The Michigan Wolverines, with new coach Kyle Whittingham and sophomore quarterback Bryce Underwood, are trying to claw their way back to national relevance. They’ve got a clear path to the College Football Playoff, with huge rematches against the Ohio State Buckeyes and Oklahoma Sooners locked in. But hold up, because CBS Sports’ Brad Crawford just dropped a bombshell prediction: a seemingly easy home game against the UCLA Bruins could turn into a season-altering trap well before that big Ohio State showdown.
The UCLA Game: A Hidden Landmine?
Crawford calls this home game a “can’t-miss” situation, and not in a good way for Michigan. UCLA might not have the national profile of some, but Bob Chesney’s teams play with serious discipline, toughness, and confidence. Yeah, Michigan should have the talent advantage at home, no doubt. But what if they come out with a sluggish start? What if they’re still feeling the effects of that tough trip to Eugene for the Oregon game? Crawford warns that UCLA could absolutely flip what looks like a guaranteed win, a total “breather,” into a brutal, four-quarter fight with undeniable postseason implications. This isn’t just about snagging a W; it’s about how you perform when everything’s on the line.
The Playoff Path is a Minefield, Not a Stroll
If you think Michigan’s path to a postseason berth will be smooth sailing, ESPN’s Heather Dinich is here to burst that bubble: she says it’s “easier said than done,” big time. Check this out: ESPN’s Football Power Index gives Michigan more than a 50% chance to win *every single game* on their schedule. Every one! Well, except for the “Big Three,” that is: Oregon, Ohio State, and get this, Indiana. Dinich lays out the cold, hard playoff recipe: Michigan *must* beat both Oklahoma and Iowa, both top-25 teams. Then, they need to pull off at least one upset against those “Big Three.” If they can somehow nail all that, *then* a two-loss Michigan team would be considered a “good bet for the CFP.”
But here’s where it gets dicey. Dinich adds that if they do wind up 9-3, it all hinges on how the College Football Playoff Committee views those three losses. Were they absolute nail-biters, like overtime thrillers, or decided by a field goal, or a single touchdown? Those details matter, sure, but Michigan would still be stacked right up against other teams boasting fewer losses and more wins against ranked opponents. The margin for error for this squad is microscopically thin, especially when you consider they’re playing in a seriously stacked Big Ten conference.
So, yeah, it’s crystal clear: Michigan is going to be *the* team everyone’s got their eyes on this season. Every single game matters, especially with those brutal rematches against Oklahoma and Ohio State looming huge, not to mention that early, critical Oregon matchup. The path to the CFP isn’t just tough; it’s paved with landmines, and one wrong step could drastically alter their entire season’s trajectory.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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