CFB writer sends warning to Ohio State and Michigan football amid Big Ten title race originally appeared on Sports news. Add The Sporting News as Favorite source by clicking here.
Two weeks separate the iconic rivalry game between the Ohio State Buckeyes And Michigan Wolverines. Although this year’s game is in Ann Arbor, the Buckeyes appear to be on a collision course with the Indiana Hoosiers to finish the regular season undefeated.
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Of course, several factors still come into play with a few weeks to go. As Nick Bromberg of Yahoo Sports notes, The conference race may have five teams alive for a spot in Indianapolis, but after Week 13 next Saturday, there will only be two.
“But barring an unexpected Buckeyes or Hoosiers loss, this game won’t matter,” Bromberg wrote of USC-Oregon. “And if Michigan beats Northwestern and Maryland, the Wolverines’ game against Ohio State will be for a spot in the conference title game.”
Yes, just as Michigan fans across the country imagined: Its freshman quarterback, Bryce Underwood, is potentially just four wins away from clinching a championship berth. College Football Playoffs.
For coach Sherrone Moore, however, making the College Football Playoff is the least important aspect as the Wolverines try to hold off the Northwestern Wildcats. from eligibility to dropping out of the bowl this Saturday at Wrigley Field in Chicago (noon ET, Fox).
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“It’s going to be a big challenge for our team, and it’s going to be a physical battle,” Moore told reporters. “Up front, their O-line is really good. They play well together. Their D-line plays physical. The guys are open. They have good, talented players. The quarterback (Preston Stone) does a good job distributing the ball. Their running back is as good as we’ve seen. We know it’s going to be a big challenge. We can’t hope for anyone else.”
Moore said he remains excited about what lies ahead for the Wolverines, but the mentality remains one play at a time.
“Win today. If they watched the film, they know we’re playing a really good team,” Moore said. “You don’t have to make anything up. You don’t have to say anything. This team is a very good football team. They’re well coached. They’re tough. They’re physical. They don’t really fight.”
The Wolverines begin their road trip coming off three straight wins with plenty to play for, but it starts with week 12.
