One team is in while the other is getting closer. With only two weekends left in the regular season, we're getting closer to crowning a Big Ten champ. Wisconsin was able to take care of business in Bloomington, thus giving them the opportunity to defend their title while Nebraska took care of business against Penn State, increasing their chances to represent the Legends division. Check out how much movement occurred in this week's Power Rankings.



12. Illinois - Unless something miraculous happens, the Illini will end their season on a lengthy losing streak. And from that point on, many will wonder what the next step will be for this program. Nathan Scheelhaase did everything he could to pick up a win against the Gophers but a lack of help continues to show in close games. He now sits last among Big Ten quarterbacks in passing touchdowns. If they plan to win another game in 2012, it will have to come this week against Boilermakers. (Last week: #12)



11. Iowa - With their fourth straight loss coming from Purdue, it about officially marked the end of the Hawkeyes' four year bowl streak. In fact, they've made it to the postseason 10 of the past 11 years and haven't finished under .500 since 2000, which was Kirk Ferentz's second season as coach. In their loss against the Boilermakers, Iowa struggled to do much with the ball despite Purdue's 100 yards in penalties and three fumbles. The running game has become extinct since Mark Weisman[/sb]'s injury while [db]James Vandenberg is nothing more than a below par quarterback in a below par conference. Their three-game winning streak against Michigan is in jeopardy. (Last week: #10)



10. Purdue - Welcome back Ralph Bolden. The former starting running back has dealt with injuries his entire career and his time on the sidelines gave players like Akeem Shavers and Akeem Hunt the opportunity to jump Bolden on the depth chart. With only a few games left in his career, Bolden had a "swan song" type of performance with 102 rushing yards on 14 carries. The win ended the five game losing streak and gave the Boilermakers their first conference win of the season. A bowl game is still in play with Illinois and Indiana still left on the schedule.(Last week: 11)



9. Indiana - In possibly the biggest game Bloomington's hosted in years, the Hoosier defense helped the Badgers set a school record. Not exactly what Kevin Wilson was hoping for. Wisconsin's 564 rushing yards is baffling to imagine but when reviewing the numbers, this blowout was coming a mile away. For one, the Hoosiers possessed the worst run defense in the Big Ten before they faced the Badgers. Also with a lot riding on this game, inexperienced showed it's ugly face on the home sideline and creating confusion for a usually deadly offense. Both Cameron Coffman and Nate Sudfeld struggled to get anything going in a critical game. (Last week: #8)



8. Michigan State - Dropping them two spots may seem unfair but every team ahead of them (record wise) is bowl eligible. Something the Spartans haven't achieved just yet. In their final home game, the Wildcats come to town looking to avoid going 0-2 in the state of Michigan. In their most recent game, Sparty's top ranked defense gave up over 200 rushing yards to a mobile quarterback so adjustments will be needed before facing Kain Colter on Saturday. Players like Max Bullough will be heavily relied of against Northwestern's strong running attack.(Last week: #6)



7. Minnesota - When Scheelhaase's pass fell incomplete with no time left, I could only rejoice knowing a class act like Jerry Kill would get an extra game this season with his Gophers. First time being bowl eligible since 2009, a lot of credit goes to the turnaround on defense, where they currently sit fourth in the conference in total defense. Also the emergence of Donnell Kirkwood at tailback has given the offense a go-to option in the backfield. To snag another win before the bowl season will be difficult but not out of the question.(Last week:#9)



6. Northwestern - They were one acrobatic catch away from pulling off an upset in the Big House. It's easy to question some o f the play-calling (Why punt rugby-style on the last kick?) but it's in their best interest to move on and focus on the Spartans. Both Colter and Venric Marksuffered injuries against the Wolverines, which could create some concerns in Evanston. If Colter is limited, Trevor Siemian can step in with ease and lead the offense. The Legends division is no longer an option but a strong finish would provide momentum before postseason play.(Last week: #3)



5. Wisconsin - When Curt Phillips was announced to be the starter against Indiana, it was clear that Montee Ball and James White would be relied on for offensive production. Who knew they'd provide 359 rushing yards and 35 points just between the two of them? The win officially punched the Badgers' ticket to Indy in their quest for another Big Ten title and while a major hurdle has been cleared, the Buckeyes enter Madison this weekend as the true "leader" in the Leaders division. When these two get together, it gets personal and I'm looking forward to another classic in Camp Randall.(Last week: #7)



4. Penn State - Certainly a tough loss to stomach but three teams before them gave up large leads against the Cornhuskers so they're not alone. I still feel Matt Lehman scored midway through the fourth quarter before fumbling the ball but I guess there wasn't enough proof to overturn the call. Taking a positive from a negative, the Nittany Lions have a good looking 'back in sophomore Zach Zwinak. The throwback runner tallied 141 yards and a touchdown in the losing effort and for the second straight week, Zwinak had a career day. The reeling Hoosiers come to town this weekend.(Last week: #5)



3. Michigan - It took a bit of luck and poor execution from Northwestern but Devin Gardner improved to 2-0 since stepping in for the injured Denard Robinson. The talented junior is certainly a better thrower than Robinson and seems to be more ideal in Al Borges' system but the dynamic scrambling ability of "shoelace" is missed. The defense was tested by the Wildcats' running game, giving up nearly 300 yards on the ground, but made big plays when needed including the big fourth-and-two stop in overtime.(Last week: #4)



2. Nebraska - It wouldn't be a Cornhusker win without a double-digit comeback in the second half. Whatever Bo Pelini is saying at halftime seems to be working as they've outscored their opponents 95-37 in the second half of their five Big Ten wins. Taylor Martinez continues to silence his critics (which includes myself ) and put up large numbers through the air. The junior leads the Big Ten in touchdown passes, passing efficiency among Big Ten starters and sits third in passing yards. Only Ohio State' s quarterback has more total yards than this Nebraska QB. (Last week: #2)



1. Ohio State - The long time awaited bye week has come and gone and with only two games left in the season, the Buckeyes have a good shot at perfection. The first 10 wins didn't come easy and one might argue the two toughest teams on their schedule are upcoming. To go 12-0, the defense needs to continue to improve and limit the yards they surrender. The emergence of Ryan Shazier has jump-started this once underachieving group. Braxton Miller has taken a beating this season so hopefully a weekend off was enough to heal some of the pain before the Badgers and Wolverines take their shots at him. (Last week: #1)




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