1. Michigan State β€” Unbeaten to this point, but the schedule is about to get tougher.

2. Purdue — Throttled Michigan last Friday.

3. Michigan — Have to stay out of foul trouble if they want to win games against good competition.

4. Maryland — Huge 3-game win streak over Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin.

5. Illinois — 1-1 without Tomislav Ivisic in the lineup, but they probably want him back sooner rather than later.

6. Wisconsin β€” Feels like John Tonje and John Blackwell take turns running the show.

7. Ohio State β€” looked like a Sweet 16 team against Iowa.

8. Oregon β€” The cross-country road trip got the better of them against Minnesota.

9. UCLA — Aday Mara has been a revelation.

10. Indiana β€” What in tarnation was that final play against Maryland?

11. USC β€” Been better on the road than at home in conference play.

12. Rutgers — finally playing up to their potential.

13. Penn State — close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades.

14. Minnesota — surging.

15. Northwestern β€” failed to take advantage of playing Illinois and Rutgers not at full strength.

16. Iowa β€” Playing defense like a turnstile at the moment.

17. Nebraska — Like Tom Petty, they’re free-falling.

18. Washington β€” Might be favored in one game the rest of the way (home against Rutgers).