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

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Oct 15, 2022; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines running back Donovan Edwards (7) rushes in the second half against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

A rematch of the 2022 Big Ten title game, Purdue comes to Ann Arbor in hopes of an upset, but Ryan Walters’ team just won’t have the same juice as Jeff Brohm’s teams usually did on offense.

I can see Purdue’s defense improving under the defensive-minded head coach who came over from Illinois this offseason, but Aidan O’Connell is gone and the offense is going to take a few steps back.

This might be a rough year for Purdue.

Prediction: Win (9-0, 6-0)

This is going to be the toughest game on the schedule (outside of Ohio State) for Michigan this season as a trip to Happy Valley is in order and that usually means the annual White Out game for the Nittany Lions.

And it’s going to be an intense atmosphere.

Penn State could very well be challenging for a Big Ten title at this point in the season, too, with Drew Allar at quarterback and the defense stifling everyone in its way so I wouldn’t be shocked to see College GameDay in town for this one.

While I think Michigan is the better team, Penn State will pull off the upset in front of over 100,000 Nittany Lion fans at Beaver Stadium.

Prediction: Loss (9-1, 6-1)

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