1/28
1. Michigan State
2. Purdue
3. Wisconsin
4. Illinois
5. Michigan
6. Maryland
7. UCLA
8. Oregon
9. Ohio State
10. Northwestern
11. Indiana
12. USC
13. Minnesota
14. Iowa
15. Penn State
16. Nebraska
17. Rutgers
18. Washington
While there have been some unpredictable results of late, one still gets a sense of a few tiers developing....the title contenders, the very good, the up and down mediocres and the bad uglies
Title contender: Michigan State and Purdue....maybe Wisconsin. Not flashy, Michigan State epitomizes team ball. Unbeaten at 8-0, Izzo was given a fairly favorable first half Big 10 slate but its going to get much tougher now. Purdue had a blip at home over Ohio State but then put out one of the best displays in league play this year beating Michigan by 27. The Badgers have won 8 of their last 9 including 6 of 7 in league and just a 2 point loss at UCLA in that stretch. Get 4 of next 5 on the road so this is a huge test of whether they are a legit Big 10 title contender
The Very Good: Slipping Illinois back here because injuries and erratic performances have taken its toll and they are already 4 games behind Michigan State in the loss column. Perhaps they will be reconsidered depending on the results of an easier stretch which has them on the road for 3 of the next 4. Maryland has been excellent of late, very balanced on both sides and have won 5 of 6, just a 1 point OT loss at Northwestern and very managable stretch coming after tonights big home game with Wisconsin. Michigan hasnt looked great the past couple of weeks. Goldin sick last night barely gave them anything as they escaped a bad loss to Penn State. Still they are 7-2 in league but for some reason seem to be off. After a rough patch, UCLA has regained their confidence with 4 wins in a row and looks like a solid 6-9 type seed in the NCAA tourney. Oregon has been just okay in league play. They didnt look good in a loss at Minnesota. Solid NCAA team yes, title contender no and a rough stretch with 3 road games at UCLA and the 2 Michigan schools in the next 4. Ohio State may not actually be a very good but they have moved into the safe side of the NCAA for now and their recent play puts them a notch or three above the schools below them. Big win at Purdue followed up by a blowout win over Iowa and the Buckeyes seemed to found another gear. Still work to do with dangerous stretch of 3 of 4 on road that could bounce them on the wrong side of the bubble.
The mediocre: Northwestern is up and down and all around and thats why their resume falls short right now. Have had some spirited road efforts and did hold serve at home vs Maryland/Indiana but its going to take alot more. Absolute must win vs Rutgers for their resume. Their schedule the 2nd half isnt as tough as their first half so lets see how this plays out. Collins has worked wonders the last 2 years and they are capable. Indiana big disappointment with the amount they spent and what their fans expect. Theyve lost 4 of 5 and alot of them close as they cannot finish the deal. An upcoming 6 game brutal stretch will in fact decide Woodsons fate....at Purdue, at Wisky, Mich, at Mich St, UCLA, Purdue. Good luck. USC is playing everyone tough but just a bit young not good enough to make a NCAA run. I like this team every time I see them. Minnesota is officially mediocre after running off 3 straight Quad 1 wins. They have to come crashing down to earth right?
The bad uglies: Iowa does not have a Q1 yet and they were beaten pretty good by OSU last night. Any shot they have at a NCAA bid rests with beating Purdue and Wisky at home next week but right now its hard to say they are any better than any of the schools in this listing. Penn State is giving their all every night but have dropped 6 of 7 and dont really seeing that changing. Nebraska is in freefall with 6 straight losses and a must win at home vs Illinois to keep their season alive with a trip to Oregon looming. Rutgers having a nightmare season for a plethora of reasons and the hits seemingly keep coming. Washington was slammed with an insane first half Big 10 schedule as 8 of their first 9 are to NCAA likely teams with just 3 in their next 11 but it just seems they are pencilled in for last place.