The Michigan Wolverines have taken a couple of steps back since Brady Hoke's first season and now have to figure it out. The 2014 Michigan Wolverines Schedule has several winnable games, and Hoke's club believes they can have a successful season.
Michigan's defense gave up an average of nearly 27 points per game last season, which obviously wasn't good enough for them to get a whole lot of wins. But it's worth noting they gave up 43 to Penn State, 47 to Indiana and 42 to Ohio State.
They were vulnerable up front and it affected the rest of the team. Black Countess is one of the best at his position in the Big Ten and Raymon Taylor, who will play on the other side, is turning into the player Michigan believed he could be. The secondary should be just fine this season, especially with all-world recruit Jabrill Peppers seeing the field this year as well.
Fifth-year senior Devin Gardner will be the quarterback, don't read into any "quarterback controversy" stories. Consistent quarterback play from him will go a long way to helping this team win football games.
Michigan didn't run the ball well at all last year, and that will be another question mark going into this season with uncertainty on the offensive line. They averaged just 3.3 yards per carry last year, which ranked 102nd best in the country. The Wolverines have several play makers at that position and on offense, but have not been able to play up to their potential. Devin Funchess is moving out to wide receiver and A.J. Williams is going to be a very good tight end for the Maize and Blue.
It's obviously a year with a lot of scrutiny ahead, starting with their opening game against Appalachian State. We all know what happened there. With tough road games at Notre Dame, Michigan State, Northwestern and Ohio State, the Wolverines will have to get wins in a couple of them if they want to finish in the top half of the Big Ten East.
2014 Michigan Football Schedule
Aug. 30 Appalachian State
Sept. 6 at Notre Dame
Sept. 13 Miami (OH)
Sept. 20 Utah
Sept. 27 Minnesota
Oct. 4 at Rutgers
Oct. 11 Penn State
Oct. 18 Bye Week
Oct. 25 at Michigan State
Nov. 1 Indiana
Nov. 8 at Northwestern
Nov. 15 Bye week
Nov. 22 Maryland
Nov. 29 at Ohio State
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