Detroit News Big Ten Power Rankings: Week 12

1. Michigan (9-1, 7-0) – The Wolverines kept churning toward Indianapolis this week by rolling over Rutgers. There wasn’t going to be much gained out of the victory other than just getting it done and moving on, and that’s what the Wolverines did. One last test awaits at home next week against a sometimes stingy Indiana team before the showdown with Ohio State. Last week: 1.

2. Ohio State (9-1, 6-1) – The Buckeyes’ defense looked far better this week, but it did come against a Michigan State offense that has struggled all season. Offensively the running game was back to ordinary while the Buckeyes took advantage of good field position. They’ll have one more week to get things rolling when they head to Maryland before hosting Michigan. Last week: 2.

3. Northwestern (6-4, 6-1) – The Wildcats long ago put the difficult non-conference season in the rearview mirror. They completed the nearly unthinkable this week by rallying to beat Iowa and clinching the Big Ten West for the first time. The Cats should roll into Indianapolis with plenty of momentum as they get Minnesota and Illinois over the final two weeks. Last week: 3.

4. Michigan State (6-4, 4-3) – The Spartans’ defense continues to play as well as any unit in the country, holding Ohio State 200 yards under its average and giving up just one touchdown. But the offense continues to play poorly, keeping MSU from competing against the best teams in the conference. The final two weeks will provide a chance to improve the Spartans’ bowl position. Last week: 4.

5. Penn State (7-3, 4-3) – The up-and-down season continued for the Nittany Lions as they took advantage of a hurting Wisconsin team to win their third in the last four games. With Rutgers and Maryland left on the schedule, odds are Penn State finishes with nine victories in the regular season and a shot at double-digit wins for the third straight year. Last week: 7.

6. Wisconsin (6-4, 4-3) – The loss of QB Alex Horningbrook continues to hurt the Badgers, who have now lost three of the last five after dropping another decision at Penn State. A chance at winning the West is gone for the Badgers, who head to Purdue next week before closing at home against Minnesota as they try and finish in position for a solid bowl game. Last week: 6.

7. Purdue (5-5, 4-3) – The Boilermakers followed last week’s big win over Iowa by completing arguably their worst performance of the season in a blowout loss at Minnesota. The Boilermakers were on a roll until losing two weeks ago at Michigan State and now head into the final two weeks of the season still looking to become bowl-eligible. Last week: 5.

8. Iowa (6-4, 3-4) – The Hawkeyes were in the thick of the Big Ten West race not that long ago but have now lost three straight and are limping to the finish. The loss at home against Northwestern saw the offense take a week off by scoring just 10 points. With Illinois and Nebraska left, there is at least a chance for the Hawkeyes to finish on a high note. Last week: 8.

9. Indiana (5-5, 2-5) – The Hoosiers kept their bowl hopes alive by ending a four-game skid and winning at Maryland thanks to a field goal late in the fourth quarter. Getting that sixth win won’t be easy as the Hoosiers head to Michigan next week before closing at home against Purdue. Next week also offers an opportunity to play spoiler against the Wolverines. Last week: 10.

10. Nebraska (3-7, 2-5) – The Cornhuskers are finding some momentum late in the season, having won three of the last four after piling up 54 points in a win over Illinois. Freshman QB Adrian Martinez accounted for four touchdowns against the Illini as Nebraska gets set to host Michigan State next week before closing at Iowa. Last week: 12.

11. Maryland (5-5, 3-4) – The Terrapins have now dropped three of the last four after losing on the road late against Indiana. That elusive sixth victory is still out there for the Terps, but they’ll have to get it done next week at home against Ohio State or on the road in the season finale against Penn State. Last week: 9.

12. Minnesota (5-5, 2-5) – After losing four straight to open Big Ten play, the Golden Gophers have now won two of three and are in a position to become bowl-eligible. They’ll have to beat either Northwestern or Wisconsin in the final two weeks, but considering how things were trending a few weeks ago, even getting the opportunity has been a turnaround. Last week: 13.

13. Illinois (4-6, 2-5) – The high of last week’s win disappeared quickly this week as Illinois gave up 54 points in a loss to Nebraska. As bad as the season has been for the Fighting Illini, there is still a chance at a bowl game if they can win the final two games. Of course, that would mean a win at home over Iowa and beating West champion Northwestern on the road. Last week: 11.