Michigan appears to have its work cut out of it if it's looking to climb back in the College Football Playoff picture, at least according to analysts.

It started with some blowouts, ended with some nailbiters and gave fans plenty to look forward to in future editions.

Just two teams are left standing with a shot at the College Football Playoff National Championship as the inaugural 12-team tournament has reached the finish line. No. 7 seed Notre Dame is set to take on No.

This year, Boise State was the non-power representative for the College Football Playoff. Next year, it will be Tulane, but it will be a very different situation than the Broncos'. Boise State got a bye and was actually ranked inside the top-12. That won't be the case next season.

Has Ohio State football ever lost to Michigan and won the national championship in the same season? Here's the answer:

Early betting odds for Michigan vs. Ohio State 2025 "The Game" football matchup released one day after the Buckeyes' National Championship

Notre Dame finished second in the poll, its highest final ranking since 1993. Oregon, Texas and Penn State round out the top five, with Georgia, Arizona State, Boise State, Tennessee and Indiana in the rest of the top 10. BYU finished the season ranked No. 13 in the nation.

Ahead of the College Football Playoff national championship, ESPN analyst and Michigan Wolverines alumnus Desmond Howard had blistering words for the Ohio State fan base.

ESPN analyst Paul Finebaum discussed the first-ever 12-team College Football Playoff following Ohio State 's 34-23 victory over Notre Dame. After the Buckeyes were crowned the national champions, Finebaum gave credit to Ohio State head coach Ryan Day for a job well done.