College Basketball Power Rankings: Roar of the Panthers

Written January 10, 2009 by Jay Horne

college-basketball-power-rankings-011009 1. Pittsburgh Panthers (14-0)
Pittsburgh is the class of possibly the best single season conference, from top to bottom, to ever take the court. The Big East broke their own record, placing 9 teams in the Top 25 last week. Pittsburgh has showed that they can conquer Big East powerhouses as they dominated no. 9 Georgetown 70-54 earlier this week.

2. North Carolina Tarheels (14-1)
Despite their recent upset loss to Boston College, the Tarheels are still one of the most talented teams in America. North Carolina sports the nations 2nd best offense that averages 94.6 points per game. The Tarheels reached the final four last season and with help from former Player of the Year Tyler Hansbrough and Ty Lawson North Carolina will be primed for another deep run in the NCAA Tournament.

Bet on North Carolina this week at BetUS!

3. Duke Blue Devils (13-1)
Duke may not appear as talented as their Championship teams of the past, but this team is playing well together. Coach K has the Blue Devils playing excellent defense down in Durham which is only allowing 60 points per game against some of the better offensive teams in America.

4. Connecticut Huskies (13-1)
The Huskies have had a brutal schedule to start the season and their lone loss came victim of a strong Georgetown team. Connecticut has already knocked 4 Top 25 teams in their first 13 games which is more than any team in America. The Huskies appear to be one of the better teams in the nation despite the schedule only getting tougher.

5. Wake Forest Demon Deacons (13-0)
The Demon Deacons are among only 3 unbeaten teams in America with a perfect 13 wins. Wake Forest has yet to be challenged this year, but will likely face one of their biggest threats of the year this weekend when they host North Carolina. The game will be a true measuring stick for one of the best shooting teams in America that is averaging a nation’s 3rd best 51.2% from the floor.

6. Oklahoma Sooners (14-1)
Oklahoma has fared well early this season with their only loss coming from an emerging Arkansas team. The Sooners are averaging a strong 81 points per game along with 38 rebounds which both rank in the top 30 in the nation. Oklahoma will likely be the class of the Big 12 this season with the recent downfall of Texas.

Take the Sooners this weekend!

7. Syracuse Orange (15-1)
Despite a disappointing loss to Cleveland State, Syracuse still owns a strong 15 victories with 3 wins over Top 25 teams. The schedule gets brutal against Pittsburgh, Georgetown, Notre Dame, and Louisville in their next 5 games. They may not be able to hang around the top 10, but Syracuse definitely has the opportunity to gain some respect if they can get a few quality victories.

8. Clemson Tigers (15-0)
The Tigers are the lowest ranked undefeated team left in the ranking because they have not played any extremely quality teams. However, Clemson’s perfect 15-0 mark definitely deserves attention as they have the chance prove their national status with games with NC State, Wake Forest, and North Carolina next up on the schedule.

9. Michigan State Spartans (12-2)
If the Spartans had not scheduled ACC opponents this season, they would be undefeated. The Spartans two losses came from North Carolina and Maryland. Outside the ACC woes, the Spartans have captured some solid victories over Texas and Minnesota.

10. UCLA Bruins (12-2)
The Bruins are off to a sound start, but failed to beat the only ranked team they have faced this season in the Texas Longhorns. UCLA has the weakest schedule of any of the teams on the list and they will have the chance at 25 wins or more this season.

It’s a big weekend for college basketball betting! Be sure to study our NCAA basketball lines and pick up college basketball picks from one of our experts to be sure you put yourself in the best position to win!