How Michigan vs Penn State affects the College Football Playoff race - College Football HQ Skip to main content Sign In October 14, 2022NewsRankingsSchedulesSI.comNewsRankingsSchedulesSI.comNewsletterHomeCollege Football HQNews How Michigan vs Penn State affects the College Football Playoff raceMichigan vs. Penn State is not only a huge Big Ten matchup - it can potentially impact how the College Football Playoff will lookAuthor:James ParksPublish date:Oct 14, 2022 5:22 PM EDTSaturday's matchup between Michigan and Penn State was already a statement for the winner in the Big Ten East race, but now it could also help impact how the College Football Playoff looks later this season. That's according to the Football Power Index computer prediction model, which forecasts future results based on scores and schedules to date. And when looking at this Big Ten matchup, it appears one team has an outsized chance to use the outcome as a springboard to making the CFP. What it means for Penn State Coming into this one, the Nittany Lions were already on the outside looking in as far as making the College Football Playoff.  Ahead of the game, FPI estimates Penn State has the 15 percent chance to reach the semifinal with a win over Michigan on Saturday. That's compared just a 2 percent shot at making it with a loss this weekend. Even with a win over Michigan but a loss to Ohio State later, the computer suggests all is not lost: Penn State would have the 31 percent chance to make the playoff even if it doesn't make the Big Ten championship. Penn State's remaining schedule: vs. Minnesota, vs. Ohio State, at Indiana, vs. Maryland, at Rutgers, vs. Michigan State What it means for MichiganIt's clear Michigan has more to gain, and more to lose, based on what happens Saturday: the Wolverines have a 47 percent shot at the College Football Playoff by defeating Penn State, and a 12 percent chance if it loses. Even with a win over Penn State and a loss in the season finale at Ohio State, the Wolverines still have a 48 percent chance to make the playoff, owing to the computer's judgement that Michigan has overall higher team quality. FPI projects that Michigan is 20.8 points better than an average team on a neutral field, compared to Penn State, which checks in at 14.1 points better, according to the projection.  Michigan's remaining schedule: vs. Michigan State, at Rutgers, vs. Nebraska, vs. Illinois, at Ohio State More from College Football HQ for the Week 7 schedule of games Penn State vs. Michigan preview, prediction Michigan vs. Penn State picks, predictions: Week 7 college football odds, spread, lines How to watch Penn State vs. Michigan in Week 7 AP top 25 poll: Georgia, Ohio State jump Alabama in Week 7 rankings Week 7 college football point spread, betting lines for top games Expert picks, predictions for Week 7 games by computer model College football picks, predictions against the spread for Week 7 Week 7 college football games you should watch College football rankings: ESPN updated top 25 poll for Week 7 College football rankings According to AP top 25 poll 1. Georgia2. Ohio State3. Alabama4. Clemson5. Michigan6. Tennessee7. USC8. Oklahoma State9. Ole Miss10. Penn State11. UCLA12. Oregon13. TCU14. Wake Forest15. NC State16. Mississippi State17. Kansas State18. Syracuse19. Kansas20. Utah21. CincinnatiT-22. KentuckyT-22. Texas24. Illinois25. James Madison (FPI) Follow College Football HQ: Bookmark Rankings Facebook News How Michigan vs Penn State affects the College Football Playoff raceBy James ParksOct 14, 2022 5:22 PM EDTNews How Alabama vs Tennessee will affect the College Football Playoff raceBy James ParksOct 14, 2022 3:32 PM EDTSchedules College football games today Week 7 TV schedule for FridayBy James ParksOct 14, 2022 3:01 PM EDTSchedules USC vs Utah schedule game time how to watch TV channel streamingBy James ParksOct 14, 2022 12:54 PM EDTSchedules Notre Dame vs Stanford schedule game time how to watch TV channel streamingBy James ParksOct 14, 2022 12:39 PM EDTSchedules Clemson vs Florida State schedule game time how to watch TV channel streamingBy James ParksOct 14, 2022 12:25 PM EDTSchedules Kentucky vs Mississippi State schedule game time how to watch TV channel streamingBy James ParksOct 14, 2022 12:18 PM EDTSchedules LSU vs Florida schedule game time how to watch TV channel streamingBy James ParksOct 14, 2022 11:39 AM EDTLoading…See MoreCLOSECLOSECLOSECLOSE