Here are my predictions. A lot of based on gut feelings or teams past performances. There are so many variables and it seems like 1/3 of the field has a terrible race every year.
1. OSU 3, 7, 10, 12, 50 =82
2. Stanford 1,5, 20, 25, 35 = 86
I scored out the top two because I think that is the biggest competition here. I think OSU and Stanford will be very close but I think OSU top 4 is just too good. I think there will be a big gap from 2nd to third.
3. Colorado
4. BYU
I think these two teams will be contending for the number 3 spot and will be close to each other. I like BYU's depth in their 6 and 7 but Colorado had the horses and seems to run well at nationals at least every other year and last year was an off year. Oregon would be here if they run as well as Pre nats but I don't see that happening.
5. Wisco
6. Portland
7. William and Mary
8. Oregon
9. NAU
10. Alabama
11. Syracuse
The teams in this group are all very close and hard to separate and could easily mix it up for the 3 and 4 .
My order was influenced strongly on recent national performances.
I am curious to see how Syracuse does as I think they have not faced any other these teams in competition this year other than Wisco who didn't appear to be running great then. I will give Wisco the nod based on Byrne's past success with peaking Iona at nats.
12 Iona
13 New Mexico
14 Georgetown
These teams are all very good and in past years all probably could have been in the top ten. I feel as the NCAA is definitely improving steadily in depth.
15. Washington
16. Auburn
17. NC State
18. Virginia
19. Arizona State
20. Oklahoma
21. Florida State
22.Arkansas (Ulrey will surprise)
23. Providence
24. Nova
25. Louisville
26. Duke
27. Iowa State
28. Minnesota
29 Michigan State
30 Texas
31 Ohio State
The rest
Up front I think Derrick will win with Chelanga close by. Watch our for Vail and Heath to grab best of the rest.
Lets hear what you guys think.