Preseason expectations are sky high for Jim Harbaugh and the Michigan Wolverines, including many predictions that the Maize and Blue could reach the College Football Playoff. However, not everyone is on the bandwagon just yet, and one prominent bowl projection will certainly ruffle the feathers of "Michigan Men' everywhere.
Jerry Palm of CBS Sports recently released his projections for the 2016-2017 bowl season, and while two teams from the Big Ten reached "Selection Committee" level games, the Wolverines were not one of them. Michigan was pegged to land in the Outback Bowl (on Jan. 2) against the Ole Miss Rebels, while Ohio State (Rose Bowl) and Iowa (Cotton Bowl) received bids to the New Year's Six.
Given the fact that Michigan must travel to Columbus to face the Buckeyes in the season finale, it does not seem overly ridiculous that Ohio State would get the nod. Still, Iowa landing ahead of Michigan is sure to generate some buzz when it comes to these projections, and it would be difficult for Harbaugh and his staff to sell a return trip to Central Florida after a blowout win over Florida a season ago.
It is probably healthy for Michigan to see a prediction on this level that isn't kind to the team, but that doesn't mean it will go over any better in Ann Arbor.
