Michigan Football: Ranking the 2012 Schedule from Easiest to Toughest

The Michigan Wolverines had one of the more successful seasons in recent memory in 2011, winning 11 games and a BCS bowl game in head coach Brady Hoke's first season. In 2012, the Wolverines return 14 starters, and many are wondering if they can build on last year's success and possibly compete for a BCS National Championship.

The talent is there, but Michigan will have a tougher schedule this time around. Playing teams like Alabama, Notre Dame and of course Ohio State does not make a trip back to a BCS bowl an easy road.

With the 2012 college football season less than three months away, here is the Michigan Wolverines' schedule from the easiest opponents to the toughest.

12. Vs. Massachusetts

Last year's record: 5-6

Returning starters: 15

UMass returns a good portion of last year's team, but that isn't saying much, considering the Minutemen lost to teams such as Maine, Old Dominion and James Madison last season.

Massachusetts did give the Wolverines a run in 2010, only losing by five points, but I think we can all agree that this is a much different Michigan team in 2012.

11. Vs. Air Force

Last year's record: 7-6

Returning starters: Six

Teams know what to expect when they play the Air Force Falcons, as their running game is usually always up there with the best of them. But only returning six starters from last season is not a good sign, along with a below-average defense. The Wolverines should roll easily in their home opener.

10. At Minnesota

Last year's record: 3-9

Returning starters: 11

Minnesota did not do much of anything right last season and has shown no signs of turning that around in 2012. The Golden Gophers lost 58-0 in last year's meeting and have lost 20 of the last 21 games overall to the Wolverines.

About the only thing Minnesota has going for it in this contest is that the game will be played in Minneapolis.

9. Vs. Illinois

Last year's record: 7-6

Returning starters: 13

Illinois returns a majority of last year's squad, including an underrated quarterback in Nathan Scheelhaase. With that said, Illinois is 1-8 combined against ranked teams during the last three seasons and have lost eight of the last nine against Michigan.

8. Vs. Northwestern

Last year's record: 6-7

Returning starters: 10

Head coach Pat Fitzgerald is doing a fabulous job with this Northwestern program, as he has won 52 percent of his games and led the Wildcats to four straight bowl games. Still, this team has a ways to go before they can compete with a team like Michigan on a regular basis.

The Wolverines won 42-24 in last season's meeting at Northwestern; expect similar results with the game being played in Ann Arbor.

7. At Purdue

Last year's record: 7-6

Returning starters: 15

Purdue could truly be the sleeper team in the Big Ten this season. The Boilermakers have an experienced quarterback, solid running game and bright spots on the defensive side of the ball.

The problem with this team is consistency. Which team will decide to show up? Will it be the team that lost 62-17 against Wisconsin or the team that beat Ohio State 26-23 in overtime?

Things could get interesting in West Lafayette, Ind.

6. Vs. Iowa

Last year's record: 7-6

Returning starters: 11

Iowa has been the team lately that Michigan just can't seem to get by, losing the last three games to the Hawkeyes. This matchup won't be any easier, as Iowa returns six starters on offense, including quarterback James Vandenberg, who is one of the better quarterbacks in the Big Ten.

Things should be a little easier with the home crowd behind the Wolverines, but this is a tough Iowa team that should receive a little more credit.

5. At Nebraska

Last year's record: 9-4

Returning starters: 14

What Nebraska team is going to show up? We know this Cornhuskers team is much better than the 45-17 beat down Michigan put on them last season.

Nebraska returns seven starters on each side of the ball, and with the game being played in Lincoln, Michigan needs to bring it to win its second consecutive game over this squad.

4. At Notre Dame

Last year's record: 8-5

Returning starters: 14

Notre Dame may have its fair share of issues on both sides of the ball, but there is enough talent for this Irish team to surprise some people in 2012.

The Wolverines have won five of the last six against Notre Dame, but this game is being played in South Bend, a place Michigan has lost four of the last six meetings.

3. At Ohio State

Last year's record: 6-7

Returning starters: 16

This rivalry matchup is always one of the most difficult games on the schedule, regardless of how each team is doing throughout the year.

The Buckeyes may not be eligible for a bowl game this season, but this is the one game that they are looking most forward to. With Urban Meyer running the show and a terrific defense returning nine starters, expect a hostile crowd in Columbus.

2. Vs. Michigan State

Last year's record: 11-3

Returning starters: 12

Michigan State returns eight starters from a defense that ranked sixth in the country last season. The Spartans have done a great job of keeping quarterback Denard Robinson in check, as they have won the last four meetings against Michigan.

The Wolverines must find a way to put points on the board against this stifling unit that Michigan State has. 

1. Vs. Alabama (In Arlington, TX)

Last year's record: 12-1

Returning starters: 11

Speaking of a tough defense, Alabama had the best defense in the country last season, allowing just 183 yards of total offense per game. Although many starters are no longer on that side of the ball, this remains one of the most physical teams in the country and will be the toughest team for Michigan to beat because of it.

Oddsmakers are giving the Wolverines no chance in this game, as they will have to play superbly in every phase of the game to pull off this upset.