AP Top 25 Poll Week 14: Michigan Jumps Past Alabama and Cincinnati; Climbs 4 Spots to No. 2

(Photo : Mike Mulholland/Getty Images) ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - Hassan Haskins #25 of the Michigan Wolverines carries the ball into the end zone for a touchdown in the third quarter against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Michigan Stadium on November 27, 2021 in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Michigan and Oklahoma State were the big winners in college football after Week 13. The Wolverines were rewarded in the polls ahead of Week 14, with Michigan moving up to second in the updated Associated Press (AP) Top 25 rankings. Oklahoma State's stock also rose after Week 13, with the Cowboys soaring to the fifth spot.

Michigan jumps four spots after win vs Ohio State

Michigan finally recorded a signature win this season, with the Wolverines defeating the Ohio State Buckeyes, 42-27, in Week 13. Michigan dominated Ohio State in their much-anticipated top-5 matchup to jump into second place in the college football rankings. It was a big win for the Wolverines, who defeated their archrivals for the first time since 2011.

Hassan Haskins stole the show for Michigan, tying a school record with five rushing touchdowns. He ran for 169 yards on 28 carries, helping Michigan win the Big Ten East title. Haskins scored a go-ahead touchdown late in the first half and racked up four more scores after the halftime interval to seal the win for Michigan.

Michigan's defense also stepped up big time in the Week 13 win, with Aidan Hutchinson taking center stage. The newly crowned Defensive Player of the Year of the Big Ten conference recorded three sacks against Ohio State. That helped Hutchinson set a new school record for sacks in a single season with 13.

Michigan's 15-point win over Ohio State was enough for them to wrest the No. 2 spot away from Alabama. The Crimson Tide looked far from impressive in Week 13 as they needed four overtime periods to defeat Auburn, 24-22. Alabama dropped to No. 4 as a result of that narrow win. Cincinnati jumped to No. 3 following the Bearcats' 35-13 win over the East Carolina Pirates.

Oklahoma State enters top 5 after upset win over Oklahoma

Oklahoma State barged into the top 5 of the college football rankings after an impressive 37-33 win over Oklahoma in Week 13. It was a massive win for the Cowboys, who improved to 11-1 for the season.

Oklahoma State finished the game like a house on fire, outscoring Oklahoma, 13-0, in the final quarter to turn a 33-24 deficit into a four-point win in the end. Spencer Sanders was superb for the Cowboys, completing 19 of 30 passes for 214 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions against Oklahoma.

Sanders also did some damage on the ground, running for 93 yards and a score on 16 carries. The Cowboys benefited from Ohio State's shocking loss to the Michigan Wolverines in Week 13. The Buckeyes plummeted to No. 7 because of that heavy defeat.

The Georgia Bulldogs remained on top of the AP rankings after a comprehensive 45-0 win over the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in Week 13. It was another shutout win for the Bulldogs, who led the nation in several defensive categories this season.