After a week off, the Big Ten Power Rankings are back. While there was some consensus towards the top of the rankings, see how we ranked the bottom tier of the league. This week's rankings were voted on by WIUX personalities Lucas Corley, Matt Dlugie, Ethan Gaba, Kevin Hyland, Matt Randall, Sam Rumpza, Andrew Vailliencourt, and Tori Ziege.
Team Name, First Place Votes, Record (overall, conference), Average, High/Low
1. Michigan Wolverines, (5), (18-6, 10-2), Average: 1.375, High/Low: 1/2
What They’re Saying: “Even though they dropped a couple games since our last rankings, their only two losses in the Big Ten, the Wolverines have still been very impressive. They bounced back by running away from Ohio State on their rival’s court on Tuesday. They’re starting to get some big production from role players and Derrick Walton has really stepped up lately, which spells trouble for the rest of the league.” – Matt Randall
2. Michigan State Spartans, (3) (21-4, 10-2), Average: 1.625, High/Low: 1/2
What They’re Saying: “The Spartans went through a tough stretch over the last couple of weeks, losing three of five. But they bounced back a bit by taking care of Northwestern at home. Even without Keith Appling and Brendan Dawson, they’re still tied for the lead in the standings. So the matchup with Michigan next Sunday could decide the Big Ten championship.” –Matt Randall
3. Iowa Hawkeyes, (18-6, 7-4), Average: 3, High/Low: 3/3
What They’re Saying: “The Hawkeyes have really solidified themselves as the number three team in the league. They got a much needed win over Michigan, and have been able to get past a rough stretch. They should have a relatively easy week taking on Penn State and Indiana before a big game against Wisconsin next Saturday.” –Andrew Vailliencourt
4. Wisconsin Badgers, (20-5, 7-5), Average: 4, High/Low: 4/4
What They’re Saying: “Wisconsin finally snapped out of their funk (losing five of six) last week by beating Illinois and getting a much-needed win over Michigan State. They’ve pretty much lost any hope at making a run for a conference championship, but if Dekker and Jackson pick it up, the Badgers are still a dangerous team in the postseason.” –Matt Randall
5. Ohio State Buckeyes, (19-6, 6-6), Average: 5, High/Low: 5/5
What They’re Saying: “Ohio State has righted the ship recently winning three out of their last four including road wins over Iowa and Wisconsin. In order for the Buckeyes to be considered a truly dangerous team, Aaron Craft will have to play better.” –Andrew Vailliencourt
6. Minnesota Golden Gophers, (16-9, 5-7), Average: 6.5, High/Low: 6/8
What They’re Saying: “Richard Pitino and the Golden Gophers find themselves in quite a hole. Losers in four of their last five, the Gophers will need to beat the teams they are supposed, when they take on Illinois and Northwestern this upcoming week.” –Ethan Gaba
7. Nebraska Cornhuskers, (13-10, 5-6), Average: 7.125, High/Low: 6/9
What They’re Saying: “Don't look now, but the Cornhuskers are winners of five of their last seven. This team may not have the biggest names, but they play hard every night behind leading scorer Terran Petteway, which makes them a threat every night.” – Matt Dlugie
8. Northwestern Wildcats, (12-13, 5-7), Average: 8.125, High/Low: 7/10
What They’re Saying: “It’s not a matter of if Chris Collins gets Northwestern to the tournament, it’s when. While this isn’t the year, Northwestern has still played exceptionally well for the talent on the roster. The Wildcats have lost two in a row, but the future is very bright.” –Sam Rumpza
9. Indiana Hoosiers, (14-10, 4-7), Average: 9.125, High/Low: 7/11
What They’re Saying: “Indiana is falling, and falling fast. IU has lost three of their last four, while leading by double digits in all three losses. This team can’t win on the road, or beat teams of lesser talents in Bloomington.” –Ethan Gaba
10. Purdue Boilermakers, (14-10, 4-7), Average: 9.875, High/Low: 8/11
What They’re Saying: “Now neck and neck with arch-nemesis Indiana, how sweet the vengeance would be for these Boilermakers. If they beat the Hoosiers at home, it would almost certainly be the kiss of death for IU. The two teams have identical conference and overall records, but for now, I still have the Hoosiers with a slight edge. The difference is notable wins-- but make no mistake. If Purdue wins, the Boilermakers will cement themselves above their rival in the B1G.” – Tori Ziege
11. Penn State Nittany Lions, (13-12, 4-8), Average: 10.25, High/Low: 9/11
What They’re Saying: “Big win over Indiana in Bloomington gives this team a bit of a boost. Whether it was a collapse on the part of IU or a great victory from PSU, it doesn't matter. This program needed a boost.” –Matt Dlugie
12. Illinois Fighting Illini, (14-11, 3-9), Average: 12, High/Low: 12/12
What They’re Saying: “Congratulations to the Illini, who broke their 8-game losing streak on Feb. 9 at Penn State. Their streak at the bottom on the Big Ten, however, continues, and it could for the rest of season.” –Tori Ziege
