Around the Big Ten

A full two weeks of Conference play and a few games under each team's belt, where does the Big Ten stand today?  Are we living up to the hype?  Is our conference really as good as everyone says we are? Well, currently we still have six teams in the top 25: Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio State, Michigan State, and Illinois.  Wisconsin has received votes for a spot in the rankings, making seven legitimately good teams.  In terms of Big Ten standings, Indiana and Wisconsin tie for first at 3-0.  After that, there are four teams tied for second with records at 3-1: Michigan, Minnesota, Michigan State, and Ohio State.  Alright, with technical stuff out of the way, let's take a look at a few Big Ten topics in typical Seth Davis fashion.

In no particular order...

1. Indiana is real good.  I know no one is really doubting that but their game against Minnesota was a shooting-the-lights-out show, particularly in the first half.  They just couldn't miss, it seemed.  Though they cooled off in the second half, which is typical, Indiana managed to gain a 25-point lead over Minnesota, making it very difficult to pull of a win from such a large deficit (kudos to Minnesota for a valiant attempt).

(Photo courtesy of si.com)

2.  Is Illinois actually good?  I personally cannot answer this question as I haven't personally watched them play but their 1-3 record in the Big Ten has me wondering if they're for real.

3.  Is Minnesota legitimate? Yes.  Though they shot themselves in the foot at Indiana by going down by 25 points, they slowly (too slowly, unfortunately) climbed themselves back into the game.  Add in their impressive wins against Michigan State and Illinois, I think its fair to say that the Hollins brothers are making mama proud.

4.  Michigan State seems to play to the level of the team at hand.  I may retract this statement after they play Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio State.  How do we put up a decent fight against Minnesota at Minnesota for almost 34 minutes and then barely beat Nebraska at home?  Is there something wrong with this picture?  Perhaps the real answer to this question can best be answered by the following photo that speaks louder than words...

(Photo courtesy of lsj.com)

5.  No matter what team you play, it will be a battle, a clash, and a fight.  As I watched the Minnesota v Indiana game, you would have thought they were playing for the National Championship. The game was intense all the way through.  That's Big Ten Baby (said in Dick Vitale fashion)!