The College Football Playoff rankings come out tonight for the first time this year, and it’s time to start thinking about what the bracket is going to look like.
We took a look into some of the wildest scenarios that could come about with teams like Duke, Houston, Missouri and Cincinnati sneaking into the playoff picture.
Here’s how Michigan can sneak in.
Michigan 7-2 (5-1)
The Wolverines started the year off fairly slow as true freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood was still trying to find his legs in the world of college football. They had a sketchy win against New Mexico to open the year, an ugly loss versus a tough Oklahoma defense in Norman, and then dominated Central Michigan to round out their non-conference schedule.
Michigan then went on the road for an old-fashioned battle with a rising Nebraska team. And while Underwood should have been the star in that one, he was underwhelming. However, Justice Haynes took the reins running for 149 yards and a touchdown to boost the Wolverines to a win.
Then, after it cruised to a victory over Wisconsin, Michigan struggled to find any offense against USC, posting a measly 13 points against a middle of the pack defense. The Wolverines then rattled off three straight wins against Washington, Michigan State and Purdue to get back into the Top 25.
The Wolverines have used a strong rushing attack headlined by Alabama transfer Justice Haynes and sophomore Jordan Marshall. However, Haynes recently underwent surgery, and his estimated return date is unknown.
With this in mind, Underwood will have to be better at passing, which he really hasn’t been over the last couple of games, throwing for just a total of 251 yards and a pick over his last two games.
Marshall will be the lead back for the time being after splitting carries with the now injured Haynes. He was dominant against Purdue last week, rushing for 185 yards and three touchdowns on 25 carries. He currently ranks 26th is rushing yards with 729.
It's going to be something to note to see how Michigan changes its game plan with one of its star backs now injured. However, all the Wolverines need to do is win, and it seems like it's more probable than not.
Michigan has two road games remaining against Northwestern and Maryland, and ESPN gives them about an 80% chance to win each. Then, the Wolverines go back to The Big House for The Game against The Ohio State University.
While it may seem like a daunting task, Michigan has beaten its No. 1 rival now for four straight years. And yes, the law of large numbers tells us that Ohio State will eventually get one, but will it be this year? Probably. But we’re not here for realism. We’re here for crazy, and this would be crazy. If Michigan beats Ohio State, it would be 10-2 with just one conference loss. This puts it at least into the Top 4 of the conference, no matter what.
Now, how can the Wolverines find themselves back in the Big 10 Championship, just one year removed from a five loss season? Here’s how:
MICHIGAN (FINAL RECORD: 11-2, 9-1)
Michigan wins its final three games versus Northwestern, Maryland and Ohio State. The Wolverines beat the Buckeyes for the fifth straight year to find itself in the Big 10 Championship game against an undefeated Hoosier squad. The Wolverines HAVE to win this game in order to make the playoffs.
INDIANA (FINAL RECORD: 12-1, 9-1)
Indiana has no effect on whether Michigan makes the conference championship. It beats Penn State, Wisconsin and Purdue in its final three games to make the conference championship. In this scenario, Indiana loses to Michigan in the final game before the playoffs, but it stays in the playoff picture.
OHIO STATE (FINAL RECORD: 11-1, 8-1)
Ohio State has four games remaining on its schedule. The Buckeyes take care of business in weeks 11, 12 and 13 beating some lesser Big 10 opponents.
However, Michigan, in this scenario, beats Ohio State to earn a spot in the Big 10 Championship game. The Buckeyes end with one loss right at the end of the year, falling out of the championship game. They still get into the playoffs with an at-large bid for the second straight year.
OREGON (FINAL RECORD: 10-2, 7-2)
With Ohio State’s loss to Michigan, all Oregon would need to do is win out. However, for three of the last four years, the Ducks have lost to Washington. It wouldn’t be the first time Washington beat Oregon to potentially earn a playoff spot, and it probably won’t be the last.
Oregon loses to Washington in its final game of the season creating a nerve-wracking watch party for the final rankings release.
USC (FINAL RECORD: 9-3, 7-2)
USC is the biggest wild card in this scenario since it's the only one that currently has a win over Michigan. The Trojans matchup with Northwestern and Iowa in Weeks 11 and 12 and take care of business there. Oregon, however, beats them, and the Trojans lose control of their own destiny in the final two weeks.
They beat UCLA in the final game of the season, and they end up in a decent bowl game.
It’s not the easiest path to the postseason, but it’s a path. Haynes’ injury is troublesome for the Wolverines, and it could put more pressure on Underwood to propel the Wolverines to wins in these late season games. Underwood has 1,671 passing yards and 11 total touchdowns, seven of which were passing, and Michigan ranks just 84th in team passing efficiency.
Now, will this happen? We don’t know, BUT, it’s been a crazy season, and this is just one of several crazy scenarios that could happen heading into this year's playoffs.