With only a month to go in the regular season, it is becoming more clear who belongs at the top of the Big Ten.
It was another up and down week for the Spartans, as Michigan State went 1-1 this past week — which included a blowout loss to Rutgers. That loss was eye-opening and has made it clear the separation at the top of Big Ten from the good teams to the great teams.
Let’s see where Michigan State lands in our updated Big Ten power rankings:
No. 14: Nebraska
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Record: 6-17 (0-12 in Big Ten)
Nebraska came close yet again to picking up their first Big Ten victory of the year but couldn’t finish against Michigan. Will the Cornhuskers finally get a conference win this week?
No. 13: Minnesota
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Record: 11-9 (2-9 in Big Ten)
It’s hard to believe Minnesota was considered an NCAA Tournament bubble team just a month and a half ago. The Golden Gophers have dropped eight of their last nine and will be lucky to qualify for the NIT at this point.
No. 12: Maryland
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Record: 11-12 (3-9 in Big Ten)
Maryland came close to knocking off the Spartans this past week but a last-second bucket pushed Michigan State to the win. The Terps have the talent to be better but simply aren’t a good team right now.
No. 11: Penn State
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Record: 9-10 (4-7 in Big Ten)
Penn State picked up a nice overtime victory over Iowa this past week and had a last-second shot to top Wisconsin. That shot missed, but I’ll still reward the Nittany Lions by moving them up a few spots for the solid week.
No. 10: Northwestern
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Record: 11-10 (4-8 in Big Ten)
Maybe the Wildcats aren’t dead just yet? Northwestern picked up consecutive wins this past week for the first time since before Christmas and is back above .500 on the…
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