Michigan State continues to lead the Big Ten standings, but has Rutgers and Illinois right on its tail in second place. Beyond that, the middle of the league is a jumbled mess as home teams continue to hold serve (42-7). Unless that changes, the Big Ten has 12 teams with legitimate NCAA tournament hopes.
The power rankings will run each Monday throughout the remainder of the regular season.
14. Northwestern (1-6, . 954 PPP, 1.05 PPP allowed)
The Wildcats have been competitive on the road in league play with an average defeat margin of just 7.