Sizing Up the Big Ten One Week In

Regardless of the outcome of tomorrow night's clash of the titans, Wisconsin and OSU are the top dogs in the league, and the remaining nine teams will battle in out for the middle tier and the three to four remaining spots in the Big Dance. Bo Ryan is 8-2 against OSU, and UW has a knack for upsetting the Bucks over the years, even with inferior talent. This matchup represents only the third time that both teams are ranked in the top 25, but the underdog has fared well across time.

A quick look at the less than inspiring Little Nine. The third-best team in the league likely hails from Indiana. Not sure whether Purdue or the Hooisers are worthy of the title as both have one loss, but Indiana looked tough on their home floor yesterday, and the combination of Landry and Teague will make the Boilers a threat all season long. Penn State is finally healthy and will make Happy Valley a bermuda triangle of sorts for Big Ten foes. Michigan is 2-0, but I'm not a fan of Tommy Amaker who always seems to find a way to lose with superior talent. The Wolverines might grab a spot in the dance for the first time since 1998, but won't threaten the Big Two. MSU looked horrible yesterday, but Coach Izzo will remold his squad by the end of the season and take them back to the Dance. The balance of the league will fight for a ticket to the Not Invited Tournament. Illinois, fresh off an 0-2 start and their worst home loss since we had a Wolverine in the White House, must halt their losing streak quickly to save the season. Iowa's surprising win over Indiana only proves how difficult it is to win on the road in the Big Ten. Northwestern and Minnesota will both be locked out of the postseason.

In case you missed it, Alando Tucker was featured in SI with a three-page story, and tomorrow night's matchup was profiled. The program has truly risen to uncharted heights.