By AP
EAST LANSING, MI – Michigan State is now No. 8 in the AP poll, the highest ranking of any Big Ten team.
The Spartans moved up from No. 13 after beating Illinois 26-6 on Saturday, and they caught a break when top-ranked Ohio State lost to Wisconsin and dropped 10 spots.
Michigan State plays at Northwestern next weekend, the Spartans' first trip outside the state of Michigan.
Ohio State's loss was big because the Buckeyes aren't on Michigan State's schedule.
After traveling to Northwestern, the Spartans play on the road again against Iowa. The Hawkeyes also are unbeaten in conference play and ranked No. 13 after beating Michigan 38-28 on Saturday.