November builds up to the finish for the Michigan football program, which starts the month against a favorable opponent but ends against one of the nation's best teams.
Although the schedule sets up nicely for at least three wins, the Wolverines must tally four straight victories to stay in the Big Ten East Division hunt. Rutgers, Indiana, Penn State and Ohio State remain on the docket.
These predictions are based on the current health status and recent trends of each team. Things change, so the projected final scores may change as the games approach. The wins and losses are what matter the most.
Rutgers (Nov. 7, 3:30 p.m. ET)
In mid-October, the Scarlet Knights took Michigan State down to the wire. They had a chance to launch a last-second prayer to tie the game but instead spiked the ball.
However, Rutgers' key player in that matchup might not be available against Michigan. Wide receiver LeonteCarroo, who caught three touchdowns vs. MSU, is battling an ankle injury that has sidelined him partially (Ohio State) and completely (Wisconsin).
Those two outings showed how lost the Scarlet Knights offense is without Carroo, since the unit managed just 17 points, while the defense surrendered 97.
According to Matt Sugam of the Associated Press, Rutgers coach Kyle Flood said Carroo will play if he's medically cleared. That sounds vague—and probably is—but it's now up to the receiver and his pain threshold.
With or without Carroo, Michigan is the clear favorite. But even if he's available, Carroo will be limited and going up against Jourdan Lewis, one of the country's best cornerbacks.
Prediction: Michigan 27, Rutgers 6
Indiana (Nov. 14, TBD)
The Hoosiers opened the season with four straight wins, but then conference play began. Indiana stuck around with Ohio State, pushing the Buckeyes to a last-second effort inside the 10-yard line before ultimately falling short.
Since that strong effort, though, Penn State dismantled the Hoosiers, who allowed three touchdowns to Carroo. Indiana then lost to Rutgers and collapsed late against Michigan State.
While Indiana should be able to stick around with Michigan, Kevin Wilson's team has a significant problem: finishing in the fourth quarter. During Big Ten action, opponents have outscored the Hoosiers 70-10 over the final 15 minutes of contests.
The Wolverines had an issue against rival Michigan State, but that final-play collapse was a fluke of epic fluky proportions. Michigan will stave off Indiana and earn a relatively comfortable victory.
Prediction: Michigan 31, Indiana 13
Penn State (Nov. 21, TBD)
Penn State is a prime example of where box-score scouting and the eye test constantly clash.
Christian Hackenberg, who is projected as a first-round-caliber quarterback in the NFL, has thrown for 13 touchdowns and just two interceptions, leading the Nittany Lions to a 6-2 record. He's even avoided a pick during each of the last six games.
When the junior misses throws, they can be ugly. Really ugly. When Hack is on target, the pass is often an absolute dime.
Which version of Hackenberg shows up against the Wolverines will be the biggest factor in the outcome.
Michigan should have few issues overpowering Penn State's mediocre offensive line and subsequently neutralizing running back Saquon Barkley. It'll be up to Hackenberg to guide an offense devoid of standout receivers against the No. 9 pass defense in the Football Bowl Subdivision.
Now, the Wolverines will encounter a run defense that could pose a tough test. Michigan likely won't run away with a victory, but it'll contain Hackenberg enough to win on the road.
Prediction: Michigan 24, Penn State 14
Ohio State (Nov. 28, noon ET)
Assuming the season continues as expected, Ohio State will travel to Michigan Stadium boasting an 11-0 record, while the Wolverines will be 9-2.
The biggest question, though, is which quarterback they'll face. J.T. Barrett earned the starting role but might've given it up following an arrest for operating a motor vehicle while impaired. He'll serve a one-game-suspension, so Cardale Jones will be back under center.
If Jones tears apart the Minnesota defense, will Urban Meyer stick with "12 Gauge" and send Barrett to the bench?
At this moment, it seems unlikely Barrett will demand the starting position back. He simply wasn't consistent enough during his stint, though Michigan would have a decent chance to beat Jones because he's limited as a runner.
Should Barrett remain at quarterback after the suspension, though—and Buckeyes head coach Urban Meyer hasn't said Barrett has lost the job—his dual-threat ability will push Ohio State past a Wolverines defense that had some problems stopping Utah's and Minnesota's running quarterbacks.
Prediction: Ohio State 30, Michigan 24
All recruiting information via 247Sports. Stats from CFBStats.com. Quotes obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow Bleacher Report CFB Writer David Kenyon on Twitter @Kenyon19_BR.
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