Big Ten Power Rankings: Boilermakers are Back
1. Purdue Boilermakers (17-4)
Some injuries put the Boilermakers in a 0-2 hole to open conference play, but since Purdue has won six straight to find itself in second place in the conference and playing the best ball in the league. This team gets it done on both ends of the floor and figures to be a major force come NCAA Tourney time. I can’t wait for the February 17th matchup against Michigan State. Purdue also closes out the regular season at Michigan State in a game which could decide the Big Ten title.
2. Michigan State Spartans (17-4)
A hiccup at home Sunday against Penn State costs the Spartans the top spot. While home court is always big in the Big Ten, it is surprising that Michigan State is 5-0 in Big Ten road games but only 3-2 at home. This is another special Michigan State team which thrives in an up and down game. Izzo will have the Spartans ready to make another Final Four run this March.
3. Minnesota Golden Gophers (18-3)
What a difference a year can make. It did not take Tubby Smith long to elevate a struggling Minnesota program. That speaks volumes about him as a coach. It looked like the Gophers might be coming back down to earth with back-to-back losses in conference play, but they have responded with a pair of big wins, including a 59-36 rout of Illinois.
4. Penn State Nittany Lions (17-5)
Penn State has rebounded from a tough 2-3 start in Big Ten play to win four straight games. It’s latest win at Michigan State says the Lions are for real.
5. Illinois Fighting Illini (18-4)
A terrible 23-point loss at Minnesota last week has the Illini sliding a little bit. The Illini have now lost 3 straight Big Ten road games but are 5-0 at home in Big Ten play. If Illinois can figure things out on the road, it could start moving up this list in a hurry.
6. Northwestern Wildcats (12-7)
12-7 doesn’t look like much of a record, but the Cats have won 4 of their last 5, including wins over Michigan State and Minnesota. No one wants to face the Cats right now.
7. Ohio State Buckeyes (15-5)
A big win over the Wolverines to sweep the season series last week has the Buckeyes ahead of Michigan.
8. Michigan Wolverines (14-8)
After a hot 13-3 start, which included a win over Duke, Michigan has dropped 5 of its last 6. This team lives and dies by the three and lately its been dying by it.
9. Iowa Hawkeyes (12-10)
While Iowa is just 2-7 in Big Ten play, the Hawkeyes have been competitive. They have wins over the two teams below them on this list and they have played, Penn State, Ohio State, and Minnesota down to the wire.
10. Wisconsin Badgers (12-9)
This season has been tough for Badgers fans who are used to seeing their team at the top of the league and not the bottom. Wisconsin has lost 6 straight in Big Ten play including to OT heart breakers to Minnesota and Iowa.
11. Indiana Hoosiers (5-15)
Indiana is winless in Big Ten play and has really had a tough time even being competitive outside of Bloomington. Hang in their Hoosiers.
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