BREAKING: Michigan No. 3 In Latest College Football Playoff Rankings
The college football Gods have smiled upon Ann Arbor once again, as the stage is set for what is the biggest game of the season between Michigan and Ohio State this weekend. The Wolverines and the Buckeyes will enter the matchup within the top-four of the College Football Playoff rankings, and will compete for a shot at playing for the Big Ten Championship and quite possibly the national championship.
Here's a look at the full rankings that were released on Tuesday night.
- Georgia
- Ohio State
- Michigan
- Washington
- Florida State
- Oregon
- Texas
- Alabama
- Missouri
- Louisville
- Penn State
- Ole Miss
- Oklahoma
- LSU
- Arizona
- Oregon State
- Iowa
- Notre Dame
- Kansas State
- Oklahoma State
- Tennessee
- NC State
- Tulane
- Clemson
- Liberty
Michigan and Ohio State met last year in Columbus under similar circumstances (both teams ranked in the top-four, both undefeated), and it was the Wolverines who walked out with a 22-point road victory. Even after suffering a dominant loss at home, the playoff committee still elected to put the Buckeyes in the final four.
Although it's possible, it's hard to imagine a scenario where the Wolverines would get the same benefit of the doubt from the committee if they lose this weekend in Ann Arbor. For Michigan, this is absolutely a must-win game for a number of reasons. Not only would a win put the Wolverines in the Big Ten Championship game the following weekend, it would also essentially guarantee a spot in the playoff and a shot at competing for a national championship.
Beyond what it means on the field, a win this weekend would also be an incredible accomplishment for a team that has faced an unprecedented level of distractions surrounding the sign-stealing saga. Two staff members are gone, one resigned and the other fired, head coach Jim Harbaugh is serving a three-game suspension, and offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore has had to assume the head coaching role during Michigan's toughest stretch of the season. Yet the Wolverines continue to adapt and win every single week.
There's no doubt that this Michigan team is a battle-tested group, and they'll be ready to handle their business on Saturday when the Buckeyes arrive in Ann Arbor.
No. 3 Michigan and No. 2 Ohio State square off this Saturday at noon on FOX.
