This B1G Week 1/28-2/3

Hello and welcome friends to another edition of this B1G Week. The B1G storyline of last week has to be Michigan State losing their first conference game since January 13th of last year. The Spartans went to West Lafayette on Sunday and were dominated for a lot of the game against the Boilers. Purdue, who coming into league play looked to be having a very down year for them, has set themselves up for a top-five finish in the league, even possibly competing for the title.

Another B1G storyline in the league is Penn State who is currently 0-9 in the conference. The Nittany Lion entered the year with tournament hopes coming off their NIT title and now they are struggling just to win one game in conference. This just goes to show you that the Big Ten is unforgiving this year. 

Nonconference Game of the Midweek

Tuesday - 7 pm - ESPN 2 - 3 Virginia @ 23 North Carolina State - In another tight matchup in the ACC Virginia goes up against NC State. The Wolfpack is in their second year under Kevin Keatts and are looking to make some noise and show they are real contenders in the league. I like them to get the upset at home and show the world they are serious in the conference.

Nonconference Game of the Weekend

Saturday - 4 pm - CBS - 16 Texas Tech @ 11 Kansas - In a battle between two of the title contenders in the Big 12 the Red Raiders visit the Jayhawks. Kansas is coming off a hard-fought loss at Kentucky last weekend and is looking to secure the pole position in the Big 12 for their 15th straight conference crown. Kansas has looked a little lost in recent weeks but I like them to find their mojo at home.

Power Ranking

1. Michigan
2. Michigan State
3. Purdue
4. Maryland
5. Wisconsin
6. Iowa
7. Minnesota
8. Ohio State
9. Nebraska
10. Indiana
11. Northwestern
12. Rutgers
13. Illinois
14. Penn State

Actual Rankings

1. Michigan State 9-1 - 18-3
2. Michigan 8-1 - 19-1
3. Purdue 7-2 - 14-6
4. Maryland 7-3 - 16-5
5. Wisconsin 6-3 - 14-6
6. Minnesota 5-4 - 15-5
7. Iowa 5-5 - 16-5
8. Ohio State 3-5 - 13-6
9. Nebraska 3-6 - 13-7
10. Indiana 3-6 - 12-8
11. Northwestern 3-6 - 12-8
12. Rutgers 3-6 - 10-9
13. Illinois 2-7 - 6-14
14. Penn State 0-9 - 7-13

B1G Picks

Tuesday

7 pm - FS1 - Northwestern @ 21 Maryland
Grant's Pick: Maryland, Troy's Pick: Maryland

8 pm - BTN - 24 Wisconsin @ Nebraska
Grant's Pick: Wisconsin, Troy's Pick: Nebraska

9 pm - ESPN 2 - Ohio State @ 5 Michigan
Grant's Pick: Michigan, Troy's Pick: Michigan

Wednesday

7 pm - BTN - Indiana @ Rutgers

Grant's Pick: Indiana, Troy's Pick: Indiana

9 pm - BTN - Illinois @ Minnesota
Grant's Pick: Minnesota, Troy's Pick: Minnesota 

Thursday

7 pm - FS1 - 17 Purdue @ Penn State
Grant's Pick: Purdue, Troy's Pick: Purdue 

Friday

7 pm - FS1 - 5 Michigan @ Iowa
Grant's Pick: Michigan, Troy's Pick: Iowa

9 pm - FS1 - 21 Maryland @ 24 Wisconsin
Grant's Pick: Maryland, Troy's Pick: Wisconsin

Saturday

Noon - BTN - Rutgers @ Ohio State

Grant's Pick: Ohio State, Troy's Pick: Ohio State

2:15 pm - BTN - Nebraska @ Illinois
Grant's Pick: Nebraska, Troy's Pick: Nebraska

6 pm - ESPN - Indiana @ 6 Michigan State
Grant's Pick: Michigan State, Troy's Pick: Michigan State

Sunday

Noon - BTN - Minnesota @ 17 Purdue

Grant's Pick: Purdue, Troy's Pick: Purdue 

Grant's Previous Week Pick Record: 7-7

Grant's Total Pick Record: 20-18

Troy's Previous Week Pick Record: 4-10

Troy's Total Pick Record: 20-18



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This B1G Week 1/21-27

Hello and welcome friends to another edition of this B1G Week. Not going to lie, last week wasn't the best picking week Grant and I ever had. Some may say we're not great at this, but I like to think of it as the conference being good and unpredictable. That unpredictability is our B1G storyline of last week. Wisconsin upsetting Michigan might have been a surprise to some, but not I, the genius who correctly predicted that, and certainly the majority of people didn't see Illinois beating Minnesota by almost 27 points. 

Nonconference Game of the Midweek

Monday - 7 pm - ESPN - 10 Virginia Tech @ 11 North Carolina - Another week, another top 15 matchup in the midweek featuring Virginia Tech. The Hokies go to Chapel Hill for a showdown with the Tar Heels. These two teams are challenging for a top spot in the ACC, and it will be a tight contest. I like UNC to pull it out in the end due to something in the biz we like to call being the home team.

Nonconference Game of the Weekend

Saturday - 6 pm - ESPN - 9 Kansas @ 8 Kentucky - A battle of the K states is going down on Saturday night. UK has been playing well the last few games and are going up against the Jayhawks, who had a tough loss the past weekend. I like Kansas in this one, though I expect it to be a close, tough battle. 

Power Ranking

1. Michigan State
2. Michigan
3. Maryland
4. Iowa
5. Nebraska
6. Purdue
7. Wisconsin
8. Ohio State
9. Indiana
10. Minnesota
11. Northwestern
12. Rutgers
13. Illinois
14. Penn State

Actual Rankings

1. Michigan State 7-0 - 16-2
2. Maryland 7-1 - 16-3
3. Michigan 6-1 - 17-1
4. Purdue 5-2 - 12-6
5. Iowa 5-3 - 16-3
6. Minnesota - 4-3 - 14-4
7. Wisconsin 4-3 - 12-6
8. Nebraska 3-4 - 13-5
9. Indiana - 3-4 - 12-6
10. Ohio State 2-4 - 12-5
11. Northwestern 2-5 - 11-7
12. Rutgers 1-6 - 8-9
13. Illinois 1-6 - 5-13
14. Penn State 0-8 - 7-12

B1G Picks

Monday

6:30 - FS1 - 13 Maryland @ 6 Michigan State
Grant's Pick: Michigan State, Troy's Pick: Michigan State

8:30 - BTN - Nebraska @ Rutgers
Grant's Pick: Nebraska, Troy's Pick: Nebraska

Tuesday

7 pm - BTN - Minnesota @ 5 Michigan
Grant's Pick: Michigan, Troy's Pick: Michigan

9 pm - BTN - Indiana @ Northwestern 
Grant's Pick: Indiana, Troy's Pick: Indiana

Wednesday

7 pm - BTN - Purdue @ Ohio State

Grant's Pick: Ohio State, Troy's Pick: Ohio State

9 pm - BTN - Wisconsin @ Illinois
Grant's Pick: Wisconsin, Troy's Pick: Wisconsin

Thursday

7 pm - FS1 - 6 Michigan State @ 19 Iowa
Grant's Pick: Michigan State, Troy's Pick: Iowa 

Friday

6:30 pm - FS1 - 5 Michigan @ Indiana

Grant's Pick: Michigan, Troy's Pick: Michigan

Saturday

Noon - BTN - 13 Maryland v Illinois (Game @ Madison Square Garden, NYC)

Grant's Pick: Maryland, Troy's Pick: Maryland

Noon - FS1 - Ohio State @ Nebraska 
Grant's Pick: Ohio State, Troy's Pick: Nebraska

2:15 pm - BTN - Northwestern @ Wisconsin
Grant's Pick: Wisconsin, Troy's Pick: Wisconsin

4:30 pm - BTN - Rutgers @ Penn State
Grant's Pick: Rutgers, Troy's Pick: Penn State 

Sunday

1 pm - CBS - 6 Michigan State @ Purdue

Grant's Pick: Michigan State, Troy's Pick: Michigan State

5 pm - FS1 - 19 Iowa @ Minnesota
Grant's Pick: Iowa, Troy's Pick: Iowa 

Grant's Previous Week Pick Record: 5-7

Grant's Total Pick Record: 13-11

Troy's Previous Week Pick Record: 6-6

Troy's Total Pick Record: 16-8



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This B1G Week 1/14-20

Hello and welcome friends to another edition of this B1G Week. The B1G storyline from last week is how this conference continues to show just how tough it is. Michigan and Michigan State has remained unscathed so far in the league yet the rest of the conference continues to beat up on themselves. Just ask Ohio State who entered last week ranked 16th but ended the week with two road losses against Rutgers and Iowa.  

Putting on the Phil of the Future glasses to see into the future, this week's B1G storyline is going to be upsets. Both Michigans have tough, tough road tests this week. Nebraska had a rough start to the conference season but are starting to play better and are a tough out in Lincoln. Michigan goes on the road to Wisconsin on Saturday. The Badgers may not be playing their best ball at the moment but I'd never count them out in the Kohl Center. Regardless I severally doubt there are two undefeated teams come next week's edition. 

Nonconference Game of the Midweek

Tuesday - 8 pm - ACC Network - 9 Virginia Tech @ 4 Virginia - Virginia may be for lovers but this week it's for basketball. Virginia's week is crazy and it begins Tuesday night against ten top, in-state foe Virginia Tech. I expect the teams to bring their A-Games as they battle it out. I think the University of Virginia will win it out and build momentum going into this weekend's heavy-weight showdown.

Nonconference Game of the Weekend

Saturday - 6 pm - ESPN - 4 Virginia @ 1 Duke - Speaking of this game, it's clearly the game of the weekend. Virginia closes out their tough week with a trip to Durham to do battle with the Blue Devils. These two teams are going to be in competition with each other all season for the conference crown and the national title. I like the Cavs going on the road in this one and staying undefeated. Their defense is just as dominant as ever but add along what might be their best offense to date. 

Power Ranking

1. Michigan
2. Michigan State
3. Maryland
4. Iowa
5. Ohio State
6. Indiana
7. Nebraska
8. Minnesota
9. Purdue
10. Wisconsin
11. Rutgers
12. Northwestern
13. Penn State
14. Illinois

Actual Rankings

1. Michigan 6-0 - 17-0
2. Michigan State 6-0 - 15-2
3. Maryland 5-1 - 14-3
4. Minnesota - 13-3 - 3-2
5. Indiana - 3-2 - 12-4
6. Wisconsin 2-3 - 11-5
7. Purdue 3-2 - 10-6
8. Iowa 3-3 - 14-3
9. Ohio State 2-3 - 12-4
10. Nebraska 2-3 - 12-4
11. Rutgers 1-4 - 8-7
12. Northwestern 1-5 - 10-7
13. Illinois 0-5 - 4-12
14. Penn State 0-6 - 7-10

B1G Picks

Monday

6:30 - FS1 - Nebraska @ 25 Indiana
Grant's Pick: Indiana, Troy's Pick: Indiana

8:30 - FS1 - Wisconsin @ 19 Maryland
Grant's Pick: Wisconsin, Troy's Pick: Maryland

Tuesday

7 pm - BTN - Rutgers @ Purdue
Grant's Pick: Purdue, Troy's Pick: Purdue

Wednesday

7 pm - BTN - 23 Iowa @ Penn State

Grant's Pick: Iowa, Troy's Pick: Iowa

9 pm - BTN - Minnesota @ Illinois
Grant's Pick: Minnesota, Troy's Pick: Minnesota

Thursday

8 pm - FS1 - 6 Michigan State @ Nebraska
Grant's Pick: Michigan State, Troy's Pick: Nebraska

Friday

6:30 pm - FS1 - 19 Maryland @ Ohio State
Grant's Pick: Ohio State, Troy's Pick: Ohio State

7 pm - BTN - Northwestern @ Rutgers 
Grant's Pick: Rutgers, Troy's Pick: Rutgers

Saturday

Noon - ESPN - 2 Michigan @ Wisconsin

Grant's Pick: Michigan, Troy's Pick: Wisconsin

2 pm - Fox - 25 Indiana @ Purdue
Grant's Pick: Indiana, Troy's Pick: Indiana

8:30 pm - BTN - Penn State @ Minnesota
Grant's Pick: Minnesota, Troy's Pick: Minnesota

Sunday

1 pm - BTN - Illinois @ 23 Iowa

Grant's Pick: Iowa, Troy's Pick: Iowa

Grant's Previous Week Pick Record: 8-4

Grant's Total Pick Record: 8-4

Troy's Previous Week Pick Record: 10-2

Troy's Total Pick Record: 10-2



To stay up to date on the newest Head in the Game articles (and general sports commentary), follow @headingameblog on Twitter. You can also find us on Twitter @T_RoyStory (Troy) and @G_Tingley (Grant)

This B1G Week 1/7-13

Welcome to the newest ongoing series on Head In The Game, This B1G Week. If you've checked out our Big Ten Power Rankings, this will be somewhat similar with some changes. Each week we will preview the games in the week ahead, give two non-Big Ten games to look out for, and give an updated Power Ranking for the league.

Last week saw plenty of competitive matchups as the league resumed play. There were two games decided by two points and several good back and forth games. Michigan State picked up a big win in their trip to Columbus on Saturday against an Ohio State team who will stay in contention for the title for the majority of the season. Minnesota also picked up a quality win on the road beating Wisconsin, a place that many teams have difficulty winning. Now for a look at what's happening out of conference.

Nonconference Game of the Midweek

Tuesday - 9 pm - ESPN - 12 North Carolina @ 15 North Carolina State - In a top 15 battle in the Triangle both teams are looking to make their place known in the ACC. Each team has an opportunity to pick up wins that'll help them greatly come tournament time. In tight games, I like favoring the home team which is why I'm taking the Wolfpack to take this one over their rivals.

Nonconference Game of the Weekend

Saturday - 2 pm - ESPN - 1 Duke @ 13 Florida State - Sticking with the ACC we have another top 15 matchups. This is Duke's second true road game and their first big road test. Florida State took their second loss of the season last weekend against number four Virginia on the road. While Florida State is a quality team they showed they might but be up to par with the top of the ACC which is why I like Duke in this one. 

Power Ranking

1. Michigan
2. Michigan State
3. Maryland
4. Ohio State
5. Indiana
6. Minnesota
7. Purdue
8. Wisconsin
9. Iowa
10. Nebraska
11. Northwestern
12. Penn State
13. Rutgers
14. Illinois

B1G Picks

Tuesday

7 pm - BTN - Maryland @ Minnesota 

Grant's Pick: Minnesota, Troy's Pick: Minnesota

9pm - ESPN2 - Purdue @ 6 Michigan State

Grant's Pick: Michigan State, Troy's Pick: Michigan State

Wednesday

7 pm - BTN - 16 Ohio State @ Rutgers

Grant's Pick: Ohio State, Troy's Pick: Ohio State

9pm - BTN - Iowa @ Northwestern

Grant's Pick: Iowa, Troy's Pick: Iowa

Thursday

8 pm - FS1 - 2 Michigan @ Illinois

Grant's Pick: Michigan, Troy's Pick: Michigan

9 pm - ESPN2 - Penn State @ Nebraska

Grant's Pick: Nebraska, Troy's Pick: Nebraska

Friday

7 pm - FS1 - 22 Indiana @ Maryland 

Grant's Pick: Indiana, Troy's Pick: Maryland

9 pm - FS1 - Purdue @ Wisconsin

Grant's Pick: Wisconsin, Troy's Pick: Wisconsin

Saturday

12:30 pm - BTN - Rutgers @ Minnesota

Grant's Pick: Minnesota, Troy's Pick: Minnesota

2:30 pm - BTN - 16 Ohio State @ Iowa

Grant's Pick: Ohio State, Troy's Pick: Iowa

Sunday

3:30 pm - CBS - 6 Michigan State @ Penn State

Grant's Pick: Michigan State, Troy's Pick: Michigan State

7:30 pm - BTN - Northwestern @ 2 Michigan

Grant's Pick: Michigan, Troy's Pick: Michigan



Grant's Previous Week Pick Record: 0-0

Grant's Total Pick Record: 0-0

Troy's Previous Week Pick Record: 0-0

Troy's Total Pick Record: 0-0




To stay up to date on the newest Head in the Game articles (and general sports commentary), follow @headingameblog on Twitter. You can also find us on Twitter @T_RoyStory (Troy) and @G_Tingley (Grant)

Big Ten Basketball New Year Power Ranking

Non-conference season and the early December Big Ten play are over and now it's time for the real fun to begin. The league has proven thus far that they are the deepest in the country, and if anyone tries to argue with me, they'd be wrong (suck it Southwestern Athletic Conference). I'm about to tell you the definitively undefinitive Big Ten power ranking going into conference play.

1. Michigan

Rankings: 2 (AP), 4 (Coaches), 4 (KenPom), 2 (NET)

Current Record: 13-0 (2-0)

Key Wins: @ Villanova 73-46, North Carolina 84-67

Bad Loses: None

Takeaways: Michigan was great in non-conference play. They were dominant in their games against defending champs Villanova and North Carolina. They're clearly the team to beat, even if in recent games they have seemed beatable (if they don't bring their A game). 

2. Michigan State

Rankings: 8 (AP), 7 (Coaches), 6 (KenPom), 9 (NET)

Current Record: 11-2 (2-0)

Key Wins: Texas (Neutral Court) 78-68, @ Florida 63-59

Bad Loses: None

Takeaways: The Spartans have shown they're a solid number two in the league who will compete with their neighbors in Ann Arbor. They have solid wins over Texas and Florida, and their only two losses are against Kansas and at a Louisville team who is going to surprise some people.

3. Ohio State

Rankings: 14 (AP), 12 (Coaches), 26 (KenPom), 21 (NET)

Current Record: 12-1 (2-0)

Key Wins: Cincinnati 64-56, @ Creighton 69-60

Bad Loses: Syracuse (62-72)

Takeaways: Ohio State has been the nicest surprise this season. They lost some key pieces from last year, yet have put together a quality team. The loss at home to the perennially overrated Syracuse team hurts as it is a game they really should've won, but it seems to just be a blip on the season as whole.

4. Indiana

Rankings: 21 (AP), 22 (Coaches), 25 (KenPom), 20 (NET)

Current Record: 11-2 (2-0)

Key Wins: Marquette 96-73, Louisville 68-67, Butler (Neutral Court) 71-68

Bad Loses: None

Takeaways: The Hoosiers had a good non-conference season. People will remember their poor performance at Duke, but to be fair, few teams will be able to compete with Duke. They were one bad foul call away from being 12-1. Additionally, Juwan Morgan should be player of the year. That is all.

5. Wisconsin

Rankings: 22 (AP), 23 (Coaches), 14 (KenPom), 13 (NET)

Current Record: 10-3 (2-0)

Key Wins: Oklahoma (Neutral Court) 78-58, North Carolina State 79-75

Bad Loses: @ Western Kentucky 76-83

Takeaways: The Badgers have shown they are a legit contender in the Big Ten, yet took a big step back this past weekend. They've put together some good wins and are 2-0 in conference, yet end non-conference play with a lose to Western Kentucky. Time will tell if this was a one-off (their two other losses are to a good Marquette team and a great Virginia team), or indicative of bigger issues. Regardless, I still think they're a sure bet to go to the tournament.

6. Nebraska

Rankings: 25 (AP), Tied-23 (Coaches), 15 (KenPom), 12 (NET)

Current Record: 11-2 (1-1)

Key Wins: Seton Hall 80-57, @ Clemson 68-66, Creighton 94-75, Oklahoma State (Neutral Court) 79-56

Bad Loses: None

Takeaways: Nebraska had some good wins over quality competition. Of the four wins I listed as quality, only one wasn't by 20ish. They have plenty of experience on the team, even if their bench is still light on talent.

7. Iowa

Rankings: 25 (AP), Tied 20 (Coaches), 41 (KenPom), 35 (NET)

Current Record: 11-2 (0-2)

Key Wins: Oregon (Neutral Court) 77-69, UCONN (Neutral Court) 91-72

Bad Loses: None

Takeaways: The big difference between this Iowa team and last years - which went 14-19 on the year - is that this team occasionally plays defense. It's not necessarily good defense, but it's still defense. They had the toughest December conference slate out of anyone, which explains the 0-2 record. I'm sure that will improve over the next 18 games.

8. Maryland

Rankings: Unranked (AP), Unranked (Coaches), 31 (KenPom), 41 (NET)

Current Record: 10-3 (1-1)

Key Wins: None

Bad Loses: None

Takeaways: Maryland is a team that has a lot to prove in league play. They didn't get any high quality wins during non-conference play and dropped a winnable game at Purdue. Maryland is talented, but needs to get some wins over the top end of the league to make the big dance.

9. Minnesota

Rankings: Unranked (AP), Unranked (Coaches), 63 (KenPom), 45 (NET)

Current Record: 11-2 (1-1)

Key Wins: Utah 78-69, Texas A&M (Neutral Court) 69-64, Washington (Neutral Court) 68-66, Oklahoma State (Neutral Court, Kinda) 83-76

Bad Loses: @ Boston College 56-68

Takeaways: Minnesota had a quietly good non-conference season. They have wins over four major conference teams, even though none of them seem to be serious threats in their respective leagues. The Golden Gophers had a solid victory over Nebraska in December conference play, which proves they can be competitive in the league.

10. Purdue

Rankings: Unranked (AP), Unranked (Coaches), 19 (KenPom), 29 (NET)

Current Record: 8-5 (1-1)

Key Wins: None

Bad Loses: Notre Dame (Neutral Court) 80-88

Takeaways: Purdue is a team I'm surprised people are still so high on. Offensively, the team is over-reliant on one player, Carson Edwards. They had some opportunities to knock off some quality teams, yet fell short each time. I count the Notre Dame game as a bad loss since, despite the final score, they were never really in the game.

11. Northwestern

Rankings: Unranked (AP), Unranked (Coaches), 46 (KenPom), 54 (NET)

Current Record: 9-4 (0-2)

Key Wins: Utah (Neutral Court) 79-57

Bad Loses: Fresno State (Neutral Court) 78-59

Takeaways: I would put the Wildcats in the tier of Big Ten teams that could move up into the discussion of a NCAA tournament birth. They may be at the bottom of the tier for me, but they may surprise some teams in the league, just like how both Michigan and Indiana barely escaped with wins in December.

12. Penn State

Rankings: Unranked (AP), Unranked (Coaches), 45 (KenPom), 79 (NET)

Current Record: 7-6 (0-2)

Key Wins: Virginia Tech 63-62

Bad Loses: Bradley (Neutral Court) 56-59,

Takeaways: Penn State is a confusing team to talk about. They have a very good win against Virginia Tech, yet a bad loss to Bradley. They play a style that gives a lot of teams in the league fits and their lack of atmosphere at home is a surprisingly big advantage. Still, I doubt they will finish in the top half even if they do upset a team or two.

13. Rutgers

Rankings: Unranked (AP), Unranked (Coaches), 110 (KenPom), 134 (NET)

Current Record: 7-5 (0-2)

Key Wins: @ Miami 57-54

Bad Loses: @ Fordham 70-78

Takeaways: Slowly but steadily, Rutgers is getting better. The Scarlet Knights played tough against MSU and Wisconsin in December conference play, which is a sign of a program becoming competitive in the league. While this year still won't be one that would be considered a break-out, I won't be surprised if they upset someone when they come to New Jersey.

14. Illinois

Rankings: Unranked (AP), Unranked (Coaches), 113 (KenPom), 129 (NET)

Current Record: 4-9 (0-2)

Key Wins: UNLV 77-74

Bad Loses: Florida Atlantic 71-73

Takeaways: Illinois is just not a good team. They've had a fairly tough schedule with all but one loss coming against major conference teams. That being said, nine losses is way too many, and losing to a team ranked over 200 in KenPom at home gives you little hope in this team.