Bryce Underwood, Michigan could see shocking November collapse unfold before OSU game
The Michigan Wolverines are starting from scratch with Kyle Whittingham as their new coach. While their schedule looks favorable on paper, experts suggest an unexpected late-season game could ultimately backfire as they prepare for Ohio State.
Bryce Underwood is poised to lead the Michigan Wolverines back to national prominence as the new head coach, Kyle Whittingham, prepares the team for a series of high-profile games, including rematch clashes against Ohio State and Oklahoma. However, as the season nears its pivotal moment, analysts are warning of a potential collapse before the crucial showdown with the UCLA Bruins.
ESPN's Brad Crawford predicts that the upcoming home game against UCLA, despite the Bruins' lack of national recognition, could be a must-watch contest due to UCLA's discipline, toughness, and confidence. On the other hand, ESPN's Heather Dinich suggests that Michigan's path to the College Football Playoff may be more complex than it appears.
Currently, ESPN's Football Power Index gives Michigan a greater than 50% chance of victory in all games except the Big Three (Oregon, Ohio State, and Indiana). If the Wolverines secure wins against Oklahoma and Iowa, along with at least one upset against the Big Three, a two-loss Michigan team could be a strong contender for a College Football Playoff berth.
However, the committee's evaluation will also depend on the margin of those wins and losses, and how they compare to other teams with fewer losses and more wins against ranked opponents.
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