Michigan football bowl projections after Week 13: Exploring Wolverines' playoff chances in 2024

The Michigan Wolverines won't be competing in the College Football Playoff despite a commanding 50-6 victory over the Northwestern Wildcats on Saturday. The defending national champions have earned eligibility to compete in a bowl game but won't play in the playoffs this season.

Michigan bowl projections 2024

Michigan (6-5, 4-4 Big Ten) hopes to end its regular season on a high note when it faces the No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes (10-1, 7-1) on Saturday. The team has struggled after winning four of its first five games.

The Wolverines suffered a 27-17 defeat to the Washington Huskies (6-5, 4-4) on Oct. 5, which changed the trajectory of their season for the worse. Michigan lost three of its next four games, ending its chances of playing in the playoff.

The Wolverines' victory over Northwestern gave them their sixth win, making them eligible for a bowl game. Their matchup against Ohio State is a chance for Michigan to defeat their rivals and get the final laugh after the Buckeyes mocked them in Week 11.

Fans may recall the Ohio State marching band forming a bear to symbolize it defecating on Michigan's logo during a Nov. 9 halftime performance. The viral moment could be the added motivation the Wolverines need to defeat the Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio, on Saturday.

What bowl games will Michigan play in?

CBS Sports college football playoff expert Jerry Palm has Michigan projected to play the No. 21 Missouri Tigers (8-3) in the Music City Bowl. The bowl will occur on Dec. 30 at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee. If true, the matchup could be a difficult challenge for Michigan.

Missouri is coming off a win over the Mississippi State Bulldogs on Saturday. The Tigers will be in action Saturday when they face the Arkansas Razorbacks. The Tigers have had a better season than Michigan and may give the Wolverines issues, particularly on offense.

Missouri quarterback Brady Cook has completed 173 passes for 2,080 yards and nine touchdowns. Meanwhile, Michigan quarterback Davis Warren has 116 completed passes for 1,064 yards and six touchdowns.

Although the Wolverines' defense could give Cook problems, Warren's performance this season may not help his team's chances of winning the Music City Bowl.

Michigan football schedule: Key games remaining

Michigan will try to build momentum into its bowl game by beating Ohio State. The Buckeyes' nasty jab toward Michigan in Week 11 has made it more important for the Wolverines to get the win on the road.

• Nov. 30: @ Ohio State