Auburn Awaits Selection Sunday With a Case Unlike Any Other

One way or another, Auburn looks to make history on Selection Sunday. Final thoughts going into judgment day.

Whether it's the overturned buzzer-beater against Texas A&M, the brutal schedule, or the end-of-season collapse, there are plenty of proponents fighting both for and against Auburn's postseason case.

Talking Heads

As of now, Auburn sits among seven other teams fighting for four at-large spots, according to Joe Lunardi.

Not surprisingly, Coach Pearl does not want his first season to end, saying:

"Our guys have some of the best wins in college basketball, and this team deserves to be in the tournament," he told reporters. "It's a team that can win games in the tournament, and I think they've done enough, ultimately, to have their name called on Selection Sunday."

For the selection committee to include Auburn in the NCAA Tournament, it would break precedent. Excluding them would do the same. Only Auburn would ever find itself in this scenario.

What The History Says

Do you want the good news or the bad news?

For starters, no team has ever received an at-large bid to the Tournament with 16 losses. (Auburn finished their season 17-16).

Secondly, no team has ever received an at-large bid being one game above .500.

On the flip side, Auburn would be the highest-ranked NET team on the outside of the bubble, ranking ahead of “in” teams including Texas A&M, Santa Clara, UCF, Missouri, Miami (OH), SMU, and Texas. They would also be KenPom’s highest-ranked offense left out of the tournament.

It's a Stretch

Auburn's No. 3 strength of schedule in the nation will be a major talking point in favor of Auburn's polarizing case. Their 17 Quad 1 games are the second-most in the country.

Frankly, you've got to win some of those games. I'm no expert, but if Auburn wins just one more conference game, we're probably in. Harping on five quality wins (Arkansas, Kentucky, Texas, NC State, St. John's) is likely not enough.

Statistically, I believe Auburn should be in. I just don't think they pass the eye test. And the marketing—reminiscent of Alabama trying to get into the College Football Playoff—isn't a great look. Fight for your team, but have some virtue. There is no strength of schedule banner to hang, especially when you lose by 30.

Final Thoughts

Of course I want Auburn's name to be called for an at-large bid. It does not matter how fed up you or I are with some players on this team—it's objectively the most positive outcome for the current players, staff, future recruiting, transfers, and Auburn basketball as a whole.

But everyone not in Orange and Blue has their knives out against us. The best case scenario, in my biased opinion, would have Auburn up against Miami (OH) in the First Four in Dayton.

Selection Sunday begins at 6:00pm ET on CBS.