Michigan Stays in CFP Picture Narrow Win Over Unbeaten Iowa; Title Odds Now +4000

• The Michigan Wolverines beat No. 14 Iowa 10-3 on Saturday
• The Wolverines have two top-15 opponents coming up in the next three weeks
• Spoiler alert: Michigan is not worth a look for any College Football Playoff futures

The Michigan Wolverines entered Saturday in search of their first big win of the season and they got it as they edged No. 14 Iowa 10-3. That keeps the Wolverines in the College Football Playoff picture as their College Football Championship odds are at +4000. In light of the arduous upcoming schedule for UM, has the on-field product given any indication they could make a playoff run and cash tickets at long odds?

2020 CFP National Championship Odds

*Odds taken 09/29/19 

Wolverines Barely Beat Iowa

At the end of the day on Saturday, Michigan’s record said 4-1, but there are few teams with four wins in their first five games this season that have been less impressive. That continued on Saturday as Michigan barely squeaked out a win versus Iowa.

There was one huge positive: the defense played phenomenally, registering eight sacks on the day and generating four turnovers. They also held a team that previously averaged over 200 rushing yards per game to just a single net rushing yard.

The flip side is that Iowa is not exactly a Big Ten powerhouse and the Wolverines – even on a day when they had eight sacks and four takeaways – couldn’t win comfortably. Iowa had the ball in Michigan territory multiple times in the second half with a chance to tie the game.

Michigan’s offense continues to be a gong show. They had just 13 first downs on the day; they picked up 126 yards on two of their drives and had just 141 yards on their other 11. Sure, Iowa is a decent defense, but it’s quite clear that Michigan’s offensive woes are still a big problem.

Michigan Is Likely To Lose In The Coming Weeks

After this week’s big win, Michigan should have a cupcake matchup against a feeble Illinois team that just lost by 23 to Minnesota. However, things will get much trickier after that. They have to go to no. 12 Penn State and then host No. 9 Notre Dame, two legitimate College Football Playoff hopefuls.

After that, they’ll visit Maryland, which has been pesky this season, and then come home to face Michigan State. Michigan, the way they’re playing right now, isn’t good enough to clear that board. They’re going to lose at least once – if not twice – which will eliminate them from CFP contention.

What’s The Best Bet?

I wasn’t impressed by Michigan’s performance on Saturday. Their offense is still pathetic as they continue to try establish the run, which has been ineffective, and they’re shaky passing the ball. Their defense was solid but we’ve seen them struggle against Army and Wisconsin. They won’t play like that every week.

Even in the rosiest of rosy scenarios where Michigan is unbeaten up until their final week of the season, when they face no. 3 Ohio State, the way these teams are playing right now, the Buckeyes are going to crush them.

Anyway you slice it, I can’t see Michigan getting any type of look for the College Football Playoff, so don’t bet them to win the National Championship.