A Big Ten Network panel picked Iowa to finish 9th in the Big 10 – behind these teams:
No. 3 Maryland
No. 15 Indiana
No. 24 Purdue
No. 13 Michigan State
No. 17 Wisconsin
No. 26 Michigan
Ohio State
Illinois.
IU has played according to what was expected; they were expected to be a top two team in the league and so far are. Iowa, on the other hand, has far exceeded expectations.
In addition to utilizing their wealth of talent and meeting expectations, Crean and IU have taken full advantage of their B1G schedule.
Looking at the current top 6 teams, there is the possibility of playing the other 5 teams a total of 10 times during the conference regular season. Then, of course, you play the other 8 conference teams once (4 home, 4 away).
As you can see below, Indiana and Michigan State only have 6 of those possible 10 games.
Iowa, on the other hand, has 9 of those possible 10 games.
Couple other scheduling notes:
IU plays 1-13 Minny twice and Michigan State plays 0-14 Rutgers twice, where Iowa plays Minny and Rutgers once.
IU, MSU and Iowa play MD once. However, when you dive in further, you will notice that IU and MSU get MD at home whereas Iowa played MD at their place.
When you look at IU's 6 games vs the Top 6 B1G teams, you will see a VERY EASY SCHEDULE!
* they play MSU once (away)
* they play Purdue once (home)
* they play MD once (at home)
* they play Michigan once (away)
The only team IU plays twice? Iowa
The Current Top Two B1G Teams:
(6 games vs Top 6 teams) #22 Indiana (Current B1G record: 12-3)
@Mich...............WIN
vs Iowa..............WIN
@MSU...............LOSS
vs Purdue..........WIN
@ Iowa
vs MD
OTHER LOSSES: at Wisc, at Penn State
(9 games out of possible 10 vs Top 6 B1G Teams) #4 Ranked IOWA (Current B1G record: 11-3)
MSU................................WIN
@MSU.............................WIN
Purdue.............................WIN
@Purdue .........................WIN
Mich..................................WIN
@ MD...............................LOSS
@ Indiana........................LOSS
Indiana
@ Mich
OTHER LOSS: at Penn State
