Michigan Football: Game-by-game predictions for Wolverines in 2020
First four Big Ten games are grueling
Obviously, what Michigan football does against Ohio State will define the season but if the Wolverines want a chance to win the Big Ten, they will need to excel in the early part of the Big Ten schedule.
Michigan vs Wisconsin (W)
The Big Ten opener is going to be an absolute dog fight between Michigan and Wisconsin when they meet in the Big House Sept. 26. The Badgers enter the season ranked sixth in the ESPN FPI, while the Wolverines are No. 19. Wisconsin returns its starting quarterback Jack Coan, which is an advantage. Michigan will have a first-time starter. But, Michigan is also 2-0 in home games vs ranked Wisconsin teams and even though the Badgers are stout, U-M is too and will win the game.
Michigan vs Penn State (W)
The very next week, Michigan faces another team ranked in the preseason top-10 team in ESPN’S FPI and that’s Penn State. Like Wisconsin, Jim Harbaugh has had success against Penn State, winning twice at home and once in Happy Valley. James Franklin has had some good teams but none of them have won at Michigan Stadium and this year won’t be the first for that either.
Michigan at Michigan State (W)
The first game between Harbaugh and Mel Tucker comes in the third Big Ten game of the 2020 season for U-M and it’s in East Lansing. Following two straight wins and an embarrassment at the hands of the Wolverines last season, Michigan State will be hungry. But the Spartans just aren’t as talented and a valiant effort by them will come up short, as Michigan surivives and keeps the Paul Bunyan for another year.
Michigan at Minnesota (L)
Winning on the road is very difficult and beating quality teams, in back-to-back weeks, on the road is even tougher. And following a huge win over the Spartans, as well as victories over Penn State and Wisconsin, Michigan finally has a let down against P.J. Fleck and the Gophers, who I believe will win the West in 2020. Having the Wolverines go 2-1 in road games against Washington, MSU and Minnesota may be a touch on the optimistic side, but if Michigan can get a quarterback who avoids mistakes, it’s very doable. This defense is going to be legit. The running game too.