Big Ten Power Rankings 2017-2018: Edition 2

Jaren Jackson, Michigan State

1. Purdue Boilermakers (23-2 overall, 12-0 conference)
Even without a big name superstar on their roster, Purdue is still undefeated in the Big Ten and have asserted themselves as one of the best teams in the country. Guard Carsen Edwards has evolved into one of the conference's best playmakers, and the Boilermakers' have a dominant and deep frontcourt headlined by Isaac Haas. Purdue is also blessed with terrific experience and a ton of balance on the offensive end, which makes them so tough to beat. They are clearly the best team in the conference right now, and amazingly, Purdue has not lost since November 23rd, when they were stunned by Western Kentucky. Ohio State will be a tough meeting on Wednesday but right now, Purdue appears to be cruising towards a conference title and likely No. 1 seed.
2. Michigan State Spartans (22-3 overall, 10-2 conference)
After a relatively poor start to conference play, Michigan State has been on fire as of late, winners of seven straight. None of the victories have been against the elite teams in the conference, but going on the road in the Big Ten is always difficult, no matter the opponent. Preseason Player of the Year candidate Miles Bridges continues to lack consistency, but is still a highlight reel possibility every time he touches the ball, while big men Jaren Jackson and Nick Ward have evolved into one of the best frontcourts in the country. MSU will have a tough road matchup with an Iowa team playing better, before what could be their most important game of the season, against Purdue. That game will be a major indication of whether this MSU team is ready to contend for a National Championship, or still figuring out some of the issues that plagued them early in Big Ten play.
3. Ohio State Buckeyes (20-5 overall, 11-1 conference)
Despite the fact they lost their first conference game in a thriller to Penn State last week, the Buckeyes remain very much in play for a conference title. First-year head coach Chris Holtmann has gotten a resurgent year from veterans Keita Bates-Diop and Jae'Sean Tate, but the real reason for Ohio State's success is a terrific defense. OSU is allowing just 66.2 points per game, which is 39th in the nation, and one of the best marks in the conference. That defense will have to serve them well as they approach the last couple conference games of the season, because this team hasn't have the depth that Purdue or Michigan State has. Even so, Ohio State has proven they are a very good basketball team this season, and one that finds ways to grind out wins.
4. Michigan Wolverines (19-6 overall, 8-4 conference)
They might have needed overtime to do it, but the Wolverines found a way to beat a motivated Minnesota team at home this weekend, keeping them in the conference title conversation, although they are on the outside looking in. Big man Mo Wagner continues to prove himself as one of the best forwards in the Big Ten, but it is UM's experienced backcourt, led by Muhammed-Ali Abdur-Rahkman and Kentucky transfer Charles Matthews, that has been the guiding force to their success this season. The Wolverines will get an interesting two game test when they go on the road against Northwestern and Wisconsin before finishing up conference play with a tough stretch in late February. That will test this team, but the Wolverines are a dangerous team, and one that could be very dangerous as the season begins to close.
5. Nebraska Cornhuskers (17-8 overall, 8-4 conference)
While Ohio State has been the big surprise of the Big Ten this year, Nebraska's impressive season should not be overlooked. Headlined by scoring machine James Palmer Jr. and a skilled backcourt, the 'Huskers are 8-4 in the conference, and very much in the NCAA Tournament mix. Even better news for Nebraska is their remaining schedule is extremely easy, and they should be favored in likely every game they play, with the possible exception of a road trip to Minnesota. That obviously bodes well for a team sitting right on the bubble (currently in the Next Four Out on ESPN's bracketology) and could set this team up for a big showing in the conference tournament.
6. Penn State Nittany Lions (16-9 overall, 6-6 conference)
Although it would take a lot of work for Penn State to find their way into the NCAA Tournament, the Nittany Lions have also been quite the surprise. Underrated sophomore guard Tony Carr has grown into one of the best scorers in the conference, averaging 19.5 points per game, while rabid rebounder Mike Watkins (13.1 PPG, 9.9 RPG) gives this team a strong low post presence. The only questions on this team will be depth and experience, which could be exposed as they face a scary late-season stretch that includes Ohio State, Purdue, Michigan and Nebraska all in a row. That is obviously a brutal schedule, but this PSU team has played well all year long and could challenge for their first season over .500 in the conference since 2007-2008.
7. Maryland Terrapins (16-9 overall, 5-7 conference)
Speaking of teams struggling through tough schedules, Maryland has faced a brutal stretch as of late, and unsurprisingly, they've had some issues. Over the past few weeks, the Terrapins have met Michigan, Michigan State, Purdue and Ohio State, and are trending downwards. That, compounded with the loss of stud big man Justin Jackson, who is done for the season, leaves Maryland in a tough spot, but this team could be dangerous towards the end of the season. They face off against a schedule that lightens up significantly, and their sharpshooting backcourt of Anthony Cowan and Kevin Huerter gives them a chance in every game they play. Much like Nebraska and Penn State, the Terps are a middle-of-the-pack team at this moment, but could cause some chaos in the coming weeks.
8. Northwestern Wildcats (14-10 overall, 5-6 conference)
This particular Northwestern team pales in comparison to last year's NCAA Tournament squad, but the Wildcats are playing better at the right time. They've won three of their last four, including two road games against Minnesota and Wisconsin, who aren't great teams but have very hostile environments. Key to their improved play has been smarter play from star point guard Bryant McIntosh, who has cut down on his turnovers, and better contributions from their frontcourt, which was really struggling early on in Big Ten play. Reaching their second consecutive NCAA Tournament may be unrealistic at this point, but the Wildcats could still certainly find their way into some postseason tournament, particularly if they can win a couple more road games, like meetings with Rutgers and Maryland.
9. Indiana Hoosiers (12-12 overall, 5-7 conference)
After a brutal non-conference stretch, not much was expected of Indiana in the first season of the Archie Miller era. However, the Hoosiers have looked significantly better since conference play began, and the future appears bright for this team. Athletic veterans Juwan Morgan and Robert Johnson have been the stars of the lineup, especially Johnson, who is the team's most dangerous shooter, even though he doesn't have great numbers (33% from deep). Indiana has also gotten better play from some of their big guys, although they have missed center De'Ron Davis, after he suffered an Achilles injury. Indiana isn't going to be playing in any postseason tournament this season, but Miller has proven he can coach these guys up. They are still a team that can go out and give any team in this conference troubles every night.
10. Minnesota Golden Gophers (14-11 overall, 3-9 conference)
Injuries and a lack of depth have combined to make Minnesota the most disappointing team in the conference this season, if not the most disappointing team in the entire country. Center Reggie Lynch, their defensive anchor, is long gone, but injuries to backup center Eric Curry (tore ACL prior to season) and Amir Coffey (shoulder problems) have really hurt this team. Forward Jordan Murphy is still one of the best double-double machines in the conference, and former highly touted recruit Isaiah Washington is playing much better but unless something major changes, the Gophers can't be considered a serious threat in the conference, even in a down year for the Big Ten.
11. Wisconsin Badgers (10-15 overall, 3-9 conference)
Not much was expected of Wisconsin prior to this season with the loss of so much of last year's team, and unsurprisingly they have really struggled. Forward Ethan Happ is one of the best bigs in the conference, and true freshman Brad Davison is clearly the future at point guard but beyond that, the Badgers lack much. They don't have much shooters to space the floor and lack much depth, which has only been hurt by injuries to guards Kobe King and D'Mitrik Trice. It is nearly a guarantee Wisconsin will miss the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1998, but fans can at least take solace in the fact this team is still very young and will only get better.
12. Iowa Hawkeyes (12-13 overall, 3-9 conference)
Despite having one of the best offenses in the Big Ten and averaging 18.4 assists per game (fifth nationally) Iowa is under .500 overall and near the bottom of the conference. The reason for the struggles is an atrocious defense, which is 300th in the country. In order to turn things around, the Hawkeyes need better rotation on that side of the ball and to limit second chance points, which have been a killer for them all season. If they can do that, they could still end the year with some momentum but a very tough schedule, including Michigan State, Ohio State and Michigan make that unlikely.
13. Illinois Fighting Illini (12-12 overall, 2-9 conference)
After beginning Big Ten play 0-8, Illinois has been able to gain some traction, winning two games this past week to climb out of the cellar in the conference. Offensively, this isn't a bad team and first-year head coach Brad Underwood is well known for his offensive expertise. It is on the defensive side where the Illini have really struggled, and they will need a ton of work. The good news is that Illinois has many chances to add to their win total, with games against Wisconsin, Indiana and Rutgers. If they can manage to win a couple of those, it could still be a nice way to gain some momentum as they look ahead to 2018-2019.
14. Rutgers Scarlet Knights (12-13 overall, 2-10 conference)
Slowly but surely, Steve Pikiell's massive rebuild at Rutgers continues. The Scarlet Knights have managed two conference wins, and have looked better this year than last season, but still appear to be in the cellar of the conference. The major reason has been an offense that lacks any bite, averaging just 66.8 PPG, which is 316th in the nation. Rutgers will need one of their big men to step up and make some easy buckets, and more contributions from one of the worst benches in the Big Ten.

Big Ten Power Rankings 2017-2018: Edition 1

Carsen Edwards, Purdue

1. Purdue Boilermakers (17-2 overall, 6-0 conference)
Despite losing Big Ten Player of the Year Caleb Swanigan, Purdue has not missed beat so far in '17-'18 and appear to be the most balanced team in the conference. Head coach Matt Painter has gotten good guard play from Carsen Edwards (leading the team with 16.7 PPG) and P.J. Thompson, but the Boilermakers' real strength is their imposing frontline. Handling massive big men Isaac Haas (7'2" senior) and Matt Haarms (7'3" freshman) is a chore for any defense, and quietly, swingman Vince Edwards has evolved into one of the Big Ten's most consistent offensive weapons. Purdue has ran through a relatively breezy early non-conference slate, but the upcoming schedule should really test whether this is the conference's best team. A meeting with Ohio State, as well as road trips to Michigan State and Wisconsin in early February should be critical.
2. Ohio State Buckeyes (15-4 overall, 6-0 conference)
Ohio State has been the surprise of the Big Ten so far this year, as first-year head coach Chris Holtmann has the Buckeyes 6-0 in the conference, with wins over Michigan State and Iowa on the road to boot. The key to Ohio State's success on the year has not been a group of newcomers, but improved play from this veteran-laden lineup. Junior forward Keita Bates-Diop has dealt with injuries his entire career, but now finally healthy, is averaging 20.9 PPG and 8.8 RPG, while building the case to the Big Ten Player of the Year. Senior Jae'Sean Tate and junior C.J. Jackson have also had breakthrough seasons, helping engineer one of the Big Ten's deadliest offenses. Ohio State has a very favorable schedule upcoming schedule, which could help OSU overtake Purdue for the top spot.
3. Michigan Wolverines (16-4 overall, 5-2 conference)
While Purdue and Ohio State are the lone undefeated teams remaining in the Big Ten, it may be Michigan who is playing the best basketball right now. The Wolverines went on the road and outplayed Michigan State in a 82-72 win and then held on to win a thriller over a motivated Maryland  team last night. Before that, they had handled Iowa and Illinois and pushed Purdue to the brink, losing by one point. Big man Mo Wagner has developed into a legitimate star, putting up 14.9 PPG while hitting on 56 percent of his shots from the field. The improvement of guards Charles Matthews, a Kentucky transfer, and underrated Muhammed-Ali Abdur-Rahkman (10.8 PPG) has been pivotal in Michigan's great play as of late. A road trip to Nebraska and a meeting with Rutgers should be a great tuneup before Purdue, who should give us further indication on what this UM team could be.
4. Michigan State Spartans (16-2 overall, 4-2 conference)
A popular preseason National Title pick who went 12-1 in the non-conference, Michigan State has opened up conference play struggling. In their last three games, the Spartans have gotten dominated by Ohio State, barely beat Rutgers and lost by ten at home to Michigan. It has been a worrying stretch for the Spartans, but not too surprising. Tom Izzo-led teams tend to struggle early in conference play before finding their groove, which could be the case with this team. Swingman Miles Bridges is still one of the elite talents in the sport, and fellow sophomores Nick Ward and Cassius Winston continue to make strides. The play from true frosh Jaren Jackson has also been huge for MSU, as the young forward can dominate down low and stretch the floor with his shooting ability. Michigan State may be trending down slightly, but this is still one of the most talented and deepest teams in the conference, led by probably the best coach in the conference. They should be just fine, especially with a favorable upcoming schedule.
5. Maryland Terrapins (14-6 overall, 3-4 conference)
Maryland lost last night to Michigan in a heartbreaking thriller, which dropped them to sub-.500 in the conference. Certainly it isn't the ideal start for this Terrapins team, but closer examination of this team tells a different tale. All four of Maryland's losses have come to the teams ahead of them in the standings (Purdue, Ohio State, Michigan, Michigan State) and three have been on the road. It does hurt that the Terps will be without star forward Justin Jackson, but they still have the talent to be in the forefront of the Big Ten race and make another NCAA Tournament bid. Guards Anthony Cowan and Kevin Huerter will have to continue to play well as the team enters a very winnable stretch of games, starting with a home game against Minnesota this Thursday.
6. Nebraska Cornhuskers (13-7 overall, 4-3 conference)
Quietly, Nebraska has played very good basketball since the start of conference play, and are still very much in the postseason mix. Junior guard James Palmer Jr. has been the big-time playmakers for Nebraska early on in the season, putting up 15.7 PPG, but veteran guards Anton Gill and Glynn Watson Jr. are really what make the 'Huskers a tough team to play. Neither are going to lead the team in scoring, but the two experienced guards help pace the team, and make smart decisions. The 'Huskers aren't beating teams by much (their last two wins are by a total of five points) but they are building a solid resume. Meetings with Michigan and Ohio State loom, but if they can beat one of those teams, it could set them up for a big end of January.
7. Indiana Hoosiers (11-7 overall, 4-2 conference)
After a rough non-conference schedule that included losses to inferior in-state teams Indiana State and IPFW, Indiana has played significantly better since Big Ten play began. The Hoosiers, who are guided by first-year head coach Archie Miller, have won three straight to improve to 4-2 in the conference. Granted, none of the three victories have been against the Big Ten's elite, but it is still a good place to start for a team still in a transition stage. Forward Juwan Morgan and guard Robert Johnson have been Indiana's best options all season long and should continue to play well, but the Hoosiers need more contributions from big man De'Ron Davis and the bench in order to be considered serious threats in a well-balanced Big Ten.
8. Minnesota Gophers (14-6 overall, 3-4 conference)
Minnesota got a huge win last night over Penn State to stop the bleeding of a team that had lost three straight conference games, which included a 23-point loss to Northwestern and 34-point loss to Purdue. It isn't difficult to realize why the team has struggled lately; center Reggie Lynch has been involved in numerous sexual misconduct incidents and could be done in a Minnesota uniform, and star guard Amir Coffey has missed time with shoulder problems. Even with those issues, guard Nate Mason and forward Jordan Murphy (18 double-doubles this season) have played well and will have to continue playing well. It would be nice to get better production from true freshman Isaiah Washington (shooting just 32% from the field) and sophomore big man Michael Hurt, who has been pushed into a larger role. An important stretch that includes Maryland, Ohio State and Northwestern again will decide whether this team is still a threat in the Big Ten, or whether it could be a frustrating finish to the year in Minneapolis.
9. Penn State Nittany Lions (13-7 overall, 3-4 conference)
Penn State basketball never gets much attention, especially compared to their football but this year's team is a dark horse threat. They have a good amount of experience and some real talent, namely guard Tony Carr (19.6 PPG, 45% from three-point) and forward Mike Watkins (averaging a double-double). A loss in overtime last night to Minnesota stopped Penn State from breaking into the upper-half of the conference, but this is still a team that could make some noise. They play sound, smart basketball and have a number of options that can hurt defenses. Two straight road trips to against Northwestern and Ohio State will be tough, but don't count out the Nittany Lions yet.
10. Northwestern Wildcats (11-8 overall, 2-4 conference)
One year removed from their first NCAA Tournament appearance in school history, Northwestern has been a pretty big disappointment. Despite having most of their roster back from last year's group, the Wildcats have struggled, and are still recovering from a 20-point loss to Indiana. The big issue has been an offense that has had issues all year long, and lacks any consistency. The Wildcats will need some member of their veteran lineup to really step up to get the team moving in the right direction. Scottie Lindsey, Vic Law and Bryant McIntosh are all very talented, but need to step up before any postseason bid is completely impossible.
11. Wisconsin Badgers (9-9 overall, 2-3 conference)
The last time Wisconsin missed the NCAA Tournament was 1998, but this team could be in jeopardy of changing that. Injuries and overall inexperience have the Badgers sitting at just .500 overall and already with three losses in league play. Things could get even tougher going on as they square off against Purdue and go on the road against Iowa and Michigan State in a week. Ethan Happ continues to be a difference-maker and Wisconsin has some impressive young talent in guard Brad Davison and forward Nate Ruevers, but unless they grow up fast, the Badgers could be fighting to simply stay respectable in the conference.
12. Iowa Hawkeyes (10-9 overall, 1-5 conference)
Despite having one of the most explosive offenses in the conference (81.9 points per game, 38th nationally) Iowa has struggled since Big Ten play, losing to a number of beatable teams, with their only win coming against Illinois, who is 0-6 in the conference. This is still a very young Hawkeyes' team, but they have to play better defense and cut down on turnovers to have any shot at rising up the ranks in the conference. A road trip to Rutgers is a good shot for Iowa to add another win to their resume, but a brutal early February schedule is daunting.
13. Rutgers Scarlet Knights (11-8 overall, 1-5 conference)
Since joining the Big Ten, Rutgers has been a punching bag on the basketball court, consistently finish at the bottom of the standings. This year's team isn't going to change that, but there is no denying head coach Steve Pikiell has made progress. Guard Corey Sanders and senior forward Deshawn Freeman have given the offense some punch for much of the season, but this team is still short on depth and experience. Even so, this team could still move up in the standings, particularly if they can take advantage of a schedule that is pretty favorable in the near future, with the exception of a road trip to Ann Arbor.
14. Illinois Fighting Illini (10-9 overall, 0-6 conference)
Former Stephen F. Austin head coach Brad Underwood engineered a quick turnaround last season at Oklahoma State, leading the Cowboys back to the NCAA Tournament and having one of the nation's most efficient offenses. He isn't going to be doing that in his first year at Illinois, as the Illini have begun conference play 0-6. It isn't the way Illinois wanted to start off obviously, but they have lost two games by just one point and are still very competitive. A pair of junior forwards, Leron Black and Michael Finke, will be key to getting the Illini back on track. A road trip to Wisconsin is never easy but with the way the Badgers are playing, it could be the game that finally gets Illinois going.