The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1545685
2. Sept. 12 vs. Oklahoma — The game in Norman was No. 2 on this list last year since it was the first opportunity to see what the Wolverines had against a good team (the early "lit- mus test"). The Wolverines failed miserably, and it was a sign of things to come against the good teams on the schedule. The Sooners will return quarterback John Mateer, who burned U-M for 270 yards passing a year ago, and a very good defense. A win here in the second game of the year could really kickstart Whit- tingham's first season. 3. Nov. 14 at Oregon — Michigan just doesn't win on the West Coast in true road games. They lost at USC last year and to a mediocre Washington team in Seattle two years ago — 1989 was the last victory, and the Wolverines needed to recover a late onside kick and got a game winning field goal from J.D. Carlson to beat UCLA. The Ducks are in just about everyone's preseason top 5, ranked No. 2 in ESPN's "way too early" spring poll and return an outstanding quarterback in Dante Moore. On paper and given the location, it might be the toughest game on the schedule. 4. Oct. 24 vs. Indiana — We chuckled when coach Curt Cignetti shared his championship expectations for the program when he first arrived at IU. We're not laughing anymore. The Hoosiers lose a lot of talent from their 16-0 national championship team, including Heisman Trophy- winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza, but the culture is intact. Cignetti has brought in another impressive portal haul, and there's championship DNA on that team. One thing working in Michigan's favor — Indiana will face Ohio State at home a week earlier in what should be a tough and emotional game. 5. Oct. 17 vs. Penn State — There's a lot unknown about this PSU team until Matt Campbell's squad plays a few games, but we know the former Iowa State head man can coach. His teams often overachieved, and as a "culture" guy, his players always seemed to play hard for him in Ames. The Nittany Lions will suit up 39 transfers this year, and 24 played for Camp- bell at Iowa State. That includes quarterback Rocco Becht, who has won 26 games as a starter and thrown for 3,000-plus yards in two seasons. This game should be like playing an Iowa State team with a bit more talent. Ohio State won last year's matchup, 27-9, breaking Michigan's four-game win streak in "The Game." The Wolverines will head to Colum- bus Nov. 28 to continue the rivalry. PHOTO BY LON HORWEDEL Top Five Most Anticipated Games 1. Nov. 28 at Ohio State Always and forever, this game will be the most anticipated on the schedule. The Buckeyes beat their hated rivals for the first time since 2019 last year, a 27-9 win in the Big House, but the Wolverines have a new and better coach and staff, and enough high-end talent to at least hang with Ryan Day's team. Michigan will need to run the ball to win, but that's Whittingham's forte. Defensive coordinator Jay Hill's defense — full of disguise and unpredictability — is the kind that can make it tough on a quarterback like Julian Sayin. Can U-M make it three straight on the road in Columbus? 30 ■ THE WOLVERINE 2026 FOOTBALL PREVIEW