I apologize in advance if we don't get Rashan Gary, but I wanted to be the one to make terrible puns for the title this year.
Jim Harbaugh put Michigan back on the right track in 2015, doubling the team's 2014 win total with a win over Florida, a SEC school, in the Citrus Bowl. Notable strides were made at almost every position and Michigan looked much closer to being a Top 10 team than an also ran. There were still some what ifs, which we won't talk about for the sake of sanity in this thread, but it is hard to say Harbaugh's first season was not a successful one.
There are a number of big stories heading into spring camp, which is just over a month away. Again, we are left wondering who will win the quarterback battle. The overwhelming favorite at this time seems to be transfer, John O'Korn. There's no shortage of competition, but I would guess that the biggest threat to O'Korn would be early enrollee, Brandon Peters, who is probably the QB of the future. With Harbaugh's penchant for developing QB's, I am not worried about this position. The OL loses Graham Glasgow, but should have a plethora of experience and talent. Michigan has experience at every other position, including the return of the receiving triumvirate of Butt, Darboh, and Chesson. This unit should be one of the best in the country.
Michigan returns a lot to a stellar defensive unit. The big losses are at linebacker where it is Ben Gedion and a bunch of guys that have never played. It is worrying, but Michigan plays a lot of nickel, so it shouldn't be that much of a worry. The defensive line should again by one of the best in the country, especially if Harbaugh can reel in the current title character (Rashan Gary). The defensive backfield loses Jarrod Wilson, whose reliability will be missed greatly. However, all-world corner, Jourdan Lewis, is back for his senior season. Peppers should continue to improve and make an impact. Jeremy Clark made strides last season. The DBs should be very good as well.
This team has depth and momentum and you've got to feel good about them heading into the 2016 season.
Schedule:
Hawaii
Central Florida
Colorado
Penn State
Wisconsin
@Rutgers
Illinois
@Michigan State
Maryland
@Iowa
Indiana
@Ohio State
Despite having three difficult road games (State, Iowa, Ohio State), the rest of Michigan's schedule looks favorable. The OOC schedule looks very easy. The two most difficult home games on paper, Penn State and Wisconsin, are looking less difficult by the day. Penn State is losing a coach a day and Wisconsin just lost their defensive coordinator to LSU. They're not replacing these guys with highly regarded coaches like Don Brown either. Michigan's season will hinge on those three road games, in my opinion.
Regardless.
Harbaugh.
Go Blue!
Jim Harbaugh put Michigan back on the right track in 2015, doubling the team's 2014 win total with a win over Florida, a SEC school, in the Citrus Bowl. Notable strides were made at almost every position and Michigan looked much closer to being a Top 10 team than an also ran. There were still some what ifs, which we won't talk about for the sake of sanity in this thread, but it is hard to say Harbaugh's first season was not a successful one.
There are a number of big stories heading into spring camp, which is just over a month away. Again, we are left wondering who will win the quarterback battle. The overwhelming favorite at this time seems to be transfer, John O'Korn. There's no shortage of competition, but I would guess that the biggest threat to O'Korn would be early enrollee, Brandon Peters, who is probably the QB of the future. With Harbaugh's penchant for developing QB's, I am not worried about this position. The OL loses Graham Glasgow, but should have a plethora of experience and talent. Michigan has experience at every other position, including the return of the receiving triumvirate of Butt, Darboh, and Chesson. This unit should be one of the best in the country.
Michigan returns a lot to a stellar defensive unit. The big losses are at linebacker where it is Ben Gedion and a bunch of guys that have never played. It is worrying, but Michigan plays a lot of nickel, so it shouldn't be that much of a worry. The defensive line should again by one of the best in the country, especially if Harbaugh can reel in the current title character (Rashan Gary). The defensive backfield loses Jarrod Wilson, whose reliability will be missed greatly. However, all-world corner, Jourdan Lewis, is back for his senior season. Peppers should continue to improve and make an impact. Jeremy Clark made strides last season. The DBs should be very good as well.
This team has depth and momentum and you've got to feel good about them heading into the 2016 season.
Schedule:
Hawaii
Central Florida
Colorado
Penn State
Wisconsin
@Rutgers
Illinois
@Michigan State
Maryland
@Iowa
Indiana
@Ohio State
Despite having three difficult road games (State, Iowa, Ohio State), the rest of Michigan's schedule looks favorable. The OOC schedule looks very easy. The two most difficult home games on paper, Penn State and Wisconsin, are looking less difficult by the day. Penn State is losing a coach a day and Wisconsin just lost their defensive coordinator to LSU. They're not replacing these guys with highly regarded coaches like Don Brown either. Michigan's season will hinge on those three road games, in my opinion.
Regardless.
Harbaugh.
Go Blue!