No. 13: California Bears
Cal has started the season at 3-1, and although a 96-99 loss to Kansas State may not seem that bad, a closer look at the game reveals why Cal is currently ranked only #13.
Cal was down 34-55 at halftime, and was even down 24 points in the 2nd half to K-State. Cal did manage to score 62 points in the second half, but it was too late for the Bears. If you manage to score 62 in a half of basketball, your team should likely dominate the game, but that somehow wasn't enough for Cal.
Don't expect Cal to do a whole lot in the ACC this season, but as for now they are still a decent team based on their 3-1 record.
No. 12: Syracuse Orange
While Syracuse has taken care of business so far this season and remains undefeated, it is still challenging to see them being favored in any of the games against the other teams ahead of them in these rankings.
Syracuse could end up being a good team in the ACC this year, but based on their resume so far this season against very subpar competition, there is nothing to hold onto for the Orange.