After a key road win over Nebraska last weekend, Michigan football had a bye week on Saturday. The Wolverines will be back in action against Wisconsin next week.
Yet, even with Michigan football off for the week, there is plenty to discuss in the Big Ten. Ohio State was impressive in a win over Washington, especially on defense, holding the Huskies, who were averaging 55 points per game, to six, in a 24-6 win.
Michigan football fans might not like it, but Ohio State hasn't dropped off a ton from last season. Julian Sayin is legit and un-seating Ohio State won't be easy.
Michigan football still has the four-game winning streak over the Buckeyes. Bryce Underwood is developing, and by the end of the season, the hope is that the Wolverines will find a way again.
Beating Ohio State won't be easy, though. Washington did kill itself with penalties, including on maybe the worst roughing the passer call I have ever seen, giving OSU a free first down instead of 4th and 20.
Washington didn't look as good as expected. Neither did USC, which lost 34-32 against Illinois. Michigan football running backs should be drooling, though, as the Fighting Illini rushed for 171 yards.
Illinois had 502 yards of total offense to bounce back from last week's loss to Indiana. Speaking of the Hoosiers, they stayed undefeated against Iowa with a touchdown in the final minute.
Last but not least, Drew Allar threw a crushing interception in overtime. Dante Moore and Oregon beat Penn State 30-24 and the Ducks feel like the league's best team, at least right now.
What it all means for Michigan football
USC has a scary-good offense, but that game in Los Angeles is looking more and more favorable for the Wolverines. It's not easy to travel that far and win, but Michigan should be able to dominate in the trenches, especially when it comes to running the ball, just like 2024.
Ohio State looks formidable. Nobody else on the schedule looks all that scary, especially considering Washington will come to Ann Arbor.
The next four games are Wisconsin, at USC, Washington, and at Michigan State. Win those games, and Michigan football will be in a strong spot to make the College Football Playoff, maybe even with a loss to Ohio State.
It's hard to see a 10-2 Michigan team missing the playoff, especially with road wins over Nebraska and USC. That being said, with the way the schedule is set up, U-M doesn't have any margin for error.
It might be too early to seriously be talking about the College Football Playoff, but we'll know one way or another in the next few weeks.