Five teams are left without a blemish on their record. No one has been able to run the table since the 1976 Indiana Hoosiers did it. Here is a breakdown of the five left and their chances.
North Carolina– They have depth and play very aggressive on every possession. The key will be that Tyler Hansborough stays healthy and out of foul trouble in every game. I don’t believe they can pull it off due to the number of true rivals they face in this league. I think Duke will pull it off at least once.
Washington State— A big win over USC last night, but the true test comes this weekend against UCLA. If they can get by UCLA than it is a possibility. All the media talks about how balanced they are which is code for no NBA players. However, I think they have at least one in their starting lineup. Due to travel and the tradition of UCLA I don’t think they have a chance to run the table.
Vanderbuilt– Kevin Stallings has done a wonderful job, but with trips to Florida and Alabama on the horizon I don’t believe it will happen. What is more startling is that they are playing at Kentucky this weekend and they are the favorites. Yes, you heard that right. I guess Tubby Smith wasn’t that bad. Look for Gillespie to get his first good win as the Kentucky coach and knock the Commodores from the ranks of the unbeatens.
Kansas— The Jayhawks are deep in the backcourt and the frontline play of Arthur and Jackson has been very good. If that continues you’re looking at a repeat of 1988. I believe that the Jayhawks have the second best chance of running the table. They have leadership in Russell Robinson and experience at every position. Also, outside of Texas and Texas A & M the Big 12 is not very good. I think they will run the regular season table.
Memphis— John Calipari has done what only Jerry Tarkanian was able to do at UNLV. He has recruited above the level of his conference. Give him credit. He could sell ice to eskimos. His team is so deep that his second string could start at most schools in the league. Also, Conference USA is the weakest of the leagues to compete against. Only one team in the league could give him a scare and that is Houston. If they play the perfect game they can beat the Tigers. I don’t see that happening. They are going to run the table in the league. Mark it down!
