Fansided

5 reasons Michigan can still make the College Football Playoff

By John Buhler

Nov 12, 2016; Iowa City, IA, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh walks the sidelines during their game against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2016; Iowa City, IA, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh walks the sidelines during their game against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 1, 2016; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines wide receiver Amara Darboh (82) makes a touchdown reception in the fourth quarter defended by Wisconsin Badgers cornerback Derrick Tindal (25) at Michigan Stadium. Michigan won 14-7. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 1, 2016; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines wide receiver Amara Darboh (82) makes a touchdown reception in the fourth quarter defended by Wisconsin Badgers cornerback Derrick Tindal (25) at Michigan Stadium. Michigan won 14-7. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Michigan has potentially two more resume boosters left

To appease the College Football Playoff Selection Committee, a prospective Playoff team must put together quality wins late in the season. Michigan has potentially two more resume boosters left on the slate: Ohio State and the Big Ten West Champion.

Technically a win over the Indiana Hoosiers helps somewhat, as Indiana should reach bowl eligibility at 6-6 by crushing in-state rival Purdue at the end of the season. However, it’s all about Michigan beating its arch nemesis Ohio State on Thanksgiving Weekend.

A win over Ohio State, assuming Michigan gets it done against Indiana, would give the Wolverines the Big Ten East division title. Waiting for them in Indianapolis would be presumably the Wisconsin Badgers.

Beating Wisconsin twice in the same season would look very strong in the Selection Committee’s eyes. If it’s not the Badgers that Michigan meets in Indianapolis, a win over presumably ranked Nebraska or even Minnesota would be an additional Playoff resume booster for the 2016 Wolverines.

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