It was another fun week in the Big Ten, check out what our personalities had to say.
This week’s rankings were voted on by Ethan Gaba, Kevin Hyland, Sam Rumpza, Andrew Vailliencourt, and Tori Ziege.
Team Name, First Place Votes, Record (overall, conference), Average, High/Low
1. Michigan Wolverines, (4), (20-7, 12-3), Average: 1.2, High/Low: 1/2
What They’re Saying: “The Wolverines stay at the top of the rankings yet again this week after knocking out Michigan State and coming back from 19 down against Purdue on the road. They are now a full game ahead of the Spartans, and they own the tiebreaker thanks to their season sweep. Nik Stauskas has caught fire again, and Indiana product Glenn Robinson III has heated up, which really helps Michigan.” – Andrew Vailliencourt
2. Wisconsin Badgers, (1), (23-5, 10-5), Average: 2, High/Low: 1/3
What They’re Saying: “If there’s one thing that’s certain in the Big Ten, it’s that these Badgers are red hot-- and at the right time. Having erased all doubts from their mid-January slump, Wisconsin breezed through the toughest stretch in its schedule unscathed. This week, Bo Ryan’s squad took care of Iowa and Indiana, bringing their win streak to a total of six, and should have no trouble closing out the remainder of its season (at Penn State, vs. Purdue, at Nebraska) to finish with nine straight wins. Despite sitting at number three in the conference standings, they’ll be a force to reckon with come the Big Ten tournament in two weeks time.” – Tori Ziege
3. Michigan State Spartans, (22-5, 11-3), Average: 2.8, High/Low: 2/3
What They’re Saying: "Believe it or not, Sparty is just 4-5 it's last nine games. While injury issues have been present, Michigan State is still struggling more than it should. Branden Dawson is coming back soon, but I'm not sure we'll see the dominant Michigan State team we all know that can exist at times again this season." - Sam Rumpza
4. Ohio State Buckeyes, (22-7, 9-7), Average: 4, High/Low: 4/4
What They’re Saying: “You lose to Penn State and move up in the rankings? It seems odd but with Iowa choosing to fall flat on their face this past week, the Buckeyes have moved ahead of them not just in my rankings but in the standings. The Buckeyes have a huge game on the road at Indiana this Sunday.” –Andrew Vailliencourt
5. Iowa Hawkeyes, (19-8, 8-6), Average: 5, High/Low: 5
What They’re Saying: “After receiving a first place vote last week, the Hawkeyes have been on a slide, losing three straight. Iowa just cannot play defense, and for a team that had and still has big tourney aspirations, the Hawkeyes are going to have to learn how to play some defense. Iowa gave up 93 to IU, a team that hadn’t scored in the 70s since Jan. 14.” – Sam Rumpza
6. Nebraska Cornhuskers, (16-11, 8-7), Average: 6.4, High/Low: 6/7
What They’re Saying: “Nebraska had a chance to extend the winning streak to six at Illinois but failed against a mediocre Illini team. The Cornhuskers will have to bounce back with wins vs. Northwestern and at Indiana to keep the tourney hopes alive.” – Sam Rumpza
7. Minnesota Golden Gophers, (18-11, 7-9), Average: 7, High/Low: 6/8
What They’re Saying: "It was an ugly stretch for the Gophers, winning just two of eight, but Richard Pitino's squad was able to beat a reeling Iowa team Tuesday night. A big test with Michigan looms, and a win could push the bubble-riding Gophers over the top." -Sam Rumpza
8. Indiana Hoosiers, (16-12, 6-9), Average: 7.8, High/Low: 7/8
What They’re Saying: "Finally, second half woes didn't doom IU in a big win over No. 20 Iowa. Now, it'll be impossible for the Hoosiers to fall under .500, likely securing an NIT bid. Wow, two months ago who would've that that sentence would be written?" -Sam Rumpza
9. Penn State Nittany Lions, (14-14, 5-10), Average: 9.6, High/Low: 9/110
What They’re Saying: “Penn State has Ohio State’s number, it’s as simple as that. Sitting amongst an ugly four-way tie at 5-10 in the conference, they also have the most notable wins of any of the bottom tier teams in the B1G.” – Tori Ziege
10. Illinois Fighting Illini, (16-12, 5-10), Average: 9.8, High/Low: 9/11
What They’re Saying: “After a terrible stretch in the early part of Big Ten play, the Fighting Illini have now won two in a row over teams that are fighting to make the NCAA tournament. With a 16-12 record and three ranked opponents left on their schedule, they still have time to make noise for the NIT.” – Andrew Vailliencourt
11. Purdue Boilermakers, (15-13, 5-10), Average: 10.4, High/Low: 9/11
What They’re Saying: “Even Indiana fans had to feel bad after what happened to the Boilers vs. Michigan. A 19-point first half lead was blown and who hit the dagger at the buzzer in OT? Just Glenn Robinson III, the son of one of the greatest to don the Old Gold and Black. Sterling Carter also tore his ACL this past week, another nail in the coffin for a long season for Matt Painter.” – Sam Rumpza
12. Northwestern Wildcats, (12-16, 5-10), Average: 12, High/Low: 12/12
What They’re Saying: “Northwestern was the easiest team to rank. They started 2014 hot going 5-3 in their first eight games, with two victories against top 25 teams. They’ve lost five in a row since their last victory coming in Minnesota on the first of the month.” – Ethan Gaba
