Wisconsin Moves to 3rd in Polls

(Photo courtesy Geoff Burke, USA Today)

After the dismantling of Illinois, the Badgers finally moved out of that 4^th seed.

Coupled with Ohio State’s two losses, Wisconsin now ranks #3 in both the AP Top 25 and USA Today Coaches Poll. Arizona and Syracuse still rank one and two respectively.

Also ranked in the B1G is Michigan State at number four in both polls, Ohio State at 11 in the AP and 9 in the Coaches, and Iowa at 14 and 16. Michigan is receiving votes in both polls while Illinois is only in the AP.

Let’s look at the games ahead.

Arizona only plays at home against in-state rival Arizona State. That game is on Thursday night. Arizona State is 13-4, but I don’t see the Wildcats having much trouble with them.

Syracuse, on the other hand, has two games starting with a road game tonight at 5-11 Boston College. The one to watch, though, is Saturday as they host #22 Pittsburgh. The Panthers are 15-1 and could provide a challenge.

If Wisconsin can hold serve by winning at Indiana tomorrow and at home against Michigan, there’s a shot at moving up to number two, although it seems unlikely.