College football power rankings: Which of the 6 remaining undefeated teams is superior?

Michigan has dominated, but its non-conference slate remains truly laughable

It has come as quite a shock that Michigan looks every bit the playoff team it did a season ago. Although the Wolverines are going about it differently this year, they are on a shortlist of teams who can realistically make the four-team field, possibly winning it all if they get a favorable draw by the Selection Committee. They might be 7-0, but their non-conference slate was ghastly.

The Wolverines may have hung half a hundred on Colorado State, Hawaii and UConn at home, Head Ball Coach style, but lesser teams in the Power Five could have done that, too. Heading into the final weekend of October, the Wolverines’ best win is a 41-17 drubbing of division rival Penn State. The Nittany Lions were ranked No. 10 at the time and are Michigan’s only win over a top 25.

While Michigan could have at least two more wins over ranked teams before a potential return trip to Indianapolis, they have to win out to have a realistic shot at making the playoff. Yes, they could technically afford a home loss in somewhat of a trap game vs. Illinois on Nov. 19, beat Ohio State in The Horseshoe and then theoretically avenge its home loss to Illinois in Indianapolis to get in.

Too bad close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades; this team has little margin for error.