Michigan Wolverines Quietly Continue To Climb College Football Playoff Rankings
While much of the national conversation has focused on other contenders, the Michigan Wolverines have been quietly making a move up the College Football Playoff rankings. After the second edition of the rankings was released Tuesday night, Michigan finds itself in a surprisingly strong position with its destiny still very much in its own hands.
Michigan Wolverines Climb During a Bye Week
The Wolverines were idle in Week 11, but that didn’t stop them from improving their standing. Thanks to a chaotic weekend of college football that saw several teams ahead of them lose, Michigan jumped three spots from its initial No. 21 ranking to its current position at No. 18.
This upward movement puts them in the thick of the race for one of the coveted 12 playoff spots. The Wolverines are currently one spot behind No. 17 USC, the team that handed them one of their two losses earlier this season. Their other loss came at the hands of Oklahoma, who currently sits at No. 11. Despite those early-season setbacks, Michigan has positioned itself for a strong finish.
The Path to the Playoff
Looking ahead, Michigan’s path to a playoff berth is clear, albeit challenging. The Wolverines control their own destiny, with three critical games remaining on their schedule. They will face and easy Big Ten schedule, Northwestern and Maryland, in the coming weeks before their highly anticipated regular-season finale against rival Ohio State.
Winning out is the most straightforward path. A 10-2 Michigan team with a victory over a highly-ranked Ohio State would have a compelling case for inclusion. This scenario would give the Wolverines the marquee win they currently lack and would almost certainly vault them into the top 12.
Navigating the Big Ten Chaos
The results of the Big Ten championship race will also have a significant impact on Michigan’s fate. The Wolverines are in a three-way battle for positioning with USC and Oregon. If USC wins out, including a potential victory over Oregon, all three teams could finish with a 10-2 record. In that scenario, Michigan’s win over Ohio State would likely give them a stronger resume than Oregon, boosting their chances.
Alternatively, if Oregon were to beat USC, Michigan would finish ahead of the Trojans, provided they also win their remaining games. No matter how it plays out, the formula for the Wolverines is simple: keep winning. If they can take care of business over the next three weeks, their dream of a playoff appearance could very well become a reality.
