Two weeks separate the iconic rivalry game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and Michigan Wolverines. Although this year’s matchup is in Ann Arbor, the Buckeyes look like they are on a collision course with the Indiana Hoosiers to finish the regular-season unbeaten.
Of course, though, there are still several factors in play with a few weeks left. As Yahoo Sports’ Nick Bromberg notes, the conference race may have five teams alive for a spot in Indianapolis, but following Week 13 next Saturday, it will only be two.
“But barring an unexpected loss from the Buckeyes or Hoosiers, that game won’t matter,” Bromberg wrote regarding USC-Oregon. “And if Michigan beats Northwestern and Maryland, the Wolverines’ game against Ohio State will be for a spot in the conference title game.”
Yep, just as Michigan fans across the country drew it up: its freshman quarterback, Bryce Underwood, is potentially only four wins away from clinching a spot in the College Football Playoff.
For coach Sherrone Moore, though, making the College Football Playoff is the least important aspect, as the Wolverines try to prevent the Northwestern Wildcats from clinching bowl eligibility this Saturday at Wrigley Field in Chicago (noon ET, Fox).
“It’s going to be a great challenge for our team, and it’s going to be a physical battle,” Moore told reporters. “Up front, their O-line is really good. They play well together. Their D-line plays physical. Guys get open. They’ve got good skill players. Quarterback [Preston Stone] does a good job distributing the ball. Their running back is as good as we’ve seen. We know it’s going to be a great challenge. We can’t look ahead to anybody else.”
Moore said he remains excited about what’s ahead for the Wolverines, but the mentality remains a game at a time.
“Win today. If they’ve watched the film, they know that we’re playing a really good team,” Moore said. “You don’t got to make anything up. You don’t got to say anything. This team’s a really good football team. They’re well coached. They’re tough. They’re physical. They don’t really beat themselves.”
The Wolverines enter their road trip having won three straight with much to play for, but it begins with Week 12.
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