Undefeated...

Memphis enters this weekend as the last remaining undefeated team in college basketball. This is to no one's surprise.

Memphis has destroyed opponents all year long. Their list of impressive wins is described as many as weak. I say not so fast.

The following teams have come under Memphis' spell this year: UConn, USC, Cincinnati, Georgetown and Arizona. I'll give you this; UConn was not playing well in the start of the season, nor was USC. A win against Georgetown is a pretty impressive one, especially for Memphis who runs a lot and Georgetown tries to put you to sleep, much like talking to the majority of their students.

For those who say Memphis didn't bring it strong in terms of non-conference wins, I mean, what do you want me to say? When Calipari scheduled these games, pre-season, you'd have to look at those names and think, "Wow, that's a pretty tough road." Two teams struggling to find what their styles are (USC/UConn), a struggling but still capable Cincinnati program and an Arizona team who in the middle of the pre-season lost their head coach for the entire year. I mean, what do you want from Memphis?

The question becomes, are these guys going to run the table? The last team with a shot was Illinois, and frankly this Memphis team looks better than those Illini. Let's assume that Memphis beats Tennessee just off I-55, gets past Tulsa, and finishes the regular season undefeated. This would be the second time this year we have dealt with this concept in major sports. What does this mean?

I think it's harder for the Patriots to run the table. Why? The competition is more level. They are professionals playing professionals week in and week out. Imagine college basketball's top 32 playing each other and only each other. I mean, even if they played 16 games like the NFL...no one's going to finish that season undefeated, pending scheduling of course. Memphis has the ability to take games off and prepare for their next opponents while winning on talent alone. Very un-Herb Brookslike. This is why they are going to be so prepared for Tennessee next Saturday. I ask this question, are the Memphis fans going to be prepared for the crew at the CPM? No one is.

Now, it's time to contradict myself. I don't see Memphis running the table. It's hard, really hard, and though not as hard the NFL, the Patriots had the shot, with two weeks for greatness. They blew it. They could have and should have won. One game, one shot. Losers.

Memphis has to play an extra six games, if they make it that far, to take the title in the post season. Some of those on one day of rest. And there is the March factor where one great player can take you a long way. If a small team has a big guy who gets hot, it's a recipe for disaster for the high seeds. It's so hard to win in March, especially when the talent levels get to high every game. It's draining, and it's the best spectacle in sports.

Will Memphis do this? No. But their regular season is to be commended, but not unexpected. The Patriots regular season? Great, but their season now, a huge disappointment. Remember that Illinois team from a few years back. They were whatever and one, but they got beat by the better team. If Memphis has to play a UNC or Duke, Memphis may lose to the better team. Undefeated or not.