The State of the Big Ten
Submitted by Paul Mercier on Wed, 02/18/2009 - 21:02
After last night’s crushing defeat at the hands of the Boilermakers, I decided that it was time we take a look at the Big Ten picture, and what the contending teams have left to face. Here’s what the standings look like as of today:
Michigan State 10-3 20-5
Illinois 9-4 21-5 1 GB
Purdue 9-4 20-6 1GB
Ohio State 7-5 17-6 2 ½ GB
Minnesota 7-6 19-6 3 GB
Penn State 7-6 18-8 3 GB
Wisconsin 7-6 16-9 3 GB
Michigan 6-7 16-10 4 GB
Northwestern 4-8 13-10 5 ½ GB
Iowa 3-10 13-13 7GB
Indiana 1-11 6-18 8 ½ GB
In order to analyze the remainder of the season, let’s take a look at the top teams:
MICHIGAN STATE
Where they stand:
Heading into last night’s game, Michigan State was the clear-cut favorite to win the Big Ten. Now, with Purdue and Illinois only one game back, the window of opportunity got a little smaller for the Spartans. They are still on top, but their room for error shrunk greatly.
What it will take to win:
The Spartans must protect their home court. If the Spartans can win their remaining three home games, and win a game that they should never lose at Indiana, they will win at least a share of the big Ten Title. Even if the Spartans were to lose at Illinois, and the Illini win out, they would split the championship. However, the Spartans can solve all of their problems by winning the rest of their games.
Chances of a NCAA berth:
Excellent
ILLINOIS
Where they stand:
Illinois is a bit of a surprise. Bruce Webber has his team playing good basketball, and they find themselves sitting only 1 game out of first place. Illinois is the only team with 2 wins over Purdue, a stat that has helped them leap to the top of the Big Ten.
What it will take to win:
Illinois will need to catch lightning in a bottle and continue their Big Ten run. They haven’t lost in three games, but they face a good Ohio State team on the road this week, and still have to play Minnesota, Penn State, and Michigan State to close out the season.
Chances of a NCAA berth:
Excellent
PURDUE
Where they stand:
Purdue was picked to win the Big Ten by the big Ten coaches at the beginning of the year. With Robbie Hummel back in their lineup, Purdue has climbed its way back into the hunt with its huge win over Michigan State at home yesterday. Purdue has won its last three games, and head to Indiana this week.
What it will take to win:
Purdue should win easily at Indiana this week, however a date with a young and talented Michigan team is approaching, as well as trips to Columbus and East Lansing. Purdue will have to steal a couple of tough road wins in order to remain on top. A Michigan State stumble could also help propel the Boilermakers into the top spot.
Chances of a NCAA berth:
Excellent
OHIO STATE
Where they stand:
Ohio State is a team which has been on and off all season. However, the Bucks were right in the thick of things until a recent loss against a surging Wisconsin team. As of now, Ohio State sits at 2 ½ back in the conference, but they have upcoming games against Illinois, Penn State, and at Purdue.
What it will take to win:
The task would be very tough. Ohio State would probably need to win two of the previously mentioned games-preferably Illinois and Purdue- and hope that Michigan State loses a few along the way. If this is accomplished, and they can take care of Iowa and Northwestern, the Bucks have a shot.
Chances of a NCAA berth:
Very Very Good
MINNESOTA, PENN STATE AND WISCONSIN
Where they stand:
The next three teams in line have some ground to make up if they want to make an impact on this title race. Each of these teams has played good basketball at times throughout the season; however, they each still sit 3 games back.
What it will take to win:
Penn State plays a big game tonight against Illinois; a win in Champaign could greatly impact Penn State’s chances. However, they will also have to travel to Ohio State, and play Illinois a second time. Penn State’s chances may be gone.
Minnesota has some great wins, including a blow out against Illinois. However, the gophers still have to travel to Champaign, Ann Arbor, and play an improved Wisconsin team. If they can defend their home court, they could end up near the top of the league.
Wisconsin has a decent shot if they can win a couple of huge road games. Wins in East Lansing and Minnesota would put the Badgers in a great spot heading into the final week of play. Chances of a NCAA berth:
Penn State – “Iffy”
Minnesota – Good
Wisconsin - Good
