Michigan Football: Will Wolverines Make the Playoffs in 2024?
Michigan football is just over a month removed from winning a national championship, but many are beginning to wonder about the 2024 season. With the playoffs being revamped into a 12 team format, with five conference champions and the next seven highest ranked teams, fans are wondering if Michigan can make another run.
With Michigan's brutal schedule, including playing three of ESPNs top four projected teams in 2024, things will have to go very well for the Wolverines to make the playoffs. However, their brutal schedule also allows them to build an elite resume.
So what would, hypothetically, need to happen for Michigan to make the playoffs in 2024?
Can Michigan football make the 12-team College Football Playoff?
Well looking at recent history, the cutoff for the top 12 seems to be 9-3/10-2. Assuming that Michigan football takes care of business against lesser opponents (which can't be guaranteed with all the turnover), the Wolverines would need to go at least 3-3, preferably 4-2 against Texas, USC, Michigan State, Washington, Oregon, and Ohio State.
The good news, for Michigan, is that they get Texas, USC, Michigan State, and Oregon at home. If I were to guess right now, I'd give Michigan the edge against USC, MSU, and Washington, although playing at Washington is never easy.
Texas, Oregon, and Ohio State will all likely be favored against the Wolverines. To beef up its resume, I think that Michigan needs to win at least one of these games. If they can do that, the Wolverines should be in good shape to make the playoffs.
Looking at Michigan's roster, they definitely have a playoff caliber team. Nobody is debating that. They return possibly the best defense in the country, featuring (possibly) the best cornerback in the nation, the best defensive line in the nation, and the best safety tandem in the nation.
Offensively, the Wolverines should have a great offensive line yet again, and a great running game, especially if Alex Orji is the quarterback and a preseason All-American tight end. While we don't know what the passing game will look like, if it has any life this will be a great offense.
The 2024 squad might have more star power than the 2023 squad. Yet, make no mistake, the Wolverines can compete for a national championship in 2024. The biggest question marks remain at quarterback and wide receiver. If Michigan can solidify those positions, they'll be in great shape.
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The great thing about Michigan's schedule is that they'll have plenty of chances to prove themselves. We will know, without a doubt, if this team is a title contender within a few weeks. Despite sending a record number of players to the NFL combine, Michigan will still be elite in 2024. Go Blue!