The Michigan Wolverines are listed as the top team in college football. The college football playoff selection committee unveiled their rankings with much disagreement. While it is impossible to not acknowledge the quality of this roster, there are two main talking points that have fans questioning this final decision.
Michigan Wolverines Sideline Filming Scandal
Despite winning the Big Ten, with an impressive win over Ohio State, and a commanding win over Iowa in the Big Ten championship game, many neutral fans will not be able to erase the troubling allegations of advanced scouting, and sign stealing.
With other members within the organization resigning or forced to leave their position, Coach Harbaugh missed a self-imposed first three games, and a Big Ten sanctioned last three games of the regular season.
According the chairman Boo Corrigan this actually benefited how the Michigan Wolverines were viewed in the eyes of the committee
So much of it is about player leadership… Obviously it hurts not to have your head coach… Those players found a way to gather together and continue to keep the mission at heart
For a series of events that many were demanding immediate action and punishment, it appears that some were hoping would end Michigan Wolverine hopes, ultimately helped them to be viewed as the most favorable team in the sport.
Michigan Wolverines Resume Versus Washington
While the debate of the impact stealing the signs has been a worthwhile discussion. Many view the actual effect to be minimal. Signs change from game to game, and generic foresight of looks can only help so much. That being said, Michigan broke the rules, and not having Coach Harbaugh of the sideline for half of the season, including some of the biggest games, and toughest matchups should be enough to even out any potential advantage gained through the cheating.
While a reduction of scholarships, or fines may still be brought down on Michigan, any success in the playoffs must be respected this season. Comparing resumes then at face value, how does it stack up to Washington’s?
Objectively, the nod has to go to the Michigan Wolverines. Michigan has a crowning jewel win against Ohio State. They also have two ranked wins either on the road or on a neutral field. Washington beat both Oregon and Oregon State, on the road or at a neutral site, but realistically against Oregon, these were two shootouts that really could’ve gone either way. Michigan controlled all of their games, particularly from a defensive standpoint, while dominating the rest of their schedule.
For the committee Michigan is just the more balanced team, that has more avenues to win games, they are simply overall the better team.
Michigan Wolverines Reward As Top Seed
For those that are still mad about the decision, the playoff committee picked a matchup that will allow fans to watch justice play out. Without Connor Stallions on the side line and the operation shut down, Michigan will be forced to play an impressive Alabama roster on an even playing field.
While Alabama has not been dynamic from the quarterback position, that sole area of weakness has been improving. With a full wmonth of preparation for Nick Saban, Michigan will have their hands full on New Years Day. A victory and potential playoff run would prove the committee correct, as Michigan would be crowned deserving champions.
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