College football is unique in that a single loss could mean the difference between a conference championship appearance (or the ultimate regular-season goal, a College Football Playoff spot) and ending up in an average bowl game. If the Michigan Wolverines want to reach their goal of winning the Big Ten and competing for a College Football Playoff berth in 2016, they need to win some of their most challenging games. Here are Michigan's five toughest games heading into this year:
5. Wisconsin Badgers (October 1st)
This is the last of Michigan's five home games to start the season. The Big Ten is top-heavy and although Wisconsin is not the best team in the Big Ten, this will still be a challenge. Plus, there's a chance it could be a preview of the Big Ten Championship game.
4. Penn State Nittany Lions (September 24th)
Penn State has QB questions, much like Michigan, but this could be an interesting September conference game. PSU is clearly the No. 4 team in the Big Ten East, and they'd love to knock off Michigan and generate some Big Ten title hype. Still, this one should be a Michigan win.
3. at Iowa Hawkeyes (November 12th)
This is one of just four road games this year for Michigan. Seriously. Iowa went 12-2 last year, although they didn't really play anyone of note until the end of the year. The same could be true this year, and Iowa could be 9-0 or at 8-1 entering this game. Going on the road makes things a bit harder for Michigan.
2. at Michigan State Spartans (October 29th)
The Wolverines will want revenge after last year's fluke loss. Although Michigan State is replacing plenty of talent, Mark Dantonio doesn't rebuild; he reloads. Playing on the road will be tough and this should be hard-fought rivalry game.
1. at Ohio State Buckeyes (November 26th)
You knew 'The Game' would lead this list. Sure, the Buckeyes lost a ton of players to the NFL, but this is still Ohio State. OSU will be a Big Ten title threat once again and this game could decide the Big Ten East title.