Michigan Football: Nine Opponents We'd Love to See on Future Schedules

This one won't happen (photo: Derrick S.)

Michigan fans will be treated to a few special Saturdays this fall.

To begin with, the Wolverines host Notre Dame in the first night game ever played at the Big House. Late in November, Big 10 newcomer Nebraska invades Michigan Stadium for the first time since 1962. And don't forget The Game, which many believe will have a different outcome this time around.

In 2012, Wolverine fans will have an opportunity to see the villain himself, Nick Saban, and his Alabama Crimson Tide. The venue, Jerry Jones' Cowboys Stadium near Dallas, will be just as intriguing.

As future schedules unfold, there are several teams Michigan fans would be interested in seeing. Here are just a few of them. 

Stanford

Andrew Luck scrambles against Virginia Tech
Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

Stanford, like Michigan, is one of a handful of excellent academic institutions which also feature great athletic programs.

A perennial winner of the Directors' Cup, Stanford has also become a football power in recent years. It was former Michigan quarterback Jim Harbaugh who orchestrated the rebuilding project in Palo Alto.

It was the same Jim Harbaugh who nearly replaced Rich Rodriguez, but instead, moved on to the San Francisco 49ers.

Michigan, which last played Stanford in 1976, holds a 6-3-1 advantage in the series.  

Florida

Tim Tebow and Brandon Harrison
Doug Benc/Getty Images

In the last decade, Michigan and Florida met in a pair of classic bowl games.

In 2003, Michigan defeated Rex Grossman and the Gators 38-30 at Tampa's Outback Bowl. In 2008, Michigan outlasted Tim Tebow and the Gators 41-35 in Orlando's Capital One Bowl.

Since both games were played in Florida, it shouldn't be too much to ask for the Gators to return the favor. Michigan Stadium fans would love to see the Wolverines make it three straight.  

Tennessee

Bristol Motor Speedway
Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images

The two teams have only met once, with Tennessee coming away with a 45-17 victory in the 2002 Citrus Bowl. With each school's stadium of similar size, a home-and-home series would be equitable. 

There is however, another possibility. A few year's back, Tennessee and Virginia Tech entertained the notion of scheduling a game at Bristol Motor Speedway.

Negotiations fell though, but could you imagine a football game played before 150,000 fans?

Southern Cal

Dwayne Jarrett
Harry How/Getty Images

The Michigan-Southern Cal series dates back to the 1948 Rose Bowl, where Michigan upended the Trojans 49-0. The two teams have met a total of 10 times, with USC holding a narrow 6-4 advantage. 

All 10 of the games have been played in California. It's about time the Trojans made a trip to the Big House. 

South Carolina

Steve Spurrier
Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Michigan and South Carolina haven't met since 1985 when the Wolverines drubbed the Gamecocks 34-3 in Ann Arbor. The only other meeting was a 17-14 South Carolina victory in 1980.

If the game is scheduled soon enough, Michigan fans could catch a glimpse of the "Old Ball Coach" one last time.  

Rutgers

Chas Dodd
Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

It's time athletic director Dave Brandon began rewarding the many Michigan alums who are based throughout the country.

There's no reason Michigan couldn't play Rutgers in the Meadowlands.

Fans in New York City would sell out the place in a hot minute.  

Virginia Tech

HC Frank Beamer and DC Greg Foster
Geoff Burke/Getty Images

Several years ago, Michigan and Virginia Tech were tentatively scheduled to meet for the first time in a pre-season game at FedEx Field in the nation's capital.

For some reason, plans fell through with Michigan taking most of the blame. But could you imagine a Wolverine called chicken by a Gobbler?

Seriously, a D.C. battle would be great for all the grads who have federal government jobs.

That part of the country is also a hotbed for recruiting, both in football and basketball.  

Louisiana State

Are they sure?
Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

On two different occasions, Les Miles was in line for the Michigan coaching job. and both times he decided to stay at LSU.

Most football fans believe the best Saturday night tailgates are in Baton Rouge.

Wouldn't it be fun to spoil the party? 

Appalachian State

On the way to Andy Griffith's house (photo: Jeremy Mikkola, Boone, NC)

Some of us remember exactly where we were when certain events happened in our lifetimes.

Those of us who are old enough recall when President Kennedy was assassinated. Others remember their exact location when 9-11 unfolded. I remember losing to Appalachian State, 34-32, from section 14, row 73.

The amazing thing was how well both sides behaved after what was called the biggest upset in the history of college football.

Since the Mountaineer fans were such good sports, they deserve a visit by the Michigan Wolverines to their tiny hamlet of Boone, N.C.

The best thing about Boone, however, is that it's on the way to Mt. Airy, where they filmed the Andy Griffith Show. The odds of this game happening are, unfortunately, slim to none.