The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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initial trio of contests unbeaten, and the Nittany Lions had to rally from a 10-0 second-half deficit at Rutgers to manage that. In other words, there's already plenty of smoke pouring out in the local demolition derby. Here are a half-dozen Big Ten teams with any shot at a coveted postseason spot, and the realism involved in that pursuit. COULD HAPPEN Wisconsin — The Badgers enjoyed the best chance from the very begin- ning, given a schedule featuring no crossover concerns (no Michigan State, Ohio State, Michigan or Penn State). Had they not imploded in the opener against LSU — blowing a 24-7 lead that held until midway in the third quarter and losing 28-24 — Wisconsin fans would be making playoff travel plans now. Instead, the Badgers have to run the table, which could happen, and hope for selection committee mercy. Michigan State — The Spartans still likely feature the Big Ten's best group, but a 46-27 smack-down in Eugene isn't going to score them any points with the selection committee. MSU gets Nebraska, Michigan and Ohio State at home, but has to travel to Penn State to conclude the regular season, and it needs to win the Big Ten cham- pionship game to have any playoff hopes. LONG SHOTS Ohio State — The Buckeyes were a top-five team in the preseason. But that was with Heisman Trophy contender Braxton Miller at quarter- back. With Miller on the shelf, Urban Meyer's crew isn't coming spotless through a slate that includes trips to Penn State and Michigan State. Michigan — The Wolverines feature a lot of weapons and growing talent on both sides of the ball, but it's the same story. They have to travel to Michigan State for a second straight season, fin- ish November in Columbus, etc. A table run at this point would constitute one of the greatest (and most unlikely) moments in Michigan football history. Penn State — The Nittany Lions got a jolt of adrenaline when the NCAA cleared them for postseason play. But there are other jolts to come, likely in the night game at Michigan and some- where else along the line. Nebraska — Bo Pelini's boys play at Michigan State, Wisconsin and Iowa before it's all done. They'll hope for a warm bowl to get them out of Lincoln in late December. Talk of college football's new big show will grow, throughout October and November. Barring a near miracle, it will grow without a Big Ten pres- ence. That's not a big deal at this point for U-M, rightfully stressing a strong run inside the conference itself. But in a cyclical sport, it will soon be time for the conference's historical elite — including the Wolverines, Buckeyes, Cornhuskers and Nittany Lions — to start cycling back up. ❏ Editor John Borton has been with The Wolverine since 1991. Contact him at jborton@thewolverine.com and follow him on Twitter @JB _ Wolverine.