I-O-W-A is going D-O-W-N

Huge game for the Wolverines this weekend as they take on fellow Big Ten co-leader Iowa at Carver Hawkeye Arena. Both clubs sit at 6-2 in conference play and are tied with Illinois for first place. What does this game offer to Michigan? A chance to go out and beat a top contender on the road and cement themselves as a true contender for the Big Ten title. A loss? Sticks us back in the status quo of Big Ten teams this year by winning the games we are supposed to and struggling on the road.



Also, some brief thoughts on the relative power ratings of the top 7 teams in the Big Ten:

1) Illinois - they got an easy W in Madison and have been the most consistent Big Ten team this year

2) Michigan State - struggled on the road, but have played very well at home. They've still got the most talent in the conference and I look for them to turn it up a notch down the stretch.

3) Michigan - this may be a touch premature, but the Wolverines are really playing well right now

4) Iowa - I still can't shake them image of them getting hammered in East Lansing. But they are undefeated at home this year

5) Indiana - if DJ White was healthy, they'd be ranked a lot higher. But he's out for the year and so are their hopes of winning the Big Ten.

6) Ohio State - nobody expected them to be this good before Greg Oden showed up. Nice job coaching by Thad Matta.

7) Wisconsin - they've still got the easiest schedule and could make a run at the title on that basis alone. However, academic casualties have robbed their depth and sent them into a tailspin.