Michigan State froze out Penn State in a key outdoor game

Two of the biggest names in the Big Ten took it outside this weekend as Penn State hosted Michigan State at Beaver Stadium. The Spartans got the ‘W’ and put a stamp on matters by winning on the Friday indoors, as well. But it won’t be the only time we see them in a marquee match-up: Michigan State is slated to play North Dakota in Austin, Texas next season in what should be another fun clash.

Neutral-location games and tournaments have been a cool part of the college schedule in recent years, including forays into Ireland. Would they ever venture up to Canada, given how many players are now hailing from the Great White North? It might be controversial to stomp on major junior turf, but it might also be fun.

In the meantime, here’s a look at the top teams in the nation right now:

1. Michigan Wolverines (22-4-0)

Back off a bye week, the Wolverines suffered no rust, knocking over Ohio State in two straight. Senior T.J. Hughes leads the team in scoring with 38 points in 26 games and he’ll be a college free agent to watch once the season is done. His hockey IQ is excellent, though pace might be an issue at the next level.

2. Michigan State Spartans (21-5-0)

Sweeping Penn State made a pretty big statement: The Big Ten is officially a two-horse race. Luckily for the Spartans, they get another crack at the other titan when they face Michigan next weekend. Charlie Stramel (MIN) had a hat trick in the outdoor game against the Nittany Lions and continues his red-hot campaign.

3. North Dakota Fighting Hawks (20-6-0)

The class of the NCHC right now had the weekend off and will hit the road for a series against Minnesota-Duluth next week. That’ll be a good challenge for the Fighting Hawks, who have a coveted free agent of their own in defenseman Jake Livanavage. His all-around game has really improved over the years and it may land him an NHL deal.

4. Providence College Friars (16-7-2)

The Friars only played once this weekend, a 3-2 overtime victory over Maine. But that pushed their win streak to seven games and their February schedule is very favorable. Could we finally see someone taking the reins in Hockey East? Roger McQueen (ANA) still leads the offense with 23 points in 25 games.

5. Quinnipiac Bobcats (20-5-3)

A blowout win over St. Lawrence followed by a tie/shootout loss to Clarkson keeps the Bobcats on the plus side of things and it’s hard to see that changing too much down the stretch unless something drastic happens. With Ethan Wyttenbach (CGY) now leading the nation in scoring with 41 points in 28 games, they’ll probably be fine, though.

6. Denver Pioneers (16-11-2)

If you don’t like how the NCHC is looking, just wait a week. Denver is back in the top 10 here after sweeping Minnesota-Duluth and have now won four of five. The Pioneers are a veteran squad who know how to win a title, it’s just a matter of putting it all together now. Defenseman Eric Pohlkamp (SJ) leads the team in scoring with 28 points in 29 games.

7. Cornell Big Red (16-5-0)

The bears of Ithaca picked up two wins on the weekend, meaning they lost only one game in all of January – and that was to Quinnipiac. Cornell is led offensively by Jonathan Castagna (UTA) and Ryan Walsh (BOS), both of whom are putting up a point per game or better. Alexis Cournoyer (MTL) remains hot in the crease.

8. Western Michigan Broncos (19-7-0)

A loss to last-place Omaha was pretty shocking, but off nights can happen to anyone. Still, the Broncos have to get dinged for such a transgression. That setback snapped a 10-game win streak for both Western Michigan and star goaltender Hampton Slukynsky (LA). Let’s see what they do against Miami next weekend.

9. Penn State Nittany Lions (18-8-0)

The Nittany Lions ran into some cold reality on the weekend – and I’m not talking about the weather in Happy Valley. Getting swept by Michigan State drops them a tier and now they have two weeks to think about the top-ranked Wolverines, their next opponent. At least Gavin McKenna (2026 draft) stuck up for Aiden Fink (NSH) when he was drilled by Cayden Lindstrom (CBJ).

10. Connecticut Huskies (15-7-3)

Honestly, the Huskies benefitted from simply not playing this weekend: Other programs lost or split, while UConn had a bye. They only have one game next weekend, against Northeastern, so this will be a rested squad down the stretch. Tyler Muszelik (FLA) has been a great story in net with a .930 save percentage.