Michigan Football: 3 takeaways from tough win over Indiana in Week 12

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ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN – NOVEMBER 17: Khaleke Hudson #7 of the Michigan Wolverines celebrates a second half fumble recovery with Tyree Kinnel #23 while playing the Indiana Hoosiers at Michigan Stadium on November 17, 2018 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan won the game 31-20. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

1. Michigan wins 10th game, remains a playoff contender

If the mantra for Michigan was “survive and advance” before next weekend’s showdown in “The Game” against arch-rival Ohio State, mission successful.

Michigan and Ohio State will enter next weekend’s game with identical 10-1 records. Ohio State retains within one game of Michigan by virtue of its 52-51 overtime victory over Maryland.

Michigan, currently ranked No. 4 in the College Football Playoff ranking, will face the No. 10-ranked Buckeyes in a matchup with an undisputed national impact.

Two wins by the Wolverines will launch a debate between Michigan, Georgia, Oklahoma, and Washington State for the final playoff spot(s), depending on outcomes from the final two weekends. Two wins by Ohio State might have the exact same effect, though the Buckeyes would be at a disadvantage due to a clear-cut 49-20 walloping by Purdue earlier in the season.

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Few games in college football this season will match the excitement and intrigue heading into this matchup. Should Michigan win, they will assuredly be the favorites to win the Big Ten Championship Game against Northwestern and to potentially earn a spot in the College Football Playoff.

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