See where the Hawkeyes end up in our power rankings before a busy week of games.
It's Monday, which means it's time for another week of Big Ten power rankings. Though it feels like conference play just began, we're just days from February.
While the bottom of this list is already looking forward to the offseason, the majority of the league still has a ton to play for. Last week brought more excitement and thrill to the Big Ten, and the race for the regular season crown is wide open.
Without further adieu, let's get to the rankings:
1. Nebraska (20-0, 9-0)
Nebraska has been disrespected by the national media all season, but the Huskers been the No. 1 team in our power rankings for three weeks. Nebraska opened the week with a shaky win over Washington at home before steamrolling Minnesota in Minneapolis on Saturday.
This upcoming week is arguably the biggest two-game stretch in program history. The Huskers will go on the road to take on No. 3 Michigan on Tuesday before returning home to face No. 9 Illinois on Sunday.
Can Nebraska continue its undefeated season?
2. Illinois (17-3, 8-1)
Illinois picked up one of the nation's best wins on Saturday, beating then-No. 4 Purdue in West Lafayette. Freshman star Keaton Wagler was sensational, recording 46 points. All of this was done without Kylan Boswell, who is expected to be out for at least a few more weeks.
The Fighting Illini's only loss in Big Ten play came on a buzzer-beater against Nebraska, and they'll have a chance to get revenge on Saturday in a game that could very well determine the regular season championship.
3. Michigan (18-1, 8-1)
Michigan took care of business again last week in home wins over Indiana and rival Ohio State. The Wolverines haven't look as dominant as they did in the early conference season, but they're still winning games.
Games against No. 5 Nebraska and No. 7 Michigan State will be tough tests for Michigan, and a sweep could push the Wolverines to the top of the leaderboard.
4. Michigan State (18-2, 8-1)
The Spartans had little trouble last week, securing blowout wins over Oregon and Maryland (by 43 points). Tom Izzo's team has benefited from an easy schedule thus far, but Michigan State will have a chance to prove itself in a showdown against archrival Michigan on Friday.
5. Purdue (17-3, 7-2)
After rolling to a 7-0 start in Big Ten play, Purdue experienced a reality check last week. The Boilermakers blew a late lead in Los Angeles against UCLA, and followed that up with a disappointing home loss to Illinois.
This is still a good basketball team, but Purdue will need to respond quickly if it wants to stay in contention for the league crown. The Boilers have road tests with Indiana and Maryland this week.
6. Iowa (14-5, 4-4)
The Hawkeyes struggled to get by Rutgers on their home floor, but did avoid the dreadful loss in their lone game of the week. Ben McCollum's group has an entire week to prepare before returning to action against USC on Wednesday.
7. USC (15-5, 4-5)
USC had a bizarre week. The Trojans opened with a head-scratching home loss to a previously-winless Northwestern team, but managed to bounce back with a gutsy win over Wisconsin in Madison on Sunday.
The win over the Badgers will go a long way towards USC's NCAA tournament chances, and the Trojans will have a great opportunity to bolster their resume with a game at Iowa on Wednesday.
8. Wisconsin (14-6, 6-3)
Wisconsin breezed past Penn State to begin the week, but its conference title hopes took a hit after suffering a two-point home loss to USC on Sunday.
Greg Gard's crew will have two manageable home games this week with Minnesota and Ohio State visiting the Kohl Center. The Badgers will need a perfect week to get back off the mat.
9. Ohio State (13-6, 5-4)
The Buckeyes were close to pulling off a signature win in Ann Arbor, but Michigan pulled away late. Jake Diebler's team badly needs quality wins, and they'll have a chance to grab one with a road test at Wisconsin on Saturday.
10. UCLA (14-6, 6-3)
UCLA had a great week of games, upsetting No. 4 Purdue on Tuesday and beating Northwestern on Saturday. The win over the Boilermakers was especially significant, as it was the Bruins first win over a ranked team this year (second Quadrant 1 win).
Two winnable games are on deck this week - Oregon and Indiana.
THE REST
11. Indiana (13-7, 4-5)
12. Minnesota (10-10, 3-6)
13. Washington (11-9, 3-6)
14. Northwestern (9-11, 1-8)
15. Rutgers (9-11, 2-7)
16. Oregon (8-12, 1-8)
17. Maryland (8-12, 1-8)
18. Penn State (9-10, 0-8)
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