Michigan Football: 2016 Game-by-Game Predictions
By Erik Schlitt
Wisconsin Badgers
October 1, Wisconsin at Michigan, TBA
Wisconsin and Michigan will face off for the first time since 2010. Michigan is just part of a brutal opening schedule for the Badgers. In week one, they open their season against a tough LSU team. Then in weeks four through seven, they face the best four teams in the Big Ten: at Michigan State, followed by a game at Michigan, then they host Ohio State and finish at Iowa. Ouch.
Wisconsin is known for their talented offensive line play and punishing running game. But last year they struggled to find a solid starting five, rotating through seven different combinations. To make things even more difficult they need to replace their starting left tackle and their best returning offensive lineman, center Dan Voltz, unexpectedly retired.
Starting running back Corey Clement was limited to only four games with a sports hernia adding to their difficulties last year. His return should only help them improve a running game that finished 95th last season.
On defense Wisconsin had a successful 2015, finishing second in total defense. The bad news is; all that success drew job offers for defensive coordinator Dave Aranda who took a higher profile job at LSU. While they need to replace some talent, this defensive team is still mostly intact.
Prediction:
While Wisconsin’s defense looks solid, their unsettled offense will be a major factor in their success. Facing Michigan in the middle of a confidence destroying block of games won’t help things. Michigan should ride their defense to a victory here.
Michigan wins (5-0, 2-0)
Next: Week 6: Rutgers Scarlet Knights