Big Ten Basketball: Power ranking the conference (Nov. 26-Dec. 3)

PORTLAND, OR - NOVEMBER 26: Nike co-founder Phil Knight presents head coach Tom Izzo of the Michigan State Spartans and the Michigan State Spartans the trophy for the 'Victory Bracket' Championship after the game during the PK80-Phil Knight Invitational presented by State Farm at the Moda Center on November 26, 2017 in Portland, Oregon. Michigan State won the game 63-45. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) /

10 of 15

WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 09: Tony Carr (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

Penn State has been one of the early surprises so far this season in the Big Ten. The Nittany Lions had a lot of young talent last year, and after a year under their belt, these guys are really starting to come around for Pat Chambers and company. Penn State has started the season at 7-3. The Nittany Lions will probably stay around this rank during the season, though.

In the Big Ten/ACC Challenge this week, Penn State was not able to help the Big Ten out, falling 85-78 at North Carolina State. This is not a bad loss by any means as the Wolfpack are a very tough squad.

Following the loss to NC State, the Nittany Lions rebounded to post a 77-73 win at Iowa. Although Iowa has had its early-season struggles, this is still a quality win for Penn State. It is never easy to win on the road on the Big Ten. However, they ended this week with a crushing home loss to Wisconsin.

The Nittany Lions boast five players who average in double figures in the early going, led by sophomore guard Tony Carr (20.6 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 4.5 apg). Other players who average in double figures for the Nittany Lions so far are Lamar Stevens (15.2 ppg, 6.7 rpg), Shep Garner (10.3 ppg), Mike Watkins (11.1 ppg, 7.4 rpg), and Josh Reaves (11.0 ppg).

Schedule for this week:

George Washington (4-4) at Penn State Dec. 9

Home/Big Ten