Big Ten Power Rankings as of January 26 2010

1. Michigan State (8-0)
MSU began to come back to Earth since our last poll but still managed narrow road victories at Minnesota, at Michigan, and defeated Iowa at home. A no-brainer top pick once again.
2. Wisconsin (6-2)
Last week UW won home games against Michigan and Penn State but struggled in both games. They are unchanged but on negative watch.
3. Purdue (4-3)
Last week PU righted the ship with a road victory at Illinois and a home victory over Michigan. Still third.
4. Ohio State (4-3)
Last week OSU crushed Northwestern at home but lost a road game at West Virginia (NU fans could've really used a different Buckeye split last week). Despite an impressive showing against Northwestern we will keep them at fourth as the top three held their ground.
5. Northwestern (3-5)
NU won a home game against Illinois and lost road games at Ohio State and Minnesota. Each result was as expected so power rating neutral.
6. Minnesota (4-4)
UM lost a home game against Michigan State and won a home game against Northwestern. Both results were as expected. No change.
7. Illinois (4-3)
Last week UI lost at home to Purdue and lost at Northwestern. No change.
8. Michigan (3-5)
UM lost road games at Wisconsin and at Purdue. UM also lost a squeaker at home to Michigan State. Sorry Wolverines. You appear to be improving but you still lost three games. No change.
9. Indiana (3-4)
Last week IU won at Penn State and was crushed at home by Iowa. The good road victory was neutralized by the bad home loss. No change.
10. Iowa (2-5)
In its only game since the last ranking Iowa won at Indiana. The Hawkeyes may be improving. Plus one.
11. Penn State (0-7)
Last week PSU lost at home to Indiana and on the road at Wisconsin. The Nits battle the Badgers hard but the moral victory was not enough to overcome the loss to Indiana. Minus one.