It's Been Nearly 30 Years Since Michigan Has Accomplished What's Expected In 2023

The Michigan Wolverines are just over 70 days away from embarking on a journey where the expectations for success are as high as they've ever been. Not only are Michigan fans expecting another win over Ohio State and another Big Ten championship, the overall belief in Ann Arbor seems to be that it's national championship or bust in 2023.

Given the lofty expectations for the upcoming season, it's worth taking a look back to see just how long it's been since Michigan has accomplished what's expected in 2023.

Won three-straight over Ohio State: 1995-97

When it comes to the rivalry with Ohio State, there's no question that the last two seasons have been borderline magical for Michigan Football fans. After two decades of heartbreak, the Wolverines have beaten the Buckeyes convincingly in back-to-back seasons by a combined score of 87-50.

With the rivalry shifting back to Ann Arbor in 2023, the Wolverines have a chance to do something that hasn't been done since the late 1990's.

Lloyd Carr took over as head coach of the Michigan Wolverines during the 1995 season, where the Wolverines proceed to put together a 9-4 season that included a win over rival Ohio State. In his second year at the helm, Carr led the Wolverines to an overall record of 8-4 and another win over Ohio State. In year three, Carr's Wolverines beat the Buckeyes for a third-straight season, en route to a 12-0 record and the 11th national championship in program history.

Finished with back-to-back undefeated Big Ten seasons: 1991-92

It's no east feat to finish the Big Ten season with an undefeated record. Not only does the conference feature some of the top programs in the country, it also features some of the toughest environments in all of college football - the Big House, the Horseshoe, Camp Randall, Happy Valley, and Kinnick to name a few.

Difficult as it may be, Michigan accomplished that feat last season with an unblemished record in the Big Ten conference - including wins over Michigan State, Penn State, Iowa, and Ohio State.

In order to put together another undefeated season within conference play, Michigan will need to navigate a tricky schedule in 2023 - one that includes five road games (at Nebraska, at Minnesota, at Michigan State, at Penn State, at Maryland). over a seven game stretch.

Won three-straight Big Ten championships: 1988-92

It's been quite a while since the Michigan Wolverines won three-straight Big Ten Championships. In fact, it hasn't happened since Michigan went on an incredible run back in 1988-92 - winning a total of five consecutive conference championships under Bo Schembechler (1988-89) and Gary Moeller (1990-92).

Won a National Championship: 1997

Although Michigan claims 11 national championships, it has been over 25 years since the Wolverines last claimed college football's biggest prize. The last national championship occurred in 1997, led by former head coach Lloyd Carr. The Wolverines would finish the season with a 12-0 record, culminating in a Rose Bowl victory over Washington by score of 21-16.