Monday, February 11, 2013

B1G Update

It was an interesting week in the conference as last week's top two teams lost.  Since the Hoosiers bounced back with a big win in Columbus, I kept them at number one.  Michigan floundered away opportunities in Madison, so I moved them below the Spartans.  Tuesday night should be exciting!

1.       Indiana (up 1)
The Hoosiers choked away a late lead against Illinois, but then bounced back with a dominating performance in Columbus.  If Michigan would have taken care of its business in Madison they would be on top of the rankings again.  The Hoosiers next two games are at home and against the bottom of the conference.  Indiana should be 11-2 heading to East Lansing. 

2.       Michigan State (up 1)
I moved the Spartans up a spot because of how they have improved, but more because of Michigan’s mini-slide with Morgan unable to play.  This spot could be cleared up tomorrow night in East Lansing.  Gary Harris is flying under the radar around the conference but has turned into one of the best jump shooters.  He has to realize he is far too athletic to be kept as ‘just a shooter.’

3.       Michigan (down 1)
Michigan is almost through their 4 game gauntlet, and they have done it without their most experienced player.  The Big Ten regular season title might be slipping away while Jordan Morgan is injured, but the Wolverines should be very tough to beat in the B1G & NCAA tournaments.

4.       Ohio State (no change)
Ohio State finished up the toughest week with a 0-2 record.  The Buckeyes fought hard in Ann Arbor, only to fall in overtime, and then they caught Indiana coming off of a loss.  I really thought Ohio State would have a good chance at beating the Hoosiers, until Illinois pulled the upset, and I knew the Hoosiers were going to be focused.  Ohio State has to travel to Madison this week which could keep the Buckeye’s small regular season title hopes alive.

5.       Wisconsin (no change)
The Badgers somehow went 2-0 this past week; winning both games in overtime.  However, Wisconsin should have lost both contests.  I am very frustrated with Bo Ryan’s style of play, and am hoping that Michigan gets a rematch in the conference tournament.  If Wisconsin goes 2-0 (@ Minnesota and home against OSU) for another week I will be forced to at least move them up a spot.

6.       Illinois (up 3)
Illinois had one of the best weeks of any B1G team.  Their tournament hopes were dwindling, and they found a way to beat Indiana and travel to Minnesota to double their conference win total in one week. If the Illini can shoot the ball well, they are a very tough team to beat.  Illinois should keep the momentum going this week as they manage to avoid any of the top 5 teams.

7.       Minnesota (down 1)
The Gophers managed to lose to Michigan State and Illinois this week.  If the Gophers aren’t careful they are going to find themselves on the bubble quickly. Tubby Smith’s team will need a bounce back win at home against Wisconsin this week. 

8.       Iowa (down 1)
Poor Iowa, they are so close to being a top 6 team but are moving closer to the cellar.  They will need to start winning some of these close games if they are going to move up again.

9.       Purdue (down 1)
We know who Purdue is right now, a good defensive team that is lacking playmakers (I bet Painter is wishing he found a scholarship for GRIII).  The Boilers didn’t do anything wrong this week to move down, they just got jumped by the suddenly hot Illinois team.

10.   Northwestern (no change)
Northwestern is still Northwestern.

11.   Nebraska (no change)
At least Nebraska isn’t Penn State.

12.   Penn State (no change)
Nebraska beat them by double digits, so the gap grows between the Huskers and Nittany Lions.      

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