Michigan football: Way-too-early game-by-game predictions for 2023

Oct 15, 2022; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines running back Donovan Edwards (7) is lifted up by offensive lineman Zak Zinter (65) after he rushes for a touchdown in the second half against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

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Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

The Scott Frost era in Nebraska came to a screeching halt (finally) in 2022 as the athletic department decided to move on from its favorite son, hiring Matt Rhule to replace him after his stint in the NFL went awry.

Rhule takes over a program that’s in bad shape, but it at least has some pieces to make a turnaround possible in year one, including Casey Thompson at quarterback.

But will he pick up a signature win over Michigan in one of his first Big Ten games as Nebraska’s head coach? I’m going with a big ‘no’ here.

Prediction: Win (5-0, 2-0)

OK, this is a true test for Michigan on the road again, following a trip to Lincoln the week prior. The Golden Gophers may be one of the favorites to win the Big Ten West and this could honestly be a preview for the conference title game but without a legit quarterback and with Mo Ibrahim gone, there isn’t enough defense in the world to make up for the lack of offense Minnesota will experience.

This is going to be a rather low-scoring affair — at least on Minnesota’s end — and Michigan will cruise to another big road win to improve to 3-0 in the league with a nice break coming the following week.

Prediction: Win (6-0, 3-0)

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