It’s here. In-conference Big Ten women’s basketball is back and it is about to be a competitive couple months.

After the first Big Ten games, we already have an idea which teams will be solid. From here on out, the women’s basketball power rankings will only be based on in-conference performance.

Big Ten Women’s Basketball Week 8 Power Rankings

#1 – Northwestern Wildcats (12-2, 1-0)

The Wildcats didn’t have an easy time with the Huskers in their first conference match-up only pulling away 62-58, but they were able to earn the first spot after week eight.

#2 – Michigan Wolverines (12-3, 1-0)

Michigan had a nice draw with Rutgers at home for its first Big Ten contest. The Wolverines were able to grab a 63-50 and will cruise into Wisconsin on New Year’s day.

#3 – Indiana Hoosiers (11-3, 1-0)

Indiana made a statement in State College, Pennsylvania beating the Nittany Lions 89-70. It was a big win for the Hoosiers, as they will host No. 14 ranked Ohio State on New Year's Eve.

#4 – Ohio State Buckeyes (11-4, 1-0)

The Buckeyes by no means had an easy conference schedule, which may have prepared them well for this years Big Ten. The Scarlet and Gray defeated Minnesota 87-62 and are ready to travel to Indiana to continue to fulfill their preseason expectations.

#5 – Illinois Fighting Illini (6-8, 1-0)

Illinois was not a team that most believed would win their first Big Ten game, however, they came away with the five-point win over the Iowa Hawkeyes. Maybe the Fighting Illini can turn their season around in conference play.

#6 – Maryland Terrapins (12-1, 0-0)

The Terps played a tough game with the No. 1 ranked UConn Huskies only losing 87-82, but unfortunately that doesn’t mean anything for the Big Ten conference. Based off their performance last night, Maryland may have an easy time with every Big Ten team they match-up against.

#7 – Michigan State Spartans (10-3, 0-0)

The Spartans are another team that has yet to have their first Big Ten game. They will kick off their conference schedule on New Years Day against Illinois.

#8 – Purdue Boilermakers (9-5, 0-0)

Purdue will have to go up against Northwestern on Saturday in Evanston, Illinois. The Lady Boilermakers need a win to bring up their spirits after falling to IUPU, 67-62.

#9 – Wisconsin Badgers (5-8, 0-0)

The Badgers face-off with Michigan on New Year's day and are coming off a thrilling one-point victory over Green Bay.

#10 – Penn State Nittany Lions (10-3, 0-1)

Penn State got a beating from Indiana but will be able to regain momentum with Rutgers on Saturday. Although they are playing in Scarlet Knight territory, the Nittany Lions have a lot more weapons on both ends of the court.

#11 – Iowa Hawkeyes (9-5, 0-1)

Iowa lost a close one to Illinois and will host Nebraska on Saturday.

#12 – Minnesota Golden Gophers (9-5, 0-1)

Not only does Minnesota need to learn from their loss to No. 14 Ohio State, but also they need to prepare for No. 4 ranked Maryland on Sunday. It is not an easy road for the Gophers.

#13 – Nebraska Cornhuskers (4-9, 0-1)

The Huskers held their own with the Wildcats which shows that they have the ability to keep it close with high-end teams in this conference. Look for the Huskers to be a sleeper this year.

#14 – Rutgers Scarlet Knights (3-11, 0-1)

The Scarlet Knights didn’t have the best non-conference performance, and it doesn’t seem like they have found a solution after their 13-point loss to the Michigan Wolverines.

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Check back again next week for the BTP’s latest set of power rankings.