The stage is set for the 2024 Michigan Football season, and fans are eagerly anticipating another thrilling campaign filled with exciting matchups and unforgettable moments. With the schedule now released, let’s take a closer look at the key games and storylines that will shape this upcoming season.
As always, the Wolverines will face a challenging slate of opponents, including several top-tier programs. They will open the season with a non-conference game against an FCS opponent, but the real test begins in Week 2 when they host Penn State in a crucial Big Ten East showdown. This game will be a litmus test for both teams and could have major implications for their conference title hopes.
With the road to the College Football Playoff becoming increasingly competitive, every game matters, and the Michigan Wolverines are determined to make a statement in 2024. Led by a talented roster and a passionate coaching staff, they are poised to make a run at the national championship.
Michigan Football Schedule 2024
The Michigan Wolverines are set for an exciting season in 2024. Here are 10 important points about their schedule:
- Season Opener: FCS Opponent
- Big Ten East Showdown: Penn State (Home)
- Rivalry Renewed: Michigan State (Away)
- Road Test: Ohio State (Away)
- Homecoming Matchup: Purdue (Home)
- Battle for the Axe: Minnesota (Home)
- Late-Season Challenge: Iowa (Away)
- Regular Season Finale: Illinois (Home)
- Potential Playoff Contender: Georgia (Bowl Game)
- National Championship Aspirations: TBD
With a talented roster and a favorable schedule, the Michigan Wolverines are poised to make a run at the College Football Playoff in 2024. The stage is set for an unforgettable season in Ann Arbor.
Season Opener: FCS Opponent
The Michigan Wolverines will kick off their 2024 season with a non-conference game against an FCS opponent. While this may seem like a mismatch on paper, it’s important to remember that anything can happen in college football.
- FCS Opponents Can Be Tricky: FCS teams often play with a chip on their shoulder and are eager to prove themselves against a Power Five opponent. They can be well-coached and have talented players who are capable of pulling off an upset.
Trap Game Potential: The season opener can be a trap game for Michigan. After a long offseason, it can be easy to overlook an FCS opponent, especially when the Wolverines have bigger games on the horizon. Complacency can lead to costly mistakes.
Opportunity for Young Players: The season opener can also be an opportunity for Michigan’s younger players to get some valuable playing time. With the starters likely to be on a pitch count, the backups and newcomers will have a chance to showcase their skills and contribute to the team’s success.
Building Momentum: A strong performance in the season opener can help Michigan build momentum heading into the rest of the season. It can also give the team confidence and help them gel as a unit, especially if they are able to overcome any early-season challenges.
While the FCS opponent may not be a household name, the Michigan Wolverines will need to take this game seriously and avoid any potential pitfalls. A win will give them a good start to the season and set the tone for the rest of the campaign.
Big Ten East Showdown: Penn State (Home)
The Michigan Wolverines’ home game against Penn State in 2024 is one of the most anticipated matchups of the season. These two Big Ten East rivals have a long and storied history, and their games are always fiercely competitive.
- Key Rivalry: Michigan and Penn State are two of the top programs in the Big Ten and have been battling for conference supremacy for decades. The winner of this game will have a significant advantage in the race for the Big Ten East title.
Whiteout Atmosphere: Michigan Stadium will be rocking for this primetime showdown. The crowd will be electric, and the atmosphere will be incredible. It’s an experience that every college football fan should try to witness at least once.
High-Stakes Game: This game could have major implications for both teams’ College Football Playoff hopes. A win for Michigan would give them a huge boost in the rankings and strengthen their case for a spot in the playoff. A win for Penn State would keep them in the playoff conversation and give them a chance to make a statement against a top-tier opponent.
Unpredictable Matchup: These two teams are very evenly matched, and it’s difficult to predict who will come out on top. Both teams have talented players and experienced coaches. The outcome of the game could come down to a few key plays or even the weather conditions.
The Michigan Wolverines and Penn State Nittany Lions are sure to put on a show in this highly anticipated Big Ten East showdown. It’s a game that no college football fan will want to miss.
Rivalry Renewed: Michigan State (Away)
The Michigan Wolverines will travel to East Lansing in 2024 to renew their rivalry with the Michigan State Spartans. This in-state rivalry is one of the most heated and passionate in college football, and the games are always intense and unpredictable.
The two teams have a long history, dating back to 1898. Michigan leads the overall series 71-38-5, but the Spartans have won three of the last four meetings. This includes a 37-33 victory in Ann Arbor in 2022, which snapped Michigan’s eight-game winning streak in the series.
The rivalry is known for its physical play and big hits. The teams often play for more than just a win; they play for pride and bragging rights. The atmosphere at Spartan Stadium is electric, and the fans are known for their passion and enthusiasm.
In 2024, the Michigan Wolverines will be looking to reclaim the Paul Bunyan Trophy, which is awarded to the winner of the Michigan-Michigan State game. The Spartans will be looking to defend their home turf and keep the trophy in East Lansing.
No matter who wins, the Michigan-Michigan State rivalry is sure to deliver another exciting and memorable chapter in 2024.
Road Test: Ohio State (Away)
The Michigan Wolverines will face their toughest road test of the 2024 season when they travel to Columbus to take on the Ohio State Buckeyes. This rivalry is one of the most intense and storied in college football, and the games are always highly anticipated.
- The Game: The Michigan-Ohio State game is often referred to as “The Game” because of its importance to both teams and the Big Ten conference. The winner of this game typically goes on to win the Big Ten East division and compete for a spot in the College Football Playoff.
Hostile Environment: Ohio Stadium is one of the most intimidating venues in college football. The Buckeye fans are known for their passion and their ability to create a hostile environment for opposing teams. Michigan will need to be prepared for a loud and hostile crowd.
High-Stakes Matchup: This game could have major implications for both teams’ College Football Playoff hopes. A win for Michigan would give them a huge boost in the rankings and strengthen their case for a spot in the playoff. A win for Ohio State would keep them in the playoff conversation and give them a chance to avenge their loss to Michigan in 2023.
Unforgettable Rivalry: The Michigan-Ohio State rivalry is one of the most memorable and unforgettable in college football. The games are always close and competitive, and the atmosphere is electric. This is a game that every college football fan should try to experience at least once.
The Michigan Wolverines and Ohio State Buckeyes are sure to put on a show in this highly anticipated rivalry game in 2024. It’s a game that no college football fan will want to miss.
Homecoming Matchup: Purdue (Home)
The Michigan Wolverines will celebrate their homecoming game in 2024 when they host the Purdue Boilermakers. Homecoming is a special time at Michigan, and the Wolverines will be looking to put on a show for their fans.
- Homecoming Festivities: Homecoming week at Michigan is a time for celebration and tradition. There are many events and activities planned throughout the week, including a parade, a pep rally, and a bonfire. The homecoming game is the culmination of all the festivities, and the Wolverines will be looking to send their fans home happy.
Big Ten Matchup: While Purdue may not be a traditional powerhouse, they are a well-coached team that can be dangerous on any given day. The Boilermakers have a balanced offense and a stingy defense. Michigan will need to be at their best to come away with a victory.
Chance to Shine: Homecoming is a great opportunity for Michigan’s younger players to shine. With the starters likely to be on a pitch count, the backups and newcomers will have a chance to showcase their skills and contribute to the team’s success.
Family Atmosphere: Homecoming is a time for Michigan fans to come together and celebrate their shared love for the Wolverines. The atmosphere at Michigan Stadium will be electric, and the fans will be ready to cheer their team on to victory.
The Michigan Wolverines and Purdue Boilermakers are sure to put on an entertaining show in this homecoming matchup in 2024. It’s a game that no Michigan fan will want to miss.
Battle for the Axe: Minnesota (Home)
The Michigan Wolverines will host the Minnesota Golden Gophers in the annual “Battle for the Axe” game in 2024. This rivalry game is one of the most heated and passionate in the Big Ten, and the winner of the game takes home the coveted Axe trophy.
The rivalry between Michigan and Minnesota dates back to 1892, and the two teams have played each other 108 times. Michigan leads the overall series 76-27-3, but Minnesota has won two of the last three meetings, including a 23-13 victory in Minneapolis in 2022.
The Axe trophy was first awarded to the winner of the Michigan-Minnesota game in 1909. The trophy is a large, wooden axe that is painted in the colors of the winning team. The Axe is a symbol of the rivalry between the two schools, and it is a highly prized possession for both teams.
The Battle for the Axe game is always a close and competitive contest. The two teams are often evenly matched, and the game is often decided by a few key plays. The atmosphere at Michigan Stadium is electric for this game, and the fans are always ready to cheer their team on to victory.
The Michigan Wolverines and Minnesota Golden Gophers are sure to put on another exciting and memorable Battle for the Axe game in 2024. It’s a game that no Big Ten fan will want to miss.
Late-Season Challenge: Iowa (Away)
The Michigan Wolverines will face a tough late-season challenge when they travel to Iowa City to take on the Iowa Hawkeyes in 2024. The Hawkeyes are a perennial contender in the Big Ten West, and they are always a tough opponent, especially at home.
- Physical Matchup: Iowa is known for its physical and tough-nosed style of play. The Hawkeyes have a strong defense and a powerful running game. Michigan will need to be prepared for a physical battle in the trenches.
Hostile Environment: Kinnick Stadium is one of the most intimidating venues in the Big Ten. The Hawkeyes fans are known for their passion and their ability to create a hostile environment for opposing teams. Michigan will need to be mentally tough and focused in order to come away with a victory.
Big Ten West Implications: This game could have major implications for the Big Ten West division race. Both Michigan and Iowa are expected to be contenders in the West in 2024. A win for Michigan would give them a big boost in the standings and put them in a good position to win the division.
Chance to Prove Themselves: This game is a chance for Michigan to prove that they are a legitimate contender for the College Football Playoff. A win over a tough Iowa team on the road would be a major statement and would send a message to the rest of the country that Michigan is a team to be reckoned with.
The Michigan Wolverines and Iowa Hawkeyes are sure to put on a show in this late-season showdown in 2024. It’s a game that no Big Ten fan will want to miss.
Regular Season Finale: Illinois (Home)
The Michigan Wolverines will wrap up their 2024 regular season at home against the Illinois Fighting Illini. This game is always a special one for Michigan fans, as it is the last chance to see the team play at Michigan Stadium before the postseason.
The Michigan-Illinois rivalry is one of the oldest in college football, dating back to 1894. Michigan leads the overall series 77-24-2, and the Wolverines have won the last four meetings. However, Illinois has been competitive in recent years, and they always seem to play Michigan tough.
The Fighting Illini are led by head coach Bret Bielema, who is known for his tough and physical style of play. Illinois has a strong defense and a balanced offense. They will be looking to finish the season on a high note and play spoiler to Michigan’s College Football Playoff hopes.
The Michigan Wolverines will be looking to send their fans home happy with a victory in the regular season finale. They will also be looking to build momentum heading into the postseason. A win over Illinois would give Michigan a lot of confidence and would send a message to the rest of the country that they are a team to be reckoned with.
The Michigan Wolverines and Illinois Fighting Illini are sure to put on an entertaining show in the regular season finale in 2024. It’s a game that no Michigan fan will want to miss.
Potential Playoff Contender: Georgia (Bowl Game)
If the Michigan Wolverines have a successful 2024 regular season, they could find themselves facing one of the top teams in the country in the College Football Playoff. One potential matchup is a game against the Georgia Bulldogs.
Georgia is a perennial powerhouse in college football. They have won two of the last three national championships, and they are always in contention for the playoff. The Bulldogs have a talented roster and an experienced coaching staff. They are led by head coach Kirby Smart, who is one of the best coaches in the country.
A Michigan-Georgia matchup in the College Football Playoff would be a dream come true for many college football fans. It would be a battle between two of the best teams in the country, and it would be sure to be a close and exciting game.
Of course, Michigan will need to take care of business in the regular season first. They will need to win the Big Ten Championship and finish the season with a strong record in order to earn a spot in the playoff. But if they can do that, a matchup with Georgia in the playoff would be a great opportunity for the Wolverines to prove that they are one of the best teams in the country.
The Michigan Wolverines and Georgia Bulldogs are two of the top teams in college football. A matchup between these two teams in the College Football Playoff would be a dream come true for many fans. It would be a battle between two of the best teams in the country, and it would be sure to be a close and exciting game.
National Championship Aspirations: TBD
The Michigan Wolverines have national championship aspirations in 2024. They have a talented roster, an experienced coaching staff, and a favorable schedule. If they can stay healthy and avoid any major injuries, they have a good chance of making a run at the College Football Playoff and competing for the national title.
- Strong Roster: Michigan returns a lot of key players from the 2023 team, including quarterback J.J. McCarthy, running back Donovan Edwards, and wide receiver Roman Wilson. They also have a strong recruiting class coming in, which should help to fill any holes in the roster.
Experienced Coaching Staff: Head coach Jim Harbaugh is entering his ninth season at Michigan, and he has a proven track record of success. He has led the Wolverines to two Big Ten championships and two College Football Playoff appearances. His staff is also very experienced and has a lot of knowledge of the game.
Favorable Schedule: Michigan’s schedule in 2024 is relatively favorable. They avoid any major non-conference opponents, and they have a few winnable games in the Big Ten. If they can take care of business against the teams they should beat, they should be in a good position to win the Big Ten East and earn a spot in the College Football Playoff.
Playoff Experience: Michigan has been to the College Football Playoff twice in the past three years. This experience will be valuable in 2024, as the Wolverines will be looking to make a deep run in the playoff and compete for the national championship.
The Michigan Wolverines have all the pieces in place to make a run at the national championship in 2024. They have a talented roster, an experienced coaching staff, a favorable schedule, and playoff experience. If they can stay healthy and avoid any major injuries, they have a good chance of making a statement in 2024 and bringing the national championship trophy back to Ann Arbor.
FAQ
Welcome to the Michigan Football Schedule 2024 FAQ!
Here you’ll find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the upcoming season. If you don’t see your question answered here, feel free to leave a comment below and we’ll do our best to answer it.
Question 1: When does the Michigan football season start in 2024?
Answer: The Michigan football season in 2024 is scheduled to start on Saturday, August 31st.
Question 2: Who is Michigan’s first opponent in 2024?
Answer: Michigan’s first opponent in 2024 is an FCS opponent, the name of which has not yet been announced.
Question 3: Where can I watch Michigan football games in 2024?
Answer: Michigan football games in 2024 will be televised on a variety of networks, including FOX, ESPN, and BTN. You can also stream the games online using services such as fuboTV and Hulu Live TV.
Question 4: How many home games does Michigan have in 2024?
Answer: Michigan has seven home games in 2024. They will host Penn State, Purdue, Minnesota, Illinois, and three non-conference opponents.
Question 5: How many away games does Michigan have in 2024?
Answer: Michigan has five away games in 2024. They will travel to Ohio State, Iowa, Rutgers, Nebraska, and one non-conference opponent.
Question 6: What are Michigan’s biggest games in 2024?
Answer: Michigan’s biggest games in 2024 are their matchups against Penn State, Ohio State, and Michigan State. These games will likely decide the Big Ten East division championship and Michigan’s chances of making the College Football Playoff.
Question 7: What are Michigan’s chances of winning the national championship in 2024?
Answer: Michigan’s chances of winning the national championship in 2024 will depend on a number of factors, including the health of their players, the performance of their key recruits, and the overall strength of their schedule. However, the Wolverines have a talented roster and an experienced coaching staff, so they should be considered one of the contenders for the national title in 2024.
We hope this FAQ has been helpful. If you have any other questions, please feel free to leave a comment below.
In addition to the FAQ, we’ve also included a few tips to help you make the most of the 2024 Michigan football season:
Tips
Here are a few tips to help you make the most of the 2024 Michigan football season:
Tip 1: Buy your tickets early.
Michigan football tickets are always in high demand, so it’s important to buy yours early to avoid paying inflated prices. You can purchase tickets online through the Michigan Athletics website or through a reputable ticket broker.
Tip 2: Arrive at the stadium early.
The Michigan Stadium gates open two hours before kickoff, so it’s a good idea to arrive early to avoid long lines and to get a good seat. You can also take advantage of the pre-game festivities, which include a live band, cheerleaders, and food and drink vendors.
Tip 3: Wear maize and blue.
One of the best ways to show your support for the Wolverines is to wear maize and blue. You can find Michigan football gear at the M Den, online retailers, and even at some local stores. When you’re wearing your maize and blue, you’ll feel like you’re part of the team.
Tip 4: Be respectful of the opposing team.
Even though you’re cheering for Michigan, it’s important to be respectful of the opposing team. Don’t boo or heckle the other players or fans. Remember, we’re all here to enjoy a game of football.
We hope these tips help you have a great time at the 2024 Michigan football season!
We’ve now covered everything you need to know about the 2024 Michigan football schedule. We hope this article has been helpful. If you have any other questions, please feel free to leave a comment below.
Conclusion
The 2024 Michigan football season is shaping up to be an exciting one. The Wolverines have a talented roster, an experienced coaching staff, and a favorable schedule. They will be looking to build on their success from the 2023 season and make a run at the College Football Playoff.
Some of the key games on Michigan’s 2024 schedule include their matchups against Penn State, Ohio State, and Michigan State. These games will likely decide the Big Ten East division championship and Michigan’s chances of making the College Football Playoff.
Michigan fans will also be excited to see the Wolverines take on Georgia in the College Football Playoff. This would be a dream matchup between two of the top teams in the country.
Overall, the 2024 Michigan football season has the potential to be a special one. The Wolverines have all the pieces in place to make a run at the national championship. If they can stay healthy and avoid any major injuries, they should be one of the top contenders for the title in 2024.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this preview of the 2024 Michigan football schedule. We’ll be sure to keep you updated on all the latest news and developments throughout the season.
Go Blue!