Michigan Football Schedule 2011: What To Know for Each Game

As the 2011 Michigan football team gathers for fall practice, workers are preparing the Big House for the start of the 132nd Wolverines football season.  

When fans enter the stadium for the first time, they'll notice the new 47'-by- 85' video boards in the north and south end zones.

With the exception of possibly adding another 20,000 seats, the stadium renovation is complete.

Now is the time to renovate the football team itself.

Since arriving here in January, it appears that new coach Brady Hoke has taken several steps in the right direction.

We'll begin getting the real answers September 3, when Western Michigan invades the Big House.  

Let's check out the teams on the 2011 Michigan football schedule.

Sept. 3 vs. Western Michigan, Michigan Stadium, 3:30 PM

Western's 2010 Record

6-6, 5-3 (MAC)

Last Meeting

2009, Michigan, 31-7

Overall Series

Michigan, 5-0-0

What To Know about the Broncos

Western, predicted to finish third in the MAC Western Division, features the outstanding passing combination of quarterback Alex Carder and wideout Jordan White. Carder threw for 3,334 yards in 2010, while White caught 94 passes.

Western, which finished the 2010 season by winning its final three games, has 16 lettermen returning, including nine on defense.

Favorite: Michigan

Sept. 10 vs. Notre Dame, Michigan Stadium, 8 PM

Notre Dame's 2010 Record

8-5 (Independent)

Last Meeting

2010, Michigan, 28-24

Overall Series

Michigan, 22-15-1

What To Know about the Irish

Apparently, it's all about winning. Second-year coach Brian Kelly recently reinstated super-receiver Michael Floyd, who was hit by his third alcohol-related arrest in the past three years. Floyd, who caught 79 passes in 2010, will be in uniform when Notre Dame faces Michigan Sept.10.

Dayne Crist looks like he'll win the quarterback derby, while standout running back Cierre Wood also returns to the offense. 

Linebacker Manti Te'o leads a much-improved defense.

Predicted by many to receive a BCS bowl berth, Notre Dame completed last season with an impressive 33-17 Sun Bowl victory over Miami (FL).

Favorite: Toss-Up

Sept. 17 vs. Eastern Michigan, Michigan Stadium, Noon

Eastern's 2010 Record

2-10, 2-6 (MAC)

Last Meeting

2009, Michigan, 45-17

Overall Series

Michigan, 9-0-0

What To Know about the Eagles

While he might not have Denard Robinson's notoriety, Eastern Michigan's Alex Gillett is an accomplished dual-threat quarterback. Gillett rushed for 766 yards, and passed for 1,633. Like Michigan, Gillett was Eastern's top ground gainer.

Eastern's defense was also anemic. The Eagles lost their home opener to Northern Illinois, 71-3, and to no one's surprise, crumbled at Ohio State 73-20.

Former Michigan defensive coordinator Ron English is Eastern's head coach.

Favorite: Michigan 

Sept. 24 vs. San Diego St., Michigan Stadium, Time TBA

San Diego State's 2010 Record

9-4, 5-3 (Mountain West)

Last Meeting

2004, Michigan, 24-21

Overall Series

Michigan 1-0-0

What To Know about the Aztecs

Former New Mexico head coach (1998-2008) Rocky Long takes over for Brady Hoke. Long spent the last two seasons as the Aztecs defensive coordinator.  

Long is familiar with the Ann Arbor area. He played cornerback at Rynearson Stadium for the Detroit Wheels in 1974.  

Despite Hoke moving from the Aztecs to Michigan, San Diego State remains a formidable opponent. 

Quarterback Ryan Lindley could be a first-round draft choice. The 6’4”, 220-pound senior threw for 3,830 yards last season, including 28 touchdowns.

Ronnie Hillman, who rushed for 1,532 yards as a freshman, gives the Aztecs a solid one-two punch on offense.

Favorite: Toss-Up

Oct. 1 vs. Minnesota, Michigan Stadium, Time TBA

Opponent's 2010 Record

3-9, 2-6 (Big Ten)

Last Meeting

2008, Michigan, 29-6

Overall Series

Michigan, 70-24-3

What To Know about the Gophers

New coach Jerry Kill wishes he had Brady Hoke's problems. The first-year coach was forced to switch a solid receiver to the starting quarterback. Marquis Grey, who caught 42 passes in 2010, has earned the starting QB job in the absence of the graduated Adam Weber.

To make matters worse, Da'Jon McKnight caught 48 passes a season ago, is nursing a knee injury and might not be ready for the opener.

Minnesota hasn't won a Big Ten championship since 1967, and hasn't owned the Little Brown Jug since 2005.

Favorite: Michigan

Oct. 8 at Northwestern, Ryan Field, Evanston, Illinois, 6 PM (CT)

Northwestern's 2010 Record

7-6, 3-5 (Big Ten)

Last Meeting

2008, Northwestern, 21-14

Overall Series

Michigan, 52-15-2

What To Know about the Wildcats

Whether you receive one in your mailbox, or just catch of glimpse of one on SportsCenter, the packaged  "Dan Persa for Heisman" campaign is something to see. The package contains a pair of purple dumbbells, supposedly signifying Persa's arm strength, or maybe that it might take a dumbbell to vote for him.

There is a serious matter involving Persa. Can he recover from last season's Achilles' injury and withstand an entire season? Even if he does, Northwestern only returns six starters from the defensive unit that allowed 163 points in the final three games.

Favorite: Toss-Up

Oct. 15 at Michigan State, Spartan Stadium, East Lansing, Michigan. Time TBA

Michigan State's 2010 Record

11-2, 7-1 (Big Ten)

Last Meeting

2010, Michigan State, 34-17

Overall Series

Michigan, 67-31-5

What To Know about the Spartans

The trash has begun and the fans haven't even gotten started. Michigan State defensive tackle Jerel Worthy showed up in camp with a tattoo depicting a Spartan crushing a Wolverine.

He claims he did it with some Michigan players and it was just a joke.  

Regardless, the Dayton Daily News article quoted in the Detroit Free Press signifies the game is on.

The truth is, Michigan State is a very talented team. Led by All-American quarterback candidate Kirk Cousins, the Spartans will be strong in the air and on the ground. Defensively, they're rebuilding, but they will still be adequate.

The turmoil at Michigan has quietly allowed Spartans coach Mark Dantonio to build the team into a national power—unless it faces Alabama.

Favorite: Michigan State

Oct. 29 vs. Purdue (Homecoming), Michigan Stadium, Noon

Purdue's 2010 Record

4-8, 2-6 (Big Ten)

Last Meeting

2010, Michigan, 27-16

Overall Series

Michigan 42-14-0

What To Know about the Boilermakers

If you can't play well, dress well. Purdue may be headed toward another lousy season, but at least it will look better doing so.

For the first time since 2006, Purdue will be outfitted in new uniforms. At home the Boilermakers will appear in black jerseys with black, white or gold pants. On the road, the same pants combination will accompany white shirts. The font will resemble the Chicago Bears numerals of the '60s.

Instead of a two-quarterback controversy, it looks like there will be three. Expect Rob Henry, Robert Marve and Caleb TerBush all to play, and even alternate during games.

Purdue also lost its best defender, Ryan Kerrigan, who went on to the NFL.

Favorite: Michigan

Nov. 5 at Iowa, Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City, Iowa, Time TBA

Iowa's 2010 Record

8-5, 4-4 (Big Ten)

Last Meeting

2010, Iowa, 38-28

Overall Series

Michigan 40-12-4

What To Know about the Hawkeyes

It's been a long time since the epic 12-10 victory by No. 1 Iowa over No. 2 Michigan.

These two teams are a far cry from the 1985 squads.

Michigan is rebuilding from the Rich Rodriguez era, and Iowa is trying to replace 25 seniors.

Regardless of who they throw out there, Iowa will be fundamentally sound. James Vanderberg, who completed 5-of-8 passes in 2010, will be the quarterback. Marcus Coker who started only three games but broke out with 219 rushing yards in the Insight Bowl, will be the feature back, and Marvin McNutt will be the only experienced receiver.

The Hawkeyes, even without their usual skill people, will show up nonetheless. By the time of the Michigan game, Iowa will be solid—you can count on that.

Favorite: Michigan

Nov. 12 at Illinois, Memorial Stadium, Champaign, Illinois, Time TBA

Illinois' 2010 Record

7-6, 4-4 (Big Ten)

Last Meeting

2010, Michigan, 67-65 (3OT)

Overall Series

Michigan 67-23-2

What To Know about the Illini

It should be no surprise the two teams played three overtimes last fall.

Both had quick-strike offenses and shoddy defenses.

There will not be much of a difference in 2011. Illinois misses running back Mikel Leshoure on offense and defensive tackle Corey Liuget on defense.

The Illini return dual-threat quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase, running back Jason Ford and go-to receiver A.J. Jenkins.

The key to make the offense work is Ford, who's been at odds with coach Ron Zook.

Favorite: Michigan     

Nov. 19 vs. Nebraska, Michigan Stadium, Time TBA

Nebraska's 2010 Record

10-4, 6-2 (Big 12, final season)

Last Meeting

2005, Nebraska, 32-28 (Alamo Bowl)

Overall Series

Michigan 3-2-1

What To Know about the Cornhuskers

2011 marks the first season in the Big Ten for Nebraska. The Cornhuskers bring teams that resemble the size and strength of Iowa and Wisconsin, along with the skill of Ohio State, Michigan State and Michigan.

Nebraska's 2011 defense may be the best in the Big Ten—similar in size with Wisconsin, but quicker. The offense, however, has worried Nebraska supporters, but if dual-threat quarterback Taylor Martinez stays healthy, the Cornhuskers will score enough points.

Favorite: Nebraska 

Nov. 26 vs. Ohio State, Michigan Stadium, Time TBA

Ohio State's 2010 Record

12-1, 7-1 (Big Ten)

Last Meeting

2010, Ohio State, 37-7

Overall Series

Michigan 57-43-6

What To Know about the Buckeyes

Mark Aug. 12 on your calendars. That's the day Ohio State meets with the NCAA concerning Tattoo-gate and the other problems that caused Jim Tressel to relinquish his coaching duties. 

Luke Fickell becomes the new head coach for the troubled football program, but talent-wise, he'll be just fine, despite the loss of quarterback Terrelle Pryor and the five-game suspension of four other players. It looks like freshman Braxton Miller will eventually win the starting quarterback job.

With the existing distractions, the 2011 edition of the Buckeyes might miss out on the Big Ten title.

Prediction: Michigan