The Ro?Tel Ratings -- MSU is Legend, Sconnie is Leader

We all want Michigan State and Wisconsin.

The first meeting between these two teams was decided by a bolt of lightning. And let's face it, Bret Bielema and Mark Dantonio are as close as the Big Ten comes to showmen. They're an irascible duo who probably have their cardiologists on speed dial.

Who knows what they'll say? Bielema is no stranger to bravado. How could Dantonio top his "My heart is racing" comment from their first meeting?

Wisconsin was beaten on back-to-back heaves or it would be in the BCS conversation. Michigan State might be playing the strongest football in the Big Ten right now. Wisconsin's offense is magnificent. Michigan State's defense just isn't fun to play against.

But yeah, Wisconsin has Penn State in front of it. This is more than a formality. The Penn State product on the field is as mentally tough as it comes after two weeks of pure hell. The Nittany Lions are excellent on defense and are above average on special teams.

Here's part of the Big Ten release explaining what's at stake this weekend at Camp Randall:

Penn State is 6-1 in conference action with one game remaining and earned at least a share of the Leaders Division title with their victory at Ohio State. Wisconsin improved to 5-2 in conference with a win at Illinois to remain in contention for at least a share of the division crown and the berth in the Big Ten Football Championship Game. The Nittany Lions and Badgers are now set to play a winner-take-all regular-season finale when Wisconsin hosts Penn State next Saturday. A PSU win would secure the outright division title and a berth in the title game. A Wisconsin win would mean that both teams share the division title, but the Badgers would represent the Leaders Division in the title game based on winning the head-to-head tiebreaker.

The inaugural Big Ten Football Championship Game will begin at 7:17 p.m. CT on Saturday, December 3, and will be held at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. FOX will serve as the official broadcast partner of the Big Ten Football Championship Games from 2011-16 and Lucas Oil Stadium will host the title games from 2011-15. Ticket blocks are being held for Michigan State and either Penn State or Wisconsin and will be sold through university ticket offices.

So, the Big Ten gets two title games for the price of one, yet another amazingly giant benefit of divisional play.

1. Wisconsin (9-2, 5-2 Big Ten)

I'm afraid if you're not digging the Legends and Leaders, that bank is closed. They're not going anywhere.

Last week: No. 1

Next: vs. Penn State

2.  Michigan State (9-2, 6-1)

Is Mark Dantonio the best coach in the Big Ten right now? Is he a Legend or a Leader? Can we get a decent season finale rival for the Sparty?

Last week: No. 2

Next: at Northwestern

3. Michigan (9-2, 5-2)

From RichRod to the BCS. Someone should write a book. Wait, I'm sure there will be at least six books.

Last week: No. 5

Next: vs. Ohio State

4. Penn State (9-2, 6-1)

Interim coach Tom Bradley impressive in an impossible football situation. I'd endorse him for a head coaching job, but this whole thing has put stink on everyone out there.

Last week: No. 4

Next: at Wisconsin

5. Nebraska (8-3, 4-3)

This was NU's first trip through the Big Ten. That's a lot of new video scouting and tendencies and the like. I think the outsiders, like me, sort of take that for granted. It can't be easy.

Last week: No. 3

Next: vs. Iowa (11 a.m. Friday, ABC)

6. Iowa (7-4, 4-3)

Sometimes yes, I am too close to it. When BTN's Gerry DiNardo said Saturday night that Iowa could win nine games with a young team, it struck me. He's right. This is a young team. Still, the Minnesota game will be flown up the flagpole for awhile.

Last week: No. 8

Next: at Nebraska (11 a.m. Friday, ABC)

7. Ohio State (6-5, 3-4)

I believe the Urban Meyer stuff. Read how he uses language for non-denial denials? It's masterful.

Last week: No. 6

Next: at Michigan

8. Northwestern (6-5, 3-4)

Saw a little Pat Fitzgerald video on Saturday night, rubbing it into the face of those who said the 'Cats weren't bowl-bound. Hey, when he's right, he's right. 'Cats will bowl and maybe Fitzgerald will even enjoy it.

Last week: No. 9

Next: vs. Michigan State

9. Purdue (5-6, 3-4)

Back to Fitzgerald's point on bowls, they're hardly an achievement. Maybe they get you a contract bonus, but they are meaningless. Case in point, Purdue wins this week and is bowl eligible.

Last week: No. 7

Next: at Indiana

10. Illinois (6-5, 2-5)

Probably time to fire Ron Zook. I vote Mark Richt.

Last week: No. 10

Next: at Minnesota

11. Minnesota (2-9, 1-6)

Can Jerry Kill grow this? I'm not saying the Gophers are close, but there have been signs of life.

Last week: No. 11

Next: vs. Illinois

12. Indiana (1-10, 0-7)

I covered a 1-10 Iowa team in Kirk Ferentz's first year. The big difference is Iowa has a tradition that Indiana doesn't. Is Indiana a coaching graveyard? The Big Ten sure hopes it isn't.

Last week: No. 12

Next: vs. Purdue