FOOTBALL

ESPN disagrees with own FPI stance on Michigan football

ESPN has recently contradicted their FPI ranking of Michigan football in a new column.

Published

7 months ago

October 10, 2023

Oct 7, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh looks on during the second quarter against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

The ESPN Football Power Index (FPI) is not too high on Michigan football right now, ranking the Wolverines behind teams like Penn State and Ohio State, coming in at No. 8 nationally following the Minnesota win. That said, today, ESPN released a new column, ranking all 14 of the nation’s undefeated FBS teams — surprisingly, Michigan is ranked No. 1, even above the Georgia Bulldogs.

ESPN ranks Michigan football as No. 1 undefeated team despite FPI rankings

ESPN appears to be all over the board when it comes to how good they think Michigan football actually is this year. Their Football Power Index model has dropped the Wolverines as low as No. 14 and as high as No. 6 so far this year — additionally, it has not once favored Michigan to win the Big Ten title.

As things stand right now, Michigan is ranked No. 8 nationally and No. 3 in the Big Ten, per the FPI; however, a new ESPN column appears to strongly disagree.

According to the column, Michigan football is the best undefeated team in the nation, followed by Georgia, Ohio State, and Oregon respectively. Penn State, which currently leads Michigan in the FPI, was ranked No. 8 in the column.

After dominating their last two games, Michigan football is starting to earn more media attention as a national title contender. For now, the Wolverines will take things one game at a time as they return home to face Indiana this Saturday.

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CJ has covered college athletics in paid roles for around five years, including numerous sports and beats. His most recent work revolves largely around Penn State and Michigan football and basketball as a member of the credentialed media at both schools. Right now, CJ writes for Blue by Ninety, where he also serves as the site's credentialed football reporter. He also does some credentialed basketball coverage. Previously, CJ has made stops with sites like GBMWolverine, Saturday Blitz, Steeler Nation, and more.