, Creighton and Wichita State (all at home). Only 2-4 on the road.
Northern Iowa [12-4 (4-2), RPI: 62, SOS: 165] Loss at Illinois State took some of the shine off the win at Wichita State, as road wins are like gold in the Valley. Sweep of the Iowa high-majors is nice, even though both programs are down. Loss at Washington may lose more value down the road.
Work left to do: Bradley, Drexel, Creighton, Brigham Young, Wichita State, Dayton, Appalachian State, Davidson, Indiana State, Xavier, Gonzaga, Western Kentucky, Northern Iowa, New Mexico State, Old Dominion, Hofstra, Virginia Commonwealth, Winthrop
If the Valley is looking like a four-bid league again, then the current top two teams should be locks. The writer is referring to Missouri State and SIU.
Bradley [12-6 (4-3), RPI: 26, SOS: 10] Great computer numbers mask a profile that doesn't seem nearly that robust. Beating DePaul was nice, especially by that margin, but the blowout at Michigan State and the decisive losses at UNI and Wichita State make you wonder about the upside.
Creighton [11-6 (5-2), RPI: 34, SOS: 39] Yes, the Bluejays are currently one of three teams tied for the Valley lead, but the overall profile is not there to make them any more comfortable than this. Too many disappointing losses despite the computer numbers being there. Creighton's no better than fourth in the Valley pecking order right now, and could also be behind Wichita State.
Wichita State [11-6 (3-4), RPI: 43, SOS: 22] Amazing to see the Shockers this far from lock status given the start they had, but five losses in six games will do that to you. Got a big win at home over Creighton and has another four winnable games in a row to get back above water.
Indiana State [10-5 (4-2), RPI: 55, SOS: 71] The Sycamores have to be here for now with their wins over Butler, Creighton and Wichita State (all at home). Only 2-4 on the road.
Northern Iowa [12-4 (4-2), RPI: 62, SOS: 165] Loss at Illinois State took some of the shine off the win at Wichita State, as road wins are like gold in the Valley. Sweep of the Iowa high-majors is nice, even though both programs are down. Loss at Washington may lose more value down the road.
