Texas A&M has jumped up all the way up to No. 5 in the new college basketball AP poll.
The Aggies made the move up from No. 8 last week, and Billy Kennedy’s team will sport an 11-1 record when they open up SEC play at Alabama on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Kentucky dropped out of the Top 10 after losing to UCLA, with the Wildcats falling to No. 16.
Tennessee moved up up two spots to No. 19.
The others receiving votes section is not currently available due to the Christmas holiday.
Lovell’s Analysis
Even with some off-the-court issues causing suspensions throughout non-conference play, the Aggies have proven to be a legitimate national title contender.
And while it’ll start the SEC slate undermanned due to Admon Gilder’s injury and D.J. Hogg’s suspension, Texas A&M has certainly compiled the conference’s best resume thus far this season.
Of course, the AP poll does have its flaws, and that’s evident with the continued omission of Arkansas.
The Razorbacks are 9-2 and have scored impressive wins over Oklahoma and Minnesota, but apparently the blowout loss at the hands of a 10-2 Houston squad is enough to keep them out for the moment.
But in using the eye test, Arkansas is a Top 25 team right now. The Hogs are playing with confidence and turning teams over, and that should continue in the final non-conference tune-up against Cal State Bakersfield on Wednesday.
However, you can go ahead and throw out all the rankings as we enter conference play, as games should be as competitive as ever due to the continued rise of the conference.
Anyone can beat anyone, and that will make for plenty of entertaining action.
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