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ESPN analyst believes these 3 B1G games could have major impact on 2022 College Football Playoff
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One of the reasons college football is considered the most entertaining and unique sport in the country is because of the importance placed on every single game. Each week presents a do-or-die situation for every team taking the field.
Go undefeated and there’s a good chance that team will compete for a national championship. Lose a contest somewhere along the line and that squad may not make the 4-team College Football Playoff field.
While every game matters, it’s fine to acknowledge that some will still be weighed more heavily in the eyes of the College Football Playoff selection committee. Heading into 2022, ESPN’s Heather Dinich listed 10 games on the schedule that will likely have a significant impact on what this year’s field looks like.
Three of those impactful games come from the B1G.
Listed at No. 1 is “The Game” between Ohio State and Michigan. Both teams are expected to be at the top of the B1G again next season, which should set up a matchup with serious implications on Thanksgiving weekend.
That’s just how we like it, isn’t it?
Dinich listed the season-opener between Notre Dame and Ohio State on Sept. 3 as the No. 2 game that could make its mark on the selection committee. The Fighting Irish could catapult to the top of the Top 25 with a road win over the Buckeyes, or Ryan Day’s team could prove it’s on a mission by beating a quality Notre Dame squad.
Finally, the in-state battle between Michigan and Michigan State on Oct. 29 came in at No. 7 on ESPN’s list. Last year, both the Spartans and Wolverines were in the mix for a College Football Playoff berth until the second-to-last week of the season. Could that be the case again this season?
You can view Dinich’s complete Top 10 on ESPN.com (subscription required).
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB