Five games that will determine Michigan’s 2024 season

The Michigan football team’s 2024 schedule is full of important matchups, including a mix of games against out-of-conference and Big Ten teams. Looking ahead to the upcoming season, here are five games that will define the Wolverines’ 2024 season.

Michigan vs. Texas, September 7

Michigan’s non-conference game against Texas is not only the Wolverines’ biggest non-conference game, but one of the biggest in all of college football. In recent years, Michigan has easily handled a series of non-conference games before Big Ten play, but that’s not the case this year.

The Longhorns were one win away from facing Michigan in the national championship last season. Unlike the Wolverines, who are without their strongest offensive weapons, Texas returns with its strongest opponents. With quarterback Quinn Ewers, running back CJ Baxter and linebacker Anthony Hill all back, the Longhorns will pose quite a challenge in Week 2.

Michigan vs. USC, September 21

The last time the Wolverines faced USC was in the 2007 Rose Bowl, when the Trojans defeated Michigan 32-18. It’s been 17 years since then, and the Wolverines are looking to get back to winning ways.

This is Michigan’s first Big Ten matchup of the season and first appearance against a brand new Big Ten team. USC entered last season with high hopes, led by quarterback Caleb Williams, but had a disappointing 8-5 season. Just like the Wolverines, the Trojans will have an untested quarterback running the offense.

USC will by no means be Michigan’s strongest opponent, but it is the Wolverines’ first test in the conference.

Michigan in Washington, October 5

Six months ago, Michigan and Washington played in the national championship. The Huskies will have the chance for revenge on home soil in early October.

Michigan and Washington are in a similar situation this season. Both teams are without their quarterbacks and both have had to rebuild their roster – especially on offense. The Huskies can only field 19 percent of their offense and have lost their starting receiver, tight end and running back, as well as Michael Penix Jr.

Both teams will look completely different this year, but a title rematch is a great game.

Michigan vs. Oregon, November 2

Besides Michigan’s away game against Ohio State, this duel against Oregon is probably the most important game in the Wolverines’ schedule.

The Ducks are coming off a solid 12-2 season — if they hadn’t lost to No. 3 Washington in the Pac-12 Championship, they likely would have made the College Football Playoff. Oregon should bounce back with a strong season despite losing eight players to the draft and another 20 to the transfer portal. The Ducks have completely rebuilt their roster and filled their vacant quarterback spot with former Oklahoma Sooner Dillon Gabriel through the portal.

Oregon will pose a formidable challenge for Michigan, but if the Wolverines pass this test, they have a good chance of once again competing for a spot in the College Football Playoffs.

Michigan vs. Ohio State, November 30

Ultimately, the game is you Game that will most define Michigan’s season. The Wolverines have been the winners for the past three seasons, but the Buckeyes will look to end that streak here.

Playing for Ohio State is a challenge in itself – the boot is one of the toughest environments in college football. Although the Buckeyes will look different than last season, several key players like running back TreVeyon Henderson and wide receiver Emeka Egbuka are returning.

Whether Michigan wins or loses its final game of the regular season will probably determine its fate more than any other game.