BP Baseball's Big Ten Power Rankings (Week 9)

1. Nebraska (22-7, 5-1)

Previous Week Ranking: 1 (No Change)

Last Weekend: vs. 8 Ohio State (W, 3-0 | W, 7-3 | L, 3-9)

Justification: The Cornhuskers have consistently won close games throughout their first two weekends of conference play. A road contest against the Scarlet Knights looks to give them a bit of a challenge before facing the Terps.

Next Weekend: at 9 Rutgers (6:00 PM | 3:00 PM | 12:00 PM)

2. Michigan (14-18, 6-3)

Previous Week Ranking: 2 (No Change)

Last Weekend: at 4 Iowa (L, 2-3 F/10 | W, 10-6 | W, 4-3)

Justification: Going into Iowa City and taking down the Hawkeyes has proven that the Wolverines have had the most impressive wins so far. The Gophers may be a trap for Michigan as they prepare for a long home slate.

Next Weekend: vs. 12 Minnesota (8:00 PM | 2:00 PM | 1:00 PM)

3. Illinois (16-13, 7-2)

Previous Week Ranking: 5 (+2)

Last Weekend: at 12 Minnesota (W, 11-2 | W, 7-4 | L, 3-8)

Justification: Sitting at second place in the Big Ten standings, it's clear that the transfer additions have paid off for the Illini. They'll take a break from conference play next week as they take on the Huskies

Next Weekend: vs. Northern Illinois [10-21, MAC] (4:00 PM | 4:00 PM | 2:00 PM)

4. Indiana (18-15, 3-3)

Previous Week Ranking: 6 (+2)

Last Weekend: at 3 Maryland (W, 15-4 | W, 14-2 | L, 5-6)

Justification: It was quite the unexpected scene for the Hoosiers last weekend as they have seemed to finally hit their stride. Hosting the Nittany Lions could prove to be tougher than expected next weekend.

Next Weekend: vs. 10 Penn State (6:00 PM | 2:00 PM | 1:00 PM)

5. Iowa (14-13, 4-2)

Previous Week Ranking: 4 (-1)

Last Weekend: vs. 2 Michigan (W, 3-2 F/10 | L, 6-10 | L, 3-4)

Justification: The Hawkeyes had a classic against the Wolverines, but came up short. It's on to Columbus for Iowa to take on the Buckeyes next weekend.

Next Weekend: at 8 Ohio State (5:00 PM | 3:05 PM | 1:05 PM)

6. Maryland (22-10, 4-5)

Previous Week Ranking: 3 (-3)

Last Weekend: vs. 6 Indiana (L, 4-15 | L, 2-14 | W, 6-5)

Justification: The Terps took a big hit last weekend, with two home losses to the Hoosiers. They'll look to bounce back next weekend against the Wildcats.

Next Weekend: at 13 Northwestern (4:00 PM | 2:00 PM | 2:00 PM)

7. Purdue (20-12, 5-4)

Previous Week Ranking: 10 (+3)

Last Weekend: at 7 Rutgers (W, 5-3 | W, 8-6 | W, 5-3)

Justification: A road sweep over the Scarlet Knights gave the Boilers a great deal of confidence--and a rankings boost as well. They'll head home next week as they face the Spartans.

Next Weekend: vs. 11 Michigan State (6:00 PM | 3:00 PM | 1:00 PM)

8. Ohio State (13-14, 3-3)

Previous Week Ranking: 8 (No Change)

Last Weekend: at 1 Nebraska (L, 0-3 | L, 3-7 | W, 9-3)

Justification: The Buckeyes went toe-to-toe with the top team in the Big Ten, however it didn't help them much in the standings. They'll have another crack at it next week as they host the Hawkeyes.

Next Weekend: vs. 5 Iowa (6:00 PM | 2:00 PM | 12:00 PM)

9. Rutgers (19-12, 1-5)

Previous Week Ranking: 6 (-3)

Last Weekend: vs. 10 Purdue (L, 3-5 | L, 6-8 | L, 3-5)

Justification: Rutgers' unprecedented fall from grace has been characterized by an offense that has fallen flat ever since the start of conference play. It doesn't get any easier next week, as they host the Cornhuskers.

Next Weekend: vs. 1 Nebraska (6:00 PM | 3:00 PM | 12:00 PM)

10. Penn State (16-12, 4-5)

Previous Week Ranking: 11 (+1)

Last Weekend: vs. 13 Northwestern (W, 8-4 | W, 12-7 | W, 15-1 F/7)

Justification: The first sweep of the Mike Gambino era came in convincing fashion, as the bats heated up despite the cold weather. They'll have a big opportunity to improve in the rankings on the road next week against the Hoosiers.

Next Weekend: at 4 Indiana (6:00 PM | 2:00 PM | 1:00 PM)

11. Michigan State (14-15, 3-3)

Previous Week Ranking: 9 (-2)

Last Weekend: vs. Niagara (W, 9-) | W, 7-6 | L, 6-8)

Justification: The Spartans took on the top team in the MAAC and had the expected result of a close series win. Michigan State heads to West Lafayette next week to take on the Boilermakers and resume conference play.

Next Weekend: at 7 Purdue (6:00 PM | 3:00 PM | 1:00 PM)

12. Minnesota (11-14, 2-4)

Previous Week Ranking: 12 (No Change)

Last Weekend: vs. 5 Illinois (L, 2-11 | L, 4-7 | W, 8-3)

Justification: The Gophers continued to slump last weekend with a series loss to the Illini. Their chance for redemption comes in the form of the Wolverines next weekend in a road test.

Next Weekend: at 2 Michigan (8:00 PM | 2:00 PM | 1:00 PM)

13. Northwestern (10-18, 0-6)

Previous Week Ranking: 13 (No Change)

Last Weekend: at 11 Penn State (L, 4-8 | L, 7-12 | L, 1-15 F/7)

Justification: The Wildcats' conference losing streak was extended to 7 after getting swept by the Nittany Lions. Next up is a home contest against the Terps.

Next Weekend: vs. 6 Maryland (4:00 PM | 2:00 PM | 2:00 PM)