College Basketball Insider Big Ten power poll

Big Ten Power RANKINGS

Marcus Fuller's rankings, with five teams to watch:

1. Wisconsin (12-2, 1-0)

The Badgers were the preseason favorites to win the Big Ten, and they have done nothing to cause doubt. Their losses are to Creighton and North Carolina, both top-10 teams. Nigel Hayes is averaging 17.7 points over the past six games.

2. Purdue (12-2, 1-0)

3. Indiana (10-3, 0-1)

4. Maryland (13-1, 1-0)

Defensive questions: The Wolverines have some of the most misleading defensive statistics in the Big Ten. They rank second in the league in scoring defense (60.8), but they are the worst in field-goal percentage defense (44.1). The latter reveals more about Michigan's issues on D.

6. Michigan State (10-5, 2-0)

7. Minnesota (12-2, 0-1)

Road woes: The Gophers lost their only true road game in nonconference play at Florida State. Now coach Richard Pitino's team plays four of the next five away from home. Pitino's Big Ten road record is 4-23, including 0-9 last season.

8. Northwestern (12-3, 1-1)

Center of attention: One of the biggest holes for the Buckeyes heading into the season was at center. Trevor Thompson has more than filled that need. The 7-foot junior is averaging 10.7 points, 9.2 rebounds and 1.8 blocks ­— all career highs.

10. Illinois (10-4, 0-1)

11. Rutgers (11-3, 0-1)

12. Nebraska (7-6, 1-0)

13. Iowa (8-6, 0-1)