Big 10 Non-Conference Wrap

Sorry for the delay in postings but I just have not gotten around to doing NFL picks or recaps lately. Later today I will post my Big 10 Bowl Preview, but for now it's time to recap my favorite sport. The Big 10's non-conference portion of the basketball schedule is wrapping up and I believe its a good time for a recap.

First, lets look back to my projected standings at the beginning of the year:

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

Now lets look at the standings as of Sunday:

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

The top end and bottom end seem to be about right, but the middle of the pack has been turned upside down. Even without Evan Turner, Ohio State is still playing well, Northwestern is playing out of their minds and Michigan State has had some uncharactristic losses for this time of the year.

And now, let us sum up the first part of the year with an awards section!!:

Biggest Surprise: Northwestern
- Even without star player Kevin Coble, the Wildcats have only lost once and look to be in good shape to make the NCAA Tournament for the first time in history.
Nominees: Wisconsin, Brandon Paul, Brennan Cougill

Biggest Disappointment: Michigan
- Fresh off of a NCAA berth, Michigan was ranked highly coming into this year. However, they have fallen flat on their faces and need to do a LOT of work to make it back to the Dance.
Nominees: Michigan State, Minnesota, Delvon Roe

Player of the (first third) Year: Robbie Hummel, Purdue
- Hummel is averaging almost a double double as he lead Purdue to an undefeated record so far and a number 4 ranking in both polls.
Nominees: Talor Battle, PSU; Kalin Lucas, MSU; Jon Shurna, Northwestern

Best Game: Illinois @ Clemson
- Facing a 20 point defecit in the second half, Illinois charges back to win the game and help clinch the ACC-Big 10 title for the Big 10.
Nominees: Duke @ Wisconsin, Tennesee @ Purdue, Butler @ Minnesota

Worst Loss: UTSA @ Iowa
- In the first game of the year, the Hawkeyes lose to the University of Texas-San Antonio by 12. AT HOME!
Nominees: Wisconsin @ UW-GB, Boston University @ Indiana, Tulane @ Penn State

Questions for Big 10 conference play?

- How will Ohio State handle the loss of Evan Turner?

- Can Northwestern keep rollling even without Coble?

- Can Michigan State turn their season around?

- Who will be last in the Big 10: Iowa or Indiana?

- How many teams will make the Dance?

All of these questions will be answered during the upcoming Big 10 season and hopefully we will have some great basketball to watch. Later tonight, I'll post my Big 10 Bowl Preview guide, giving you all the information you will need for the games.