Michigan spring game 2018: Players and storylines to watch

TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 01: Michigan Wolverines defensive lineman Chase Winovich (15) during the 2018 Outback Bowl between the Michigan Wolverines and South Carolina Gamecocks on January 01, 2018 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. South Carolina defeated Michigan 26-19. (Photo by Mark LoMoglio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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MADISON, WI – NOVEMBER 18: Head coach Jim Harbaugh of the Michigan Wolverines watches action during a game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium on November 18, 2017 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

Harbaugh needs success against top rivals

Jim Harbaugh is entering his fourth season at Michigan. He needs to get results against the school’s top rivals. Coaching is not to blame for all the losses against Michigan State and Ohio State. However, Harbaugh has to get better results in the games he’s supposed to win. He needs to start getting these wins now to enter those ranks. The relationship with Harbaugh and some fans may be getting strained because of the team’s performance. This is the year that Michigan needs to make a big push and be in the College Football Playoff conversation at the end of the season.

Next: Grading Michigan Football's 2018 recruiting class

Notre Dame in the opener

Speaking of rivals, Michigan will see a familiar foe on their 2018 schedule. The Wolverines will open their schedule in South Bend to take on Notre Dame. The home-and-home series will start in Notre Dame and end in Ann Arbor in 2019. This will be the first time Michigan will play Notre Dame since the 2014 matchup. Michigan owns the better record winning 24 of the 41 matchups.

A win against a tough opponent to start the year would be a good sign for the Wolverines. The Big Ten East once again will be difficult so these out of conference games are even more important. The confidence gained from a big win on the road in a tough environment would be great for a young team with a young quarterback. This would also be a good opportunity for Harbaugh to silence those who think he can’t beat other top programs.

Michigan spring game broadcast information

Date: Saturday, April 14

Time; 7 p.m. ET

Channel: Big Ten Network

Live Stream: Try a free trial with Fubo TV to watch Michigan’s spring game.

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