Florida now a 6-seed in ESPN bracketology projections

Feb 24, 2024; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators guard Will Richard (5) looks to drive at Vanderbilt Commodores guard Tyrin Lawrence (0) during the second half at Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports

The Florida Gators have moved up to a 6-seed in the ESPN bracketology projections from Joe Lunardi after checking in as an 8-seed two weeks ago.

Since then, Todd Golden’s squad has taken down No. 11 Auburn (a 4-seed) and pushed No. 13 Alabama (3-seed) to overtime in Tuscaloosa. Wins against Georgia, LSU and Vanderbilt bring the Gators to a 19-8 overall record and a 9-5 record against the conference.

At this point, it would take an absolute collapse for UF to fall out of the NCAA Tournament projections. There are enough signature wins on the resume to survive almost any upset, and the SEC Tournament shouldn’t change things too much.

Lunardi has Florida facing Indiana State in Pittsburgh as part of the South (Dallas) Region. A win would pit the Gators against either Charleston or Creighton in the second round if Lunardi’s projections are accurate.

Looking at the rest of the SEC, Tennessee is a 2-seed, Kentucky is a 5-seed, South Carolina is a 6-seed, Mississippi State is an 8-seed, Texas A&M is in the First Four Out and Ole Miss is in the Next Four Out. The SEC trails only the Big 12 (nine) in expected Tournament teams.

Florida closes out the season with Missouri, at South Carolina, Alabama and at Vanderbilt. Florida could jump up to a 5-seed if it ends the season 4-0.

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This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Florida now a 6-seed in ESPN bracketology projections