Big Ten Football Power Rankings Week 12: Michigan State rebounds

Nov 14, 2015; Iowa City, IA, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back LeShun Daniels Jr. (29) heads for the end zone on a 51 yard touchdown run during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Kinnick Stadium. Iowa won 40-35. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

After being No. 2 in our power rankings all season long, the Spartans have had chances to move into the No. 1 spot, but they blew that opportunity a week ago with a road loss to Nebraska. Michigan State responded by playing its best defensive game of the season in a 24-7 win over Maryland, forcing five turnovers and basically locking down Terrapin receivers.

This week is going to be huge, though, as the Spartans will be traveling to Columbus to take on the conference’s top team, the Ohio State Buckeyes. The winner of that game will likely be headed to the Big Ten title game.

Iowa has been the nation’s sweetheart this year. No one expected the Hawkeyes to be much more than an average 7-5ish team, but they have exceeded all prior expectations and have begun the year with a 10-0 mark and a real chance to be 12-0 heading into the Big Ten Championship.

Many can complain about the strength of schedule playing a factor into the hot start, but wins are wins and just because the Hawkeyes don’t play in the overrated SEC doesn’t mean they’re any less impressive.

The roles have reversed from a season ago. Heading into one of the last games of the year with a Big Ten title and College Football Playoff appearance on the line, the Buckeyes are now the heavy favorite over the visiting Spartans.

Last season, Michigan State was the heavy favorite at home against a one-loss Ohio State team, but the Spartans faltered and allowed the Buckeyes to run all over them at home. After a big win over Illinois this week, it’s time to focus on the conference’s biggest game of the year. Will MSU shock the world or will Ohio State take care of business again?