Bookmakers have the MIchigan Wolverines BCS National Championship odds listed at 30-1 ($100 wager would pay $3000) this season, grouped together with teams like Notre Dame, Clemson, Virginia Tech and South Carolina (LSU is the current favorite at 4-1). The Wolverines also have a Heisman Trophy hopeful in quarterback Denard Robinson, who currently has the third-best odds at 5-1 to claim the trophy according to bookmakers (USC QB Matt Barkley is the current favorite at 3-1). Big 10 Title odds have Michigan and Nebraska as the favorites at 2-1 followed by Wisconsin 2.5-1, Michigan State 6.5-1, Iowa 12-1, Penn State 12-1, Northwestern 30-1, Purdue 50-1, Indiana 60-1 and Minnesota 80-1 (Ohio State is not eligible due to sanctions).
The Michigan Football team finished the 2011 season off in style by beating Virginia Tech in the Sugar Bowl. They will more than likely be ranked in the Top 10 teams in the country to start the upcoming season and begin that season with the biggest non-conference game in a long time for the Maize and Blue. The schedule sets up nicely once they get into the conference season and if they can survive September without going 2-2, it could be another special season for Brady Hoke's club.
Michigan will open the season in Arlington, Texas against the defending national champion Alabama Crimson Tide at Cowboys Stadium. There isn't an official time slot for this game yet, but rest assured it will probably be played in prime time. Currently Alabama is favored by 14 points over Michigan.
2012 Michigan Football Schedule
Sept. 1 Alabama (Arlington, Texas)
Sept. 8 Air Force
Sept. 15 Massachusetts
Sept. 22 @ Notre Dame
Oct. 6 @ Purdue
Oct. 13 Illinois
Oct. 20 Michigan State
Oct. 27 @ Nebraska
Nov. 3 @ Minnesota
Nov. 10 Northwestern
Nov. 17 Iowa
Nov. 24 @ Ohio State
Dec. 1 Big Ten Championship Game
Michigan has several key games coming up on this year's schedule. Obviously the opener against Alabama is going to dictate how the season goes. If they are able to overcome being a huge underdog against the Crimson Tide and win, the National Title talk will begin to increase. Air Force and UMass are supposed to be games at home they win, but the Air Force game will be tough. They are a team that is bruising, runs the football and plays disciplined. Bad spot there after playing Alabama. Big back-to-back road games against Notre Dame and Purdue will set the tone for the next few weeks.
Michigan State and Iowa, the two clubs that beat Michigan last season, both come to Ann Arbor to play. The Oct. 27 game against Nebraska is going to be big as well. According to futures odds listed above, the Wolverines and Huskers both are 2-1 favorites to win the Big Ten this season. Obviously that game will have a major impact on the betting odds. The finale against Ohio State is going to be MASSIVE. Even if Michigan loses to Alabama in the opening game, they still have a chance and probably will be favored in every game up to that point. The Buckeyes cannot play in a bowl game this season so the game against Michigan will have even more meaning. The Wolverines could be back in the Top 10 by that point in the season.
Michigan's Predicted record in 2012: 11-1 possible with schedule. 10-2 very likely.
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