One man's view of the University of Michigan football schedule:

Sept. 5 Western Michigan 3:30 p.m., ABC/ESPN2 Birk's Eye View: Home openers have been tricky recently. For the psyche of the team and fan base, this is a must-win game for Michigan.

Sept. 12 Notre Dame 3:30 p.m., ABC Birk's Eye View: Wolverines' thin secondary will be severely tested by Jimmy Clausen, Golden Tate and Michael Floyd.

Sept. 19 Eastern Michigan Noon, Big Ten Network Birk's Eye View: Along with Indiana, Purdue and Delaware State, one of four games disaster would have to strike for the Wolverines to lose.

Sept. 26 Indiana Noon Birk's Eye View: Michigan can't afford anything less than a 3-1 start. A perfect September and bowl reservations are in order.

Oct. 3 at Michigan State Birk's Eye View: Little brother, in enemy territory, probably the first road start for a freshman quarterback. Looks like two straight for Michigan State.

Oct. 10 at Iowa 8 p.m.; ABC or ESPN Birk's Eye View: Another toughie under the lights in Kinnick. But pin this on the bulletin board: Iowa scheduled Michigan for homecoming.

Oct. 17 Delaware State Birk's Eye View: Yawn.

Oct. 24 Penn State Birk's Eye View: The two best teams in the Big Ten come to the Big House. And I don't see Michigan beating either one.

Oct. 31 at Illinois Birk's Eye View: The revamped defense is supposed to help Michigan better stop running quarterbacks. We'll see on Halloween.

Nov. 7 Purdue Birk's Eye View: Purdue torched Michigan for 48 points last year. Guarantee that won't happen again.

Nov. 14 at Wisconsin Birk's Eye View: Last time Michigan won at Wisconsin was 2001. Bowl hopes could be riding on a victory.

Nov. 21 Ohio State Birk's Eye View: Let's face it: Jim Tressel has owned Michigan. I don't see any reason why things will be different this year.