Following a rivalry win, Michigan’s goals appear limited to making a bowl game and spoiling opponents’ seasons. Is that something the Wolverines can do while in unusual territory?
Michigan’s 24-17 victory over Michigan State last weekend might not have made national news, but it was a significant win for the Wolverines. With a brutal schedule down the stretch, beating the Spartans was essential for Michigan’s bowl eligibility. Sitting at 5-3, Michigan needs just one more win.
The remaining schedule consists of Oregon, at Indiana, Northwestern, and at Ohio State . With virtually all of Michigan’s preseason goals out the window, there are now two main goals to focus on: making a bowl game and playing spoiler. I feel very optimistic about making a bowl game, as Northwestern has had a rough season to put it lightly. However, can Michigan spoil anyone else’s season?
The Oregon Ducks come to town this weekend as the No. 1 team in the country. Sitting at 8-0 with no ranked teams left on the schedule, the Ducks appear to be a shoo-in for the College Football Playoff (CFP). However, they still have a ton to play for. Indiana, Oregon and Penn State are all undefeated and none of them play each other. Ohio State plays both Penn State and Indiana still and would like to throw a wrench into things. However, Oregon needs to keep winning to have its best chance at a Big Ten Championship.
The Indiana Hoosiers have had a dream season. They could be 9-0 when Michigan travels to Bloomington a week from now. Indiana faces Michigan and Ohio State in back-to-back games with a bye in between. I would be surprised if a two-loss Indiana would make the CFP, so its chances could hinge on beating the Wolverines. Could Michigan spoil Indiana’s hopes and dreams?
Lastly, there is Ohio State. The Buckeyes have looked vulnerable lately with a loss to Oregon and a shockingly narrow escape against Nebraska. With Penn State and Indiana still on the schedule before Michigan, who knows how many losses the Buckeyes may have? If they falter in either contest, Sherrone Moore and company could have the opportunity to knock Ohio State out of the CFP entirely. A win over Ohio State is always sweet, but it could be even sweeter if it ends the Buckeyes’ season for all intents and purposes.
Our question to you today is this: how realistic do you think it is Michigan could spoil Oregon, Indiana or Ohio State’s seasons? Are any of the three beatable? Which team would suffer the most from a loss to unranked Michigan?
Let us know what you think in the comments below.