Michigan National Championship Scenarios

You love it but it's not going to happen.  Or will it?

SALINE, MI  NOVEMBER 28, 2003

Here are the ways Michigan can still win at least a piece of the national championship:

1.  Win Sugar Bowl.  I don't know what would is a tougher challenge, Michigan beating Oklahoma or Michigan getting to the Sugar Bowl.  If USC and LSU both lose, there is a very good shot that Michigan would make it to the BCS championship game.  Win, and Michigan will automatically be declared the national champion.  Odds: 2%.

2. Win the Rose Bowl, AND...  Yes, Michigan can still win the national championship if they play in the Rose Bowl.  While the Sugar Bowl winner is automatically the ESPN/Coaches national champ, the Associated Press still votes after the bowls are complete.  For this to be a reasonable assumption, a two-loss LSU, Georgia, or Tennessee would need to upset Oklahoma in the Sugar, and Michigan would need to take down USC in the Rose Bowl.  If a one-loss USC makes it to the Sugar Bowl and wins, Michigan won't get the AP vote.  Odds: 4%.

Click here for the latest BCS Bowl Game Projections compiled from all of the major media sources.