Michigan State, Michigan, Eastern Michigan, Central Michigan, and Western Michigan have some non-conference games that fans in the state of Michigan are looking forward to seeing this Fall.
This may be the most anticipated upcoming season for the state of Michigan teams who play Division-1 football as 2021 was collectively the best collection of on-field success for the state of Michigan teams between the five teams who call the state of Michigan home.
Last year, the Spartans won 11 games highlighted by victories against Miami on the road, Michigan, and Pitt in the Peach Bowl. The Wolverines won the Big Ten title by defeating Iowa in the championship game and also defeated Ohio State for the first time since 2011 to finish the season with 12 victories.
Central Michigan had its most wins since 2009 when it captured nine victories that included wins against Western and Eastern Michigan and a Sun Bowl victory over Pac 12 opponent Washington State. Western Michigan had eight wins on the season with victories against ACC champion Pitt on the road and defeating Nevada in the Quick Lane Bowl.
Eastern Michigan won seven games, the most since the 2018 season that was highlighted by road victories over Toledo and UMass and a home win over Western Michigan. The Eagles qualified and played in the Lending Tree Bowl where they faced off against Liberty to end their season.
The five teams who play D-1 football in the state of Michigan can have, as a whole, outstanding seasons in 2022.
It is somewhat likely that the five teams from the state of Michigan can all make a bowl game again this upcoming season. It would not be shocking that all five teams in non-conference games are victorious against a quality opponent. You can make a case that either Michigan or Michigan State wins the Big Ten title this season and that either Western, Eastern or Central Michigan capture the MAC title in 2022. Nothing is guaranteed or even highly likely to occur but all five teams can exceed expectations in 2022 and build from their success this past season.
Let’s take a brief look at the top non-conference games for this upcoming season for the teams from the state of Michigan. Winning these challenging non-conference games is critical to helping these five teams qualify for a quality bowl game this season.
No. 10
Central Michigan has momentum coming into this season with their impressive Sun Bowl win over Washington State. In the Athlon Sports College Football Top 131 Team Rankings for 2022, the Chippewas are ranked No. 91 because they lost two outstanding tackles from their offensive line as well as two reliable, quality linebackers.
However, they bring back their veteran quarterback Daniel Richardson who threw for over 2,500 yards and 24 touchdowns with only six interceptions and a productive running back in Lew Nichols III who had over 1,800 yards rushing along with 16 touchdowns.
Penn State has a ton of talent on their team this season after a disappointing season last year when they only won seven games and lost to Arkansas in their bowl game. The Nittany Lions are expected to bounce back this season and Central could make it interesting but Penn State more than likely will win this game by double digits.