Michigan Football: Game-by-Game Predictions for the Month of October

Six weeks ago, a 9-3 record was an attainable goal for Michigan’s Team 135.

However, recent events suggest otherwise, as the Wolverines again find themselves washing away the stale taste of another embarrassing home loss—this time 30-14 to Minnesota—and look barely capable of winning five or six games.

The “easy” part of the schedule wasn’t as easy as it should (could) have been. Coach Brady Hoke’s team suffered a pair of nonconference setbacks (Notre Dame, Utah) before entering Big Ten play, and droves of analysts and experts see a bleak finish to 2014.

But during his postgame press conference this past Saturday, Hoke made it clear that he’s holding on to something that’s becoming more of a dream than a potential reality.

“This team can still win a [Big Ten] championship,” he said.

With a stroke of divine luck, sure—that could happen. But the Wolverines (2-3) must first figure out how they’re going to escape October.

This slideshow will predict the outcome of Michigan’s upcoming October schedule, which will end with either treats or cruel tricks.

Unless otherwise noted, all quotes and references to were obtained firsthand.

Oct. 4 at Rutgers: Will Jersey Be Less-Than Hospitable for Team 135?

RICH SCHULTZ/Associated Press

Michigan's rush D faces Rutgers' Desmon Peoples this Saturday.

"

It's clear today that Desmon Peoples is Rutgers' most explosive runner. Will be mix and match each game.

— Tyler Barto (@Tyler_Barto) September 27, 2014"

The above tweet comes from The Trentonian's Rutgers football writer Tyler Barto, who sees an expanded role for Peoples. 

As newcomers to the Big Ten, Rutgers would love nothing more than to torpedo Hoke’s Wolverines this Saturday in Piscataway, N.J.

Now years removed from the heydays of coach Greg Schiano, the Scarlet Knights are trying to reclaim prominence. However, they weren't expected to do much this season under coach Kyle Flood. 

Well, they’re fresh off a 31-6 beating of Tulane and opened the season with a 41-38 win at Washington State. At 4-1, they’ve somewhat exceeded expectations. So why stop now? Why not throw everything possible at a hobbling giant?

Forecasting a win in October for Michigan, especially on the road, just isn’t possible at this point.

Rutgers will be without standout running back Paul James, who suffered a season-ending ACL injury two weeks ago versus Navy, but Desmon Peoples is helping soften the blow by catching passes and running the ball. He’s only averaging 4.3 yards per tote, but he has five touchdowns and picks up 18.4 per reception.

Up until this past week, the Wolverines rush defense had been superb in the prior three games, allowing just 1.83 yards per attempt.

However, with 183 net yards, Minnesota’s David Cobb ripped Greg Mattison’s coverage this past Saturday. Before that, Mattison's defense was cut by Utah’s Bubba Poole, who did damage with runs and receptions. Michigan is on its heels, and a push from the Rutgers backfield, particularly Peoples, could be enough to put it on its back.

The following tweet comes from ESPN's Brian Bennett, who evidently sees something good in Peoples. 

"

Desmon Peoples doing his best to make up for the loss of Paul James early on for Rutgers. #TULNvsRUTG

— Brian Bennett (@BennettESPN) September 27, 2014"

Prediction: Rutgers 27, Michigan 17

Oct. 11 vs. Penn State: Hosts with the Most, or a Snack for the Nittany Lions?

Gene J. Puskar/Associated Press

Penn State didn't look great vs. Northwestern, but it may be good enough to win in Ann Arbor.

Penn State got its tail handed to it this past Saturday, losing 29-6 to an always-pesky Northwestern program that's known for ruining an otherwise good time.

With that said, good thing the Nittany Lions have a bye this week (Oct. 4). Having padding before Michigan will help them recuperate from the agonizing defeat on their home turf. 

In 2013, Penn State beat Michigan 43-40 (4OT) with help from a miracle: A Hail Mary from Christian Hackenberg to Allen Robinson that set up Hackenberg's one-yard, overtime-inducing touchdown (34-34).

But Robinson won't be a factor this year: The two-time Big Ten receiver of the year was selected in the second round of the 2014 NFL draft by Jacksonville. 

But Hackenberg's still there, and his 1,477 passing yards aren't too far behind Michigan's total offensive output of 1,788 yards. 

With Bill Belton leading the way, coach James Franklin has a three-man carousel to test Mattison's rush defense, which, after the loss to Minnesota, is becoming more suspect by the moment. What happens when another solid Big Ten back is on the other side of the ball? 

Another David Cobb?

What if Hackenberg chooses to use Team 135 as his rebound? The rocket-armed sophomore could vent frustrations by going aerial against a Wolverines secondary that's been OK or below-average for most of the young fall. 

"

Christian Hackenberg: 3 straight games without a TD pass & 3rd career game completing under 50% of attempts (#PennState 1-2 in those games)

— BTNStatsGuys (@BTNStatsGuys) September 27, 2014"

"

Christian Hackenberg is ready for another big game. The sophomore’s tenth in the country is passing yards. pic.twitter.com/cfiY9upiaN

— Onward State (@OnwardState) September 27, 2014"

Prediction: Penn State 21, Michigan 10

Penn State surrenders 14.6 PPG, hence the 10-point prediction for the Wolverines, whose offense is red-zone challenged. 

Oct. 25 at Michigan State: Mark Dantonio's Spartans Are Light Years Ahead of UM

Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

Rose Bowl MVP Connor Cook has the Spartans running toward another Big Ten title.

The roles are now reversed. For the first time since the 1950s and '60s, Michigan State has the better program. There's no arguing that. The Spartans have won five of the past six, they won the 2014 Rose Bowl and they compete for Big Ten championships every year. 

Mark Dantonio has truly developed an up-and-coming national power since taking over in 2007.

Now in his fourth year as Michigan's head coach, Hoke has continually regressed and lost games, both big and small, to teams the old Michigan would have crushed into a fine dust. 

The Spartans defense, led by defensive tackles Shilique Calhoun and Marcus Rush, won't be as forgiving as past opponents. Despite missing the likes of Denicos Allen, Isaiah Lewis and Darqueze Dennard, not to mention Max Bullough, Michigan State still touts a real-deal defense. 

And it can score a lot of points. 

Michigan's scored 24 points in its past two games, or roughly a quarter from the recent Spartans offense. 

Matchups could be broken down...

But why? 

This one's in the bag for Dantonio, who hasn't faced much resistance from his in-state foes. 

"

Dantonio: "I have an affinity for Brady as a person. Don’t like Michigan. Never will. But I respect him" http://t.co/gVIifGc62X

— Mark Snyder (@Mark__Snyder) September 26, 2014"

Prediction: Michigan State 33, Michigan 12

State of the Union

It's easy to pile on the Wolverines these days. Real easy. Players aren't executing properly, and that's alarming on various levels. Skill development hasn't been a trademark of Michigan football during the Hoke era.

His teams get worse with each passing week, and there aren't many beacons of hope. Poor showings on Saturday are a direct reflection of poor coaching. 

When well-known alumni call for change, it's bad. Michael Taylor, a former quarterback, and Desmond Howard, a Heisman winner, have each voiced strong opinions regarding the state of the program. 

They're not positive.

"

Notebook: Michigan's no good, very bad day: The day began with Michigan legend Desmond Howard calling out the ... http://t.co/znOnOFH5m8

— Mich. Daily Sports (@theblockm) September 28, 2014"

If the ship isn't righted soon, national signing day won't be as fruitful as it's been during the past four years. 

Follow Bleacher Report's Michigan Wolverines football writer Adam Biggers on Twitter @AdamBiggers81