How Does the USA Today Preseason Poll Alter Michigan's BCS Path?

Michigan enters the USA Today coaches' poll at No. 8, and I think that's just about where everyone expected them to be. They are the highest-ranked Big Ten team, and again, I don't think that surprised anyone.

As we all know, though, preseason polls can unfortunately have a big impact on who ends up playing for the national title.

So how will Michigan's preseason ranking affect its goal of playing in the Rose Bowl in 2012?

Michigan State at No. 13

This ranking isn't too surprising, but it may be a bit higher than some people expected. Michigan State is, without a doubt, Michigan's biggest challenger in the Legends Division.

As long as Michigan beats Michigan State, I think it will basically secure a spot in the Big Ten championship. But what if Michigan somehow loses that game?

Well, I think MSU will be undefeated coming into that Oct. 20 contest, so it will obviously be pretty high in the rankings by then.

Not only is that game huge, but so is MSU's game a week later against Wisconsin and then their gaime the following week against Nebraska.

It's very realistic that MSU loses all three of those games, but as long as Michigan beats Michigan State, I don't think it'll have a whole lot to worry about.

Nebraska at No. 16

Although I think Nebraska has little chance at winning the Legends Division, you still obviously can't just completely ignore it.

However, I just see way too many potential losses somewhat early in the season. There's a very realistic chance that the team has three Big Ten losses by early November. Three losses won't be good enough to win the division.

Nebraska may dig itself too big of a hole early and not be a factor by late November. However, if it is able to beat both Wisconsin and Michigan (which is very possible), then the MSU game on Nov. 3 will be absolutely huge.

I see this team likely losing three conference games, which is just simply not good enough to win the division.

Both Notre Dame and Alabama Ranked Higher Than Expected

USC and LSU seemed to be the popular choices for the No. 1 and No. 2 rankings, but instead, Alabama came in at No. 2. That certainly doesn't hurt Michigan.

Neither does the fact that Notre Dame is ranked No. 24. I'm glad to see the team ranked for Michigan's sake, but the fact that it is is a complete joke, as the voters apparently don't take a look at the teams' schedules.

However, it may be for naught, as I would be very surprised if Notre Dame is still ranked when the team faces Michigan. I certainly hope it is, as a Notre Dame win in that game is very possible, even somewhat likely.

Regardless, I'm glad to see Alabama come in at No. 2, as the media will now look at it as a bigger challenge for Michigan, even though absolutely nothing has changed.

Two Very Hard September Road Games

What if Michigan loses to both Alabama and Notre Dame and comes out of September with a 2-2 record? Would it still be ranked?

Yes, it likely would, but just barely. It would probably be right around No. 20 at the highest.

The team definitely does not want to dig itself a hole too deep early in the season, especially with two more hard games in October.

It could potentially be very hard to climb back up the rankings with two early-season losses.

The November Schedule Is Pretty Soft

If Michigan finds itself in a poor position entering November, it is a great month for the team to climb back up the rankings.

I think Minnesota and Northwestern are basically gimme games, and Iowa is certainly a game Michigan should win as well. Starting the month 3-0 is very likely, and it would look great heading into The Game.

If Michigan wins, it will shoot up the rankings even more.

November is the month champions are made in college football. And Brady Hoke knows how important it is to win every game that month—especially the last one.