Despite scandal, ex-Ohio State star ranks Michigan football No. 1

The sign-stealing scandal has engulfed the media presence surrounding the Michigan football program as of late; however, that did not stop ex-Ohio State star and current ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit from ranking the Wolverines No. 1 in his CFP rankings. Even Michigan legend Desmond Howard, who has been an advocate for the Maize and Blue as of late, had his Wolverines at No. 2 nationally.

Despite sign-stealing scandal, ex-Ohio State star ranks Michigan football No. 1

Kirk Herbstreit may be an ex-Ohio State star, but as a member of the unbiased media, he is known for being one of the best. Today, the former Buckeye released his top-6 College Football Playoff rankings (Week 9) ahead of their official release, and Jim Harbaugh’s Michigan football team sits atop the list.

According to Herbstreit, the thing that sets Michigan football apart is its consistency — he did not mention the sign-stealing scandal once while breaking down why he has the Wolverines at No. 1 in the country.

Why does Kirk Herbstreit have the Wolverines ranked as the best in the country right now?

“For me, it has everything to do with — they have not played the schedule that the others have played — but it’s impossible to look at them and say that they have not been the most dominant team,” Kirk Herbstreit said on College Game Day this morning. “They can’t help who they are playing, but if you look at the offense, the defense, and the special teams — (Michigan football) is a veteran team. A year ago, (the Wolverines) made it to the playoff, and got knocked out by TCU, but most of that team is back this year.

“You expect them to do what they are doing,” he added. “And they are doing that, and maybe that much more. I think (Michigan football) has been the most consistent brand from Week 1 to (Week 9).”

Michigan football did not have a game today; however, the undefeated Wolverines will face the Purdue Boilermakers at the Big House next weekend. Following their final “tune-up” game of the year, the Maize and Blue must face No. 10 Penn State, Maryland, and No. 3 Ohio State in hopes of earning a third-straight Big Ten title game and College Football Playoff berth.

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