Let's Review the Big 10

Ohio State (1 seed) – RPI of 4 and a SOS of 42, OSU has been in the top 5 all year long and I would expect that trend to continue. A number 1 seed at the moment I don’t envision that changing anytime between now and Selection Sunday. The Buckeyes will be one of the favorites come March but their lack of depth gives me concern. I reserve the right to change my mind but I think they lose before the Final Four

Michigan State (3 seed) – RPI of 7 and a SOS of 2 Sparty has been consistent all year long. 6-5 against the top 50 and 9-3 in their last 12 games Michigan State is rounding into shape as we hit the stretch run. Taking last year out of the equation Tom Izzo always has his team primed for a deep March run. Currently projected as a 3 seed I see them rolling into the tourney as a 2 seed. This team (like all Izzo teams) will be ready and are a Final Four dark horse.

Wisconsin (4 seed) – RPI of 30 and a SOS of 29 the Badgers will end up being who you thought they were…over seeded and ripe to be upset. This team has already lost 4 games at home and seem to never be able to score more than 57 points. Their tournament run will end as soon as they play an athletic team and it doesn’t even matter what seed they end up with. I think I’d actually like to see them as a 4 seed against 13 seeded Iona just to see them lose by 22.

Indiana (5 seed) – RPI of 17 and a SOS of 38 Indiana is still living off those Kentucky and Ohio State upsets. Computer numbers are solid but only 6-6 in their last 12 and 3-5 against the top 50. If they split the Kentucky and Ohio State games instead of winning both are they even in the top half of the bracket? Good news is there is plenty of time to solidify their profile and work back up to a 3 or 4 seed. If I told you this team would get a 4 and lose in the first round would you be surprised? If I told you they would get an 8 and upset Syracuse in the 2nd round would you be surprised? Me either….and I’m an expert.

Michigan (6 seed) – RPI of 15 and a SOS of 16. Ah, the Wolverines who gave Duke a scare last year will probably put a scare into a couple teams this year. 7-5 against the top 50 they’ve played better than most people probably think. Their issue is an extreme lack of depth (so does OSU) and their reliance on the 3 ball. If they are hot from the outside this team has the savvy to run to the Elite Eight. If they aren’t….say hello to Mitch McGady and goodbye to Harvard who just beat them.

Illinois (9 seed) – RPI of 41 and a SOS of 30. Without that vomit inducing 42-41 “win” over Michigan State last Tuesday is this team even in the bracket today? Unfortunately the answer is yes because expansion to 68 is causing us to find 37 at large teams. 5-5 vs the top 50, 55 in conference, 6-6 in the last 12 this team is AVERAGE! The schedule down the road is so-so and they’ll probably finish 9-9 in conference. That’ll give them a 8-10 seed and hopefully a date with a mid-major that outplays them.

Purdue (10 seed) – RPI of 62 and a SOS of 57. This team looks, plays, and smells like Illinois….Crappy. The numbers are the same as Illinois but their next couple games are a bit tougher. Tonight they get Ohio State and I see a finish of 8-10 in the conference. It might get bad enough that they are a play in game participant….and an underdog. Yuck!

Minnesota (12 seed) – RPI of 45 and a SOS of 69. This is not the same team since they lost Trevor Mbakwe. They’ve fought valiantly and are still hanging on but their computer numbers aren’t that great and the second half of the schedule involves Wisconsin twice, Ohio State, Michigan State, Indiana, and a trip to Northwestern. This team is NIT bound.

Northwestern (First Four Out) – RPI of 37 and a SOS of 11. Is this the year the Wildcats finally break through and make the big dance? That’s a definite…..maybe. 3-7 against the top 50 leaves a lot to be desired but there are plenty of opportunities in the stretch run. Iowa twice, plus Penn State and Minnesota provide the backbone of a couple wins. Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio State are the big ones. Northwestern needs 1 of those marquee wins to be considered on March 11. Will they get there?