Northwestern (8-2 overall, 4-2 Big Ten) rose to No. 20 in the Week 12 AP Poll, following a 21-14 win over Purdue on Saturday.
The Wildcats moved upfrom No. 24, where the program stood in this poll last week. In the Coaches Poll released earlier Sunday, Northwestern was ranked No. 21.
Northwestern's next opponent, Wisconsin (8-2, 5-1), is ranked just behind the Wildcats at No. 21 after a bye week. Undefeated Ohio State and Iowa are at No. 2 and No. 6, respectively. Michigan State moved back into the top 10 at No.