1) Nebraska - gotta start strong, especially against an opponent like this
2) Boise State - can't let a regional rival, especially BSU, have an advantage over us
3) Utah State - same as Boise, plus what they did to Taysom (and our season) last year
4) Cincinnati - a good opponent, potential rival to get into the Big 12, and we gotta protect our home turf. In fact, this one might even be in the top 3
5) UCLA - a game against a marquee opponent and venue. The reason this is higher than Michigan is location. It's more important for us to win in California, and against the Pac 12, than Michigan, for many reasons
6) Michigan - another game against a marquee opponent, at their place
7) East Carolina - another important game to win while protecting our home
8) Missouri - could be a big win against a name SEC opponent, technically on the road
9) Fresno - protect home, don't let little teams beat us
10) San Jose State - another big game to win if for no other reason than to keep our reputation
11) UCONN - win
12) Wagner - easy win

I struggled a little bit doing this because another way to look at it would be if I could only choose to either lose to San Jose and beat Michigan, or beat SJSU and lose to Michigan, which would I choose? In other words, not losing to San Jose type teams is huge in our current state, as it definitely weakens us and the national perception. So we've got to win those games.