Michigan Football Schedule 2012: Predicting the Wolverines' Toughest Games

Big Blue Nation needs to gear up for a season full of tough Wolverines matchups!

The 2011 season is over.  The glow from Michigan's 2011 BCS Sugar Bowl win over Virginia Tech remains, but it is time to look forward to next season.

So what are the toughest games Michigan will face on the road to the BCS national title game? 

No. 5: At Notre Dame on September 22nd

These are not Lou Holtz's Fighting Irish, but Notre Dame is still a tough opponent.

Michigan will also be playing the Fighting Irish in their own stadium, which is one of the toughest places to win an away game in the nation.

But Notre Dame is still not all the way back yet under Brian Kelly.  They still do not have a top-flight quarterback, and their defensive play remains suspect.

So, despite the difficulty, Michigan should be able to win this one and extend their streak over the Fighting Irish to three straight games.

No. 4: Michigan State on October 20th

This game matches 2011's two best Big Ten teams.  But Michigan will be at home, and the Wolverines are rising, while the Spartans may take a step back in 2012.

Michigan State will miss long-time quarterback and leader Kirk Cousins, a future 2012 NFL draft selection.  He was a tough, accurate starter who propelled the Spartans to last year's Big Ten title.

Since Michigan State also has to replace several stalwart defensive players, this Spartans team should not be as talented or tough as the one that defeated Michigan in 2011.  

With Michigan will be playing at home, expect them to win a tough game.  

No. 3: At Nebraska on October 27th

Nebraska is still adjusting to Big Ten play, but the Cornhuskers will be a dangerous opponent.  

They are one of the most talented teams in the conference.  Always known for their defense, the Cornhuskers also have playmakers in Taylor Martinez and running back Ameer Abdullah.

But Nebraska can also be maddeningly inconsistent, and their ability to score points in bunches remains a question mark heading into 2012.

So, while Nebraska has the talent to beat Michigan at home, the Wolverines should still be favored to come out of this game with a victory.  

No. 2: At Ohio State on November 24th

Ah, the first game in the Big Ten's renewed rivalry!

The battle for supremacy between Brady Hoke's Wolverines and Urban Meyer's Buckeyes should be the most important rivalry in the Big Ten for the next decade.

Is Michigan ready to beat Ohio State twice in a row, this time in the Buckeyes' backyard?  Is Ohio State ready to fully adjust to Urban Meyer's system and recover from sanctions and scandal?

Ohio State will be a good football team in 2012, but they still look like they are a year away from challenging Michigan for the Big Ten crown.  It sounds strange to write that, but the NCAA penalties did bite, and Urban Meyer's system requires a whole new slate of recruits.  

So, while Ohio State will certainly be respectable this year, Michigan has a decent shot of pulling out a victory.  

No. 1: The September 1st Opener Against Alabama

Michigan is not very likely to defeat Alabama.  Sadly for Wolverines fans, that means Michigan may be playing catch up from the very beginning.

The Crimson Tide are just supremely talented at every position.  It is almost impossible to score on their defense.  And, in particular, their fearsome defensive line will pose serious problems for Denard Robinson.

If Michigan can somehow eke out a win, the Wolverines could go undefeated and will have most likely punched their ticket to a BCS bowl.

What is more likely is that they fight to a tough loss, regroup, win their other games and remain in the national title game conversation.

Whatever the outcome, it should be a very interesting season!