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)
5. Michigan (10-3, 0-0)
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)
9. Ohio State (10-3, 0-0)
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)
14. Penn State (8-6, 0-1)
Disappointing start: Several preseason publications picked the Nittany Lions as the surprise team. Will they live up to the hype? They already have lost to Albany and George Mason.
Korey Dropkin and Cory Thiesse of Duluth will go for the gold medal in mixed doubles curling while Jessie Diggins and Paula Moltzan are also in action in Italy.
