The Michigan Wolverines faced in-state opponent Central Michigan on Saturday and took care of business in dominating fashion, 63-3. The win was easily Michigan's most impressive game of the season.
After dropping in the associated press Top 25 ranking in each of the first two weeks, the Wolverines climbed the rankings for the first time after their 60-point win on Saturday.
Michigan jumped from No. 23 to No. 21 in the AP poll this week after four different Top 25 teams lost and either dropped out of the rankings or below the Wolverines.
Michigan Climbs to No. 21
The Wolverines opened the season ranked No. 14 in the AP poll. However, after a non-convincing win over New Mexico, Michigan dropped a spot.
Then, the Wolverines traveled to Oklahoma and couldn't keep up with the Sooners, falling 24-13, and dropped eight spots to No. 23.
But, this weekend Michigan seemed to find something on offense, with freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood utilizing his legs more.
After just five rushes for negative yardage, including two sacks, through the first two weeks, Underwood carried the ball nine times for 114 yards on Saturday, and the Wolverines put up 63 points.
Keep moving forward pic.twitter.com/yciuPgwiYW
— Michigan Football (@UMichFootball) September 14, 2025
Now, Michigan will open its Big Ten conference schedule against Nebraska on Saturday. The Wolverines will travel to Lincoln to face an undefeated Cornhuskers team.
Nebraska took care of business in the non-conference part of its schedule, which will set up a key game for both teams. A win for Nebraska would likely move them into the Top 25, while a win for Michigan could push them back into the Top 20.
The Big Ten has had another strong start to 2025, with seven teams in the Top 25, including four in the Top 10. The SEC leads the pack with 11 Top 25 teams and the ACC and Big 12 are tied behind the Big Ten with three teams each.