Michigan Football Schedule 2016 Roster

In 2016, the Michigan Wolverines entered their second season under head coach Jim Harbaugh with a roster capable of competing for a Big Ten title and a national playoff place. The schedule offered a mix of early-season home fixtures, demanding conference road trips and a traditional rivalry finish. For Australian fans who follow college football, the campaign was a fascinating study in momentum, depth and the fine margins that decide elite seasons. Michigan finished 10–3, claimed a New Year's Six bowl berth and produced a roster filled with future professional talent.

The 2016 Michigan Football Schedule: From Hawaii to Ohio State

Great blue heron wading in shallow wetland water

Michigan opened at Michigan Stadium against Hawaii on 3 September, then welcomed UCF and Colorado in non-conference play. The Big Ten schedule began with Penn State and Wisconsin visiting Ann Arbor, before a trip to Rutgers produced a 78–0 victory. The Wolverines then faced Illinois at home, travelled to Michigan State for a 32–23 win, and returned home to defeat Maryland and Indiana. Road games at Iowa and Ohio State proved decisive: a narrow loss to the Hawkeyes and a double-overtime defeat to the Buckeyes ended the perfect season. The regular season closed at 10–2, with a place in the Orange Bowl against Florida State. That bowl game ended 33–32 to the Seminoles, but the schedule had already shown Michigan could match the best teams in the country. The campaign included nine consecutive wins to start, a 49–10 win over Penn State and a 59–3 win over Maryland