The Michigan Wolverines' 3-5 start brought with it a firestorm of criticism to say the least.
However, if the Wolverines can upend the Maryland Terrapins in the program's final home game of the 2014 college football season, a three-game winning streak will vault the Wolverines into bowl eligibility - an accomplishment that seemed very unlikely just under a month ago.
"One thing about this team, they have been unified. They have stayed together," head coach Brady Hoke said, via Noah Trister of the Associated Press. "They have probably listened to the stuff out there, and at the same time they've done a great job of shutting it off."
The Michigan Wolverines will be huge underdogs when they visit the rival Ohio State Buckeyes in Columbus next Saturday. If they somehow lose to Maryland, the pressure of that game against the Buckeyes will amplify exponentially.
However, a win and this seemingly lost season gets a measure of validation in the form of a likely bowl invitation, while allowing the Wolverines can play loose in Columbus.
Big stakes are hand, any way you slice it, in Saturday's home finale against the Terps.
Follow our Michigan Wolverines team page for the latest Michigan football news!
Back to the Michigan Wolverines Newsfeed