Early season observations

Rising:

Xavier (4-1)- X got a big win over Indiana last night, one that could get them in the tournament come March.

Clemson (5-0)- The Tigers are off to a hot start again, this time I think they're for real.

Miami (5-0)- One of the top darkhorses in the nation, the Hurricanes already have impressive wins over VCU and Providence.

New Mexico (6-0)- Off to a 6-0 start, the Lobos won't be tested until they go to New Mexico State on Dec. 4.

Texas A&M (6-0)- Some wrote this team off after Gillispie bolted for Kentucky, but they have impressed so far, easily winning the NIT tipoff.

Baylor (5-0)- Probably the top darkhorse in the nation, the Bears have beaten Wichita State, Notre Dame, and Winthrop to remain undefeated.

Texas (5-0)- Similarly to A&M, some wrote Texas off after Durant left for the NBA. It's the D.J. Augustin and A.J. Abrams show now.

Pittsburgh (5-0)- The Panthers haven't been tested yet, but Sam Young has looked good so far.

Seton Hall (5-0)- Bobby Gonzalez's team is off to its best start in seven years, thanks in part to a dominating performance against Virginia. If the Pirates play defense and knock down some three's, they will be a very tough team to beat in the Big East.

California (3-0)- Ryan Anderson and company had an impressive comeback against San Diego State last night, three of the next four are tough.

Vanderbilt (5-0)- Shan Foster and Andrew Ogilvy have been impressive for the Commodores so far, off to a 5-0 start.

Wisconsin (5-0)- Destroyed Georgia in the second half today, Bo Ryan's club is always underrated. Big game at Duke on Tuesday.

Butler (6-0)- Won the Great Alaska Shootout and is now 6-0. Five senior starters form a very solid core for coach Brad Stevens.

St. Mary's (5-0)- Madness in Morgana as the Gaels upset Oregon on Tuesday. Aussie Patty Mills has been superb so far. They will be tested again in their next three games (vs. Seton Hall, at San Diego State, at Southern Illinois).

Falling:

Georgia Tech (3-2)- The Yellow Jackets did beat Notre Dame, but they stumbled out of the gate losing to UNC-Greensboro and Winthrop.

Oklahoma State (2-3)- Had a disasterous trip to Maui, getting blown out by Marquette and Illinois. Also lost to North Texas.

DePaul (1-2)- A 1-2 start, including a terrible 96-93 loss to North Carolina A&T, means that Jerry Wainwright has his work cut out with this young team.

Washington (3-2)- Disappointing start for the Huskies as they got swept in New York during the NIT tipoff. A positive is that Jon Brockman is playing like a man possessed.

Mississippi State (3-3)- A 3-3 start is not what Rick Stansbury had in mind for this team with high expectations entering the season. They haven't beaten a good team yet.

LSU (3-2)- This program has fallen on hard times since making the Final Four.

Penn State (2-3)- There was a glimmer of hope in Happy Valley going into Geary Claxton's final season. That has been extinguished after getting swept in Orlando by South Carolina, Rider, and Central Florida.