Most Michigan football fans are focused on the Oklahoma game in the early part of the schedule, overlooking the Week 1 opponent, Western Michigan.
Hopefully, the Wolverines aren't doing the same thing, because Western Michigan, fresh off a 10-win season in 2025, could prove to be a dangerous opponent in Week 1.
To be fair, Michigan will have a huge talent edge. The Wolverines won nine games last season because of the talent advantage they have over most programs.
Kyle Whittingham's team will dominate in the trenches. It should, at least. That's why Michigan football fans aren't overly concerned, because the reports about the offensive and defensive lines have been stellar in fall camp.
Western Michigan could put a scare into Michigan if Wolverines are looking ahead
The Broncos, who posted a 10-4 record last season, return the MAC Player of the Year in quarterback Broc Lowry. He threw for 1,800 yards last season, while rushing for another 963 to go along with 14 rushing touchdowns.
Not only is Lowry back for the 2025 MAC Champions, but Jalen Buckley also returns after rushing for 1,004 yards last season, in addition to having three First-Team All-MAC selections in the preseason, with a total of six between both sides of the ball.
It could also be a better test for Bryce Underwood than some people realize. The Broncos were ninth in the NCAA in scoring defense last season, allowing just 17.4 points per game.
Not all Group of Five teams are created equal. Western Michigan has even gotten some buzz about making the College Football Playoff. One way to make that happen is to upset the Wolverines in Week 1.
Not only will Michigan be running a new offense and a new defense, it will be the first game for Whittingham and sometimes, there can be some growing pains. Against most MAC squads, that probably wouldn't matter. It probably won't matter against Western Michigan.
The Wolverines are overwhelming favorites. No one is sounding the alarm about an upset special, but with Oklahoma coming in Week 2, Michigan can't afford to look ahead or past Western.
Western has solid players in the trenches, runs the ball with the quarterback, which can be tricky, and leads to long possessions, as well as a shorter game, something that can help an underdog.
Underwood should dominate. Jordan Marshall and Savion Hiter should run all over the Broncos. Even if Western has some success on offense, the Wolverines should win going away.
Should being the important word.
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