It may be early in the college basketball season, but the Big Ten pecking order has already begun to take shape.

Star-laden Purdue is no surprise at the top of the pile, but they are joined by a Wisconsin squad that is better than anyone expected.  Northwestern, after losing senior star Kevin Coble and sixth man Jeff Ryan for the season, has been impressive in victories over Notre Dame, Iowa State, and NC State.

The entire conference got a huge prestige boost last week by winning the Big Ten/ACC Challenge 6-5 for the Big Ten's first victory in the decade-old series. Wisconsin and Illinois clinched the win with inspiring efforts against Duke and Clemson.

These power rankings are based on the votes of eight Bleac...

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