Michigan among biggest climbers in Week 5 AP Top 25 poll

Michigan got a much-needed win last Saturday in Ann Arbor, taking down the USC Trojans 27-24. The Wolverines move to 3-1 on the season and are entering their fifth home game in a row this weekend.

This win over a solid Trojans team has caught the eyes of AP Poll voters, who moved Michigan up six spots from No. 18 to No. 12. Fellow Big Ten opponent Illinois was another big climber this week, moving up five spots to No. 19 after defeating Nebraska in a thriller last Friday.

A huge reason the Wolverines were able to pull out this victory was a dominant running performance. Michigan outgained USC by almost 200 yards on the ground, thanks to a stellar game from Kalel Mullings who had 159 yards and two touchdowns. Donovan Edwards also chimed in with 74 rushing yards and a touchdown.

The Wolverines also made some big defensive plays when it mattered. A pick-six from star cornerback Will Johnson proved to be the difference in this game, which was also the first interception thrown by USC quarterback Miller Moss this season.

Michigan shifts its focus to another home game against Minnesota for The Little Brown Jug. The Golden Gophers are coming off a 31-14 loss against Iowa last week, so it will be interesting to see if the Maize and Blue can keep things rolling after a big win.