Michigan Football: The Wolverines' 5 Biggest Games of 2011

With a new coach at the helm, the Michigan Wolverines look to return to prominence in the Big Ten conference in the 2011 season.

Coming off a 7-6 season in 2010, including a 52-14 loss to Mississippi State in the Progressive Gator Bowl, the Wolverines are hungry for some football.

Here are the Wolverines' five biggest games of the 2011 season. 

Western Michigan (9/3)

The Michigan Wolverines play their cross state rivals Western Michigan today in Ann Arbor. The game is not expected to be close but holds great importance for the Wolverines.

With new head coach Brady Hoke at the helm, the Wolverines need to start the season off on the right foot.

Hoke needs to get that first win under his belt and the Wolverines need to make a statement in the first game of the season.

A blowout victory will go a long way in boosting confidence for this Wolverines team.

The game also serves as a tune up to the big matchup with Notre Dame in the second week of the season. 

Look for Denard Robinson to have a big day through the air and on the ground and for the Wolverines to blow out the Broncos.  

Notre Dame (9/10)

When the Notre Dame Irish visit Ann Arbor and Wolverine Stadium on September 10, the Michigan Wolverines will get their first test of the 2011 season.

The Wolverines haven't lost to the Irish since 2008, but this season expectations are much higher for the Irish.

In all likelihood the Irish will come to town ranked in the Top 15, giving the Wolverines a chance to knock of their first ranked team of the 2011 season. 

A victory against Notre Dame could prove to be the launching pad to a successful season for the 2011 Wolverines. 

Nebraska (11/19)

On Nov. 19, the Michigan Wolverines will get their first taste of the Nebraska Cornhuskers as a member of the Big Ten Conference. 

The two teams haven't met since sharing the National Championship in 1997.

The Cornhuskers come over to the Big Ten and immediately become a powerhouse in the conference.

When they visit Ann Arbor, the Cornhuskers should be near the top of the Legends Division in the Big Ten.

They could very well be highly ranked when they visit Ann Arbor as well and the Wolverines will need to be clicking on all cylinders to give the Huskers a game.

For the Wolverines to have a chance, Denard Robinson will need to be dominant in all facets of the game. 

This game will be a confidence booster or a let down heading into the game of the year against Ohio State.

Michigan State (10/15)

The Michigan Wolverines will look to get revenge on in-state rival Michigan State when they travel to East Lansing on Oct. 15.

The Spartan's took the victory in 2010, 34-17, in East Lansing for their third straight win in the series.

Michigan's last win against the Spartans came in East Lansing in 2007. 

Michigan State is the second biggest game on the schedule for the Wolverines and should be a battle this season with the Spartans ranked No. 17 to begin the season.

This game will be the Wolverines first real test in the Big Ten and could prove that they are ready to hold their own in the conference again with Brady Hoke at the helm. 

Ohio State (11/26)

On Nov. 26, the Ohio State Buckeyes return to Ann Arbor as the Michigan Wolverines look for revenge after last year's embarrassing 37-7 loss.

Michigan Vs. Ohio State may be the biggest college football game of the year and the game that both teams wait all season for.

Both teams will be in full form ready to knock each other's teeth out.

Michigan hasn't won this battle since 2003 and is hungry for a win against the Buckeyes, although they lead the all-time series 57-44-6.

This season, the game should be the closest it has been in a while with Ohio State superstar Terrelle Pryor ruled ineligible and leaping for the pros.

Expect this to be a close battle at Wolverine Stadium where either team could come out on top.