The Gophers took a hit in the Gold in the Barn's latest Big Ten Power Poll. They dropped from second, after winning the Puerto Rico Tipoff, to fourth, following the loss to Virginia Monday. Our voters love Ohio State, question Minnesota's success and wonder if Purdue can win big without Robbie Hummel. You can see each individual ballot here. Voter bios and links are listed here. Big Ten Power Poll Week 3 (Damian Johnson did not vote in this week's poll.) 1. Ohio State (6-0): Nathan Wickman says, "With their win at Florida State last night along with their earlier win at Florida, the Buckeyes might now have the two most impressive wins by anybody in the whole conference. Other than depth, I'm not seeing any weaknesses in this team. Through their top seven they are absolutely loaded." Nadine Babu adds, "Thank you OSU for completely dominating and making my #1 ranking easy." My 2 Cents: Word. I just think the Buckeyes look better every time I see them play. They're talented inside and outside. They mix veteran experience with high-end freshmen. Best in the Big Ten right now. 2. Michigan State (5-1): Lindsay Guentzel says, "The Spartans have been able to pull it together after their loss to UConn, but their biggest challenge comes [Wednesday] when they take on Coach K and the Duke Blue Devils." My 2 Cents: Izzo's boys know how to regroup, something they proved in a dominant victory over Washington last week. If they clip the Blue Devils Wednesday, we'll forget about that loss to a UConn squad that was clearly underrated at the time. 3. Illinois (7-1): Christopher Cramer says, "Illini are not very good defensively in the paint, but they have a couple high major pelts in North Carolina and Maryland and only one loss. Bruce Weber's club will put themselves in good position to return to the NCAA tourney if they win this weekend in Seattle against the Zags." My 2 Cents: For the second year in a row, I wonder about Demetri McCamey's leadership. But so far, he seems more mature. If he keeps playing this way and leading this way, Illinois will contend for the Big Ten crown and more. 4. Minnesota (6-1): Ryan Weinzierl says it's time to reconsider the value of Minnesota's "good wins" with this take: "Minnesota opponent's records since the Gophers beat them? … Overall record of 9-11. Maybe the 'good mid-major' wins over Wofford, Siena and Western Kentucky weren't so good and the win over the Tar Heels isn't as impressive either." My 2 Cents: The Gophers beat a few solid opponents in West Virginia and North Carolina in Puerto Rico. But they lacked the same energy in a puzzling home loss to Virginia Monday. This team can't afford to play like that against any opponent. But they probably know that now. 5. Purdue (5-1): Joshua Powers says, "It looks like the struggles to score at the end of last year without Robbie Hummel have come back to the surface this year for the Boilermakers. And they really miss the defensive presence of graduated do-everything guard Chris Kramer." My 2 Cents: I think they lost to an underrated Richmond squad. But the Boilermakers don't look like the same disciplined offensive unit without Robbie Hummel out there. 6. Northwestern (5-0): Joshua Powers says, "Whoa. I know Georgia Tech hasn't been exactly what you would call 'good' on the road this year (see: @ Kennesaw State), but you have to be impressed with this Loyola Marymount - ahem, I mean - Northwestern squad." My 2 Cents: I'm with you, Joshua. Northwestern looked good against an athletic Georgia Tech squad. I believe John Shurna can lead this team to an NCAA tourney berth. 7. Wisconsin (4-2): Eric Johnston says, "UNLV and Notre Dame, eh, I don't see these as GOOD losses, OK losses at best." If the Badgers dictate the pace, they're tough. But the Notre Dame loss highlighted the team's ongoing struggles to keep up in a back-and-forth offensive battle. 8. Indiana (6-0): Dan Owen says, "This team has a bit of talent, it can just be so hit or miss. The Hoosiers are definitely headed in the right direction to returning to form." My 2 Cents: Watch out for the Hoosiers. They're hitting 50 percent of their shots. They're going to grow this season. 9. Michigan (4-2): Dan Owen says, "A nice win over Clemson for the Wolverines. I was surprised, I will definitely say that. Perhaps this team will be able to put up a fight in at least a couple of its Big Ten games." My 2 Cents: With its young roster, the Clemson win should give the Wolverines a confidence boost. 10. Penn State (5-1): Christopher Cramer says, "This is an upperclassman-laden team that still isn't very good. Should be Ed DeChellis' last go-around if the PSU administration cares at all about fielding a team capable of seriously competing in the Big Ten." My 2 Cents: Ed DeChellis is definitely on the hot seat. The Big Ten looks pretty good this year. Not good for that program or its staff. 11. Iowa (3-4): Nathan Wickman says, "Tough loss at Wake Forest keeps Iowa in the cellar. They have a couple nice-looking players who seem to be developing and gelling. They're going to upset somebody once we hit Big Ten play." My 2 Cents: What is it with Big Ten teams blowing double-digit leads this week? The Hawkeyes blew a good opportunity against Wake Forest.