For the second consecutive week, Michigan was ranked ahead of Michigan State in the College Football Playoff committee's weekly rankings release. This time, committee chairman Gary Barta's explanation for such a result drew even more raised eyebrows.
Michigan State beat Michigan, 37-33, at home on Oct. 30, though that result was not enough to convince the committee members the Spartans are the better side. As Barta put it, watching the games is not the end-all, be-all of the discussion.
Michigan ranks 25th nationally in scoring, one spot ahead of Michigan State. The Wolverines are fourth in scoring defense (16.