CFB Week 10 Rooting Interest
Ohio State 8-0
at Rutgers 6-2
We should root for Rutgers obviously.
Kansas State 6-2
at Texas 7-1
We should root for Texas to keep a one loss Ohio State out of the playoff.
Notre Dame 7-2
at Clemson 4-4
Always root against Notre Dame, and a Notre Dame loss hurts Ohio State.
Wisconsin 5-3
at Indiana 2-6
A Wisconsin loss helps us in the unlikely scenario of a three way Big Ten East tiebreaker
Nebraska 5-3
at Michigan State 2-6
A Nebraska wins helps us in a three way Big Ten East tiebreaker. Always root against MSU as well.
Florida State 8-0
at Pittsburgh 2-6
We should root for Florida State to keep a one loss Ohio State out of the playoff.
Oklahoma 7-1
at Oklahoma State 6-2
An Oklahoma win helps to keep a one loss Ohio State out of the playoff.
Penn State 7-1
Maryland 5-3
A Maryland win almost assuredly eliminates Penn State from the Big Ten East title race
Illinois 3-5
at Minnesota
A Minnesota wins helps us in a potential three way tie in the Big Ten East
LSU 6-2
at Alabama 7-1
I'm conflicted on this one. An Alabama loss eliminates them from the cfb playoff. However, if Alabama loses and LSU wins out including the SEC championship game, the SEC champ would have two losses. It's unlikely but a one loss Ohio State could get in over a one loss Georgia that lost the SEC title game and a 2 loss SEC champ based on strength of schedule.
Purdue 2-6
at Michigan 8-0
Root for a massive beat down, that undermines the "cheating" argument
Washington 8-0
at USC 7-2
This is another tricky one. A Washington win helps keep a one loss Ohio State out. On the other hand, a Washington loss helps JJ win the Heisman.
November 3rd, 2023 at 1:19 PM ^
Rooting interest, anyone in the Big Ten who isn't whining about sign stealing (if that team exists).
November 3rd, 2023 at 6:19 PM ^
MN - PJ loves us
November 3rd, 2023 at 1:28 PM ^
Why you no want Ohio St in the CFP? ;-)
I keep reading on this board how easy they will be for Michigan to beat.
November 3rd, 2023 at 1:31 PM ^
I mean, when you take the last 2 seasons into consideration and the fact that Ohio looks like a lesser team compared to those seasons while Michigan looks as good or better... its pretty clear why we believe what we believe.
Also, while 2 B1G teams in the playoff would be good for the conference, OSU schadenfreude is always a deliciously sweet beverage.
November 3rd, 2023 at 1:33 PM ^
Well, to be honest, OSU in the playoffs again helps them in recruiting (not that OSU needs help there) also due to the fun of the rivalry we don’t want to see OSU have a chance at a National title. The Game is never a for sure or easy win. However I would argue neither school (winner) would want a rematch especially if it’s a close game!
November 3rd, 2023 at 1:39 PM ^
Buckeye Chuck, have you ever rooted for Michigan to make the playoff?
November 3rd, 2023 at 1:49 PM ^
Among phrases I never fathomed writing or uttering: "I'm with BuckeyeChuck on this one." Completely in favor of chaos scenarios that mean two teams from the BiG get into the playoff as opposed to any team from other conferences.
November 3rd, 2023 at 2:01 PM ^
Because fuck tosu and every one of their dipshits who hang out here.
November 3rd, 2023 at 3:05 PM ^
Well Chuck,
OSU looks fraudulent this year AND
Ryan Day is a bitchmade Karen.
HOWEVER...
I want OSU to keep Ryan Day...he's unhinged, unworthy and unqualified for the position of HC at a top 5 CFB program.
My biggest fear is OSU hiring Mike Vrabel upon Day's firing.
November 3rd, 2023 at 5:54 PM ^
because fuck ohio state, that’s why.
November 3rd, 2023 at 6:13 PM ^
I root for teams. I thirst for 1-2 match up which includes a tremendous victory for Michigan. Beating OSU twice would be an awesome season.
November 3rd, 2023 at 8:29 PM ^
Still love you Chuck, good people are good people.
November 3rd, 2023 at 1:28 PM ^
It should not be overlooked that Nebraska is one win away from bowl eligibility. That's huge considering what they've had to deal with. Big kudos to the coaches and players for sticking together, trusting each other, and finding ways to succeed.
November 3rd, 2023 at 2:35 PM ^
If Nebraska had started Haarberg from the beginning of the season instead of Random Turnover Generator (aka Jeff Sims), they would have almost certainly beaten Minnesota on the road and already be 6-2 with an outside shot of winning the West.
November 3rd, 2023 at 2:52 PM ^
I'd say Nebraska already has a chance at winning the West.
Also, look at the PF column. Rutgers has almost everyone in the West beat. If they had one more safety against MSU.
Edited to say, wow MSU has scored less than IOWA.
November 3rd, 2023 at 6:22 PM ^
Probably comes down to Wisconsin- Minnesota game
November 3rd, 2023 at 1:29 PM ^
OSU isn't losing to Rutgers but the Scarlet Knights playing them down defensively would be nice to see.
I sort of want chaos in the Big 12 because both Texas and OU have 1 loss and Texas enjoys a big OOC win @Alabama. Give them two losses + they give OU another loss and that helps UM in case there's any missteps.
Yeah, Clemson should beat ND to hurt the Irish and by proxy OSU.
Nebraska sneakily being good this year helps UM, and FYS at this point.
Maryland playing well for one week against a good team would be great for UM and for karma.
November 3rd, 2023 at 1:31 PM ^
I disagree with rooting for Maryland over PSU. We have to play PSU anyway and it would be more beneficial to us if PSU is ranked as high as possible when we play them. It is unlikely Maryland would be ranked when we play them regardless, so let them eat the loss.
November 3rd, 2023 at 1:38 PM ^
I think Michigan is in a weird place in terms of the playoff. The CFP committee clearly respects our play despite our weak schedule, but I'm not convinced they'd put 11-1 Michigan in the playoffs. It feels like we are either 13-0, ranked #1 or #2, and playing in the Rose Bowl, or out of the playoffs entirely. All that to say I'm not sure our SoS really matters, so might as well root against Penn State.
November 3rd, 2023 at 1:51 PM ^
That will change with a big win over PSU.
November 3rd, 2023 at 2:00 PM ^
I hope so! I don't have a lot of faith in this Penn State team, so I hope we crush them and they still limp their way to 10-2.
November 3rd, 2023 at 2:41 PM ^
I'll respectfully disagree here.
If PSU loses another conference game then that would mean UM could lose to PSU at Happy Valley and as long as they won the rest of their games they would still be the Big Ten East champs, play for the conference title and a shot at the playoffs. However, if PSU beats UM and doesn't lose another game there is a very real possibility of a three way tie between OSU (win over PSU, loss to UM), PSU (loss to OSU, win over UM) and UM (win over OSU, loss to PSU) which would go to a tiebreaker which UM would likely lose, so UM would almost certainly not make the playoff.
Obviously, the ideal scenario is for UM to go "scorched Earth" on the rest of the conference and their cry baby coaches, win out and be the first or second seed in the playoffs but an additional PSU loss is probably a good thing for UM.
November 3rd, 2023 at 1:32 PM ^
Dude, your logic is screwed. We should root against FSU and every other undefeated team as well as Texas and every other one-loss team so WE can get into the CFP with one loss if it comes down to it.
November 3rd, 2023 at 1:44 PM ^
I get what you're saying but that's a loser mentality. This Michigan team is so much better than Ohio State and Penn State. Michigan beats both by 17+
November 3rd, 2023 at 2:22 PM ^
No, that's a mature mentality. I expect to be 12-0 after The Game. I have every reason to believe M will be 12-0. If I root for a scenario where my only in to the playoff is being 13-0, I'm not playing the whole field. The players are preparing to win, the fans should be rooting for the best of any given scenarios, and that means rooting against undefeated teams.
November 3rd, 2023 at 1:38 PM ^
As much as I hate ND, I'm enjoying Dabo crashing back to earth. Seeing Clemson at 4-5 would be nice.
November 3rd, 2023 at 2:44 PM ^
Yeah, that ND-Clemson game is a tough one. The only game I wanted ND to win this year was against OSU and they choked that one away, so a part of me wants them to lose a bunch of games so that they are no longer a quality win for OSU and I just despise ND but...Dabo is one of the most unlikeable coaches in all of CFB so seeing Clemson crash and burn would be very nice as well.
Tough call.
November 3rd, 2023 at 2:12 PM ^
You want me to root for Oklahoma over Ollie Gordon and Alan Bowman and what OU is doing to cfb by leaving for the SEC?
No I don't think I will
November 3rd, 2023 at 2:55 PM ^
Your mad at OU for leaving for the SEC? Are you also mad at Texas, Rutgers, Maryland, Nebraska, USC, UCLA, Oregon, Washington, aTm, Missouri, Colorado, Cincinnati, Houston...
If so, you've got a lot of anger.
November 3rd, 2023 at 3:14 PM ^
Mad is not necessarily the right word. I'm not happy about it.
Also I just don't like Oklahoma and Okie State is a fun underdog team that is easy to root for.
November 3rd, 2023 at 2:22 PM ^
Rutgers has a decent enough chance of making it a closer than comfortable game against OSU. I remain unimpressed by OSU’s defense and their offense outside of MHjr is just ok. I don’t think Rutgers will win but I’d be excited about an OSU loss shaking their confidence before the Game.
I don’t really care who wins in the other conferences except that I’ll be rooting for LSU to top Alabama and Missouri to eek out a win over Georgia. Then LSU can go into the SEC championship game and win, effectively keeping the SEC out of the playoffs assuming the B1G, Pac12, and ACC champs are in, with either Oklahoma or Texas taking the fourth spot.
November 3rd, 2023 at 2:27 PM ^
My rooting interest is anything that keeps Ohio State out of playoff
November 3rd, 2023 at 2:34 PM ^
My rooting interests are: anyone with 0 losses losing, then anyone with 1 losses losing, then 2 losses losing, and so on and so forth
November 3rd, 2023 at 6:26 PM ^
By gosh, by golly, you betcha. Agree. It has been my rule since 1976 while always rooting Michigan.
November 3rd, 2023 at 3:11 PM ^
Root for a massive beat down, that undermines the "cheating" argument
Unless it also underscores the "cheating" argument, in which case they should win by just the right amount to find that happy medium.
Did you know that Michigan somehow stole msu's signs when they had Houser run to the sideline to get the calls? Pretty sure Stalions was in disguise on the spartan sideline despite the "suspension." I mean, he was suspended WITH PAY. Clearly, he's still operating as a mole. He's basically Jake Peralta working for the FBI when he got "fired" by the NYPD.
November 3rd, 2023 at 3:40 PM ^
I completely get your rooting interest of keeping a 1-loss OSU out. But, my fear is that the same results could also keep a 1-loss Michigan out. Let's just say we stomp PSU this weekend but lose in overtime against OSU, but go to the Big Ten Championship game due to the tiebreakers that you referenced above. Assuming that the Big Ten Championship game a gimme (the west sucks), we would end the season as a 1-loss Big Ten Champion. Or, even if OSU goes to the BigTen Championship game due to tie-breakers, we still end the season 11-1 with a ton of good fancy stats. In that situation, I would want to see every other top 10 team take as much resume damage as possible over the next 3-4 weeks so that we maximize our chances. So, my rooting interests:
Ohio State 8-0
at Rutgers 6-2
Rutgers. They are not a bad team. Them pulling the upset here would be huge in terms of boosting our SOS (they would definitely be ranked, possibly top 15). Also, fuck OSU.
Kansas State 6-2
at Texas 7-1
Root for Kansas. We don't like 1-loss teams, especially 1-loss teams with enough national TV draw that they could get in over us.
Notre Dame 7-2
at Clemson 4-4
Clemson. Another ND loss renders them unranked and hurts OSU's resume. Also, to hell with ND.
Wisconsin 5-3
at Indiana 2-6
While unlikely, as you said, a Wisconsin loss helps us in the unlikely scenario of a three way Big Ten East tiebreaker. Also, always root for teams that we played to beat team that we have not played.
Nebraska 5-3
at Michigan State 2-6
Again, as you noted, a Nebraska wins helps us in a three way Big Ten East tiebreaker. And as you also noted, always root against MSU.
Florida State 8-0
at Pittsburgh 2-6
Doesn't matter who we root for; FSU is going to curb stomp Pitt, but I am rooting for Pitt because I want all top 10 teams to lose.
Oklahoma 7-1
at Oklahoma State 6-2
SK State. See above about as many 1-loss teams getting a second loss as possible.
Penn State 7-1
Maryland 5-3
We play both of these teams. But, we want a PSU win here. In the event that we lose to OSU, we need our (hopeful) PSU win to look as shiny as possible to prop up our weak resume.
Illinois 3-5
at Minnesota
Root for Minny because we played them (and don't play Illinois) so a Minnesota wins helps us in a potential three way tie in the Big Ten East
LSU 6-2
at Alabama 7-1
SEC champ is getting in either way, but a 1-loss Alabama is a threat to make the playoffs over a 1-loss Michigan. Root for LSU to take Bama out of the discussion.
Washington 8-0
at USC 7-2
Really tough one here. I think I would root for USC so that Washington gets its first loss. With a few more decently tough games on their schedule, they could easily get a second. USC already has 2 losses and I think they will pick up a 3rd against Oregon next week anyway. Added bonus: Washington losing hurts the Caleb Williams Heisman Campaign. .
November 3rd, 2023 at 4:03 PM ^
Michgoblue's rooting interest are correct! Thank you for your contribution!
November 3rd, 2023 at 5:02 PM ^
From a purely strategic point of view, we absolutely want OSU to win this week and be #1 when we beat the dust out of them.
November 3rd, 2023 at 5:03 PM ^
An interesting question to me as I think about whether to root for or against possible playoff teams - who do we think Michigan would be best off playing in the playoff among Florida State, Oklahoma, Texas, LSU, and Alabama (I'm assuming one of Oregon or Washington will be in regardless)
November 3rd, 2023 at 5:59 PM ^
FSU just doesn’t look like a playoff team.
Bama may squeeze in this year, Georgia is not dominant as they have been.
Texas - meh
November 3rd, 2023 at 5:08 PM ^
Looks like I'll be pulling for Dabo this week then. Also pulling for USC. Imho, Caleb will not win Heisman again. Just too many turnovers against good teams.
November 3rd, 2023 at 6:00 PM ^
I’m rooting for Michigan, fuck everyone else*.
*Unless I put money on you, than you’re cool for this week.
November 3rd, 2023 at 6:16 PM ^
After the last couple weeks, I’m only rooting for Michigan and any coach who said this is all BS (yes, even you purple boy). Everyone else can eat a bag of ….
November 3rd, 2023 at 8:53 PM ^
I'm rooting for Florida State, Washington, and Georgia to win out. I want the winner of Michigan and Ohio State to make the playoff, with no chance for a 1 loss loser of that game to make it.