College Basketball Rankings 2016: Projected Week 5 Top 25

Dec 3, 2016; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Javin DeLaurier (12) reacts with forward Amile Jefferson (21) after Jefferson was fouled by against the Maine Black Bears in the second half of their game at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports /

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Dec 3, 2016; West Lafayette, IN, USA; Purdue Boilermakers guard Carsen Edwards (3) drives past Morehead State Eagles guard Miguel Dicent (5) in the second half at Mackey Arena. Purdue won 90-56. Mandatory Credit: Sandra Dukes-USA TODAY Sports /

Oregon started the season as one of a number of national title favorites, but the Ducks have struggled a bit and find themselves with two losses early on. The loss to Baylor doesn’t look as bad anymore now that the Bears are dominating, but the defeat against Georgetown was soul-crushing. Dillon Brooks is starting to play like his old self and the Ducks will need him to continue if they’re going to contend for another No. 1 seed.

Purdue lost a close one in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge last week to Louisville and that happens to be the Boilermakers’ second loss to a ranked opponent. Their other was a slim defeat at home against a team that might be the No. 1 overall ranked squad this week, Villanova. The Boilermakers finished off the week with a comfortable 34 point win over Morehead State and Caleb Swanigan continues to be a double-double machine.

West Virginia had one of the best weeks of any team in the Top 25, beating Manhattan by 47 and then closing it out with a nine-point road victory over No. 6 Virginia. Although the Cavaliers may have been a bit overrated, beating a tough defensive-minded team like that on the road is huge for the Mountaineers. Bob Huggins might just have a true Big 12 contender on his hands.

South Carolina has been a surprise team to come out of the SEC thus far. While everyone might talk about Kentucky and Florida when thinking about SEC basketball, the Gamecocks should not be forgotten, either. South Carolina has beaten Michigan and Syracuse, both ranked at the time, and Frank Martin has this team playing all-around solid basketball. They can shoot, rebound and defend. Typical Martin-coached team.

Not much of a jump for Butler this week since the Bulldogs only had a win over Central Arkansas, but they look to be one of the top mid-majors in college basketball. Who would have thought this program would remain afloat in the post-Brad Stevens era? Definitely not me. However, as long as Kelan Martin can play lights out, the Bulldogs are going to keep winning. They face a tough test in Cincinnati this week.