The Way I See It: Big Ten Power Rankings (Feb. 28)

1. Ohio State — 23-7 (13-4)

The Buckeyes move into first place this week with Purdue losing to Michigan State and the Buckeye win over the Spartans last week. They have one final regular season game against Illinois, before sitting in the clubhouse and watching this mess settle out. Currently Ohio State holds a half-game lead over Michigan State and Purdue in the Big Ten standings.

2. Michigan State — 22-7 (12-4)

The Spartans took care of business against Purdue, winning 53-44. I knew when it was announced that Hummel would be out that the Spartans would capitalize on the Boilermakers, both mentally and physically. They get Penn State and Michigan for the final two regular season games this week.

3. Purdue — 24-4 (12-4)

The Boilermakers had a 10-game win streak snapped at home with the loss to Michigan State. The loss of Robbie Hummel has already been seen and it will hinder how far Purdue will go into the NCAA tournament.

4. Wisconsin — 21-7 (11-5)

The Badgers have it made right now, they’re far enough out of the Big Ten title race to feel any pressure and also have a very manageable schedule. They finish with Illinois and Iowa this week, and both games are easily winnable, giving them 23 wins on the season.

5. Minnesota — 17-11 (8-8)

The Gophers are trying not to let their bubble burst, and with this weeks schedule they might just get their wish. Minnesota will travel to Michigan and finish at home against Iowa; both games need to be wins if they’ll have a chance at going dancing in March.

6. Illinois — 18-11 (10-6)

The Illini might have won their last regular season game when they beat Michigan last week. This week’s slate features games at Ohio State and home against Wisconsin. Neither game will have the Illini favored, giving them a record of 18-13 going into the Big Ten tournament.

7. Northwestern — 18-11 (7-10)

The Wildcats have become the laughing stock of the Big Ten, losing to Penn State twice, neither game being close. The NIT may be a possibility, but not with them playing like they did this week. They get two cupcakes in Chicago State and Indiana to finish off the regular season.

8. Michigan — 13-15 (6-10)

The Wolverines battled Ohio State in Columbus last week, but came up short in the end. That loss extended their losing streak to three, and with games against Minnesota and Michigan State still left, it may go all the way to five.

9. Penn State — 11-17 (3-13)

The Nittany Lions wish they could play Northwestern every game, considering they’ve outscored the Wildcats an average of 10 points a game. They have three conference wins this season, with the other one being the 55-51 win over Michigan. Talor Battle is one of the best players in the Big Ten, too bad he’s on one of the worst teams.

10.  Iowa — 9-19 (3-12)

The Hawkeyes ended their three game losing streak against Indiana, giving them three conference wins on the season. They take to the road for the final two games of the season against Wisconsin and Minnesota; so don’t look for any more wins for the Hawkeyes this season.

11. Indiana — 9-18 (3-12)

Indiana is in the midst of a 10-game losing streak, with no end in sight. The last two games of the season will be against Purdue and Northwestern, both teams need wins for post season hopes and won’t be over looking the Hoosiers.