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After winning against Indiana last week 39-14, Michigan got a sudden surge in confidence from people around the country. While the Wolverines wouldn’t jump in the latest College Football Playoff rankings, Ohio State would jump a spot to take the number one ranking. Michigan was able to get some help last week by having Penn State and Oregon lose, but now they need some more help.

While all your focus will be on the biggest game of the year for the Wolverines, there will be other games that you should pay attention too, especially if the Wolverines win on Saturday. Check out these three games that could help the Wolverines shoot up the polls if they upset the Buckeyes.

Game 1: No. 5 Alabama vs. No. 15 Auburn

Two weeks ago we saw Alabama starting quarterback and possible number one pick Tua Tagovailoa go down for the season with a hip injury. His backup, Mac Jones, started last week and while the Crimson Tide won with ease with him, it was against Western Carolina, an FCS school.

This game against Auburn will be a completely different game for Jones, and he might struggle against the Tigers. If Jones has issues in the game, Auburn can win this game. If Auburn wins, Alabama would be eliminated from the playoff picture and while Auburn would move up the polls, Michigan beating Ohio State is a better win and they would have one less loss than the Tigers.

Root for: No. 15 Auburn

Game 2: No. 12 Wisconsin vs. No. 8 Minnesota

The battle for the Big Ten West as the winner takes on Ohio State for the Big Ten Championship next week. For Michigan’s sake, they want Minnesota to attend that game. Wisconsin winning would knock Minnesota possibly below the Wolverines, but then they would block a possible Michigan playoff bid if they beat Ohio State next week if they lose to Michigan.

Minnesota winning means Wisconsin falls, and if Minnesota loses to Ohio State after they have lost to Michigan, Minnesota would fall and Michigan would possibly jump them.

Root for: No. 8 Minnesota

Game 3: No. 7 Oklahoma vs. No. 21 Oklahoma State

This one is iffy as next week Oklahoma plays Baylor. Baylor and Oklahoma are above Michigan, and if both still are next week if Michigan wins this week, Michigan will get blocked by the winner for a playoff case.

On that note, Oklahoma State needs to pull off the upset to push the Sooners down. Pushing them down moves Michigan up if they win and if the Wolverines do win and all of these things happen, Michigan will easily be in the top 10 and could possibly be in the top eight.

Root for: No. 21 Oklahoma State