Michigan Football: Reactions to Week 7 AP poll

Michigan football continues to move up in the polls and here’s a look at the latest AP poll following the Wolverines win.

For the first time this season, Michigan football trailed in a game. However, the Wolverines were not phased when the double-digit leads evaporated.

The Wolverines responded and gutted out a 32-29 win over Nebraska. The win moved Michigan to 6-0 heading into its bye week and also now ranked No.8 in the country.

The first thing you will notice about the rankings is Michigan is behind three one-loss teams: Alabama, Ohio State, and Penn State. That may be a tad bit upsetting to Michigan fans. However, I can understand the justification.

Alabama suffered its first loss of the season at Texas A&M but the Aggies were just ranked No. 8 two weeks ago. Ohio State blasted Maryland and looks to have things figured out, particularly offensively. I would not pick Michigan to beat Alabama or Ohio State if they played today, so I can understand the Wolverines still being slotted behind them.

Additionally, Michigan is not going to get the benefit of the doubt when compared with Ohio State from national observators given how that series has gone recently.

I think Michigan could beat Penn State, however, Penn State’s loss came at No. 3 Iowa. It was not going to drop much either way barring a blowout. However, the way that game played out, I think Penn State handily wins that game if Sean Clifford doesn’t go down with an injury.

The Nittany Lions were up 17-3 when Clifford left the game despite two interceptions. Clifford’s status will be something to monitor moving on, particularly on November 13th.

Iowa moves up to No. 2 and it could sit there for a while. Road trips to Wisconsin on October 30th and Nebraska on November 26th are the only remaining games I could see Iowa slipping. However, I would pick Michigan, Ohio State, or Penn State to beat Iowa in the Big Ten Championship. If that happened, Iowa would have an interesting resume as a 12-1 team.

Michigan State moves up one spot this week to No. 10 and gives the Big Ten five teams ranked in the top 10. That makes the Big Ten the first conference to ever have five teams ranked in the top 10. Michigan State’s game with Indiana this week and Michigan’s game with Northwestern next week are the only things standing in the way of both schools being undefeated and ranked in the top 10 on October 30th in East Lansing. Let’s hope it ends being spooky for Michigan State.