Predicting Every Michigan Football Score In 2023
Earlier on Monday morning, I predicted the records of every Big Ten football team heading into the 2023 season.
Now I'm going to shift focus on the Michigan Wolverines -- since this is a Wolverines' site and all. I'm going to predict the final score of each ball game, with a little analysis of each game.
Sept. 2 -- East Carolina:
Final score: Michigan 48, East Carolina 13
No Jim Harbaugh, no Sherrone Moore -- no problem. The Wolverines open up a season against an East Carolina team that went 8-5 last season, but the Pirates return just 34% of their production from 2022. The maize and blue are going to be mad that two coaches are suspended and it should be an easy contest in Week 1.
Sept. 9 -- UNLV
Final score: Michigan 56, UNLV 10
UNLV was a five-win team in 2022 and while they do return 69% of its production from last year, the Rebels still aren't a match for the Wolverines. This one will probably get out of hand early.
Sept. 16 -- Bowling Green
Final score: Michigan 49, Bowling Green 0
I'm predicting a shutout here, which is hard to come by in college football. But Michigan will be under the lights and the fans and players are going to be amped for another night game. Bowling Green won six games in 2022 and the Falcons lost a bunch of players from last season, so once again -- not much of a contest.
Sept. 23 -- Rutgers
Final score: Michigan 38, Rutgers 10
Rutgers has given Michigan issues in the past, but after the Wolverines annihilated the Scarlet Knights in Piscataway last season, I don't see it changing in 2023. The Scarlet Knights still have a quarterback issue and it's going to be tough sledding against the Michigan defense.
Sept. 30 -- @ Nebraska
Final score: Michigan 31, Nebraska 17
Nebraska was a pesky team last season and was actually in quite a few ball games. It's hard telling what the Huskers will look like in 2023 with a new coach, a new quarterback, and a bevy of transfers. Michigan lit Nebraska up in Ann Arbor in 2022, and while I think the maize and blue will win in Lincoln -- I think it may be closer than expected.
Oct. 7 -- @ Minnesota
Final score: Michigan 34, Minnesota 13
This may appear to be a tough game for Michigan on paper, heading on the road for the second week in a row. But until Minnesota QB Athan Kaliakmanis shows me something, I think the Gophers' offense won't be very good. Last season, the Gophers struggled to score against good defenses, and that probably won't change this year. Plus, Minnesota only returns 57% of its defense from last season -- Michigan should be able to score the ball.
Oct. 14 -- Indiana
Final score: Michigan 41, Indiana 13
Let's be honest: Indiana is not a good football team. The Hoosiers are going to struggle against in 2023 and Tom Allen is more than likely gone if Indiana can't stay relevant. Should be another easy game for the Wolverines and the key for Michigan is to stay healthy.
Oct. 21 -- @ Michigan State
Final score: Michigan 28, Michigan State 3
As of right now, I just don't see how Michigan State is going to be able to move the ball on this Michigan defense. The Spartans struggled to move it last year and that was with Payton Thorne at the helm, but with MSU transitioning to a new QB -- it might get tough for the Spartans. Michigan is going to remember everything that happened in Ann Arbor last season when it played its rival and the Wolverines are definitely more talented in this one.
Nov. 4 -- Purdue
Final score: Michigan 38, Purdue 14
Purdue has a new coach, a new quarterback, and no Charlie Jones. Not sure how the Boilermakers will be in 2023 but it's hard to imagine they will be as good as they were in 2022. The rumor is this will be another night game and if so, Michigan will be amped again. Coming off a bye week, the Wolverines had a week to get healthier and should roll in Ann Arbor.
Nov. 11 -- @ Penn State
Final score: Michigan 24, Penn State 21
This is truly Michigan's first challenge. I pick the Wolverines for two reasons: 1. The Wolverines got lucky and this game will not be at night and reason No. 2 is I look at the quarterback play here and you got to give the edge to J.J. McCarthy. Drew Allar is extremely talented, but McCarthy has the experience and has played in more tough environments than Allar. This game could go either way, but I look for Michigan to pull out a nail-biter in the end.
Nov. 18 -- Maryland
Final score: Michigan 27, Maryland 24
This game reminds me of the Illinois game last year. I have Michigan coming off of a tough-fought victory against Penn State and -- like the Illinois game last season -- Michigan has Ohio State next weekend. Maryland is no joke offensively and if the Wolverines aren't focused then the Terps could upset Michigan. I think this game gets close, but the Wolverines stay unbeaten.
Nov. 25 -- Ohio State
Final score: Michigan 41, Ohio State 30
Ohio State went on its long win streak against Michigan, and while I don't think the Wolverines will go on that kind of streak, I think Michigan has the momentum in the rivalry. The Game is being played in Ann Arbor this season and until Ryan Day can beat Michigan again then it's hard to not pick the maize and blue here. I look for the Wolverines to run it down the Buckeyes' throat for the third year in a row.
Dec. 2 -- Iowa (Big Ten Championship Game)
Final score: Michigan 27, Iowa 17
I have Michigan beating Iowa for the Big Ten title. I look for the Hawkeyes to beat out Wisconsin in the West. Cade McNamara gives Iowa hope on offense and as we all know -- Iowa has a nasty defense. But when it comes to Michigan vs. Iowa, I think the Wolverines have too much talent and will win their third Big Ten title in a row.
