2018 was quite the year in Ann Arbor. After a disappointing 2017, and plenty of questions about the direction of the program, Harbaugh's team roared back with a "revenge tour" that featured 10 wins, absolutely electrifying performances... and plenty to get excited about in 2019.
And while last year's success means there's much less to get "revenge for" next fall, that doesn't mean there aren't still scores to settle this year for the Wolverines.
Here are the 3 biggest match-ups we're keeping an eye on this season...
Michigan at Penn State - October 19, 2019
No, technically this game isn't a "revenge" match-up for Michigan - as their 42-7 victory over the Nittany Lions last year in Ann Arbor settled the score for the Wolverines following their 13-42 loss from a year before.
But with how much these teams have traded blows over the past few years, this upcoming match-up feels like a bit of a grudge match for two teams with a lot to prove in 2019.
For Penn State, the departure of Trace McSorley and Miles Sanders will give way to a new era of playmaking under QB Tommy Stevens, and a new group of talent ready to make their mark for James Franklin in Happy Valley.
And for Michigan, a disappointing end to last year will call into question the Wolverine's ability to win big games when it counts... a sentiment they can counter with a decisive win on the road against what's sure to be a tough, young Nittany Lions team.
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Michigan vs. Notre Dame - October 26, 2019
Michigan's true path to avenging last year's defeats begins here.
When these two rivals kicked off the 2018 season in South Bend last year, Notre Dame's victory set both teams down two very different paths - with Notre Dame running the table on their regular season to reach to the College Football Playoff.
Meanwhile the Wolverines spent the remainder of the year trying to avoid a crucial second loss that would eliminate them from their own CFP hopes - a loss that would come in Columbus during the last week of the season.
Still, it's worth wondering what could have been in Ann Arbor had they come away with the victory against the Irish - and in 2019, both teams will be retooled and ready to go at it all over again in the Big House... with those same CFP expectations likely on the line for both teams.
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Michigan vs. Ohio State - November 30, 2019
Of course, no game looms larger for the Wolverines than their date with the Buckeyes to end the season.
Throw aside the rich legacy, the conference implications, and even the sting of last year's historic loss for the Wolverines - this game could very well come to define the future of the Michigan football program.
After all, it's been nearly a decade since the Wolverines last beat the Buckeyes - and they've yet to do it under Jim Harbaugh. You get the feeling that 2019 is the make or break year on this particular era of the rivalry.
Ohio State will, after all, be rebuilding from the loss of key playmakers - including QB Dwayne Haskins - while Michigan should be even better in year two under Shea Patterson, with an always incredible defense led by Don Brown.
Add to that what's sure to be a raucous (if not slightly desperate) crowd in The Big House... and you've got all the makings of a classic in Ann Arbor.
Check out all home rentals for Michigan vs. Ohio State now!
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