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College Football: 5 dark horse playoff contenders

By Eric Robinson

ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 07: Detail of the College Football Playoff National Championship trophy, along with the helmets of the 2 competing teams, University of Alabama (left) and University of Georgia (right) on January 7, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 07: Detail of the College Football Playoff National Championship trophy, along with the helmets of the 2 competing teams, University of Alabama (left) and University of Georgia (right) on January 7, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images) /
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ANN ARBOR, MI – SEPTEMBER 16: Rashan Gary #3 of the Michigan Wolverines***Brad Robbins #3 of the Michigan Wolverines warms up prior to the start of the game against the Air Force Falcons at Michigan Stadium on September 16, 2017 in Ann Arbor, Michigan.(Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MI – SEPTEMBER 16: Rashan Gary #3 of the Michigan Wolverines***Brad Robbins #3 of the Michigan Wolverines warms up prior to the start of the game against the Air Force Falcons at Michigan Stadium on September 16, 2017 in Ann Arbor, Michigan.(Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /

Michigan Wolverines (Last season: 8-5)

One of the more generated questions around college football this season is whether or not Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh is on the hot seat. That has not necessarily been determined but one thing is for sure, the pressure level will increase if the Wolverines were to fall flat once again this season.

The transfer of quarterback Shea Patterson from Ole Miss to Michigan gives the Wolverines reliable stability at the position. The gifted passer has a live arm and behind him is a reliable run game that averaged 177.7 rushing yards per game behind Karan Higdon and Chris Evans.

ANN ARBOR, MI – OCTOBER 07: Rashan Gary #3 of the Michigan Wolverines makes the stop on Brian Lewerke #14 of the Michigan State Spartans during the fourth quarter of the game at Michigan Stadium on October 7, 2017 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan State defeated Michigan 14-10. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MI – OCTOBER 07: Rashan Gary #3 of the Michigan Wolverines makes the stop on Brian Lewerke #14 of the Michigan State Spartans during the fourth quarter of the game at Michigan Stadium on October 7, 2017 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan State defeated Michigan 14-10. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /

Defense will be the calling card for the Wolverines this season. The unit was third overall last season and first overall against the pass. There are All-American candidates in defensive lineman Rashan Gary, linebacker Devin Bush, and cornerbacks Lavert Hill and David Long.

If the Wolverines trip over Notre Dame in the season opener, it may leave a lasting impact on their CFP potential. They have home games against Penn State and Wisconsin as well as road games against Michigan State and Ohio State.

The addition of Patterson will make an immediate impact and his presence may be the piece to get the team over the hump and into a deep postseason run.

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