At Maryland (Nov. 22)
There are a couple of good reasons why Maryland is a "trap game."
Head coach Mike Locksley could be coaching for his job. Depending on how the season goes, if Maryland is hovering around bowl eligibility, clinching a postseason berth with a home win over Michigan could buy the head coach at least another season.
The Terps had some momentum as a program, but dropped back to 4-8 last season. They also suffered some key losses in the transfer portal. Highly-touted quarterback Malik Washington, a top-100 signee in the 2025 class, is expected to be the starter.
By the 11th game of the season, like Bryce Underwood, he should start to feel more comfortable. It's also the week before "The Game."
That has led to some close calls over the years. Michigan has also blown out Maryland, in Maryland, the week before Ohio State (2021). The Wolverines didn't have any problems with Northwestern last season either.
Hopefully, Michigan wins each of these games with ease, but there will be tests along the way, and these three games are ones to watch.