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The 2018 college football season is going to be a difficult task for the Michigan Wolverines. Recently, Bleacher Report analyzed the Top 10 most difficult schedules of the 2018 season and Michigan ranked No. 3.
The season opens with a rivalry that goes back 100 years. Michigan is finally facing Notre Dame again on September 1st. These two teams are meeting for the first time since 2014, when the Irish defeated the Wolverines 31-0 in South Bend. The series was then cancelled, on unfriendly terms, to make room for more ACC teams on the schedule for the Irish. However, Michigan still leads the series 24-17-1 all-time.
The level of difficult opponents on the schedule can easily make this a frustrating season. But a few marquee wins can help catapult Michigan’s confidence going forward. These wins could also suppress some mixed feelings people may have about head coach Jim Harbaugh.
The Wolverines travel to their in-state rival, Michigan State, on October 20th. They will also play host to both the Big Ten runner-up, Wisconsin and the reigning Fiesta Bowl champions, Penn State.
The season ends with a notable matchup against Ohio State on Nov. 24. The last time Michigan beat the Buckeyes was in 2011. At the time, No. 15 Michigan was overcoming a seven game losing streak to the long time rival.
While the doubters are anticipating a few disappointing losses to come out of Ann Arbor, Wolverine fans are hoping to see key victories early in the season.
According to OddsShark, not including Michigan, five of the 20 teams with the best championship odds are on the Wolverines schedule this season.
Harbaugh and the rest of the coaching staff have their work cut out for them in preparation. They once again have an opportunity to finally silence the critics. But the recruiting class being developed for the 2018 season is coming together really well.
The current roster is locked and loaded with talented players capable of getting the job done. Knowing the daunting schedule ahead of them gives the Wolverines the hunger to prepare for greatness this fall.