Michigan football is 3-0 (despite what some might say), but now enters the real test of the season: Big Ten play.
The Wolverines are set to host a 3-0 ranked Iowa team that ran roughshod over two 'Northern' opponents (Northern Illinois and Northern Iowa) and had a bit of a dogfight in a 16-13 win over Iowa State at Kinnick Stadium. The winner of this week's game still controls its own destiny, while the loser likely will have to do more than simply lick its wounds.
As Big Ten play starts in earnest, how are the maize and blue viewed nationally? CBS Sports has revealed its latest power rankings, and the Wolverines come in ranked at No. 15 overall.
15. Michigan
After beating Oklahoma two weeks ago, Michigan faces yet another difficult matchup this
week when Iowa comes to Ann Arbor. The Wolverines worked out some kinks in a 52-17 win against UTEP. Bryce Underwood completed 19 of 25 passes for 223 yards and two TDs.
Iowa comes in at No. 18 and surely hasn't been tested the same, in terms of opponents or close scores. Michigan managed to handle Oklahoma, and though there are questions about how good (or bad) the Sooners might be, that's still a team that was in the College Football Playoff last year and returned many of the players from that team this year. (OU is ranked 20th by CBS.)
The schedule for the Wolverines, however, is difficult, with No. 3 Ohio State, No. 7 Indiana, No. 13 Penn State, and No. 17 Oregon on it, outside of the Hawkeyes at 18th. And that's not even counting that UCLA and MSU both look improved upon last year.
Still, we'll get to know much more about Michigan's capability this upcoming season this week. Win, and everything is still in front of it. Lose, and there will be a lot of reflection upon the issues that plagued the Wolverines up until now.
This article originally appeared on Wolverines Wire: CBS Sports ranks Michigan No. 15 ahead of Big Ten opener vs. Iowa
