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Michigan Football Still Below Ohio State In ESPN Rankings

Even after beating the Buckeyes, ESPN ranks Michigan football below Ohio State.

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Michigan football, Ohio State, ESPN, Jim Harbaugh, College Football Playoff
Nov 25, 2023; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines defensive back Quinten Johnson (28) hits Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (2) forcing an incomplete pass during the second half of the NCAA football game at Michigan Stadium. Ohio State lost 30-24. Mandatory Credit: Adam Cairns-USA TODAY Sports

We are just a few days removed from one of the most impressive wins of the Jim Harbaugh era of Michigan football — a game that Harbaugh himself was not even present for. Sherrone Moore, the Wolverines’ acting head coach for the Ohio State game, led the Maize and Blue to a 30-24 win over the Buckeyes, the team’s third win in a row in “The Game,” which sends them to the Big Ten Championship Game this weekend for the third season in a row. Yet, despite all of this success against Ryan Day and his squad down in Columbus, the latest ESPN Football Power Index rankings have U-M ranked below Ohio State.

Without Jim Harbaugh, Michigan football beats Ohio State again

Michigan football fans are all over Ohio State fans on social media and more, and while “The Game” was a nice win for the Maize and Blue, it was simply another box checked for this year’s Wolverines.

This weekend, Jim Harbaugh returns as Michigan looks to down No. 17 Iowa (10-2, 7-2 Big Ten), which will likely be a top 15 team when the newest College Football Playoff rankings are released.

Still, outside of the CFP rankings, the college football landscape is looking a bit interesting right now, including the newest ESPN Football Power Index rankings, which have a unique take on Michigan football following its win over Ohio State.

ESPN Football Power Index rankings have Wolverines behind the Buckeyes… Still

According to ESPN, Ohio State is still the No. 1 team in the country, with Michigan football ranked at No. 2 right now despite the Wolverines’ 30-24 win over the Buckeyes last Saturday.

Perhaps just as ridiculous here is the fact that Oregon is ranked No. 3, and the Penn State Nittany Lions are ranked No. 4. Does the FPI really think that the Nittany Lions are better than Georgia? Apparently so.

All will be settled on the field, and the only rankings that impact Michigan’s 2023 title campaign are the College Football Playoff rankings, which will be updated on Tuesday. So, for now, time to just add this to the bulletin board and shift focus to Iowa in the Big Ten title game on 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.

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