Ohio State did Michigan a huge favor Saturday.
By losing 24-21 at Penn State, the then-No. 2 Buckeyes fall from their perch, opening the door for Michigan's poll rise.
The Wolverines (7-0, 4-0 Big Ten) rose to No. 2 in the Associated Press poll, passing the Buckeyes.
Alabama, which beat No. 6 Texas A&M, 33-14, remains No. 1.
Michigan, which beat Illinois 41-8 on Saturday, was No. 4 in the coaches poll last week and No. 3 in the AP behind the Buckeyes and Clemson in the coaches poll and ahead of Clemson in the AP.
U-M also rose to No. 2 in the Football Writers Association of America-National Football Foundation Super 16 poll, released Sunday.
The poll rankings are more cosmetic than substantial at this point, but after Michigan faces Michigan State on Saturday some rankings begin to matter.
Despite losing, the Buckeyes still have better odds to win the national title than the Wolverines.
According to Westgate Las Vegas Superbook, Ohio State is 3/1 to win the title and U-M is 5/1. Alabama remains the favorite at 8/5.
The College Football Playoff rankings will be announced for the first time on Nov. 1 at 7 p.m. on ESPN and then weekly until the final rankings after the conference championship games. Those rankings will determine the four playoff teams.
