| 16 January 2011
Every Sunday The Hoops Manifesto and Bloguin's NCAA hoops writers come together to vote on the four best teams in the country, our Fabulous Four, plus the best team from a non-BCS conference. We present to you the Fab Four Plus One - because who has time to read a list of 25 teams.
Voters: Jeff Fox from The Hoops Manifesto, Flounder from Leftover Hot Dog and Philip from Rise Northwestern.
Fabulous Four
1) (Last week - 2) Ohio State - 14 (out of possible 15) points
Record: 18-0
Games this week: Wed vs Iowa, Sat @ Illinois
"Ohio State is our first team ranked number one this season not named Duke. Their weak schedule thus far does concern me, though, with only two ranked teams among their past victims. Saturday's tilt at Illinois should be a good litmus test." - Jeff Fox
"Ohio State has had some uneven performances against some lower rung teams in the Big Ten. The Buckeyes probably have some growing pains left as they get into the meat of the Big Ten schedule." - Philip
"Gotten a few scares along the way, but like a champ responds well to mount a victory charge. Can we say in Sullinger we trust?" - Flounder
tied-2) (1) Duke - 11 points
Record: 16-1
Games this week: Wed @ North Carolina St, Sat @ Wake Forest
"No team goes undefeated nowadays, so it shouldn't come as a real shock that Duke finally went down. However, with Temple as their only ranked opponent (currently) on their upcoming schedule, Duke might not have enough tough opponents left to help bump their ranking back up to #1." - Jeff Fox
"The Blue Devils always seem to lose on the road to Florida State. To me, that is not a horrible loss. The Seminoles are a borderline tournament team with a ridiculously strong defense. Duke was bound to hit a speed bump and it is better to learn those lessons now rather than in the tournament. These guys still have to be your favorites." - Philip
"Thinking FSU was a hiccup and Coach K would rather lose early than later on so they can learn from it. Look out ACC the Devils are mad." - Flounder
tied - 2) (3) Syracuse - 11 points
Record: 18-0
Games this week: Mon @ Pittsburgh, Sat vs Villanova
"The Big East is insanely competitive this year, so the Orange are surely the next undefeated team to fall by the wayside, aren't they? This week could prove to be deadly, with two top 10 teams on their dance card." - Jeff Fox
"This young Orange squad has really surprised everyone I think. But that 2-3 zone is as potent as ever. Monday's game against Pitt will tell us how good this team really might be." - Philip
"Can the run last with Nova and Pitt back-to-back? If they survive they could stake their claim to being number one." - Flounder
4) Kansas (4) - 4 points
Record: 17-0
Games this week: Mon @ Baylor, Sat vs Texas
"Kansas has had a fairly easy road thus far, but that changes this week with a trip to Baylor, who are a very dangerous team, and Saturday's tilt versus extremely talented (and young) Texas." - Jeff Fox
"Much like Ohio State, I think this young squad has some hiccups coming its way. The Jayhawks have beaten everyone they have had to face, but their first challenges in the Big 12 have given them some issues." - Philip
"Can you say UT? Big 12 marquee match-up coming up that will either continue the great season or sour the fanbase." - Flounder
Top Non-BCS Team
San Diego State - unanimous selection
Record: 19-0
Games this week: Wed vs Air Force
"And the beat goes on - another undefeated week for this season's surprise team, the San Diego State Aztecs." - Jeff Fox
"Was Cinderella a Aztec fan? Makes me wonder." - Flounder
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