The Way I See It: Big Ten Power Rankings (Feb. 14)

As the 2010 season begins to wind down, Big Ten fans begin to prepare for conference championships on the horizon.  As it stands now, the Big Ten will likely send five teams to the NCAA tournament. This is also assuming one of the scrappy guys at the bottom doesn’t pull off some sort of voodoo magic to win the Big Ten Tournament.  Northwestern still has a chance to end its tournament drought, but it might need some help from the selection committee.

1. Purdue - 21-3 (9-3)

The Boilermakers are the team to beat, riding a seven game win streak.  They have the talent to pull off a No. 1 seed in the tournament and go all the way to the title game. E'Twaun Moore, JaJuan Johnson, and Robbie Hummel make it look so easy. If they want that No. 1 seed however, they’ll have to get past Ohio State and Michigan State before the end of conference play.

2. Michigan State - 20-6 (10-3)

It is hard to know what to make of the Spartans.  They are good, but they still aren't playing to maximum potential.  They have lost four out of six to teams in the AP Top 25. But, this is Izzo's favorite time of year. They host Ohio State in what may decide the regular season Big Ten crown. If that’s the case don’t bet against the Spartans.

3. Ohio State - 20-6 (10-3)

The Buckeyes have their own little win streak of six games going.  Evan Turner has been on fire lately, and that doesn't look to change anytime soon if he has anything to say about it.  The remaining schedule still has Purdue and Michigan State on it, along with a rematch of Illinois. The Buckeyes will be well tested going into tournament play this season.

4. Wisconsin - 19-6 (9-4)

The Badgers are playing great basketball this year.  Jason Bohannon just had a career night with 30 points.  The Badgers could easily win out with the reaming schedule, putting them at 24 wins on the season. I expect this team to do fairly well in the tournament, perhaps a Sweet 16 or Elite 8 appearance.

5. Illinois - 17-8 (9-4)

Like MSU, Illinois is hard to get a feel for this year. They have played good ball, but at times haven't lived up to the hype.  Illinois still has a few tough games ahead of them in the regular season, too. Right now this is the last team I think gets a tournament invite. The remaining schedule is brutal when compared to some other bubble teams.

6. Northwestern - 17-8 (6-7)

The Wildcats really shot themselves in the foot this week with the loss to Iowa. This team barley sits on the bubble, and will almost need to win out to get into the tournament this year. Good thing for them is that remaining schedule is very manageable once they get past Wisconsin in Madison. 

7. Minnesota - 14-10 (5-8)

The Gophers have played well at home this year, but have struggled on the road. Good thing for them that four of their next six are at home. They still have an outside shot at the Big Dance, but it’s going to take an impressive win streak for them to get there.

8. Michigan - 12-12 (5-7)

The Wolverines do great against teams in the bottom half of the conference. Unfortunately for them, though, the top half of the conference has had their way with Michigan.  Their next game is a late game at Carver-Hawkeye, and should be a good one despite the records of both teams. Consistency is key for Michigan this year when they find it they win, just ask Connecticut.

9. Iowa - 9-17 (3-10)

Iowa is coming off an embarrassing loss to Purdue.  With only five conference games left on the season, it will be a small miracle if the Hawkeyes see it to five conference wins on the season.  

10. Indiana - 9-15 (3-9)

Indiana is riding a six game losing streak.  Where's Gene Hackman when you need him, Hoosiers?

11. Penn State - 8-15 (0-12)

Holy cow...a twelve game losing streak?!?!  I thought Iowa was bad, but this puts things into a different perspective.  PSU hasn't won a conference game since last March.  I'll bet Nittany Lions fans are counting down the days till football starts.

This article was a collaboration with Iowa Featured Columnist Bret Feddern