Iowa is currently No. 15 in Pomeroy, so they're not exactly some deep darkhorse. They're very deep and thus well-positioned to survive both the micro (individual games) and macro (entire conference schedule) attrition that is the Big Ten season. Their depth also allows them versatility. They finished 10-10 in Big Ten games last year, in an exceedingly strong league. That included a four-point loss to Indiana (No. 3), two three-point losses to Michigan State (No. 9), and a four-point, double overtime loss at Wisconsin (No. 13). I said last year that I thought they could be top-10 good this year; they've lost two tough games against very good teams so far (I figured with more experience they'd turn the tough losses into wins this year -- they haven't yet and some teams never move past the "losing close to top teams" phase). I don't think they'll win the league but I would not be surprised to see them finish second. I think they might be better than Ohio State as is. I really like them as a sweet sixteen type team, but I can't see them winning the conference. Still a very good team. I just think that Michigan State is winning the conference.