Michigan football will play unique non-conference schedule this fall

As we saw in 2022, Michigan football is slated to play an incredibly weak non-conference schedule in 2023. The Wolverines will play three of the worst teams in the sport: East Carolina, Bowling Green, and UNLV; additionally, Michigan will not leave Ann Arbor until Week 5, when they head to Lincoln to face the Nebraska Cornhuskers.

Still, the Wolverines’ 2023 non-conference schedule stands out in that these are not opponents that Michigan has played often, or ever for that matter.

Three teams, three matchups

Michigan football plays in the Big Ten — a conference that doesn’t believe in hosting FCS schools in November — so the Wolverines will only be afforded three non-conference games in 2023. Though Michigan’s schedule could be more vigorous, there are only D1 FBS programs listed on Michigan’s schedule.

In the history of Michigan football, the Wolverines have only faced these three teams a total of three times. The program’s most recent matchup with any of these teams was in 2015 when Jim Harbaugh claimed his second victory as Michigan’s head coach with a 28-7 win over UNLV at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, MI.

Michigan’s 2015 matchup with UNLV was the only time that the two have met. Michigan has faced Bowling Green twice and is yet to square off against East Carolina.

Outcomes and dates of Michigan’s matchups

As I said, the only time Michigan football has faced UNLV was during the Wolverines’ 21-point home win in 2015. Michigan has played Bowling Green twice — 2000 and 2010 — and won both matchups. The Wolverines defeated the Falcons, 42-7, in 2000 and 65-21 in 2010.

Michigan football is 3-0 against its upcoming non-conference opponents, and the Wolverines will likely cruise through this unique stretch relatively easily. If Jim Harbaugh and Co. can go 3-0 in non-conference play this fall, Bowling Green would be Michigan’s 28th win in its past 31 games.

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