Mid-Major Madness Power Rankings: Rhode Island or Nevada?

We’ve spent the last few weeks trying to figure out who the rightful No. 1 is in our Power Rankings. It’s been a spirited debate, and one that for now has some clarity, with Saint Mary’s beating Gonzaga in Spokane last week.

I’m sure we’ll get back to that soon enough.

But all this time, there has been another discussion near the top of our rankings, and it’s one that we haven’t talked much about: Nevada or Rhode Island?

Both are receiving No. 1 votes and both have been top-five mainstays for some time.

Nevada’s Case: For one thing, the Wolf Pack beat Rhode Island head-to-head. People in our mentions like to point that out incessantly. Since then, minus a hiccup against San Francisco, Nevada has taken care of business against teams it should beat. Its most impressive win came just two days ago against Boise State.

Rhode Island’s Case: What people in our mentions do not point out is that the game between Nevada and Rhode Island took place on Nov. 13 and things have happened since then. The Wolf Pack, of course, have been excellent, but you could argue the Rams have been even better. They beat Seton Hall in a virtual road game and beat Providence in Kingston. They also beat St. Bonaventure on Jan. 13 and won at Dayton over the weekend.

Either way, it’s extremely close and both teams are 7-0 in conference. Someone will slip up eventually, but until then, enjoy the arguing.

Also receiving votes: Duquesne 16, Missouri State 15, Wright State 10, Princeton 9, Charleston 7, Fresno State 7, Penn 6, Bucknell 4, Hawaii 1, Georgia State 1, Marshall 1.