We're so glad you asked:Big Ten basketball power rankings: Top fiveNo. It would be foolish to put it past them to figure things out and come roaring back against the group below – especially with dates still ahead against Michigan and Michigan State. 4: Michigan State (9-1 Big Ten)Coming off four straight wins by 16 points or more (and six consecutive total), Michigan State was lucky to slip by Rutgers in overtime Tuesday in Piscataway, New Jersey – and coach Tom Izzo admitted as much after the fact. (They have yet to play Michigan, Illinois or Purdue.) 3: Illinois (8-1 Big Ten)Few regular-season games in Illinois lore – or even in recent Big Ten history – have risen to the level of the Illini's 88-82 barnburner over Purdue, highlighted by Keaton Wagler 's 46-point masterpiece.