Michigan Football: Ranking Michigan’s matchups by importance

#3 Penn State

Jim Harbaugh has had his ups and downs against Penn State, resulting in a 3-3 record against the Nittany Lions in his time with Michigan football.

Over the last five years, Penn State has blossomed into somewhat of a third Big Ten rival of Michigan’s, as the two teams have traded blowouts.

The two programs are closely compared, as both are historically great, but haven’t had much success in the last couple of decades. This will be an opportunity for Harbaugh to get another win over James Franklin, and potentially solidify the Wolverines as a top-three team in the Big Ten.

#2 Michigan State

The Spartans are Michigan’s second-biggest rival, which earns them the second spot on my list. I alluded to this game earlier, but everyone remembers the colossal meltdown at the Big House last season, a game that was incredibly frustrating for Wolverine fans to watch.

Even Michigan State fans would agree that the Wolverines had a more talented roster last season, and most would say the same is true again this year, but as we all saw last year that means nothing.

Michigan Head Coach Jim Harbaugh is 3-3 against Michigan State, which is just simply not good enough. Bringing the Paul Bunyan trophy back to Ann Arbor will be a top task this season.

#1 Ohio State

This is a no-brainer. The Game has been, is, and always will be the most important game on the schedule no matter how lopsided things may get.

Everyone knows the poor stats that are thrown around every year, so there’s no need for those to resurface here, but one of the biggest storylines of the offseason has been Michigan’s increased attention toward the rivalry.

We’ll have to wait until late November to see if the increased focus will pay off, but until then, fans, coaches, and players will anxiously await the matchup.