College Football Playoff: How a 16-team bracket would play out

7. Michigan Wolverines vs. 10. Florida Gators

After what happened to the Michigan Wolverines in their regular-season finale and rivalry matchup with Ohio State, it’s hard not to think less of Jim Harbaugh’s team. This was supposed to be the year that, even playing in Columbus and even with the Buckeyes’ upside, that the Wolverines would be able to swing the rivalry back in their direction. Instead, Michigan went on the road and got embarrassed as the “best” defense in the country got more than 60 points hung on them in a loss.

Following that type of game, it’s honestly difficult to favor them over most teams.

Having said that, in a game that we will actually get to see in the Peach Bowl this year without the 16-team College Football Playoff being a reality, this Michigan team gets to go up against a Florida Gators team that has plenty of questions of their own.

Make no mistake, the institution of Dan Mullen in Gainesville has the Gators playing miles better than they would have ever done under Jim McElwain’s watch. Having said that, the personnel of this team, specifically on offense, still leaves Florida with a group that can only be described as wildly inconsistent.

Despite how poor the performance of Michigan’s defense was against Ohio State, I like that unit to carry the Wolverines in this game. Feleipe Franks has proven to be a liability at times and, with the pressure Michigan can dial up, that would help them get just enough of an edge in a defensive struggle to pick up the win.

Prediction: Michigan 20, Florida 16