Michigan Football: 5 Most Likely Prime Time Games for the Wolverines in 2012

How many prime time games will Michigan play in 2012? Nobody knows for sure, but it is known that there will be at least one.

The home slate doesn't set up too well for any big prime time games, but the road/neutral schedule sure does.

Here's a look at five games that have the best chance of being played in prime time.

5. @ Minnesota (Nov. 3)

It will be November and brutally cold when Michigan makes their first ever trip to TCF Bank Stadium.

Will this be a big game for Michigan? Not really. For Minnesota? The biggest game on the schedule.

What better way to welcome the Wolverines for the first time than to play a prime time game?

Or will the unwritten Big Ten rule of no night games in November have a say in it?

We'll just have to wait and see.

4. @ Purdue (Oct. 6)

Purdue figures to have a formidable team in 2012, and with the way the Leaders Division is shaping up, hopes to be realistic contenders to win the division.

Michigan comes to town on Oct. 6 in what will be the Big Ten opener for both teams.

Purdue rarely has home night games, but this game they could make an exception for.

It will be a perfect chance for Purdue to prove themselves to the Big Ten that they are for real, and not just a pretender.

However, it won't be easy; Michigan will be coming off a bye week, and will be well prepared.

3. @ Nebraska (Oct. 27)

What a monster game this will be. Michigan should definitely come into this game undefeated in Big Ten play, while Nebraska figures to be their biggest challenger for the division.

This is not only one of the biggest games of the year for both teams, but one of the biggest games in the entire conference in 2012.

If Michigan can come out of this one with a win, then they should head into Ohio in the finale undefeated in conference play.

This Michigan-Nebraska game will go a long way in deciding who wins the Legends Division.

2. Vs. Alabama (Sep. 1)

This game will almost assuredly be prime time.

It is the biggest game of the opening weekend, and that game is reserved for the prime time slot on ABC.

Most of the country will have their eyes on this one, as College Game Day will likely be there, and it will probably be the talk of the college football world during the weeks leading up to the season.

It's not even really a question of what time it will be played, but instead if Herbstreit and Musburger will be announcing.

1. @ Notre Dame (Sep. 22)

Well, this will be definitely be a night game, as it has already been confirmed.

What an atmosphere it will be in South Bend on the night of the 22nd.

This will be a huge game for Michigan, as it is crucial to the rest of their season.

If they win this game, they will likely be 6-1 heading into the Nebraska game. If they lose, they will instantly be eliminated from national title contention.

It probably won't match the intensity of last year's Michigan-Notre Dame game, but it will be another great chapter in this great rivalry.