Mark Snyder’s game-by-game predictions for Michigan [Detroit Free Press]

Aug. 31--A breakdown of the Wolverines' schedule, game-by-game:

VS. CONNECTICUT

3:30 P.M. SATURDAY, ABC

The Huskies have experience but, conversely, lots of film with which Michigan can prepare. The Wolverines have surprise on their side, and their speed -- especially offensively -- might be too much. UConn's lines are strong, but its defense, much like U-M's, was terrible in 2009. WIN

AT NOTRE DAME

3:30 P.M. SEPT. 11, NBC

Michigan likely will meet its match against Brian Kelly's spread offense. The game should be played at a high tempo. Notre Dame QB Dayne Crist has little experience, but he has two NFL-caliber weapons in WR Michael Floyd and TE Kyle Rudolph, a problem for U-M's secondary. LOSS

VS. MASSACHUSETTS

NOON SEPT. 18, BTN

The I-AA/FCS Minutemen played like U-M last year with a fast start (4-2) but limped home with one win the rest of the way. Massachusetts lost 15 starters, including an All-America offensive lineman. WIN

VS. BOWLING GREEN

SEPT. 25

Michigan catches the Falcons in the ideal season -- after they lost their record-setting quarterback-and-receiver combination. Bowling Green returns only four defensive starters. WIN

AT INDIANA

OCT. 2

The elements of a decent Indiana offense return at all the skill positions, including quarterback Ben Chappell. Tailback Darius Willis showed his potential late in the Michigan game last year, and WR Tandon Doss is a difficult matchup. But the Hoosiers' defense has seven new starters. WIN

VS. MICHIGAN STATE

OCT. 9

The Wolverines were dominated for nearly the entire game last year in East Lansing and still forced overtime with a quick-strike offense. In Ann Arbor, expect MSU's secondary to struggle with the Wolverines' speedy receivers. WIN

VS. IOWA

3:30 P.M. OCT. 16, ABC

Michigan played Iowa close for nearly the entire game and was working toward a try at the winning field goal until Denard Robinson's interception. This is the Wolverines' best chance to upset one of the Big Ten's top teams. Knowing the Hawkeyes' conservative nature, they could get rattled if U-M scores a few quick TDs. WIN

AT PENN STATE

8 P.M. OCT. 30, ABC, ESPN OR ESPN2

Even though Michigan has won in State College, this one looks like a bad situation. It's late enough that the Nittany Lions will have their quarterback situation resolved, possibly with Orchard Lake St. Mary's freshman Robert Bolden. Night games haven't gone well for U-M recently, although this one is after a bye. LOSS

VS. ILLINOIS

NOV. 6

The Illini also have a coach under the microscope: Ron Zook. But Michigan has more talent, especially after Illinois lost QB Juice Williams. There are a number of holes for the Illini to fill, especially on offense, where it's unclear who will be a playmaker. WIN

AT PURDUE

NOV. 13

Michigan's surprise win over Iowa could be balanced out by a loss in West Lafayette. While the Boilermakers don't scare anyone, they have a big-armed QB in transfer Robert Marve and a talented, accomplished wideout in Keith Smith. Expect a shoot-out. Both teams have virtually new secondaries. LOSS

VS. WISCONSIN

NOV. 20

The Badgers' physicality, both in their line and 6-foot-1, 255-pound tailback John Clay, simply will be too much for U-M's smallish front group to handle. Facing a veteran quarterback in Scott Tolzien won't help, either. Replacing only the No. 2 tight end from last season means your offense should be pretty good. LOSS

AT OHIO STATE

NOV. 27

Michigan hasn't beaten Ohio State in Columbus since 2000, and there's no reason to think that will change. The Buckeyes could be playing for another trip to the BCS title game and have a potentially deadly offense. U-M's defense will be battered after playing the Badgers. OSU continues to bring out the worst in the Wolverines. LOSS

Join Free Press special writer Nick Meyer for a live blog of the Michigan-Connecticut game Saturday afternoon at freep.com/sports!

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