Overview
- Michigan is 7-2 overall with a 5-1 Big Ten mark and climbed three spots to No. 18 in the CFP rankings after a bye.
- The closing slate is Northwestern at Wrigley Field, then Maryland, followed by Ohio State on Nov. 29.
- Reporters and analysts say the margin for error is essentially zero, with a win-out viewed as the clear path to the playoff.
- Losses to Oklahoma and USC, with no victories over ranked opponents, leave the resume in need of a marquee result.
- Ohio State remains No. 1, and commentators say Michigan will need an A-plus performance to win, under a 12-team format that also awards seven at-large bids.