Iowa’s win over Michigan jumbles up Big Ten title race

Besides losing 11 of the last 12 versus the Buckeyes, Michigan has only been favored once against Ohio State since 2004! There’s plenty of conversation, though, that even without the opportunity to play for a conference title, a one-loss Ohio State team would have a strong case for one of the final four Playoff slots.

“I see it like this: If we win all our games, Big Ten championship or not, you’re not going to put us in (the College Football Playoff)?”.

No. 1 Alabama (10-0, 7-0 SEC) beat Mississippi State 51-3 and retained the top spot in this week’s AP rankings.

As the group of reporters around Barrett chuckled, one remarked, “We don’t control that”. “I’m not the only one, but it’s a big part of my job to make sure we respond”.

Meanwhile, Ohio State is 9-1, having only lost a shocker to Penn State. The Buckeyes have outscored the last 2 teams they have played 124-6.

Two years ago, the last time Ohio State went to Michigan State for a game, the Buckeyes’ players expressed their disappointment more openly over a heart-breaking loss to MSU in the 2013 Big Ten championship game. It’s hard not to feel sorry for Chris Ash, who looks like he’s still trying to get used to the transition from powerhouse Ohio State to doormat Rutgers.

So the committee’s weekly rankings, which will be released Tuesday night, are much more anticipated than in recent weeks.

That conversation has been something that has been a big topic among college football hands but it all is predicated on winning for the next two weeks.

Ohio State could wind up ranked No. 2 in the country at the end of the season and not make its conference championship game. “It’s something totally different”, Barrett said.

“We know we still have opportunities, even the national championship”, U-M sophomore tailback Karan Higdon said after the game.

“Playoff rankings, glad to see that people respect our work”, Meyer said during his weekly Wednesday press conference. Would I say I’ve forgotten? No. “I cried for like two days”, when asked about the previous year’s loss to Michigan State. Normally in the past, I have. Above Nebraska? I don’t honestly know. Or the committee could dump Penn State, which lost by 39 at MI, or Wisconsin, and go with the Buckeyes.

Penn State? That’s another story. “It means a lot”.

– If Michigan wins out, it represents the East division. The Lions also could face Wisconsin in the Big Ten title game, conceivably putting a playoff spot on the line head-to-head.

Last season offered a crushing defeat as well. That fact coupled with the Buckeyes’ 49-17 shot advantage on Saturday left the Buckeyes frustrated. Rooting against Clemson and Ohio State is their best bet.

By the time Saturday night came to a close, the college football world was in disarray.

Coaching: Ohio State – Meyer has never, in his career, had a year like Dantonio is experiencing now. I think MI gave this one away.