FOOTBALL

ESPN says Michigan football jumps Ohio State for No. 1 spot

As funny as it may seem, ESPN has ranked Michigan football No. 1 following its win over Penn State.

Published

6 months ago

November 12, 2023

Michigan football, Penn State, ESPN Football Power Index, Ohio State

Nov 11, 2023; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Michigan Wolverines running back Donovan Edwards (7) runs the ball against Penn State Nittany Lions Kevin Winston Jr. (21) during the second quarter at Beaver Stadium. Michigan won 24-15. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-USA TODAY Sports

The ESPN Football Power Index rankings have been all over the place when it comes to judging how good the Wolverines are this year, even ranking Jim Harbaugh and his team as low as No. 14 following a 31-6 win over Bowling Green in Week 3. That said, yesterday afternoon, Michigan football improved to 10-0 (7-0 Big Ten) on the season with an impressive 24-15 win over a top-10 Penn State team, which was ranked No. 3 in the FPI. Now, heading into Week 12 of the season, the Maize and Blue have jumped Ohio State for the No. 1 spot in ESPN’s rankings.

ESPN FPI moves Michigan football to No. 1, Ohio State down to No. 2 following Penn State game

In the latest ESPN Football Power Index rankings, a new face has emerged as the No. 1 team in the nation: Michigan football. Right below the Wolverines are the Ohio State Buckeyes (2) and Penn State Nittany Lions (5), with Oregon and Alabama sitting in between them.

The good news for Michigan football? Through ten games, the Wolverines are still perfect for the second season in a row, even though both Connor Stalions and Jim Harbaugh were not at Beaver Stadium on Saturday.

Still, while the Penn State win was impressive, crucial, and dominant, Michigan football must remain focused. The Wolverines still have a bout against Ohio State — which is ranked No. 1 in the CFP poll — in Ann Arbor in just 13 days. Assuming both Michigan and Ohio State can avoid upset next weekend, ‘The Game’ on November 25th will almost entirely decide the Big Ten title and College Football Playoff races this year, pitting two 11-0 teams against each other for all the marbles.

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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.