Michigan Tries to Avoid Number Two Jinx

Michigan will try to be the first team in three weeks to hold down the second spot in the AP Top 25 poll when the Wolverines (7-0) host the Iowa Hawkeyes (5-2).

Auburn and Florida occupied the number two spot for only one week before giving way. The Tigers were beaten 27-10 by Arkansas and last week, Auburn handed the Gators their first loss of the season, 27-17.

It marked the second time this season that two No. 2 ranked teams lost in back-to-back weeks. Texas and Notre Dame fell from the second spot during the weeks of September 9 and 16th. This is the first time in the history of the AP Top 25 poll that four different teams lost the No. 2 ranking in consecutive weeks.

Only two games feature ranked teams facing each other: No.5 Texas at No. 17 Nebraska and No. 13 Georgia Tech at No. 12 Clemson.

Here's the Corners predictions for this weeks Top 25 battles:

Indiana at Ohio State (1)
Another cruise control victory for the explosive Buckeyes. Winner: Ohio State.

Iowa at Michigan (2)
The Wolverines lead the nation in rush defense as the showdown with Ohio State looms on the horizon. Winner: Michigan.

West Virginia (4) at Connecticut
The Mountaineers are going for a school-record 14th straight victory in this Big East matchup. Should be an easy time. Winner: West Virginia.

Texas (5) at Nebraska (17)
The Longhorns lead the Big 12 in total defense, the Cornhuskers lead in total offense, so something has to give. Look for it to be the Nebraska offense. Winner: Texas.

Louisville (6) at Syracuse
Do you remember when the Carrier Dome was a tough place for visitors to play? Brian Brohm threw for 324 yards last week in his first game back from a thumb injury. Winner: Louisville.

Alabama at Tennessee (7)
The Vols have won nine of their last 11 against the Tide. Erick Ainge is playing at a high level and 'Bama doesn't have the oomph on offense to keep up. Winner: Tennessee.

Tulane at Auburn (8)
Ugly, Ugly, Ugly. Winner: Auburn.

UCLA at Notre Dame (10)
My upset special of the week. Nobody is giving the Bruins a chance, despite the fact their defense is rated ninth in the nation. The Irish are giving up 134 yards a game on the ground. Look for Chris Markey to have a big game. Winner: UCLA.

Washington at California (11)
The Bears are loaded with weapons and the Huskies' only one - QB Isaiah Stanback - is out for the season. Winner: California.

Georgia Tech (13) at Clemson (12)
This is a battle between the two most consistent teams in the ACC. Calvin Johnson and company must solve the Tigers defense or it could be a long day. Give it to the home squad. Winner: Clemson.

Fresno State at LSU (14)
At least Fresno State will get a huge paycheck from this game. Winner: LSU.

Mississippi at Arkansas (15)
The Razorbacks are playing solid football under the direction of freshman Mitch Mustain. The hogs have won four of the last five against the Rebels. Winner: Arkansas.

Oregon (16) at Washington State
Potent Duck offense, first in the Pac-10, invades Pullman. Winner: Oregon.

Boise State (18) at Idaho
The Broncos have slowly but surely become the best of all the mid-major schools. Winner: Boise State.

Rutgers (19) at Pittsburgh
My how times have changed. The Scarlet Knights are six point favorites on the road against the Panthers. Greg Schiano should be given the key to New Jersey. Winner: Rutgers.

Colorado at Oklahoma (20)
Even without Adrian Peterson and Rufus Alexander the Sooners have enough to beat the Buffaloes. Winner: Oklahoma.

Wisconsin (21) at Purdue
P.J. Hill is the latest in a long line of successful backs for the Badgers. The Boilermaker defense is a sieve just waiting to give up points in bunches. Winner: Wisconsin.

Boston College (22) at Florida State
This isn't your dad's Seminole team, but with Eagles QB Matt Ryan possibly on the shelf, FSU should pull of the small upset at home. Winner: Florida State.

Texas A&M (23) at Oklahoma State
Head coach Dennis Franchione is getting the job done in College Station with Bobby Reid as the leader. Winner: Texas A&M.

Kansas State at Missouri (24)
The Tigers have a strong defense and a dynamic multi-threat quarterback in Chase Daniel. Winner: Missouri.

The Corner Lowdown:
Last week: 17-2
Overall: 76-16

college football AP Top 25 Michigan Wolverines


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