Despite suffering two ugly losses early in the season, there might still be a way Michigan State creeps into the College Football Playoff. At least according to ESPN.

The Spartans (4-2) posted an impressive 21-17 win over Penn State last week to keep their B1G East hopes alive. While it served as a great win for the program, MSU’s losses to Arizona State and Northwestern earlier in the year essentially eliminated it from CFB Playoff contention.

According to ESPN’s FiveThirtyEight.com, though, there’s still a glimmer of hope in East Lansing.

Just to get this out of the way, a lot would have to go right. And, right now, it seems nearly impossible that the Spartans would be able to steal one of those bids. But there is a chance.

First, Michigan State would have to win the remaining six games on its schedule. By winning out, the Spartans would punch their ticket to Indianapolis for a chance to win the B1G title. That, alone, is enough of a challenge.

Here’s what the remaining schedule looks like for Michigan State:

  • Oct. 20: vs. No. 6 Michigan
  • Oct. 27: vs. Purdue
  • Nov. 3: at Maryland
  • Nov. 10: vs. No. 2 Ohio State
  • Nov. 17: at Nebraska
  • Nov. 24: vs. Rutgers
  • Dec. 1: B1G Championship* (if applicable)

By winning out, Michigan State would have wins over Penn State, Michigan and Ohio State. And it would then likely play either Wisconsin or Iowa in the B1G Championship Game, which could be another ranked opponent.

It would (potentially) be four wins over ranked opponents, a conference title and an eight-game winning streak. It could make things interesting.

With that resume, FiveThityEight.com is giving Michigan State a 75 percent chance to reach the CFB Playoff.

The Spartans would need some help, too. Notre Dame would probably need to lose twice, Georgia and LSU would each need to lose another game along the way. There are probably several other teams that would need to endure a second loss, too.

Of course, all of this could end on Saturday if the Spartans fall to Michigan. But hey, it’s that time of year. Let’s start having some interesting conversations.