At 8-2, the Wolverines are ranked at No. 18 in the most recent College Football Playoff ranking, where the top 12 teams at the end of the season will earn a trip to the playoff. That means Michigan still has some work to do to climb into contention, but its road to the playoff is pretty clear.

Michigan took care of business on Saturday in College Park. The Wolverines marched into Maryland and left with a 45-20 win to move Michigan to 9-2 on the season

Up next is the regular-season finale against Ohio State, a game not only for bragging rights but could help determine Michigan’s postseason fate. A win over the No. 1-ranked Buckeyes, 11-0 and tied atop the Big Ten standings, and the Wolverines have a real claim to make the 12-team playoff field.

The Michigan Wolverines need to win their last two games of the regular season to have a chance at the College Football Playoff.

Several College Football Playoff contenders were making a clear case to the committee on the regular season's penultimate week

Third-string RB Bryson Kuzdal had three TDs and 100 rushing yards as the Wolverines beat Maryland, 45-20, on the road.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Poking holes in Ohio State for the last 10 weeks has felt a bit like nitpicking. The Buckeyes are 11-0 and have played just a single one-score game (Aug. 30 vs. Texas). They have the best defense in the sport, a Heisman Trophy quality quarterback and clearly the best wide receiver tandem — when healthy.

Senior wide receiver Alante Brown has been out with an injury since the game against Boston College. In Iowa City, he is warming up in full pads, and could be nearing his return to the field. He has 5 catches for 47 yards in his MSU career, and has been an outstanding kick returner.