New York ? The top two teams in the Big Ten are now the top two teams in the country.

Michigan jumped to No. 2 in the Associated Press Top 25 on Sunday to become the fifth team this season to hold the spot directly behind top-ranked Ohio State.

The Wolverines hopped over No. 3 Southern California to reach their highest ranking since they were No. 1 in 1997.

The Buckeyes also are No. 1 in the first BCS rankings of the season, released Sunday. USC is No. 2, and Michigan is No. 3.

The Buckeyes and Wolverines play in Columbus on Nov. 18. If the archrivals can avoid a major upset before then, the winner of that game is all but assured of a spot in the title game.