Michigan Football 2017 Season Predictions

2017 Season Prediction

Written By: @HarbaughWeTrust

This is just a short little predictions blurb. Once the season starts I plan on doing a more in-depth week to week prediction as the season goes along.

Michigan should have made the playoffs last year. I think a lot of my fellow Wolverine fans agree with that statement. Due to choking, atrocious officiating, and some bad luck, Michigan lost 2 games they should have won. But I'm not going to dwell on the past, it's time to look ahead to 2017. A lot of people think this is going to be a rebuild year for Michigan, but I do not agree with that. I see it as a transition year. Even though Michigan lost quite a few players, I don't expect them to take a major step back. 2017 is a year to get ready for National Title runs in 2018 & 2019.

Week 1 - vs. Florida: W

Michigan has a huge neutral field game to open up the season against Florida. Both teams lost their fair share of talent from last year. Florida has had a regular achilles heal since the graduation of Tim Tebow and that is the QB position. They have tried to address the QB issue by adding Notre Dame transfer Malik Zaire. He will have a short period of time to learn the play book and gel with his offense by the first game. So I give Michigan the edge in this game because of Florida's QB concerns. 

Week 2 - Cincinnati: W

Luke Fickell is already 0-1 as a head coach against the Wolverines. He will soon be 0-2.

Week 3 - Air Force: W

Air Force was one of the leading rushing teams in all of college football last year. I expect them to put up a decent amount of yards, but I believe Michigan will stop them when it matters most. When you have these gimmickish offenses they always get you for a few big plays and typically put up large yardage numbers, but scoring could be an issue for them.

Week 4 - @ Purdue: W

#PoorPurdue enough said

Week 5 - BYE

Week 6 - Michigan State: W

Mike Dantonio will attempt to rile up his team by placing several chips on the players' shoulders. Regardless of the amount of chips on the shoulders of the spartans it will not save them from the beatdown headed their way. 

Week 7 - @ Indiana: W

At the end of last year Indiana fired their head coach due to player abuse allegations. Even though Michigan always seems to struggle with Indiana, I don't see them putting up too much of a fight this season.

Week 8 - @ Penn State: L

Speight has folded like a cheap lawn chair in his tenure so far on the road. He was absolutely awful on the road last year against Iowa and Ohio State. This really pains me to have this game chalked up as a loss. Michigan has really struggled on the road under Harbaugh. They lost to an Iowa team last year that they should have beat by 3 scores. This game is at Happy Valley and will be a night game. It will be the most hostile environment Michigan will play in all year. Not to mention this is Michigan's first big road game of the season. For now I have this a loss because I do not trust Wilton away from the Big House against a quality opponent. I do believe Michigan can win and I will not be surprised if they do.

Week 9 - Rutgers: W

Do I really need to give an explanation for this game? LOL

Week 10 - Minnesota: W

PJ Fleck is an up and coming young and exciting coach. He completely changed Western Michigan for the better. With that being said, Minnesota is still Minnesota. 

Week 11 - @ Maryland: W

The score might not be 59-3. Maryland will put up a better fight than last year, however I still see Michigan winning by at least 3 scores. 

Week 12 - @ Wisconsin: L 

This goes back to Michigan struggling on the road against good teams. I'm not sure if it's been announced yet, but I can only assume this will be a night game. Although these teams don't play every season, Michigan always struggles @ Madison. The last time UM beat the Badgers at Madison was back in 2001. Since 2001, UM is 0-3 against the Badgers @ Madison. As of now I've got this as a loss.

Week 13 - Ohio State: W

This is the year folks. The Wolverines will be as hungry and as mad as ever. UM will take last year as motivation and get this win.

Record: 10-2 (7-2 BIG) 

A likely Rose Bowl appearance if the winner of the BIG goes to the playoffs. If not the Rose Bowl, they will be in another NY6 Bowl.