FOOTBALL

Michigan Wolverines football could set new Big Ten College Football Playoff record

Michigan football could set a new CFP Big Ten record this year.

Published

2 years ago

July 10, 2023

Michigan football, College Football Playoff

Dec 31, 2022; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) looks to throw against the TCU Horned Frogs in the first half of the 2022 Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The College Football Playoff was first introduced during the 2014 season, resulting in a national title for the Ohio State Buckeyes. Following that year, the Michigan Wolverines football program made a coaching change, resulting in the hiring of the current head coach, Jim Harbaugh. Fast forward to 2023, and the Maize and Blue are chasing another Big Ten title and College Football Playoff appearance. In fact, this year, Michigan could set a new CFP record for the Big Ten.

Michigan Wolverines football could set new College Football Playoff record

Throughout the nine-year history of the four-team College Football Playoff, a Big Ten team has never appeared among the field of four for three consecutive seasons. In fact, besides Michigan football, only Ohio State has managed to make a return trip to the CFP over the past decade.

Since Michigan football made the College Football Playoff in both 2021 and 2022, this year’s Wolverines have the opportunity to establish a new Big Ten record by securing a third consecutive appearance in the four-team playoff. The following season, the CFP will undergo a significant change, expanding from four teams to 12 and implementing several new rules.

Furthermore, this season presents itself as Michigan’s best chance to win the national title since 1997, positioning the Maize and Blue as strong contenders to set a new Big Ten CFP record before the playoff’s expansion. Achieving a third-straight appearance would be truly impressive, but it is crucial for Jim Harbaugh and his team to take the next step and win a CFP game this year — something that the Maize and Blue are yet to accomplish.

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