Plus, who is the dark horse?
It’s the end of the week and I wanted to do a second roundtable this week. While we focused on football on Wednesday’s post this one is all about men’s basketball. I wanted to know who is Purdue’s biggest challenger and maybe a dark horse for the Big Ten title this season.
Ledman:
The obvious answer here is Michigan. They were a contender coming into the season and they’ve proven those predictions right. They crushed common opponent Oakland when Purdue struggled. Dusty May is a great coach and despite the hiccup against Penn State, where they still won, no one has been able to beat them this year. It’s strange of course to say that Nebraska is a contender but somehow they’ve looked great. Both teams have very tough schedules ahead and with Purdue only playing Michigan at home it bodes well for the Boilermakers. I’m riding with Purdue.
Travis:
I think there are four other true contenders:
Michigan – The Penn State game aside, they have been scary good most of the season. They suffered a few close calls against TCU and Wake Forest, but for the most part they have been a rolling ball of knives. I am very glad we get them at home.
Nebraska – I am as stunned as you all are, but they are unbeaten and already have wins over two other contenders in Michigan State and Illinois. Honestly, Nebrasketball in the top 10 might be more shock8ng than No. 1 Indiana football.
Michigan State – Another team that is just solid and well coached. Might be a step behind Michigan and Purdue, but only a tiny one
Illinois – Probably the most inconsistent of the top 5 teams. Of course, they are probably not done adding random European players to the middle of the roster Mid-season since there are no longer rules about eligibility. They’ll probably bring Kofi Cockburn and Ayo Dosunmu back in a week or two.
MONKEY WRENCH TEAM – Minnesota suddenly can’t stop beating ranked teams in the Barn. They won’t win the league, but they have already messed up Indiana and Iowa’s chances.
Ryan:
The answer has to be Michigan, right? The Wolverines are 1 AP vote away from being #1 in the land but there are a few caveats here. While Michigan has yet to lose a game, they have toed the line several times this season, including an OT win over Wake Forest, a 4-point win against TCU and a 2-point victory this week against Penn State. Yes, between those narrow victories have been several BTA performances against good teams, but UM is definitely vulnerable to defeat especially considering they need to travel to Michigan State, Purdue, Illinois, and Iowa this season still (as well as host Wisconsin, Nebraska, and MSU).
If I am going to throw out a dark horse, it is not going to be Nebraska, who has been winning games by the skin of their teeth. It feels like water will find its level on Nebrasketball and if Nebraska is not my dark horse, I really don’t feel like there is one. The only other threat I feel Purdue has is Michigan State because of Tom Izzo. Illinois has some flaws and Iowa will not win the Big Ten. To me, this is a 3-horse race between Purdue and the Michigan schools. It makes the situation much better for Purdue knowing they don’t have to go to Ann Arbor or East Lansing either.
Drew:
Biggest impediment is Michigan. They have size in the front court and enough playmakers / shooter in the back court to consistently win, even on an off night.
Dark horse is Michigan State. They’re good at making teams play ugly, and no one plays ugly better than Sparty. If Purdue thought Washington was physical, they’re not going to enjoy Michigan State this season.
Jed:
It’s pretty obvious at this point that Michigan has built one of the best teams in the country. They are probably the biggest threat to Purdue winning another B1G. It is to Purdue’s advantage this season that they get the Wolverines at Mackey for their only head to head matchup. That could very well could be the determining game for the title.
Not really sure they would be considered a dark horse at this point in time but Nebraska has put together a team that, with some help, could very well win the B1G.
Category: General Sports
