Indiana Basketball: Hoosiers in the middle of Big Ten power rankings

Maryland has won all three of its games easily. They have looked very good doing it and are ranked No. 6 in the country. So why are they third in the Big Ten rankings? It is more of a matter of how well the team directly in front of them has played and who the number one team is.

Jalen Smith and Anthony Cowan Jr. are leading the Terrapins in a season in which they are supposed to take the next step. They were a close game against LSU away from making the Sweet 16 last year and have higher goals this year.

They have big games with Notre Dame and Seton Hall coming up and if they want to be a top team, they must win those games. This team is not only good for the Big Ten, but they are very good nationally also.

Ohio State might be playing the best basketball team in the country and if they keep it up they will be number one in the Big Ten. After a close first game against Cincinnati, the Buckeyes have had little trouble in their other three games.

One of those wins include a blowout win against Villanova, a team many picked for the Final Four, in the Gavitt Tipoff Games. They have won each of those three games by at least 20 points and haven’t been threatened.

Many people thought they would be really good this year, but there were still question marks, but so far Ohio State has answered all of those and more.

Michigan State lost its opening game against Kentucky and some had to wonder if their number one ranking was justified, especially after Kentucky lost to Evansville. But Michigan State has responded and blown out two mid-major teams while slipping by a very good Seton Hall team.

The Spartans showed toughness winning the game against the Pirates especially after losing their first game to the Wildcats.

This is still a loaded team that should be the favorite in the Big Ten. Ohio State and Maryland have appeared to close the gap, but unless the Spartans falter against they will be on top of the Big Ten. One loss hasn’t changed the minds of many at how good this team is. Their non-conference schedule is brutal, but it will only make them better in conference.

So while the rest of the conference may be closing ground, this is still the Spartans to lose.