Desmond Howard calls Ohio State vs. Michigan an 'elimination game'

Colin Gay, The Columbus Dispatch
·3 min read
13

While Ohio State football prepares for its final road game of the 2022 season against Maryland, ESPN's "College GameDay" is already looking at College Football Playoff implications for the Buckeyes' final home game.

Former Michigan wide receiver, Heisman Trophy winner and "College GameDay" analyst Desmond Howard said he feels Ohio State vs. Michigan is an "elimination game" for the Playoff.

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Howard said he already knows it's an elimination game for the Wolverines, saying the committee made it clear home much it doesn't like Michigan's non-conference schedule.

"If Michigan loses, Michigan's out," Howard said. "There's no hope for Michigan."

However, Howard also doesn't see a "backdoor way" for the Buckeyes to get into the College Football Playoff if it loses to Michigan at home.

Pat McAfee feels good about Ohio State vs. Michigan

Former Indianapolis Colts punter and "College GameDay" analyst Pat McAfee seemingly already called his shot for Ohio State vs. Michigan.

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"The Ohio State team, I think, is stacked," McAfee said. "I feel good about them next week."

Lee Corso also has the Buckeyes beating the Wolverines Nov. 26, putting Ohio State in his final four along with Georgia, Tennessee and USC.

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But McAfee and former Ohio State quarterback and "College GameDay" analyst Kirk Herbstreit agreed that if Ohio State loses to Michigan, it would not likely make the top four in the Playoff.

College football rankings 2022

Here's a look at the College Football Playoff's third ranking of the 2022 season.

  1. Georgia (10-0)

  2. Ohio State (10-0)

  3. Michigan (10-0)

  4. TCU (10-0)

  5. Tennessee (9-1)

  6. LSU (8-2)

  7. USC (9-1)

  8. Alabama (8-2)

  9. Clemson (9-1)

  10. Utah (8-2)

  11. Penn State (8-2)

  12. Oregon (8-2)

  13. North Carolina (9-1)

  14. Ole Miss (8-2)

  15. Kansas State (7-3)

  16. UCLA (8-2)

  17. Washington (8-2)

  18. Notre Dame (7-3)

  19. Florida State (7-3)

  20. UCF (8-2)

  21. Tulane (8-2)

  22. Oklahoma State (7-3)

  23. Oregon State (7-3)

  24. NC State (7-3)

  25. Cincinnati (8-2)

Ohio State football's 2022 schedule

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This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Desmond Howard: Ohio State vs. Michigan an 'elimination game'

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