ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- John Beilein acknowledged Monday afternoon that he had quite a few text messages on his phone.

The Michigan coach just hadn't checked them yet.

"I've been absorbed in Northwestern tape," Beilein said.

The Wolverines are No. 1 in The Associated Press' college basketball poll for the first time since their Fab Five days 20 years ago, but Beilein is determined not to get carried away with all this recognition.

Michigan took over the top spot after a 74-60 victory at Illinois on Sunday night. Next up on the schedule is Northwestern, and there's no reason for the routine to change.