1. Indiana
The Indiana Hoosiers entered the 2022 season as the favorites to win the conference, and they haven’t given us a reason to think otherwise thus far. Indiana is averaging 94.5 points per game, but we’ll soon know more about whether or not that pace is sustainable. The Hoosiers face Xavier on Friday which will surely present some stiffer competition.
2. Illinois
Terrence Shannon Jr. is averaging 22.7 points per game, leading the Illini to a 3-0 start. They’ve managed to look strong against inferior competition but will need to bring their A-game this week when they face off against a top-10 UCLA team.
3. Iowa
The Hawkeyes moved up to number 3 in this week’s Power Rankings, capitalizing on a strong start. An impressive 112-point performance against NC A&T allowed them to get 12 different players in the scoring column, which will likely come in handy later in the season. This week, Iowa will need to maintain its confidence heading into a matchup with Seton Hall.
4. Michigan
The jury is still out for Michigan, and their matchup with Emoni Bates and Eastern Michigan didn’t provide us much clarity. While the Wolverines struggled to win a game in which they were heavily favored, no one knows just how good that EMU team is. On Wednesday, Michigan will face off with Pitt, which could send them in two very different directions depending on the outcome.
5. Michigan St
The Spartans are one of two Big 10 teams to lose a game so far this season(the other being Minnesota). However, Michigan St moved up this week in the Power Rankings due to a competitive game with Gonzaga which went down to the wire. As I type this, the Spartans are in another close game against Kentucky, which would be a much-needed quality win should they pull it off.
