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Top 5 Big 10 Title Contenders Entering Conference Play

Big 10 Title Contenders

Big 10
Mike Walker -- USA TODAY Sports

The road to the Big 10 men's basketball championship is wide open. It appears Michigan and Michigan State have faded from previous years (although both could be dark horse candidates), and there are numerous other teams waiting to claim the throne. Here are five teams to keep an eye on as Big 10 conference play starts up.

5. Maryland

Maryland men's basketball
Mike Walker -- USA TODAY Sports

5. Maryland

Maryland men's basketball
Mike Walker -- USA TODAY Sports

One of the Big 10's two new teams is off to a blazing 13-1 start. including a thrilling double-overtime win over Michigan State. The Terrapins' non-conference schedule is weak, but they were competitive with Virginia in the ACC-Big 10 Challenge.

4. Penn State

Penn State men's basketball
Rich Barnes -- USA TODAY Sports

4. Penn State

Penn State men's basketball
Rich Barnes -- USA TODAY Sports

The Nittany Lions have a big test ahead against Wisconsin, but they still got off to a 12-1 start this season and a 7-0 mark in games played at the University Park home campus. Some of the wins have been ugly, but Penn State is getting the job done in the early part of the season.

3. Indiana

Indiana men's basketball
Anthony Gruppuso -- USA TODAY Sports

3. Indiana

Indiana men's basketball
Anthony Gruppuso -- USA TODAY Sports

Before anyone clamors for Tom Crean's head on a silver platter, here's some food for thought: The Hoosiers went 10-3 in non-conference play and knocked off Butler in a battle of Indiana schools. They also have beaten SMU, another top 25 program. This team is better than people think and could play spoiler as conference play starts.

2. Ohio State

Ohio State men's basketball
Joseph Maiorana -- USA TODAY Sports

2. Ohio State

Ohio State men's basketball
Joseph Maiorana -- USA TODAY Sports

The Buckeyes may have gotten off on the wrong foot against Iowa this week, but Ohio State is showing signs of shaking off the rust from last year's NCAA debacle against Dayton. Ohio State has losses to North Carolina and Louisville but otherwise looks impressive in the early going.

1. Wisconsin

Wisconsin men's basketball
Mary Langenfeld -- USA TODAY Sports

1. Wisconsin

Wisconsin men's basketball
Mary Langenfeld -- USA TODAY Sports

There will be many people very surprised if the Badgers aren't involved in the Big 10 hunt. With Frank Kaminsky leading the way, Wisconsin has been quite strong in the early going. One 10-point loss to powerhouse Duke is all that separates Wisconsin from perfection.

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