The American Athletic Conference is strong at the top with No. 9 Memphis and No. 12 Houston in the Associated Press top 25.
The middle is packed with potential with UCF, Cincinnati and Wichita State in the Ken Pomeroy top 75. The Shockers can move closer to that top group over the next 10 days.
The Shockers, UCF and Cincinnati either possess a strong win or face those type of opponents soon. UCF is 4-0 and faces Oklahoma, Auburn, Florida State and Michigan in December. Cincinnati defeated Illinois and its loss is to Arkansas. Wichita State emerged from a tournament in Las Vegas in position to meet all expectations.