NCAA Basketball: Oregon’s potential, Livers’ importance and more takeaways

7) Penn State could be a factor in the Big Ten title race

There appears to be a clear top four in the Big Ten with Ohio State, Maryland, Michigan, and Michigan State having separated themselves from the rest of the conference.

Penn State likely won’t reach the level Ohio State has been able to achieve, but they are playing like a team that will be a factor in the Big Ten championship race. Since losing to the Buckeyes by 32, the Nittany Lions have ripped off impressive victories over Maryland and Alabama.

The Nittany Lions have a pair of legitimate stars in seniors Lamar Stevens and Mike Watkins, both of whom are excellent two-way players. Watkins is an elite rebounder and rim protector, ranking seventh in the country in block percentage, while Stevens is averaging roughly 17 points per game.

Penn State has been really good defensively each of the last few years now and they’re tremendous on that end again, ranking 20th nationally in adjusted defensive efficiency. But their offense has improved a great deal, and that has allowed for Penn State’s breakout start to the season.

In terms of the Big Ten title race, the Nittany Lions only have four games remaining against that top tier (Ohio State, Michigan, Michigan State twice), and they get two of them at home. They also only face Purdue once.

I don’t think Penn State is actually going to win the regular-season title, but I do think they could finish in the top four or top five while picking up another win or two against teams in the top tier, which could keep someone from winning it.