Big Ten Bracket Predictor

So if we go 1-2 down the stretch, we really need Purdue to win out. Either that or have Minnesota beat Wisconsin. Otherwise we tie for 4th with Wisconsin only and lose the tie breaker, which means we don't get a double bye. If Purdue wins out, we finish in a 3 way tie for 4th and win the round Robin tie breaker for the 4th seed. It's crazy that we were in a position to lose 5 out of the last 7 and still get a double bye.
 
There is a small chance there is a 6 way tie for 2nd at 12-6. That would be crazy. We would be the 4 seed if that happens.
 
We can still be the 1 seed if we win out, Maryland loses at home to Illinois (lol) and then beats Indiana. I thought we were mathematically eliminated but I guess not.
 
We can still be the 1 seed if we win out, Maryland loses at home to Illinois (lol) and then beats Indiana. I thought we were mathematically eliminated but I guess not.


Turns out we need Wisconsin to lose a game too. Otherwise we can win out, finish in a 5 way tie for 1st place, and be the 4 seed. How crazy will it be if Wisconsin gets the 1 seed and a share of 1st place? Holy cow that program has a horseshoe up its ***.
 
Before people jump all over me this is an observation not a prediction.

If Iowa, Maryland and Purdue all win this weekend we are the 4 seed...assuming WI beats MN and MSU wins out.
 
Only chance at a double bye now is to win, Maryland beat Indiana, and Purdue beat Wisconsin. There is a decent chance of that. If Maryland loses we drop to a 5 seed but tie for 3rd instead of tie for 4th.
 
At this point, I want Iowa, Indiana and Wisconsin to win.
* Iowa -- obviously. Hawks would be the 5 and, at least, get 1 bye. Then, a very winnable game against either Minny or Illannoy. It also keeps them on Indy's side of the bracket.

* Indiana, hopefully, very decisively over Maryland. Turtles have had their own struggles with consistent play and "star" production during February. I think of all the teams above Iowa (1-Indy, 2-MSU, 3-Wisc, 4-Terps) Hawks could upset Maryland and, at least get another shot at frickin' Hoozshers.

* Wisconsin, simply to knock Purdue off the 4, down to the 6, on the other side of the bracket. I think Purdue is warming up and gaining confidence and, as poorly as Woody has played the last few games and an undersized Wagner, Purdue would overwhelm Iowa.

In this scenario, Iowa goes: bye - Minny / Illannoy - Maryland - Indiana - (most likely, MSU)
-- This is most winnable course in the BTT for Iowa. It allows them to gain some confidence over quality teams; it's an opportunity to exact some revenge; even if the lose (they would) but show well against MSU for the BTT title, it would still boost their dance card to the 4 line and maybe back to Des Moines?

So, this is yet another opportunity for Hawks to grab those lemons and make a little lemonade. Will they finally seize the moment for once this season or will they stay "Iowa" and play 3 more games?
 
At this point, I want Iowa, Indiana and Wisconsin to win.
* Iowa -- obviously. Hawks would be the 5 and, at least, get 1 bye. Then, a very winnable game against either Minny or Illannoy. It also keeps them on Indy's side of the bracket.

* Indiana, hopefully, very decisively over Maryland. Turtles have had their own struggles with consistent play and "star" production during February. I think of all the teams above Iowa (1-Indy, 2-MSU, 3-Wisc, 4-Terps) Hawks could upset Maryland and, at least get another shot at frickin' Hoozshers.

* Wisconsin, simply to knock Purdue off the 4, down to the 6, on the other side of the bracket. I think Purdue is warming up and gaining confidence and, as poorly as Woody has played the last few games and an undersized Wagner, Purdue would overwhelm Iowa.

In this scenario, Iowa goes: bye - Minny / Illannoy - Maryland - Indiana - (most likely, MSU)
-- This is most winnable course in the BTT for Iowa. It allows them to gain some confidence over quality teams; it's an opportunity to exact some revenge; even if the lose (they would) but show well against MSU for the BTT title, it would still boost their dance card to the 4 line and maybe back to Des Moines?

So, this is yet another opportunity for Hawks to grab those lemons and make a little lemonade. Will they finally seize the moment for once this season or will they stay "Iowa" and play 3 more games?

I want Iowa, Maryland and Purdue and the double bye. If we lose the 4-5 game it's to a good Maryland team...and I wouldn't mind another shot at them. I remember Penn State in the BTT last year. I don't want to play any more games that necessary...especially games with zero upside and tons of downside.
 
I want Iowa, Maryland and Purdue and the double bye. If we lose the 4-5 game it's to a good Maryland team...and I wouldn't mind another shot at them. I remember Penn State in the BTT last year. I don't want to play any more games that necessary...especially games with zero upside and tons of downside.

If Purdue wins, they get 5 and Iowa is the 4. Sure, it's a double-bye but you have to play Purdue. (Maryland would be the 3 on the other side of the bracket.)

I just don't think Iowa needs to face Purdue, let alone a 3rd time. Purdue WOULD beat Iowa. Iowa needs to have a little something extra to prove against Maryland and Indiana. Not to mention, beating either of them would be beating a higher seed in the NCAA than Purdue. Definitely Wisconsin over Purdue.

None of this matters if Hawks go "Iowa" at Michigan. They drop to 7th seed and, IF they get past Penn State, they will definitely get rolled by MSU.
 
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