Michigan football is a top contender to reach its first College Football Playoff this season. It must get through Ohio State and win the Big Ten first.
Michigan had a promising season lined up a year ago. After a close road loss to Notre Dame to begin the season, the Wolverines rattled off 10 straight wins. Then came The Game and Michigan once again failed on the big stage, losing big to Ohio State. The season concluded with a thud, a lackluster performance in the Peach Bowl against Florida.
Here’s the great thing about sports — there is always another opportunity the following season. One more chance to correct past mistakes and make things right. For Jim Harbaugh and the Wolverines, the biggest opportunity comes at the end of the season against Ohio State.
Sure, there are 11 games of varying difficulty before The Game, but if Michigan is going to keep its dream of its first Big Ten title since 2004, the Wolverines must lift the Ohio State burden off their backs. Losing seven straight and 14 of the last 15 is long enough.
Michigan has one thing in their favor over the other contenders in the Big Ten East. They have the least amount of questions on their roster. Their schedule, while one of the toughest, also works out with several of their toughest opponents visiting Ann Arbor.
It is time to put up or shut up for Michigan. Let us highlight the players who will play key roles in their quest for a championship.