Appalachian St. (Sept. 1), L 32-34: Imagine opening the door to your dorm room and someone just punching you in the face. That's what transpired at the Big House. So much for a National Championship.

Oregon (Sept. 8): For everyone who prefers nonconference tests as opposed to guaranteed wins, be careful what you wish for. The Ducks squeaked past Michigan in 2003, 31-27, and the Wolverines have beaten a Pac-10 foe just once since the 1997 title game.

Notre Dame (Sept. 15): After some recent Irish dominance, the Wolverines stomped all over Notre Dame in South Bend last year. And that was with Brady Quinn and Jeff Samardzija. Things should only get easier as the series returns to Ann Arbor.

Penn State (Sept. 22): Last time the Nittany Lions visited the Big House, they were 8-0 and contending for a spot in the National Championship game. Then Chad Henne found Mario Manningham on a slant in the end zone with one second remaining, rudely awakening Penn State from its dream season.

Northwestern (Sept. 29): Michigan's first road test will most likely resemble a quiz. The Wolverines haven't lost to Northwestern since 2000. Then again, Michigan wasn't supposed to lose to Appalachian State. Not that we'll still be bitter about that game late in September.

Eastern Michigan (Oct. 6): Although it's not a bye week, Michigan will likely get some much-needed rest when it faces its Huron River rivals. The Wolverines are 7-0 against the Eagles all-time, including a 55-0 steamroller in 2005.

Purdue (Oct. 13): Purdue coach Joe Tiller sits on the hot seat after his team failed twice to capitalize on a Michigan-/Ohio State-less schedule. But his team returns nine defensive starters. Too bad it composed one of the nation's worst run defenses last year. Somewhere, Mike Hart smiles.

at Illinois (Oct. 20): Michigan has not lost a game at Memorial Stadium since 1983. But this year the game starts late, and you never know what can happen under the lights. Then again, Juice Williams is still the Illini quarterback.

Minnesota (Oct. 27): Two years ago, the Gophers captured the Brown Jug for the first time since 1986 thanks to - surprise - a late-game, long run. First-year head coach Tim Brewster seemed excited about this game at Big Media day, but we'll see how he feels after.

at Michigan State (Nov. 3): No longer will the Big Ten have John L. Smith to kick around. The oft-criticized coach was fired after a disappointing 4-8 season. New coach Mark Dantonio is known as a defensive guru, but have you seen what he has to work with?

at Wisconsin (Nov. 10): Of all the times and places to play Wisconsin, Michigan probably prefers not to do so at Camp Randall on a Saturday night. But that's probably when the two teams will lock horns in a game that's likely to have Big Ten title implications.

Ohio State (Nov. 17): With the loss of Troy Smith and many of his merry men, Ohio State will be vulnerable when it comes to the Big House in November. That's good news for Chad Henne, Mike Hart and the rest of the seniors, who don't want to be remembered for one record: 0-4.