Michigan Football: the implications of a “Maize Out” win over Penn State

Michigan football is a program on the rise right now and has an 18-2 record over its past 20 games. The Wolverines’ success so far this season has been enjoyable for Michigan fans, although Michigan is yet to prove itself against any big-name competition. Here is what a win over No. 10 Penn State could do for the Wolverines.

How Michigan football got to this point

First off, it needs to be made clear to Michigan football fans that this will not be an easy game. Michigan football is favored, yes, but Penn State is no longer the 7-6 team they were last year. On top of that, I cannot see Michigan giving the Nittany Lions the 2016 or 2018 treatment this weekend and winning by 40. That being said, I think a win is definitely in the cards.

Jim Harbaugh had plenty of good seasons before 2021, but that was about it. From 2015 to 2019 Michigan finished with 8-10 wins every season, three of which being very respectable 10-3 seasons. 2021 was very necessary though all things considered, as it broke many of Michigan’s trends from previous years.

For the third time in six full seasons under Jim Harbaugh, Michigan entered “The Game” with a 10-1 record and ranked in the top-5. For the first time under Harbaugh, Michigan actually defeated Ohio State and got to 11-1.

Michigan won the Big Ten title with a 42-3 win over 10-2 Iowa and then lost to Georgia in the College Football playoff.

That was last year though. Some say Michigan football was a one-and-done when it came to the Big Ten championship and playoff, though others think the Wolverines will be back. Tomorrow’s game means everything for Michigan football, and the implications for the season are huge if the Wolverines can win.

Implications of a win

Michigan is 6-0 right now and has a few solid games under its belt. The one thing the Wolverines don’t have that other playoff contenders do is a ranked win — which could be Penn State this weekend. The Nittany Lions are more than just a ranked team, they’re a top-10, Big Ten East opponent that is also gunning for a shot at Ohio State for the Big Ten crown.

For Penn State, the game Saturday might mean even more. The Nittany Lions were in Michigan’s shoes five years ago, and ended up losing twice in games they should have won. Last year Penn State somehow slipped to 7-6 overall and needs a huge win like Michigan to get back on track in the fans’ eyes.

If Michigan football wins this game, there is a very good chance the Wolverines head to Ohio State with an 11-0 record for the first time since 2006. To say the least, Michigan needs this win.

The Wolverines’ next four games after Penn State are pretty favorable. Michigan plays these games after this weekend’s contest:

• Home — Michigan State (2-4, 0-3 Conf.)
• Away — Rutgers (3-3, 0-3 Conf.)
• Home — Nebraska (3-3, 2-1 Conf.)
• Home  — No. 24 Illinois (5-1, 2-1 Conf.)
• Away — No. 2 Ohio State (6-0, 3-0 Conf.)

If both the Buckeyes and Wolverines can win out, an 11-0 Michigan football team could be facing an 11-0 Ohio State team in Columbus by season’s end. At that point, the worst-case scenario for Michigan football would be going to the Rose Bowl with an 11-1 record and a (likely) shot at either Oregon or USC.

Winning 11 games per season and staying ranked in the top-10 is a must for Harbaugh and Co. It’s hard to sell high-level recruits on constantly falling short, so Michigan needs to continue the climb if Harbaugh wants to get back to Indianapolis and the College Football Playoff, and ultimately compete at the highest level of the sport.