The Ohio State vs Michigan rivalry has taken on added significance in recent years thanks to the CFP. Two of the best teams in college football are now routinely ending the regular season with the most highly-anticipated matchup of the regular season and it often impacts the CFP, Heisman Trophy race and more.
Saturday’s matchup between the Ohio State Buckeyes vs Michigan Wolverines will likely determine who hosts the College Football Playoff Semifinal as the No. 2 seed. However, the winner of the Week 13 clash might not matter as much when examining the Big Ten’s history in the CFP.
However, winning on Saturday and earning a guaranteed spot in the CFP Semifinal might be all there is to celebrate. Below, we’ll examine why the history of the CFB Playoffs suggests just making it in might be the ceiling for Michigan and Ohio State right now.
SEC teams have faced either the Michigan Wolverines or Ohio State Buckeyes four times in playoff history. Michigan lost its lone matchup to Georgia, while the Buckeyes are 1-2 against SEC teams in the playoffs. The lone victory, a Buckeyes’ 32-35 victory over the Crimson Tide in the inaugural CFP Semifinal (2015).
Related: 7 stats to know before Ohio State Buckeyes vs Michigan Wolverines
While it is a small sample size, the head-to-head numbers show that SEC teams have been distinctly better against Ohio State and Michigan in the CFP. We will note, though, that the two Big Ten bluebloods won the battle on third downs and had the turnover margin advantage in three of four games.
Why history suggests making the College Football Playoff is the ceiling for Michigan Wolverines, Ohio State Buckeyes
