At Maryland (Nov. 22)
If this prediction proves to be accurate, Michigan football will be 8-2 after the first 10 games of the season. The Wolverines would be in the thick of the playoff race.
This Maryland game, or whatever game is ahead of "The Game," is a trap game. It doesn't mean Michigan won't be as focused, but it's hard not to look ahead.
One thing that will help is the playoff chase. Michigan won't have any margin for error, so the stakes will be high, especially if Maryland just needs a win or two to reach the postseason.
Like Michigan, Maryland is expected to have a true freshman starting quarterback. Malik Washington was also ranked in the top 100 coming out of high school. It's one of the biggest commitments landed by Mike Locksley.
Pep Hamilton, the former Michigan OC, has taken over as the play-caller. The Terps lost tons of players to the transfer portal after a 4-8 campaign. The Wolverines might be looking ahead to Ohio State. We have seen that before, but Michigan will be too much for Maryland.
Michigan 31, Maryland 20