ANN ARBOR, Mich. — The College Football Playoff may not start for another month, but Michigan is getting a head start.

The Wolverines returned from their bye week well rested and in good spirits, knowing that a pivotal three-game stretch that begins Saturday at Northwestern (12 p.m. ET, FOX) will help determine their fate at the end of the season.

Ranked 21st in the latest CFP ranking, Michigan (7-2, 5-1 Big Ten) will need to win all of its remaining games — over Northwestern, Maryland and Ohio State — to convince the committee to let it in.

“The urgency is at an all-time high in the program,” Michigan coach Sherrone Moore said Monday. “The urgency with me, the coaches, the players is at an all-time high, to make sure we’re prepared. Because when the opportunity comes, it’s too late to

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