Five Big Ten Teams Land In Week 15 Polls

The AP and USA Today Coaches’ polls were released earlier this week for Week 15 of the season and five Big Ten teams were fortunate enough to make the cut. What was arguably even more impressive is that four other teams received votes in the Coaches’ Poll. All told, it was an encouraging performance for the Big Ten.

Here is where the Big Ten landed:

Week 15 AP Poll:

• No. 9 - Maryland
• No. 13 - Penn State
• No. 21 - Iowa
• No. 22 - Illinois
• Receiving Votes: Michigan State, Purdue, Ohio State, Michigan, Rutgers

Week 15 USA Today Coaches’ Poll

• No. 9 - Maryland
• No. 13 - Penn State
• No. 17 - Iowa
• No. 23 - Illinois
• No. 25 - Michigan State
• Receiving Votes: Ohio State, Purdue, Rutgers, Michigan

While it was disappointing to see Michigan State drop out of the top 25 in the AP Poll, the league still has five teams in the Coaches’ Poll and four others receiving votes. It also seems likely the Spartans will find their way back inside the top 25 by season’s end.

The other point that bears mentioning is Maryland’s spot at No. 9 in both polls. The Terps have been simply fantastic over the last few weeks and have barely moved at all. Maryland isn’t getting the respect it deserves at this moment. We’ll have to wait and see if the team can move up in the weeks ahead.