A manageable schedule
Michigan's schedule isn't easy. There are six road games, which is pretty rare in major college football. The Wolverines usually play seven or eight home games.
This year, though, there are five Big Ten road games, plus the trip to Oklahoma. The Nebraska and USC games loom largest in the Big Ten. Other road trips are to Michigan State, Northwestern, and Maryland.
USC and Nebraska have been mentioned as fringe playoff contenders this season, but Ohio State, Oregon, Penn State, and Illinois are recognized mostly as the top four teams in the Big Ten, with Michigan right there, and the Wolverines only have one on the schedule: Ohio State, at home.
As long as Michigan wins one of the three difficult road games: Oklahoma, Nebraska, or USC, and wins every game at home, including Ohio State, that's a 10-win season and a playoff berth.
On the flip side of the coin, there aren't many gimmes. Wisconsin and Washington won't be cakewalks. Purdue could also be improved this season. That being said, if Michigan can beat Ohio State, it should be perfect at home.
And if the Wolverines can navigate a manageable road schedule with a 4-2 record, that's all they need to do to make the final game mean everything.