Michigan football has a bye week this week, before opening a critical three-game stretch with a road game against Northwestern at Wrigley Field.
Wins over Northwestern, Maryland, and Ohio State are needed if Michigan football wants to make the College Football Playoff. A nine-win season won't do it. The Wolverines have to get 10 wins, which means two road wins, plus a win over the top-ranked Buckeyes.
So far, Ohio State has looked unbeatable. The defense has been the best in college football, while the offense, especially the passing game has been unstoppable.
Yet, first things first, Michigan has to make it to "The Game" with a 9-2 record. If that happens, Michigan football would also be 7-1 and a berth to the Big Ten championship could be on line, depending on how the tiebreakers work out.
Yet, after sluggish wins over Purdue and Michigan State have some fans wondering if the Wolverines can win the next two games, plus upset the Buckeyes.
It's not going to be easy, but here are three reasons to feel good about Michigan's chances of making the College Football Playoff.
The running game
It's a huge bummer that Justice Haynes probably won't play again for Michigan football this season. There is hope he returns for the Ohio State game, but it feels like a longshot.
Still, this Michigan running game is the best in the Big Ten. Jordan Marshall has emerged in recent weeks, posting 100-yard games in three straight outings, all Michigan wins.
Marshall rushed for 185 yards against Purdue, accounting for 210 total, as well as three touchdowns. If Bryce Underwood avoids the red-zone turnovers, Michigan wins the game going away.
Marshall is a huge reason why. The offensive line has been stellar, though. Despite starting three redshirt freshmen, the Wolverines have averaged 238 rushing yards per game in their last three, but have gone over 250 rushing yards two weeks in a row.
I know it was against Michigan State and Purdue, but that's encouraging. This same group rushed for 187 yards against Washington. The pass protection was a bit leaky. Both tackles are redshirt freshman, but Blake Frazier is getting better it seems with every snap.
The future of the offensive line is incredibly bright. But the group is also good enough right now to get Michigan football through the next two games, and if it can keep paving the way for Jordan Marshall to run the ball like he has, anything can happen against the Buckeyes.