New AP Poll sets up top 12 battle between Michigan, MSU on Saturday

DETROIT – The new Associated Press Poll released Sunday afternoon sets up a top 12 battle between rivals Michigan and Michigan State in the Big House on Saturday.

Michigan, which recorded a third straight shutout in a 38-0 waxing of No. 13 Northwestern, jumped to No. 12 in the latest poll. The Wolverines have won five games in a row and outscored their last three opponents by a combined score of 97-0.

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The ranking is Michigan's highest since Week 3 of 2013, when it climbed to No. 11 in the country with a win over Notre Dame.

Michigan State fell to No. 7 in the poll after holding on to beat Rutgers, 31-24, Saturday night. The Scarlett Knights tied the game late in the fourth quarter but gave up an MSU touchdown in the final minute as the upset bid fell short.

The in-state battle will also have major implications in the Big Ten East race, which features the conference's top three teams (including Ohio State).

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