College Basketball Big Ten Power Rankings Tiers: Cellar Dweller Mania

Tier V: Everyone Else

Trying to parse through the bottom eight teams in the Big Ten is an absolute disaster. They all possess major flaws that currently hinder them from any at-large contention. It's one of the more shallow Big Ten groupings we have had in recent seasons, and it's a realistic possibility the league only sends five or six teams dancing unless a team or two steps up from this ugly cellar.

Tier II: Illinois, Wisconsin

The "most capable challengers" tier has been narrowed down to two as Illinois and Wisconsin have continued to impress with 2-0 starts to conference play. Much is to be said about taking care of business within the Big Ten, even if it came against Northwestern and Iowa this past week. The Illini are in for a serious litmus test on Friday night as they head to West Lafayette to take on Purdue.

Tier III: Michigan State, Ohio State

Michigan State seems to have figured some things out despite its early-season struggles, grabbing an underrated home victory over Indiana State just before the New Year. Ohio State has also been hot, ripping off four straight victories, including a gutsy home win over Rutgers on Wednesday. These two are not far off the second tier and could be slotted up next week if they continue their winning ways.

Tier IV: Nebraska

The Cornhuskers are a tough team to get a feel for, primarily due to their painfully weak non-conference scheduling. Consecutive defeats to Creighton and Minnesota to kick off December put the brakes on an exciting 7-0 start. Still, a win over Michigan State began a string of five victories that have the Nebrasketball faithful believing again. This upcoming week of matchups against Wisconsin and Purdue will help determine whether Nebraska belongs with the contenders or the pretenders.

Tier V: Everyone Else

Trying to parse through the bottom eight teams in the Big Ten is an absolute disaster. They all possess major flaws that currently hinder them from any at-large contention. It's one of the more shallow Big Ten groupings we have had in recent seasons, and it's a realistic possibility the league only sends five or six teams dancing unless a team or two steps up from this ugly cellar.