11. Nebraska (16-0)
This sport is full of surprises on a yearly basis and it suffices to say Nebraska is one of those this time around. The Cornhuskers remain perfect on the year, a run that includes impressive performances already in Big Ten play against both Illinois and Michigan State. Fred Hoiberg is getting the best out of his hometown team and looks to have the most prolific Cornhuskers team in program history.
They were certainly tested this week, beginning with Monday’s close 72-69 win at Ohio State. Braden Frager had 15 points off the bench and the Cornhuskers survived in Columbus. Saturday’s events were even more incredible as Nebraska dug out of a 16-point hole in the second half, surviving a trip to Indiana with an 83-77 win. Jamarques Lawrence starred with 27 points, and that strong push helped take care of the Hoosiers.
We’re well past the point where Nebraska is an aberration, as the 5-0 mark in Big Ten play really shows that this team is for real. The Cornhuskers don’t jump off the page in a lot of aspects like some of their league rivals might but they’re still a powerful crew that keeps finding ways to win games. They’ll host Oregon in just a couple days before an interesting road matchup at Northwestern as their perfect quest rolls on.