As the final stretch of the college football season approaches, Michigan finds itself in familiar territory—on the edge of playoff contention. The Wolverines have shown flashes of dominance, but inconsistency in key moments has kept them from being considered a lock for the College Football Playoff. To break through and secure one of those coveted four spots, Michigan needs to sharpen its identity in three main areas: efficiency on offense, discipline on defense, and composure in big-game moments.

First and foremost, Michigan must regain its offensive rhythm. The Wolverines have all the pieces—an elite quarterback in Bryce Underwood, a versatile running back group, and a deep receiving corps—but execution has lagged behind potential. Drives too often stall due to penalties, missed assignments, or conservative play-calling. To compete with elite teams, Michigan has to finish drives in the red zone and rely on its playmakers in open space. Underwood’s arm talent and mobility should be the centerpiece of the offense, but balance remains critical. The Wolverines must reestablish a strong rushing attack to control tempo and wear down defenses. If they can rediscover the blend of physicality and creativity that defined their best seasons, they’ll have the formula to put points on the board against playoff-caliber opponents.

Defensively, Michigan remains one of the most talented units in the nation, but lapses in discipline have cost them at critical times. The Wolverines thrive when they play sound, assignment-based football—collapsing pockets, sealing edges, and limiting explosive plays. Players like Derrick Moore and Jaishawn Barham have been game-changers up front, bringing relentless energy and leadership that sets the tone for the entire defense. The secondary must continue to communicate effectively, especially against high-powered passing offenses that look to exploit mismatches. The defense doesn’t need to be perfect, but it must be timely. Creating turnovers, generating pressure, and flipping field position will be vital against teams like Ohio State or in a potential Big Ten title game.

Special teams, often overlooked, could also make the difference. Michigan’s return game has underperformed this season, offering little spark in field position battles. Fixing that starts with consistency from returners, smarter decision-making, and better blocking lanes. Every yard counts in playoff-level matchups, and the Wolverines can’t afford to waste opportunities in the kicking game, especially against evenly matched opponents.

Perhaps the most important key for Michigan, however, is mental toughness. The margin for error in the playoff race is razor-thin. The Wolverines must approach each week with the same level of urgency, regardless of opponent. In recent years, Michigan’s biggest breakthroughs have come when the team played with confidence, discipline, and poise under pressure. That mindset must return if they hope to navigate November unscathed and finish strong.

Ultimately, Michigan controls its own destiny. Win out, claim the Big Ten championship, and a playoff berth will almost certainly follow. But the road won’t be easy. It will require sharper execution, renewed focus, and a willingness to dominate from start to finish. If the Wolverines can find that balance, they have the talent, leadership, and toughness to not only make the playoff—but to compete for another national championship