Michigan Football: Ranking Michigan’s matchups by importance

#6 Indiana

Last year, the Hoosiers knocked off the Wolverines for the first time since 1987. Led by quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and star wide receiver Ty Fryfogle, the Hoosiers open the year as the 16th ranked team in America.

Last year’s loss should leave a sour taste in the mouths of players and coaches. Because of its Big Ten East significance, this game earns the number six spot in my list, ranking higher than most Big Ten games.

#5 Wisconsin

There’s a chance Michigan football enters this game with an unblemished record of 4-0. Sure, it could be 3-1 or even 2-2, but no matter what this is a huge game for the Wolverines. For the sake of example, we’ll assume Michigan is 4-0 through four games.

Much like the Nebraska game, this is one that holds a lot of significance when it comes to Michigan’s overall season. Should Michigan win this game, it will be 5-0 heading into Lincoln with a full head of steam as it aims to be perfect halfway through the season.

Should Michigan lose, however, it will be 4-1 as it heads to Lincoln to try and keep its Big Ten title hopes alive. This is a crucial game for Jim Harbaugh and the Wolverines.

#4 Washington

The Wolverines and Huskies were scheduled to clash last season, but because of the Covid-19 pandemic, the game was postponed for nearly a decade, and won’t be played in Seattle until 2028. Not only is this year’s game scheduled to be under the lights, but it was announced a few weeks ago that fans will be encouraged to wear maize in what will be a ‘Maize Out’ game.

This will not only be an important game for the team on the field, but it will also be a big recruiting day for the Wolverines as well. I recently wrote a piece detailing the importance of this year’s Michigan-Washington matchup, which can be viewed here.