When we last left off with analyzing Michigan’s 2014 schedule, the Wolverines were coming off an upsetting division loss on the road to the Scarlet Knights of Rutgers. With a much tougher second half schedule, the Wolverines have an even tougher road ahead of them.
Michigan Wolverines Schedule
W vs. Penn State, October 11th
In last season’s contest with the Nittany Lions, Michigan blew a 10-point lead in the fourth quarter, which eventually resulted in a quadruple overtime loss. Like with the Appalachian State opener, this game is all about revenge for the Wolverines. Last year’s lost can be attributed to a lack of production from the running back position, so look for Derrick Green, Justice Hayes, and De’Veon Smith to redeem last year’s debacle.
Record: 5-2
L @ Michigan State, October 25th
Don’t expect Paul Bunyan to be going anywhere this season. For the first time since 1968, one team will be hosting the game in consecutive season which spells trouble for the Wolverines, who haven’t won in East Lansing since 2007 (Michigan State has won in the Big House twice since then). Michigan State’s defense is too suffocating, and their offense too veteran, for a Michigan team that hasn’t tasted consistent success in nearly a decade.
Record: 5-3
W vs. Indiana, November 1st
The typical homecoming patsy, Indiana returns to the Big House to face an angry Wolverines team, coming off consecutive losses to their in-state rival. The Hoosiers have not beaten the Wolverines since 1987, and have not pulled off the feat on the road since 1967. Kevin Wilson’s squad is just looking for bowl eligibility and don’t pose a serious threat to knocking off Michigan.
Record: 6-3
W @ Northwestern, November 8th
Under Pat Fitzgerald, the Wildcats have become a more competitive team than in the past, and have frequently given the Wolverines trouble during his tenure. However, Brady Hoke has yet to lose to Northwestern as head coach of Michigan. Expect another competitive game, where Michigan once again comes out on top.
Record: 7-3
W vs. Maryland, November 22nd
A new conference and divisional opponent, the Terps aren’t exactly a pushover, but are unfamiliar with the bright lights of playing in a stadium which boasts an audience of roughly 110,000. Michigan has the secondary to hold Maryland’s best weapon, Stefon Diggs, under wraps and put together a three game winning streak.
Record: 8-3
L @ Ohio State, November 29th
The Game returns to The Horseshoe, which has been a house of horrors for the Wolverines in recent years, regardless of who is coaching either side. Michigan has not won at Ohio Stadium since 2000, and have only beaten the Buckeyes twice since at home. While Ohio State features a weaker offense than they have in past years, their defense is loaded with future NFL stars, and is simply too much for a pedestrian Wolverine offense to compete against.
Record: 8-4
While eight wins would be an improvement over last season, it is still a disappointment by Michigan standards. If the Wolverines could have pulled out a single victory against a primary opponent, eight wins might be palatable. However, rivalries are the measuring stick for success in college football and Brady Hoke’s job should be far from safe. With a 5-3 conference record, Michigan would likely receive a bowl offer from the Holiday Bowl or even the Outback Bowl, playing the ACC or the SEC, respectively.
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