In fairness, when the new schedules came out for 2024, I tracked Michigan's schedule from 2024-2028 (the 5 years released) and actually it was almost perfectly balanced over the 5 years.....

Posted on August 18, 2026 at 08:16:26 AM by Rich

The problem is protected rivals. We play OSU every year. OTOH we also play MSU, so that's a break.

But teams like PSU have no protected rivals. I want OSU to be our rival and play them every year, and I would imagine Oregon has Washington. But PSU and USC are probably not necessarily playing a top team every year.

PSU probably would have been OK with OSU but OSU would not have wanted Michigan and PSU (though they never lose to PSU).

Back to the board

Thread:

Penn State’s B1G schedule is a touchdown easier than ours. Absolute failure from Manuel to not lobby for more balanced scheduling. No need to do it years in advance, NFL doesn’t. (nm) - By suede August 18, 2026 at 08:12:39 AM
- How do you know Manuel didn't lobby for more balanced scheduling? - By Cutter August 18, 2026 at 10:42:25 AM
  - He was too busy eating full catering spreads by himself and ensuring we had either MSU or OSU at home every season. That was his only concern. (nm) - By suede August 18, 2026 at 11:14:20 AM
- Prediction: PSU goes 1-3 in their vs USC, @ Michigan, vs Purdue, @ Washington 4-game stretch - By brick August 18, 2026 at 08:25:34 AM
- In fairness, when the new schedules came out for 2024, I tracked Michigan's schedule from 2024-2028 (the 5 years released) and actually it was almost perfectly balanced over the 5 years..... - By Rich August 18, 2026 at 08:16:26 AM
  - That’s the point - we need balance within a season. NFL does it. (nm) - By suede August 18, 2026 at 08:25:19 AM
    - Just don't know how realistic it is with 18 team conferences, not 4 team NFL divisions, and protected rivals* - By Rich August 18, 2026 at 09:11:31 AM

The Victors

In fairness, when the new schedules came out for 2024, I tracked Michigan's schedule from 2024-2028 (the 5 years released) and actually it was almost perfectly balanced over the 5 years.....