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Big Ten football: Breaking down the conference’s initial CFP rankings

By Christopher Mangum

BLOOMINGTON, IN - OCTOBER 08: Blake Corum #2 of the Michigan Wolverines runs the ball during the game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Memorial Stadium on October 8, 2022 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
BLOOMINGTON, IN - OCTOBER 08: Blake Corum #2 of the Michigan Wolverines runs the ball during the game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Memorial Stadium on October 8, 2022 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN – OCTOBER 29: Blake Corum #2 of the Michigan Wolverines scores a touchdown against the Michigan State Spartans during the fourth quarter at Michigan Stadium on October 29, 2022 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN – OCTOBER 29: Blake Corum #2 of the Michigan Wolverines scores a touchdown against the Michigan State Spartans during the fourth quarter at Michigan Stadium on October 29, 2022 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images) /

No. 5 Michigan

Off the heels of a 12-2 season, Big Ten title, and College Football Playoff appearance in 2021, the Michigan Wolverines entered 2022 with high hopes. Michigan football came into the season ranked No. 8, but quickly climbed into the AP top 4.

In the initial CFP rankings, Michigan football came in at No. 5 in the nation — nothing to scoff at — but the Wolverines expected more. Like Ohio State, Michigan has looked good in virtually every contest thus far. Sure, the Maryland game was close (and Iowa was somewhat close), but if you watched the games, you’d know those were mostly due to garbage time scores.

Also, like Ohio State, Michigan’s best win this year was over Penn State. The Wolverines took care of business against the Nittany Lions, with a final score of 41-17 in Ann Arbor. Michigan ran the ball for over 400 yards against a stingy Penn State defense and only gave up one offensive touchdown.

The Wolverines are led by a strong offensive line and Heisman contending running back. Michigan football beats its opponents by eating up clock and physically overpowering the opponent’s offense and defense. The Wolverines boast the third-ranked scoring defense, 2nd-ranked total defense, and 2nd-ranked rushing offense among Power Five schools. Michigan’s dominant rushing attack features two star backs: Donovan Edwards and Blake Corum.

Blake Corum has cemented himself in the Heisman conversation so far and shows no signs of stopping. The junior running back has nearly 1,100 rushing yards this year and has put up over 120 yards on the ground in every Big Ten game. Corum has 14 rushing touchdowns, and averages 6.0 yards per carry as Michigan’s starter.

Michigan football will head to Rutgers to face the Scarlette Knights this weekend with an 8-0 record and the Paul Bunyan Trophy back in Ann Arbor. Last weekend the Wolverines defeated Michigan State, 29-7, coming off of their bye week. Michigan has a favorable but tough schedule the rest of the way this year: Rutgers (A), Nebraska (H), No. 16 Illinois (H), No. 2 Ohio State (A).

I expect no less than 3-1 over these final four games, with the only possible loss coming at Ohio State. The Buckeyes are good this year, and Michigan will be on the road for that game. I am not saying the Wolverines will lose, but if there is a loss this year, that is where I expect it to come.

Michigan’s worst-case scenario is looking like an 11-1 season with a trip to the infamous Rose Bowl game. That being said, we play the games for a reason, and if 2016 taught Michigan fans anything it is that anyone can beat anyone on any given Saturday, especially when dealing with Big Ten football.

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