10. Ohio State Buckeyes - 12-5 (3-3)
After a great start to the season, the Buckeyes have now hit a skid, losing three straight games. Losing at Indiana and at home against Wisconsin is understandable but losing at Michigan, who had lost five straight games before, wasn’t good. Bruce Thornton had 19 points but it wasn’t enough in the eight-point defeat.
Ohio State now finds itself back on the bubble and Coach Chris Holtmann starting to feel some heat. They have Penn State at home coming up, followed by road battles with Nebraska and Northwestern.
9. Minnesota Golden Gophers - 12-5 (3-3)
The Gophers had a seven-game win streak at one point, including wins over Michigan and Maryland to start Big Ten play at 3-1. But they’ve lost two straight games since, falling to Indiana by 12 points and an 86-77 result at home against Iowa, despite 30 points from Dawson Garcia.
Minnesota still has plenty of work to do to get on the bubble since the non-conference work wasn’t much. But they’ve played better than expected to this point. Up next are games versus Michigan State and Wisconsin, both chances for key resume wins.