Michigan football: 3 Reasons why it’s so important to beat Wisconsin

Does a one-loss Big Ten team get selected for the College Football Playoff?

Per the College Football Playoff website, the criteria for selection is as follows: “The selection committee ranks the teams based on the members’ evaluation of the teams’ performance on the field, using conference championships won, strength of schedule, head-to-head results, and comparison of results against common opponents to decide among teams that are comparable.”

With the selection criteria in mind, does a one-loss Wolverine team beat out an undefeated Alabama, Oklahoma, Clemson, or whatever the Pac 12 can conjure up? Especially if the loss is to a Badger team that might not remain on the AP Top 25.

Michigan football might have to win out if they wish to earn a spot in the playoff. At least, that’s what the committee tells us, criteria aside.

For two years, Big Ten football teams have been absent from Championship consideration. In 2018, the Buckeyes missed the opportunity after losing to an unranked Purdue team, 49-20 early on in the season. The year before that, Ohio State was again snubbed; although, their resume featured two losses, one to unranked Iowa and one to then fifth-ranked Oklahoma.

What the committee is saying is that you must only lose to only a highly ranked team if you want a shot, that is unless you’re Clemson, or Alabama, or another SEC team.

https://twitter.com/UMichFootball/status/1172903079911612416

The point is, winning out for Michigan is imperative, and with the Wolverines strength of schedule, an undefeated UM team would be hard to turn down for one of the four spots.