Week 16 Polls: Michigan State Spartans Move Up

The Big Ten is starting to see some stability in where the top of the conference is ranked in the AP and Coaches polls. For a fourth straight week, there are three Big Ten teams in the top 10. Indiana and Purdue join Michigan State, Iowa, and Maryland in the top 25, giving the Big Ten five teams for a second straight week.

Today, we take a look at how the five ranked Big Ten teams fared last week, and a peak ahead at what team may see their name in the rankings next.

Michigan State Spartans (22-5)

- AP: #6 USA Today: #7

The Spartans have now put that three game losing streak well in the rear view mirror as they have won six out of their last seven games, including a double digit win against Wisconsin on Thursday. Denzel Valentine continues to be stellar for Tom Izzo as he recorded 24 points, 10 assists, and 7 rebounds. This win also ended Wisconsin's seven game winning streak and kept the Spartans ahead of the Badgers in the Big Ten standings.

The Spartans end the season with a relatively easy stretch of games that sees them play Ohio State twice, Penn State, and Rutgers. Michigan State will travel to Columbus Tuesday before hosting Penn State Sunday. Winning both games this week could push Michigan State back in to the top-5 and put them in to discussions for a #1 seed.

Iowa Hawkeyes (20-6)

-AP: #8 USA Today #8

In their only game last week, the Hawkeyes were shocked by Penn State on the road 79-75. This marks Iowa's second loss in their past three games and dropped their Big Ten record to 11-3. Peter Jok was the only Hawkeye to show up at Happy Valley as he led Iowa with 28 points.

Iowa will try to rebound against Wisconsin at home on Wednesday before traveling to Columbus on Sunday. It'll be a tough week for Iowa, who could find themselves dropping in the Big Ten standings if they don't right the ship quickly.

Maryland Terrapins (23-5)

- AP: #10 USA Today: #9

Maryland dropped their second straight game Wednesday as they lost to a Minnesota who was previously winless in the Big Ten and had lost 14 straight overall. The Terrapins were able to rebound on Sunday by beating Michigan 86-82. Maryland had eight different players score five or more points on Sunday.

In their lone game of the week, the Terrapins will travel to Purdue Saturday in what should be a great top-25 showdown. Expect a big battle underneath with Diamond Stone matching up with the numerous bigs on Purdue.

Indiana Hoosiers (22-6)

-AP: #18 USA Today: #15

Indiana continued their impressive run in Big Ten play as they pushed their conference record to 12-3. The Hoosiers beat Nebraska on Wednesday before knocking off Purdue on Saturday. Troy Williams shot 7-11 against Purdue and scored 19 points.

The Hoosiers will travel to Illinois for their sole matchup this week. Tom Crean better make sure his team isn't looking ahead to their showdowns with Iowa and Maryland the following week. There have been plenty of upsets in Big Ten play this year, and the Hoosiers need to make sure they don't fall in to that same trap.

Purdue Boilermakers (21-7)

- AP: #20 USA Today: #19

After beating Northwestern on Tuesday, Purdue was taken down on the road against Indiana on Saturday. The Boilermakers were uncharacteristically held in check on the glass as they recorded just four offensive rebounds against Indiana.

The Boilermakers have a week off before a big home game against Maryland, Purdue fell to the Terrapins by 11 in the first matchup.

Who's Next?

Wisconsin has yet another chance to prove itself against a top team in the Big Ten this week. In their only matchup of the season, the Badgers will travel to Iowa Wednesday with a great chance for a resume building win. Wisconsin will then end the week at home against Michigan on Sunday. Two wins and an 11-5 conference record could be enough to propel the Badgers in to the rankings.