Big Ten hoops thread 08-09 with predictions

[Jethro34]

The Big Ten season kicks off tonight with 11-2 Purdue hosting unranked 12-1 Illinois.

I don't remember ever seeing this many teams with a record this good heading into Big Ten play. Northwestern is 8-2, a nice record, and yet they are 10th in the Big Ten in wins. Only 5-7 Indiana is worse.

MSU's next 3 opponents have 29 wins between them already, while UM's next 3 have 26 (they get Indiana early).

I'm guessing this is where we see some separation.

So what are your predictions for how teams finish in the conference standings?

I'm going with:
1. Purdue
2. Michigan State
3. Minnesota
4. Ohio State
5. Wisconsin
6. Michigan
7. Iowa
8. Illinois
9. Penn State
10. Northwestern
11. Indiana

Unfortunately for UM, I think the conference will only get 5 teams in the tourney this year, as they all beat each other up. Injuries may play a factor here. We already saw how much State was impacted by a Suton injury. A Lucas or Morgan injury could be even more crippling. Michigan would be hard-pressed to beat a Big Ten foe without Harris or Sims, and so on.

Outside of the game between UM and MSU, which should have an OGT, this thread may be the best place to discuss games such as Purdue v OSU, etc, that impact the Big Ten race.

[MoTown]

I have yet to be impressed by Purdue in any of the games I've watched. They have the talent, but they've played like shit this year.

[FillyCheezeSteak]

I'm gonna put the rankings like this........

1. Ohio State
2. Michigan State
3. Minnesota
4. Purdue
5. Michigan
6. Illinois
7. Wisconsin
8. Penn State
9. Northwestern
10. Iowa
11. Indiana

[Wilfredo Ledezma]

I`m not about to make predictions since this conference has already been turned upside down in non-conference play.

Regardless, this week will tell be a solid measuring stick for Michigan. Games Vs. Illinois & Wisconsin, both middle-of-the road Big Ten Teams.

I think Purdue is the best team, though. There`s not a finer duo in the Big Ten than Moore & Hummel.

[bukdow]

I`ll say:

1. MSU
2. Purdue
3. Wisconsin
4. Ohio State
5. UM
6. Illinois
7. Minnesota
8. Iowa
9. Penn State
10. Northwestern
11. Indiana

[Zip Goshboots]

Pretty good, bukdow. Right now, the Big Ten is up for grabs. They ain't NO teams that look like they gonna run away wid it. Or assert demselves.

If Michigan finds a semblance of an inside game and doesn't run oot of gas, they could challenge up in dis muthafucka real easily.

[Glenn]

MSU wins by 12 and UM loses by 12.

[Jethro34]

Nice comeback win by MSU over NW. The coinfere3nce so far looks like it's going to be a battle. Only two teams are 2-0 after two games. Lots of back-and-forth jockeying. Strong showing for UM to bounce back and hold off an Illinois team that looked good in beating Purdue.

Thank goodness for MSU that it looks like they're coming together when they need it.

[bukdow]

Ohio Stae is looking like it may have some struggles this year. Good. Thad (what the fuck kind of name is Thad?!) Matta is a cock-sucker face.

[Tahoe]

Couple of gutsy teams going at it tonight. ESPN2