Here’s how things stand in the Big Ten after the past weekend. Notice a theme? Road teams were awesome this weekend.
Indiana (5-1, 20-8, RPI #25) – Took 2/3 at Penn State. RPI is looking very solid. Huge series this weekend when they host Iowa.
Michigan (5-1, 15-12, RPI #63) – Took 2/3 at Illinois. After a slow start to the season they’re taking care of business at the moment. They host Nebraska this weekend.
Michigan State (4-2, 16-9, RPI #53) – Took 2/3 at Rutgers. That is a very impressive weekend for Sparty.
Maryland (2-1, 17-10, RPI #58) – Took 2/3 at Iowa. After a disappointing start they still have their RPI in a position that they can make a run for an NCAA berth. They host Rutgers this weekend.
Nebraska (2-1, 15-9-1, RPI #108) – Traveled to TX over the weekend and went 2-1 in non-conf play. Travel to Ann Arbor next.
Minnesota (2-1, 7-20, RPI #227) – Took 2/3 from the Buckeyes. Next up is the Boilers. I’ve made it plainly known that I’m not impressed with Purdue. Would be sweet to get another series win.
Purdue (3-3, 12-14, RPI #243) – Took 2/3 against Northwestern. The fact their record is 500 and their RPI is worse than Gophers tells you how bad their schedule has been.
Iowa (1-2, 17-6, RPI #66) – Disappointing for Hawkeyes. After climbing into the t25 rankings they lose 2/3 against Maryland. Next up is a road trip against the red-hot Hoosiers. They also had a mid-week loss to Illinois State which killed their RPI.
Rutgers (1-2, 14-13, RPI #35) – Lost 2/3 to Sparty. Look at what a strength of schedule does. Compare Purdue and Rutgers records and their RPI. Night and Day difference. Rutgers has Maryland up next followed by Michigan. They need to get their act together fast if they don’t want to be left out of NCAA again.
Northwestern (1-2, 3-19, RPI #277) – Lost 2/3 to Purdue. Bad team.
Illinois (2-4, 12-12, RPI #41) – Lost 2/3 to Michigan but played them tight. They get NW this weekend which should provide a layup.
Penn State (1-5, 14-10, RPI #132) – Took 1/3 from Indiana. They are off for B1G play this week. In 2 weeks they got Purdue which should give them a chance to climb back in the B1G tournament race.
Ohio State (1-5, 13-13, RPI #109) – After a decent start with some quality non-conf wins the Buckeyes have really laid an egg in the first 2 weekends. Next up for them is a trip to East Lansing where they face a pesky Spartan squad.