The Michigan Wolverines are looking to become back-to-back Big Ten Champions this season. As always, their schedule is tough, but it isn’t as bad as recent years. Will Michigan’s record allow them to once again be in the talks for a National Championship this season?
Michigan’s full 2022 Season Schedule can be viewed here.
Michigan’s Non-Conference Games:
As most Michigan fans are aware, the few non-conference games to start the season always scare you a bit. Ever since that loss in 2007 to Appalachian State, it is evident that no non-conference game is a cake walk. This year, Michigan will play three out of conference games against Colorado State, Hawaii, and UCONN.
The Colorado State game will be an interesting matchup for Michigan to start the season as Michigan’s basketball team knocked off CSU in the first round of the NCAA Tournament earlier this year. However, a revenge game for CSU looks very unlikely.
Prediction:
CSU 10, Michigan 52
Hawaii is a much more nerve-racking game for the Wolverines. Hawaii had some high scoring games and definitely has the ability to put the ball in the endzone. Michigan’s defense will get an early test in week 2 this season, but ultimately should come up with the win!
Prediction:
Hawaii 24, Michigan 34
To round off the nonconference schedule is UCONN. UCONN doesn’t offer much resistant to the physicality of Michigan this season. Should be an easy win and hopefully get some young guys some experience.
Prediction:
UCONN 3, Michigan 66
Michigan’s Low-End Big Ten Games:
There is no such thing as an easy Big Ten Game, but let’s be realistic, these are not the games Michigan is overconcerned about.
First up in Michigan’s Season, is Big Ten home opener vs. Maryland. Maryland does have little Tua, but that is unlikely enough to push the Terrapins past Michigan. The ground game should be too dominant for Maryland to defend.
Prediction:
Maryland 17, Michigan 41
An away game vs Indiana is the next game in question for the Wolverines. The Hoosiers had one great season during the Covid year but was absolutely horrendous last season. Is there enough change this year for Indiana to be competitive? The answer to that question is no.
Prediction:
Indiana 10, Michigan 37
Michigan plays at Rutgers on Nov 5th. Rutgers gave Michigan a scare last season with a 13-20 Michigan win, but this year should not be that close. Expect a statement win for Michigan as the season winds down.
Prediction:
Rutgers 7, Michigan 48
Michigan has back-to-back home games late in the season against Nebraska and Illinois. Both these teams play hardnosed football, but can they keep up with the Wolverines. Michigan’s 3-point win last season against Nebraska was a scare and a tight game most likely will be in the cards this year. As for Illinois, Michigan just needs to do their job, and everything should go their way.
Predictions:
Nebraska 17, Michigan 28
Illinois 28, Michigan 45
The Big Games:
These 4 games will make and break Michigan’s season. Michigan plays at Iowa, Home vs Penn State and Michigan State, and then finish it off at Ohio State. Michigan needs to win at least 3 of these if they hope to conquer the Big Ten Title once again.
Iowa may be the best coached team in the Big Ten, but they lack the athletes that the other big teams have. Michigan had their way with Iowa last season in the Big Ten Championship game, so Iowa will have some added energy. However, Michigan is the better team and the final score should reflect that.
Prediction:
Iowa 17, Michigan 21
Penn State is not going to be the Penn State of past seasons, however, they will always be competitive in every game. This is one of Michigan’s biggest rivals and energy and emotions are always high. Michigan should physically dominate this matchup, but it will be close.
Prediction:
Penn State 10, Michigan 24
The Revenge Game. Despite popular belief, Michigan had that game last season vs. State taken away from them by a couple poor calls. If Michigan loses this game, then the question of who the real powerhouse in the state is up for debate. This shouldn’t be a close game.
Prediction:
MSU 17, Michigan 52
The biggest rivalry of all sports will determine Michigan’s season. At this point, the predictions have Michigan being undefeated heading into the Horseshoe. Compared to Ohio State, Michigan has many more shoes to fill from players lost to the draft or graduation. Ohio State is a powerhouse and will have Heisman candidate, CJ Stroud, leading the way. It will take a miracle for Michigan to pull this one out.
Prediction:
Ohio State 42, Michigan 31
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