By TOM LEA
tlea@espnwisconsin.com

MADISON - Here's a look at my week two Big Ten power poll ballot with a brief explanation for how I voted next to each slot. For a look at the actual ESPN Wisconsin Big Ten power poll click here.

1. Michigan State - Le'Veon Bell and Dion Sims might be the entire Spartans offense. That might be enough.
2. Nebraska - Taylor Martinez threw for five touchdown passes. If that's a sign of things to come expect a very, very tough Nebraska squad in 2012.
3. Wisconsin - I dropped the Badgers one spot simply because I'm convinced the defensive blown coverages will cost UW at least one game.
4. Michigan - The good thing about losing week one is that you get 11 more chances to prove your worth. Michigan will do just that.
5. Ohio State - Braxton Miller had himself a game. He seems as though he'll benefit from Urban Meyer's offensive system.
6. Illinois - Sometimes getting the first win with a new coach is the toughest. The Illini got that out of the way pretty quickly.

7. Iowa - The Hawkeyes looked dead in the water entering the fourth quarter. A resilient win to open the season.
8. Northwestern - Not much defense in the season opener. That will cost the Wildcats games in Big Ten play.
9. Purdue - I like what Robert Marve did, but can it be sustained and can he stay healthy?
10. Minnesota - An ugly win, but it still counts.
11. Penn State - I had the Nittany Lions ranked ninth last week. Now I'm not sure they'll win a game all season.
12. Indiana - They won and I didn't move them up. They're still not good.