7. Washington Huskies (5-2)
Last week's ranking: No. 7
Last week's game: L, 24-7 vs Michigan
The Huskies played their ugliest game of the season, but fortunately for them, Nebraska looked even uglier. Still, Washington shouldn't be satisfied with where it stands amongst the rest of the Big Ten. The Dawgs have the talent ceiling to be up there with the programs in the top four, but need to have the consistency and fire to beat teams that are equally as good as them, if not better. They'll have a chance to do that this Saturday against No. 23 Illinois at Husky Stadium.
8. Iowa Hawkeyes (5-2)
Last week's ranking: No. 9 (+1)
Last week's game: W, 25-24 vs Penn State
Iowa is beginning to put things together, as its gutsy win over Penn State proved that its offense led by Mark Gronowski is capable of pulling tricks out of its sleeve. It was a tough decision between Iowa and Minnesota for this No. 8 spot, but they play each other this Saturday to formally decide that. If the Hawkeyes can win, then their following matchup at home against Oregon could be a sneaky game to put on "upset watch."
9. Minnesota Golden Gophers (5-2)
Last week's ranking: No. 10 (+1)
Last week's game: W, 24-6 vs Nebraska
Minnesota's defense controlled the game versus a very good Nebraska offense to earn a ranked win and even a single AP Poll vote of its own. Linebacker Devon Williams and safety Koi Perich are must-watch players on that side of the ball, and the Golden Gophers even have some guys on offense that are capable of playing better than what their results have shown. Watch out for Minnesota, this is a complete team if it can put it all together.
10. Nebraska Cornhuskers (5-2)
Last week's ranking: No. 5 (-5)
Last week's game: L, 24-6 vs Minnesota
Quarterback Dylan Raiola and the Cornhuskers failed to make big plays against Minnesota, as they were held to just 213 total yards and six points. Their third-down efficiency was pitiful, and they couldn't get anything going on the ground. On defense, they struggled to get pressure on the quarterback and committed some costly penalties in crucial moments. As a result, Nebraska lost by three possessions in a game it was favored in by 7.5 points -- a defeat deserving of a five-spot drop in the Big Ten power rankings.
11. Northwestern Wildcats (5-2)
Last week's ranking: No. 13 (+2)
Last week's game: W, 19-0 vs Purdue
Northwestern is becoming one of the best, and most underrated, stories in the Big Ten this season. With much of the talk about how UCLA is turning around its season, people have forgotten that the Wildcats beat them and have now won four straight games to sit at fourth place in the conference standings. Despite once being considered the worst team in the conference, Northwestern now has a resume that stacks up with a powerhouse program like Tennessee -- a real argument to be ranked.
12. UCLA Bruins (3-4)
Last week's ranking: No. 14 (+2)
Last week's game: W, 20-17 vs Maryland
The Bruins are now winners of three straight, effectively reviving a season that could've easily finished with an 0-12 record. Instead 3-1 in the Big Ten, UCLA has a tough road ahead. It faces No. 2 Indiana on the road next, and then has Nebraska, No. 1 Ohio State, Washington, and USC after that. So despite the hot streak, the Bruins will need to step up even more to reach a bowl game.