Penn State failed to knock off their third consecutive ranked opponent, getting bested 69-66 by the undefeated and likely new #1, Ohio State Buckeyes, but the Nittany Lions have defintely opened some eyes in Big Ten country.
Penn State fell to 10-7 overall, 3-3 in Big Ten play, and have very little chance of playing in the post-season, however they are serving as a clear indication of just how deep and competitive the Big Ten is in the final year before becoming the
twelve-team "Big Ten."
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| Battle has kept PSU surprisingly competitive |
Senior Talor Battle has been valiant, averaging a conference best 20.9 ppg, despite the intense focus he attracts from every opponent they face. In a conference with Jared Sullinger, David Lighty, Demetri McCamey, Kalin Lucas, John Lueur, E'Twan Moore and JuJuan Johnson cracking first team All-Conference might be a tall order, but Battle certainly merits some strong consideration. Since being pummeled early in the season by Mississippi and Maryland, the Nittany Lions have been competitive in every contest, losing by no more than eights points in any of their five other losses. Battle has been the primary reason why.
The Big Tem schedule offers very few "off" nights. As tough an opponent as Penn State has been, they are still no better than eighth or ninth in the eleven team league. Up next they begin a brutal four game stretch that includes tips to Purdue and Illinois, as well as a visit from Wisconsin. It's unlikely they'll fare any better than 1-3, however given their recent play, it's hard to count them completely out of any contest. The Big Ten's elite have certainly been served notice that the Nittany Lions are no longer an easy win.
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