The Big Ten race is really starting to take shape, with the top contenders more than well-established. With several top teams preparing to face off over the next several weeks, this edition of the Big Ten power rankings will definitely show who the best teams are in this conference. The Michigan Wolverines lead the way not only here, but also atop the National Polls, as they … [Read more...] about It’s Michigan’s World atop the Big Ten Power Rankings
College Basketball Top 25 Rankings
Last year gave us the second-ever all-1-seed Final Four. Will we see that trend continue this year? There’s a chance. Last year, the top four teams in the country separated themselves not only on the court, but also when looking at advanced metrics. They were clearly the best. This year is a little more balanced. I truly believe we have a clear top eight this year, and I will … [Read more...] about College Basketball Top 25 Rankings
Two Key Problems Arising in Michigan State’s Skid
In the midst of his 31st season, Tom Izzo’s Michigan State Spartans find themselves in a slump. This group knew they wouldn’t have the best outside shooters coming into the season, especially when the top two shooters from last season—Jase Richardson and Jaden Akins—both moved on to the pros. MSU had to turn to the portal, and they thought they had brought in a pair of useful … [Read more...] about Two Key Problems Arising in Michigan State’s Skid
College Basketball Top 25 Rankings
This week is when I begin to realize that, at times, advanced analytics can be the thief of joy. When I was younger, I would look at a team like Miami (Ohio) and put them in the top-10 of these rankings. They’re unbeaten! How could they not be top-10? But, now that I know more about advanced metrics, I can’t possibly argue to put them there. They’ve played the 336th-toughest … [Read more...] about College Basketball Top 25 Rankings
Why the Big Ten NCAA Championship Drought Must End This Year
It has been 26 years since the Big Ten hosted the biggest prize in college basketball. That team was the Michigan State Spartans, as they were led by Tom Izzo to the 2000 National Championship over Florida. There have been plenty of almosts, including some National Championship runner-up finishes in Michigan (twice), Illinois, Ohio State, Purdue, Wisconsin, and MSU. Yet the Big … [Read more...] about Why the Big Ten NCAA Championship Drought Must End This Year