Michigan Season Preview - ktd1976's Blog

ktd1976's Blog

Michigan Season Preview

Posted on July 19, 2024 at 01:38 AM.

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2024 MICHIGAN WOLVERINES SEASON PRIEVIEW

The Michigan Wolverines are coming off of a College Football Playoff National Championship. Their first National Championship since 1997. The Wolverines dominated the College Football scene in 2023.

A lot has changed since then. While Michigan holds on to much of what made it's defense elite, there are plenty of question marks heading into the season opener against Fresno State. Gone is Head Coach Jim Harbaugh, quarterback J.J. McCarthy, running back Blake Corum, the entire offensive line, and the two most productive receivers.

Michigan will have a new man at the helm. 47 year old Kyle Dutcher takes over for Jim Harbaugh. Dutcher spent 6 years as an assistant under Harbaugh, and steps in for his former mentor. Dutcher brought in Brad Perkins as Offensive Coordinator, and Nick Lehr to helm the defense. "I'm excited to take over here at Michigan. Michigan is on top of the College Football landscape, and that is where I intend us to stay.

OFFENSIVE PREVIEW

Michigan held a five man QB competition in the spring, which unsurprisingly was won by Alex Orji. Davis Warren will be the backup, but don't be surprised if freshman Jadyn Davis gets into a few early games.

Dutcher says the Wolverines will stick with their "ground and pound" offense. Donovan Edwards figures to be the feature back in the offense. Edwards had a bit of a down year last year, but rebounded to have an outstanding day in the National Championship game. Kalel Mullings also figures to get a large share of carries. Benjamin Hall, Cole Cabana, and Freshman Jordan Marshal also figure to be int the plans. Michigan will also have an entirely different offensive line than a year ago. Myles Hinton, Josh Priebe, Greg Crippen, Giovanni El-Hadi, and Andrew Gentry will start the season protecting Orji. Michigan does return All Big Ten Tight End Colston Loveland, who could be an All American this year. Sophompre Samaj Morgan, Junior Tyler Morris, and sophomore Fredrick Moore will likely get most of the playing time at receiver, though the Wolverines also have transfer C.J. Charleston in the mix.

DEFENSIVE PREVIEW
Michigan returns two of the Big ten's best defensive tackles in Mason Graham, and Kenneth Grant. Edge rushers Derrick Moore, and Josaiah Stewart were in a rotation last year, but should get more action. Michigan's line is good, but they lack the depth they had last year.

The linebacking corps will be anchored by a pair of transvers, in Ernest Hausmann (Nebraska) and Jaishawn Barham (Maryland).

All-American corner Will Johnson is back for his junior year. Rod Moore was hurt in the spring, but looks like he will be available for the season opener against Fresno State. Makari Paige will also help to anchor the secondary.

BIG TEN OUTLOOK
With the addition of teams like Oregon, Washington, USC, and UCLA, Michigan's run at the top of the conference could be in jeopardy. The schedule doesn't do Michigan any favors. Early season games against #3 Texas. and #25 USC could provide a road block in the Wolverine's quest for a fourth straight Big Ten championship. Michigan also has games against #4 Oregon, and of course "The Game" at the end of November, in Ohio State. Most prognosticators see Oregon and Ohio State as the favorites to play in the Big Ten Championship game. With the expansion of the playoffs to twelve teams, a return to the playoffs is not out of the question for the Wolverines.