A manageable schedule
Don't get it twisted, Michigan's schedule isn't easy. The Wolverines have six road games this season. They'll play as many games away from home as they will in the Big House, a rarity for any Power-4 college football program.
There are some challenging games such as Oklahoma, Nebraska, USC, and Michigan State. Even Northwestern and Maryland won't be walks in the park.
However, with Ohio State looming as the most difficult home game, the Wolverines really just need to win all their home games, then go 4-2 on the road. That affords them going 2-2 in the four most difficult road games listed above.
Split that stretch and "The Game" will be for a playoff berth. That would be great for the rivalry, and based on the past few seasons, Michigan football fans should be stoked if that's the scenario.