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Michigan football: Game-by-game predictions for the 2017 season

By Matt Snyder

ANN ARBOR, MI - OCTOBER 22: Head coach Jim Harbaugh leads the team onto the field while playing the Illinois Fighting Illini on October 22, 2016 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan won the game 41-8. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MI - OCTOBER 22: Head coach Jim Harbaugh leads the team onto the field while playing the Illinois Fighting Illini on October 22, 2016 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan won the game 41-8. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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COLUMBUS, OH – NOVEMBER 26: J.T. Barrett /

Game 12 vs. Ohio State Buckeyes

There might be some slim hope of a Big Ten title if Michigan arrives at The Game with two conference losses, but it might be that they’re playing for pride. They might be playing to knock Ohio State out of the race.

When it comes to the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry, stakes aren’t really necessary for both sides to crank it up to 11, but championship stakes makes the matchup all that more compelling.

Michigan was an inch or three away from winning last year’s game in overtime. A win that would have propelled them into the Big Ten Championship game and (possibly) into the College Football Playoff.

Harbaugh’s Wolverines have not yet unseated the Buckeyes and, until that happens, there’s going to be much fear and trepidation about a rivalry that’s been about as lopsided as they come for a decade plus.

Unfortunately, Michigan fans might have to suffer another year of bitter defeat. Hopefully the tides will turn in 2018.

Prediction: Loss (9-3)

Next: 10 best rivalries in Detroit sports history

A 9-3 record should be good enough to get Michigan a New Year’s bowl game, but many fans would be disappointed to see their championship aspirations fade in the final few weeks.

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