In a week where the Michigan Wolverines were idle, ...the path for the Wolverines to be a viable contender in the Big Ten seems more realistic than ever. After watching an Illinois team barely scrape by USC, Ohio State dismantle Washington, and Penn State meet a devastating end to their overtime game against Oregon, the Big Ten seems wide open for Michigan football.
The Wolverines have a favorable schedule where their only true test may be when they travel to California to play USC, which is only a test due to the fact that the Wolverines have to travel across the country. The biggest game will ultimately be the fall afternoon that they face Ohio State. With such a favorable schedule, the Wolverines could easily have only one loss heading into the game against the Buckeyes.
Sherrone Moore returns from the school-imposed suspension of two games for the Wolverines' next game against Wisconsin. Under Biff Poggi's helm, the Wolverines went 2-0 with an impressive win against the Nebraska Cornhuskers, who still struggle to win against ranked opponents, no matter who their head coach is. Bryce Underwood continues to grow as a quarterback, and the Alabama transfer, Justice Haynes, could easily make a case for the Heisman. If the Heisman wasn't seemingly only a quarterback-led award.
The Wolverines struggled mildly against the Sooners in Norman, which is their one loss on the season. In that loss, the Wolverines looked like a shell of themselves. It was a disappointing output. Michigan has also had plenty of moments where it seems to hit a lull. It happened against New Mexico, and even with an impressive win in Lincoln, the Cornhuskers still had a chance to tie that game. The Wolverines' only real dominant performance came against Central Michigan (the irony in that, considering the Connor Stallions scandal, is almost comical). But the Wolverines will have plenty of opportunity to showcase who they really are as their Big Ten schedule opens up.
With all the circus like drama that has followed the Michigan Wolverines since their championship run, the fact that they still have a chance in the Big Ten can be deemed impressive. Whether or not, college football fans feel the Wolverines deserve the opportunity...the reality still exists. All non-Michigan fans feel a sense of nausea creeping in. On another hand, with such a viable path to the Big Ten championship game, if the Wolverines fail to make it, questions will arise. Is there something missing? Is Moore the right person for the job? Are the Wolverines really a team who can compete in the college football landscape?
The road is clear for the Michigan Wolverines. If muddy waters appear...it almost appears that would be of their own doing.