Questions may have been raised after Michigan fell to Oklahoma in Norman. The game was competitive, however when the dust settled, it was the Sooners who seemed to have the better team. Fast forward a couple weeks, and the outlook of the season is completely different. Michigan Waxed CMU 63-3 and went into Lincoln and gutted out a hard-fought win by three points.
Michigan is utilizing their bye week to get healthy and work on some areas of improvement, while teams like past opponent Oklahoma are scrambling for their next Heisman hopeful quarterback. The Big Ten Conference is a killer when it comes to competition. It is no question that if you win the Big Ten, you are in the College Football Playoff automatically. There may be a handful of teams that are good enough to go from the Big Ten alone, however even with expanding to 12 teams, the committee isn’t likely to put more than two, possibly three Big Ten Teams in the playoff.
The rest of Michigan’s schedule and predicted results
Michigan vs Wisconsin in Ann Arbor
So far Wisconsin hasn’t looked very impressive under Luke Fickell, certainly not what Wisconsin football looks like. At 2-2 they have an extremely tough road ahead of them. Wisconsin faces Michigan, Iowa, Ohio State, Oregon, Washington, Indiana, Illinois, and Minnesota. ESPN's Football Power Index projects a final record of 4-8 for the team. I don’t see things going very well for the Badgers as they will get run right out of Ann Arbor and Michigan will win this one big.
Michigan vs USC Trojans in Los Angeles
Wolverines travel to the city of Angels where they will take on (the currently) ranked #21 Trojans of USC. This game was close last year in Ann Arbor, and USC has a historical advantage in matchups against Michigan, holding a 6-4 record. However, Michigan won the most recent encounter, a 27-24 victory in 2024, which was also the Trojans' Big Ten conference debut.
This matchup presents a clash of offensive styles and could be a pivotal game for both teams as they navigate the Big Ten conference schedule. USC will need to establish their running game and contain Michigan's rushing attack to secure a victory. Michigan’s defensive line as well as their running game will prove too much for USC, and Michigan will get the win on the road.
Michigan vs Washington Huskies in Ann Arbor
A lot of close battles lately between these two teams. Washington got the upper hand last time, so look for Michigan to make a statement in this one, covering the spread easily and winning bigger than most people will think.
Michigan vs Michigan State in East Lansing
Must I even comment? This game is ALWAYS entertaining, with this year being no different. This game would be a perfect opportunity for a night game, and the Spartans are going to give Michigan a little more than they would like, but Dominic Zvada will come to save the day on a late drive with his leg, kicking the Wolverines to a victory.
Michigan vs Purdue in Ann Arbor
This one is easy, no trap or trick game, and Michigan wins big. This will be an ample opportunity for Michigan to get some reps in at backup quarterback as well as some other key positions. Depth goes a long was late in the season so getting guys more time than normal out there is key.
Michigan vs Northwestern at Wrigley Stadium
Okay this one is going to be a sight to see. Historic Wrigley is the venue so this will already be aesthetically one of the more pleasing games of this respected weekend. Looks aren’t everything though, but the off venue may be enough to throw Michigan off a touch. The Wildcats didn’t look awful against a stacked Oregon squad. Again, look for this one to be closer than most may think, but Michigan wins by at least 10 at Wrigley.
Michigan vs Maryland at College Park MD
Maryland is off to a 4-0 start and looking good! This one is a bit harder to predict as both teams are trending in the right direction. I must give it to the wolverines though if we are talking about teams’ top to bottom. Michigan just has the superior offense, defense, and special teams. Michigan wins by 7 or less.
Michigan vs Ohio State in Ann Arbor
“The Game” Let’s be honest here, since Michigan has captured the last four contests, this one could be the heart breaker. The one saving grace is that it is in Ann Arbor. With everything on the line, Michigan puts their O-line, Haynes, and Marshall on go mode and runs away with a victory in Ann Arbor. The Wolverines will win by 13 or more.
It's not absurd or out of line to think Michigan can run the table, and if they do, they should put themselves in a nice spot in the 12 team College Football Playoff.