Indiana Women's Basketball: Big Ten Power Rankings Ahead of Conference Play
By Dante Pryor
No. 3-1
#3. Michigan Wolverines 11-3, 2-0
As Lee Corso would say, the Wolverines are "sneaking around the chicken coop." While MAC opponent Toledo obliterated them, they redeemed themselves with an 84-48 dismantling of Big Ten rival Illinois. Michigan needs Laila Phelia to prove she can carry the load offensively. Although the Wolverines have upper-level students starting, many don't have much playing experience.
#2. No. 16 Indiana Hoosiers 11-1, 2-0
Indiana has the best interior player in the conference with Mackenzie Holmes. Head coach Teri Moren is one of the best in-game coaches in college basketball. Indiana has two early conference wins in their back pocket. The Hoosiers need to prove they can beat better teams. They were blown out by Stanford, their only loss.
#1. No. 4 Iowa Hawkeyes 14-1, 3-0
Caitlin Clark did it again, this time to Michigan State. The Hawkeyes are the class of the Big Ten so far this season. However, they split with Indiana. The Hoosiers won the regular season crown, and Iowa won the tournament. Clark and the Hawkeyes feel they have unfinished business and are looking toward winning a National Championship. One thing the Hawkeyes cannot do is stand around and watch Caitlin Clark. That tends to happen when you have a superstar. Clark needs help, and her teammates must ensure the offensive flow doesn't stop with her.