3 trap games on Michigan’s 2023 schedule

The Michigan Wolverines are coming off of an incredible performance in 2022 — a season that ended with a 13-1 record and a Big Ten title. This fall, even more is expected from Harbaugh & Co., though in their way stand some huge challenges. Here are three games on Michigan’s 2023 schedule that could sneak up on the Wolverines if they’re not careful.

Michigan’s 2023 schedule has two real threats

Before we get into the teams that could upset Michigan, let’s look at the two games that should come down to the wire for the Michigan Wolverines this fall. First off, a mid-November road trip to State College, PA to face the Penn State Nittany Lions will be tough. Penn State is coming off of an 11-2 season a year ago, and this season, could be even more dangerous; additionally, winning games in Beaver Stadium against a good Nittany Lion squad is next to impossible.

The second threat on Michigan’s 2023 schedule is obviously the Wolverines’ final game of the regular season: the Ohio State Buckeyes. Michigan has won two-straight against the Buckeyes, both in blowout fashion, and will host Ryan Day & Co. in the Big House in late-November. For Ohio State’s sake, we hope it isn’t snowing. Now let’s get into some trap games on Michigan’s 2023 schedule.

3. At Minnesota

The last time Michigan football played at Minnesota was during the COVID-19 year — the Wolverines walked out with a 49-24 victory over the Golden Gophers. That being said, this year’s Minnesota team could look a lot different, and that may not be a good thing for the Michigan Wolverines. Harbaugh’s squad better be ready, because if they aren’t, PJ Fleck and his Golden Gophers will take advantage and send Michigan back to Ann Arbor with a loss.

2. At Michigan State

This one might go without saying, but the Michigan-Michigan State game will always be a trap for the Wolverines. So far during Jim Harbaugh’s tenure, the Wolverines have been favored in all eight matchups with the Michigan State Spartans, yet boast a .500 record. MSU will always give UM their best game, and are a dangerous team to play on the road. The last time Harbaugh played in East Lansing, his eventual Big Ten Champion Wolverines fell to Michigan State, 37-33. This year, after a 5-7 season in 2021, the Spartans will be looking to do much of the same.

3. At Maryland

The Maryland game is one that many have overlooked, yet it may be the most dangerous of Michigan’s trap games. The Wolverines will head to College Park, MA the weekend before playing Ohio State and the weekend after playing at Penn State. This game is sandwiched between two monumental games on Michigan’s 2023 schedule, and is one that could easily be overlooked. If that was not enough, the Maryland Terrapins have a sneaky good roster, and as we saw a year ago, have the capability to take the Wolverines down to the wire. It is a game that Michigan football should win, but one that should be taken seriously nonetheless to avoid upset.