Fansided

FanSided power rankings: Top five crumble, Kansas stays steady

By Shayne Nissen

Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images
Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images /
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Photo by Michael Wade/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Photo by Michael Wade/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images /

15. Virginia 

Virginia was one of the many teams that did not play this week and despite the embarrassing loss to Purdue two weeks ago, this Tony Bennett-led squad is still very good. The Cavaliers have the No. 1 scoring defense in the country, which is a title they seem to take every year, but can also lead to catastrophe when a team gets hot since they don’t score much themselves. This is a talented team, no doubt, but I wouldn’t be surprised if you see a few more teams upset them this year.

14. Dayton

Dayton is this year’s Atlantic 10 darling as the Flyers seem to be the real deal. We all remember how they competed with the soon-to-be No. 1 team in the country, Kansas, but this past week the Flyers continued to handle business as they defeated Saint Mary’s and Drake by double digits. Forward Obi Toppin continues to lead them as he had 15 in the victory over Saint Mary’s and 19 in the win over Drake. He continues to prove he’s one of the best players in the country, averaging 21 points and eight rebounds per game.

13. Michigan State

After falling to Duke for their third loss of the young season a week prior, Michigan State bounced back with wins over surprisingly solid Rutgers team and Oakland this past week. Despite the recent struggles, Cassius Winston continues to play great basketball as he put up 23 points and seven assists in the big conference victory over Rutgers. Sure, this Spartans team has struggled early on, but there is no doubt in my mind that Tom Izzo will have them as one of the best teams in the country by season’s end.

12. Auburn 

Auburn is still undefeated this season, so why do they come in so low at No. 12? It’s pretty easy to see why when you look at their schedule. They have yet to defeat a ranked team this season and haven’t really played anyone of substance. That being said, this team is still very talented, it’s just really hard to judge a team that hasn’t played any worthy competition. They get N.C. State this week in what will be their toughest matchup so far.

11. Memphis

Precious Achiuwa continues to hold down the fort for the Memphis Tigers this season as he was huge in the victory against Tennessee — literally. His 6-foot-9, 225-pound frame makes it tough for anyone that is trying to work down low against the Tigers, and the stats of the Volunteers show that. They shot just 25 percent from the field, and Achiuwa’s presence down low had everything to do with that.