Everything seemed to be going well for coach Tom Izzo and Michigan State. His Spartans (19-3, 7-2 Big Ten) were off to the best start in school history through 21 games and had played their way back onto the national stage, gaining a No. 8 national ranking.

Following No. 14 Indiana’s loss to No. 8 Wisconsin on Thursday, Michigan State was also poised to regain control of the Big Ten standings. That was, of course, before it traveled to Penn State, where the Spartans suffered a surprising 85-76 loss to the Nittany Lions (11-10, 3-6).

“Very disappointing,” Izzo said. “We didn’t respect a team we should have respected and we came away with a loss.”

While the Spartans still shot 47 percent from the field, the team had difficulty finding good shots and was a dismal 14 percent from beyond the arc. Player of the Year candidates Drew Nietzel and Raymar Morgan struggled, going a combined 6 of 21 from the field.

The loss raised nagging questions regarding Michigan State’s toughness and leadership. The Spartans’ two conference losses have come to unranked opponents, which have been able to capitalize on the team’s lack of inside presence. Against the Nittany Lions, Michigan State got to the free throw line only 21 times compared with Penn State’s 51 attempts,

“I don’t think we have had the consistent leadership,” Izzo said. “We’re not nearly as tough as some of the teams inside … We’re a good team, but there are a lot of good teams, it’s about who’s left standing.”

The schedule doesn’t get any easier for the now-No. 11 Spartans. After playing Northwestern at home this weekend, the Spartans take on No. 24 Purdue and Indiana, both on the road, which could do a lot to clear up a murky Big Ten picture.

butch perfect leader of badgers

Wisconsin’s ascent into the upper echelons of the Big Ten has been a quiet one. They may not have the star power of Indiana or the name recognition of Michigan State, but you can always expect the Badgers to compete hard and win tough. Much like their star center, Brian Butch.

A high-school All American, Butch came to Madison Wis., with high expectations. Yet injuries plagued the 6-foot-11 Wisconsin native early in his career, forcing him to redshirt his freshman year and leading many to write off his once promising career as over.

Despite his doubters, Butch continued to work hard, developing as a strong inside presence with a good shooting rage.

Finally free from injury, Butch has blossomed, transforming himself into the heart and soul of the Big Ten’s best defensive team.

“He’s a guy that has stayed true to the game,” coach Bo Ryan said. “He hasn’t tried to do things that he can’t and continues to develop.”

Now in his fifth year, Butch is averaging a solid 13.2 points and 7.7 rebounds, third in the conference, for the Badgers (18-3, 8-1), who will look to avenge their Jan. 26 loss to Purdue when the teams meet in Madison on Saturday.

Like its center, Wisconsin will continue to fly under the radar, but if Thursday’s sizable victory over Indiana is any indication, the Badgers will be the team to beat in the Big Ten.

Notes

The Big Ten Co-Players of the Week were Indiana senior forward D.J. White and Purdue freshman guard E’Twaun Moore … Purdue and Wisconsin sit atop the Big Ten standings at 8-1 … Purdue cracked the top 25 this week, joining Indiana, Wisconsin and Michigan State.

Reach James Graham at [email protected]