Michigan football game-by-game predictions for the 2024 season

Game 8: vs Michigan State (Oct. 26)

This will be Johnathan Smith's first foray into the rivalry but Michigan State has a long way to go. The Spartans have a talented young quarterback and he'll have some time to get his feet wet before this matchup, but Aiden Chiles will struggle against the Michigan defense.

The running ability of Chiles causes me concern. He could create some big plays against the Wolverines in that way, but Michigan will dominate up front and Edwards will dominate the in-state rivalry game.

Prediction: Michigan 31, Michigan State 13

Game 9: vs. Oregon (Nov. 2)

This will be another huge test for Michigan football. Oregon probably has more overall talent than the Wolverines and one of the best quarterbacks in college football in Dillon Gabriel.

At the same time, what has Dillon Gabriel ever won? The Sooners were 6-6 in his first season and while they improved last year, Oklahoma didn't even truly contend in the Big 12 conference.

Don't get me wrong, Gabriel worries me. But Michigan's defense has shut down plenty of "elite" quarterbacks and as much praise as folks want to heap on Dan Lanning, Oregon hasn't performed well in big games.

Lanning is 0-3 against Washington. His team also lost to Oregon State in 2022 when it was a playoff contender and I'm not sure how the Ducks will handle getting smacked in the mouth.

Beyond that, the Wolverines haven't lost a game in the Big House since 2020. Oregon could end that streak but beating Michigan, at Michigan, isn't for the faint at heart and I'm not sold that the Ducks are tough enough.

Prediction: Michigan 24, Oregon 21