As more bracketology reports come out day after day, Mizzou is holding firm on the bubble. As a 10-seed in most cases, the Tigers are still in the NCAA Tournament by most accounts. But with three games remaining, a lot can happen, so is Missouri in danger of slipping out of the field completely?
The answer is likely not. While a three-game losing streak to end the season will hurt their chances significantly, it would still take a lot to be supplanted by say, Ohio State or USC. Let me explain.
Are the Tigers really in danger of missing the NCAA Tournament?
At this point in the season, teams are more likely to play themselves out of the tournament than in. It's still widely believed that if Mizzou wins one more game in any form or fashion, they'll be in. But say they lose all three, putting their spot in jeopardy. Well, someone has to replace them obviously, but as far as obvious candidates go, the list is short.
According to ESPN's Joe Lunardi, the first four teams out are Ohio State, Cal, USC and San Diego State. Ohio State and USC are both 10-loss teams already, and still each have ranked opponents left on their schedule. So short of them winning out, it feels unlikely either of those teams jump Missouri. For California and San Diego State, while each school could reasonably win out in their weaker conferences, they are respectively just 5-8 and 6-6 in Quad 1 and 2 games. Meanwhile, the Tigers are a fairly impressive 9-9.
So unless Mizzou loses out and one of Ohio State or USC wins out, the Tigers' spot in the field is probably safe. While the scenario can't fully be ruled out, odds are that even if Mizzou stumbles down the stretch, fans won't have to sweat this one out.