The Dirty Bird: Power Rankings: Week 15: Feb. 21

The number in parenthesis is the previous ranking I gave. Includes games through the 20th.

1. Ohio State (2)

Their loss at Purdue, while not exactly expected, is no big deal for the Buckeyes: everyone loses in West Lafeyette. I have them still above Duke because of their all-around play. Sullinger still put up 25 in the loss to Purdue, and it took a very rare occurence of a TO:FG ratio of 1. Ohio State probably won't do that again. Oh, and it took a career-high 38 from E'Twaun Moore, which won't happen again.

Next week: Feb. 22 vs. Illinois, Feb. 27 vs. Indiana.

2. Duke (5)

Duke was the big winner of the week, even though they played two lackluster opponents in Virginia and Georgia Tech. I still believe this team isn't as complete as Ohio State, and once their shooting goes cold, they could be gone. This week will be a much better indicator of the status of their team at this time.

Next week: Feb. 23 vs. Temple, Feb. 26 @ Virginia Tech.

3. Texas (1)

A loss at Nebraska? Really not expecting that, but it did an important thing for us viewers: showed the extreme importance of Jordan Hamilton. Him aside, the team doesn't really have any prolific scorers (Tristan Thompson, the freshman big, is 2nd with 12.6 PPG). Stop Hamilton, and you have somewhat of a chance of stopping this team, which I before thought was not this easy.

Next week: Feb. 22 vs. Iowa State, Feb. 26 @ Colorado.

4. Pittsburgh (4)

Pitt may have lost to St. John's at MSG, but just add them to the long list. Ashton Gibbs was back, and in full force, scoring 26, but it makes one wonder whether the team is better off without Gibbs or not. With him, their offense seems to become predictable. Time will tell.

Next week: Feb. 24 vs. West Virginia, Feb. 27 @ Louisville.

5. Kansas (3)

The main reason I have Kansas below Pittsburgh is because of the breaking news regarding Tyshaun Taylor. The junior averages 8.8 PPG and 4.7 APG, and he has been indefinitely suspended from the team for violation of team rules. This is a big loss for the Jayhawks, and it puts a lot of pressure on Selby, which I don't know if he can handle.

Next week: Feb. 21 @ Oklahoma State (W, 92-65), Feb. 26 @ Oklahoma.

6. Brigham Young (7)

BYU moves up with the loss by Notre Dame over the weekend, and they have a final test in the MWC before their rematch against San Diego St. in upstart Colorado State. This is a big, big trap game: this Colorado State team, with the weak bubble, has a chance to place themselves firmly in the tournament with a win. It's gonna have to be Jimmer Time...yet again.

Next week: Feb. 23 vs. Colorado St., Feb. 26 @ San Diego St.

7. San Diego State (8)

Unlike the Cougars, San Diego State can look squarely at their rematch against BYU, as their final game before it was a win at Air Force. The five returning starters have a week to prepare for the battle that awaits...and for Jimmer.

Next week: Feb. 26 vs. Brigham Young.

8. Purdue (11)

Purdue was far and away the winner of the week in the Top 25, with extremely good wins against Wisconsin and Ohio State. E'Twaun Moore and JaJuan Johnson are making people all around the country say, "Robbie Hummel who?" But unlike last week, they have to leave West Lafeyette for both of their games.

Next week: Feb. 23 @ Indiana, Feb. 27 @ Michigan State.

9. Notre Dame (6)

Notre Dame's recent grasp on the Big East was released, and forcefully, with a thrashing by West Virginia. Perhaps Tim Abromaitis needs to stop being the cocky player he is. They have a light fare this week, and should secure both wins.

Next week: Feb. 23 @ Providence, Feb. 26 vs. Seton Hall.

10. Wisconsin (10)

Wisconsin had the week expected of them, falling at Purdue and taking down pesky Talor Battle and Penn State. Keaton Nankivil had a big game against Penn State, nailing all five of his treys. This week should be a sweep.

Next week: Feb. 23 @ Michigan, Feb. 27 vs. Northwestern.

11. Georgetown (9)