Northwestern moves to No. 21 in Week 12 Coaches Poll

Following a 21-14 win over the Purdue Boilermakers, Northwestern (8-2 overall, 4-2 Big Ten) moved to No. 21 in the Week 12 Coaches Poll.

The Wildcats jumped three spots in the poll, despite earning a very ugly win against a downtrodden Purdue team that included the benching and return of starting quarterback Clayton Thorson. Last week, Northwestern was ranked No. 24. Interestingly, every team behind Northwestern has already picked up three losses on the year.

Northwestern's next opponent, Wisconsin (8-2, 5-1) stayed ahead of the Wildcats, but just by one spot, at No. 20. Elsewhere in the Big Ten, Ohio State fell one spot to No. 2, passed by Clemson. Fellow undefeated team Iowa jumped two spots to No. 6. Michigan State moved up to No. 9 after a cruising against Maryland. Michigan moved up two spots to No. 13 after just edging out Indiana in two overtimes.

For full poll results, click here.