Is the Big Ten "Soft"?

I use the word soft in the most generic way possible. The conference is tough and competitive but one thing we can't call the play is physical. The league once known for physical play and stifling defense, is lacking in both this year.

Just glancing at KenPom's AdjustedD and there's only 1 team in the top 30 and that's an offensively challenged Nebraska team. Maryland is 31st but just let Indiana drop 89 points on them.

Typical defensive stalwarts Wisconsin & Michigan State are in the 60's and neither has been impressive on defense. Wisconsin allowed Michigan 1.22 PPP in the 2nd half last night. This without Caros LeVert.

Soft is an unfair term but this isn't a league with great defenses.