Expect Single-Digit Regular Season Win Total From Overhyped Michigan
Regular Season Win Totals
NCAAF Pick: Wolverines 'Under' 9.5 Wins +150
Odds:
Oddsmakers have Michigan at +1350 to win it all and at +248 to win the Big Ten, behind Ohio State at +110 and ahead of Penn State at +1000. Neither Michigan future is worth betting on because UM will fail to reach 10 wins.
Team Preview:
Last year, Shea Patterson beat Jake Rudock's 2015 quarterback rating by 8.3 points to become Coach Harbaugh's highest-rated quarterback at Michigan. Besides his efficiency in the pocket, he could run, for example achieving an 81-yard run against Wisconsin. He mostly used his legs to extend plays and he threw accurately on the run.
Still, he couldn't be counted on with the offense on his shoulders. In all three Michigan losses, Patterson attempted at least 30 passes while running backs Karan Higdon and Chris Evans combined for fewer than 25 carries and averaged fewer than five YPC. Conversely, Michigan's wins against ranked opponents (Penn State, Michigan State, and Wisconsin) foregrounded Higdon and maybe contribution from Evans.
Running back is a question mark with the loss of Big Ten first-teamer Higdon and Evans. Former walk-on Tru Wilson had all of 62 carries last season, Christian Turner had 20 touches, and Zach Charbonnet is an incoming freshman injured for spring ball.
Patterson will likely have to learn to succeed with the offense on his shoulders. He'll be helped out by an offensive line that returns four All-Big Ten starters from last year that will improve on its ranking 54th in sack rate.
He'll work with a highly talented group of wide receivers. Donovan Peoples-Jones, Nico Collins, and Tarik Black return from last year. In the beginning of 2017, Black was regarded as the top receiver of the trio. But he's consistently had trouble staying healthy. In two years, he's played in six games and has 15 receptions.
DPJ was a five-star talent out of high school. He has a freakish physical skill set who is polishing his ability to run clean routes and come off the line. Nico Collins had nine receptions for 171 yards and two touchdowns combined in last year's games against Ohio State and Florida. He is well-sized at 6'4, 218 pounds and is great at adjusting to the ball in flight.
Coach Harbaugh is handing the keys to new offensive coordinator Josh Gattis. With Gattis, Michigan hopes to transition from being a slow offense to one which can operate without a huddle and increase tempo. It will feature RPOs and spread elements while maintaining pro-style run concepts.
On defense, Rashan Gary and Chase Winovich are notable departures from the line. The end position looks fine with Kwity Paye and Aidan Hutchinson, both of whom played in every game last season with Paye starting in four. Michael Danna, first-team All-Mac last year, transfers in.
In the interior of the defensive line, Michael Dwumfour and Carlo Kemp have plenty of playing experience. But depth is a huge problem behind them with a few unproven players and it will be a more massive issue as the season progresses. Plus, the defense will be on the field for more plays because of Michigan's increased offensive tempo. Staple run-stopper Bryan Mone will be missed.
First-round linebacker Devin Bush's departure leaves a hole. Josh Uche is a pass rushing specialist who led UM with seven sacks. Khaleke Hudson was a vocal leader in Michigan's bowl game and should bounce back from last year's performance. It will be difficult also with others like Josh Ross and Devin Gil to cover the ground that Bush did.
With the departure of top corner David Long, Michigan's secondary will take a step back. It will become faster with the instant impact of five-star safety Daxton Hill who has run a 4.3 and with Ambry Thomas at corner. Lavert Hill at corner and Josh Metellus at safety were All Big-Ten, but there's a steeper qualitative drop-off afterwards.
Regular Season Win Totals
NCAAF Pick: Wolverines 'Under' 9.5 Wins +150
Odds:
Oddsmakers have Michigan at +1350 to win it all and at +248 to win the Big Ten, behind Ohio State at +110 and ahead of Penn State at +1000. Neither Michigan future is worth betting on because UM will fail to reach 10 wins.
Team Preview:
Last year, Shea Patterson beat Jake Rudock's 2015 quarterback rating by 8.3 points to become Coach Harbaugh's highest-rated quarterback at Michigan. Besides his efficiency in the pocket, he could run, for example achieving an 81-yard run against Wisconsin. He mostly used his legs to extend plays and he threw accurately on the run.
Still, he couldn't be counted on with the offense on his shoulders. In all three Michigan losses, Patterson attempted at least 30 passes while running backs Karan Higdon and Chris Evans combined for fewer than 25 carries and averaged fewer than five YPC. Conversely, Michigan's wins against ranked opponents (Penn State, Michigan State, and Wisconsin) foregrounded Higdon and maybe contribution from Evans.
Running back is a question mark with the loss of Big Ten first-teamer Higdon and Evans. Former walk-on Tru Wilson had all of 62 carries last season, Christian Turner had 20 touches, and Zach Charbonnet is an incoming freshman injured for spring ball.
Patterson will likely have to learn to succeed with the offense on his shoulders. He'll be helped out by an offensive line that returns four All-Big Ten starters from last year that will improve on its ranking 54th in sack rate.
He'll work with a highly talented group of wide receivers. Donovan Peoples-Jones, Nico Collins, and Tarik Black return from last year. In the beginning of 2017, Black was regarded as the top receiver of the trio. But he's consistently had trouble staying healthy. In two years, he's played in six games and has 15 receptions.
DPJ was a five-star talent out of high school. He has a freakish physical skill set who is polishing his ability to run clean routes and come off the line. Nico Collins had nine receptions for 171 yards and two touchdowns combined in last year's games against Ohio State and Florida. He is well-sized at 6'4, 218 pounds and is great at adjusting to the ball in flight.
Coach Harbaugh is handing the keys to new offensive coordinator Josh Gattis. With Gattis, Michigan hopes to transition from being a slow offense to one which can operate without a huddle and increase tempo. It will feature RPOs and spread elements while maintaining pro-style run concepts.
On defense, Rashan Gary and Chase Winovich are notable departures from the line. The end position looks fine with Kwity Paye and Aidan Hutchinson, both of whom played in every game last season with Paye starting in four. Michael Danna, first-team All-Mac last year, transfers in.
In the interior of the defensive line, Michael Dwumfour and Carlo Kemp have plenty of playing experience. But depth is a huge problem behind them with a few unproven players and it will be a more massive issue as the season progresses. Plus, the defense will be on the field for more plays because of Michigan's increased offensive tempo. Staple run-stopper Bryan Mone will be missed.
First-round linebacker Devin Bush's departure leaves a hole. Josh Uche is a pass rushing specialist who led UM with seven sacks. Khaleke Hudson was a vocal leader in Michigan's bowl game and should bounce back from last year's performance. It will be difficult also with others like Josh Ross and Devin Gil to cover the ground that Bush did.
With the departure of top corner David Long, Michigan's secondary will take a step back. It will become faster with the instant impact of five-star safety Daxton Hill who has run a 4.3 and with Ambry Thomas at corner. Lavert Hill at corner and Josh Metellus at safety were All Big-Ten, but there's a steeper qualitative drop-off afterwards.
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