In a season that has been nothing short of remarkable for the Michigan Wolverines, their upcoming game against Ohio State Buckeyes is set to be the defining moment. The outcome of this matchup will shape the success or failure of the season for both programs, as every Michigan vs. Ohio State game should.

National pundits and bowl projections alike have their eyes on this crucial game. According to CBS Sports' Jerry Palm, if Michigan emerges victorious, they are projected to face Florida State in the Rose Bowl. This would be a major achievement for the Wolverines, who have displayed their strength in a hard-fought 31-24 win against Maryland, their toughest test of the season. Michigan's unyielding defense had not conceded more than 15 points in a game until their recent victory over Maryland.

USA Today Network's Gabriela Carroll predicts that even if Michigan falls to Ohio State, they should still secure a spot in a prestigious New Year's Six bowl, specifically the Orange Bowl. The selection criteria for the Orange Bowl favors the highest-ranked SEC, Big Ten, or Notre Dame team that does not make the College Football Playoff. In this scenario, Michigan would be the likely candidate if they lose to Ohio State, unless Georgia loses to Alabama in the SEC Championship game or Iowa pulls off a major upset in the Big Ten.

Brett McMurphy of Action Network foresees an unbeaten season for Georgia, Michigan, and Florida State, with Oregon winning the Pac-12 Championship. McMurphy projects Oregon to jump over Florida State for the third spot in the College Football Playoff rankings. This sets up a tantalizing matchup between the No. 2 ranked Michigan Wolverines and the No. 3 ranked Oregon Ducks in the Rose Bowl. McMurphy goes even further by predicting both Georgia and Michigan as winners in the semifinals, leading to a thrilling national championship game where Georgia opens as the favorite.

According to Athlon Sports' Steven Lassan, the outcome of the Michigan vs. Ohio State game will determine whether the Wolverines secure a spot in the Rose Bowl or Orange Bowl. Like McMurphy, Lassan projects Georgia, Michigan, and Florida State to finish the season unbeaten, with Oregon winning the Pac-12 Championship. However, Lassan does not see Oregon surpassing Florida State in the rankings. This suggests a potential Rose Bowl matchup between the No. 2 ranked Michigan and the No. 3 ranked Florida State.

On the other hand, Fox Sports' Bryan Fischer envisions Michigan clinching the Big Ten title by defeating Ohio State. Fischer also predicts a perfect season for Georgia as the SEC Champion, and Oregon seeking redemption in the Pac-12 Championship. However, Fischer's projection comes with a twist. Due to an injury to Florida State's Jordan Travis, Fischer sees the Seminoles dropping one of their final two games, allowing Texas to secure the No. 4 spot. This would set up an intriguing College Football Playoff with Georgia facing Texas and Michigan going head-to-head with Oregon.

While there are variations in projections, one thing remains consistent - Michigan's performance in the game against Ohio State will be a crucial determinant for their postseason fate. A victory would likely lead to a coveted Rose Bowl matchup against either Florida State or the Pac-12 Champion, while a loss could see them in the Orange Bowl. The Wolverines will need to bring their A-game if they hope to secure a spot in the prestigious New Year's Six bowl games.