5 teams that could upset the 2017 College Football Playoff picture

Michigan entered the season as a possible College Football Playoff contender. Jim Harbaugh’s team looked like it was living up to the hype as they opened the year 4-0. But after losing to rival Michigan State, the Wolverines have fallen behind in the Big Ten race and were shut out of the first two College Football Playoff Top 25 lists of the season.

That is because many of their best wins have turned into illusions. The season opener against Florida looks worse and worse with each passing week that the Gators fall apart. Wins over 3-6 Cincinnati and 4-5 Air Force concluded non-conference play for the Wolverines. Michigan’s two losses came against Michigan State and Penn State, while the four league wins came against opponents with a combined 15-21 record.

The degree of difficulty increases heavily in the upcoming weeks, though. Harbaugh’s crew heads to Maryland this weekend, and follows that up with a visit to Camp Randall Stadium to face College Football Playoff contender Wisconsin in Madison. Then the Wolverines host Ohio State for their annual rivalry showdown.

If Michigan wins all three games, they would probably still finish outside the top spot in the Big Ten East. But they would also ruin it for every other Big Ten team, with statements wins over as-yet-unbeaten Wisconsin and a hot-and-cold Ohio State squad. A spot in Indianapolis is a longshot, requiring a lot to fall into place, but Michigan can play the ultimate spoiler for the Badgers and Buckeyes in November.