FREEZE FRAME!

 

Dear Dean Crane and other Bama fans, and to any stray OSU fans who may stumble across this - 

KNOW YE THIS!

Whether this be one brief shining moment in the sun or the beginning of the return to dynasty - 

For the first time in a very, very long time -

Michigan ranks ahead of Alabama!!!

Michigan ranks ahead of Ohio State!!!

Listen, I know this doesn't guarantee a spot in the college playoffs for Michigan. However, unlike SEC teams, Big 10 teams have to be pretty spotless to gain entry; in fact, since the inception of the playoff system, the number of Big Ten teams that have qualified are...TWO.  One of the two has gone repeatedly.* And sadly, we all know who that one team is.  

But this year, that ONE team will not be in it, thanks to Michigan's performance in THE GAME OF THE CENTURY!

Michigan has to beat Iowa in the Big Ten Championship.  No easy task.

Even there, winning keeps them in the mix, but it doesn't guarantee them a spot. Cincinnati and Notre Dame are pushing hard for a spot, and Alabama cannot be discounted.

Indeed, if the Tide beats Georgia, they're probably in.  If they lose but keep it close, the squealing arguments will be that an 11-2 SEC team is more worthy than any 12-1 Big Ten team.

I have indicated in the past that only conference champions should be in the college playoffs.  That means that if Iowa beats Michigan, Iowa should be the one considered for the playoffs. But...with only four teams qualifying, that always leaves some major conferences out.  Except for the SEC.  There will always be an SEC team in the playoffs, regardless of record.  Some years there are two SEC teams.

That is all in the future,  But for right now - 

Pop the corks and celebrate!  The Wolverines have tamed the Buckeyes!  Nothing in sports is sweeter than that!

GO BLUE!!!

* the second year of the playoffs, the Michigan State Spartans made an appearance, losing the first round to Alabama 38-0.  Is MSU a rival? Yes?  Do I detest the Spartys and cheer against them when they don't play Michigan?  No, I do not.  Go, Spartys, Go! - except when playing the Wolverines.