Final sprint to Big Ten Title

College Sports 10 replies 569 views
C
centralbucksfan
Posts: 5,111
Feb 27, 2010 9:46am
Heading into the final week, the Big Ten is basically down to a three team race, OSU, MSU and Purdue. Purdue currently has a one game edge, although they now have to face MSU on Sunday without Hummel.
Remaining games:

Purdue:
home vs MSU
home vs IU
@PSU

MSU:
@Purdue
home vs PSU
home vs Mich

OSU:
home vs Mich
home vs Ill

IF MSU happens to knock off Purdue on Sunday, it will force a three way tie. If OSU, MSU and Purdue all tie for the title.....OSU would get the #1 seed for Big Ten tourney based on their 2-1 record vs those two teams.
Interesting that all three teams have had to deal with injuries/missed games to their best players as well, Turner, Lucas and Hummel.
S
slingshot4ever
Posts: 4,085
Feb 27, 2010 9:51am
There is no reason OSU shouldn't win these last two games at home. I see a three way tie happening as even without Hummel the only tough game is MSU. I see a three way tie happening.
C
centralbucksfan
Posts: 5,111
Feb 28, 2010 7:04pm
Well, with MSU knocking off Purdue, we now have a 3 way tie. OSU with only one game vs Ill. Won't be an easy game, but OSU will be the favorite obviously.
MSU has the easiest finish with home games vs PSU and Mich. Purdue has IU at home, then PSU on the road. PSU could give Purdue all the want if they play well.
SportsAndLady's avatar
SportsAndLady
Posts: 35,632
Feb 28, 2010 7:08pm
I don't see any of the 3 teams losing a game the rest of the way, so I say it's a 3 way tie and OSU gets the 1 seed in the Big10Tourney.
M
mallymal614
Posts: 3,746
Feb 28, 2010 7:18pm
The Illinois game makes me nervous. The buckeyes embarrassed them last time so you know they will be looking for the payback card.
Heretic's avatar
Heretic
Posts: 18,820
Feb 28, 2010 8:28pm
Yeah, and Illinois is in a situation now where I think they about have to beat OSU and probably have a good Big 10 tourney run to get into the NCAA tournament, especially after losing to Minnesota. Not a great overall record and currently have lost three of four (I think), which has to have them in a precarious position.
C
centralbucksfan
Posts: 5,111
Feb 28, 2010 8:45pm
Heretic wrote: Yeah, and Illinois is in a situation now where I think they about have to beat OSU and probably have a good Big 10 tourney run to get into the NCAA tournament, especially after losing to Minnesota. Not a great overall record and currently have lost three of four (I think), which has to have them in a precarious position.
As of Friday, Lundardi (Bracketology) had Ill has an 8 seed. As mentioned, after the Minn loss...they are probably sitting on edge. OSU playing for Big Ten title, Ill for NCAA. Should be a good one.
Laley23's avatar
Laley23
Posts: 29,506
Feb 28, 2010 9:40pm
Id expect all 3 to win out and share the B10 title.
royal_k's avatar
royal_k
Posts: 4,423
Feb 28, 2010 10:13pm
Laley23 wrote: Id expect all 3 to win out and share the B10 title.
agree

Regarding the OSU, Ill game....If both teams play well, the Buckeyes should prevail. They are the more talented team. (starting 5 that is)
Heretic's avatar
Heretic
Posts: 18,820
Feb 28, 2010 10:48pm
centralbucksfan wrote:
Heretic wrote: Yeah, and Illinois is in a situation now where I think they about have to beat OSU and probably have a good Big 10 tourney run to get into the NCAA tournament, especially after losing to Minnesota. Not a great overall record and currently have lost three of four (I think), which has to have them in a precarious position.
As of Friday, Lundardi (Bracketology) had Ill has an 8 seed. As mentioned, after the Minn loss...they are probably sitting on edge. OSU playing for Big Ten title, Ill for NCAA. Should be a good one.
Really? An 8? That might make them a bit more secure, if he's on spot. I usually read the Yahoo! columnists and their bracket-predicting had them as an 11 on Friday, which made me look at that loss as putting them in a "no margin for error" zone. Still, at best, they're precarious...at worst, they're going to have to pull off a number of big wins.
F
Footwedge
Posts: 9,265
Mar 1, 2010 1:17am
Penn State could play major spoiler. They are a different team right now..