Big Ten Power Rankings
Now that we’re halfway through the conference schedule, here are my latest Big Ten Power Rankings
- Maryland
Maryland is not surprisingly sitting on top of the Big Ten. It is coming off a big win against #3 Iowa as well as a win against Ohio State. As long as Melo Trimble keeps playing at a high level the Terrapins are going to be tough to beat.
2. Iowa
Losing to Maryland should not be a huge concern for the team. Iowa is still a top team in the Big Ten. Look for them to continue to dominate as they play Penn State and Illinois their next two games.
3. Michigan State
The Spartans are coming off of two huge performances, beating Northwestern 76-45 and Rutgers 96-62 with great outside shooting performances. Michigan State has some tough games upcoming with trips to rival Michigan and Purdue, only to be followed by hosting Indiana.
4. Indiana
After a tough OT loss to Wisconsin the Hoosiers almost lost a home game to Minnesota. Thomas Bryant put up 23 points in the win. The team was off, only hitting 2/18 three point attempts. Indiana is currently sitting on top of the Big Ten which won’t likely change until late in the season, when they have a much harder schedule.
5. Purdue
The #21 team in the nation got two more conference wins including one against Nebraska. If A.J. Hammons puts up 32 points every game, I don’t think this team would lose again. The Boilermakers will be looking to upset Maryland and continue their dominance.
6. Michigan
Michigan rolled on for its fourth straight win. Zak Irvin continues to lead the team to victory as he scored 20 points in their last game against Penn State. Michigan hosts Indiana on Tuesday, who is coming off a bad win against Minnesota.
7. Ohio State
The Buckeyes looked much better defensively against Maryland compared to their game against Maryland earlier this season. OSU is currently sitting in the middle of the Big Ten, which is likely where it will stay. Look for Ohio State to be competitive with Wisconsin in its next game.
8. Wisconsin
Wisconsin’s overtime win against #19 Indiana was largely due to Ethan Happ and Nigel Hayes. Indiana could not come up with an answer for either player. The Badgers also got the W against struggling Illinois. Wisconsin has the potential to compete with every team in the Big Ten and will look to continue its win streak against Ohio State.
9. Nebraska
The Cornhuskers lost to both the Wolverines and Boilermakers and continue to struggle defensively. Both of the aforementioned teams shot better than fifty percent from the field. Nebraska hosts #8 Maryland, which will be a lot to handle for Nebraska’s defense.
10. Penn State
Penn State has lost three consecutive games after losing by seven to Michigan. The only two conference wins the Nittany Lions have came against Minnesota and Northwestern. Penn State travels to Iowa to play the Hawkeyes, who are looking for another win after dropping a game to Maryland.
11. Northwestern
It’s been awhile since Northwestern was competitive in a game, and the last time was against Maryland of all teams. Northwestern has a favorable schedule upcoming with its next three games against Minnesota, OSU, and Illinois.
12. Minnesota
Minnesota was so close to pulling off the upset at Assembly Hall. The Gophers haven’t won a conference game, but came up close against both Indiana and Purdue. If Minnesota can continue playing well they can pick up that first conference win against Northwestern.
13. Illinois
Illinois lost in an OT game to Ohio State followed by a 12 point loss to the Badgers. Illinois has lost two of its last three games in overtime. The Illini have a winnable match-up against Rutgers coming up next.
14. Rutgers
Still winless in the Big Ten, Rutgers continues to have problems shooting the ball. Rugters does have an easier schedule towards to end of the year, and the Scarlet Knights could pick up their first win next week against Illinois.