Michigan Football: Predicting Wolverines win-loss record next season

GBMWolverine writer Seth Berry

Seth Berry took a more in-depth approach to his prediction, by breaking down each of the matchups to tell us where the Wolverines stumble (the first loss might surprise you).

Seth Berry, ladies and gentlemen:

In 2018, when Michigan traveled to Notre Dame for the opening game of the season, it wasn’t much of a pretty sight for Michigan fans. While the Wolverines settled in and found a way to hang in the game, they did not play well in the first half and the loss had the Michigan fanbase in a panic. Then, Michigan went on to win 10 in a row and was surging going into the Ohio State game before the infamous 62-39 loss to the Buckeyes, ending Michigan’s national title and Big Ten title hopes.

I bring that up because, in 2020, I can envision a similar type of outcome. In week one, Michigan travels to play Washington for a tough opening season road game that I think is a total toss-up. But in a tough environment and Michigan having to break in a new quarterback, I think the Wolverines fall just short and go to 0-1 on the season. Similar to 2018, though, Michigan will have some easier games in Ball State and Arkansas State to be able to get some confidence back and by the time conference play begins against Wisconsin on Sept. 26 at home, the Wolverines should be in OK shape. Although it is difficult to have the Badgers and Penn State back-to-back, I think Michigan wins both at home. Then, going to East Lansing to play the Spartans is never easy, but Michigan will be too much for first-year coach Mel Tucker.

The big toss-up before the Ohio State game is the Minnesota game on Oct. 17. If Michigan can come out of that with a win, I believe the Buckeyes will be the only team in the way of Jim Harbaugh getting this program to Indianapolis for the first time since he took over in 2015. I think UM edges out Minnesota on the road and walk through the rest of the schedule before The Game on Nov. 28.

But having to go to Columbus and with what Ohio State is bringing back to is roster this season, I don’t see Michigan getting the win it is desperately looking for over its arch-rival in 2020. At 10-2, a Rose Bowl appearance could be in the cards.

Prediction: 10-2.