Before the start of the college basketball season, there was talk about the parity and talent within the Big Ten.
While conference play has only begun, several Big Ten teams have proven worth the preseason hype. Purdue has yet to lose, Michigan State has been defeated only by the country's best and Wisconsin has surprised with big wins, the most recent of which coming against Penn State and IU's next opponent, the Ohio State Buckeyes.
Here's a look at what the 11 teams have done thus far and some surprising starts.
Power rankings:
Michigan State: 11-3, 1-0
Purdue: 13-0, 1-0
Wisconsin: 12-2, 2-0
Ohio State: 10-4, 0-2
Minnesota: 11-3, 2-0
Northwestern: 10-3, 0-2
Illinois: 9-5, 1-0
Michigan: 7-6, 1-1
Penn State: 8-6, 0-2
Indiana: 7-6, 1-0
Iowa: 5-9, 0-2
Surprises:
Wisconsin: As expected, Michigan State is still the best team in the Big Ten conference, with Purdue not far off. But Wisconsin, a team that lacks the flair of its counterparts, has defeated Arizona, given Duke its lone loss and will have another shot at an upset when it faces Michigan State on Jan. 6.
Purdue The Boilermakers were definitely a team that garnered respect, as they brought back all five starters this season. But who saw them being ranked in the top four teams, let alone one of the few remaining undefeated clubs? Wins against then-No. 11 Tennessee and formerly undefeated No. 6 West Virginia show that the Boilermakers are capable of challenging Michigan State to be the best team in conference.
