Photo Credit: Patrick Barron/MGoBlog

Fish’s 2021 Michigan Football Season Prediction

Posted onAuthorGarrett Fishaw

The 2021 Michigan football season is upon us and though I’ve pretty much retired from the game, I couldn’t pass up the chance to put out my annual season prediction. Though I don’t have high hopes for this upcoming season, I do feel like we’ll see a new look team with the youth infusion on the coaching staff and on this roster. It’ll likely come down to how the quarterback plays and if this defense can figure out Mike Mcdonald’s new defense.

The run game should be a strength but besides that I see a ton of question marks. So, my normal optimism is down a bit just like the majority of the fan base. Let’s see if a little more adversity can be the fuel that Jim Harbaugh has needed to surprise some people.

Here’s my 2021 Michigan football season game-by-game + bowl game prediction:

September 4th vs Western Michigan

Win 34-24 (1-0)

This just has the feel of a game that’ll be too close for comfort. But one Michigan takes control of in the 2nd half.

September 11th vs Washington

Loss 24-28 (1-1)

This is the early barometer. If another big game goes by the wayside, it’ll be familiar territory.

September 18th vs Northern Illinois

Win 45-14 (2-1)

MSU transfer QB Rocky Lombardi is at NIU as Michigan looks for revenge for 2020.

September 25th vs Rutgers

Win 27-17 (3-1)

Rutgers comes to town for Homecoming and though it won’t be as smooth as expected, UM gets the much needed victory.

October 2nd at Wisconsin

Loss 17-31 (3-2)

Needing to prove themselves against the Big Ten’s top teams, Michigan falls short in Madison.

October 9th at Nebraska

Win 38-23 (4-2)

The Hot Seat bowl will be an intriguing one. But Harbaugh’s team talent is too much for Frost & the Cornhuskers.

Bye Week (4-2)

October 23rd vs Northwestern

Win 28-10 (5-2)

Northwestern is always a wildcard. It could be a nail biter but I think Michigan handles the Wildcats at home.

October 30th at Michigan State

Win 26-17 (6-2)

Mel Tucker & MSU looks to make it back to back victory cigars against their rival but Michigan actually shows up in East Lansing and wins it with a strong defensive showing.

November 6th vs Indiana

Win 30-21 (7-2)

Indiana loves to give Michigan troubles every season, finally getting over the hump in 2020. Not this year as plenty of talent has left Bloomington and Michael Penix Jr’s health is a big question mark.

November 13th at Penn State

Loss 28-35 (7-3)

Just as it looks like Michigan starts to get on a roll, they go into Happy Valley for a nationally televised game that they can’t hold onto.

November 20th at Maryland

Win 35-21 (8-3)

With OSU looming, Michigan takes care of Maryland in comfortable fashion giving fans a glimmer of hope heading into The Game.

November 27th vs Ohio State

Loss 27-38 (8-4)

No comment.

Bowl Game: Outback Bowl vs LSU

Win 38-34 (9-4)

Yay, a bowl win. Question is, will Jim Harbaugh be coaching this game or will a move already be in place?

Overall: 9-4 (6-3)

Though the future will look bright with plenty of underclassman making impacts during the season, including Zak Zinter, Nikhai Hill-Green, Blake Corum, RJ Moten, Ja’Den McBurrows, Donovan Edwards, and JJ McCarthy, this has the feeling of a mutual separation with Michigan and Jim Harbaugh this offseason. However, if he can pull a couple wins out of his ass and actually compete with Ohio State, I wouldn’t be surprised in the least to see him back for 2022.

Photo Credit: Patrick Barron/MGoBlog

Garrett Fishaw
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