Editor’s note: Every week, The Daily Illini football staff ranks the football teams in the Big Ten 1-12 and compiles the lists into its own Big Ten power rankings.

1. Ohio State (Last week: 1)

T2. Wisconsin (3)

T2. Michigan State (2)

Sparty may have just clinched its ticket back to Indianapolis. With its 41-28 victory over Nebraska, Michigan State holds a two-game lead in the Legends division over Minnesota. The Spartans would have to lose its last two games against Northwestern and Minnesota as well as have the Gophers beat Wisconsin this weekend to miss out on the Big Ten Championship game. For a team that didn’t face Ohio State this year, a showdown with the Buckeyes in Indy could validate the Spartans’ BCS dreams.

4. Minnesota (5)

5. Nebraska (4)

6. Michigan (6)

7. Iowa (7)

8. Penn State (8)

9. Indiana (T9)

Indiana’s explosive offense was held in check for the first time this season when the Hoosiers were blown out 51-3 at Wisconsin. It was the first time this season that Indiana had been held under 28 points. Things don’t get any easier for the Hoosiers as they travel to Columbus, Ohio to take on the undefeated Buckeyes. Indiana will need both sides of the ball to step up against an Ohio State team that hasn’t lost since New Year’s Day 2012. 

10. Northwestern (T9)

The Cardiac Cats are back again this week, but the result stays the same for Northwestern. After losing on a Hail Mary the week before, Northwestern dropped the decision to Michigan in triple overtime after the Wolverines chipped in a field goal as time expired in regulation. After a 4-0 start, Northwestern has lost four consecutive games by eight points or less and six straight overall. Hosting Michigan State this weekend, the Wildcats may need to look ahead to a trip to Champaign against Ilinois to break the losing skid.

11. Illinois (11)

12. Purdue (12)