3 moments from Michigan's regular season that derailed their playoff chances

The 2024 season was almost destined to be a difficult one for Michigan. Coming off a national title, but seeing both Jim Harbaugh and a host of his best players head to the NFL, the Wolverines weren't well-prepared to defend. A bowl victory over Alabama lends distinction to an 8-5 campaign, but Michigan doubtlessly sought higher achievements.

A 7-5 regular season will likely never command a spot in even a 12-team College Football Playoff. Given the difficulty in Michigan's schedule, a 9-3 mark could have done the job. With that possibility in mind, here are three spots when Michigan's CFP hopes were scuttled.

3 moments from Michigan's regular season that derailed their playoff chances

Michigan's loss to Indiana was pivotal to both teams' seasons. (Photo Credit: IMAGN)

3. The first QB switch

Much of the struggle around Michigan's season arose from the lack of a standout quarterback to run the offense. That said, the Wolverines did themselves no favors by switching around between Davis Warren, Alex Orji and Jack Tuttle. Warren took the most snaps, but struggling to create any sense of continuity hurt the Michigan offense.

For instance, Tuttle took most of the snaps against Washington, which was a loss that jeopardized the season and basically eliminated the CFP from the picture. Injuries were part of the picture, but Sherrone Moore and the Wolverines would have been better served to have stuck with a single QB as much as possible.

2. Missed two-point conversion against Indiana

Michigan had won 27 of its last 28 games with Indiana heading into this season. The 20-15 loss to the Hoosiers likely established Indiana as a legitimate CFP hopeful and finished off the Wolverines' CFP thoughts. The game remained available for the taking.

Despite trailing for much of the game, Michigan scored a touchdown with 9:35 to play to pull within 17-15. The Wolverines properly elected to pursue a two-point conversion to try to tie the game. But when Warren's two-point pass fell incomplete, Indiana was able to control the remainder of the game and claim the victory. Had Michigan succeeded, the outcome may have been different.

1. The 4th quarter against Washington

Still, of all the moments that derailed the season, it's hard to pick on losses to ranked opponents, particularly ones like Texas and Oregon who themselves ended up in the CFP. But the loss to Washington was a bad defeat. To make matters worse, Michigan led the game 17-14 entering the fourth quarter.

That fourth quarter was a 17-0 Washington triumph that flipped the game and season. Had Michigan taken down Washington, the Indiana Hoosiers might have also been defeated the next week. That would be nine regular season wins, which could have gotten Michigan into the CFP.

What do you think of Michigan's season-upsetting moments? Share your thoughts on the Wolverines below in our comments section!