Last week, I ranked Michigan football’s 2021 schedule by game winnability. Regardless of what the Wolverines record might be in the end, some games will be easier to win than others.

But what about the games I’m looking forward to the most personally?

As usual, I’ll be attending every game this upcoming season and will presumably return to the sideline after a one-year detour up into the press box. There are different reasons I look forward to different games more than others, and since it was asked by one of the ‘leaders and best’ on the Locked On Wolverines Podcast, I decided to share which games I’m looking forward to the most.

Going from the game I’m least looking forward to to the most, here is my list and why I ranked each game where I did.

NIU

Photo: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Now, this game should be a fun romp, but if it’s anything but, it will feel like a disaster. There’s something of a lose-lose on that front, and it’s hard to get up for a nonconference game against a bad MAC team.

That’s not saying I’m not looking forward to it — I love going to every game — but of all the games on the schedule, this is the one I care the least about.

Northwestern

Photo: Isaiah Hole

Northwestern lost a lot this offseason and won’t likely be nearly as good as it was a year ago. While the Wildcats still have some talent, they will be replacing their starting quarterback and a lot of other pieces. The secondary should still be good, but it doesn’t really feel like this will be a premier matchup — especially with Mike Hankwitz having retired as the defensive coordinator.

It’s just a game that doesn’t have a lot of teeth and it’s one in the middle of the schedule.

Rutgers

Photo: Isaiah Hole

Yes, this game was thrilling last year, but it’s still Rutgers. I was actually inclined to put this one higher, and with it being the Big Ten opener, it should have a little more juice than it could have otherwise.

This one certainly could be competitive again, which would make for a good game, but also would make fan morale take a dip if it goes sideways.

Maryland

Photo: Isaiah Hole

We didn’t get to see this matchup last year and it could have been a fun matchup given that Maryland looked much improved with Taulia Tagovailoa at quarterback. But that’s not why this game ranks above any of the others.

Honestly, from a personal standpoint, it’s because it’s an away game and College Park is quite close to Washington D.C. That’s probably the biggest reason I’m looking forward to this one — not what will happen on the field.

Wisconsin

Photo: Isaiah Hole

Wisconsin was bad last year and still throttled Michigan in the Wolverines’ worst home loss in the history of The Big House. Michigan hasn’t won in Madison since 2001 and I haven’t exactly enjoyed my last two times at Camp Randall. While that’s not exclusive to the result of the game (by any means) it’s just not lived up to my expectations of what I’ve always heard it will be. (I’ve lost equipment, before and after the game, both times I’ve gone to Wisconsin.)

Hopefully this year’s game changes my mind on that front.

Indiana

Photo: Isaiah Hole

Let’s face it: right now, the Hoosiers are a better team than the Wolverines. Honestly, they could be one of the best teams in the conference right now. But this matchup is always one I kind of dread, because it tends to go down to the wire, or at least leaves me uncomfortable for an extended period of time. I anticipate that will be the case again this year.

Ohio State

Photo: Isaiah Hole

The stacking losses or fact that I’ve never seen Michigan win this game in person aside, there’s a lot to both not like and like about The Game.

This one always feels different and unlike any of the other games on the schedule, no matter how marquee the opponent. When I saw Michigan face Alabama in the VRBO Citrus Bowl a couple years ago, I wasn’t as in awe of the Tide as I always am of the Buckeyes. It just feels like you’re seeing a celebrity in person that you’re used to seeing on the big screen.

But the blowouts of the past few matchups mixed with the fact that The Big House has tended to be filled with fans clad in scarlet have this game middling in my estimation. The buildup is always fun, but the inevitable meltdown — which has bled into the summer months, over a year after the last showdown — make me dread this game a bit.

MSU

Photo: Isaiah Hole

Michigan has won both times that I’ve been to Spartan Stadium and both were quite fun to be at. I love the facilities there to be honest, and the revenge factor plays rather high on the reasons why I’m looking forward to this game.

Though the buildup and game itself always is somewhat agonizing — win or lose.

Western Michigan

Photo: Isaiah Hole

In a way, this is the game I’m looking forward to the most because it’s the first one. It should be a win and we should get a quick idea of what Michigan could be this year, for better or worse. Fans will be packed into the stadium for the first time since senior day in 2019 and I’ll be on the sideline for the first time since the Alabama game. Really, it’s hard to beat this one. But a couple still do.

Nebraska

Photo: Dylan Widger-USA TODAY Sports

Nebraska is the one school I have yet to see in person, so I’m very excited to check out Memorial Stadium and Lincoln — which I’ve only driven through en route to my 2008 move to Los Angeles.

The Huskers were competitive last year, but didn’t come away with many wins. I’m curious about where these teams are and how they’ll fare against each other, but mostly, I’m just excited to visit an iconic stadium.

Penn State

Photo: Isaiah Hole

I might be one of only a few reporters that absolutely loves going to Penn State. Yes, it’s an absolute hassle to get to, but I enjoy the drive there and back — but nothing tops actually being in State College.

This will be my fourth trip to Happy Valley, and the crowd has been unmatched. The past two trips have been primetime white outs, and there’s no more exuberant of a crowd that I’ve witnessed. It feels like a giant spectacle, and while I don’t know whether or not this will be a night game at this juncture, I hope it will be, because it’s my favorite environment in college football.

Yet, it’s not at the top for this year.

Washington

Photo: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

The game I’m looking forward to the most is the Week 2 primetime game against an unfamiliar foe from another Power Five conference.

This will be the premier matchup — aside from Oregon at Ohio State — on the second major Saturday of the season, and all eyes will be on the Wolverines and Huskies. This will be the ultimate litmus test of what Michigan can be this season, and The Big House should be absolutely electric.

I’m expecting a big game atmosphere and a fun one to be in attendance for.