Michigan Football: Predicting the Outcome of Every Game in 2012

In Brady Hoke's first season as Michigan's head football coach, he led his team to its first win over arch-rival Ohio State since 2003, and its first BCS bowl win since its overtime victory over Alabama  in the 1999 Orange Bowl. To say he's done a good job is an understatement. 

With 16 of 22 starters returning expectations are high in Ann Arbor. What makes things more enticing is that Michigan is also bringing in one of the best recruiting classes in the nation.

Michigan fans have a lot to be excited about. Many believe that the program is "back" to national prominence. 

Without further ado, here's my prediction for every game of the 2012-2013 season 

Game 1 - Alabama

When: September 1, 2012

Where: Arlington, Texas 

Story line: Though Alabama, the defending national champion, loses only four starters from its  stellar defense, the Crimson Tide will have to replace their top two receivers, running back Trent Richardson, tight end Brad Smelly and two offensive linemen. With an improving Michigan defense, I see this being a low-scoring game. In the end, however, I think Denard Robinson will be the difference, as the Wolverines come away with an upset win in a very close fourth quarter.

The Verdict: Michigan 13, Alabama 10



Game 2 - Air Force

When: September 8, 2012

Where: Ann Arbor, Michigan 

Story line: As members of the weak Mountain West Conference, the Air Force Falcons went 7-6 last season. Having lost four-year starting QB Tim Jefferson Jr. to graduation, Air Force will have tough sledding this coming season. 

The Verdict: Michigan by 21-plus points 

Game 3 - Massachusetts

When: September 15, 2012

Where: Ann Arbor, Michigan 

Story line: Massachusetts had a tough time getting things going last season (as its 5-6 record indicates). But one positive note was the play of QB Kellen Pagel. However, the Minutemen simply won't have enough firepower to compete with the Wolverines at home. 

The Verdict: Michigan by 17

Game 4 - Notre Dame

When: September 22, 2012

Where: Notre Dame, Indiana 

Story line: Though Michigan has won five of its last six games against Notre Dame, you never know what might happen in this rivalry. Last year Denard Robinson stunned the Fighting Irish, throwing a touchdown pass to give the Wolverines a 35-31 lead with two seconds on the clock.

With both defenses looking to improve (along with both Denard Robinson and Tommy Rees), I don't see the score being quite as high as it was in their last meeting. However, I do see the Wolverines once again coming out on top. 

The Verdict: Michigan 24, Notre Dame 17

Game 5 - Purdue

When: October 6, 2012

Where: West Lafayette, Indiana

Story line: Michigan has won five of its last seven games against the Boilermakers. Purdue QB Caleb Terbush will try to make sure Michigan doesn't come away with another win in West Lafayette, But the Purdue defense, which gave up 535 yards versus Michigan last year,  won't be able to slow down Denard Robinson and the Michigan offense.  

The Verdict: Michigan 41, Purdue 14 

Game 6 - Illinois

When: October 13, 2012 

Where: Ann Arbor, Michigan 

Story line: Nathan Scheelhaase and the Fighting Illini got off to a 6-0 start last season before losing their last six conference games by a margin of 11 points a game. With a vulnerable defense that will have to replace five starters, Illinois will have trouble keeping up with Michigan and will lose by a double-digit margin in Ann Arbor. 

The Verdict: Michigan 38, Illinois 21 

Game 7 - Michigan State

When: October 20, 2012

Where: Ann Arbor, Michigan

Story line: Michigan State will lose many starters from its Capital One Bowl-winning squad, including QB Kirk Cousins. Though Michigan lost by 14 against the Spartans last season, I see them winning big in Ann Arbor, coming away with their first win against Michigan State since 2007. 

The Verdict: Michigan 31, Michigan State 14 

Game 8 - Nebraska

When: October 27, 2012

Where: Lincoln, Nebraska 

Story line: Michigan destroyed Nebraska by 28 points in The Big House last season in Nebraska's first game against the Wolverines as members of the Big 10. Though Nebraska can be a totally different team at home, I see them losing a competitive game to the Wolverines.

The Verdict: Michigan 34, Nebraska 24 

Game 9 - Minnesota

When: November 3, 2012

Where: Minneapolis, Minnesota 

Story line: Let's face it, Minnesota hasn't won against Michigan since 2005 and lost 58-0 last year. I see Michigan making a lot of Minnesota fans leave early next season in Minneapolis. 

The Verdict: Michigan BIG 

Game 10 - Northwestern

When: November 10, 2012

Where: Ann Arbor, Michigan 

Story line: Michigan beat Northwestern by 18 points last season, despite a stellar performance by Wildcats QB Dan Persa, who completed 32 of 44 passes for 331 yards and two touchdowns. Persa was the most efficient passer (percentage-wise) in the Big 10 last year, and the Wildcats will be without him this coming season. This game could get really ugly, really fast

The Verdict: Michigan 52, Northwestern 7

Game 11 - Iowa

When: November 17, 2012

Where: Ann Arbor, Michigan 

Story line: The Iowa Hawkeyes were one of only two teams to beat the Wolverines last season, capitalizing on two Michigan turnovers. Even though Iowa QB James Vandenberg is getting better (as most QB's do), the Hawkeye defense will have to replace a lot of firepower: 

The Verdict: Michigan 24, Iowa 14

Game 12 - Ohio State

When: November 24, 2012

Where: Columbus, Ohio 

Story line: Ohio State QB Braxton Miller had the best game of his career against the Wolverines last year in Ann Arbor, accounting for 335 total yards and two touchdowns. He was just a couple of overthrows away from putting his 6-5 Buckeyes ahead in the fourth quarter. 

On the flip side, Denard Robinson played arguably the best game of his career, completing 14 of 17 passes for 167 yards and three touchdowns,  and rushing 26 times for 170 yards and two touchdowns.

I see this game going either way really. You never know what could happen in this rivalry. 

The Verdict: You decide!!!