Michigan Football: Ranking each Wolverines opponent in 2022

2. Michigan State (Home October 29th, 2022)

To end their difficult October schedule, Michigan will host their biggest in-state rival the Michigan State Spartans. While the Wolverines were able to slay the beast in defeating Ohio State last year, Michigan still has a ways to go in its fight against this metaphorical creature.

Sure, Michigan has had some recent success against Michigan State, going 3-1 against them from 2016-2019 but over the last two seasons, the Wolverines have had their biggest letdowns against the Spartans. There are multiple things that can be attributed to these losses but it is important to put them in the rearview mirror and focus on this game for Michigan.

One matchup the Wolverines should look to exploit is the passing game. The Spartans had one of the worst pass defenses in the nation last season, ranking last in passing yards allowed per game (324.8) and most opponent first downs allowed through the air (14.8 first downs per game).

Surely Michigan State will find ways to improve its secondary in 2022 but it is still something Michigan should look to use in this year’s game. Whether it is Cade McNamara, J.J. McCarthy, or some combination of the two, Michigan football will need to air it out and find big plays in the passing game in this contest.

McCarthy is a factor to keep an eye on in particular. His fumble late in the fourth quarter was a critical turnover and he is surely looking to make up for that error in this game.

1. Ohio State (Away November 26th, 2022)

This game is almost always the one that is circled by the Wolverines and is vital to their season. Despite its usual gravity for both schools, the 2022 matchup will have an interesting new perspective.

It is no secret that Michigan has struggled against Ohio State in the 21st century and in 2021 many expected the Buckeyes to continue their dominance. But, on the back of Hassan Haskins, the Wolverines won 42-27; propelling Michigan to the Big Ten Championship and beyond. It will be very interesting to see how this matchup evolves in the near future.

Is it a sign of things to come and a changing of the guard within the Big Ten landscape? Or was 2021 a fluke coincidence of optimal circumstance for the Wolverines?

Only time will tell, but Michigan has the talent and momentum to change the tide in this rivalry and will look to notch another victory against the Buckeyes.