The Michigan Wolverines have regressed in each of the last 2 years, since Brady Hoke’s year in which they went 11-2. This year the Wolverines are a very deep team, but it is also Brady’s youngest team at Michigan yet. Cracking the top 2 in the newly formed Big 10 East will be tough, but they should have a solid year overall. Preview & schedule are below.
Devin Gardner is back to run the offense, after a solid but at times inconsistent 2013 season, in which he threw for 2960 yards, with 21 TDs and 11 INTs, while also rushing for 483 yards wand another 11 TDs. Should he slip up at all, #3 QB out of HS Shane Morris will be looking to take over. The RB corps is very inexperienced, but also has plenty of potential. Derrick Green (#2 out of HS) looks to have the starters slot, while backing him up is De’Veon Smith (#31) and Justice Hayes (#16). This has a chance to be a very good backfield for the next few years. There is a problem on this offense and that is an OL that is one of the weaker in the Big 10 and that could really hinder the running game this year. This is a young OL with 4 of the 5 starters being sophomores, plus there is not much depth behind them. The WR corps should be solid with Denvin Funchess back, after grabbing 49 balls for 748 yards and 6 TDs, plus they have a couple of highly touted WRs coming in as well. Just like last year, the defense is the strength of this team. The LB corps is the real strength as they have all 3 starters back and rate the 6th best in the nation. The Secondary will also be very good this year, especially with the addition of freshman Jabrill Peppers, who may be one of the most prized recruits in Michigan history. He was the #1 DB to come out of HS last year. Jack Ryan, who has 4.5 sacks and 7.5 more TFL last year, leads an average DL.
The Wolverines are a very young but talented team. The offense should be improved overall, but only if the running game produces as expected and the OL plays better than expected. The DL is very average but should be steady, while the back 7 for the Wolverines will be very stout. Overall this defense is one of the better in the Big 10. They have road games vs Northwestern, Ohio State and Michigan, plus a non-conference roadie vs Notre Dame. The Home slate in the Big 10 consists of Minnesota, Penn State, and very improved Indiana and Maryland squads. Michigan will be a very good team this year and should end up in 3rd in the Big 10 East, along with getting an invite to another solid bowl game. KEY TREND: 2-10 ATS as conference dogs of 7 or less
2014 Michigan Football Schedule
Aug. 30 Appalachian State
Sep. 6 at Notre Dame
Sep. 13 Miami Univ.
Sep. 20 Utah
Sep. 27 Minnesota
Oct. 4 at Rutgers
Oct. 11 Penn State
Oct. 18 OPEN DATE
Oct. 25 at Michigan State
Nov. 1 Indiana
Nov. 8 at Northwestern
Nov. 15 OPEN DATE
Nov. 22 Maryland
Nov. 29 at Ohio State
Info gathered From Phil Steele's CFB Preview and Athlon Sports
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