B1G Power Ranknigs

We are about half way through the college basketball season and well into Big Ten play. The conference is starting to take shape. The top half of the Big Ten is the most competitive in all the nation, while the bottom half will definitely steal some games at home and even on the road. I'll attempt to rank the teams in America's best conference and relate each to a song that describes their current state of being. Some of the songs will be a stretch, but that's part of the fun. We'll start at the bottom and work our way to #7. In a separate post later this week I will rank the top 6.

12. PENN STATE: "Fun, Fun, Fun", Beach Boys

This song is both sarcastic and spot on for the Penn State Nittany Lions. The sarcasm points to the song title because Penn State really doesn't look like they are enjoying themselves this season. Their really isn't any hope for Pat Chambers team. Once Tim Frazier went out with a season long injury, their competitiveness from game to game dropped to the bottom of the league. The injury bug took coach Chamber's T-bird away and now he's just trying to keep his job. Two of the losses that are the most disconcerting are Northwestern and Nebraska at home. These two teams might be in the least talented tier with Penn State, but found ways to win at the Bryce Jordan Center. That's right, i'm saying its unlikely they don't win a game in the B1G this year.

11. NEBRASKA: "Go Cubs Go", Drunk Irrational Cubs Fans 

Not gonna lie, I don't know a lot about this team. I have seen them play competitive games at Wisconsin and Michigan State. Both ended in losses, but you could see that this team might get a couple of more wins besides the times they play Penn State. They also have a center by the name of Andre Almeida. He seems to be a combination of the big Kid, Mikey, from Recess and Josh from the Nickelodeon show Drake and Josh. Also their coach has this creepy vibe about him. Can't really put a finger on why, but listen to this interview and he almost comes off pedophile-ish. Oh yeah, the song choice. Well once again this team doesn't have a ton of hope for the rest of the season, reminding me of be beloved cubbies. So I encourage the students to enjoy the games, but not before a good pregame. Then you can sing your teams fight song if they win and simultaneously trick yourself into thinking you have a chance to win more games this season (similar to the cubs).

10. Illinois: "Hot N Cold", Katy Perry

Before Illinois fans get all bent up about being ranked 10th in the conference, let me remind them the Illini lost by 14 to Northwestern at home. Yea, let that one sink in for a second. You have also lost to the team that is two in front of you. This Katy Perry classic defines the play of the Illini to a tee. Living and dying by the three is something Illinois does every game. Brandon Paul must be a big fan of the song as well. He is fun to watch when he is on and extremely anemic when he's off.

Two bright spots for the Illini are the play of their Sophomore class and John Groce. Both Nnanna Egwu and Tracy Abrams have really improved. Abrams plays at just the right pace. Not too fast, while still probing the defense for vulnerabilities. Egwu has impressed me with his rim protecting and the occasional outside J. I'm not saying Groce should run the offense through Nnanna, but quality shots inside the three point line would be a change of pace for this team. Groce has also been somewhat of a revelation. He came up under Thad Matta and you can see the similarities in their tactics. Thad has molded Ohio State into one of the toughest teams to inbound the ball against in the country. That sounds like a weak claim to fame, but when the opposing coach wastes a time out early in the first half it can be a valuable strategy. Groce invokes a flat 1-3-1 when opposing teams are taking the ball out on the sideline. He puts Egwu on the ball and it makes the plays other teams run irrelevant. I love the strategy here and so do teams in the NBA. Recently Tom Thibodeau has tried this in late game situations as well. I'm not sure if Groce was the innovator, but regardless I like the way he thinks and coaches.

9. Northwestern: "Centerfield", John Fogerty

Chicago's Big Ten team! RAWR! Seriously, no one actually believes that right? Regardless I find myself rooting for the cats to make the tourney every year and they continually come up short. NW has been injury ridden this year. Hence the lyrics "Put me in coach, I'm ready to play, today." Carmody is trying his best to win with a team devoid of talent. Reggie Hearn has stepped up as the teams best player. Also Benet Acadmey's finest, Dave Sobolewski, has been very reliable this season and averaging over 10 points a game while logging Luol Deng like minutes for the second straight year.

It doesn't look like the Cats will make the tourney this year, but they can always rely on their fans unwavering support. Whether it be expressed with their smooth dancing, limited attention span and passionate cheering. These might not be the best representation of Northwestern fans, but at least I didn't show a picture of the cheerleaders.

8. Purdue: "You Got It Bad", Usher

Let me start off by saying I think Matt Painter is a fantastic coach. That's all the good I can really say about this years boilermakers. The talent is minimal. I like Ronnie Johnson's game, AJ Hammons can play a little bit and DJ Byrd can stroke it from time to time. All these players also have something else in common, they are being asked to do to much. The freshman will eventually grow into bigger roles, while Byrd is a good complimentary guy, but they aren't able to help enough to win consistently. Also I'm not the biggest fan of Terrone Johnson and unfortunately he is their best player.

None of these guys can sing "You Got it Bad" like Indiana's Victor Oladipo, so what gives? The song refers to what I think Matt Painter does every night, "When you're on the phone, hang up and you call right back". Once upon a time Painter had the opportunity to fill the Missouri job after Mike Richardson left to go to Arkansas. Painter decided to turn down the job to see his time out with Robbie Hummel. Hindsight 20/20, I believe Painter might have made a mistake and thinks about it all the time as Usher suggests. Indiana, as a basketball state, has a ton of talent. Unfortunately besides the Hummel, Jajuan Johnson and Etwaun Moore class, Painter has had trouble gathering the elite in-state prospects. Then factor in the surrounding coaches (Crean, Matta, Stevens and Belien) and Painter finds himself in a tough situation. Though Frank Haith got slapped with some NCAA violations earlier this week so maybe there is a chance the current Purdue coach ends up at Mizzou after all.

7. Iowa: "When You’re Mad", Ne-Yo

The Hawkeyes seem to be the best bottom half team in the league. They beat Wisconsin at home for the second straight year and 3rd time in a row (Tom Crean double takes). They also won at Northwestern which isn't a resume builder, but beating a team you supposed to on the road is a good sign for a young team. Roy Devyn Marble is Iowa's leading scorer, but I love to watch Aaron White. Kid plays the game the right way and is very efficient. The flaw in this Iowa team could be they love to push the pace, but start two freshman guards. Not to say that can't work, though it could be a tough strategy to win with on the road. The song choice is "Stomp the Yard" star turned singer, Ne-yo's "When You're Mad". I think Fran McCafrey might need to listen to this soothing song from time to time. He gets a little out on control, even channeling his inner Bobby Knight during a game last year. I think Iowa can steal some road games this year and have a shot to make the big dance.


The second installment finishing the top half of the Big 10 should be out tomorrow. It will include more depth and stats than this version. Follow me on twitter @Sports_by_Skut