Wolverine Wednesday: Michigan Season Predicition

It's difficult to predict a season when you haven't been in practice or seen this team hit someone in a different jersey.   With that said, I will give you what I think Michigan will do this year, game by game. 

As a theme this year, I expect Michigan to score a lot of points and give up a lot of points (mostly through the air).

Game 1: UConn - This is not a MAC tune-up game and UConn is difficult team coming off a bowl win.  I see Michigan coming out fast and hopefully can continue that momentum during the game.  UConn prefers to run the ball versus throw, and Michigan's defense is stronger up front.   I see this game as an opening W for the Wolverines.

Game 2: at Notre Dame - I'm not sure what Brian Kelly has this year.  Is he going to have a Rich Rod year one, or is he going to be able to work his magic that he had at Cincinnati?  Most expect him to struggle a bit.  Michigan does not play well on the road and I expect them to drop this game in Week 2.   Loss.

Game 3: UMass - This should be a easy win W for the Wolverines.

Game 4: Bowling Green - I see BG keeping this game close but Michigan pulls away in the second half.  Win.

Game 5: at Indiana - This is a game Michigan needs to win.  It's on the road and Michigan has one Big Ten road win under RR.  Must-win has to equal a W.

Game 6: Michigan State -  MSU will be favored in this game but Michigan took them to over time last year at East Lansing.  A big rivalry game always favors the home team but State's strength at receiver on offense is a big weakness for the Wolverines.  Hopefully the young DB's will have decent experience before this game.  I think it's time State loses. Win.

Game 7:  Iowa - Michigan played Iowa tough as well last year and I think Michigan could pull an upset at home but Iowa's defense is too strong.   I expect this to be a close game—Loss.

Game 8: at Penn State- I think Penn State is very beatable this year with their expected poor quarterback play.  They will have a good running game and a good defense.   This is a very difficult game to predict here on Sept. 1, but the way Michigan has played on the road the last two years makes me think they will not be Happy in the Valley.  Loss.

Game 9:  Illinois - Zook and company might have the worst team in the Big Ten this year.  This needs to be a win for Michigan, their struggles against Illinois that last two years is ridiculous.  This has to be a W!

Game 10:  at Purdue - This is a game Michigan should win, but it's Purdue and they fall into the same category as Illinois.  Why is Michigan struggling against these teams?  Stand up and beat the Boilermakers on the road.  Win.

Game 11:  Wisconsin - The Badgers always play poorly in Ann Arbor (see 2008).  This is very winnable for Michigan, but I expect Wisconsin to be pretty good this year.  Another close one: Loss.

Game 12: at Ohio State - Enough said. Loss.

Year-long prediction: 7-5 with an upside of 9-3.